Although California anthracnose of avocados — as a disease affecting fruit on the tree, leaves, and twigs — is unusual, Avocado Branch Canker is increasingly being recognized as a major issue for avocado production in California. This article summarizes CAC-funded research focused on assessing the phytosanitary status of avocados in California propagation nurseries and newly established groves to understand infection, sources and movement of pathogen inocula in nurseries.