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Agave is a genus of succulents that contain more than 200 species in the flowering plant family Agavaceae. Agave plants are common in many Australian gardens. While they are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow, they can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots, as well as pests such as the agave snout weevil and the agave plant bug (Caulotops barberi). Agave snout weevils are large black beetles that can attack and kill agave plants, and they seem to favour the large century plant, especially as the plant prepares to bloom. The most common sign of an agave snout weevil is damage where the leaves meet the plant's stem. Agave plants are also susceptible to root rot, which is caused by poor drainage or improper watering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Agave |
| Genus | Succulents |
| Species | Over 200 |
| Family | Agavaceae |
| Native to | Mexico |
| Zones | 8 to 10 |
| Uses | Privacy, mass plantings, specimen plant, tequila, agave syrup, mezcal |
| Pests | Agave snout weevil, agave plant bug (Caulotops barberi), rabbits, rodents |
| Pest Control | Insecticidal soap, broad-spectrum insecticides, diluted Diazinon, hand removal of grubs, preventative systemic insecticide, imidacloprid |
| Pet Hazards | Irritating to mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract, may cause rash |
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What You'll Learn
Agave snout weevils
The most common sign of an agave snout weevil infestation is damage where the leaves meet the plant's stem. The plant's lower leaves usually show the first signs of wilting around May, and you may be able to spot a tiny hole about the size of a pencil near the base of a leaf where the weevil has burrowed to lay eggs. The plant can become loose in the ground and will eventually collapse and die. The grubs then hide under the dead plant before moving to a nearby plant. Agave snout weevils often come along with the soil of the agave plants purchased or from infected plants in the garden or a neighbour's yard.
To prevent agave snout weevils from destroying your agaves, you can apply alternatives to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid every two months or have a pest control expert apply imidacloprid twice a year. Another recommended method is to apply acephate and bifenthrin every 60 days, per label instructions. This systemic insecticide containing acephate can be used to combat agave snout weevils. You can also surround your agaves with a barrier of bifenthrin, a pyrethroid insecticide that kills mature weevils on contact.
If you catch an infestation early, you may be able to treat and save your agaves. However, if your agave is about to bloom, it's best to forgo treatment as it could affect pollinators attracted to the blossoms. If the plant is beyond treatment, you should remove it as soon as possible to protect other agaves nearby. Use a cloth or tarp to catch the dirt around the plant's roots and help spot and destroy any grubs you find. You can dump the grubs into a trash bag and sprinkle them with a broad-system insecticide, or you can dig and remove the grubs by hand.
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Agave plant bugs (Caulotops barberi)
Agave plants are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow. However, they are susceptible to various issues, including fungal and bacterial rots, and pests like the agave snout weevil and the agave plant bug, also known as Caulotops barberi.
Caulotops barberi are tiny insects that attack Agaves and other succulents. They are about 0.6 inches (1.6mm) long and are tan to black in colour. Large populations of these bugs can be found on given plants, with their numbers increasing in late summer or early fall. They feed on the leaves of the agave plant, leaving light yellow-tan scars at the feeding point. If left untreated, the infested plant will decline and eventually die.
To control Caulotops barberi, insecticidal soap or broad-spectrum insecticides can be used. It is important to treat not just the plant but also the surrounding areas, including the soil, as these bugs live in and hide in the soil, mulch, and garden debris around the infected plant. Insecticides should be applied in the early morning or late at night, when Caulotops barberi pests are most active. Treatment should be repeated every two weeks to ensure the eradication of this pest. A preventative systemic insecticide can also be used in spring to control agave pests.
In addition to pest issues, agave plants are susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots, especially crown rot, which is common in potted plants in cooler climates. Root rot can also occur due to poor drainage or improper watering and can affect both potted and outdoor plants.
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Rabbits and rodents
To prevent rabbits from eating your agave leaves, you can try various methods such as fencing, using repellents, or planting rabbit-resistant plants. Physical barriers, such as fences or wire mesh, can be effective in excluding rabbits from your garden. However, it's important to ensure that the fence is buried several inches underground to prevent rabbits from burrowing underneath.
Repellents can also be used to deter rabbits. Commercial repellents are available, or you can make your own using natural ingredients such as garlic, chilli peppers, or vinegar. Apply the repellent to the agave leaves to make them unappealing to rabbits.
Another strategy is to plant rabbit-resistant plants around your agave. Rabbits generally dislike plants with strong fragrances or prickly leaves. Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme can help deter rabbits, as can plants like marigolds, petunias, and geraniums.
If you suspect rodents are eating your agave leaves, look for signs such as droppings, footprints, or gnaw marks on the plants. Rodents, like rabbits, are also more active at night, so you may want to set up a trap cam to monitor your plants after dark.
To prevent rodent damage, similar methods to those used for rabbits can be employed. Physical barriers, such as metal mesh or hardware cloth, can be used to protect individual plants or the entire garden bed. Ensure that any barriers are buried several inches underground to prevent rodents from burrowing.
Commercial repellents or natural deterrents, such as those mentioned for rabbits, can also be effective against rodents. Additionally, keeping your garden tidy and free of debris can help reduce hiding places and food sources for rodents.
It's worth noting that while rabbits and rodents may be the primary suspects, other pests, such as snails or insects, could also be causing damage to your agave plants. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to pest control, combining multiple methods, may be the most effective strategy.
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Fungal and bacterial rots
Agave plants are native to the deserts of Mexico and are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow. However, they can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots, especially in environments with excessive moisture and humidity. Agave plants grown in pots or in cooler climates are more prone to mid- to late-summer crown rot. This can be identified by grey or mottled lesions on the leaves, which may eventually turn grey or black and shrivel. Red or orange fungal spores may also be visible near the crown.
Crown and root rots in agave can be caused by the agave snout weevil, which injects bacteria into the plant as it chews on its leaves. The bacteria cause soft, squishy lesions in the plant where the pest then lays its eggs. Upon hatching, the weevil larvae tunnel to the roots and soil, spreading rot throughout the plant. Other causes of crown and root rot include the fungi Fusarium and Phytophthora, as well as the bacterium Erwinia cacticida.
To prevent and manage fungal and bacterial rots in agave plants, regular inspection is crucial, especially if the plant is not in optimal conditions. Early detection can allow for control through selective pruning and treatment with fungicides, such as thiophanate methyl or neem oil. It is recommended to cut off affected leaves at the crown and immediately dispose of them. When pruning, dip the cutting tools in a bleach-water mixture between cuts. Overhead watering should be avoided, as it can spread fungal spores.
For prevention, agave plants should be situated in a location with excellent drainage, minimal irrigation, and full sun exposure. Mixing pumice into the soil can also improve drainage. In extreme cases of rot, the entire plant may need to be dug up, and all infected soil and rotted parts should be removed. If any healthy plant remains, it should be treated with fungicide and replanted in a new location.
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Pets (dogs)
Agave plants are mildly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea. The sap is irritating to the mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract lining, and can cause a red rash around the mouth. If you suspect your dog has been chewing on an agave plant, you should investigate their mouth for any abrasions and call your veterinarian for advice. You can try flushing your dog's mouth with cold water to relieve irritation from the sap.
Agave syrup, however, is not toxic to dogs and a lick of it is unlikely to cause harm. Nevertheless, it is not a healthy or necessary addition to their diet. Agave syrup is very high in calories and sugar, and can cause weight gain and dental decline if consumed in large amounts.
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Frequently asked questions
Agave plants are susceptible to fungal and bacterial rots, as well as pest problems such as the agave snout weevil and the agave plant bug, also known as Caulotops barberi.
If you notice stunted or distorted growth, speckled or spotted foliage, or what appears to be scabs or chew marks on your agave plant, it may be infected by bugs.
Insecticidal soap or broad-spectrum insecticides can be effective in controlling agave plant bugs. Be sure to spray all surfaces of the plant and repeat the process every two weeks to ensure the eradication of the pests.
