REVIEW.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1, 20 January 1928, Page 72

REVIEW.

“THE POTATO."

The disorganization of potato-growing in Britain during the Great War, and the serious consequences attending the rapid spread of wart disease about the same time, stimulated alike the breeder and the pathologist in the production of potato varieties immune to that disease, and focused considerable attention on the causes of degeneration of potato stocks, the classification of varieties, and elimination of synonyms. Much work has also been accomplished in other countries, notably the United States of America, but the records are scattered in journals and bulletins not accessible to the average potato-grower. Much of it is of such great value to the practical farmer, the merchant, seedsman, and gardener that there has been a long-felt want for the accumulated information to be reviewed and presented in a form adapted and available to a wider range of readers. This has now been filled by a book entitled “ The Potato,” by Thomas P. Mclntosh, B.Sc., published by Messrs. Oliver and Boyd, of Edinburgh. The author is an acknowledged expert, who has for many years been intimately connected with the certification of Scottish seed potatoes and other potato work of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. His conclusions are the result of close observation and mature consideration. One must acknowledge that too many inaccurate conclusions have been made in attempts to explain observations in potato-growing, and perhaps the outstanding feature of the author’s presentation is the reserve that marks any statement which cannot stand close examination, and the manner in which he indicates those general statements which may, and those which may not, be accepted as facts. The book is very conveniently divided into five parts : (1) Historical, (2) Botanical, (3) Reproduction and Propagation, (4) Cultivation and Utilization, (5) Diseases, Pests, and Injuries. As far as possible each of the thirty-three chapters is complete in itself, so that it may be read independently. The botanical and historical parts will appeal mainly to the potato-breeder, but much of the matter has practical application to ordinary commercial seed-potato production, such as the classification of varieties, intervarietal differences, maintenance of pure stocks, and the roguing of field crops. The reproduction and propagation section deals with application of genetics to variety raising, but deals also in a very practical manner with such questions as quality in seed potatoes, and factors influencing the productivity of potato stocks in connection with disease and its relation to origin of seed.

Certainly the most important section in its application to New Zealand is that dealing with disease. While the potato-grower in this country recognizes the effect of late blight, and through shipping his potatoes has had his attention drawn to certain minor diseases and defects in the tubers, he is almost wholly oblivious to the fact that many of our crops are seriously affected by diseases which do not materially affect the table quality of the tuber, but which cause a very serious reduction in yield. Virus diseases which are the most prolific cause of degeneration or “ running out ” are very fully discussed in the book, and the excellent illustrations greatly add to the value of the text. The work makes a notable addition to our literature on the potato, and may be unhesitatingly recommended to interested New Zealand readers. The published price is 12s. 6d. net.

J. W. H.

Correction. — In “ Answers to Inquiries,” Journal, November, 1927, page 355, read : “ The relative value of hay to silage is 1 lb. hay equals ,3 lb. to 5 lb. silage,” instead of " f lb. silage.”