A fatal phytoplasma disease spread by sap-feeding planthoppers that causes premature fruit drop, flower death, yellowing or bronzing of older fronds, and eventual death of the palm. There is no cure once symptoms appear.

Commonly affects all species of Date Palms and other Florida ornamentals.

A large native beetle whose larvae tunnel into the growing point (heart) of a palm, causing the crown to collapse and killing the tree. It most commonly attacks stressed, recently transplanted, over-pruned, or damaged palms, although some species may be attacked while healthy. Early detection is difficult, and heavily infested palms cannot be saved.

Commonly affects several species of palm found in Central Florida.

A few of the most common fungal diseases affecting palms in Central Florida include:

• Bud Rot – A destructive disease caused by several fungi and fungus-like organisms that attack the palm's growing point (bud). Symptoms include yellowing or browning of the newest fronds, spear leaf collapse, foul-smelling decay, and eventual death of the palm if the bud is destroyed. Bud rot is most common after prolonged wet weather, cold damage, or injury to the crown.

• Thielaviopsis Trunk Rot – A lethal trunk rot that enters through wounds, causing rapid internal decay and sudden trunk failure. Most common on stressed or recently transplanted palms.

• Fusarium Wilt – A vascular disease that causes one-sided yellowing and death of fronds before spreading through the canopy. Most common on Queen and Mexican Fan palms.