You may have read in the news recently about lethal bronzing, a disease that is wiping out palm trees across the State of Florida. Caused by a phytoplasma, which is basically a bacteria-like microorganism, the disease is spread from palm to palm by piercing-sucking insects.
How Does Lethal Bronzing Kill a Palm Tree?
When the insect feeds on the sap of a palm, it injects the disease into the tree. From there, the phytoplasma will eventually spread to the base of the palm tree where it will clog the tree’s circulatory system. Once this system is clogged, the tree will not be able to get the nutrients it needs to survive and will usually die within weeks to months.
What Are the Symptoms of Lethal Bronzing?
You may first suspect lethal bronzing if you see an early fruit drop. From there, the oldest palm fronds will turn from green to yellow and then a dark bronze. These dark bronze fronds will be crunchy and dry. You will know your palm is in the final stage of lethal bronzing when the spear leaf has collapsed, meaning the heart of your palm tree has died.
Which Palm Trees are Affected From Lethal Bronzing?
Some of the trees affected include the Phoenix genus, such as date palms and Canary Island palms. In addition, Florida’s famous State Tree, the native Sabal Palm (cabbage palm) is also affected often.
Currently, there are high rates of lethal bronzing occurring in South Florida. Let the experts at Pride Fertilization help you protect your landscape with our variety of palm tree services. Call us directly or reach out through our website today!
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