Florida's famous palm trees are under attack from a disease that completely dries them out within months. And there is no chance for recovery once a tree gets sick.
The cause is an insect about the size of a piece of rice. It spreads the bacterial disease, known as lethal bronzing, by jumping from plant to plant. Lethal bronzing has gone from a relatively minor issue on Florida's Gulf Coast to a nearly statewide problem in just over 10 years. Tens of thousands of palm trees have died from the disease. And the rate of its spread is increasing, adding to environmental concerns of Floridians. The state is already struggling to save other plants, its famous citrus trees, from two other diseases.
The tall, wide-leafed sabal palm is Florida's official state tree. It is especially susceptible to lethal bronzing. Farms where the palms are grown, businesses and homeowners are taking a financial hit as they destroy infected trees. Some preventative measures can be taken, but once infected, digging up the tree is the only reasonable solution. As an infected tree dies, its leaves change from green to a brownish or bronze color within about six months. The disease does not infect humans or animals.
Brian Bahder studies plant diseases spread by insects. He is also a leader in the state's battle against lethal bronzing. Bahder told The Associated Press that getting the disease under control is highly important because it could severely change the local environment.
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