xIv,1 Reinking: Coconut Bud Rot in the Philippines 189 
The infection was extremely rapid; when the seedlings were 
placed in a damp chamber, severe disease occurred a few days 
after inoculation. The same method of inoculation was used 
as that described under bacterial studies. Of five cases infected 
by the stab method and placed in the damp chamber, three 
developed severe cases of bud rot. Of fifteen seedlings inocu- 
_lated in the same manner, but placed outside in the shade, four- 
teen developed the disease. Eight seedlings were inoculated by 
merely placing the fungus between the young unfolded leaves 
near their tips; these seedlings were placed in the shade and 
two developed the infection. Trees 38, 39, and 40 were large, 
mature trees in a coconut grove. They were prepared in the 
same manner as the seedlings, except that an auger was used 
to make an opening, into which the fungus could be inserted. 
Tree 38 developed a typical case of bud rot. The other in- 
oculated tree, No. 39, is still under observation. In every case 
the controls remained perfectly healthy. The fungus was re- 
isolated from all diseased seedlings except from Nos. 18, 20, 
and 23. These experiments prove that Phytophthora faberi 
Maubl. from cacao may produce disease by invading directly the 
young uninjured leaves, but that infection takes place more 
readily through injuries. 
The fungus spread in all directions, above and below the 
wound; it was‘ not confined to the tender young leaves, but 
penetrated older leaf sheaths, and the woody portion below the 
growing point as well. At first the affected bud turned brown; 
later, due to fungus and bacterial action, rotting occurred, and 
a foul odor was produced. A distinct reddish or brown line 
was usually formed at the extremities of the disease in the older 
leaf sheaths, and in the woody tissue below the growing point. 
In advanced stages of infection the entire bud was killed and 
the tree died. | 
These symptoms produced with Phytophthora faberi Maubl. 
from cacao were identical with those observed in coco- 
nuts, on inspection trips in the field, thus indicating that a 
fungus was overlooked in the former isolation experiments. In 
order to ascertain whether a fungus was actually present in 
field cases, a typical specimen was secured from inspectors in 
the Bureau of Agriculture. Detailed microscopic. examination 
of this diseased bud showed the presence of the mycelium of one 
of the Phycomycetes in the affected tissues, and of chlamydo- 
spores in the upper parts of the unfolded diseased leaves. Cul- 
tures were then conducted from various sections of the diseased 
tree with a view to isolating any fungi that might be present. 
