The avocado has emerged as one of the most lucrative crops, given the high demand for its fruits in recent years. However, like many cultivated plants, various pests and diseases have begun to afflict this remarkable tree. If you wish to learn about the main pests and diseases of avocado and how to prevent their occurrence, continue reading this comprehensive guide from Grow your Patch where you’ll find valuable insights and illustrative images.
Pests of Avocado Trees
Pests typically consist of insects that attack and damage the plant in numerous ways. However, larger animals like small rodents can also be problematic at times. Here are the most common avocado pests:
Thrips
These small, winged insects, with their soft bodies, usually appear in the spring. They puncture the surface layer of leaves and consume their juices, causing the leaves to dry out due to multiple attacks. Their size makes them difficult to spot, but the brown coloration of leaves that should remain green serves as a significant indicator. Occasionally, they also harm the fruit, affecting its appearance and rendering it unsuitable for sale.
Scale Insects
Scale insects can sometimes infest avocado crops, posing a nuisance that may require intervention. These black or white scales often occur on older avocado trees, though severe infestations in young trees are uncommon. The cottony scale appears only rarely but is seldom responsible for significant infestations.
Red Spider Mite
This pest is frequently found in avocado-growing regions. It is a tiny red arachnid that settles on the leaves of the plant, sucking their juices and sap. Consequently, the leaves turn brown and may eventually fall off. Though small, a severe infestation can create highly noticeable spider webs, enabling the mites to move from one plant to another or traverse between branches.
Seed Weevil
Lastly, we focus on the seed weevil, which is harmful both as an adult and in its larval stage. These pests are particularly dangerous, potentially affecting up to 80% of a crop’s yield. Countries that cultivate avocados enforce strict measures to guard against infested seeds. The larva burrows into the fruit, navigating through its flesh to reach the pit, which serves as its food source.
Diseases Affecting Avocado Trees
Like pests, various diseases and fungi can also impact avocado crops. Below are the primary diseases affecting avocado trees:
Anthracnose
This disease originates from the fungus Colletotrichum gloesporoides. It mainly appears in young shoots, fruits, flowers, and branches, causing black, depressed spots that lead to decay. The disease typically emerges in conditions of excessive humidity.
Scab
Caused by the fungus Sphaceloma persea, this disease attacks the stems, leaves, and fruits of the avocado tree. Leaves turn an unhealthy brown color, while circular, slightly sunken, brown lesions appear on the fruit. Although the damage is predominantly superficial, it detracts from the fruit’s marketability.
Avocado Tree Decline
This serious disease affects the roots, causing the upper branches to dry out and the leaves to lose their green hue and ability to photosynthesize. The fruit shrinks, and the tree faces the risk of dying.
Peduncle Ringing
Fruits affected by this disease exhibit a ring-like lesion above the connection point with the peduncle. This presents a significant issue, as it can lead to the premature drop of a large number of fruits, resulting in substantial losses.
How to Prevent Pests and Diseases in Avocado Trees Naturally
Many avocado diseases stem from fungi that thrive in overly moist conditions or poorly drained soils. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain loose, well-drained soil and, above all, avoid overwatering.
For pest management, thrips can be controlled by incorporating nicotine solutions into the irrigation. Sulfur and lime solutions serve as decorative and protective measures. Regarding scale insects, these can be easily managed with a variety of natural insecticides that can be prepared at home. Maybe you need to find out more info refer to on how to make natural insecticides for plants.
Additionally, exploring other gardening guides focusing on specific pest and disease issues can help you enhance your avocado crop’s resilience against common problems.
