To address the growing threat of Avocado Lace Bug, the California Avocado Commission sought out industry experts to educate growers on the issue and produced an informational video to assist growers in early detection of the invasive pest. The video, featuring industry experts Tom Roberts, Pest Control Advisor for Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, and Dr. Mark Hoddle, Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology at UC Riverside, is showcased below.
The video reviews the history of the Avocado Lace Bug in California, which was first identified in 2017 in San Diego and Riverside Counties and was initially of little threat to avocados. By 2022-23, Avocado Lace Bug had been identified in Orange and Santa Barbara counties where it began to cause considerable damage in commercial orchards.
Researchers determined that the two populations were in fact two different variants of ALB — one from Mexico, which was not causing damage, and one from Florida, which was causing considerable damage.
The video showcases the symptoms of ALB, noting that early detection is both critical and difficult due to the size of the pest. It also demonstrates what growers should look for in their groves and how temperature impacts the pest, which tends to thrive in the 80-90˚F range.
The Commission will continue to assist growers by conducting additional research into the pest and sharing relevant information that will help producers scout their groves and practice optimal canopy and pest management to minimize ALB damage.