- Widespread distribution. Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Oceania. On coconuts. An important disease of seedlings.
- The fungus attacks well-maintained seedlings, but is worse on those in crowded nurseries with poor nutrition and dense shade.
- Spots merge causing a serious blight and leaves dry up and die early. Spread of spores occurs in wind and rain. It is unimportant after transfer of seedlings to the field.
- Cultural control: ensure correct nutrition: the balance between N (too much increases blight) and K is important; space plants allowing good air circulation so wet leaves dry rapidly; shade should be low or absent.
- Chemical control: Unlikely to be needed; if required use copper, mancozeb or chlorothalonil.