Sylvester Leaf Spot/Scale

[MarcoG]

Hello all, brand new here. I’m looking forward to your feedback.

I have owned my current home in Kissimmee FL for 2 years. This sylvester palm was already here and established. I don’t know the age, but it’s several years now.

Last year I noticed some of these spots and did nothing about it. This year they are much more prevalent, so I need to take action. The photos show the whole tree, then closeups of the worst problem sites (oldest growth) and completely unaffected sites (newest growth).

I have searched around the internet for a diagnosis, but have not landed on anything yet. The tree seems happy and healthy other than some premature yellowing and browning of the oldest growth (my uneducated opinion).

So what is it and how do I treat it?

Thanks,

MarcoG

[Harry’s Palms]

It looks like an infestation of some type of insect . I would take a leaflet with the condition and seal in a baggie then take it to a good nursery in your area that sells palms . They will have what works best in your area. It could be mealy bugs or scale , both easy to eradicate once you get the right treatment . If you have pets , mention it . There are pet and environment friendly ways to treat the palm. Harry

[Merlyn]

It is probably Graphiola leaf spot.  Generally it is cosmetic only.  I treated my Canary Date Palm with Banrot, and it did seem to clear up for a couple of years.  I am not sure which of the two ingredients worked, but  it did eventually come back.  https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP140

Edit: thiophanate-methyl and copper Re the two mentioned in the article.  Clearys 3336F and others contain thiophanate-methyl.  Copper can be phytotoxic in repeated doses, or if the concentration is too high.