The incidence of Ganoderma root and bole rot of coconut in Sri Lanka

A tapering disease of coconut in Sri Lanka caused by Ganoderma boninense Pat. is described. Affected plams show necrosis of pinnae, dropping of dead leaves, necrosis of male flowers and a reduction in nut setting. Extensive root decay is also noticed. During the final stages of the disease, a soft rot is observed at the bud. Further, stem,-bleeding and rotting of the bole are observed. Fruit-bodies ususally occur at the base of the bole