10 



production must proceed alon^:: several lines. Not only must the gross 

 yield be increased but the percentage of sugar in the juice nmst be 

 raised. Agam, it is observed that some varieties are more resistant to 

 certain insect pests and fimgus diseases. One well-known variety that 

 has been grown in Porto Rico for many years is now being abandoned 

 ])ecause of insect depredations toward wliich other varieties are 



resistant. 



At this writing no very serious insect pests or diseases are prevalent 

 in the cane fields, although with the largely increased plantings and 

 lack of rotation such are likely to occur. Some such outbreak came 

 about thirty years ago, when cane growing in Porto Rico was passing 

 through one of the more prosperous periods of its history. Lately 

 some diseased canes were brought to the station that were infested 

 with hirvi^, of a species of Sphenophorus. The person on whose planta- 

 tion it was found said the cane presented nmch the same appearance 

 as during the serious trouble in the seventies. 



The moth borer {Diatrsea saccharalis Fab.) has been reported as 

 doing damage in various sections. It is advised that cane seed be 

 soaked for twenty-four hours in limewater before planting to destroy 

 this pest and also as a hindrance to other troubles that might be 

 present in the seed. This practice is also believed to favor the germi- 

 nation of the seed. 



A further experiment has been made along this line to test tho 

 influence of several solutions on the germination and early growth of 

 canes. Less than 5 per cent solutions were nuide up of Ume, magnesia, 

 lune and magnesia, ammonia, nitrate of soda and a mixture of nitrate 

 of soda, acid superphosphate and muriate of potash. The canes 

 soaked sixteen hours in a solution of lime and magnesia germinated 

 quickest and made the best early growth. That soaked in limewater 

 was next in thriftiness. The canes soaked in the ammonia water ger- 

 minated second best but in a short time fell behind. Those soaked in 

 the other solutions were slower in starting and less thrifty than those 

 in the check plat, which were not soaked at all. 



Besides the growing of cane the station has taken up some problems 

 in the utilization of the by-products of cane. At present a great many 

 oxen are used on the plantations, and as more and more land is being 

 broken and planted the feeding of these animals is becoming a serious 

 question. During the grinding season cane tops are fed in large 

 amounts to the oxen and it seems possible that a way may be found 

 for preserving these for future use. As a dry feed they do not seem 

 to be relished, but it is probable that some means may be found for 

 properly ensiling them. With these and other by-products of cane 

 production and manufacture, like molasses, it is not improbable that 

 in the future not only the work animals but large numbers of beef 



