Crop Protection News : Protective measures for coconut diseases

Central Plantation Crops Research Institute have found certain preventive measures for diseases found in Coconut.
1. Root (Wilt) Disease:

The main cause of root (wilt) disease of coconut was established as phytoplasma by electron microscopy, transmission through dodder, light microscopic staining techniques and molecular tools.
Proutista moesta and Stephanitis typica were identified as the disease transmission vectors.
A rapid and sensitive sero-diagnostic test (ELISA) was done for the early detection of root (wilt) disease.

2. Leaf rot disease:

Leaf rot is caused by mainly three fungal pathogens namely Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Exerohilum rostratum usarium solani.
For effective management of leaf rot disease application of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis, biocontrol agents along with phytosanitation is used.

3. Bud rot:

For controlling disease, pouring mancozeb solution (5g/300ml of water) coupled with placing of 2 mancozeb sachets (5 g/ sachet) in the inner most leaf axils is used.
Phosphorus acid (Akomin) solution (0.5%) @ 300 ml/palm is also used for disease management.

4. Stem bleeding:

Trichoderma virens, T. harzianum, T. viride and T. hamatum is found to be condtradictory to the stem bleeding pathogen Thielaviopsis paradoxa.
For disease management, root feeding with tridemorph and soil application of neem cake is used.

5. Fruit Rot and Immature Nut Fall:

Lasiodiplodia theobromae was identified as the major causal organism for Fruit Rot and Immature Nut Fall disease.

Carbendazim or a combination product of carbendazim and mancozeb is used for effective management of disease.

Source: http://www.cpcri.gov.in/