Fruit rot — Coconut

Symptoms

The first visible symptoms often develop around the perianth region, where the nut attaches to the flower stalk. Dark brown to black discoloration appears on the nut surface near the perianth. The affected area gradually expands over the nut surface. The lesion may extend into the underlying fruit tissues. When the rotting lesion encircles the perianth region, the nut may detach from the bunch and fall prematurely. Some affected nuts may remain attached to the bunch despite extensive decay. The internal kernel may become greyish-black and rotten when the infection reaches the endosperm. In some cases, infection that begins in nearly mature nuts continues after harvest and during storage. Mite injury can provide an entry point for fungal infection, aggravating fruit rot and immature nut fall.