Palms of all age are liable to be attacked but normally young palms are more susceptible, particularly during monsoon when the temperature is low and humidity is very high.
In seedlings, the spear leaf turns pale and comes off with a gentle pull.
In adult palms, the first visible symptom is the colour change of the spear, which becomes pale and breaks at the base and hangs down.
The tender leaf base and soft tissues of the crown rot into a slimy mass of decayed material emitting a foul smell.
The rotting slowly progresses downwards, finally affecting the meristem and killing the palms. This is accompanied by drooping of successive leaves. Nuts that are retained on the palm may grow to maturity.
The disease proves fatal if not checked at the early stages, before damage of the bud.
Management
In early stages of the disease (when the heartleaf starts withering) cut and remove all affected tissues of the crown. Apply Bordeaux paste and protect it from rain till normal shoot emerges.
Burn all disease-affected tissues removed from the palm.
Spray 1.0 per cent Bordeaux mixture on spindle leaves and crown of disease affected as well as neighbouring palms, as a prophylactic measure
