Explore effective strategies and common misconceptions in managing diseases of coconut palms. Assess your understanding of symptoms, control measures, and preventive practices for healthier coconut crops.
A coconut plantation is experiencing premature fruit drop and yellowing leaves starting from the older fronds. Which disease is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Explanation: Lethal Yellowing causes yellowing of older leaves and premature fruit drop. Bud Rot typically affects the central bud, Stem Bleeding presents as exudation from the trunk, and Crown Choking results in hardened fronds around the crown. The described symptoms are best matched to Lethal Yellowing.
What is the first recommended action when early symptoms of bud rot (softening and discoloration of the central shoot) are detected in coconut palms?
Explanation: Removing and destroying affected tissues helps contain bud rot spread. Increasing nitrogen or flooding may worsen plant stress, while insecticide does not address the fungal cause. Targeted sanitation is the most effective initial step.
During rainy seasons, which practice helps reduce the risk of stem bleeding disease in coconut plantations?
Explanation: Good drainage lowers fungal growth associated with stem bleeding. Pruning all mature fronds weakens the tree, urea sprays do not prevent fungal infection, and wrapping trunks with plastic traps moisture, promoting disease. Proper drainage is the preventive measure.
What is an often overlooked early sign of root (wilt) disease in coconuts, especially in comparison to healthy palms?
Explanation: Root wilt is characterized early by flaccid or drooping leaflets. White powdery spots suggest fungal foliar diseases; swollen trunk base is not typical in coconut diseases; red streaks on fruit are not linked to root wilt. Flaccid leaflets best represent the early symptom.
A farmer observes brown, irregular spots on coconut palm leaves. Which general control method is most effective for managing these leaf spot diseases?
Explanation: Fungicides are effective against foliar fungal pathogens causing leaf spots. Insecticides target pests, denser planting worsens spread, and over-irrigation creates favorable conditions for disease. Fungicidal application is the most appropriate control.