12 ref. Sum. (En)

There are some historical account starting with the first report of the disease by A.W. Drost, in 1908, who called it Hartrot. A similar wilt associated also with flagellates is being mentioned in Colombia, since 1963, and in Peru and Ecuador shortly after; this disease is called Marchitez sorpresiva. Hartrot and Marchitez sorpresiva are very poorly understood since little is known about the host pathogen relationship. Research done by many authors are significant but still very preliminary in nature; more basic work on the host plants, insect vector or vectors and the presumed pathogen (Phytomonas staheli) needs to be done as condition to find an effective method of control. In attempts to control the disease in Suriname, field experiments were conducted with different coconut varieties, and several agrochemical treatment were evaluated. Several cultural practices were also tried. The author says that this may be due to the weakness of this tiral in having excessive weed growth: therefore the Endrin applied as soil drench may not have been affected in eliminating the possible vector or vectors. He says nothing is known about the incubation period of flagellates in the plant