October 2010. Yellowing of coconut leaves is reported from PNG, on palms growing on loose volcanic sandy soils. There has been a dry spell in the area. A nutritional problem is suspected.

The concensus was that it was potassium deficincy, although there was also a suggestion that the symptoms were similar to the Finschhafen disease (this is the one associated with Zophiuma lobulata (Hemiptera: Lophopidae). Sources of information on phytoplasmas was also provided, as it was thought possible that with improved techniques it is likely that they will be found in PNG in the near future.