You’ll See It Everywhere

What will you see everywhere (in Indian River County & thought Florida)? Palms killed by the fatal disease lethal bronzing … once you know what to look for.

When I was pumping gas along US Highway 1, I noticed the cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) pictured above, an obvious victim of lethal bronzing. The palm was part of a recently planted hedge and had been transplanted to the site. Since it takes 4 to 5 months for palms to exhibit signs of infection, “sick” palms get transplanted around the state further spreading this deadly disease.

Lethal bronzing “bronzes”/kills fronds beginning at the bottom of the palm & progressing to the top, ultimately killing the growing spear (the meristem) and hence the palm itself. Often, the top of the palm will collapse over.

When you see lots of dead and dying fronds at the bottom of a palm, suspect lethal bronzing. Compare the healthy round (unpruned) cabbage palm on the left with the infected palm on the right …

As you travel about town, sadly you’ll see lots of palms that have been infected with lethal bronzing.