Basal stem rot disease of coconut

Why in news?

• Researchers from Kerala have identified two new species of fungi from the genus Ganoderma that are associated with coconut stem rot disease.
• Ganoderma keralense and G. pseudo applanatum are the two fungi species.

About basal stem rot disease:

• The basal stem rot disease of coconut is known as Thanjavur wilt in Tamil Nadu, Anaberoga in Karnataka and Ganoderma wilt in Andhra Pradesh. This disease usually attacks old or weak palms under stress condition.
• The infection begins at the roots, but symptoms include discolouration and rotting of stem and leaves.
• In the later stages, flowering and nut set decreases and finally the coconut palm dies.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Basal stem rot disease of coconut is caused by:

(a) Bacteria

(b) Virus

(c) Fungi

(d) Protozoa

Answer