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XLIX.—DISEASES OF THE OIL PALM IN 
WEST AFRICA. 
EK. M. WakeFIELp. 
(Wah lute.) 
While there is a considerable amount of literature dealing with 
diseases of the coconut palm, some of which, as bud-rot, are very 
destructive, very little is known of diseases and pests ot the oil- 
alm. Hitherto, in fact, this palm does not appear to have suf- 
tered greatly from the attacks of insect or fungoid enemies, no 
doubt largely because in West Africa, even if not indigenous, it 
appears to enjoy optimum conditions of soil and climate. During 
the past few years, however, various records of diseases of the oil- 
palm in West Africa have accumulated. It may be that with the 
Increasing economic importance of the plant more attention is 
being paid to injurious parasites. On the other hand it is quite 
possible that the parasites which attack the coconut and certain 
other palms are at length adapting themselves to the oil-palm, 
and if so it is important for the oil-palm industry that attention 
should be called to this source of danger. 
Information is as yet very incomplete, but it is hoped that a 
summary of such facts as have come to the knowledge of Kew may 
serve to draw attention to the matter, and lead to an extension otf 
our knowledge. 
Good specimens of fungi suspected of attacking the oil-palm 
and photographs of typical diseased palms, together with as many 
observations as possible as to method and conditions of attack, 
would be most welcome in this connection. 
I. Rot of trunk due to Ganoderma sp. 
unfortunately too old and decayed for certain specific identifica- 
tion. As far as could be judged it seemed to agree best with 
res, 
the late Mr. C. O. Fa : 
ah: from attack by Ganoderma lucidum, Karst. (= Fomes 
wevdus, Fr.). They were old trees, and hed probably been 
