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Tirathaba rufivena Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important pest of areca palm, Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae), in China. The effects of azadirachtin on the development and mortality of T. rufivena were determined. All larval instars were susceptible to azadirachtin, but the stomach and contact toxicities diminished as the larvae matured. The LC25 and LC50 dosages had no effect on larval hatch when applied directly to the eggs on different days after deposition, but the LC90 treatment retarded hatch from eggs treated 1 to 3 d after deposition. The tested concentrations significantly affected the survival of neonate larvae from treated eggs, especially larvae that emerged from eggs treated 3 d after deposition. Azadirachtin also prolonged larval development and duration of the pupal stage. The percentage of adult emergence decreased, and longevity of the emerged adults was shortened, following treatment. Also, egg production and viability from females treated as larvae with azadirachtin were ...

Betel nut is the fruit of Areca palm, growing in Papua New Guinea. Mixed with limestone and stick mustard, arecoline and guvacoline, which are present in betel nut, are hydrolyzed into arecaidine and guvacine, respectively. As part of the study on dietary habits of Papuans residents, our laboratory was asked to analyze the four alkaloids in hair to document long-term exposure. Hair samples were collected from 19 adult subjects (males = 11; females = 8), by some of the authors, and were sent to the laboratory for analysis. The four alkaloids have very similar chemical structures. In order to accurately identify the drugs, two methods were developed. First, the compounds were identified using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Then, they were quantified by an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. After decontamination with dichloromethane, hair samples were cut into very small segments and 20 mg were incubated in methanol for 2 h 30 min in an ultrasound bath. After cooling, the methanol was evaporated to dryness in presence of 20-μL octanol to prevent volatilization. Nicotine-d4 was used as an internal standard. Linearity was observed for concentrations ranging from the limit of quantification to 20 ng/mg for arecoline, arecaidine, guvacine and guvacoline. Measured concentrations were in the range 60 pg/mg to 18 ng/mg for arecoline (n = 19), 14 pg/mg to 2.5 ng/mg for guvacoline (n = 11), 63 pg/mg to 3.8 ng/mg for arecaidine (n = 11) and 100 pg/mg to 3.2 ng/mg for guvacine (n = 6). There was no correlation between concentrations of arecoline and arecaidine (ratio from 0.01 to 0.18) and guvacoline and guvacine (ratio from 0.06 to 3.50). However, the identification of these substances in hair is a good marker of consumption of betel nut and allows us to document a local practice that remains difficult to evaluate just by questioning.

Phytoplasmas that infect gramineous plants, including Napier grass stunt, sugarcane whiteleaf, sugarcane grassy shoot, and Bermuda grass whiteleaf, have been classified into two closely related groups, 16SrXI and 16SrXIV, based on the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Subsequently, phytoplasmas associated with coconut and Areca palm in southern India and Sri Lanka have been added into the 16SrXI group. However, the 16S rRNA gene gives relatively poor resolution between these phytoplasmas. In this study, a new set of universal phytoplasma primers that amplify approximately 1 kb of the leucyl transfer RNA synthetase (leuS) gene have been validated on a broad range of phytoplasma taxonomic groups. These have been used along with partial sequences of the secA gene to clarify the taxonomic classification of 16SrXI and 16SrXIV phytoplasmas. Based on this data, the sugarcane whiteleaf and grassy shoot phytoplasmas appear to be the same phytoplasma. The Napier grass stunt phytoplasma forms a distinct group from the Bermuda grass whiteleaf and sugarcane phytoplasmas, suggesting that Napier grass stunt should be in its own ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma sp.’. The phytoplasmas associated with coconut and arecanut in southern India and Sri Lanka, which are in the same 16SrXI group, appear in different groups based on secA analysis.

White grub, Leucopholis lepidophora Blanchard (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), is a major insect pest infesting areca nut in India. Larvae feed on roots (hence also called root grubs), causing reduced number of roots, loss of anchorage, stem tapering, reduced number of fronds, yellowing of leaves, yield reduction and death of the plants. The biology and ecology aspect of this scarabaeid are scanty. Hence, the aim of this study was to understand the ecological and behavioral aspects to develop IPM program. The adult emergence pattern of L. lepidophora was observed daily during the rainy season. The emergence period was defined between June and October during 2013 and 2014. Peak emergence of adult beetles occurred between 1900 and 2000 h. When raining occurred between 1800 and 2100 h, no emergence of adult beetles was observed. The sex ratio of L. lepidophora varied over time, but the overall sex ratio was female biased in both the study years (female:male; 1:1.18 and 1:1.46 in 2013 and 2014, respectively). Males were found to emerge first in the season resulting in protandry. Innovative idea emerged during our field experiments in 2013–2014 was the use of female beetles for attracting male beetles. Female adults were collected and placed individually in traps made of small pouches of nylon net and were tied to the areca palm at a height of 5 ft. Trap containing a female beetle attracted male individuals for about 8–10 days. The same technique was employed for the large-scale collection of beetles during 2014. A total of 1843 males were collected in an areca grower's field using female-baited traps during 2014. Male baited traps did not attract female beetles, indicating existence of only female produced semiochemical that attracts males. Our findings provide new insights for incorporating adult collection using female-baited traps in IPM against areca nut white grubs.

Areca catechu L. is one of the most important plantation crop cultivated in Kerala. Recent reports indicate that phytophagous mites could infest the foliage and nuts of areca palm and induce substantial damage, leading to various levels of economic loss. Among the mites, Raoiella indica Hirst, popularly called Red Palm Mite (RPM) has been recognized as a serious pest of areca palm in various localities of India. Various life stages of this mite were found colonizing and feeding on the lower surface of palm leaves, by de-sapping and which in turn would lead to the formation of yellowish speckles and bronzing in later stages and the ultimate drying up of the leaves. Photosynthesis, being a vital process determining the plant vigour and productivity should be addressed with great concern. In the present study, attention has been focused to analyse the feeding impact of the red palm mite, on the photosynthetic machinery of areca palms through the quantitative estimation of chlorophyll ‘a', ‘b', ‘total chlorophyll' pigments and also ‘photosynthetic efficiency' of mite infested and uninfested leaves. Results of the study revealed that the feeding activity of the mite on the leaves of A.catechu induced drastic reduction in the levels of chlorophyll ‘a', ‘b', ‘total chlorophyll' and ‘photosynthetic efficiency'. The percentage loss in chl ‘a', chl ‘b' and ‘total chlorophyll' were 62.21±0.63, 57.67±0.73 and 59.884±0.375 respectively in RPM infested Areca leaves. RPM infestation varied significantly in photosynthetic parameters such as minimum fluorescence (F0), maximum fluorescence ( Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv), quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm), performance index (PI) and the Area which has a negatively impact on photosynthetic efficiency of areca palms. These data obtained from chlorophyll analysis and photosynthetic efficiency were found significant at 0.05level, up on statistical analysis using t-test, thereby establishing the pest status of RPM on A. catcheu.

