Avocado Plant White Sticky Powder: Scale or Mealybugs

8-ft avocado from pit drops white sticky powder on floor; leaves have white powder and brown dots. Likely scale insects or mealybugs producing honeydew.

Treatment

• Inspect leaf undersides and stems for insects.
• Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap (thorough coverage).
• Systemic: Imidacloprid soil drench (Bayer Tree & Shrub).
• Slow-release fertilizer (avoid burn).

Note

"Atomic Grow" promoted; extension recommends labeled insecticides. Healthy plants resist pests better.