[1] It infects the avocado plant (Persea americana), a tree native to Central America and Mexico.

It is believed that the disease developed in Florida in the early twentieth century and is related to citrus scab, Elsinoe fawcetti.

Countries which import avocados, including the United States, have experienced a rising demand over the past decade which is projected to continue for years to come.

The incidence increases in regions with higher humidity and moderate climates with frequently cool or warm weather.

These regions also share rainy weather and prevailing moist conditions which promote sporulation of conidia on infected plant tissue.

[4] The cooler areas have seen even higher rates of infection which suggests that the fungus favors these conditions to develop and spread.

[6] In Mexico, most spores are produced in the winter prior to active growth, while most lesions were found 6 months later after the fruit set and foliage flush.

[7] S. perseae is most severe when its host tissue is at a susceptible growth stage and the humidity level remains above 80%.

[6] Injuries caused by thrips (insect) create entry wounds for S. perseae and greatly exacerbate scab development.

These toxins trigger the hypersensitive response upon recognition of the host, which for necrotrophs provides continuing opportunity for the spread of infection.

A potential secondary metabolite with phytotoxic properties within the Sphaceloma genus is the variety of pigments called elsinochromes.

Elsinochromes were proven to kill cells of the host plant and even cause necrotic legions on live tissue by reactions of a singlet oxygen species from the pigment.

Certain polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers have been designed and tested to consistently identify S. perseae with DNA sequencing techniques.

During the growing season it is important to routinely check crops for symptoms of disease and any unusual pest activity.

[6] Proven methods for control of thrips consist of cultural practices and biological measures are also continuously being studied.

It is also important to note, in a study carried out by Avila-Quezada et al. (2002) in Michoacan, Mexico, thrip damage was demonstrated to cease after fruit ripening.

In order to control thrips, common insecticides such as Malathion and Parathion are used as easy pest management options; however, they cannot be used in organic settings.

It is important to remove infected fruit as it is the primary source of inoculum, and to perform regular maintenance to allow sun and wind to interact with the foliage completely.

The trend of demand seems to be one of general increase over the past 15 years; this makes it important to secure the well-being of global market varieties from diseases such as S.