What is deadly yellowing of coconut palms?
Lethal yellowing (LY) is one of the most important diseases of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) in the American tropics because it spreads rapidly, kills palms quickly and is incurable at present.
What was the first report of coconut lethal yellowing disease in Guatemala?
First report of coconut lethal yellowing disease in Guatemala. Plant Pathol 53:80 Mpunami A, Tymon A, Jones P et al (2000) Identification of potential vectors of the coconut lethal disease phytoplasma. Plant Pathol 49 (3):355–361 Myrie WA, Paulraj L, Dollet M et al (2006) First Report of coconut lethal yellowing disease in guatemala. Plant Pathol.
Can yellowing of coconut be misdiagnosed?
Lethal yellowing symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed. If one symptom is observed but not another it may be interpreted as another disease or nutrient deficiency. For general information on preventing pests and diseases of coconut, see the Prevention section.
How can integrated pest management reduce the incidence of lethal yellowing disease?
Currently, the most successful integrated pest management used to reduce the incidence of lethal yellowing disease was created by Michael Black, a palm grower in Jamaica. The methods used include removing palms with lethal yellowing symptoms immediately by cutting them down and burning.
International Workshop on Lethal Yellowing Diseases on Coconut