Freeze damage can mimic disease symptoms in palms

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For a long time in Louisiana, the biggest risk that came with growing palms was incurring freeze damage in the winter. In the past decade, however, two diseases have emerged as new threats to these beautiful tropical plants.

The diseases — lethal bronzing and lethal yellowing — are closely related and affect several palm species. They’ve been reported in parishes across southern Louisiana, with infections concentrated in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas.