\m    43   15   71    2  1 'Suggested Control Program'
\m    71   23   49    2  1 'List of Insecticides Registered for Use on Avocado'
\m    99   31   98    3  1 'Precautions and Restrictions'
\m   115   37   99    3  1 'Control of Specific Pests'
\m   116   38    5    3  2 'Amorbia Moths'
\m   130   42   59    3  2 'Avocado Lace Bugs'
\m   144   47   31    3  2 'Avocado Leafhoppers'
\m   159   52   13    4  2 'Avocado Leafrollers'
\m   171   56   29    4  2 'Avocado Loopers'
\m   183   60   31    4  2 'Avocado Tree Girdlers'
\m   196   63   98    4  2 'Banded Cucumber Beetles'
\m   210   68   82    4  2 'Blossom Anomala'
\m   225   73   56    5  2 'Caterpillars'
\m   246   81    9    5  2 'Citrus Root Weevils'
\m   260   85  113    5  2 'Dictyospermum Scales'
\m   275   90   97    6  2 'Florida Red Scales'
\m   289   95   77    6  2 'Florida Wax Scales'
\m   303  100   51    6  2 'Grasshoppers'
\m   317  105   13    6  2 'Greenhouse Thrips'
\m   336  111   57    7  2 'Lantana Scales'
\m   354  117   95    7  2 'Little Fire Ants'
\m   368  122   65    7  2 'Mealybugs'
\m   382  127   21    7  2 'Mirids'
\m   403  135    5    8  2 'Omnivorous Leafrollers'
\m   417  139   96    8  2 'Omnivorous Loopers'
\m   435  145  117    8  2 'Orange Tortrix'
\m   450  150  114    9  2 'Pumpkin Bugs (Stinkbug)'
\m   464  155  104    9  2 'Pyriform Scales'
\m   478  160   72    9  2 'Red-Banded Thrips'
\m   492  165   44    9  2 'Scales'
\m   508  170   36   10  2 'Soft Brown Scales'
\m   522  175   39   10  2 'Spider Mites'
\m   538  180   73   10  2 'Thrips'
\m   558  187   19   11  2 'Tortricids'
\m   572  191  111   11  2 'Webbing Worms'
\m   586  196   75   11  2 'Whiteflies'
\t'November 1987'                                                'V A-'
\a                 Dr. Freddie Johnson, Extension Entomologist
\a
\a                           INSECT CONTROL IN AVOCADO

                 Dr. Freddie Johnson, Extension Entomologist
\h 1 'Suggested Control Program'


                           INSECT CONTROL IN AVOCADO


                           Suggested Control Program

Because of variations in the development of harmful insect infestations, it is
necessary to determine if and when pesticidal treatments are needed.  It is
not only unnecessary but wasteful or even harmful on occasions to apply
insecticides unless they are needed).

1.  December, January, February --
    a.  Control avocado red mites if needed.
    b.  Cut out and destroy larvae of the avocado tree girdler.

2.  January, February, March --
    a.  Control bloom infesting insects, mirids, caterpillars if needed.

3.  May, June, July --
    a.  Cut out and destroy larvae of the avocado tree girdler.
    b.  Control scale insects, mealybugs or insect infestation on fruit
        if needed.

4.  August, September, October --
    a.  Control greenhouse thrips if needed.
    b.  Control fruit scarring caterpillers if needed.
\h 1 'List of Insecticides Registered for Use on Avocado'


               List of Insecticides Registered for Use on Avocado

NOTE:  The following insecticides are listed by the EPA as being cleared for
use on avocados:

    Bacillus thuringiensis  (Bactospeine, Dipel, Javelin, Sok, Thuricide)
    diazinon
    lindane
    malathion
    metaldehyde (slugs and snails)
    methomyl (Lannate, Nudrin)
    parathion
    sulfur

These materials are sold under numerous trade names and the individual labels
often differ from each other.  Labels for some of these pesticides were not
available at the time of printing.  In order to find the individual label that
has specific directions for your use contact the local County Agricultural
Extension (agent's) office or local agricultural supply dealers.

Under the FIFRA amendment of 1978 the grower may use a material (insecticide)
that is legal and EPA approved for a pest on a crop for other non-listed pests
as long as the user follows the label directions and rates for the approved
pest.
\b\v
\h 1 'Precautions and Restrictions'
\v
\v
\v
                          Precautions and Restrictions

Parathion, as well as Lannate and Nudrin, is especially toxic and is not
recommended for dooryard avocado trees.  PARATHION, LANNATE AND NUDRIN SHOULD
BE ALSO HANDLED WITH GREAT CAUTION.  They should be used only by trained and
properly equipped operators.  Oil emulsion sprays may injure trees if applied
during a very cold, dry period or a hot (90~F) period. Do not mix sulfur with
oil emulsion, or apply either material within 3 weeks of the other.

Do not apply malathion within 7 days or parathion within 21 days of harvest.
Do not apply Lannate or Nudrin within 7 days of harvest.  There is no required
waiting period for oil emulsion or sulfur.
\h 1 'Control of Specific Pests'
\h 2 'Amorbia Moths'


                           Control of Specific Pests


Amorbia Moths:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel)  4 L            up to 8 pt             0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Avocado Lace Bugs'



Avocado Lace Bugs:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Avocado Leafhoppers'



Avocado Leafhoppers:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.5 pt/                21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\b\v
\h 2 'Avocado Leafrollers'
\v
\v
\v
Avocado Leafrollers:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
methomyl (Lannate, Nudrin)      1.8 L          2 - 4 pt               1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Avocado Loopers'



Avocado Loopers:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
methomyl (Lannate, Nudrin)      1.8 L          2 - 4 pt               1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Avocado Tree Girdlers'



Avocado Tree Girdlers:

The adult is a snout beetle.  Small trees up to 6 inches in diameter at the
ground level are most susceptible.  Reddish colored frass is extruded by the
larvae from the feeding burrows and is observed near the ground level.

CONTROL -- Two or more annual examinations of the tree bases for frass is
recommended.  Remove the larvae and paint the wounds with a good tree wound
paint.
\h 2 'Banded Cucumber Beetles'



Banded Cucumber Beetles:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Blossom Anomala'



Blossom Anomala:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\b\v
\h 2 'Caterpillars'
\v
\v
\v
Caterpillars:

Several kinds of caterpillars may infest avocado bloom, clusters and leaves.
One is a web-spinning caterpillar that feeds on buds, blooms and leaves.
Fruit production is reduced where these insects are numerous. An outstanding
characteristic of infestation is masses of bloom webbed together.  Some
avocados are culled because of damage from feeding on the fruit by two or
three kinds of small caterpillars.

CONTROL -- Apply parathion or malathion.  Lannate 90 WP, Lannate 1.8 L, Nudrin
90 WP and Nudrin 1.8 liquid have been cleared for Avocado Leafroller, Avocado
Looper,  and omnivorous leafroller.  The WP is applied at 1/2 - 1 lb 90%
powder/acre. The liquid 1.8 is applied at 2-4 pints per acre.

Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.s) is sold under several trade names and has
effect on certain types of caterpillars. The grower should discuss labels and
specific recommendations with the local pesticide dealers.
\h 2 'Citrus Root Weevils'



Citrus Root Weevils:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Dictyospermum Scales'



Dictyospermum Scales:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.5 pt/                21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\b\v
\h 2 'Florida Red Scales'
\v
\v
\v
Florida Red Scales:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.5 pt/                21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Florida Wax Scales'



Florida Wax Scales:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.5 pt/                21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Grasshoppers'



Grasshoppers:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Greenhouse Thrips'



Greenhouse Thrips:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
malathion (Cythion)             5 EC           7 1/2 pt/A             7
                                               1 1/2 pt/100 gal
                                               water

parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\b\v
\h 2 'Lantana Scales'
\v
\v
\v
Lantana Scales:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
malathion (Cythion)             5 EC           7 1/2 pt/A             7
                                               1 1/2 pt/100 gal
                                               water

parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Little Fire Ants'



Little Fire Ants:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Mealybugs'



Mealybugs:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           1/2 - 3/4 pt/          21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Mirids'



Mirids:

A number of species of small sucking insects known as mirids feed on opening
buds, leaves, flowers and small fruit.  Attacks seem to affect especially
flowers and recently set fruit causing them to drop, or the fruit to become
"pimply" or distorted as they develop.  (Current research at the Homestead
AREC is attempting to determine causes of "pimply" fruit.)  Wounds on fruit
may serve as a point of entry for decay organisms.  Feeding on buds causes
punctures which result in holes in leaves.  Mirids usually appear during bloom
and early fruit setting stage.  It is suggested that weeds and grass in and
around the grove be mowed as closely as practicable in order to reduce
harboring places for mirids.
\v
\bCONTROL -- Parathion or malathion should be the materials that can be used on
avocados that most likely will have controlling effects on mirids.  Spray
applications during flowering should be made in later afternoon to reduce
losses of honey bees.
\h 2 'Omnivorous Leafrollers'



Omnivorous Leafrollers:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel)  4 L            up to 8 pt             0

methomyl (Lannate, Nudrin)      1.8 L          2 - 4 pt               1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Omnivorous Loopers'



Omnivorous Loopers:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel)  4 L            up to 8 pt             0

malathion (Cythion)             5 EC           7 1/2 pt/A             7
                                               1 1/2 pt/100
                                               gal water

methomyl (Lannate, Nudrin)      1.8 L          2 - 4 pt               1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Orange Tortrix'



Orange Tortrix:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
malathion (Cythion)             5 EC           7 1/2 pt/A             7
                                               1 1/2 pt/100 gal
                                               water
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\b\v
\h 2 'Pumpkin Bugs (Stinkbug)'
\v
\v
\v
Pumpkin Bugs (Stinkbug):

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           1/2 - 3/4 pt/          21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Pyriform Scales'



Pyriform Scales:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Red-Banded Thrips'



Red-Banded Thrips:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Scales'



Scales:

Several kinds of scales including latania, pyriform, Florida red,
dictyospermum and Florida wax may infest avocado.  Check for scales and, if
needed, apply control measures during May, June or July.

CONTROL -- Apply one of the following in 100 gallons of water: (1) 1/2 pint of
parathion 4 liquid; (2) 4-5 quarts of 90-92% oil emulsion concentrate (3) 1
1/2 pints of malathion 5 liquid; (4) 3 quarts of 90-92% oil concentrate plus
either 1/4 pint of parathion 4 liquid or 1 pint of malathion 5 liquid.  The
oil-parathion combination spray is more effective against Florida wax scale.
\b\v
\h 2 'Soft Brown Scales'
\v
\v
\v
Soft Brown Scales:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
malathion (Cythion)             5 EC           7 1/2 pt/A             7
                                               1 1/2 pt/100 gal
                                               water
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Spider Mites'



Spider Mites:

The avocado red mite is a common pest.  It is usually harmful in some groves
each year, an occasional pest in some, and is seldom observed in others.
Periodic inspections are recommended during December, January and February.
Control measures may be started when the population reaches 6 or more mites
per leaf.

CONTROL -- Few miticides are registered for use on avocados when fruit is
present.  Apply sulfur dust or spray with sulfur using 10 pounds of wettable
sulfur per 100 gallons of water, or use oil emulsion spray made by mixing 3
quarts of 90-92% oil concentrate per 100 gallons of water and apply thoroughly.
\h 2 'Thrips'



Thrips:

Red-banded thrips feed on leaves and fruit.  Infested leaves are spotted on
the upper surface with dark reddish brown fecal pellets.  Heavy feeding on
fruit causes a russetted appearance, cracking and decay.  Greenhouse thrips
damage fruit and tend to feed on the larger and more mature fruit.  They are
found most frequently where two fruits are in contact or where a leaf contacts
the fruit.  Fruits are damaged by slight russetting, then by cracks followed
by decay.

CONTROL -- Make observations on leaves and fruit for red-banded thrips during
summer and fall for any developing infestation.  Frequent inspections of fruit
are recommended for greenhouse thrips beginning in early August and continuing
until fruit harvest.  If control of thrips is needed, apply parathion or
malathion.
\b\v
\h 2 'Tortricids'
\v
\v
\v
Tortricids:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Webbing Worms'



Webbing Worms:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\h 2 'Whiteflies'



Whiteflies:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Days to
Insecticide                     Formulation    Rate/Acre         Harvest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parathion                       4 EC           0.375 pt/              21
  (do not exceed 2.5 qt of                     100 gal water
   product per acre of trees)
  (add emulsive oil; see label)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
