Per Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Feb 2020, the avocado lace bug has been reported on Hawaii Island. If you note anything suspicious, please take clear photos from various angles that you can use to begin communications with DOA folks. Possible infestations on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, or Lanai should be reported to HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at: hdoa.ppc@hawaii.gov. Please include photos of the damage to avocado plants to help with identification.
HDOA Alert:
avocado lace bug field ID photo guide 1-7-2020
A new pest of avocado was identified on Oahu in December and has since been found on Maui and the Big Island in February 2020. Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae), avocado lace bug, is a new state record for Hawaii and was first detected in Pearl City in December 2019. It has also been found in the Waialua area. Here are some quick facts, field survey photos, and photos attached. Please forward this information to farmers and growers of avocado. Further informational flyers will be forthcoming. Possible infestations should be reported to HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at: hdoa.ppc@hawaii.gov. Please include photos of the damage to avocado plants to help with identification.
HOSTS:
Avocado (Persea Americana), red bay (Persea borbonia), and camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
SYMPTOMS AND DAMAGE TO LOOK FOR:
- Yellow blotching and chlorosis, scorching on leaves
- early leaf drop
- Undersides of leaves with black feces and eggs
- Adults and nymphs on the undersides of leaves
LINKS TO INFO:
https://biocontrol.ucr.edu/hoddle/avocado_lace_bug.html
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74134.html
