Bud Rots of Palm1
Monica L. Elliott2
Summary
There are many pathogens that can cause bud rots of palm in Florida. The most common one is Phytophthora palmivora, followed by Thielaviopsis paradoxa and bacteria.
Symptoms of bud rot are similar no matter which pathogen causes the disease.
The first symptom is discoloration and wilting of the spear leaf and wilting/discoloration of the next youngest leaf. If severe, the spear leaf will easily pull from the bud.
In palms with a canopy above eye level, this first symptom is often missed. Instead, what is observed is a lack of new leaves being produced, and an open-topped crown. Because the bud is dead, no new leaves emerge. Older leaves remain healthy for months after the bud dies.
Laboratory diagnosis is necessary to determine the pathogen responsible for symptoms.
In a nursery, water management and sanitation are critical for Phytophthora bud rot and Thielaviopsis bud rot management.
Preventive applications of fungicides are useful in a nursery situation for Phytophthora bud rot and Thielaviopsis bud rot, less so in a landscape with mature palms (palms with trunks).
Bacterial bud rot is most often associated with cold damage. While unproven, bud drenches with copper-based pesticides are commonly used in an attempt to protect palm buds. The product must be applied at the time of the cold damage and not when symptoms are observed.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.
Copyright 2009
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