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October 12, 2008 10:33:18 AM CDT

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Disease Stalks Florida's Palms

Posted Jul 23, 08 5:10 PM CDT in Science & Health,  US 

(Newser) – A mystery disease is eating away at the sabal palm, Florida’s state tree, and scientists say the prospects of successfully fighting the disease are slim. The AP reports that an increasing number of the trees, which can grow up to 50 feet tall, have suffered collapsed canopies. "There's going to be fewer palms,” one state pathologist said.

Scientists face two difficulties in combating the tree-killer: They must first identify the disease, and then identify its insect vector. Even after that, stopping the insects could take resources the state doesn’t have, especially as the economic downturn has slowed funds to the main agricultural science center at the University of Florida, which is researching the pathogen.

Source Associated Press

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Sabal palm trees are shown Wednesday, July 23, 2008 in Miami.   (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
A sign at the Sabal Palm Audubon Center near Brownsville, Texas, May 10, 2007, reminds visitors to avoid area with Border Patrol sensors.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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