Insects and Diseases

Whitefly Infestation

The Rugose Spiraling Whitefly attack a variety of plants including Gumbo Limbo, Coconut Palms, and Bird of Paradise. These Whiteflies are larger than the Ficus Whitefly already infesting Ficus hedges. The infestations can become extensive, and the honeydew produced by them can create a sticky, moldy mess beneath the infested plants.

As a response to this family of pest problems, a Whitefly Task Force has been established in Palm Beach County to meet the needs of residents, professionals, and other decision-makers. This working group is organized by University of Florida faculty and local industry.

Short and long-term management plans and educational materials are being developed by the team in conjunction with local media, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA-APHIS-PPQ).

Ganoderma Infection

Ganoderma is a spore-born wood-rotting fungi that infects tree roots and root flares. Oaks, maples, ashes, elms, and other deciduous trees, as well as conifers and Palm trees are susceptible to infection. The fungus will not die until it has consumed the entire tree or kills the palm.  Once a diseased tree or palm has been removed, you’ll want to re-landscape the area, but keep in mind that the fungus will still be present in the root system of the removed palm and in the soil so, if you’re replacing the removed palm with another palm remove all the old roots and replace the soil with new soil or just plant something other than a palm tree in that spot. Additional information is provided below:

University of Florida: Ganoderma Butt Rot of Palms

Bartlett: Ganoderma Butt Rot (PDF)