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Beetle threatens Florida's avocados

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The Associated Press

Published: May 10, 2009

MIAMI - A little beetle could cause big problems for Florida's multimillion-dollar avocado industry.

Scientists are tracking the redbay ambrosia beetle as it crisscrosses the southeastern United States, spreading a fungus that is killing avocado trees. The beetle and the fungus it transmits could be devastating in Florida, the country's second-largest avocado producer.

The fungus, laurel wilt disease, has so far only affected homeowners and has not infiltrated the industry's commercial hub in South Florida, said University of Florida plant pathologist Randy Ploetz.

It has already been recorded in Okeechobee County, however, dangerously close to Miami-Dade County, which has most of the state's 7,500 acres of commercial trees.

Laurel wilt is both difficult to identify and quickly attacks a tree, starting at its crown. "What you're looking for is wilted stems as leaves, some black streaking in the wood" and compacted sawdust, a state Department of Agriculture spokesman said.

The Associated Press

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