Unlike most agriculture pests, the polyphagous shot hole borer doesn’t feed directly on trees, and researchers say that is why controlling an outbreak in the future may not be possible. The California Avocado Commission is looking at current research to try and find some sort of tool to give to growers.
California Avocado Commission Research Program Director Tim Spann says the shot hole borer doesn’t feed on the trees it infests and that makes treating for the beetle difficult.
Avocados are the first agriculture crop the polyphagous shot hole borer has infested, and Spann says they are trying to get some sort of product available for growers.
Not A Lot of Options For Growers
The California Avocado Commission is trying to push through some tools for growers who are seeing damage from the shot hole borer, but Spann says the regulation process for new applications can be laborious.
Product Registration Is Laborious
Spann says ongoing research is hoping to determine how the shot hole borer moves from tree to tree.