Leaf blight / Leaf Spot — Arecanut

Symptoms

Small, round spots appear on the leaf surface. The spots are brown, dark brown or black. The spots vary in size. A yellow halo characteristically surrounds the spots. As the disease advances, the individual spots may enlarge and develop into blighted patches. Infection is commonly restricted to approximately three or four leaves in the lower whorl. Young palms below ten years of age are described as more susceptible. During severe infection, affected leaves dry progressively. The leaves may droop. Severely affected leaves may eventually be shed. The disease is reported to be particularly severe during the monsoon season.