Why in News?
Coconut root wilt disease has severely affected coconut-growing regions of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, which together contribute ~82–83% of India’s coconut production. The disease is linked to phytoplasma infection and is spreading under climate stress and vector pressure.
Description:
About Coconut Root Wilt Disease:
- Non-fatal but debilitating disease (Causing a loss of energy or strength). Caused by Phytoplasma awall-less, obligate parasitic bacteria-like organisms that infect plant phloem
- Causes gradual decline in productivity
- Coconut palm becomes unproductive, weak, deformed in appearance
- First reported in Erattupetta (Kerala) over a century ago
Mode of Spread:
- Insect vectors (sap-sucking insects, e.g., leafhoppers/planthoppers)
- Assisted by wind movement, continuous coconut plantations
Symptoms:
- Wilting and flaccidity of leaves, yellowing, reduced nut yield, distorted Crown
- Symptoms appear after long incubation period
Aggravating Factors:
- Climate change-induced stress erratic rainfall & temperature extremes
- Increased vector population
- Replacement of coconut with intercropping systems (cocoa, nutmeg) increasing stress
- Fragmented and inadequate field-level interventions
Institutional Efforts:
- CPCRI (Central Plantation Crops Research Institute) – Kasaragod
- Released 1 resistant & 3 tolerant coconut varieties
- Other institutions involved are Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coconut Development Board (CDB) – Kochi
Coconut:
Coconut thrives in humid tropical climates, mainly coastal areas, requiring 20–32°C temperature, ~1000 mm rainfall, ample sunlight, and grows best in red sandy loam, laterite, and alluvial soils; India is the world’s 3rd largest coconut producer (2021–22) with major producers being Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
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