There are several significant pathogens and pests impacting avocado, such as Phytophthora root rot, White root rot,  and most recently, Fusarium Dieback, caused by the PSHB and its fungal symbiont Fusarium euwallaceae. The ARP at FABI offers a disease clinic to avocado growers for the identification of avocado diseases. A consultation fee will be charged accordingly.

How to sample for submissions?

• Identify diseased plant/s.

• Identify the symptoms (wilt, death, cankers, root rot, die-back etc.).

• Identify any environmental link to the symptoms, if possible.

• Take photographs of the symptoms, if possible.

• Samples should be taken from 4-5 randomly selected plants in an infection site.

• Package the samples separately in appropriate packaging (specified below) and label with the following: Collectors name, date, sample number, locality and cultivar.

• Complete online FABI Diagnostic Clinic: Sample Information Sheet.

• Pack samples in a sturdy box and send with the Sample Information Sheet to the Avocado Disease Clinic.

Specific tissue sampling

Leaves

• Collect individual leaves, place between blotting paper (paper towel), seal in an envelope and label the sample.
  

Stems/Branches

• Collect a sample that spans the diseased area, including +/- 2cm of healthy tissue on either side of the lesion.

• Place in a paper bag/ envelope and label the sample.
  

Roots/Soil

• Collect 150-300g of soil from under the diseased tree at a depth of 10-15 cm, seal in a plastic bag and label the sample.
  

• Collect root pieces (healthy and diseased) from the soil and seal in an envelope.

Online submission: FABI - ARP Diagnostic Clinic: Sample Information Sheet

Send the samples by fast mail or courier to the Avocado Disease Clinic @ FABI, give us a phone call and email to let us know to expect a parcel from you.

Disease Information Sheets

 Phytophthora cinnamomi

 Dematophora necatrix

Avocado Sunblotch Viroid

Ambrosia beetles

Armillaria root rot

Avocado branch canker

Contact Details