Sago Palm Disease

History

• Sago palm scale disease originated in Thailand and Southern China. It spread to the United States via infected imported plants.

Significance

• Palm trees will die from an untreated infestation of scale. Over time the scale turns the palm leaves yellow and they lose the ability to perform the photosynthesis process.

Identification

• Scale damage first appears as white spots on the palm fronds. These white spots are actually insects that feed on the underside of the tree's leaves.

Transmission

• The wind contributes to the rapid spread of sago palm scale disease.

Treatments

• Natural predators such as the predatory beetle and the parasitic wasp rid the sago palm of scale. Alternatively, cut off the palm leaves and apply horticultural oil each week for 5 weeks, according to the University of Florida.