65 



BANANA .SCAB. 



Banana scab makes its appearance in rnsU' fissures in the rind of the 

 fruit. As it increases, the whok^ hanana may become brownish in 

 color, and though the interior may not be injured man}- such fruits 

 will render a ]>unch unsalable. 



The fung-us which causes this disease has not been full}' determinixi. 

 Its appearance has been observed in several countries, notably in 

 New South Wales, where it has been studied by Dr. N. A. Cobb, who 

 speaks of the spores as "of some Phoma-like form." 



The disease is widespread throughout the islands but is not serious 

 except ou the higher elevations, where the banana makes a slow 

 growth. The copper solutions are to be reconnnended for the treat- 

 ment of this disease also. It is important to establish the vigor of the 

 plant by cultivation and fertilization and to avoid the attempt to grow 

 bananas commercially in climates unsuited to them. The fruits should 

 be kept clear of the cast-oti' 1)racts and other matter which might hold 

 dampness and thus furnish suitable conditions for the growth of the 

 fungus. 



NEMATODES IX BANANAS. 



Quite frequently ])anana plants arc found in which the young grow- 

 ing leaves are decaying. Several such plants were observed in June 

 among those planted for shade for the cacao at Hilo. Microscopic 

 examination revealed the presence of myriads of nematode worms 

 which it is l)elieved were the sole cause of the injury. It is neverthe- 

 less true that nematode worms have been reported in connection with 

 several banana troubles where fungi were also present. 



When a plant is atfected as above described it is best to dig out the 

 whole stool, and, after fertilizing liberally, to replant with an offset 

 from a health}- plant. 



NftMATODE AVORMS IN COFFEE. 



In the month of Ma}' inquiry came from Kona, Hawaii, in regard 

 to a so-called dis'ease of coffee which was reported to be doing much 

 damage to the crop, causing a large part of it to fall from the trees. 

 A small quantity of the berries was received and an examination was 

 made for evidences of fungi. None were found, however, but nema- 

 tode worms in large numbers were inhabiting the stem end of the 

 berry and were probably the cause of the falling fruit. Nothing can 

 be recommended in the wtiy of treatment except to increase the vigor 

 of the trees in every way possible. 

 31208— No. 170—06 5 