The areca palm (Areca catechu L.), belonging to the Palmaceae family, is an important economic crop in Hainan. In June 2018, symptoms of leaf spot were observed on nearly 20% of A. catechu in Qionghai, Hainan (19°40′N; 110°33′E). At first, leaves exhibited small yellow spots; as symptoms progressed, the middle of the lesions appeared black with distinct yellow halos. Lesions were long oval, sometimes irregular with black to brown, small black spots and distinct yellow halos. As the lesions continued to expand, necrotic spots enlarged, gradually gray, and then combined to form larger necrotic areas. Ten leaves with typical symptoms were randomly collected. Small tissue sections (5 × 5 mm) were excised from the margins of lesions, disinfected with 75% ethanol for 10 s and 1% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, followed by a triple wash with sterile water, plated on PDA, and incubated at 28°C. Three days after incubation, fast-growing fungal colonies with white mycelia appeared. Incubation continued for 3 weeks and few pycnidia developed. Alpha conidia were 5.9 to 8.5 × 2.3 to 3.0 µm (avg. 7.3 × 2.7 µm, n = 100), aseptate, hyaline, fusiform, and acute at both ends. Beta conidia were 14.8 to 29.6 × 1.3 to 2.1 µm (avg. 22.5 × 1.7 µm, n = 100), hyaline, filiform, curved, and tapering toward both ends. These morphological characteristics were similar to Diaporthe spp. (Guarnaccia and Crous 2017). To further confirm the identity of the isolate, single-spore isolates were cultured on PDA and selected for DNA extraction. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene was amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4 (White et al. 1990), a partial sequence of β-tubulin (TUB) gene by T1 (O’Donnell and Cigelnik 1997) and Bt2b (Glass and Donaldson 1995), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) gene by EF1-728F/EF1-986R, and calmodulin (CAL) by CAL-228F/CAL-737R (Carbone and Kohn 1999); sequence data were deposited in GenBank (MN424525, MN424539, MN424567, MN424581). BLAST analysis demonstrated that these sequences were 99% similar to the ITS (MF418423), TUB (MF418583), TEF1 (MF418502), and CAL (MF418257) of D. limonicola. Moreover, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the method of maximum likelihood (MEGA7.0 (Kumar et al. 2016)) with a combined dataset of ITS, TUB, TEF1, and CAL sequences, which clustered the isolate with D. limonicola (CPC 31137) with high bootstrap support (100%). Based on the morphology, sequence data, and phylogenetic analysis, these isolates were determined as D. limonicola. To validate the results, a pathogenicity test was performed. Ten healthy leaves were washed with sterile water, and each leaf was slightly punctured eight times by a sterile pin and divided into two groups. The first group was placed on a mycelial disk taken from the edges of 4-day-old PDA cultures on each wounded leaf, whereas the other group was placed on PDA agar as a control. All plants were incubated at 28 ± 2°C and 100% relative humidity. Seven days after inoculation, leaves placed on the mycelial disk exhibited the typical symptoms (i.e., small black spots and gray to brown lesions surrounded by yellow halos), whereas controls showed no symptoms. Further, D. limonicola was reisolated from the leaf spot. Pathogenicity tests were repeated thrice with the same results. Koch’s postulate was achieved by the reisolation of D. limonicola from the inoculated leaves. D. limonicola has previously been reported to cause trunk canker of Citrus limon and C. sinensis in Italy (Guarnaccia and Crous 2017). To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. limonicola causing leaf spot on A. catechu in China.

This study observed the antifungal activity of crude coffee extract (CCE) and crude spent coffee ground extract (CSCGE) against Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillum citrinum, Penicillum chrysogenum and Eurotium amstelodami on the surface of an areca palm leaf sheath (Areca catechu). The agar dilution method was employed to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the CCE for the first, second and third extractions and CSCGE for the first and second extractions in malt extract agar at concentrations from 50 to 500 μg/ml. A mould test was then performed on durian paste product wrapped with the areca palm leaf sheath treated with the second CSCGE at its MIC. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to find the major components of the CCE and CSCGE and to measure the total phenolic content. For the second CSCGE treatment on the areca palm leaf sheath, the following qualities were studied: mould growth, wettability, measurements of hardness and thickness and a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy scan. It was found that the CCE and CSCGE MICs from the first and second extractions ranged from 100 to 230 μg/ml and from 300 to 460 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, the MICs showed the capability of CCE and CSCGE to provide protection against mould growth on the leaf sheath for at least 21 days in comparison with the control (3 days) during storage at accelerated conditions (25 °C and 100% relative humidity). Shelf life of durian paste product wrapped with areca palm leaf sheath treated with the second CSCGE at 460 μg/ml was extended from 3 days to 21 days under storage condition of 30 °C. Caffeine was the main constituent of CCE (79.69%) and CSCGE (84.92%). Also, the total phenolic content of CCE and CSCGE measured were 0.640 and 0.981 mol ferulic acid 100 g−1, respectively. This study has demonstrated that the first and second CCE and CSCGE were capable of inhibiting mould growth under both in vitro and in vivo tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Bhat S, Bhandary MJ, Rajanna L. 2014. Plant diversity in the homegardens of Karwar, Karnataka, India. Biodiversitas 15: 229-235. A study was conducted in 50 selected home gardens of Karwar, Karnataka, India to document their floristic diversity and composition withregard to life forms and uses. As many as 210 species of flowering plants belonging to 69 families were recorded. Euphorbiaceae(13species), Apocynaceae (11spp.), Cucurbitaceae (10 spp.) and Fabaceae (10 spp.) are the predominant families. Shrubs are thedominant life forms (73 spp.) followed by trees (61 spp.), herbs (42 spp.) and climbers (24 spp.). Areca palm (Areca catechu), coconutpalm (Cocos nucifera), mango tree (Mangifera indica), banana (Musa paradisiaca), shoe flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and holy basil(Ocimum tenuiflorum) are the most common plants occurring in all of the 50 studied gardens. 38% of the plant species are grown mainlyfor ornamental and aesthetic purposes while 33% of the species are used for obtaining food products like fruits and vegetables and 22%of the plants are mainly used for medicinal purposes. The predominance of ornamental species makes the home gardens of Karwardifferent from those occurring in other regions in which mostly food plants form the major component.

