Known Industry Concerns

Lethal Yellowing Disease

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

The symptoms of lethal yellowing disease are: premature nut fall, blackened (necrosis) of the inflorescences (male and female flowers), yellowing or browning of the leaves and, finally, the falling of the canopies, leaving behind only the tree trunk.

Coconut growers are encouraged to play their part in the fight against lethal yellowing disease by cutting and burning trees at the first sign of infection.