Ganoderma Butt Rot Of Palms Description:
This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks palms. Palm fronds wilt from the bottom turning from dark green to brown. Mushroom growths, called conks, are seen on the lower portion of the trunk. Small conks are creamy white and soft that become hard as they age with a glossy, brownish upper surface. The entire crown of the palm falls off and the trunk gradually collapses.
Hosts:
Several palm species are susceptible to this disease, including:
- Queen palm, Syagrus romanzoffianum
- Pindo palm, Butia capitata
- Coconut palm, Cocos nucifera
- Canary Island Date palm, Phoenix canariensis
- Senegal Date palm, Phoenix reclinata
- True (edible) Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera
- Cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto
Biology & Symptoms:
Fungus spores released by the conks disperse in the wind and infect other palms through wounds on the trunk. Disease transmission may also occur through soil contaminated with roots from an infected palm.
Management:
Fungicides have not been proven effective in managing this disease, so prevention is crucial. Minimize or eliminate wounds to the trunk and plant palms in sunny areas with well-drained soils. If any palms are found infected, remove them immediately and do not replant another palm in the same site for at least one year.
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