Bud Rot Disease

• Recently in News: Coconut growers in Tiptur taluk, Tumakuru district, Karnataka, have reported concerns over bud rot disease affecting coconut trees.
• Affected crop: Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera).
• Causal organism: Phytophthora palmivora, a fungus-like pathogen (oomycete).
• Nature of disease: It causes rotting of the terminal bud and surrounding tissues and can be fatal to the palm.
• Favourable conditions: Monsoon, high humidity and wet conditions. Young palms are generally more susceptible.
• Symptoms: The central spear or spindle leaf turns pale, withers, turns brown and droops. The affected tissue rots and emits a foul smell; the leaf can be pulled out easily.
• Impact: When the growing point is destroyed, the palm may die.
• Management: Early removal of infected tissues, crown sanitation and appropriate fungicidal treatment can help control the disease.

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements about Bud Rot Disease:

1. It primarily affects coconut palms.
2. It is caused by Phytophthora palmivora.
3. It is favoured by dry weather and low humidity.
4. It damages the terminal bud of the palm.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 — Correct: Bud rot disease primarily affects coconut palms.
• Statement 2 — Correct: It is caused by Phytophthora palmivora, a fungus-like pathogen belonging to the group Oomycetes.
• Statement 3 — Incorrect: The disease is favoured by high humidity, heavy rainfall and wet conditions, not dry weather and low humidity.
• Statement 4 — Correct: The disease attacks the terminal bud, also called the growing point. Severe infection can destroy the growing point and kill the palm.

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