Here is an example of Lethal Yellow on a Coconut Palm. Lethal yellowing may easily be confused with other yellowing and defoliating maladies of coconut palms, including fungal bud rot, nutrient deficiencies and insect, nematode or lightning damage. Observations over the years, however, have led to the recognition of four symptom stages for LY in coconut palms.

The first symptom is premature dropping of most or all coconuts, regardless of size. This is termed "shelling" and most of the fallen nuts will have a brown or black water-soaked area immediately under the calyx.

The second stage, usually definitive for LY, is the blackening of new inflorescence (flower stalks). This may be observed as they break through the spathe (the structure which enclosed the inflorescence) and is quite distinctive because healthy inflorescence are golden or creamy yellow. Most male flowers will be dead on the blackened inflorescence and no fruits will set.

In the third symptom stage, from which the disease gets is name, the fronds turn yellow, usually beginning with the oldest fronds and advancing upward through the crown. In some cases, one single frond in the center will turn yellow first giving a characteristic "flag" appearance. Fronds that have yellowed will die, turn brown and hang down. Such fronds fall readily, or are easily pulled off.
Death of the bud occurs about halfway through the yellowing sequence. The newly emerged spear leaf will collapse and may be seen hanging down within the crown. Finally the top of the tree falls away leaving a bare trunk or "telephone pole". Infected trees usually die within 3-6 months after appearance of the first symptoms.

Recognition of symptoms of the LY-like disease in other palms is more difficult. The first two symptom stages are the same as for the coconut palm-the premature dropping of fruit (shelling), and the blackening or necrosis of the new inflorescence.

The third symptom, in many cases the first obvious sign of a disorder, is discoloration of the fronds. At this stage of the infection the symptoms differ for individual species.

Lethal yellowing also affects many other palm trees. Since 1972, 27 species of palms have been added to the LY susceptibility list. Many of these have commercial and ornamental value. Some species such as the Christmas palm (Veitchia merrilli), Fiji fan palm (Pritchardia pacifica), and Canary Island Date palm (Phoenix canariensis) are highly susceptible and it is recommended they not be planted until resistant selections are found. Other palms such as the Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis) and Cabada palm (Chrysalidocarpus cabadae) appear to be highly resistant and can still be used in the Florida landscape.

Antibiotic Control

Treating palms with oxytetracycline is effective in well-managed injection programs ( see Circular S-228, "How to Treat Your Palm With Antibiotic"). The University of Florida recommends injecting only those coconut palm trees considered valuable to the landscape, and underplanting with resistant varieties for the future. 

As you can see that it is important to catch this situation early to have the best chances of saving your palms. If you suspect that your palm trees have Lethal yellow the call Tomasello Pest Control today. 561-585-2551

Spraying your lawn to control pest like Cinch Bugs, lawn Caterpillars, Grubs, Mole Crickets and Grass Mites as well as to fight diseases and weed is very important to your yard and equally important is fertilization and weed control. it Part of the focus for our Greenery division is to provide you with quality properly balanced fertilization for your lawn, plants and trees to ensure health proper growth and longevity. It is important to realize the needs of each particular species and the nutrient needs at a particular time of year. 

We specialize in keeping your flowers blooming,
your trees growing and everything green and weed free. 

For outdoor plant, tree and lawn care, call Tomasello Pest Control today so that we can determine a program that is suited for the health of your yard.  561-585-2551

*Lethal yellow information provided in part by University of Florida