Expert: kathy crowley - 7/3/2009

Question
PLEASE HELP - I HAVE 4 SAGO PALM TREES - 2 ARE MOSTLY IN THE SHADE AND 2 ARE MOSTLY IN FULL SUN - THE ONES IN THE SHADED AREA ARE DOING GREAT - THE ONES IN THE SUN ARE NOT - THEIR TOP PRONGS ARE YELLOWING TO ABOUT HALF WAY DOWN THE TREE - THE BOTTOM PRONGS ARE GREEN AND LOOK GOOD - THERE IS NO POWDERY MILDEW SEEN - I DONT'T KNOW WHAT TO DO - THEY ARE GETTING ENOUGH WATER - HELP!

Answer
Hi Sharon, There are many problems with Sago palms Atomic Grow maybe the only cure that is known now.   The Cycad you mentioned, may have  what is commonly referred to as Asian Cycad Scale.  It is very common unfortunately on the Sago especially.  There is no known cure for this and the University of Florida is currently doing many studies on the proper treatment.  

One of the products Dr. Robert Stamps is testing with is called Atomic Grow.  It is a foliar spray and will dehydrate the scale immediately.  Atomic Grow is a non-toxic product and works very very well on scale of all kinds.   As it dehydrates the insects it loosens their ability to adhere to the plant.  They can literally be washed off with a gentle pressure.  At the same time Atomic Grow has a stimulating effect on the Sago and will actually increase the growth rate.  I have personally used this product in many commercial landscaping applications and it is simply fascinating.  It is also non selective so you can use it on your other plants as well. kathy