ARS | Publication request: The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus: A threat to avocado

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 16, 2009
Publication Date: July 29, 2009
Citation: Pena, J.E., Capinera, J.L., Stelinski, L.L., Kendra, P.E., Mayfield, A.E., Hanula, J.L. 2009. The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus: A threat to avocado. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Technical Abstract: Laurel wilt (LW) is a disease caused by Raffaelea sp., a fungal symbiont associated with the recently-introduced redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB), Xyleborus glabratus. Impact of RAB as a vector of the disease to avocado is a threat to avocado production in the U.S. Since 2006, we have a) tested susceptibility of different avocado cultivars to RAB, b) tested potential contact chemicals for control of RAB in avocado, and c) conducted surveys to determine extent of infestation of RAB in Florida. Here we present the results of these investigations and provide information on future research.