There are increasing number of outbreaks of disease in Phoenix canariensis growing in urban areas. Most worrying is the Tracheofusariosia disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. canariensis, capable of causing serious damage. Symptoms of the disease are: the drying up of some of the leaves in the canopy that expands rapidly to all other leaves to the point of collapse. It is more difficult to identify at an early stage when there are no visible symptoms or at most the browning of the flower/ fruiting stalk. it is vital to introduce preventative methods aimed at blocking contact between plants and the disease and to reduce the possibility of further spread. The following measures are suggested: Do not replant Phoenix canariensis in a position previously occupied by an infected plant (it is often not possible to use the required chemicals to disinfect the soil in an urban environment). In substituting a dead or diseased plant of P. canariensis, the hole should be cleaned and disinfected as the situation permits and the species planted must be of another genera, not Phoenix. Infected plants should be immediately eliminated and any vegetation obtained from infected plants by pruning should be taken away and any compost derived in whole or in part from these prunings should never be used or deposited near P. canariensis plants. Pruning equipment must be disinfected after each use on P. canariensis. Plants that show initial signs of infection should be kept under observation and treated with appropriate chemical products against Fusarium sp. that are admitted in urban areas. It is also essential to train technicians and personnel employed in the municipal parks and gardens department to recognize the disease and to take appropriate action. Giovanni Minuti (Cersaa, Albenga), Angelo Garibaldi (Agrinnova-Univ. of Torino) "Colture Protette" Fax 051 6575856 E-Mail: co@gce.it