Mahali or Koleroga is the most destuctive disease of arecanuts in South India.It is caused by a parasitic fungus (Phytopthora arecae)which flourishes in very wet weather.Hence it occurs in areca-growing tracts where the monsoon rains are very heavy.In South India.the disease is known to appear every year in the districts of Malabar and South Kanara ,in the malnad districts of Mysore Province and in the states of Cochin and Tiruvancore.The disese usually attacks growing nuts causing rotting and shedding .Under favourable monsoon conditions.the disease may appear with such intensity as to destroy the whole crop.Occasionally.the disease attacks the crown of the areca palm and causes the death of the tree.
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