Recap of August 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector
Invasive Species Threatening Florida’s Palms
In August, our monthly webinar took a deep dive into the world of invasive species affecting palms. From our neatly landscaped yards to our natural areas, palms are an iconic part of Florida’s identity. But these beloved trees face growing threats from pests and diseases. Some are already present and causing issues in the state, and others we hope never arrive.
This month, we focused on several high-risk invasive species not yet found in Florida:
Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)
South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum)
Red ring nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus)
Coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros)
Although these pests haven’t been detected in our state, early detection and rapid response are key to keeping it that way. That’s why it’s important to know what signs to watch for.
Weevils and Worms: A Deadly Combination
The larvae of both the red palm weevil and the South American palm weevil burrow into palm trunks and the base of fronds, creating tunnels as they feed. Over time, this damage can be so severe that the entire crown of the palm collapses.
What’s even more concerning is that the South American palm weevil can transmit the red ring nematode, a microscopic worm responsible for red ring disease. A telltale symptom of this disease is a reddish circular band that appears in the roots, stems, and petioles of affected palms, sometimes just 2–3 weeks after infestation. Red ring disease primarily affects coconut palms and African oil palms but can also threaten other palm species.
A Beetle with a Bite
Another pest on our radar is the coconut rhinoceros beetle. Unlike the weevils, which cause damage in their larval stage, the adult beetles are the main threat. They chew into healthy palm crowns and leaves. While their larvae typically feed only on decaying plant material, adult beetles can inflict serious harm on live palms.
Palm Diseases Already in Florida
In addition to the invasive pests we hope to keep out, we also touched on two serious diseases that are already present in Florida:
Lethal bronzing (Candidatus Phytoplasma aculeata)
Lethal yellowing (Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae)
These phytoplasma diseases affect palms differently depending on the species, but common symptoms include premature fruit drop, yellowing of older leaves, and death of the spear leaf. Once infected, palms can decline rapidly.
We now know that an insect, the American palm cixiid (Haplaxius crudus), is capable of spreading both pathogens. Research is ongoing to better understand these diseases and how to manage them effectively.
While there are many pests and diseases that can affect palms, this webinar highlighted a few of the most concerning invasive species. We regularly offer educational programs that dive deeper into palm management and how to protect these Florida icons.
Stay tuned for future webinars and resources to help you keep your palms healthy and thriving!
Resources on Palms
Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center Palm Diagnostics Key
ID Tools for Palm Pathogens
ID Tools for Palm Pests
UF Fort Lauderdale REC, Dr. Brian Bahder’s lab, Diagnostic testing for lethal bronzing and lethal yellowing
EDIS, Ask IFAS documents on palm
Want to watch the recording?
What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2026. Maybe longer too! Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept. 2025-2026.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website
The post August 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
Recap of August 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector Invasive Species Threatening Florida’s Palms In August, our monthly webinar took a deep dive into the world of invasive species affecting palms. From our neatly landscaped yards to our natural areas, palms are an iconic part of Florida’s identity. But these beloved trees face growing
The post August 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
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