Best Pest Repellent For Dwarf Palms

Question

We have many Phoenix roebeleniis (dwarf date palms) that have been in the yard about 15 years. Their only problem is that they are constantly developing a black fungus on the top of the fronds and then a white scale on the underneath side. I have been using a Neem oil and water solution that my gardener sprays on about once a month, but it is not preventing the disease. Is the only other solution to use a systemic on the root system? I want to avoid pesticides but it seems impossible in this case. Please let me know if there is an effective solution against the fungus besides a pesticide. Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, your photos didn't make it through. I can't see the issue at hand, but it sounds like white scale insects are causing your issues, including the sooty mold on the tops of the leaves. I'd take this in a multi step process. The first thing I'd do is get all of the scale that you can off. Use a heavy water stream, or use a rag to remove what you can manually. After that, you'll want to treat with your insect repellent, again. This time, a systemic would be a good idea. Fortunately, there are organic options. I can't recommend any brands, but I can say that any organic drench with rosemeric acid is a safe bet.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm