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loss of trees per acre every year. Fortunately, it differs from most 

 other root diseases caused by related fungi, in that the Fames is not 

 able to exist for long periods in ordinary soils apart from the plants 

 it is parasitising. On this account energetic and early treatment of 

 individual cases as they occur should in the course of a few years 

 almost entirely rid most estates of this fungus. The department has 

 rendered advice and assistance to many estates on this subject and is 

 always ready to do so. 



Die-back has been shown by the Mycologist to be due to the 

 same fungus that causes a similar disease in cacao in many parts of 

 the world. On a well-conducted estate, where the trees are healthy, 

 it is not a disease to be feared, but it must be watched. I have 

 known Diplodia for many years and have never found it causing 

 serious trouble except when the trees were originally unhealthy, thus 

 predisposing them to attack. Careful attention to all wounds 

 produced either by natural or artificial causes and cutting off diseased 

 branches, well below the apparently attacked region, in early stages, 

 should ward off serious trouble on most estates in Malaya. Where 

 the trees are originally unhealthy, either from bad drainage or other 

 unfavourable soil conditions, there Diplodia may cause very serious 

 losses, and special efforts made to ward off infection and to improve 

 the external conditions. 



Of insect pests, Termes gestroi is still commonly present and 

 requires steady attention. The Entomologist has visited a number 

 of estates in this connection and given advice as to treatment. 

 Most estates now treat this pest with success following the Entomo- 

 logist's recommendations. 



Borers have also received attention, they usually enter at a dead 

 surface, but often proceed from this into the living tissues, where they 

 may do considerable damage. Here, again, is seen the need of 

 careful attention to wounds especially those made in tapping. 



Another phenomenon that may be described as a disease is the 

 formation of large lumps of woody tissue covered with bark, too often 

 seen on old rubber trees. These appear to be buds developing under 

 pressure. The power to develop these seems latent in most rubber 

 trees, but usually some external stimulus is necessary to bring out this 

 power. Occasionally no such stimulus can be traced, but the vast 

 majority of lumps can be at any rate strongly suspected to be caused 

 by bad tapping. Where the cut goes down to the wood, such a 

 development is probable, but it may be that a cut, which does not 

 go quite so deep and only grazes the cambium, may be sufficient 

 stimulus. The lumps do not interfere with the health of the tree but 

 they considerably reduce its value for tapping purposes. 



COCONUTS. 



I attach the report of the Acting Inspector of Coconut Planta- 

 tions, which shows a steady and gratifying iacreasa in this valuable 

 crop, an increase shared in by all States. The increase in the area 



