Attack by the beetle Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) on avocado, with information on its control.
Wolfenbarger D. O.
Author Affiliation: Agricultural Research and Education Centre, Homestead, Florida, USA.
Revista Peruana de Entomologia 16 : 1-2
Abstract : Xylosandrus compactus (Eichh.) attacks avocado, mango, Anonaceae and other trees, shrubs and vines in Florida. Information obtained there in 1969-71 on the incidence of attack by the borer in 10 plantations of avocado throughout the year is given in tables. The intensity of infestation varied between 3 entrance holes/10 trees in 25 months and 1853 holes/10 trees in one month; some varieties were significantly more resistant to attack than others. The attacks occurred mainly in twigs with a diameter of 7-17 mm, and chiefly in those not more than 2.3 m above ground level. During the rainy season, only a relatively small number of new attacks were recorded; this may have been because the plugs of crystallised sap taken as the indication of attack were washed away by the rain. In tests on chemical control, promising results were obtained with a number of products, including carbofuran (Furadan), dieldrin and carbaryl.