Palm trees are plants that, despite their appearance, are actually are very vulnerable to microorganisms that cause disease. An excess of water in a short period of time, a poorly done pruning, a sudden drop in temperatures, etc. it can ‘wake up’ fungi, bacteria and viruses that will not hesitate to harm you.
Anyone who grows them will have to provide them with the care they need to avoid palm tree diseases. But, which are?
Lethal yellowing
Image – Apsnet.org
It is a very common viral disease in tropical climates (no case has yet been detected in Europe) that mainly attacks coconut palms. The symptoms are: yellowing and death of the leaves, death of the roots, wilting of the inflorescences, premature fall of the fruits, discoloration of the leaves and finally death of the specimen.
There is no effective cure, but tetracycline treatments at doses of 1 to 3 grams per palm every four months help prevent it and prevent the disease from progressing.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose on chestnut.
Image – Planetagarden.com
It is a fungal disease produced by the Gloesporium or Colletotrichum fungi that causes the appearance of oily spots or necrotic lesions of irregular or round shape on the sheets. It is common in young plants.
It is fought with a fungicide based on Mancozeb.
The Catacomb
Image – bulletin.ipm.illinois.edu
It is a fungal disease transmitted by fungi of the genus Phyllachora. Causes the appearance of scab-like and warty patches on the sheets.
It is fought with Benomilo or Maneb.
False rust
Image – Forestryimages.org
It is a fungal disease produced by the fungus Graphiola phoenix what causes the appearance small, irregular spots or warty yellow or brown pustules 1cm or less. It attacks many different types of palm trees: Phoenix, Roystonea, Howea, Chamaedorea …
It is fought with Oxycarboxin.
fusarium
It is a fungal disease transmitted by the Fusarium fungus that affects the basal leaveswhich acquire a yellowish gray color and then dry. Unfortunately, the diseased palm tree usually dies shortly after.
There is no cure, but there is prevention: buying healthy plants, using clean tools, substrates and land, and controlling irrigation reduces the chances of infection.
Leaf mottling
It is a fungal disease transmitted by the fungus Cylindrocladium macrosporium. Causes the appearance of small dark brown or almost black spots with the lighter edge.
It is fought with fungicides based on Maneb or Benomil.
Pink rot
Image – Forestryimages.org
It is a fungal disease produced by the fungus Gliocadium vermoeseni what cause Necrotic or chlorotic spots on the leaves, and necrotic spots with exudation on the stems. The most sensitive species are those of the genus Chamaedorea and Dypsis; In addition, it can cause serious damage also in the Phoenix if it is associated with Fusarium.
There is no cure. The best thing to do is to do preventive treatments with Triforin or sulfur.
We hope it has been useful to you and you know what can happen to your palm tree .
