CHAPTER IV 



DISEASES AND PESTS COMMON TO RUBBER- 

 TREES IN BRAZIL 



Disease little in evidence Parasitical growths Canker Bark 

 disease Cambium rot Experiments in regard to cambium rot 

 in 1913 Opinion of Ceylon Government nrycologist concerning 

 cambium rot Why Eastern methods are inapplicable in Brazil- 

 Cambium rot prevents use of gouge Decay of latex cells The 

 borer pest White ants The sauba, or red ant. 



MANY of the diseases in connection with the 

 development of Hevea Brasiliensis so familiar to 

 the planter in Ceylon and Malaysia are little in evidence 

 in the Amazon Valley. Doubtless few, if any, are 

 absent, but in the heavy forest they attract no special 

 attention unless carefully searched for with some 

 specific object in view. Of those commonly observed, 

 the most prominent are parasitical growths, canker in 

 various forms, bark disease, and cambium rot. Amongst 

 the injurious insects are the white ant (termes), the red 

 ant, locally known as sauba (Mcodoma cephalotes), and 

 the borer. 



Of the parasites, the commonest and most destructive 

 is a growth resembling mistletoe. This pest is found 

 throughout all sections of the Amazon Valley. Its 

 effects are most apparent on old trees, and from these 

 it draws out all vitality, until branch after branch dies 

 away and the tree is killed. It has most tenacious 

 roots, spreads rapidly once it has established a footing, 



