Diseases of Fruit Plantation Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

Fruit rot

Causal organism:Phytophthora palmivora

• Fruit rot also called 'Mahali' is used by the fungus Phytophthora palmivora during monsoon period. It affects immature as well as mature nuts. Dropping of buttons becomes more common after the rains when the atmospheric humidity is high with low temperature.
Symptoms

• A water-soaked area develops near ,the fruit stalk during the monsoon. The fruit appears dark green at first and in the fruit rot may extend to the' husk and further into the kernel cavity.


Management

• Fruit rot and button dropping caused by fungal infection can be controlled by spraying young bunches with 1% Bordeaux mix during pre- and post-monsoon periods.
• Irrigation during summer months is particularly important for retention of buttons.
• Regular manuring and proper cultural practices may reduce the disease incidence.