What is the most dangerous disease problem to watch out for and prevent when maintaining Phoenix Dactylifera?
While there are a few different problems that can arise if you ignore the palms, the most damaging in our opinion and experience is Thielaviopsis Paradoxa, also known as Chalara Paradoxa. Briefly stated, (there is a whole lot more to say on this topic) if left untreated, T. Paradoxa commonly causes the destruction of a portion of the conductive tissue just below the petiole. This damage then attracts and encourages the establishment of Ambrosia Beetle colonies. This colonization results in an escalating level of structural damage that itself often results in the palms breaking off at the weakest point.
