56 HISTORY AND CAUSE OF THE COCONUT BUD-ROT. 



remained undiseased at the heart from one to three months, but 

 eventually they all succumbed. 



In contrast to the plan of removing infected parts, other experi- 

 ments were carried out to counteract the progress of the disease. It 

 was hoped that by applying certain chemicals the affected tissues 

 would be poisoned, or perhaps cauterized. Planters in various 

 regions have applied salt, iron sulphate, Bordeaux mixture, etc., to 

 the crown, presumably with this idea in mind. The writer tried 

 salt, copper sulphate, and Paris green, but here, as in spraying to 

 destroy the insects, it was found impossible to reach all of the in- 

 fected portion. The experiment with these chemicals progressed as 



follows : 



Tree No. 24G. 



February 26: It bore 9 spikes of nuts and 2 good swords. Appearance healthy. 



March 11: Same. 



May 28: Same. 



June 22: There were a dozen fallen rotted nuts. 



July 6: From the ground 1 flower spike appeared just opened and much dis- 

 colored; also 1 dead unopened sword. There were 5 spikes bearing several 20- 

 centimeter nuts, 7 or 8 spikes higher up having no nuts, a discolored opened spike, a 

 dead sword, and 5 or 6 healthy swords. The middle leaves at the top were slightly 

 discolored and a trifle soft rotted. These tips were cut off and 3 of the green swords 

 and central leaves also, for the piirpose of opening up the center. About 30 imma- 

 ture nuts were on the ground. The tree was badly diseased, atlhough the rot had not 

 yet reached the heart. One kilogram of salt was placed about the base of the dis- 

 eased leaves and upper spikes. 



July 21: A few more nuts had dropped; otherwise no change. 



August 6: Tree was cut down for examination. The salt had no visible effect upon 

 the tissues, and certainly had none in stopping the progress of the disease. The rot 

 had not reached the heart tissues, and all of the young leaves were turning green. 



Tree No. 390. 



March 11: Eight spikes of nuts and one good sword. 



May 28: Same. 



June 16: Same. 



July 6: Showed one flower spike just opened, the tips chocolate brown in color, and 

 drooping; showed another just opening and the tip chocolate brown; 2 swords. There 

 were 3 spikes of large nuts and 5 or 6 spikes above just dropping their smaller nuts. 

 The middle leaves appeared healthy. One kilogram of salt was placed about the base 

 of the upper leaves. 



July 21: Had dropped all of its large nuts; otherwise no change. 



August 6: All spikes were empty and leaves were much yellowed. 



October 21 : Three dead opened flower spikes; middle leaves turning yellow; 

 hopelessly diseased. 



Thus, in this case also, the salt had absolutely no effect in retarding 

 the progress of the disease. 



A similar experiment was carried on with the use of copper sulphate 

 crystals, the idea being to poison the diseased areas. It was not 



228 



