ARS | Publication request: USDA-ARS strategies to address the imminent threat of redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt disease to avocados in Florida

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 12, 2009
Publication Date: July 27, 2009
Citation: Kendra, P.E., Montgomery, W.S., Schnell, E.Q., Niogret, J., Epsky, N.D., Heath, R.R., Schnell Ii, R.J., Ayala Silva, T., Meerow, A.W., Winterstein, M.C. 2009. USDA-ARS strategies to address the imminent threat of redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt disease to avocados in Florida. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Technical Abstract: Laurel wilt, a deadly fungal disease of avocado and other trees in the Lauraceae, is vectored by the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). First detected in GA in 2002, the beetle has spread to SC and FL to within 70 miles of commercial avocado areas. Impact is potentially devastating to the avocado industry in FL, CA, and Mexico. Scientists at the USDA-ARS in Miami have coordinated efforts to address the threat of this pathogen/pest complex.