The Cobb scale and the modified Cobb (U.S.D.A.) scale were devised for estimating, by means of diagrams, the proportion of the area of a leaf or stem occupied by rust pustules. Existing diagrams illustrating these scales are inadequate in being arranged in intervals that are too large and irregular, and in not depicting a sufficient range of pustule sizes. New diagrams are presented using smaller regular intervals of rust intensity and a greater range of pustule sizes, thus providing a basis for more objective and accurate determinations.

A satisfactory inoculation technique for testing the reaction of barley varieties and selections to root rot and seedling blight incited by Helminthosporium sativum was developed. Surface-sterilized seeds were grown in a planting mixture of 90 per cent sterilized white silica sand and 10 per cent sand-cornmeal inoculum of the Ottawa isolate of the fungus. Disease ratings of the seedlings were recorded after 21 days in a glass-enclosed chamber kept at a temperature of 20–22 °C. and a high humidity. A total of 600 varieties and selections were tested in this study. Fifty-one were classified as resistant and, of these, Anoidium, Br.3962-4, Lenta and Opal B were rated the highest. One hundred and forty-two entries were classified as susceptible. The remaining entries were intermediate in reaction.

ABSTRACT-\ urrit for de-awning small samples of barley is described. De-awning is construction of the unit are available.