Across the state of Florida, a disease called Laurel wilt has destroyed thousands of avocado trees in most counties. Although, presently six counties have not yet reported the deadly disease, (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla) experts say it is only a matter of time before the disease spreads.
Laurel wilt is caused by a fungus carried by ambrosia beetles, a non-native insect to Florida.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when they’ll report that they have laurel wilt, and that’s because these native trees throughout the state different species in the laurel family and are susceptible to the pathogen these beetles are carrying,” said Jonathan Crane, a tropical food crop specialist with the University of Florida.
While he says there’s not much that can be done to prevent further spread of laurel wilt, Crane says if the diseases is suspected, the state Agriculture department’s Division of Plant Industry should be contacted.
“And, they may come out and take a sample,” he added. “But, the main thing is you don’t want to remove the affected tree from the property because if you move it, then you’re just spreading the beetles and the disease to a new area.”
Rapid wilting and insect boring are signs of laurel wilt.
Source - freshplaza.com
