Mangold Heart-Rot

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18179, 29 August 1933, Page 8

Mangold Heart-Rot

AMONG the diseases which have affected the prosperity of the farming community of Poverty Bay during the past, season was that, known as phoma bct.ae, or heart-rot in mangolds, a form of trouble which lias beset some farmers’ fields more than others. In reply to inquiries received from two prominent farmers in the Poverty Bay district, and following a communication with the Government mycologist, Mr. M. A. Black, ot the staff of the Agricultural Department, has tendered the following com-ments'-upon the disease:— “The mycologist advises that the disease of pliomo betae, or heart-rot in mangolds, in undoubtedly seed borne, but. it docs not necessarily fellow that the disease shows up in every case, as it is thought that certain soils are to a great extent responsible for the prevalence or otherwise of the trouble in the crop. ‘ Just what these particular soil conditions are that may be responsible for encouraging the trouble is not 'yet known, but it has been observed that heart-rot appears to (?e •more prevalent where mangolds follow grass as a first crop. It is suggested that where,the disease is troublesome and does not follow grass, the map* gblds should bo removed from that area as soon as possible, and the land ploughed and' left to weather, and Ihter given plenty of cultivation before sowing mangolds again. It is contended in Eurbpe that dusting sugar-beet with a certain proprietary remedy is effective, but it ■seems that the evidence is not con elusive. t think it, would be well worth while giving it a trial. “Conditions in this district seem to have been very favorable for the development of heart-rdt this last season. Next season may be entirely different, yet in any case where the success of the mangold, crop is important,'! would think it well worth while to disinfect the seed. If you decide to do so, I should be grateful for advice as to the results/and also the cost of treatment.”