Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Giant swamp taro corm rot (203)

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Photo 1. Extensive rot over the entire corm (right), and plants lacking fine feeder roots (left), caused by the nematode, Radopholus similis.

Photo 2. External (right) and internal (left) appearance of corms affected by dry corm rot caused by the nematode, Radopholus similis.

Photo 3. Head of the nematode, Radopholus similis, showing the spear in the mouth that is used to pierce plant cells and suck up the contents.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. On giant swamp taro, coconuts and other palms, bananas, pepper, brassicas, coffee, ginger, and many more. An important disease.
• Shallow brown dry corm rots, leaving holes 5-20 mm diameter and 10-20 mm deep, sometimes to the corm centre. Fine roots mostly absent. Leaves die early.
• Spread is on the “tops” used for planting. •
• Cultural control: clean planting material (i) remove roots; (ii) remove outer leaves; (iii) cut out any rots (wipe knife in bleach) wash to remove soil; avoid leaving plant parts removed in the field while preparing the tops: burn them.
• Chemical control: none recommended.

Common Name

Giant swamp taro corm rot

Scientific Name

Radopholus similis

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