What is Laurel Wilt?

Laurel Wilt (LW) is a serious and deadly disease caused by the fungus Harringtonia lauricola (previously Raffaelea lauricola). The disease was introduced by the invasive pest called the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). This beetle was detected in Georgia (USA) in 2002 and by 2005 was detected in Florida. Laurel wilt has only been detected in trees of Lauraceae (Laurel Family) of which avocado is a member. Currently, five different species of ambrosia beetle have been documented capable of transmitting the pathogen to avocado trees.

For more information visit the UF/IFAS Tropical Research & Education Center research page.

Devastating Impact of Laurel Wilt

Hundreds of thousands of commercial avocado trees have died due to LW since 2012 when it was detected in the commercial avocado production area (Miami-Dade County). Many industry growers, educators and scientists have dedicated time and effort to test, experiment, and find solutions to combat LW and the ambrosia beetles that carry the pathogen.

Scroll down to find pictures, videos, articles, and links related to Laurel Wilt and Florida avocados.

Specimen Testing

If you suspect a plant has laurel wilt disease and would like confirmation of the causal pathogen, you can request a specimen test.

Click the link below for specific instructions and contact information.

Laurel Wilt Resources

Laurel Wilt Online Articles

Recommendations for Control and Mitigation of Laurel Wilt and Ambrosia Beetle Vectors in Commercial Avocado Groves in Florida1 Jonathan H. Crane, Daniel Carrillo, Edward A. Evans, Romina Gazis, Bruce Schaffer, Fredy Ballen, and Jeff Wasielewski

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1360

Recomendaciones para el Control y Mitigación de la Marchitez del Laurel y sus Vectores, lo FE838/FE838: Costos estimados de reemplazo de árboles de aguacate en plantaciones comerciales y patios en el sur de Florida (ufl.edu) s Escarabajos Ambrosia, en Arboledas Comerciales de Aguacate en Florida1 Jonathan H. Crane, Daniel Carrillo, Edward A. Evans, Romina Gazis, Bruce Schaffer, Fredy Ballen, y Jeff Wasielewski. Traducido por Rubén Regalado. Revisado por Dr. Carlos F. Balerdi.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1379

Estimates of the Replacement Costs of Commercial and Backyard Avocado Trees in South Florida1 Edward A. Evans and Jonathan H. Crane

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE825

Costos estimados de reemplazo de árboles de aguacate en plantaciones comerciales y patios en el sur de Florida1 Edward A. Evans and Jonathan H. Crane

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE838

Recommendations for the Detection and Mitigation of Laurel Wilt Disease in Avocado and Related Tree Species in the Home Landscape1 Jonathan H. Crane, Jeff Wasielewski, Daniel Carrillo, Romina Gazis, Bruce Schaffer, Fredy Ballen, and Edward A. Evans2

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1358

Recomendaciones para el Control y Mitigación de la Marchitez del Laurel y sus Vectores, lo FE838/FE838: Costos estimados de reemplazo de árboles de aguacate en plantaciones comerciales y patios en el sur de Florida (ufl.edu) s Escarabajos Ambrosia, en Arboledas Comerciales de Aguacate en Florida1 Jonathan H. Crane, Daniel Carrillo, Edward A. Evans, Romina Gazis, Bruce Schaffer, Fredy Ballen, y Jeff Wasielewski. Traducido por Rubén Regalado. Revisado por Dr. Carlos F. Balerdi.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1384

Distribution of counties with Laurel Wilt disease

Laurel Wilt Videos

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