A Centenary Review on Leaf Rot Disease of Coconut

Abstract

Coconut leaf rot disease (LRD) has posed a significant threat to coconut palms for over a century, causing widespread foliar damage, stunted growth, and reduced yield. The disease, often associated with the complex interaction of Root (wilt) disease (RWD), has been a persistent challenge since its first reports in the early 1900s. Despite extensive research, understanding the etiological agents and developing effective management strategies remain difficult due to evolving pathogenic profiles and climate variability. This centenary review consolidates over 100 years of research on LRD, offering a comprehensive analysis of the disease’s progression, and environmental influences, in coconut cultivation. It contrasts traditional management methods, such as cultural and chemical controls, with modern integrated disease management (IDM) approaches, including biological control agents and host resistance breeding. The review also explores the role of plant-microbe interactions, emphasizing the potential of microbial antagonists as biocontrol agents. Given the economic significance of coconuts in tropical regions, this review highlights the urgent need for region-specific disease management strategies and the development of climate-resilient coconut varieties. Additionally, it identifies research gaps and future directions to advance sustainable solutions for mitigating the impact of LRD.