Beetle threat to California's oak and avocado trees

The Polyphagous shot hole borer is a beetle that attacks oak and avocado trees, causing branch dieback and eventually death. The beetle bores into the trees and spreads a fungus that, in turn, attacks the vascular tissue of the tree and disrupts water and nutrient flow. The beetle also attacks coast live oak, box elders and other trees.

Both the fungus and the beetle were discovered on several backyard avocado trees in residential neighborhoods and a commercial avocado grove in Los Angeles County earlier this year.

Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, and others are meeting on Aug. 12-14 in Riverside to discuss the beetle, its biology, the fungus it spreads, and strategies to effectively monitor and control the pest.

At the public meeting, the scientists will address the new beetle/fungus complex and explain what problem it poses, the extent of the problem in California, what detection and control measures are currently available, and how Israel is dealing with the same pest.