The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt

This devastating disease has spread rapidly along the southeastern seaboard of the U.S. since 2003 and has begun to affect commercial avocado production in Florida. Laurel wilt is spread by ambrosia beetles and interconnected roots of avocado trees. The time from infection to tree mortality ranges from four to eight weeks. To prevent spread of the disease, it is important that trees be destroyed as soon as they are affected by the disease.

Note: In March 2021, the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) changed its name to the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (FFGS). Older publications will still use the older name.