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sooty mould which is seen on the upper surface of 
the leaves. This is not a parasitic growth, but a 
fungus feeding on the sugary substances excreted 
by “ scale ” and other small sucking insects. The 
mould interferes with photosynthesis in the leaves, 
and may be controlled by spraying the insects with 
kerosene emulsion or rosin compound. 
Pests of Nipah Palm. 
The cultivation of this palm has recently been 
commenced on a commercial scale. The injurious 
enemies recorded are Plesispa nipa, Maulik, 
(Hispinae) , and an unidentified species of crab. 
Both the adults and grubs of the beetle feed on 
the surface of the leaf, and are similar in appearance 
to the stages of Plesispa* reichei, Chap. The eggs 
-of Plesispa nipa , however, are laid in groups, vary- 
ing in number from 2 to 6. Control measures 
against this insect have not yet been found necessary. 
Crabs cause considerable damage to the young 
plants, especially after they have been transplanted 
from the nursery. In order to protect the palms at 
this critical period the employment of locally made 
appliances to protect the plants has been found 
effective. 
Pests of Roselle. 
Insects attacking this plant are similar to those 
which attack cotton, Dysdercus cingulatus especially 
being generally in evidence. 
Sphaeroderma sp., (Halticinae) . 
■This beetle, which is about i/ 8 inch long and has 
shiny green wing-covers with a reddish coloured 
thorax, causes considerable damage by eating small 