The areca palm (Areca catechu L.) is among the most important crops grown in Southeast Asia, with a planting area of over 100,000 ha in Hainan, China. In July 2017, we observed black-brown leaf spots on areca leaves in Wanning, Hainan Province, China. Although only small-scale occurrence of this disease has been observed to date, it causes serious symptoms in the areca palm. Initial symptoms appeared as 2- to 4-mm oblong, dark red lesions on lower leaves. Lesions reached 6.0 mm and gradually developed into spindly, dark brown spots. The internal area of these lesions was shallow, medium-dark brown, and had a dark brown edge and yellow halo. Over time, the necrotic spots enlarged, gradually turned black, and then coalesced to form larger necrotic areas. To isolate the pathogen, leaf surfaces were sterilized by wiping with 75% (v/v) ethanol. Leaf samples (3.0 × 5.0 mm) were cut from borders between symptomatic and healthy tissues. Diseased tissues were transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium supplemented with 0.01% streptomycin sulfate and incubated at 28°C for 4 days. Colonies grown from these tissues were dark with even, villous edges. Conidia were brown, smooth, fusiform or hook-shaped, and measured 18 to 25 μm long × 8.0 to 12.0 μm wide. The conidia had three to four transversal septa, with the middle one to two cells larger and darker than the others, which were borne from the apex of geniculate conidiophores singly or in groups, showing very similar characteristics to Curvularia pseudobrachyspora (Manamgoda et al. 2012; Marin-Felix et al. 2017). Pathogenicity tests were performed on new leaves of healthy areca seedlings (0.6 to 0.8 m in height). Healthy leaves were rinsed with sterilized water and gently punctured with a sterile pin. Five mycelial disks taken from the edges of 4-day-old PDA cultures were placed on each wounded leaf, covered with wet sterile blotting paper, and wrapped in a plastic bag. As a control, PDA agar was placed on leaves of the same seedlings. Three areca seedlings were inoculated, and the symptoms were observed after 15 days. Although no symptoms appeared on the control leaves, typical symptoms (i.e., circular brown lesions surrounded by yellow halos) were observed on leaves inoculated with the isolate. The pathogen was reisolated from symptomatic leaves. The ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1a) were amplified using the primers ITS5p and ITS4 (White et al. 1990), gpd1 and gpd2 (Berbee et al. 1999), and 983F and 2218R (Schoch et al. 2009), respectively. The combined ITS (MH516132), GAPDH (MH516133), and EF1a (MH516134) sequences were compared with published sequences of 49 Curvularia isolates and six Bipolaris isolates by phylogenetic analysis. The HNWN001 isolate from Areca in Hainan showed 100% similarity with an isolate (CPC 28808) of C. pseudobrachyspora from Eleusine indica but slight difference from other Curvularia isolates (Manamgoda et al. 2012). Surprisingly, HNWN001 showed distinct difference from a C. oryzae strain isolated from oil palm (CBS169.53). Based on morphology, pathogenesis, and multigene sequence analysis, the causal agent of leaf spots on A. catechu was identified as C. pseudobrachyspora. This is the first report of C. pseudobrachyspora causing leaf spots on areca in China and worldwide.

This study investigates the effect of boric acid and sucrose on the germination and growth of Areca catechu L (areca palm). Using areca pollen from Hainan, China, this study determines the influence of culture media with different concentrations of boric acid and sucrose on the germination and growth of areca pollen. Results show that the germination and growth of the pollen tube growth are highest under a boric acid concentration of 0.4 g/L to 0.6 g/L. The germination rate of areca pollen is highest in solid medium with a sucrose concentration of 40 g/L. The optimum culture medium for developing areca pollen comprises 5 g/L agar, 0.4 g/L to 0.6 g/L boric acid, 40 g/L sucrose, and water. Furthermore, areca pollen grows most rapidly approximately 1.5 h after in vitro cultivation at normal temperature, and growth stabilizes at approximately 3 h. The principle that governs the development of areca pollen is also discussed.

This 1-year study, extending from January to December 2011, was conducted to investigate the role of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) as a seed disperser in Lahore, Pakistan. Ejecta of the species from two roosting sites, i.e. Jinnah garden and Lalazar garden, was collected and the plant seeds were extracted from bat boluses and guano. Various seeds of edible trees and forest plantation species extracted from ejecta of P. Giganteus included areca palm (Areca catechu), coromandel ebony (Diospyros melanoxylon), Indian gaabh (D. Peregrina), lemon-scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), mahwa (Madhuca longifolia), Indian lilac (Melia azedarach), cajeput tree (Melaleuca leucadendra), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), guava (Psidium guajava), and janbolanum plum (Syzygium jambolanum). Measurements of the extracted seeds' length (mm), diameter (mm), and weight (g) were taken and the seeds of jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) were found the longest (40 mm) with the maximum average diameter (50 mm) while the rambutan (N. Lappaceum) seeds were the heaviest (3.4 g). It can be concluded from the present study that P. Giganteus is a seed disperser and transporter of heavier seeds as heavier seeds are mammal-dependent for their dispersal.

This study aims to suggest an improved experimental method to reveal the ability of indoor plants to reduce CO2 concentrations, as well as to display the individual CO2 reduction characteristics of various indoor plants in accordance with this improved method. In previous studies, experiments were conducted under the condition in which the CO2 concentration in the experimental chamber is set only once to a high initial level of 1,000 ppm. However, in real conditions, CO2 concentration gradually increases in a room after the occupants enter. Hence, the existing experimental method can be improved in view of “light saturation and CO2 compensation”. Accordingly, in this study, the CO2 reduction characteristics of indoor plants under 2 conditions used in the existing method of measurement (Case 1) and the condition in the new method, which considers that CO2 concentration gradually increases through the respiration of experimental animals (Case 2)-were measured and compared against each other. For all plant samples, the level of CO2 reduction was higher in Case 2 than in Case 1, and the rate of CO2 reduction increases with time. The inflection point of CO2 concentration appeared at leaf areas of 9,000 cm2 in peace lily and areca palm, and 6,000 cm2 in weeping fig.

