Harrison, N.A. and M.L. Elliott. 2008. Lethal Yellowing of Palms. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2008-0714-01

DISEASE:  Lethal Yellowing of Palms

PATHOGEN:  'Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae'

HOSTS: Palms (species in the family Arecaceae); Pandanus utilis (Pandanaceae)

Authors
Nigel A. Harrison and Monica L. Elliott
University of Florida

Random pattern of lethal yellowing disease in Cocos nucifera plantation. (Courtesy of N. A. Harrison)

During the last four decades, outbreaks of lethal yellowing disease have killed most of the once prevalent tall-type coconut cultivars in Florida (United States) and Jamaica. While coconuts are the most important economic palm affected by this disease, 35 other palm species are susceptible to lethal yellowing.