Lethal Bronzing Disease

Caused by phytoplasma spread by planthopper insects. Attacks Sabal Palmettos, Queen Palms, Sylvesters.

Symptoms: Premature fruit drop, flower stalks die, lower fronds turn bronze moving upward, spear leaf collapses.

Treatment: No cure once symptomatic. Preventive OTC antibiotic injections every 3-4 months protect healthy palms nearby.

Ganoderma Butt Rot

Fungal disease rotting trunk from inside out.

Symptoms: Shelf-like mushroom (conk) at trunk base, wilting fronds, soft/sunken trunk.

Treatment: None. Remove palm. Don’t replant in same spot.

Bud Rot

Fungi attack the single growing point at top.

Symptoms: New spear leaf turns brown, foul smell from crown, mushy tissue.

Treatment: Sometimes treatable if caught very early with fungicide.

Nutrient Deficiencies (Not Disease)

• Potassium: Orange/yellow spotting on older fronds
• Manganese: Frizzle top – small, yellow new fronds
• Magnesium: Yellow bands on older frond edges

Fix: Palm-specific 8-2-12 fertilizer with micronutrients, 3-4x per year.

Protect Your Palms

Don’t over-prune. Sterilize tools between palms. Fertilize correctly. Start preventive OTC injections if lethal bronzing is nearby.

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