Stem Bleeding — Coconut

Symptoms

Dark reddish-brown liquid oozes from longitudinal cracks, wounds or lesions in the bark, commonly near the base of the trunk. The liquid flows down the trunk, sometimes for several inches or feet. The affected lesions progressively enlarge or extend upwards along the trunk. The exuded liquid dries and turns dark brown to black, leaving conspicuous dark stains on the bark. The tissues immediately beneath the bleeding lesions become decayed. The decaying internal tissues initially turn yellowish and later become dark brown or black. In advanced cases, the internal stem tissues may decay extensively, leaving cavities or hollow portions within the trunk. The older outer-whorl leaves turn yellow prematurely, droop and dry. The crown may become smaller, and the trunk may gradually taper towards its upper portion. Bunch production declines, and premature nut shedding may occur. In severe cases, the palm progressively deteriorates and may eventually die.