Laurel wilt disease
Natural History
Redbay trees killed by laurel wilt
Photo credit: Dr. Bud Mayfield, FL DOF/DOACS
Laurel wilt disease is caused by the fungus Raffaelea lauricola, which invades the vascular tissue of trees in the laurel family (Lauraceae) and causes rapid wilting and death of affected trees. The fungus is spread by the exotic Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which feeds on the fungus in wilting trees. Laurel wilt is responsible for mass mortality of native redbay (Persea borbonia) trees and threatens avocado production in the state.