What are the common pests and diseases of coconut? Detailed explanation of control methods

We are all familiar with coconut. Our coconut producing areas are mainly in Hainan and the Taiwan region, mainly because only the light intensity and rainfall there can meet its growth needs. Coconut is an organic plant fruit. It is not only pollution-free, but also rich in a variety of nutrients beneficial to the human body. However, when planting coconut, it will be affected by a variety of pests and diseases. Do you know which ones they are? Let's take a look below with Qinnong Network.

1. Gray leaf spot

Gray leaf spot is caused by pathogens infecting the leaves, leading to necrosis of leaf tissue, gradual drying and curling, weak plant growth, slow growth of diseased seedlings, affecting the yield of mature trees, delaying fruiting, and when the disease is severe, causing the death of young trees.

Control methods: strengthen nursery management, improve drainage conditions, pay attention to balanced fertilization when fertilizing, avoid applying nitrogen fertilizer alone, and also appropriately apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer as a top dressing, which can improve the disease resistance of plants. When the disease occurs, spray with agents such as chlorothalonil and mancozeb, then remove the infected diseased leaves and fallen dead leaves, collect and burn them to prevent secondary infection.

2. Bud rot

Bud rot can occur at all stages of coconut growth. It can occur sporadically or over a large area. As can be seen from its name, it mainly harms the young leaves and leaf buds of coconut trees. As the disease develops, the young leaves and leaf buds begin to wither and fall off. In severe cases, the leaf bud area rots, causing the plant to become a bare trunk or die.

Control methods: strengthen management, patrol more, and when disease is found in leaf buds, promptly remove the diseased parts manually to prevent the disease from spreading, then spray copper agents or other fungicides for control. The cut wounds must be treated properly to prevent other pathogens from invading and causing other diseases. In addition, the removed parts must be burned and must not be thrown around. If the plant's growth has been damaged, cut down and burn the entire plant.

3. Coconut stem bleeding disease

Coconut stem bleeding disease is a common disease in many major coconut planting countries. It is extremely harmful to coconut trees. In the early stage of the disease, small lesions appear on the stem base of the trunk. As the disease develops, the lesions expand and combine into large lesions. Cracks of various sizes form on the trunk, the internal tissue of the stem begins to rot, and a rusty-colored liquid flows out, subsequently causing the leaves to wither and the plant to die.

Control methods: strengthen the protection of coconut trees to prevent trunk damage caused by human or other factors, which can reduce the occurrence of this disease; strengthen fertilizer and water management, increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, improve disease resistance, and pay attention to drainage. When disease is found, cut off the diseased parts, then apply coal tar or Bordeaux mixture to the wounds, and the removed tissue must be burned to avoid secondary infection.

4. Pests

There are many pests of coconut, but not many cause harm. Common ones include coconut scale, two-spotted rhinoceros beetle, and red palm weevil. They mainly harm the leaves of coconut trees, suck sap, cause leaves to wither and fall off, affect coconut tree growth, and in severe cases cause plant death, though cases leading to plant death are rare.

Control methods: strengthen management, promptly collect and burn fallen leaves and branches on the ground in a centralized manner to avoid pests laying eggs in them, and spray agents regularly for control.

The above are the common pest and disease control methods for coconut brought to you by Qinnong Network. The content about coconut pests and diseases is introduced here. If you want to learn more, please stay tuned to Qinnong Network.