Mystery disease threatens Fla. state tree

TAMPA, Fla., July 13 (UPI) -- Florida agricultural experts say they are working to learn more about a mysterious disease that is killing sabal palms -- the state tree.

University of Florida experts said DNA testing verified the existence of the fatal phytoplasma, but they are still trying to figure out how to prevent the disease from killing the trees, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported Friday.

The disease has been found in five Florida counties since it was first confirmed about two years ago, the newspaper said.

"It's a new disease, and there are no easy answers," said Hillsborough County forest extension agent Rob Northrop.

Researchers said the disease is likely the result of phytoplasma found to be harming the Canary Island date palm, the edible date palm, the wild date palm and the queen palm.