The antifungal activities of cinnamon oil, clove oil, anise oil, and peppermint oil, and their main components (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, trans -anethole, and menthol, respectively) against molds identified from areca palm leaf sheath ( Mucor dimorphosporus , Penicillium sp., Aspergillus niger , and Rhizopus sp.) were investigated. An agar dilution method was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of essential oils and their main components. Zone inhibition tests and the inhibitory effect of the leaf sheath dip-treated with essential oils against those molds were examined. Major components of essential oils on the leaf sheath during storage were quantified by gas chromatography analysis. The MIC values of essential oils on agar and on the leaf sheath were identical. With an MIC of 50 μg ml −1 , cinnamon oil had the strongest inhibitory effect. At their MICs the oils were capable of providing protection against mold growth on the leaf sheath for at least 12 weeks during storage at 25 °C and 100% RH. Scanning electron microscope examination showed that essential oils prevented spore germination. Except for menthol in peppermint oil, the main components of the essential oils, which were fairly stable over the storage period, largely contributed to the antifungal activity.

A novel virus, tentatively named "areca palm necrotic spindle-spot virus" (ANSSV), was identified in Areca catechu L. in Hainan, China, and its complete genomic sequence was determined. Its positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome is comprised of 9,437 nucleotides (nt), excluding the poly (A) tail, and contains one large open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3,019 amino acids (aa). A Blastp search showed that the polyprotein of ANSSV shared a maximum of 31%-32% aa sequence identity (with 86%-95% coverage) with all seven known macluraviruses. Nucleotide sequence comparison of the ORF of ANSSV to those of macluraviruses revealed identities ranging from 41.0% to 44.6%, which is less than the inter-genus identity values for the family Potyviridae. Phylogenetic analysis based on either the aa or nt sequence of the polyprotein did not cluster ANSSV into any established or unassigned genus of the family Potyviridae. Therefore, we suggest that ANSSV is the first member of a previously unrecognized genus of the family Potyviridae.

The roots of container-grown ornamental plants primarily are concentrated within the original container substrate root ball during the establishment period following transplanting into the landscape. Plants growing in container substrates containing pine bark or peatmoss have higher nitrogen (N) requirements than in most landscape soils due to microbial immobilization of N by these organic components. However, use of high-N fertilizers, such as those used in container production of ornamentals, can cause imbalances with potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) when used on palms in sandy landscape soils. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) and chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘President’) that had been growing in containers were transplanted into a landscape soil to determine if high N fertilization during the establishment period could accelerate the rate of establishment without exacerbating K and Mg deficiencies. Although plants of both species had the darkest green color and largest size when continuously fertilized with high N fertilizer, this treatment did induce Mg deficiency in both species. Plant size and color for both species were highly correlated with cumulative N application rates, but also with initial N application rates, suggesting that high N fertilization during the first 6 months affected plant quality at 12 and 24 months after planting, even if high N fertilization was discontinued. However, continued use of a moderate N landscape palm maintenance fertilizer ultimately produced areca palm plants as good as those receiving high N during the establishment period.

The part of Areca Palm (Areca catechu) that economical is the seed. It is commercially available in dried, cured and fresh forms, while the fibre is usually thrown away. Cellulose fibers from agricultural waste can be utilized as raw material for handicraft paper. Laboratory research showed that Areca palm fibre contained 70.2% of cellulose, 10.92% of water, and 6.02% of ash. This indicated that Areca palm fibre is very potential to be processed as handicraft paper. Handicraft paper is made of wastepaper or plants which cointain celluloce to produce rough-textured paper. In order to obtain preferred sensory quality of handicraft paper such as color, fiber appearance and texture as well as good physical quantity such as tensile strength, tear resistance and grammage, the addition of wastepaper to provide secondary fibre and sometimes adhesive are needed in making handicraft paper. Handicraft paper making was one alternative to treat the solid waste and to reduce the use of wood fiber as paper raw material. The aim of this study is to compare the two most famous method, i.e. Federer and Gomez Method, for calculate the number of replications. This study is preliminary research before do the research in order to get the best treatment to produce handicraft paper. The Gomez method calculates fewer replications than the Federer method. Based on data simulation the error generated using 3 replicates of 0.0876 while using 2 replicates of 0.1032.

Information on fungi associated with necrotic leaflets of exotic palms in Thailand is scanty, as previous studies were mainly focused on decaying fronds. This study provides some information regarding fungi associated with necrotic leaflets of exotic palms in Thailand. Specimens in this work were collected from several locations in Chiang Mai province, including natural and planted areas. One new species, Cercospora arecacearum on areca palm (Areca catechu), is described and illustrated. An ITS sequence data analysis confirms the separation of the new Cercospora species from related taxa. Another species, Neorehmia arecae, hitherto only known from areca palm, is newly recorded for Thailand. Furthermore, Wallichia siamensis is a new host for this species.

Betel use involves oral placement of shards of areca nut (Areca catechu palm seed containing the cholinergic agonist arecoline) wrapped with slaked lime in a betel leaf (Piper betle plant) or various chopped or powdered products containing areca nut and/or parts of the betel plant. Additives to this mixture include catechu (areca palm extract), spices/ sweeteners (e.g., saccharin, cloves), and/or tobacco. Betel use is most common in Asia and East India; however, little is known about the availability and characteristics of these products outside of this region. Thus, a representative sample of betel products and additives was purchased in the Richmond, Virginia area. Five venues were visited between March and May, 2006. Products successfully purchased were those containing betel alone (seven), betel/tobacco (three), tobacco alone (four), and additives (four). Most betel products listed ingredients on the packaging, though some did not explicitly distinguish between those with versus without tobacco. Importantly, seven of seven betel alone and one of three betel/tobacco products omitted any health-related warnings. All products were inexpensive and relatively obtainable in the groceries visited. More research is warranted in order to accurately estimate product emergence into the U.S. and other world markets, and the consequent impact on public health.

The complete genome of a novel virus, provisionally named areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), was identified in areca palm exhibiting leaf yellowing symptoms in Hainan province, China. The genome of APV1 consists of 16,080 nucleotides and possesses 11 open reading frames (ORFs), sharing 56.4 % nucleotide sequence identity with little cherry virus 1 (NC_001836.1). The genome organization of APV1 is highly similar to that of members of the genus Velarivirus (family Closteroviridae). Phylogenetic analysis placed APV1 together with members of the genus Velarivirus.

Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-chinensis), shooting star (Pseuderanthemum laxiflorum), downy jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), and `Jetty' spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum) were grown in containers using Osmocote Plus 15-9-12 (15N-3.9P-10K), which provided phosphorus (two experiments), or resin-coated urea plus sulfur-coated potassium sulfate, which provided no phosphorus (one experiment). Plants were treated with water drenches (controls), drenches with metalaxyl fungicide only, drenches with phosphoric acid (PO4-P), drenches with metalaxyl plus phosphorus from phosphoric acid, drenches with PhytoFos 4-28-10 [4N-12.2P-8.3K, a fertilizer containing phosphorous acid (PO3-P), a known fungicidal compound], or a foliar spray with PhytoFos 4-28-10. Plants receiving soil drenches with equivalent amounts of P from PhytoFos 4-28-10, PO4-P, or PO4-P+metalaxyl generally had the greatest shoot and root dry weights and foliar PO4-P concentrations. There were no differences between the control and metalaxyl-treated plants, indicating that root rot diseases were not a factor. Therefore, responses from PhytoFos 4-28-10 were believed to be due to its nutrient content, rather than its fungicidal properties. Foliar-applied PhytoFos 4-29-10 produced plants that were generally similar in size to control plants or those receiving metalaxyl only drenches. Fertilizers containing PO3-P appear to be about as effective as PO4-P sources when applied to the soil, but are relatively ineffective as a P source when applied as a foliar spray. A distinct positive synergistic response for shoot and root dry weights and foliar PO4-P concentrations was observed for the PO4-P+metalaxyl treatment when no P was applied except as a treatment.

In two experiments, chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), fishtail palm (Caryota mitis), macarthur palm (Ptychosperma macarthurii), shooting star (Pseuderanthemum laxiflorum), downy jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum), plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae), and foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) were transplanted into 6.2-L (2-gal) containers. They were fertilized with Osmocote Plus 15N-3.9P-10K (12-to14-month formulation) (Expt. 1) or Nutricote Total 18N-2.6P-6.7K (type 360) (Expt. 2) applied by either top dressing, substrate incorporation, or layering the fertilizer just below the transplanted root ball. Shoot dry weight, plant color, root dry weights in the upper and lower halves of the root ball, and weed shoot dry weight were determined when each species reached marketable size. Optimal fertilizer placement method varied among the species tested. With the exception of areca palm, none of the species tested grew best with incorporated fertilizer. Root dry weights in the lower half of the root ball for chinese hibiscus, bamboo palm, and downy jasmine were greatest when the fertilizer was layered and root dry weights in the upper half of the root ball were greatest for top-dressed chinese hibiscus. Weed growth was lower in pots receiving layered fertilizer for four of the six palm species tested.

The objective was to evaluate and compare foliar spray and soil drench application methods of iron (Fe) for correcting Fe deficiency in hybrid calibrachoa (Calibrachoa × hybrida) grown in a container medium at pH 6.9 to 7.4. Untreated plants showed severe chlorosis and necrosis, stunting, and lack of flowering. An organosilicone surfactant applied at 1.25 mL·L-1 (0.160 fl oz/gal) increased uptake of Fe from foliar applications of both ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and ferric ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA). Foliar sprays at 60 mg·L-1 (ppm) Fe were more effective when Fe was applied as Fe-EDTA than FeSO4. Increasing Fe concentration of foliar sprays up to 240 mg·L-1 Fe from Fe-EDTA or 368 mg·L-1 Fe (the highest concentrations tested) from ferric diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Fe-DTPA) increased chlorophyll content compared with lower spray concentrations, but leaf necrosis at the highest concentrations may have been caused by phytotoxicity. Drenches with ferric ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (Fe-EDDHA) at 20 to 80 mg·L-1 Fe were highly effective at correcting Fe-deficiency symptoms, and had superior effects on plant growth compared with drenches of Fe-DTPA at 80 mg·L-1 Fe or foliar sprays. Efficacy of Fe-DTPA drenches increased as concentration increased from 20 to 80 mg·L-1 Fe. An Fe-EDDHA drench at 20 to 80 mg·L-1 Fe was a cost-effective option for correcting severe Fe deficiency at high medium pH.

A commercially available microbial inoculant (Plant Growth Activator Plus) that contains 50 microorganisms, primarily bacteria, was evaluated in a soilless container substrate to determine its effects on root bacterial populations and growth response of container-grown plants at three fertilizer rates. The tropical ornamental plants included hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis `Double Red'), spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum `Green Velvet') and areca palm (Dypsis lutescens). The bacterial groups enumerated were fluorescent pseudomonads, actinomycetes, heat-tolerant bacteria, and total aerobic bacteria. Analysis of the inoculant before its use determined that fluorescent pseudomonads claimed to be in the inoculant were not viable. The plant variables measured were plant color rating, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. Only hibiscus shoot dry weight and color rating increased in response to the addition of the inoculant to the substrate. Hibiscus roots also had a significant increase in the populations of fluores-cent pseudomonads and heat-tolerant bacteria. From a commercial production point of view, increasing fertilizer rates in the substrate provided a stronger response in hibiscus than did addition of the microbial inoculant. Furthermore, use of the inoculant in this substrate did not compensate for reduced fertilizer inputs.

Areca nut or betelnut is the seed of areca palm (Areca catechu), grown in most of the humid countries. Areca nut is produced in many countries of the world. Amongst these, India is the largest producer of areca nut in the world followed by other Asian countries. The other producers are Indonesia, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Kenya and Maldives. Commercial cultivation of areca nut is done only in India, Bangladesh and Srilanka. However, it is grown as a stray crop in Indonesia and in some of the Pacific Ocean Island. The objective of the paper is to make comparative analysis of trends in area, production and productivity of areca nut in the world and in India. This study is based on secondary data. Compound annual growth rates for area, production and productivity of areca nut were estimated with log linear exponential function. It has been found from the study that the growth of area of areca nut is significantly high in the world compared to India, growth of production of areca nut is significantly high in the world compared to India and growth of productivity of areca nut is significantly high in India compared to the world.

