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Fusarium Decline of Queen Palms

Jul 30

Written by: bugmaster
7/30/2009 12:49 PM

A new and fatal disease known as Queen Palm Decline has become established in our area. The disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum a well known wilt disease fungus that previously was not know to attack Queen and Washingtonia palms. Palm species such as Canary Island Date palm have long been known to be affected by this disease; the symptoms appear somewhat different though.

The first indication of this disease is the lowest (oldest) 2-3 leaves turn brown but do not break or hang down. The next 2-3 leaves will turn varying shades of yellow. This pattern continues up through the canopy until the entire canopy is brown. It looks as if the entire canopy has been freeze dried in place. A closer examination of the leaf petiole usually shows a brown stripe down one side of the frond. Cross sections through the frond made with a sharp saw show internal discoloration under the brown stripe.

There is no control for Queen Palm Decline (QPD). Usually by the time the symptoms become visible the tree dies soon after. Fusarium can be spread on pruning tools; they should be sterilized after each palm is trimmed. If you have a tree service trim your palms, insist they sterilize their pruning tools before coming on your property. A 10% bleach solution is sufficient.

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