264 



of the scales were parasitised by a Hymenopteron, which was easily 

 bred out in numbers, but proved exceedingly frail, seldom living more 

 than two or three days in captivity. It takes about six weeks to 

 complete its life-cycle. 



At the base of the stalks of the coconut leaves large numbers of 

 another scale, Chionaspis sp., were observed, and 75 per cent, of these 

 were parasitised, apparently by the same enemy that attacks A. 

 destnictor. As Chionaspis occurred and was under control in Tahiti 

 prior to the introduction of A . destructor about 25 years ago, it would 

 seem that the Chalcid was there before the arrival of the coconut 

 scale and has adapted itself to the latter ; the more so as the author 

 believes that he bred the same Chalcid from Diaspis sp., a scale that 

 was not uncommon. Some imported palms were badly attacked 

 by A. destructor, which, in turn, was infested with another larger 

 Hymcnopterous enemy, which ma}' be a recent importation. 



The author sent to Fiji consignments of A. destructor parasitised by 

 both Chalcids, and after his return found reason to believe that the 

 larger species was established, although it is possible that this estab- 

 lishment is not final, in view of the very small number of parasites that 

 arrived owing to various adverse circumstances. A further importation 

 may therefore prove desirable. 



In addition to the three Coccids mentioned, the coconut in Tahiti 

 is attacked by the caterpillar of a small Tineid moth [Decadarchis 

 sp.n.]. It does much damage on some estates, and, next to A. 

 destructor, is perhaps the worst enemy of coconut on the island. 

 Of the two injurious weevils recorded by Doane, Rhabdocnemis 

 {Sphenophorus) obscura and Diocalandra (Calandra) taitensis, the 

 author only found the former, which also infests sugar-cane ; he is 

 inclined to believe that it only attacks palms in which a certain 

 amount of fermentation of the sap is taking place, such as would be 

 caused by a slight mechanical injury. 



During this mission a visit was made to the Cook Islands, where the 

 banana beetle [Cosmopolites sordidus] was doing considerable damage, 

 Mytilaspis citri and a species of Lecanium occur in the islands, and the 

 author bred Chalcid parasites from both. A species of Aphis, checked 

 by Coccinellids and by Syrphid flies, occurs, while a mealy-bug does 

 some damage. The worst pest is the fruit fi\', Dacus melanotus, Coq, 

 (rarotongensis) , living on guava and other wild fruits and also attacking 

 oranges. 



At Tahiti there is a variety of coconut which is said to possess 

 decided astringent properties, and this might prove immune against 

 the Fijian leaf-eating moth, Lcvuana iridescens. 



Extracts from Reports of Inspectors. — Mthly. Circ. Information 

 Fiji Dept. Agric, Suva, i, nos. 1-12, January-December 1920. 

 [Received 29th March 1921. J 



These extracts are published in each monthly issue and contain much 

 local information. 



There is a popular belief that high winds reduce infestation by 

 coconut scale, Aspidiotiis destructor. It may be mentioned that in 

 July 1920 palms in the Yasawa groups were only recovering from the 

 effects of the storm of 1919, and this probably accounted for the fact 

 that the scale was scarce, practically none being found on" the leaves, 

 the infestation being chieliy on the nuts and stems. 



The leaf-miner, Promccotheca reichei, does much damage in some 

 localities. 



