Ongoing crown issue w/ large Howea Forsteriana

[Dantana]

Hello All,

I mostly just read the exchanges on Palmtalk but the time has come to ask for your expert advice. I’m located in Redondo Beach less than a mile from the coast with a large Kentia that’s been in the ground for almost 10 years. About 6 months ago I noticed the crown changing shape and eventually recognized that the new spears were getting jammed up and no longer coming out. A few months ago I started periodically applying Clearys 3336 Fungicide around the root zone but nothing appears to have changed. More recently I climbed a ladder and dumped hydrogen peroxide down the meristem but no results yet. 

From the photos you’ll also notice that my Kentia is located right next to a grass lawn. About 18 months ago I began fertilizing with Milorganite. Is there a possibility that this has created a manganese deficiency or something similar? I periodically fertilize this palm with PalmGain but perhaps I need to provide a larger standalone dose of manganese. 

Thank you in advance for your guidance!

Dan

[Darold Petty]

Dan,  Welcome to Palmtalk !  

Read this,  and scroll down to Figure # 21

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP273

 

[Dantana]

Thank you Darold. On a scale of 1-10, how dire of a situation does this appear?

I was looking online for a fertilizer that was 0-0-16 and couldn’t find anyone selling it in California. I just bought this on Amazon but not sure about it - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G3YU1TC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

[Darold Petty]

I'm sorry, but I really don't know much more about the chemical levels.  There are others on the forum with more knowledge, perhaps they can contribute.

  Milorganite is known to accumulate heavy metals, and is not recommended for vegetable gardens.  Personally I would never use it.

[Kentia King]

@Dantana I wouldn't rule out insect damage being the cause. I have similar damage from Tirathaba rufivena (Coconut spike moth) in my Howea forsteriana plantation.

 

[Darold Petty]

Kentia King,  Welcome to Palmtalk !  

[Looking Glass]

You have a “new growth” issue, as opposed to an issue on the old fronds.  New growth deficiencies effecting frond size and shape would be lack of manganese or lack of boron.  (if that there is a deficiency). 

Interestingly, Milogrinite is said to sometimes bind up manganese and can trigger deficiencies in palms.  It works great on lawns for slow release nitrogen, and for the most part can’t be over applied to grass, which is nice.  I use it on occasion, but my palms are all over fertilized with high quality Palm fertilizer and micros, so I’ve never had issues.  

It doesn’t look like something that potassium would fix (0-0-16).  Unless you are talking about a landscape mix with micros.  Potassium and magnesium deficiency will cause changes like yellowing and tip necrosis, or just marginal leaflet yellowing, respectively, but on older fronds, not new growth.  
 
I would treat this with Manganese & Boron and decent watering to push growth.   

Here is a link to my favorite guide to treating common palm nutrient deficiencies in Florida.  It still applies in most other places…..   

Palm Nutritional Deficiency Correction and
Antagonistic Nutritional Relationships
Submitted by Charlie Beck

https://www.palmbeachpalmcycadsociety.com/documents/PalmNutritionalDeficiencyCorrectionAndAntagonisticNutritionalRelationships.pdf

You could also have some sort of crown rot/infection, or bug infestation up there, and that would require different remedies.  

If you are getting a lot of fizzing with the peroxide, I’d pour Daconil, with peroxide in the crown if you can.   If bugs, Imidacloprid systemically and topically, and Bifenthrin topically.  

But I’ll also say I’m no expert in Kentias, as they don’t like south Florida very much.  Those are just some general ideas.  Cali folks probably can be more specific.  

***Damn, I just got bit by this zombie thread***  

[DoomsDave]

@Dantana keep us apprised of your Howea’s condition, good or bad or uncertain. 
 

If you have a question, ask!

[Dr. George]

If that were in our garden it likely would be a boron deficiency.

(see attached)

gmp

Boron Def in Palms HI.pdf

Boron Deficiency Palms.pdf