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TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 40, No. 2
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
MARCH-APRIL 2001

Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor

ENPP Home | Tri-ology Home

BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D.

For this period, 69 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 749 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 818). Some of the samples are described below:

Dracaena concinna Kunth 'Colorama', (60 species, Old World and one in Canary Islands (D. draco (L.) L., "dragon tree") and one in Cuba (D. cubensis M. Victorin, "despeinada" = uncombed, referring to the shaggy leaves at the top of 12 foot tall plants), Dracaenaceae, dragon's blood family, purple-red edged dracaena cultivar: Shrub to 2 m tall, with a green stem tinged purple. Leaves in a rosette at top of the stem, sessile, more or less linear, up to 1 m long and up to 7.5 cm wide (though usually ca. 0.5-0.75 m long and 1.5 cm or less wide), dull green and with purplish-red margins. This showy cultivar has a narrow band of pink beside the red margin, and is commonly grown. The species originated in Mauritius. The sample was sent with a request that the nomenclature be explained. (Lake County; B2001-202; Tom L. Phillips; 30 April 2001)

Dracaena concinna and D. cincta Bak are often mistakenly placed in D. marginata, a species of Madagascar which is not in cultivation. In fact, many persons use "marginata" as a common name for both species, probably because of those obvious brightly colored margins. A common cultivar of Dracaena cincta is 'Tricolor' which has a short unbranched stem, dark green leaves with cream-colored stripes and the margin is brownish-red. The geographic origin of D. cincta is uncertain. (Hortus 1976; Everett 1982; Burch et al. 1988; Huxley 1992).

Harpullia pendula Planch. ex F. Muell, (37 species, Indomalaya, tropical Australia and New Caledonia), Sapindaceae, the soapberry family, Australian tulipwood tree: Tree to 15 m tall, with weeping branches and rough bark. Leaves evergreen, alternate, compound with 8 to 10 leaflets which are 4-11 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, glabrous, glossy. Inflorescence is a terminal drooping panicle with tiny yellowish green flowers. Bladder-like fruits are hollow, woody, with two joined parts each containing a red seed which matures to a glossy black. Originally from Australia, Indomalaya and Philippines (Broward County; B2001-152; David Benner, USDA; 17 April 2001). Timber marked black to yellow and used in cabinetry. See http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/images/har_pul_fr.jpg for an excellent photograph of the fruit. (Everett 1982; Huxley 1992; Mabberley 1997).

Herissantia crispa (L.) Brizicky, 5 species, tropical and temperate Americas, Malvaceae, hibiscus family, bladdermallow: Vine-like herb. Leaves alternate, petioles shorter than leaves, blades ovate, to 7 cm long, palmately veined, margins toothed to wavy, velvety pubescence. No epicalyx. Flowers axillary; sepals 5, sharp-pointed; petals five, 6-11 mm long, pale yellow (sometimes orangish). As with other Malvaceae, the stamen filaments are united into a tube joined into a column along with the compound pistil which has several stigmas protruding from the column; but, most other Malvaceae do have an epicalyx. Fruit 1 cm wide, divided into several carpels, each with 3+ seeds; carpels bladder-like with thin and papery walls, and lacking beaks. Distributed from Florida, Texas to Arizona, Mexico, West Indies, Central and South America (Collier County; B2001-126; Scott D. Krueger; 5 April 2001). See http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu for illustration. (Small 1934; Correll and Correll 1982; Wunderlin 1998).

Ochna serrulata (Hochst.) Walp., 86 species, African and Asian tropics, Ochnaceae, ochna family, mickey mouse plant: Shrub, to 2 m tall; stem with many lenticels. Leaves short petioled, alternate, elliptic to ovate, up to 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, margins sharply toothed, prominent midribs. Flowers solitary (sometimes paired), terminal, ca. 2 cm wide, five small yellow petals. The five sepals begin as 5 mm long and greenish, but expand as the fruit develops and become bright red. The five fruits are attached to a bright red disc. The fruits change in color from green to glossy black and become ca. 1 cm long, plum-like ovals. If all but two of the fruits are removed, there is the suggestion of that familiar cartoon mouse which symbolizes a famous Florida resort! [Note: one of the cultivars of Cuphea ignea is also called Mickey Mouse plant.] Originally from South Africa, this species is cultivated for its abundant showy fruits. (Manatee County; B2001-92; Karen 'Lea' Etchells; 18 March 2001 and Hillsborough County; B2001-156; Amy R. Simington; 25 April 2001.) For a photograph of the plant in fruit, see http://www.hear.org/pier/ocserp.htm (Everett 1982; Huxley 1992).

