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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 17 June 1907, Page 1

The Division of Biology and Horticulture of the Department of Agriculture, has issued a Bulletin (No. 14) on the Disease of the Swede Turnip. The Bulletin, which contains plates showing diseased roots, states that the disease is far more prevalent in this Colony than is generally supposed. It goes on to say that fliere seems no likelihood of being able to check the spread of the fungus in the bulbs themselves, once they have become infected, but much may be done in preventing the diseases from spreading from season^ to season. Great care should be exol'eised in examining all roots when they are being harvested to ascertain if ajiy show trace of disease, and all such should at onoe be burnt. To leave diseased roots_ in a field is a sure method, of spreading the disease. Spraying with a suitable fungicide, such as Bordeaux mixture, may stop the disease from attacking the roots. The plants should be sprayed twice, once when a .few weeks old, and when nearing ' maturity. Th« local officers of the Department of Agriculture will supply leaflets, and give any information in their power to farmers who may require further information on the subject.