Redbay Ambrosia Beetle-Laurel Wilt Disease (RAB-LW)
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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.
Publications
Recommendations for Control and Mitigation of Laurel Wilt and Ambrosia Beetle Vectors in Commercial Avocado Groves in Florida
Jonathan H. Crane, Daniel Carrillo, Edward A. Evans, Romina Gazis, Bruce Schaffer, Fredy H. Ballen, andJeff Wasielewski
Control of the LW pathogen–AB complex is challenging due to the potential for rapid root-graft transmission, new LW infestations caused by AB movement, and the difficulty and expense of current control tactics. Ongoing research is aimed at further understanding of the biology of the pathogen and secondary AB capable of transmitting the LW pathogen, epidemiology (spread dynamics of the disease), and development of more efficient control and mitigation tactics. As more information is developed, control recommendations will be revised.
Sampling Guidelines and Recommendations for Submitting Samples for Diagnosing Laurel Wilt in Avocado Trees (Persea americana L.)
Jonathan H. Crane, Romina Gazis, Jeff Wasielewski, Daniel Carrillo, Bruce Schaffer, Fredy H. Ballen, andEdward A. Evans
Laurel wilt (LW) is a vascular disease caused by a fungal pathogen, Raffaelea lauricola, which is transmitted to avocado trees by several ambrosia beetle species or through root grafts among adjacent avocado trees. Laurel wilt is a highly destructive disease that ultimately results in tree death; therefore, early detection and tree removal to prevent its spread is recommended. Diseased or symptomatic trees are best identified by continuous and regular grove scouting, which should be a normal grove management activity. This may go a long way to manage the disease and remain in business.
Recommendations for the Detection and Mitigation of Laurel Wilt Disease in Avocado and Related Tree Species in the Home Landscape
Jonathan H. Crane, Jeff Wasielewski, Daniel Carrillo, Romina Gazis, Bruce Schaffer, Fredy H. Ballen, andEdward A. Evans
Avocado trees are a popular choice for homeowners in Florida, with over 600,000 growing in Florida home landscapes. However, avocado trees as well as others in the Lauraceae family are susceptible to laurel wilt disease, which can kill a tree in as few as three weeks.
The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt
Yiyi Dong, Jiri Hulcr, Daniel Carrillo, and Xavier Martini
The redbay ambrosia beetle, harmless in its native Asia, has become a formidable pest since its introduction to the United States in 2002. The beetle spreads the fungus Harringtonia lauricola, a lethal pathogen of North American Lauraceae trees, including avocados. The fungus infection triggers a rapid onset of laurel wilt disease, which has nearly eliminated laurel trees across the southeastern United States within a few years. The beetle has spread across nearly 300 counties in the Southeast, facilitated by trade in wood products. Effective control in natural environments remains an unresolved challenge; in avocado groves, infected trees must be removed and destroyed. Introduction of X. glabratus into Mexico, California, Central America, or South America, regions with substantial avocado industries and diverse native Lauraceae species, would be disastrous. International cooperation is necessary to address this threat.