Mexican Fan Palm Diseases
The Mexican Fan palm is susceptible to different varieties of scales: diamond scale fungus, florida red scale, thread scale and magnolia scale.
The palm is often damaged by palm leaf skeletonizer. The first sign of the infestation is indicated by brown excrements found on leaves. Then leaves will brown and die.
Major diseases for the Mexican Fan palm include leaf spots, pestalotiopsis, but rot and root rot.
Root rot can occur when the tree is over-watered.
The palm can be destroyed by palmetto weevilis. In most cases, once the first signs of infestation occur it is too late to save the Mexican Washingtonia.
Control and prevention is recommended for this palm and it is not difficult. The insects maybe contorolled by applying appropriate pesticides. Chemicals will keep insects off the tree. Use them at the infested tree at first sign of damage or illness.
The most effective control is leaf removal and disposal.
Preventative treatment is only possible if the palm is pretty young due its large size. Cure of the older palm is almost impossible because it is too tall and the crown is too high.
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