akes place in the flavor of the kernels. During the
heat of summer, however, they deteriorate. The natural amount of
moisture in them is reduced, the air enters, oxidation takes place and
the flavor becomes rancid.

These changes can be prevented if the nuts are kept in cold storage, say
at a temperature of from thirty-five to forty degrees. When nuts are
kept in the house, they should be stored in the coolest possible place,
in sealed jars or tight boxes.

PART V.

Diseases. Insects.

CHAPTER XIV.

FUNGOUS AND OTHER DISEASES OF THE PECAN.

The fungous diseases attacking the pecan have not been thoroughly
investigated. They have not, however, become so numerous or common as to
cause serious damage except in a few instances. The true fungous
diseases are usually propagated and disseminated by means of spores, and
the most effectual method of control usually consists in spraying with
Bordeaux mixture or some other fungicide. For all fungous diseases of
the pecan which may be controlled by spraying no substance will give
better results than Bordeaux mixture, and directions for preparing it
are given at the end of this chapter. Paris green, at the rate of four
ounces to each fifty gallons of liquid, may be added to the mixture for
the destruction of biting insects. For effectual work in spraying large
trees, a platform should be erected on the wagon-bed to make it possible
to reach the tops with the spray.

PECAN LEAF BLIGHT (_Cercospora Halstedii_): This disease of
pecan leaves causes them to turn brown, wither up and drop
prematurely. At first, small brown spots are noted. These
become larger, and at length the whole leaf is destroyed. When
attacked by this disease the tree makes no progress. An
examination of the discolored areas, under a microscope, shows
the presence of tuft-like growths of spores upon short
conidiophores. As they become matured the spores are scattered
by the rain or wind and so the disease is spread. It probably
lives over from one season to another on the diseased leaves.

The most effective remedy is to spray thoroughly three times
with Bordeaux mixture. The first application should be given
just when the young leaves are expanding, followed by two
others at intervals of two or three weeks. The fallen leaves
should, if feasible, be gathered and burned.

Pecan Scab (_Fusicladium effusum_): This