PART 111.
was the existence of numerous types passing under the same varietal
name, and the want of information with regard to their characters
made it a difficult matter to procure what was actually desired.
It was agreed that the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation be
asked to assist plant breeders in obtaining seed varieties as they may
require.
11. Wirp CoTTON IN AFRICA.
The Section was much interested in a paper by Baron Surcouf
(T.C.(C)Cot.13. See page 156) in reference to a wild cotton
discovery by him in Portuguese Hast Africa. Baron Surcouf
attended a meeting of the Section for the purpose of reading this
paper. A discussion followed. Information was given as to other
types of wild cotton which had been observed and collected in
neighbouring territories.
The Section thanked Baron Surcouf for his interesting paper and
said that they would be very pleased to receive specimens of the seed
from him and to grow the cotton; members undertook to publish the
results of any observations made.
12. Discussions WITH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND MyCOLOGICAL SECTION.
Meetings of the combined Cotton, Entomological and Mycological
Sections of the Conference were held on the 24th August. The
Minutes of the meetings will be found in the records of the
Entomological and Mycological Section, see Part IV., Chapter II.
As regards Mycology, it was unfortunate, from the point of view
of the Cotton Section, that neither of the two Mycologists present
were in any way engaged on Cotton problems.
Bollrot diseases were discussed to some extent, in connection with
Stainer attacks; and a statement to the effect that, it appeared
probable that Blackarm disease might be dealt with by the production
of immune strains, was made by one member of the Cotton Section.
Altogether it appeared that, with the exception of Bollrots,
Cotton diseases attributable to mycological causes, are, relatively
speaking, of minor importance in the territories represented at the
Conference.
As regards insect pests on Cotton, it appeared that a very
different state of affairs existed to that regarding fungus pests. There
seemed to be no doubt in the minds of the members of the Meeting
that the major obstacles to the successful production of Cotton in the
territories are the attacks and depredations of insect pests.
In the course of the discussion particular mention was made of
Bollworms of different kinds—Stainers, especially in reference to the
occurrence of Bollrot diseases and their transmission; Apion beetles;
Aphides and Jassids.
As regards the major pests, the whole of the discussion may be
summed up in the statement made by the Chairman of the Meeting
(Mr. Fuller) to the effect that, in the opinion of all the Entomologists
present, further investigation was essential in all items. Reasonable
progress appeared to have been made in the study of Jassid attack
and its control, a note describing which is supplied by a member of
the Cotton Section and is included in the Minutes of the Meeting.
See pace 181.

1908