Lethal bronzing disease is a fatal phytoplasma infection of over 20 different palm species. It was introduced to Florida around 2006 and has since spread throughout the entire state where it has caused millions of dollars in economic to nurseries and landscape companies. While spread within nurseries and urban landscapes in Florida is driven primarily by transmission via the vector, Haplaxius crudus, long distance dispersal is commonly driven by movement of infected plant material. In this study, evidence is provided of the first detection of this phytoplasma in Phoenix sylvestris in Georgia, representing a new state record that is due directly to the movement of plants from Florida. Sequence data for the 16S rRNA, secA and groEL genes confirms the identity of the phytoplasma in declining palms from Georgia. This report highlights the continued need for monitoring and testing for lethal bronzing in Florida and regions where palms can grow and are commonly planted.
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