Coconut growers in Tiptur taluk of Tumakuru district, Karnataka, are worried about a Bud Rot disease causing coconut tree crowns to break off and fall. The problem has been reported in Mattihalli, Hosahalli and Halkurike villages, as well as large parts of Nonavinakere and Kasaba hoblis. Bud Rot is a fatal disease of coconut palms characterized by the rotting of the terminal bud and surrounding tissues. The disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora palmivora. The disease can affect coconut palms of all ages, but young palms are particularly vulnerable. The fungus attacks the growing point of the coconut palm, and once this point is destroyed, the palm cannot recover. The disease becomes more severe during the monsoon because of high relative humidity.
