Lethal yellowing is a palm disease customary in the southern one-third of Florida. In 2007, the disease was found on the west coast of Florida, counties where it had not been detected before. In 2012, the disease was found in Indian River County on the east coast of Florida. (IFAS)
CAUSE
- Uncultured bacterium, a phytoplasma
DISEASE SYMPTOMS
- Premature dropping of coconuts
- Darkening of flowers
- Fronds turn yellow
- Death of the bud
HOST RANGE
- 34 palm species
SPREAD of the PATHOGEN and CONTROL OPTIONS
- Transmitted by a planthopper insect, Myndus Van Duzee
- Using insecticides to control vector, antibiotic injection into trees
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