Disease Attacking Islands’ Coconut Trees pg.2
UH scientists first identified coconut heart rot on Kauai in 1970, but Visintainer said no one was alarmed at first because it spread slowly and was attributed to the dampness of the areas. However, scientists now believe soggy conditions are not the cause because prolonged drought has not stalled its spread.
Visintainer said his Hawaii Coconut Protectors organization is working with the state to stall the disease by making residents aware of the problem and keeping uninfected trees healthy. “There’s no cure,” Visintainer said. “It’s too early to tell if we can manage it, but if we don’t try, we will lose all our coconuts.”
He said residents can help prevent the spread of the disease by cutting down infected trees and burying or burning the remains. Visintainer also said tree trimmers must sterilize their tools each time they prune a coconut tree. Visintainer said the state and Maui County have pledged money for research. He added the state is unable to fully attack coconut heart rot because it is already overwhelmed by invasions of noxious diseases and animals, most recently the fire ant and banana bunchy top virus.
“I realized we needed to do it ourselves,” Visintainer said. “The bureaucracy takes forever to get anything done, and by then it might be too late.”
Eloise Kilgore, a plant pathologist with the state Department of Agriculture, said they support Visintainer’s efforts to secure funding for research and eradication. “He’s not a scientist but we’re willing to back him up,” Kilgore said. “He’s on the right track.”
