Harringtonia lauricola

Harringtonia lauricola is an obligate nutritional fungal symbiont of the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which is native to Asia, and a pathogen of living woody laurel plants (Lauraceae) in the southeastern United States, such as redbay (Persea borbonia), swampbay (Persea palustris), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and avocado (Persea americana). The disease associated with Harringtonia lauricola infection is called laurel wilt, and is characterized by drought-like response symptoms such as canopy wilting and die-back. Laurel wilt endangers the U.S. avocado industry due to its rapid spread throughout impacted groves, partially due to X. glabratus attration to stressed trees and partially due to root graft transmission from infected trees and non-infected trees. The most effective methods for controlling Harringtonia lauricola are preventative. Management strategies include maintaining healthy laurel trees and complete uprooting, chipping, and removal of any infected trees or wood material. Climate change and international exchange of wood materials increase the risk of spreading Harringtonia lauricola to neighboring countries, such as Mexico, thus putting their multibillion dollar avocado industry at risk.