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Lethal bronzing disease (LBD), formerly Texas Phoenix Palm Decline (TPPD), is a lethal phytoplasma infection of various palm species in the state of Florida. It was first detected in Florida in 2006 and has since spread to 31 different counties and been isolated from 16 different species of palm. This three-page fact sheet describes the pathogen and hosts of LBD, its symptoms, how to diagnose it, and disease management practices. Written by Brian W. Bahder and Ericka Helmick, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, May 2019. This article is a minor revision of an earlier fact sheet by Nigel A. Harrison and Monica L. Elliott. PP243/PP163: Lethal Bronzing Disease (LB) (ufl.edu)

Phytoplasma diseases of palms are a major threat to the Florida nursery and landscaping industries. Historically, lethal yellowing (LY) has been responsible for the death of millions of coconut palms throughout the Caribbean. LY, introduced into Florida sometime in the first half of the 20th century, has been causing decline of over 30 species of palm (Harrison and Elliott 2015). In 2006, lethal bronzing disease (LBD) was discovered on the west coast of Florida near Tampa. Currently, the only two management options available for control of phytoplasmas is an aggressive sampling strategy followed by consistent tree removal and injections of OTC. This document seeks to provide a source of information and instruction on the injection of OTC into palm trunks.