Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
« Back to the grid | Next story »

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

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Why Organic Tomatoes Are Better for You

    May 31, 08 6:34 AM CDT
    Why Organic Tomatoes Are Better for You Some organically grown tomatoes appear to have higher levels of potent antioxidants, and the reason may be in the fertilizer, NPR reports. Researchers at UC Davis running tests on levels of the antioxidants, known as flavonoids, found 79%-97% higher flavonoid levels in the organic tomatoes. More »

  • Climate Killing Medical Hopes

    Apr 23, 08 1:53 PM CDT
    Climate Killing Medical Hopes The loss of biodiversity on Earth will seriously hamper efforts to cure human disease, AFP reports. Researchers at the UN-backed Business for the Environment conference highlighted undiscovered cures for pain, infections and even cancer that risk being lost forever if humans fail to reverse the widespread extinction of thousands of species caused, in large part, by climate change. More »

  • Foot and Mouth Outbreak Traced to Lab

    Aug 5, 07 11:13 AM CDT
    Foot and Mouth Outbreak Traced to Lab An English research lab is the likely source of a recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the Guardian reports. British government officials believe a batch of experimental vaccine leaked and spread to a nearby farm. Scientists were tipped to the possible leak by the fact that the strain of the virus is not one that occurs naturally, but is a vaccine strain.
    More »

  • UK Cattle Test Positive for Foot-and-Mouth

    Aug 4, 07 6:35 AM CDT
    UK Cattle Test Positive for Foot-and-Mouth Britain faces its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in six years after a herd of beef cattle in Guildford tested positive, reports the Independent. The news forced Gordon Brown to cancel his vacation as the government introduced emergency measures banning all transportation of cattle and pigs and throwing up a "protection zone" in the region. More »

  • Modified Mosquitoes Could Fight the Spread of Malaria

    Mar 20, 07 8:06 AM CDT
    Modified Mosquitoes Could Fight the Spread of Malaria Genetically modified mosquitoes that cannot pass on malaria may help reduce the spread of the disease that now causes a million deaths a year, mostly children. A new study shows that the lab-designed bugs could out-breed their natural competition, eventually driving them out altogether and eliminating the route through which humans are infected. More »

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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

Florida • disease • agriculture • research • trees


Loading...

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »