Identification Symptoms

  • Initial symptoms of Thanjavur wilt (Ganoderma wilt) start with withering, yellowing and drooping of the outer whorl of leaves.
  • This is followed by exudation of reddish brown liquid through cracks at the base of the trunk and oozing spread upward. The tissues on the bleeding spots are soft to touch.
  • Decaying of tissues at bleeding point and rotting of the basal portion of the stem.
  • The bark turns brittle and often gets peeled off in flakes, leaving open cracks and crevices. The internal tissues are discoloured and disintegrated, emitting a bad smell.
  • Bracket formation at the base of the trunk.  Ganoderma appears at the base of the trunk. Ultimately the palm dies off.