92 CACAO 



monostichae, hyalinae, ellipsoideae, 1 septatae, ad septum 

 subconstrictae, 28-30 x 8-10 microns. — G. Massee." 



This appears to be one of the various species of parasitic fungi that form 

 bleeding wounds in the bark of the cacao-tree. Nectria Bainii, previously 

 described as forming similar wounds on cacao pods, differs from the present 

 species in having the perithecia shaggy, with golden-yellow scale-like hairs. 



In 1901 Howard investigated a canker disease of cacao in Grenada, and the 

 fungus found was referred by Massee to Nectria theobromae,n. sp., and stated 

 to be identical with a fungus sent some time previously by Hart from Trinidad. 

 — Stockdale [West Indian Bulletin, vol. ix. p. 170). 



It has since that period been found much more commonly 

 in Trinidad, not necessarily because it was really more com- 

 mon, but because more observers were on the look-out for 

 it on becoming aware of its dangerous character. It is 

 often found growing with Calonectria flavida on the same 

 surfaces on both stems and pods. The characters asso- 

 ciated with it are as follows : It shows as a dark claret 

 colour on the bark in spots (sometimes slightly raised or 

 blistered) which crack and exude a rusty stain. In the 

 fruiting condition, or its " last stage," miniature red 

 " pin-heads " appear, covering a considerable surface of 

 bark, sometimes growing closely together, and at others 

 in scattered patches. It has recently (1909) been found 

 destroying half-ripe pods, causing a warty appearance 

 upon the pods. Specimens were examined and determined 

 by Mr. Massee as N. Theobromce. Few trees attacked by 

 this fungus really fully recover, although the attacked 

 parts may be cut away, treated with antiseptics, and heal 

 up ; for even then there is danger of its reappearance at 

 times when the vitality of the tree is again low from any 

 cause. The mycelium of the fungus is able to spread 

 internally, and as the operator cannot be sure that all of 

 it is removed when the excision of the diseased parts is 

 made, there is always great danger of its reappearance. 

 Much depends, however, on the vitality of the trees, some 

 of which appear to heal up and become fairly healthy, while 

 in others, canker breaks out again and again. Prominent 

 vitality is, however, always a bar to the entrance or progress 

 of " canker " ; while the converse condition renders them 

 highly susceptible to this and other fungus diseases. 



