98 



CACAO 



provided some natural enemies in the form of mites, flies, 

 cockroaches and beetles, and probably many more with 

 which we are as yet unacquainted ; and were it not for 

 such natural checks it is fairly evident that this fungus 

 would be able to do still greater damage than now appears, 

 possibly to the extent of extermination. Such natural 

 checks should be studied as closely as 

 possible, in order to ascertain which may 

 be most conveniently encouraged in order 

 to assist in the control of the disease. 



As we know that the fungus can main- 

 tain itself on rotten wood, decayed leaves, 

 and pods, &c., there can be no possible 

 question as to benefit to be derived 

 from the maintenance of proper hygienic 

 measures on all estates. Such measures, 

 once generally adopted, should be made 

 compulsory for all planters ; otherwise 

 the neglectful among them will reap the 

 benefit of the work of the careful. In the 

 growing season all diseased pods, which 

 never can form mature fruit, should be 

 picked and absoljitely destroyed. All 

 empty shells shoim be dealt with at once 

 as it is proved they can be infected in an 

 hour, and that the disease will spread 

 through a neglected heap in some fifteen 

 days, and produce myriads of spores 

 capable of reinfection. The method of 

 dealing with these pods should be one 

 which allows of the destruction of all living matter 

 capable of germination. Probably fermentation at a high 

 temperature will be the best method, but if this cannot be 

 carried out, some other effectual method should be 

 devised, such as burning or burying, the latter method 

 being unobjectionable in this case, as at present no resting 

 spores have been observed. All dead wood, prunings, &c., 

 should be regularly removed and burned, and all diseased 



Fio. 29.— A few of 

 the stalks of conidia 

 of Fig. 28 on a larger 

 scale ( X 400). N. 

 Bainii. 



