117 



' I have examined the specimens of parasitic fungi on 

 petioles of coco-nut. 



The epidermis is raised and split up but covers the fungus. Out 

 of the slit, a black powder which is formed of brown 

 uniseptate spores protrudes. If a section is made through 

 the wart-like pustules, there is found under the skin a 

 black cellular stroma, filled with several lockets. These 

 spaces are filled with colourless nonseptate spores. If 

 these are placed in a damp chamber, in about 24-36 

 hours, germination takes place. The colourless spores 

 are therefore adult and mature. If we consider the fungus 

 in respect to its hyaline spores it must be considered a 

 Cystospora (a large genus) or better a Fusicoccum. 



If the brown septate spores really belong to it and are the 

 final end of the development, the fungus will be a 

 Botryodiplodia. It remains then to establish that these 

 last belong to the fungus. It is very probable but not 

 proved.' 



In working out the life history of the fungus it has frequently 

 been noticed that the colourless spores become brownish in colour 

 and afterwards become septate. Considering that no difference 

 can be noted in the mycelia produced by the two fungi, that the 

 wart-like pustules bear both kinds of spores, and that the colour- 

 less cells have been observed to be dividing by a single septum, 

 I am of opinion that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that 

 the septate, brown spores are the final results, (the colourless uni- 

 cellular cells being the forerunners) and that therefore the fungus 

 must be considered as a species of Botryodiplodia. 



17. The damage caused by the fungus in the roots of the disor- 

 ganisation of the cortex cells has been observed and therefore the 

 effect this has on the coco-nut plant may clearly be understood. 

 The roots of a healthy plant conduct the water and food in 

 solution from the soil to the leaves, and therefore, when the fungus 

 has destroyed a large number of roots, a reduction in the water- 

 absorbing power of the root system takes place. There are, 

 however, few economic plants that so quickly repair damage to 

 roots as the Palmas, and, therefore, the seat of the injury must 

 extend through a large number of roots before it is of any conse- 

 quence. 



When a large number of roots are diseased, the water, etc., is 

 absorbed in gradually decreasing quantities, and consequently 

 less food substances are elaborated. 



Young trees do not appear to suffer to any considerable extent 

 for numerous instances have been noticed of young plants having 

 quite a healthy appearance while a number of the roots were in a 

 diseased condition. 



When, however, the fruiting period comes on, a large drain is 

 made upon the tree. It is taxed very highly and, if the roots are 

 diseased, wilting or yellowing of the leaves is noticed. It was 

 observed that trees that were just coming into bearing were the 



