VI. The life-history, cytology and method of infection of Plasmodiophora brassicæ Woron., the cause of finger-and-toe disease of cabbages and other crucifers

Abstract

The study of the organism responsible for Finger-and-Toe Disease began in 1873. For several years the fungus had been widespread in Russia, where it had caused considerable damage, especially in the neighbourhood of Leningrad. In 1872 the Russian Gardeners’ Association established a prize for its scientific study. However, no papers on the subject were received in 1873, and the offer was extended to 1875, and again to 1877. In 1873, Woronin began his study of the fungus. He finished it in 1877 (67). The results first appeared in a series of Russian papers, which have received but little attention ; but a complete account of his work was published in German in 1878, and it was this paper which is generally considered to mark the discovery of Plasmodiophora brassicæ . It must be admitted, however, that Woronin gives Caspary the credit for the first investigation of the swollen roots.