BEET DISEASES. Beets are subject to a num ber of fungus attacks, some of which are eon fined to the leaves; others occurring upon the roots. The most destructive disease of the leaves is the leaf-spot, due to Cercospora beticola. The leaves are more or less covered with ashy spots, and later, by their drying up and falling away, little is left of the leaf but the frame-work. When the attack is severe, the growth and ma turity of the crop is affected to a considerable degree. Bordeaux mixture (see FUNGICIDES) will prevent this disease, if the leaves are kept well covered with it from June through the growing season. The fungus winters in the old leaves, which should therefore be collected and burned. A red rust caused by Uromyees beta•, and a white rust due to Cystopus blitii, occur on the leaves. Both will yield to applications of the more common fungicides.
Upon the roots the scab is one of the worst troubles. It is due to the same cause as the potato-seab, and will require the same treat ment. A root-rot due to Rhi,-..-octoniu bcke is troublesome in Europe. Small roots are killed and larger ones injured by the fungus, which readily survives in the soil. On this ac count, where the disease has appeared, other crops should be grown for a number of seasons. This disease, so far as reported, is most destruc tive to sugar-beets. A bacterial disease of sugar-beets is reported. The roots are not killed, but their sugar content is considerably reduced. It may be recognized by the greater prominence of the fibres in a cut section of the root by the difference of color, and by less solid structure. No certain means for its pre vention are known.