Learn how to help save the avocado and its culinary offspring, guacamole.
Laurel Wilt Disease
The Florida avocado tree has a deadly nemesis called laurel wilt disease. This rapidly expanding arboreal epidemic is caused by a fungus that is transmitted by the tiny and invasive
redbay ambrosia beetle
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The fungus not only kills avocado trees, but many other trees in the laurel family, including redbay, swamp bay and sassafras. Redbay ambrosia beetles can enter Florida on infested firewood and on host trees from unregistered nurseries. Find out ways that you can get involved and help "save the guac."
Look for the Signs
Laurel wilt disease is easy to spot if you know what you're looking for:
- Toothpick-like tubes or piles of fine sawdust on the bark of the tree
- Drooping foliage with a reddish or purplish discoloration
- Black discoloration on the sapwood surface
Learn more about laurel wilt disease.
Firewood
Harmful insects and diseases can be transported in firewood. Use only local firewood and don't move unprocessed wood. Learn more about firewood movement regulations.
Registered Nurseries
Don't transport avocado trees or any other trees in the laurel family unless you purchased them from a registered nursery.