In this study, areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis), pentas (Pentas lanceolat), and philodendron (Philodendron) `Hope' plants were transplanted into containers filled with four growing substrates and watered daily, every 2 days, or every 3 days using subirrigation or overhead irrigation. Plants were grown in either a pine bark/sedge peat/sand substrate (BSS), Metro-mix 500 (MM), Pro-mix GSX (PM), or a 60% biosolid substrate (SYT). For both irrigation systems, final shoot dry weight of pentas, crossandra, philodendron, and areca palm plants in each substrate was greatest for plants watered every day and least for plants watered every 3 days. At all three irrigation frequencies, pentas, crossandra, and philodendron shoot dry weight in subirrigated pots filled with PM was greater than in overhead watered pots filled with PM. PM had the highest total pore space and moisture content of the four substrates examined. There was no difference in pentas, crossandra, or philodendron shoot dry weight between the irrigation systems, at all three irrigation frequencies, when plants were grown in BSS, MM, or SYT. However, for all four substrates and at all three irrigation frequencies, areca palm shoot dry weight was greater in overhead watered pots than in subirrigated pots. The final substrate electrical conductivity (EC) in all four subirrigated palm substrates was more than double the concentrations in overhead watered palm substrates. In this study, largest pentas, crossandra, and philodendron plants were grown in pots filled with PM and subirrigated daily, while largest areca palm plants were grown in pots filled with MM or SYT and watered overhead daily.

Betel is a compound of natural substances chewed for its psychostimulating effects. Betel is composed of the nut of the areca palm (Areca catechu), the leaf of the betel pepper (Piper betle), and lime (calcium hydroxide). Approximately 200 million persons chew betel regularly throughout the western Pacific basin and south Asia. Only three drugs (nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine) are consumed more widely than betel. When betel is chewed, it produces mild psychoactive and cholinergic effects. There is copious production of a blood-red saliva that can stain oral structures. After years of chewing, the teeth may become red-brown to nearly black. Betel use is associated with oral leukoplakia, submucous fibrosis, and squamous cell carcinoma. Use of betel is discouraged in Western countries because of its alleged carcinogenic and perceived dysesthetic properties; nevertheless, betel is widely available in the West.

Chez le palmier Areca (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), cultivé dans une serre à La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentine), on a observé des symptômes d'une maladie qui n'avait pas été décrite précédemment. Les jeunes pétioles du bas pourrissaient d'abord, puis la feuille ensuite. Chez les pétioles malades, on a observé un mycélium aérien qui a donné une espèce de Fusarium en culture. D'après les caractéristiques morphologiques et culturales, tous les isolats ont été identifiés comme appartenant au F. moniliforme. Le pouvoir pathogène du champignon isolé a été démontré par inoculation sur des palmiers Areca. F. moniliforme a été ré-isolé à partir des palmiers inoculés et devenus infectés, selon les exigences du postulat de Koch., Symptoms of a previously undescribed disease were observed on greenhouse-planted Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), grown in La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Lower young petioles were rotted with the decay extending to the entire leaves. White mycelium was observed on diseased petioles from which a Fusarium sp. was recovered. Based on morphological and cultural criteria all isolates were identified as F. moniliforme. Pathogenicity was demonstrated on Areca plants inoculated with the fungus. F. moniliforme was reisolated from the inoculated palms to complete Koch's postulates.

Cultivation of areca palm results in two major agricultural wastes which are Areca husk and Areca sheath. Since they are slow in degradation, their disposal is a problem. Areca husk and sheath are major sources of cellulose. Hence they can be used in the production of cellulase using Fungi or bacteria. In this study, Pseudomonas fluorescens is used to produce cellulase from Areca husk and sheath. Characterization of cellulose degrading bacteria is done by carrying out Gram Staining and IMViC test. The isolated strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens was used for solid state fermentation using areca husk and sheath as sole carbon source. Optimum period of incubation for the process was found out to be 3 days and 36°C was the optimum temperature. pH 6 was the optimum pH of the medium.

Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing countries. These systems are an intimate mix of diversified agricultural crops and multipurpose trees planted, maintained by members of the household. This paper aims to explore the species composition commonly found in the homestead agroforestry systems in the Ganges valley of northern Bangladesh and their contribution to local livelihoods. Three villages i.e., ‘Capasia’, ‘Chak Capasia’ and ‘Baduria’ were selected as the primary study area. Data were collected by (1) rapid rural appraisal, (2) direct observation, (3) informal and structured interviews with a purposive sample of 90 households. A total of 53 plant species under 32 families were identified from the study area and it was found that the relative density were highest for Areca catechu (areca palm), Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) and Mangifera indica (mango). Financial analysis showed that homestead agroforestry net benefit increases with the increasing landholding classes. However, no significant difference was found between the number of species in different farm sizes, contrasting other studies that accused this relationship. The comparison of Shannon-Wiener index between agroforestry systems and natural forest showed no statistical difference, reinforcing the role of homegardens in biological conservation in Bangladesh. Therefore, increasing agroforestry practices in homesteads, should be the strategy for enhancing tree cover in order to meet basic needs of the local people and for environmental sustainability. Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing countries. These systems are an intimate mix of diversified agricultural crops and multipurpose trees planted, maintained by members of the household. This paper aims to explore the species composition commonly found in the homestead agroforestry systems in the Ganges valley of northern Bangladesh and their contribution to local livelihoods. Three villages i.e., ‘Capasia’, ‘Chak Capasia’ and ‘Baduria’ were selected as the primary study area. Data were collected by (1) rapid rural appraisal, (2) direct observation, (3) informal and structured interviews with a purposive sample of 90 households. A total of 53 plant species under 32 families were identified from the study area and it was found that the relative density were highest for Areca catechu (areca palm), Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) and Mangifera indica (mango). Financial analysis showed that homestead agroforestry net benefit increases with the increasing landholding classes. However, no significant difference was found between the number of species in different farm sizes, contrasting other studies that accused this relationship. The comparison of Shannon-Wiener index between agroforestry systems and natural forest showed no statistical difference, reinforcing the role of homegardens in biological conservation in Bangladesh. Therefore, increasing agroforestry practices in homesteads, should be the strategy for enhancing tree cover in order to meet basic needs of the local people and for environmental sustainability.

SUMMARY The Areca palm (Areca catechu Linn.) shows alternate phyllotaxy with angular deflection of about 143° between two consecutive leaves, which leads to a spiral mechanism. Foliar spirality of the plant may either be left (FSL) or right (FSR). Analysis of data on five consecutive leaves of 10 FSR and 10 FSL seedlings of Areca catechu reveals that the former plants possess a significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher number of stomata and stomatal indices over the latter ones. However, sides of each individual leaf have no effect in determining stomatal frequency, number of epidermal cells and their length. Sides of individual leaf vary significantly (P ≤ 0.05) only in respect of number of epidermal cells and their width. The foliar spirality of a plant, therefore, has a significant role in determining number of stomata per unit area.

