CULTURAL TIP: INSPECT YOUR TREES FOR POSSIBLE PESTS
The weather this year has been relatively mild and wetter than in the past few years. For many avocado growing districts there has not been the same number of heat waves, so far, as usual. While this has been great for reducing the water bill and helped take stress off the trees, there is one problem that may now be showing itself. Insect pest populations may be on the rise and destructive pests may have already caused economic damage to the trees. Omnivorous looper, persea mites, thrips and other pests may well be getting an easier time this year without the usual knockbacks to their populations that can occur when the heat is on. Many avocado trees have good flush with plenty of nice leaves for various bugs to feed on which will encourage strong growth in the pest levels. Growers are encouraged to be vigilant in monitoring for insect pests. Work with your PCA to make sure that you stay on top of increases in pest numbers and that the control options you choose help keep the pest numbers down before they have an effect on the trees and fruit. Don't be complacent, on occasion pest populations can build very quickly in localized "hot spots" and do considerable damage before the grower realizes anything is wrong. Further information regarding avocado pest management can be found in the UC’s Integrated Pest Management Guidelines.
 Adult avocado thrips; note diagnostic abdominal bands and red eyespots. |
 Omnivorous looper larva. |
