Controlling basal stem rot in coconut
AMONG THE various fungal diseases affecting coconut, basal stem rot (Ganoderma wilt) is the most destructive.
During the early stage of infection no external disease symptoms are clearly visible.
Decay and death of fine roots is the first underground symptom of the disease.
The first characteristic visual system of the disease is exudation of reddish brown viscous fluid from basal portions of the stem.
Unhealthy leaves
The bleeding patches begin from the base and extend upwards as the disease progresses.
As the disease advances, the leaves droop down in quick succession leaving only the spindle with new unhealthy leaves. .
Growth arrested
Normal development of flowers and bunches is arrested, leading to button shedding and nuts become barren.
Finally, all the leaves droop and fall out. The stem shrivels and dries up.
Integrated management
— The diseased part of the garden should be isolated from healthy areas by digging an isolation trench (1 meter deep and 0.5 meter width).
— Removal and burning of diseased and dead palms along with roots is recommended.
— Injury or damage to roots and pruning or cutting of roots should be avoided to prevent the chances of the soil borne pathogen-gaining entry through injured roots.
— Since the disease is more severe in soils with poor water holding capacity, raising and ploughing insitu of green manuring crops such as sunhemp and diancha are advised.
— Selection of infested seedlings should be avoided andapplication of Trichoderma Viride (50 g) in combination with 5 kg neem cake/ palm/ year is recommended.
B. SRINIVASULU & D.V.R. RAO
Agricultural Research Station,Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
Andhra Pradesh
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