2. Basidiocarps (conks)• 1st Discovered in Florida in 1994 by
scientists at the University of Florida’s
Research & Education Center in Ft.
Lauderdale.
• Attacks only mature trees.
• There are few, if any, palms species that
are immune to the disease.
• Often called “Butt Rot” resulting from the
presence of basidiocarps (conks) at the
first few feet or “butt” of the palm.
June 2015 Ganoderma zonatum
3. Stages of Conks• The disease kills the palm by rotting the
tree from the inside out damaging the
xylem (water conducting tissue).
• The disease can only be positively
diagnosed through the presence of conks.
• Once diagnosed the palm should be
removed in its entirety with great care
being given to not disrupt the conk as it
contains a multitude of spores that can
become airborne.
June 2015 Ganoderma zonatum
