Ganoderma zonatumA Pathogenic Disease of Palm Trees

Landscape Maintenance Professionals, Inc.

Ganoderma zonatum

Basidiocarps (conks)• 1st Discovered in Florida in 1994

by scientists at the University of Florida’s Research & Education Center in Ft. Lauderdale.

• Attacks only mature trees.

• There are few, if any, palms species that are immune to the disease.

• Often called “Butt Rot” resulting from the presence of basidiocarps (conks) at the first few feet or “butt” of the palm.

June 2015

Ganoderma zonatum

Stages of Conks• The disease kills the palm by rotting the tree from the inside out damaging the xylem (water conducting tissue).

• The disease can only be positively diagnosed through the presence of conks.

• Once diagnosed the palm should be removed in its entirety with great care being given to not disrupt the conk as it contains a multitude of spores that can become airborne.

June 2015

Ganoderma zonatum

Ganoderma zonatum

Infected PalmConks on the “butt” of a palm tree

June 2015

To learn more about Ganoderma zonatum or other diseases common to FL landscaping contact LMP @ (877) LMPPRO1.

www.lmppro.com