Notes on some Sugar-Cane Matters. 



12.") 



Stalks suffering from fungoid attacks usually show tlieir diseased 

 condition by a reddening of the internal tissues. Stalks red inside 

 should be viewed with suspicion, should be sent preferably to a plant 

 pathologist for examination and report and should most certainly not 

 be used for planting purposes. 



In Natal and Zululand we have two widely distributed fungi 

 which are responsible among other symptoms for a reddening of the 

 interior of the stalks and the inversion of the sugar stored there. 



Fig. 3. — The fruitiap; pustules of the " Rind Disease" 

 fungus breaking through the rind of attacked 

 stalks. 



They are Melanconium sacchari — the " rind disease " fungus — and 

 {Jephalosporiuvi sacchari. 



The former fungus is easily recognized by the way the spores 

 break through the rind of the cane (Fig. 3) and form either long 

 kinky, black threads or velvety black patches, depending on moisture 

 conditions prevailing at the time. 



