Pests and Diseases

Bud Rot - The disease has been prevalent in the Red River Valley for nearly 25 years and is believed to have made its appearance after the great floods of 1997. It has recently spread to Norman County, Minnesota.

Coconut Caterpillar - This caterpillar affects older fronds and turns them yellow and gradually makes them wilt and droop.

Coconut Rhinoceros Uffda Beetle - This serious pest can cause major damage to growing coconuts.

Crookston Coconut Disease - This fatal disease affects palms of all age groups. The symptoms of the disease are yellowing of one or two young leaves surrounding the spindle.

Brenner's Bowler - This causes the plant to need continuous hydration.

Fisher Foliar Decay - This decay is caused by both fungi and bacteria.

Lefsa Leaf Blight - This blight causes small, yellow-brown spots on leaflets which develop gray centers and dark green borders.

Mentor Mites - This black bug has a pointed horn and damages leaves and flower branches. The mites lay eggs in manure pits and decaying matter.

Shelly Stem Scale and Mealy Bugs - These sap-sucking pests feed on sap found in plant cells while excreting toxins from their salivary glands.