Leaf Rot( Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Exserohilum rostratum and Fusarium Spp )

Symptoms

• The first symptom is the appearance of water-soaked brown lesions in the spear leaves of root-wilt affected palms. Gradually these spots enlarge and coalesce resulting in extensive rotting.
• As the leaf unfurls, the rotten portions of the lamina dry and get blown off in wind, giving a ‘fan’ shape to the leaves.
• Sometimes, the symptom becomes very acute and the spear fails to unfurl.

Management

• Remove the rotten portions from the spear and the two adjacent leaves.
• Spray crowns and leaves with 1per cent Bordeaux mixture in January, April-May and September
• After crown cleaning (removal and destruction of affected parts) in coconut palms pour 300 ml of any of the following bio-control agent at the base of spear leaves twice a year (April-May and September- October) 1. Pseudomonas fluorescens (20 g l-1) or 2. PGPR mix II (20 g l-1). .0 per cent Bordeaux mixture on spindle leaves and crown of disease affected as well as neighbouring palms, as a prophylactic measure