Areca palm is an ornamental palm largely used in landscape which propagate occur by seeds germination. However, the biometry and the endogenous and exogenous factors than can limit propagation of this plant are poorly known, so this work was aimed characterize biometrics of fruits and seeds of areca palm and evaluate the germination of seeds in different substrates. For this, the biometric analyses of length, diameter and weight were recorded; the description of internal and external morphology of frit and seed were also studded. The treatments to improvement of seed germination were intact seeds (T1), intact seeds soaked in 500 mg L-1 GA3 solution (T2), physically scarified seeds with the aid of sandpaper (T3) and physically scarified seeds after immersion in 500 mg L-1 GA3 solution (T4). The Seeds were sown in containers containing sand, coir dust or vermiculite. The areca pal fruits and seeds are both, elliptical shape and the weight of fruits and seeds is 1.70g and 1.04g, respectively. There is positive correlation between fruit weight and length and diameter of the fruit and just like the diameter has a positive correlation with the diameter of the seed. The mechanical scarification improve the seed germination. The Coir dust is the most atrophied substrate to seed germination of areca palm. The seed germination of Areca palm is hypogeal and the protrusion of the haustorium was observed at 59 days after sowing and the plantlets is fully grown at 153 after sowing.

Spathiphyllum Schott. `Mauna Loa Supreme' and areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens H. Wendl.) were grown for 6 months in 3.5-liter containers using a pine bark–sedge peat–sand container medium or a native sand soil. Plants were fertilized with equivalent amounts of a 21N–3P–12K fertilizer applied weekly as a liquid, monthly as a soluble granular, bimonthly as a lightly coated controlled-release, or every 6 months as a heavily coated controlled-release fertilizer. All leachates were collected and analyzed weekly for NO3-N, PO4-P, and K. Amounts of all three nutrients leached per week varied considerably in response to fertilizer reapplications or high rainfall. Nitrate leaching generally decreased over time, PO4-P leaching increased, and K remained relatively constant. Shoot dry weights of spathiphyllum were equivalent for all fertilization methods, but areca palm shoot dry weights were highest with liquid fertilization and lowest with the soluble granular fertilizer. Nutrient leaching for all three ions was highest for the soluble granules and lowest for the two controlled-release formulations.

Yellow leaf disease (YLD) with phytoplasmal aetiology is a serious disease of arecanut palm in India. The present study was undertaken to characterize the 16S rRNA and secA gene sequences of the Indian arecanut YLD phytoplasma for ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ’ species assignment and 16Sr group/subgroup classification. Phytoplasma 16S rRNA genes were amplified using three sets of semi-nested/nested primers, 1F7/7R3–1F7/7R2, 4Fwd/3Rev–4Fwd/5Rev and P1/P7–R16F2n/R16R2, producing amplicons of 491, 1150 and 1250 bp, respectively, from diseased samples. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced. A blast search showed that the sequences had 99 % similarity with sugar cane white leaf phytoplasma (16SrXI) and Napier grass stunt phytoplasma (16SrXI). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed the clustering of YLD phytoplasma with the rice yellow dwarf and Bermuda grass white leaf groups. The YLD phytoplasma F2nR2 sequence shared 97.5 % identity with that of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae ’ and 97.8 % identity with that of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis ’. Hence, for finer differentiation, we examined the secA gene-based phylogeny, where the YLD phytoplasma clustered with Napier grass stunt and sugar cane grassy shoot phytoplasmas, both belonging to the rice yellow dwarf group. Hence, we are assigning the Indian arecanut YLD phytoplasma as a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae ’-related strain. Virtual RFLP analysis of a 1.2 kb fragment of the 16S rRNA gene (F2nR2 region) identified the Indian arecanut YLD phytoplasma as a member of 16SrXI-B subgroup. We name the phytoplasma Indian yellow leaf disease phytoplasma, to differentiate it from the Hainan YLD phytoplasma, which belongs to group 16SrI.

Background Whether the habitual use of substances (tobacco, alcohol, or areca nut (seed of the Areca palm)) can affect the age of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) presentation has rarely been examined. Methods The study subjects were those who were males and the first time to be diagnosed as ESCC (ICD-9 150) and who visited any of three medical centers in Taiwan between 2000 and 2009. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect substance uses and other variables. Results Mean age (±SD) at presentation of ESCC was 59.2 (±11.3) years in a total of 668 cases. After adjusting for other covariates, alcohol drinkers were 3.58 years younger to have ESCC than non-drinkers (p = 0.002). A similar result was found among areca chewers, who were 6.34 years younger to have ESCC than non-chewers (p

Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is a popular ornamental palm that can be grown outdoors in mild climates and is commonly used as an indoor ornamental plant. During 2005, commercial palm producers lost significant numbers of areca palm seedlings grown in transplant trays to a crown rot disease. Initial symptoms consisted of a light brown discoloration of stems near the soil line. As disease progressed, the brown discoloration extended up the stem and down into the crown, foliage became gray green, and the entire plant then dried up and died. Extensive, white, cottony mycelium and numerous sclerotia developed externally on the lower stem, crown, attached palm seed, and surrounding peat moss medium. Mycelial growth was so extensive that the fungus often grew from one transplant tray cell, bridged across the plastic cell border, and into an adjacent transplant cell. Tan, spherical sclerotia measured approximately 1 mm in diameter. Isolations from diseased plants resulted in the recovery of the same white fungus that produced sclerotia. On the basis of sclerotia morphology and the presence of clamp connections at hyphal septa, the fungus was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii. Pathogenicity was tested by growing isolates on potato dextrose agar, drying the resulting sclerotia for 48 h, and then depositing 8 to 10 sclerotia at the base of healthy areca palm seedlings. Five isolates were tested using 40 plants per isolate. Non-inoculated controls were also included. All plants were incubated in a greenhouse at 22 to 25°C. After 2 weeks, inoculated plants began to show brown necrosis at the base of the stems; by the third week, plants began to dry up, and mycelium and sclerotia developed on the crowns. S. rolfsii was reisolated from all necrotic crown and stem tissues. Noninoculated controls did not develop any disease symptoms. To my knowledge, this is the first report of southern blight of C. lutescens in California. This disease has been reported on areca palms and other foliage plants in the southern United States and Central and South America (1). Circumstantial evidence (the disease occurred on palm seedlings that were planted in previously unused transplant trays and new peat moss rooting medium) suggests that the pathogen may have been brought in on palm seed. In the nursery, other foliage plants that are susceptible to S. rolfsii were planted in the same rooting medium but were unaffected by southern blight. Reference: (1) A. R. Chase. Compendium of Ornamental Foliage Plant Diseases. The American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN, 1987.