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk., 11 species, Indomalaya to Australia and New Caledonia, Myrtaceae, myrtle family, downy rose-myrtle, hill guava, hill gooseberry: Shrub to 2 m tall. Leaves simple, petioles to 6 mm long, opposite, 3 veins at base, entire, elliptic-oval, with blunt tip, to 7 cm long, leathery, glossy green above and gray-green below due to soft hairs. Inflorescence axillary, in clusters (or singular). Flowers 2.5 cm wide; sepals five, subtended by two small bracts; petals five, 12 mm long, hairy on the outer surface, dark rose-pink fading to pale pink; numerous stamens with pink filaments; attractive. Fruit a berry to 1.3 cm wide, dark purple when ripe, with sweet flesh, resembles a blueberry due to the persistent calyx. Invades pinelands and becomes a thicket, displacing natural vegetation and resulting in this one species as the understory. Listed as a Category I species by Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, this species is originally from India, China through Malaya to Australia. (Collier County; B2001-131; Scott D. Krueger; 11 April 2001). See http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu for illustration. (Flora of Taiwan III: 828 (1977); Langeland and Burks 1998; Wunderlin 1998).

Urtica chamaedryoides Pursh, (ca. 80 species, mostly northern temperate), Urticaceae, the nettle family, fireweed, heartleaved nettle, ortiguilla, weak nettle: Annual herb, opposite leaves with petioles almost equal to the blade length to shorter, blade sometimes purplish beneath, margins with shallow rounded teeth to saw-like teeth, tips may be pointed or blunt, bases heart-shaped, squared or wedge-shaped, 1-5 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. Surface of blades with cystoliths and with stinging hairs which act as hypodermic needles. Flowers axillary, in clusters of two, insignificant. Achenes 1 mm wide and enclosed by two inner calyx lobes. Native to Ohio, Illinois west to Kansas and south to Florida, Texas and Louisiana, also in Mexico and Cuba. Recently migrated into cultivated areas from rich woods, and causes intense pain when the stinging hairs brush over skin. (Polk County; B2001-144; Stephen A. Bohnstedt; 18 April 2001) and (Brevard County; David Faneuf; B2001-149; April 2001). See http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu for illustration. (Coile, in press; Wunderlin 1998).

GLOSSARY: cystolith: a concentration of calcium carbonate found in epidermal cells. Characteristic of nettles and the family Acanthaceae; epicalyx: a group of bracts formed below the calyx. Also called involucrate bracts.

REFERENCES

• Burch, D, D. B. Ward, and D. W. Hall. 1988. Checklist of the woody cultivated plants of Florida. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Special Publication 33. 80 p.
• L. H. Bailey Hortorium Staff. 1976. Hortus third, a concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada. Macmillan Publishing Company, New York. 1,290 p.
• Coile, N. C. in press. Urtica chamaedryoides Pursh: a stinging nettle, or fireweed. Florida Dept. Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. Botany Circular 34. 5 p.
• Correll, D. S. and H. B. Correll. 1982. Flora of the Bahama Archipelago. J. Cramer, Hirschberg, Germany. 1,692 p.
• Everett, T. H. 1982. The New York Botanical Garden illustrated encyclopedia of horticulture. Garland Publishing, Inc., New York. 10 volumes, 3601 p.
• Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
• Mabberley, D. J. 1997. The plant-book, 2^nd ed.. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 858 p.

ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph. D.

For the month of March, there were 421 samples, consisting of 7,770+ specimens. In April, there were 434 samples consisting of 16,940+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Murraya paniculata (orange-jessamine, orange-jasmine, chinese box)-- Aleuroclava jasmini (Takahashi), a whitefly: An infestation was found in a laboratory in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2001-1237; Lucile H. Skelley, University of Florida; 4 April 2001). This whitefly was known previously only from St. Lucie and Hillsborough Counties in Florida. NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).

-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: An infestation was found at a discount store in Live Oak (Suwannee County; E2001-1594; Osmond O. Baron; 23 April 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Ptychosperma elegans (Alexander palm, solitaire palm)-- Eutetranychus sp., a spider mite: A moderate infestation involved three of four plants at a residence in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E2001-773; Nury M. Marrone; 5 March 2001) and (E2001-893; William A 'Bill' Thiel and Nury M. Marrone; 15 March 2001). This mite is an exotic and should be treated as an important new pest. It probably is an undescribed species. NEW USA AND FLORIDA STATE RECORD (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).

Schefflera arboricola (dwarf schefflera)-- Dialeurodes sp., a whitefly: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-1178; Edward T. Putland; 30 March 2001). This species is not described, and it is apparently host specific (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum (croton)-- Eutetranychus sp., a spider mite: Slight infestations were found at residences in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E2001-891, 894; William A. 'Bill' Thiel and Nury M. Marrone; 15 March 2001. This is the new exotic spider mite originally found on Ptychosperma. NEW DPI HOST RECORD (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).

