First Report of the 16SrIV-D Phytoplasma Associated with Decline of a Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis)

Abstract

The Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis Hildebr. & H. Wendl), with blue-gray leaves, is an important ornamental palm commonly planted along the highways in central and south Florida. During May of 2017, severe discoloration of the younger leaves of a Bismarck palm was observed in a roadside landscape in Manatee County, Florida. Symptoms of Texas Phoenix palm decline can include premature fruit drop, death of inflorescences, more than usual discoloration of the oldest leaves, and death of the spear leaf. The presence of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was confirmed on Bismarck palm.