Plant Disease

Avocado sunblotch is a systemic disease caused by the avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd). Recently, the number of avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) infected trees in the Miami-Dade County production area appears to have increased. ASBVd is of major concern in all avocado producing countries due to the negative effect this viroid has on fruit production and fruit quality. 

Find information on this emerging issue on the UF/IFAS Tropical Reearch and Education Avocado Sunblotch Viroid site

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.