Exciting New Research Publication on Lethal Bronzing in Palms

[pptn]

I wanted to share something important with fellow palm enthusiasts who have been following the ongoing issue of lethal bronzing.

I’ve recently published new research that looks deeper into how lethal bronzing may actually lead to palm death. Instead of viewing the disease as simply “blocking” the palm’s vascular system, this paper explores the possibility that the palm’s own internal defense response may become over-activated — and that this extreme reaction may be what ultimately causes the collapse of the apical meristem.

This is not presented as a cure, but as a step forward in understanding the mechanics of the disease. My hope is that clearer insight into what is happening inside the palm will help guide better treatment strategies and research going forward.

If you’d like to read the paper, it is openly available here:

🔗 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18027736

Author: Gary Kennemer
Title: A Host-Mediated Defense Collapse Model for Lethal Bronzing Disease in Palms (Phytoplasma-Associated Phloem Failure)

I know many of you care deeply about palms and the spread of this disease. Hopefully this contributes meaningfully to the conversation and helps move the science forward.

[TropicsEnjoyer]

This is a fascinating new perspective. Hopefully in the coming years an effective treatment can be developed.