This disease is caused by a fungus, and can rapidly spread through the palm. It typically shows up on the lower leaves first, either as a one-sided yellowing of the leaves or browning due to leaf death.
Palms infected with the fungus can die quickly, usually in two to three months from the initial infection. Since the infection spreads rapidly, leaves may not wither and die, and therefore may not break and droop along the trunk of the palm.
Once a palm is infected, there is no cure. The canopy and infected trunks should never be used for mulch, as this can spread the disease to other palms.
Pruning should be limited to dead or dying leaves. Severe pruning of palms is considered a risk factor in fungus diseases, since it is believed to stress the palms. So-called “hurricane” pruning is not necessarily the best measure to protect palms.
It is not recommended to plant another palm in the same area where a diseased palm has been removed, since the fungus spores may remain in the ground for some time.
submitted by Randy Browning