397 
blown over by stronger winds than usual. As a rule, it is impos- 
sible to detect the fungus before the tree is uprooted. Saplings die 
before the mycelium reaches the surface. In the majority of cases 
the fungus appears to be identical with that reported from ihe Straits 
in 1904, viz., Fomes semitostus , Berk. No fructifications have been 
found in the field, but several have been grown at Paradeniya on 
diseased stumps from affected areas. This species spreads under- 
ground along, the roots of grasses, etc. In on< j instance the fungus 
vyas Poria vincta, B, & Br., it seems impossible, however, to dis- 
tinguish the two by mycelium alone. 
A third root fungus which attacks Hevea is practically omni- 
vorous, specimens having been sent in a cacao, dadap, tea, Castilloa, 
and Caravonica cotton. 1 he mycelium only has been observed : 
this forms a yellow-brown or whitish felt on the root to which stones, 
etc., adhere firmly. It seems to be identical with the cacao root 
fungus prevalent in Samoa and attributed to Hymenochoete , sp. 
It should be noted that all these root fungi are common on dead 
wood or stumps in the jungle and spread to cultivated products from 
stumps in cleaning. 
Stem Diseases. — With regard to canker, the outlook is decidedly 
improved. Excision of diseased tissue has in all cases proved 
efficacious, without injuring the subsequent growth of the tree. At 
the beginning of the year, when I wished to become acquainted 
with this disease in the field, I had great difficulty in finding an 
affected tree. It must not be thought, however, that the periodic 
inspection of trees is now unnecessary, the disease may easily be 
kept in check if the first stages are noted, but neglect result in the 
death of the tree. I have seen a 12 years’ old tree completely killed 
by it. The Government plantation near Badureliya was inspected 
in June after the jungle had been cleared away, and again in July 
when the trees were being tapped. Hardly any “canker” was 
found on either occasion. A few facts which may throw further 
light on the origin of the disease have been ascertained. I he nec- 
tria on the dead bark has been named Nectria diver sispora. 
Megcdonectria pseudotnchia (Schw), Speg., was observed in one 
instance on living branches of Hevea. 
Fruit Diseases. — The blackening and decay of Hevea fruits which 
has' been a constant feature during the last few years was exception- 
ally prevalent in June, and gave rise to the fear that there would be 
a shortage in the crop, but a dry July stopped the disease almost 
entirely, and the price of seed dropped in consequence from ©s. 30 
to ©s. 2 per thousand. This disease is due to a Phytophthora , 
similar to that found on cacoa pods in other countries. On the 
rotten fruits grow Sphoeronoema album , n. sp., Nectria diver sispora, 
n. sp., and Diplodia zehrina, n. sp. There is no doubt that this 
decay will always occur in wet seasons, and to minimize the pos- 
sibility diseased fruits should be collected and burnt. It is not 
possible to form any opinion as to the success of the other preven- 
tive measures employed owing to the exceptional weather conditions 
of the last season. 
7/ll3 
