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Symptoms, treatments, and recommendations for treating avocado scab

Avocado Scab

Sphaceloma Persea

Pathogen:

Type:

Fungus

Risk:

HIGH

Symptoms, treatments, and recommendations for treating avocado scab

Aguacate

Micosis/Hongos

Avocado scab: Symptoms and damage to avocados
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WHO CAUSES IT?

Sphaceloma persea is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for causing the disease known as scab in avocado trees. This fungus belongs to the Sphaceloma genus and thrives in humid and warm conditions. Sphaceloma persea spreads through spores that can be spread by wind, rain, and contaminated tools. The fungus penetrates plant tissues through wounds or natural openings, such as stomata. Once inside, it produces specialized structures called acervuli, which are masses of spores that emerge from the surface of infected tissue. These spores can survive on plant debris and in the soil, allowing the fungus to remain in the environment and cause recurrent infections.

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SYMPTOMS

Scab caused by Sphaceloma persea mainly affects the leaves, branches and fruits of the avocado, reducing the quality and commercial value of the harvest. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small, circular, raised lesions that can coalesce and form larger, darker areas. These lesions can cause deformations in the leaves and fruits, as well as premature defoliation and reduced plant growth. In severe cases, scab can significantly weaken the tree, affecting its productivity and longevity.

• Circular and raised lesions on leaves, branches and fruits
• Deformations in leaves and fruits
• Premature defoliation
• Reduction in plant growth
• Dark and coalescent lesions

Damage caused by avocado scab in avocado
Avocado scab on avocados: How to recognize and treat it effectively
Avocado scab | idMicrobe
Online diagnostic service for plant problems and diseases
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TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

20ºC - 30ºC

70% - 90%

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TRANSMISSION ROUTES

Wind, rain, contaminated tools, infected plant remains.

Do you want to remove this disease? Choose how you want to treat it.

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TREATMENTS

Chemical treatments

• ORANGE OIL 6% [SL] P/V
• SULFUR 70% [SC] P/V
• SULFUR 72% [SC] P/V
• SULFUR 80% [DP] P/P
• SULFUR 80% [SC] P/V
• SULFUR 80% [WG] P/P
• SULFUR 80% [WP] P/P
• SULFUR 82.5% [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) + COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 25% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 30% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 35% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 36% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 40% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 14% (exp. in Cu) + CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 14% (exp. in Cu) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 25% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 30% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 35% (exp. in Cu) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 35% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 37.5% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 38% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 52% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% [SC] P/V
• CUPROUS OXIDE 75% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 12.4% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% [WP] P/P
• TRIBASIC COPPER SULFATE 40% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• TEBUCONAZOLE 25% [WG] P/P

Authorized treatments in organic farming

• ORANGE OIL 6% [SL] P/V
• SULFUR 70% [SC] P/V
• SULFUR 72% [SC] P/V
• SULFUR 80% [DP] P/P
• SULFUR 80% [SC] P/V
• SULFUR 80% [WG] P/P
• SULFUR 80% [WP] P/P
• SULFUR 82.5% [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) + COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 25% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 30% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 35% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 36% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 40% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 14% (exp. in Cu) + CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 14% (exp. in Cu) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 25% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 30% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 35% (exp. in Cu) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 35% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 37.5% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 38% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 52% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% [SC] P/V
• CUPROUS OXIDE 75% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 12.4% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% [WP] P/P
• TRIBASIC COPPER SULFATE 40% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P

Biological control

• BACILLUS AMYLOLIQUEFACIENS (subsp. plantarum, strain D747) 25% [WG] P/P
• BACILLUS AMYLOLIQUEFACIENS subsp. plantarum (strain D747) 5% [SC] P/V
• BACILLUS SUBTILIS (STRAIN QST 713) 1.34% [SC] P/V

Recommendations

• Regularly monitor avocado crops for early signs of the disease.
• Implement agricultural hygiene practices, such as disinfection of tools and removal of infected plant remains.
• Apply broad-spectrum preventative fungicides, especially during periods of high humidity.
• Encourage good air circulation within the crop through appropriate pruning, which reduces humidity in the foliage.
• Avoid overhead irrigation and opt for irrigation methods that keep leaves dry.
• Use scab-resistant avocado varieties, if available.
• Perform soil and tissue analysis to adjust fertilization practices that strengthen plant resistance.

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*Recommended treatments are still recommendations according to authority databases and in no way replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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TREATMENTS

Homemade remedies

BONE MEAL OR GROUND FISH SHELLS

RUSTY NAILS OR IRON SHAVINGS

BANANA PEELS

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULFATE)

SOLUTION WITH HOUSEHOLD BORAX

GROUND OR BOILED EGGSHELLS

COMPOST WITH ONION OR GARLIC SCRAPS

VEGETABLE COOKING WATER

WOOD ASH

WATER WITH VINEGAR OR LEMON (VERY DILUTED)

GARLIC INFUSION

USED COFFEE OR TEA

BANANA AND EGGSHELL INFUSION

POTATO OR LEGUME COOKING WATER

COMPOST FROM FRESH GREEN LEAVES

COMPOST OR WELL-AGED MANURE

DILUTED MILK (1:10)

BANANA TEA

LEAF COMPOST

NETTLE SLURRY

POTASSIUM SOAP AND NEEM OIL SOLUTION

POTASSIUM SOAP SOLUTION + NEEM OIL + DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

BAKING SODA AND NEUTRAL SOAP SOLUTION

GARLIC INFUSION WITH NEUTRAL SOAP

CHROMATIC OR ADHESIVE TRAPS

DILUTED MILK

HORSETAIL INFUSION

TRUNK WHITEWASHING

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

WOOD ASH

NETTLE SLURRY

CUT THE AFFECTED BRANCHES AND APPLY CINNAMON

GARLIC AND CINNAMON INFUSION

INFUSION OF WORMWOOD, CHILI OR CHILLI

CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA AND APPLY ASH PASTE WITH GARLIC OR CINNAMON

GARLIC AND MINT INFUSION

LIGHT TRAPS

APPLY CINNAMON POWDER

PITFALL TRAPS

CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

CLEAN AND SEAL THE WOUND WITH CLAY, CINNAMON AND GARLIC PASTE

GARLIC INFUSION

MATURE COMPOST

TRAPS WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP

SEAL HOLES WITH ASH PASTE AND CRUSHED GARLIC

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

ANT TRAP

TAPE TRAP

PHEROMONE TRAP

ALCOHOL TRAPS

FUNNEL TRAP

There are no home treatments

Natural allies

PREDATORY MITES

LADYBUGS

LACEWINGS

PARASITIC WASPS

HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES

PREDATORY BUGS

There are no natural allies

Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)

Chemical treatments

AGRICULTURAL SULFUR (POWDER OR SOLUBLE)

POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS

BORON FERTILIZERS

CALCIUM FERTILIZERS

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS

IRON FERTILIZERS

SULFUR FERTILIZERS

NPK FERTILIZERS

There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.

ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02%

RAPESEAL OIL

RAPESEAL OIL + PYRETHRINS

ORANGE OIL 6%

PARAFFIN OIL

ACETAMIPRID

ACETAMIPRID 0.005%

ACETAMIPRID 20%

SULFUR

COPPER 20%

COPPER 25%

COPPER 35%

COPPER 38%

COPPER 50%

COPPER 52%

DELTAMETHRIN 1.57%

DELTAMETHRIN 10%

DELTAMETHRIN 2.5%

DIFENOCONAZOLE 1.67%

ESFENVALERATE 2.5%

ESFENVALERATE 5%

100% GARLIC EXTRACT

PHENHEXAMIDE 50%

FLUPYRADIFURONE

FLUPIRADIFURONE 20%

FOSETIL-AL 80%

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE 56%

PHOSTIAZATE 10%

PHOSTIAZATE 15%

HEXITIAZOX 10%

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN

LAMINARIN 4.5%

METALDEHYDE

PIRACLOSTROBIN 6.7% + BOSCALIDE 26.7%

PYRETHRINS

PYRIPROXIFEN 10%

POTASSIUM SALTS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

SPINOSAD 0.024%

SPINOSAD 12%

SPINOSAD 48%

TAU-FLUVALINATE 24%

TETRACONAZOLE 10%

TETRACONAZOLE 12.5%

TETRACONAZOLE 4%

TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM (STRAIN T34)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

​

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REPELLENT PLANTS

​

EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE

Sponsored link

Multi-purpose solution for insects. Effective against whiteflies, mites, thrips, leafhoppers, aphids and scale insects.

Ecoworm Potassium Soap

Multi-purpose solution for insects. Effective against whiteflies, mites, thrips, leafhoppers, aphids and scale insects.

Sponsored link

Ready-to-use fruit fly trap with attractant.

Fruit Fly Traps

Ready-to-use fruit fly trap with attractant.

Sponsored link

Copper fungicide for fungal diseases and plant diseases.

Liquid Copper Fungicide

Copper fungicide for fungal diseases and plant diseases.

Sponsored link

Plant Food Ideal for All Plants, Rich in Additional Nutrients

Organic Seaweed Fertiliser

Plant Food Ideal for All Plants, Rich in Additional Nutrients

Sponsored link

Broad-spectrum fungicide for effective control of fungal diseases in plants.

Fungus Fighter Plus | Fungicide for Plants

Broad-spectrum fungicide for effective control of fungal diseases in plants.

Sponsored link

Fast acting bug spray with up to 2 weeks protection, controls common garden pests

Ultimate Bug Killer | Broad-Spectrum Insecticide

Fast acting bug spray with up to 2 weeks protection, controls common garden pests

*Recommended treatments are still recommendations according to authority databases and in no way replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

Consulting on plant problems and diseases

OTHER PESTS

Fruit with symptoms of calcium deficiency and developmental abnormalities

Calcium deficiency or blossom-end rot

Fruit affected by water stress with symptoms of dehydration and cracking

Water stress

Fruit affected by weevils with holes and surface damage

Weevils

Fruit affected by waterlogging with soft areas and rot

Watery fruits

Fruit affected by bacterial disease with spots and lesions on the surface

Bacterial infection

Fruit affected by fungi with spots, rot and mold

Mycosis

Fruit with symptoms of boron deficiency and developmental deformities

Boron Deficiency

Fruit with sunburn and areas damaged by excessive sun exposure

Excessive sun

Fruit damaged by snails and slugs with bites and eroded areas

Snails and/or slugs

Fruit affected by powdery mildew with spots and presence of white powder

Powdery mildew

Fruit affected by downy mildew with spots and damaged areas

Mildew

Fruit affected by Alternaria with dark spots and areas of rot

Alternaria

Fruit with symptoms of potassium deficiency and ripening disorders

Potassium Deficiency

Fruit affected by monilia with brown spots and rot

Moniliosis or brown rot

Fruit affected by Botrytis with rot and gray mold

Botrytis or gray mold

Fruit affected by bed bugs with bites and spots on the surface

Bed bugs

Fruit damaged by beetles with holes and bites on the surface

Beetles

Fruit affected by anthracnose with dark spots and sunken lesions

Anthracnose

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