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Diseases
Root Rot Disease is the most important disease in Tannia. Symptoms are stunting, wilt, chlorotic and withered leaves as well as poor root system. The disease leads to low yields or even complete crop failure. The oomycete Phytium myriotylum seems to be the main causal agent of the Root Rot Disease. Other organisms that could be involved in root rots are Phytopthora ssp., Fusarium ssp., Penicillium ssp., Botrydioplodia ssp., Erwinia ssp. and Pseudomonas ssp. . The disease spreads through soil and planting material. The pathogens can persist for a long time in the soil, often forcing farmers to give up planting Tannia in infected fields for at least five years. Wetland, floodings and poorly drained soils are associated with the appearance of Root Rot Disease. As long as the field is not yet infected, the best method to control the disease is to use disease-free planting material. Further cultural control methods are general strengthening of plant health, drainage, crop rotation and planting on ridges. There are cultivars that are less susceptible to root rot, but none of them are resistant. Various fungicides are effective in case of infection

Dasheen Mosaic Potyvirus is the most important virus that infects Tannia and other aroids. Symptoms are chlorotic mosaic patterns along the veins and stunting. The Dasheen Mosaic Virus is not lethal but can reduce the yield significantly. The virus is transmitted by aphids. It can be spread vegetativly by planting material and mechanically by sap transmission while using tools. It is therefore important to use virus-free plant material and to work hygienically. The control of the vector aphids is difficult.

Taro Leaf Spot Disease (caused by Phytophthora colocasiae) is a major problem in Taro (Colocasia esculenta). There are no problems with the Taro Leaf Spot Disease in Tannia, which seems to be resistant against it.