Plant Disease

Dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, F.T. Benn) is a fungal disease that affects turfgrasses in Florida. It starts by causing tan-colored lesions on individual leaf blades. As the disease progresses, it creates round, straw-colored patches in the grass that start out the size of silver dollars, but can spread up to six inches or more in diameter. --"Dollar Spot", Gardening in a Minute

This devastating disease has spread rapidly along the southeastern seaboard of the U.S. since 2003 and has begun to affect commercial avocado production in Florida. Laurel wilt is spread by ambrosia beetles and interconnected roots of avocado trees. The time from infection to tree mortality ranges from four to eight weeks. To prevent spread of the disease, it is important that trees be destroyed as soon as they are affected by the disease.