Biocontrol of stem bleeding in coconut
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Infested young plants decay faster
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STEM BLEEDING in coconut is a debilitating disease prevalent in all coconut growing regions.
Though the disease does not cause crop loss in the early stage, a steady decline in yield is noticed as the disease advances, and in some cases palms die.
Earliest symptom
The earliest visible symptom is the presence of characteristic dark brown patches at the basal portion of the trunk. In course of time, cracks can be seen from which dark reddish brown liquid exudes.
The liquid eventually dries up to form black crusts on the bark. The tissues beneath the discoloured patches show rotting.
Cavity formation
In young infected palms the decaying process is fast and cavities are formed from which a liquid oozes out when the bark is pressed.
Severe infection may lead to reduced yield and death of young palms.
Smearing of talc powder paste of Trichoderma viride or T.harzianum or T.hamatum on the bleeding patches on the stem (the paste can be prepared by adding 25 ml of water to 50 g of talc powder) is recommended.
Soil application of 50 g of talc powder formulation of any one of the above in combination with 5 kg of neem cake/palm/year in disease prone coconut gardens will help.
Damage to the stem should be avoided.
B. SRINIVASULU
& D.V. RAGHAVA RAO
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Agricultural Research Station, Ambajipeta,
Andhra Pradesh
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