Search for coconut lethal yellowing alternate hosts among coconut associated weeds and cultivated crops in Mozambique

The worldwide coconut phytoplasma disease management is achieved by the early detection followed by immediate eradication of the infected plants along with replanting with resistant varieties if available. Knowledge of alternate hosts is crucial for effective disease management based in eradication of the phytoplasma host plants. This study aims to search potential coconut lethal yellowing alternate hosts among herbaceous species growing or cultivated within the coconut farms. The study was conducted in Zambezia province of Mozambique, the region where coconut lethal yellowing is endemic. Potential alternate hosts were screened by PCR. Phragmites australis, Psidium guajava, Smilax kra ussiana and Tephrosia purpurea were PCR positive with at least two different primers. This a is a great contribution toward sustainable integrated coconut lethal yellowing management.