What Is Wrong With My Date Palm Tree?

Are the leaflets of mature leaves becoming chlorotic at the base on one side, brown or white lesions on the underside of leaves are present?

Are there any dark brown-black, hard lesions on leaves, foliage have scorched appearance?

Are the suckers dying either while still attached to mother or after planting?

Are there any small spots on both sides of leaves, leaves may have yellow spore masses or black crater-like lesions?

Are there any brown or rust-colored areas on unopened spathes?

Are the fronds drying out and turning gray-brown, growing tip is rotting and turning into a slimy mass with foul smell?

Are there any V-shaped cuts in palm fronds or holes in leaf midribs?

Bayoud disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This disease is currently restricted to Morocco and Algeria where it can be devastating. Cultural control is not recommended for the control of the disease as conditions that favor a high yield of dates also favors the growth of the fungus. If the disease is confirmed then the infected tree should be uprooted and burned to prevent spread.

Black scorch disease is a fungal disease that infects plants through pruning wounds. Palms may recover from the disease. Prune out infected fronds, leaf bases, and inflorescences and burn the material immediately. Pruning wounds should be protected by spraying with Bordeaux mixture.

Diplodia disease is caused by the fungus Diplodia phoenicum. Fungus usually enters through cutting or pruning wounds. Disinfect all tools and equipment regularly. Protect pruning wounds and cuts with Bordeaux mixture or other appropriate copper-based fungicides.

Graphiola leaf spot is a fungal disease favored by high humidity. Infected leaves should be pruned out and destroyed. The disease can be controlled by sprays of Bordeaux mixture or another appropriate broad-spectrum fungicide.

Khamedj disease is a fungal disease favored by hot, humid conditions in neglected plantations. Good sanitation practices and maintenance of the plantation helps to control the disease. Infected spathes and inflorescences should be removed and burned. Diseased palms should be treated with Bordeaux mixture or appropriate copper-based fungicide.

Lethal yellowing is a disease caused by phytoplasma. The disease is transmitted by planthoppers. Disease severity can be reduced by injecting the antibiotic oxytetracycline HCl into the trunk. Antibiotics can also be administered as a protective measure if the disease is known to be in the area.

Coconut rhinoceros beetle is a large black beetle with a curved spine on its head. Destroy any decaying logs in the plantation by chopping and burning to kill any larvae that may be inside. Remove any dead trees from the plantation and destroy by burning. Plant a cover crop to deter egg laying by females as they do not lay eggs in areas covered by vegetation. A hooked wire can be used to extract larvae that are boring into young crowns.

If there are any discolored areas on leaflets the culprits are Parlatoria date scales. Attacks by the scale are very serious on young palms. The population of natural enemies coupled with the pruning of palms usually keeps scales under control. Mineral-based oils are effective against nymphs.