Avocado industry monitoring the spread of shot hole borer pest
U.C. Cooperative Extension, the California Avocado Commission, California Avocado Society and Cal Poly showed San Luis Obispo County growers how shot hole borer (SHB) traps work at a recent installment in the Avocado Growers Seminar Series.
The avocado industry fears the pest could cause severe damage to its crop, and has been found in groves in Southern California. Agriculture technician Julie Walters talks about the SHB trap and how San Luis Obispo County is looking for more locations to monitor.
More About The Pest
From the UC IPM website: Symptoms of polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) attack and fungus infection differ among tree species. The beetle produces a very precise, perfectly round, tiny (< 0.1 inches in diameter) entry hole in most trees. Infection with the fungus can cause a dry or wet and oily dark stain surrounding the entry holes, discolored wood, leaf discoloration and wilting, and dieback of entire branches. In box elders and avocados, a while crusty ring of sugar, also called a “sugar volcano” can be produced. Frass (wood dust from boring) may be produced, but because this can quickly dissolve in water it can be easy to miss. If the barked is scraped away, dark dead tissue may be found around the galleries. Read more from UC IPM.