Palm Diseases in the Landscape
In this Guideline:
Diamond scale
Fusarium wilt
Pink rot
Sudden crown drop
About Pest Notes
Publication
Glossary
Shiny, black, diamond-shaped fruiting bodies are diagnostic for diamond scale.
Diamond scale has destroyed chlorophyll in portions of this California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), creating brown, dead areas.
Fusarium wilt usually appears first in older or lower leaves and moves upward to the center or newest leaves.
Fusarium wilt often appears first on only one side of the leaf.
Extensive external and/or internal vascular discoloration or streaking extending along the petiole and rachis is typical of Fusarium wilt.
Several major, potentially lethal diseases can attack landscape palms in California. The best strategy for managing these diseases is an integrated pest management approach that combines prevention, exclusion, sanitation, appropriate species selections, and proper care. Selecting the right palm for the right spot then planting and caring for it properly are critical in order to avoid most diseases.
Even if you inherit a poorly adapted or managed palm, providing proper care and culture can significantly reduce the chances for disease development and help reduce disease severity. Prevention is usually better than treating a disease after it develops, and in some instances it is the only option. Use fungicides only as a last resort. Table 1 lists palms common in California and their resistance or susceptibility to the four diseases discussed in this publication.
Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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