Identification

The first step in understanding how to treat a problem is to understand it's cause. For pests and diseases, this requires identification.

In this section we provide images of symptoms of pests and diseases of coconut to assist in identification. Sometimes this can be difficult. If you are having problems your first point of assistance is with your local biosecurity / agriculture departments. They can contact SPC for assistance.

To help with identification you can also ask a question on PestNet (include an image) or contact experts directly in our Getting help section. The Pacific Pests and Pathogens app can help you identify hundreds pests and diseases.

We have arranged the information in this section according to the part of the plant that is affected. And we have a page on the insects and animals that are known to damage coconut directly, or are hosts of diseases (and how to collect samples to confirm identification):

Leaf symptoms : Bud / flower symptoms : Crown symptoms : Nut symptoms : Stem symptoms : Insects : Animals : Collecting samples for identification

Remember that factors other than pests and diseases can influence plant health. For example,  poor nutrition can cause yellowing of palms, so nutritional analysis should be undertaken along with disease diagnostics. Also weather conditions (e.g., drought) can cause plants to dry out and wither. Improper herbicide use (i.e. spray drift) can cause burning and yellowing of leaves. Consider these factors as possible causes of symptoms also.

Identification resources

IDTools: Symptoms of palm diseases, damage and and pests [ONLINE]

IDTools: Screening aid to pests [ONLINE]

Pacific Pests and Pathogens App for all mobile devices [ONLINE]

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