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The True Origin of the Term “Lethal Bronzing”
How Gary Kennemer Defined a Disease
When a mysterious palm decline first appeared in Texas, it was hurriedly labeled Texas Phoenix Palm Decline (TPPD). The name was misleading from the start—it implied the disease was limited to Texas and only affected Phoenix date palms. But one expert immediately recognized that something far more significant was happening.
That expert was Gary Kennemer, Texas’ most respected palm specialist, researcher, and investigator of palm diseases. From the earliest cases, Gary observed symptoms and decline patterns that did not match the Phoenix-specific disease implied by “TPPD.” Drawing from decades of palm science, global fieldwork, and knowledge of historic diseases such as Lethal Yellowing, he recognized something deeper—and more dangerous—was occurring.
Click Here To See How This Lethal Bronzing Disease Was Traced To It's Origins By Gary Kennemer
How Lethal Bronzing Spreads (The Leafhopper Vector)
Similarities between this new decline and Lethal Yellowing were striking, especially in how the disease progressed inward toward the crown. But instead of the classic yellow spear collapse seen in Lethal Yellowing, this disease produced a copper-bronze discoloration as it advanced through the tree’s vascular system. This unique symptom pattern matched no known palm disease in the U.S. at the time.
Gary pinpointed the likely vector—a leafhopper species nearly identical to the one responsible for spreading Lethal Yellowing, with only minor biological differences. He also recognized that the pathogen was not soil-borne nor restricted to one palm genus. His early testing, sample submissions, and results from state and federal labs confirmed his suspicions: this was something new.
Click Here To See How This Lethal Bronzing Disease Was Traced To It's Origins By Gary Kennemer
How TPPD Became Lethal Bronzing
Gary insisted that the name Texas Phoenix Palm Decline was incorrect, scientifically misleading, and dangerous because it falsely reassured the public that only a narrow group of palms was at risk. Instead, he proposed the term Lethal Bronzing, based on the disease’s defining copper-bronze crown symptoms and its aggressive, deadly progression.
As Gary continued documenting cases, conducting field investigations, and collaborating with USDA, APHIS, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife, and researchers in Central and South America, his findings became undeniable. Years of his insistence, data sharing, and educational outreach pushed the industry to adopt his correct terminology.
Today, the worldwide palm community recognizes the disease by the name Lethal Bronzing—a term coined by Gary Kennemer, whose persistent scientific accuracy, global investigative work, and leadership reshaped how the disease is understood.
Thanks to Gary Kennemer, the palm industry now properly identifies the disease, tracks it accurately, and no longer uses the outdated, misleading label TPPD.
Click Here To See How This Lethal Bronzing Disease Was Traced To It's Origins By Gary Kennemer
What Homeowners Need to Know
Lethal Bronzing can move silently through your neighborhood before you see symptoms. Once a palm shows significant bronzing or a collapsed spear, it cannot be saved. For this reason, prevention is critical, especially for high-value or mature palms. If you notice bronzing, thinning, or strange discoloration, schedule an evaluation immediately. Early detection is the only chance to protect the rest of your palms.
Click Here To See How This Lethal Bronzing Disease Was Traced To It's Origins By Gary Kennemer