By Kaylee Cordiero
Rotting and leafless avocado trees are spreading nationwide due to lace bugs. With the trees in jeopardy, Extension agents in the Dept. Of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences are doing extensive research to determine the most effective courses of action to get rid of these pests. Their research thus far has determined some strategies that could help avocado tree owners decrease their chances of attaining lace bugs and even exterminating them.
“Currently, chemical control is one of the best practices available to ensure healthy and productive avocado trees,” says Amjad Ahmad. In a recent interview on Hawai’i Public Radio, he went on to encourage homeowners with avocado trees to rotate between three different chemicals to prohibit the bugs from adapting to just one chemical. While some prefer to use natural solutions instead of chemicals, research has shown they are not as effective.
As the fight for healthy avocado trees heats up, TPSS research is on-going toward finding more solutions for the avocado lace bug, including natural enemies and others,” says Amjad.
For more helpful tips for success in caring for and protecting avocado trees, listen to Amjad’s radio interview with Hawai’i Public Radio, along with their latest workshop.
Watch the latest workshop on avocado lace bugs, featuring Extension agent Jensen Uyeda.