Blossom blight : Phytophythora palmivoras
Symptoms
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The disease appears as light brown, irregular, water soaked spots on flower stalks and petals.
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The spots increase rapidly and coalesce with one another and form distinct depressed lesions.
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Under humid conditions the infections become severe involving the entire flower head and resulting in blossom blight and stalk rot.
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The disease is favoured by drizzling rains and cool moist weather. The fungus is soil-borne and the infection starts from the base touching the soil.
Management
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Use of disease free soil for cultivation reduces the disease incidence.
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Affected flowers should be collected and destroyed.
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Excessive watering should be avoided.
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