Overview of the Diseases of Dracaena trifasciata (Asparagales: Asparagaceae)

Abstract

Ornamental plants play a vital role in everyday life, offering joy and appreciation to people from all walks of life. Decorative plants have become a familiar sight, which helps add life and color even in the smallest of spaces. Among these plants, the snake plant Dracaena trifasciata is trendy among households. Despite its reputation as a hardy plant, D. trifasciata is still susceptible to leaf and root diseases, damaging its overall health and aesthetic value. In tropical regions, where frequent rainfall and high humidity produce ideal proliferation conditions for bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, plant diseases can become important problems that could affect the plant’s aesthetics and health. This paper reviews the diseases of D. trifasciata and other Dracaena species, their current management, and perspectives on using already-known disinfectants for indoor management of D. trifasciata diseases. Leaf spots, leaf blight, anthracnose, viral, and bacterial diseases are the common diseases reported to be associated with D. trifasciata. In addition to pruning, managing Dracaena diseases includes sterilizing tools and equipment to prevent cross-contamination. Finally, this paper discusses the significance of generating knowledge on the diseases of D. trifasciata and their associated pathogens, which benefits relevant stakeholders. The knowledge could help consumers understanding common leaf diseases found in snake plants, allowing them to make better decisions whenever they purchase these plants. Plant health research encourages better plant care practices within households, which helps promoting flourishing gardens across the country.