Changes in electrolyte leakage and viability in response to dehydration stress were examined in two species of seeds that do not survive desiccation. Leakage from silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) seeds increased markedly as seed moisture contents decreased from 45 to 35% (fresh weight basis) and germination decreased from 97 to 5%, coincidentally. Time course curves of imbibitional leakage from areca palm (Chrysalido-carpus lutescens [Bory] Wendl.) embryos showed an increase in both initial leakage and steady-state leakage rates in response to dehydration from an original moisture content of 84 to as low as 53%. Absorbance at 530 nanometers of extracts from triphenyl tetrazolium chloride stained embryos of areca palm was used as a measure of viability. Absorbance decreased significantly in response to dehydration as embryo moisture content decreased from 80 to 30%. Collectively, the data suggest that membranes in the desiccation-sensitive seed tissues studied are damaged by dehydration below a critical moisture content, 40% in silver maple seed and 55% in areca palm embryos, and that the membrane damage contributes to loss of viability.

The species of the cixiid genus Myndus occurring in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are reviewed. M. macfarlanei sp. n. is described from Santa Cruz Islands. It is distinguished from M. mavors Fennah and M. taffini Bonfils, both of which are redescribed and illustrated. All species have been collected from coconut palms, and M. macfarlanei also from areca palm (Areca catechu). M. taffini has been previously confirmed as the vector of foliar decay of coconut palms in Vanuatu.

This study was initiated to determine the optimal stage to transplant Areca Palm, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens H. Wendl., seedlings and to determine their tolerance to adverse handling during transplanting. Best growth and less plant loss occurred when transplanting was done at an early developmental stage (spike or 1st-leaf stage compared to 2nd-leaf stage). Growth reduction and losses were minimized when minimum root disturbance and desiccation occurred.

The Capsid described in the present paper came under observation in Malaya some years ago but was not then specifically determined. Mr. W. E. China, of the British Museum (Natural History), was kind enough recently to examine it, and came to the conclusion that a new genus should be erected to contain it. Specimens were returned to me by Sir Guy Marshall, Director of the Imperial Institute of Entomology, along with some notes made by Mr. China which would be of use in the preparation of the diagnosis of the new genus.

The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is so widely cultivated that the continued survival of a wild form of this palm has been doubted. It is possible to test a theory that describes what a wild-type coconut would look like because it also predicts where wild-type coconut palms might still be growing. On the basis of a 50-year-old translation of an unpublished manuscript written in 1668, a particular locality in the Philippines was visited and coconuts of the anticipated type were found. They have characteristics, particularly of their fruit, that make them unpopular with farmers, and they are in a natural situation where they would not have been planted on purpose. This finding has practical implications for coconut genetic resource conservation, and it may also provide insight on the extent of cadang-cadang disease in the Philippines. COCONUTS ARE AN IMPORTANT CROP IN THE PHILIPPINES, where 417 million palms occupy about one-quarter of the land that is cultivated for agriculture. Exports of copra and coconut oil currently account for over 80 percent of the Philippines' coconut production and about 70 percent of the world's trade in these commodities (Arboleda 1981). Yet, even before it became industrially important, the coconut played a significant part in trade among the Philippines, America, and Europe. From 1565 to 1815, the Manila galleons carried valuable Oriental silks and spices across the Pacific Ocean to Acapulco, for onward transport across the American isthmus and the Atlantic Ocean to Cadiz. Coconuts provided essential fibers for ropes and cables and for caulking the seams of the wooden-walled ships. Fresh, ripe coconuts were also taken on board at the beginning of each voyage to provide sweet, uncontaminated, and refreshing "meat" and drink throughout the crossing, which might last for six months or more (Eleazar 1981). The Spaniards had learned about these nautical uses of the coconut from the Portuguese (Harries 1978) 20 years before Magellan reached the Philippines. As early as 1642, Governor Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera decreed that village chiefs should plant 200 coconut trees (Eleazar 1981). By subsequent Spanish decrees in the 18th century, at the height of the galleon trade, all natives were obliged to plant some coconuts, areca palm, cacao, and pepper; rich natives were required to plant 200 feet of land in coconut and another 200 feet in abaca (Camus 1957). Abaca (Manila hemp), which was also used for ship rigging, was not successfully taken from the Philippines to grow in America until this century (Purseglove 1972), but any coconuts that germinated during the voyage or remained unconsumed simply got planted. It is therefore no coincidence that the common coconut on the Pacific coast of Central and South America, from Mexico to Peru, is similar to the San Ramon and Tagnanan forms of the Philippines common tall coconut. It has a large, thin-husked, spherical fruit with an obovate, thin-shelled nut inside that contains a large amount of liquid endosperm when immature. These features of the fruit, together with those of the palm's growth pattern, have resulted from domestic selection and are identified as the Niu vai type in contrast to the wild, or Niu kafa, type (Harries 1978). The fruit of the wild type is long, angular, and thick-husked, with small, egg-shaped nut. These and other growth characteristics arose by natural selection for factors affecting dissemination by floating (Harries 1981a). Geography and history have kept these two forms isolated from each other in Central and South America (Richardson et al. 1978), but in Asia and the Pacific coconuts grew long before European intervention and it has been assumed that the domestic coconut displaced the wild type. It is possible to examine this assumption in the Philippines and show it to be unfounded. One of the earliest accounts about coconuts in the Philippines and perhaps the first well-informed agricultural study-by Alzina in 1668-was based on 34 years I Received 17 January 1983; Revised 12 August 1983; accepted 22 September 1983. 2 Present address: National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines at Los Banios, College, Laguna 3720, Philippines. 3Present address: Chief Agronomist/Plant Breeder, Dami Oil Palm Research Station, P.O. Box 165, Kimbe West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea. 140 BIOTROPICA 16(2): 140-147 1984 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.149 on Mon, 03 Oct 2016 06:02:32 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms