Leaf and Fruit rot: Cyratostomella paradoxa

Symptoms

• Base or butt rot of planting material occurs when they are not dried and packed with little aeration.
• Fungus also destroys older plants by entering through wounds caused in the collar region while weeding or other operations.
• In severe conditions the entire plant may turn dark and rot within two or three days

Management

• The disease can be controlled by dipping planting materials in 0.3% Dithane Z-78 or by spraying on leaves.
• Copper fungicide should not be used in pineapple as they cause leaf scorching.
• The diseased plants must be destroyed and suckers for propagation should never be collected from the infested area.