If palms are used for food purposes, copper fungides are the only approved fungicides. Use a spreader-sticker compound for good coverage. Apply all chemicals according to directions on the label. This disease is caused by a fungus, Ganoderma zonatum , and can infect many types of palms. The first sign of infection is the withering and drooping of older fronds.
Fronds collapse and droop parallel to the trunk.
New growth is stunted and is pale green or yellow in color. The head of the infected palm may fall off or the trunk collapse. Depending on the point of invasion, the roots may be severely decayed. Outer trunk tissues may seem solid, but affected palms have a hollow sound when tapped. Areas of dark brown tissue are evident when the trunk is dissected.