The Coconut palm is susceptible to several deficiencies. Boron, manganese, magnesium and potassium deficiencies can occur to this palm. Nutritional deficiencies first reveal in the yellowing around leaf edges and reduction of growth rate. In severe cases and if treatment is not provided the Coconut palm can die. To prevent deficiencies from occuring use foliar fertilization on a regular basis.

Coconut palms are highly susceptible to Phytoplasma or Lethal yellowing causing by tiny bacteria organisms. This disease is number one killer of these great palms. The symptoms vary greatly from yellowing to fruit drop and death of infested trees.

The Coconut Leaf Beetle, Brontispa Longisima is another major disease of the Coconut palm tree. The beetles mostly live on the leaves of both young and adult plant and feed on their soft tissues. They prefer young leaves and seedlings of mature trees. The beetles reduce nut production, resrict growh rate and destroy young and unopened leaves.

The coconut mite (Eriophyes guerreronis) is also very serious and devastating disease of the Cocos nucifera. The tiny, microscopic mites feed on the tissues of the nut surface. They damage, distort and reduce size of the fruits. The fruits eventually turn brown and drop.

This palm can be infected by leaf spot diseases. They begin as tiny, water-soaked spots, which are brown to red and black in color. The leaves then can turn yellow and fall off.

Pests and diseases can be prevented and effectively controlled with chemical pesticides.

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