Research Library

Between 1914 and 2007, a quarantine protected California avocado groves from pests that might be introduced into the state along with fresh, imported avocados. Soon after Mexican avocados were first allowed entry on 1 February 2007, live specimens of several species of armored scales (Family

Seven chemicals are presently being tested in field trials and include three single and two combination formulations (Table 1). Field trial one and two are currently set up at South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC) in Irvine. Field trial one was set up 03/08/11 and field trial two was set up six weeks later, on 04/18/11. Both trials will be up for three months with trial one taken down starting 05/30/11 and trial two taken down starting 07/11/11. Treated branches Akwill then be pruned out and taken back to the lab where lesions will be measured and the data analyzed.

Sound management of and policy regarding newly introduced pests, and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations is achieved when the final costs and benefits to consumers and growers are known. The results of the study show that having the pesticide Agri-Mek available to treat infestations of ScritoS. perseae perseae (S. perseae) minimizes the losses to growers compared to use of the next best alternative. It also shows that while avocado growers are worse off and

Current management practices for avocado thrips rely on the use of foliar insecticides. However, the number of products is limited, the mode of application can be difficult (helicopter use on steep hillsides, applications near urban regions, potential for groundwater contamination), and there are risks

We are evaluating systemic insecticides for the management of current and newly emerging pests of California avocados. Current management practices for avocado thrips are centered on the use of foliar insecticides. Several foliar treatments are available (Agri-Mek, Delegate and Danitol) for the control of avocado thrips.

In this project, we are evaluating several members of the neonicotinoid insecticide class as potential control agents for avocado pests. In particular, there are several methods by which these chemicals can be applied to trees to achieve systemic uptake, and we are comparing the efficacy of each of
these methods to determine which is most effective. We conduct our research in commercial avocado groves so that our evaluations are realistic and relevant to California growers and grove conditions.

Biocontrol may provide an effective, long-term, non-chemical, environmentally acceptable method of controlling Phytophthora root rot of avocado through a combination of cultural methods and application of selected microorganisms. This approach will probably be most effective as part of an integrated system of resistant rootstocks, sanitation and cultural methods.

Project Objective
The objective of this project is to educate and inform California avocado growers on laurel wilt disease (LWD) symptoms and the risks of introduction to California. Accomplishment of this objective consists of a two-pronged approach through: 1) developing a collaborative relationship with researchers working on LWD in the southeastern U.S. in order to stay up-to-date on the disease status, and 2) constructing and delivering informational and educational tools and programs through the extension service to stakeholders in the California avocado Industry.

Avocado Branch and Trunk Canker (formerly Dothiorella Canker). In year three of three of this branch and trunk canker study, our objective is to evaluate effective chemical and organic materials to protect pruning wounds in the field from infection by Botryosphaeriaceae and Phomopsis/Diaporthe (P/D) spp.

In year three of three of this branch and trunk canker study, our objective is to evaluate effective chemical and organic materials to protect pruning wounds in the field from infection by Botryosphaeriaceae and Phomopsis/Diaporthe (P/D) spp.