What is happening to the palms?

Sabal palm infected with Texas Phoenix palm decline. Photo Credits: Jonael Bosques, UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County.

Over the past year I have had several calls of people concerned about the decline of their iconic Cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) for no apparent reason. There is a relatively new palm disease that is affecting our cabbage (Sabal), Phoenix (date) palm population in Hardee County. It is a small organism called phytoplasma.

The disease in question is called Texas Phoenix palm decline. The bacterium causes wilting and eventual death and its treatment is unviable for most homeowners and land owners that enjoy the palms, characteristic icon of our region. The origin of this disease has been traced by DNA testing to the same phytoplasma that causes decline in Canary Island date palms in South Texas.

 

Mode of action

The bacterium colonizes the phloem of the plant (vascular tissue that carries substances produced in the leaves) of plants. Phytoplasmas are transmitted by piercing-sucking insects that feed on palm sap: planthoppers, and treehoppers.

It is not yet clearly known when this bacterium arrived in Florida, but in 2008 it had been identified in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties. By 2016 it had been detected in a total of 22 counties in our region including Hardee.

Healthy Sabal palm in Hardee County. Photo Credits: Jonael Bosques, UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County.

Plant symptoms

Symptoms of Texas Phoenix palm decline start with discoloration of the tips of older leaves. Infected leaves turn brown and gradually die-off. Infected palms exhibit a large proportion of brown leaves in the lower region of their canopy. The infection of mature palms leads to premature leaf drop and also fruit drop in a few days. This symptom is also accompanied by root rot.

 

 

 

Disease management

There is no possible treatment if the plant spear dies (primary growth point). Plant disease management can be cumbersome for most homeowners and unfeasible for most producers since the treatment consists of using oxytetracycline hydrochloride, a broad spectrum antibiotic. If a palm is infected, but still has a green spear, the disease can be suppressed, but not eliminated. Antibiotic injections to the trunk of infected palms need to be administered every three to four months for the rest of the palm’s life. The only long-term disease management solution would be to breed for resistant strains of the susceptible palm cultivars.

Texas Phoenix palm decline symptoms start with discoloration of the tips of older leaves. Photo credit: Jonael Bosques, UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County.

Antibiotic treatments should be injected at a rate of 1-3 grams per palm as a preventive dose for healthy palms.

There is no vector control or insecticide treatment recommended for managing the spread of this disease due to the lack of feasibility of this strategy.

In conclusion, the palm decline that we are seeing in our area is a problem that has limited solutions. Keep in mind that there are many different palm cultivars that can replace sable palms. Choose wisely!

 

For further information on this topic, please call the UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County office at 863-773-2164. We are here to help.

Read more on this topic:

 

0

Avatar photo
Posted: April 26, 2017


Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Tags: Decline, Disease, Palmetto, Palms, Phoenix, Phytoplasma, Sabal


Comments:

Avatar photo
Jonael

March 8, 2022

During the time they require the brooder they do not need a run. Constant temperature and protection from drafts is the most critical part for their development at this point.

Donna Castro
February 18, 2022

Thank you for this! I am in the process of obtaining my first little backyard flock and am feeling a bit intimidated by this whole brooder issue. This really helped me feel more confident! I have a coop set up and ready, but also wanted to provide a run. Do these have to be connected? Can I train the birds to go into it and then back to the coop at night? Thank you for your help.

Avatar photo
Jonael

December 14, 2020

Not that I am aware. Maybe watch weather pattern differences because these can affect the germination time.

Becka
December 13, 2020

any special requirements or things to be extra aware of in zone 9B-10, im right on the cusp?

Manuel
November 10, 2020

Corto y conciso, francamente maravilloso el post. Mas que nada porque para mi, familiarizarse con los requerimientos particulares de cada animal es sin dudas lo mas esencial en la cría.

Avatar photo
Jose Zayas

March 29, 2019

Saludos: espero estar traduciendo todos mis "blogs" para el beneficio de todos! Gracias

Edson Silva
March 29, 2019

Me da gusto que este post este en espanol espero que sigan poniendo mas

Avatar photo
Jonael

August 9, 2018

UF has also released flies to manage fire ants. Bottom line: there is nothing more effective right now than chemical control right now.

Irene
July 25, 2018

University of Texas are studying agricultural control of fire ants with a species of phorid flies. Is this something we are trying in Florida as well? Fire ant mounds are very difficult to control and they can easily take over a yard. I have tried several different product without any good results. I am trying some products by Amdro, Siege, and Extinguish next. If there were any better natural products available I would much rather use than spreading chemicals.

Braden Bills
March 9, 2018

I was thinking it would be fun to have a food plot for the local wildlife. It makes sense that a good location would be important! I'll be sure to find a place that deer have access to.

Carolyn Wyatt
August 10, 2017

Well done, Marissa.

Carolyn Wyatt
August 10, 2017

Great article, Marissa.

sbionline
August 3, 2017

Hello, the whole thing is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that's genuinely good, keep up writing.

Lelio Vieira Carneiro Junior
August 1, 2017

Greetings from California! I'm bored at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I love the info you provide here and can't wait to take a look when I get home. I'm surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, excellent site!

Ida Mary Spears
July 21, 2017

This is a terrific program. These students are so fortunate to get this information in such a fun way. Thanks to all the adults who shared their time and knowledge.

Jonael Bosques
July 21, 2017

What a great article!

cours de theatre
July 20, 2017

I really enjoy the blog article. Really Great.

Jackie
July 15, 2017

Thanks foor ones marvelous posting! I certainly eenjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will come back very soon. I wannt too encourage you to definitely continue your great work, have a nice evening!

click here
July 15, 2017

Howdy! I could have sworn I've been to your blog before but after going through many of the articles I realized it's new to me. Nonetheless, I'm certainly pleased I came across it and I'll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!

home page
July 15, 2017

Just desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your submit is simply great and that i could think you're a professional in this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to stay up to date with forthcoming post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please carry on the enjoyable work.

suba me
July 10, 2017

fKXhHg Major thanks for the blog.Thanks Again. Much obliged.

dftba feminist shirt
July 6, 2017

It's actually a great and helpful piece of information. I'm satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

Http://Www.Dospad.Net/Skype-Recording-Tools-For-Windows
July 4, 2017

Thanks, it is quite informative

makanan untuk anak 1 tahun
May 12, 2017

My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You cann't believe simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

susuibuhamilenak.blogspot.co.id
April 28, 2017

I'm not sure where you're getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.

Avatar photo
Jonael

April 28, 2017

Please do share it with others. You can post it on social media too. This is public information.

ig
April 28, 2017

Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There's a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thanks

Comments are closed.

Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories