Ganoderma butt rot

Symptoms

General decline and wilting of the older, lower fronds, followed by a shelf-like, reddish-brown and white conk forming on the lower trunk; internal trunk tissue rots and softens, and the palm eventually snaps or collapses.

Plants affected

• Cabbage palm
• Queen palm
• Mexican fan palm

Common questions

How do I recognise Ganoderma butt rot on Cabbage palm?

General decline and wilting of the older, lower fronds, followed by a shelf-like, reddish-brown and white conk forming on the lower trunk; internal trunk tissue rots and softens, and the palm eventually snaps or collapses.

Do I have to report Ganoderma butt rot?

No. Ganoderma butt rot is not a notifiable organism, so there is nothing to report to an authority. Treat it as a normal garden problem.

How is Ganoderma butt rot treated?

Mainly with biological and cultural measures — removing affected material, changing the conditions that favour it, and treating with agents approved in your country. The exact steps and their timing depend on the plant, the season and where you live: Dr. Phyto works them out in a free diagnosis.