Laurel Wilt Disease
Laurel wilt is a deadly disease of redbay (Persea borbonia) and other tree species in the Laurel family (Lauraceae). The disease is caused by a fungus (Raffaelea lauricola) that is introduced into host trees by a non-native insect, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus).
Wilt symptoms of trees attacked by Xyleborus glabratus and infected with Raffaelea lauricola
Strings of compacted ambrosia beetle sawdust on redbay
Laurel Wilt Disease Updates
- FDACS Press Release - FDACS Identifies Laurel Wilt Disease in Avocado Production Area of Miami-Dade County: 5-1-2012
- FDACS Press Release - Laurel Wilt Identified in Miami-Dade County: 2-25-2011
- UF/IFAS Proposed Control Strategies
- Laurel Wilt Video
- Laurel Wilt / Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Detection Update March 2010
- FDACS Press Release - CAPS Trapping Program Identifies Redbay Ambrosia Beetle In Miami-Dade County: 3-9-2010
- Homeowner recommendations for RAB-LW
- DPI Pest Alert, The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Scolytinae: Curculionidae)
- New disease may cost Florida’s avocado industry millions (UF/IFAS press release, 1-26-09)
- Florida Forest Service Pest Leaflet
- UF-IFAS-EDIS publication
- USDA Forest Health Protection, Southern Region - Laurel Wilt Disease Information
- FDACS Florida Forest Service RBAB and LW Information
Laurel Wilt Working Group Updates
- Laurel Wilt Update Spring 2012
- Laurel Wilt Update September 2011
- Laurel Wilt Working Group Update May 2011
- Laurel Wilt Working Group Update September-October 2010
- Laurel Wilt Working Group Update August 2010
- Laurel Wilt Working Group Update March 2010
- Laurel Wilt Research Symposium Presentations
- Laurel Wilt Research Symposium: 11-3-09
Laurel Wilt in Avocado Trees
- Proposed Grove Strategies
- Save The Guac Campaign
- UF-IFAS Scouting Recommendations
- UF-IFAS Management Recommendations - Coming Soon (UF-IFAS is currently developing recommendations.)
Laurel Wilt Disease Distribution Maps
How to Submit a Sample
Host Descriptions
- UF/IFAS - Red Bay (Persea borbonia)
- UF/IFAS, US Forest Service - Sassafras Tree (Sassafras albidum)
- UF/IFAS - Avocado (Persea americana)
