Insecticide For Avocado Trees

There are 2,500 species of moths in the US alone and according to a study by the University of California, almost all of these moth species have been recorded on avocado trees in the American southwest. Just when you think you have an avocado tree under control, an infestation of avocado tree borers can change everything. Avocados are tasty additions to the garden, but there are many pests and diseases of an avocado tree that you should be aware of before planting. The vast majority of avocado tree problems with disease can be traced to placement in poorly drained soils or growing trees that aren’t certified disease-free — they bring the pathogens with them.

Insecticide For Avocado Trees

Common Diseases of an Avocado Tree

Cankers– Cankers are usually only minor diseases of an avocado tree, but they’re highly visible. These sores on tree trunks and branches may sink slightly and ooze gum, giving the sore a rusty appearance. Cankers can often be cut out of limbs, but cankers in trunks often kill affected trees.

Fruit rots – Fruit rots, caused by fungal pathogens, typically occur where sanitation is poor and tree stressors are high. These fungi may overwinter in plant debris on the ground around the tree, or in fruits that are left on the tree after harvesting avocados. Proper pruning and prompt removal of fruits will help stop disease.

Root rots – Root rots generally appear in areas with poor drainage or in trees that are chronically over watered. If conditions can be improved, the tree may be able to be saved. Sometimes, digging around the tree and exposing the roots will allow the crown to dry enough to prevent tree death.

Sunblotch – Sunblotch is a serious, incurable disease of avocado trees. Fruits are often discolored or scarred, twigs may develop red or yellow discoloration, or rectangular cracks may develop in the bark. Infected trees are also often stunted, but some trees show no symptoms at all, aside from a reduction in yield. Once contracted, sunblotch cannot be cured, but by purchasing certified disease-free stock and practicing good tool sanitation, you can stop the spread of sunblotch.

Wilts and blights – Wilts and blights are characterized by dead areas in trees, especially when only a part of the tree is affected. Wilts unsurprisingly cause sudden wilting and death in branches; blights may kill small branches or only affect the leaves themselves. Pruning the symptomatic tissues from trees and providing good support can help your avocado recover.

Avocado Tree Insects Borers – Borers tunnel into avocado trees, where they feed or lay eggs. Entrance holes are highly visible and may leak sap and borer-weakened branches may break easily. Stressed trees are preferred by borers; keeping your tree healthy can prevent infestation. Cut out infested branches and dispose of them immediately.

Caterpillars – Caterpillars attack foliage, flowers, and fruits and can cause substantial damage in a short time. Sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis are highly effective, provided that you can reach caterpillars, like leafrollers, who feed inside protective nests made of leaves. Making a special point to spray inside these folded over or silk-bound leaves will destroy the caterpillars inside.

Lace bugs – Intermittent pests of avocado, lace bugs damage leaves when they are present. Feeding sites cause yellow spots that soon dry out and stressed leaves will drop, exposing fruit and wood to ultraviolet rays. When symptoms appear, sprays of horticultural oils or pyrethrin are recommended avocado tree treatment.

Mites – Mites cause similar damage as lace bugs, but leaves may also take on a bronze appearance and the pests will be difficult to see with the naked eye. Some mites spin fine webs as they feed, similar to those of spiders. Treat them with horticultural oil; insecticides can cause population explosions.

Thrips – Thrips rarely cause serious damage to trees, but will seriously scar fruits. Scabby or leathery brown scars appear as fruits enlarge, sometimes stunting fruits. Careful pruning and fertilizing will help prevent thrips, who are attracted to tender flushes of growth. They can be destroyed with horticultural oil or pyrethrin.

Insecticide For Avocado Trees

Avocado trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and mites. To protect your tree from these pests and diseases, you should apply an insecticide regularly.

A common type of insecticide is neem oil, which is made from the neem tree’s seeds. Neem oil is a natural repellent that works well at keeping aphids away from your avocado tree because it contains compounds that interfere with the growth cycle of these pests.

You can also use horticultural oils to kill or repel pests on your avocado trees. These oils work by suffocating them or preventing their movement so they cannot reach the leaves where they feed and lay eggs.

List Of Insecticide For Avocado Trees