For Immediate Release:
 December 05, 2008

Media Contact:
Sonya M. Perez
soperez@miamidade.gov
 305-375-4942



South Florida Avocado Trees Face Serious Threat from Fungus-Carrying Beetle


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- The Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Division is cautioning residents to be aware of a fungus-carrying beetle that is on its way down to Miami-Dade County and poses a serious threat to avocado trees.  Residents are urged to be on the lookout for signs of rapid leaf wilting on avocado trees, which may be caused by the laurel wilt fungus, and avoid moving or transporting infected trees.  Consumers should also be cautious when purchasing or transporting firewood as it may be from an infected source.

The redbay ambrosia beetle, a non-native insect which is about half the size of a grain of rice, carries and feeds off the laurel wilt fungus that kills avocado, redbay and other trees in the laurel family.  While the beetle itself does not harm trees, the fungus it carries stops the flow of water in host trees, causing leaves to wilt and turn brown and the tree to eventually die.  The beetle was first detected in Georgia in 2002 and in Florida in 2005.  These states along with South Carolina have experienced a significant number of tree deaths due to laurel wilt. 

Because leaf wilting can be caused by other factors, residents are strongly advised to contact the Division of Plant Industry (DPI) with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to diagnose their avocado trees if they suspect they have the disease.  The DPI toll-free hotline is 1-888-397-1517.  If the tree is infected, owners are encouraged to have it destroyed.  Otherwise, the dead trees will pose a danger as brittle branches may break and fall on people or homes, especially during stormy weather.  Residents should not try to replant new avocado trees because, more than likely, they will also succumb to the disease.

A proper diagnosis is essential because leaf wilting may also be caused by cold damaging temperatures or root rot, which is common during flooded soil conditions.    Cold damage and root rot symptoms result in a more uniform spread of leaf wilting on a tree as opposed to just a few select branches as is the case with the laurel wilt fungus.  Because South Florida’s dry season runs now through May, wilting is not typically common during this time of year. Proper diagnosis will also allow local and regional authorities to accurately track the movement of the insect and the fungus.

The avocado tree is a common fruit tree in South Florida and creates a canopy over much of our area, providing shade.  The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department strongly advises consumers to avoid signing misleading or fraudulent contracts with anyone who claims to have a treatment plan.  Presently, there are no known treatments to prevent laurel wilt infection in avocado.  Since the beetle and fungus are not known in Miami-Dade County at this time, treatments are not necessary and not recommended.  The recommendation for homeowners with dooryard fruit trees at this time is to be on the look-out for avocado trees showing signs of rapid wilting, dieback, and/or insect boring, and to report their suspect trees to the Division of Plant Industry.

The University of Florida is currently researching possible treatments and preventive measures.  The Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension, which is a partnership of the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department and the University of Florida, will keep residents informed of any developments.

To access additional resources on the redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt fungus, go to:

About CSD
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces the County's consumer protection laws and business regulations, and licenses certain businesses.  In addition, the department’s Cooperative Extension Division provides technical assistance to commercial agricultural growers, backyard gardeners, homeowners, and manages youth and family development programs.  The department also educates consumers on issues that affect them and provides resources to the public to improve their quality of life.
 

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CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT