Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig 4.13 Internal vascular discolouration of an avocado stem.
Fig 4.12 Development of laurel wilt on part of a tree.
mortality, in trees of red bay, sassafras, pondberry,
pondspice, camphor trees and avocado. The disease is
seen as a serious threat to commercial avocado
production in Florida. The ambrosia beetle is native to
Asia (Bangladesh, India, Japan, Myanmar, Taiwan). The
beetle was first detected in the United States in 2002 and
may have arrived in wood products from southern Asia.
The disease was unknown until 2004.
Raffaelea
laurelensis
is new to science.
What to do if you suspect laurel wilt
The pathogen and beetle are both biosecurity risks to
Australia. Any suspected affected plants should be
reported to the nearest Department of Primary Industries
or the Plant Health Australia hotline (1800 084 881).
Fig 4.14 Laurel wilt affects members of the Lauraceae family
.
