Explore key coconut diseases, their symptoms, and management strategies to safeguard healthy coconut yields. Strengthen your knowledge with real-world scenarios and factual questions.
A coconut farmer observes yellowing and wilting of the central young leaves, which then collapse; a soft, foul-smelling mass is found in the crown area. Which disease is most likely affecting these coconut palms?
Explanation: Bud Rot is characterized by yellowing, drooping, and rotting of new leaves due to infection at the crown, with a foul smell present. Coconut Lethal Yellowing mainly affects mature leaves and inflorescence, not the central bud. Stem Bleeding causes oozing on trunks, not bud collapse. Root Wilt prominently affects roots and older leaves, not the bud area.
Which environmental factor most commonly increases the incidence and spread of bud rot in coconut plantations?
Explanation: Bud Rot thrives and spreads during periods of high humidity and rainfall, which favor the growth of pathogen spores. Sandy soil is more related to nutrient availability and does not specifically increase disease spread. Drought typically suppresses fungal diseases. Low nighttime temperatures have no primary link to bud rot occurrence.
A coconut tree develops brown exudates that ooze out of vertical cracks on the trunk, while the canopy mostly remains healthy. Which disease should be suspected in this scenario?
Explanation: Stem Bleeding presents as brownish liquid oozing from trunk cracks, typical for this disease. Bud Rot primarily affects the crown and new leaves, not the trunk. Fruit Rot impacts the coconuts themselves. Yellow Leaf Disease involves leaf discoloration without exudates from the trunk.
In a region where coconut palms show extensive root decay, drooping older leaves, and reduced nut yield, which management method is most suitable to limit the impact of root wilt disease?
Explanation: Root Wilt is managed primarily by growing tolerant varieties and enhancing soil health to support palm vigor. Fungicide sprays are inefficient as Root Wilt is not primarily fungal. Excess irrigation can worsen root problems. Collecting fallen fronds helps sanitation but doesn't control the main disease mechanism.
Which organism commonly causes bud rot disease in coconut trees under high moisture conditions?
Explanation: Phytophthora palmivora is a water mold responsible for bud rot under wet conditions. Ganoderma lucidum causes basal stem rot, not bud rot. Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae is linked to lethal yellowing, and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (red palm weevil) causes direct mechanical damage, not bud rot.