Fern-- Asprothrips seminigricornis (Girault), a thrips: A moderate infestation was found at University of Florida's Central Florida Research and Extension Center, Apopka (Orange County; E2001-926; Dr. Lance S. Osborne, University of Florida, and Leslie J. Wilber; 14 March 2001). This is only the second Florida record for this insect. The first record also was in Apopka (Dr. G.B. Edwards).

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Adenium obesum (desert rose) -- Tetranychus gloveri Banks, a spider mite: A severe infestation was found on 30 plants at a nursery in Goulds (Miami-Dade County; E2001-826; Eduardo G. Camero; 7 March 2001). This mite can be a serious plant pest (Dr.W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).

Hibiscus sp. (hibiscus)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Briarwood (Hillsborough County; E2001- 789; Amy C. Simington and Caridas 'Cari' M. Butler; 28 February 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Acer rubrum (red maple, a native species)-- Pulvinaria acericola (Walsh & Riley), cottony maple leaf scale: A moderate infestation was found at a park in Tarpon Springs (Pinellas County; E2001-1187; Alan R. Haynes and Linda G. McRay; 30 March 2001). This scale is not economically important. NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).

Betula nigra (river birch, a native species)-- Hamamelistes spinosus Shimer, river birch-witch hazel aphid: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2001-1025; Lucile H. Skelley, University of Florida; 20 March 2001). This native aphid has a complex life cycle which involves both river birch and witch hazel (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

Bombax ceiba (red silk-cotton tree)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in Pompano Beach (Broward County; E2001-671; James 'Keith' Harris; 19 February 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus (silver buttonwood, a native species)-- Lachnopus floridanus (Horn), a weevil: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2001-1675; Warren J. 'Jim' Dowling and Ricky G. Keirce; 25 April 2001). This is an uncommonly collected weevil (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Murray red gum)-- Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, red gum lerp psyllid: A severe infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E2001-1301; Barbara J. Wilder and Amanda D. Melco; 5 April 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Eucalyptus robusta (swamp mahogany )-- Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, red gum lerp psyllid: An infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E2001-1296; Barbara J. Wilder and Amanda D. Melco; 5 April 2001). This species is a significant pest of Eucalyptus trees in California, causing defoliation and death of trees. Buildup of leaf litter increases the chances of urban wild fires. This eucalyptus has also escaped cultivation and become established in Monroe County (Dr. Nancy C. Coile). The insect is originally from Australia. Infestations are sticky due to copious honeydew. There are five groups of Eucalyptus and red gum lerp psyllids are specific to members of the red gum group. See DPI's Pest Alert website at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/enpp/pi-pest-alert.html for photos and more information. NEW DPI STATE RECORD (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

Persea palustris (swamp bay, a native species )-- Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), California red scale: An infestation was found at a residence in Orlando (Orange County; E2001-698; Barbara J. Wilder; 22 February 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Platanus occidentalis (sycamore, a native species)-- Belonochilus numenius Say, a seed bug: A moderate infestation was found on a plant in Palm Coast (Flagler County; E2001-1654; Dr. Paul E. Skelley; 28 April 2001). This species breeds in several species of sycamore trees in Mexico and USA. It was previously known in Florida only from Lake Buena Vista, Orange County. NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD (Julieta Brambila).

Ulmus alata (winged elm, a native species)-- Aceria ?parulmi Keifer, an eriophyid mite: An infestation was found in the University of Florida Natural Area in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2001-1022; Robert M. Leahy; 21 March 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

FOOD, SPICE AND CROP PLANTS: Coriandrum sativum (coriander, cilantro, Chinese parsley, ngo)-- Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale (Sasaki), rice root aphid: A moderate infestation was found in a farmer's field in Belle Glade (Palm Beach County; E2001-965; Dr. Gregg S. Nuessly, University of Florida's Everglades Research and Extension Center; 16 March 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Manilkara zapota (sapodilla)-- Caccoleptus n. sp., a dermestid beetle: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-472; Edward T. Putland; 5 February 2001). This is a Neotropical genus not known to occur in the United States. Its economic importance or pest potential is unknown (Dr. Richard S. Beal, retired coleopterist). NEW FLORIDA STATE AND UNITED STATES RECORD.

Murraya koenigii (curryleaf tree)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in Kissimmee (Osceola County; E2001-927; Terrence D. Williams; 14 March 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

CITRUS: Citrus x paradisi (grapefruit)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: Many specimens were collected alive on fruit arriving from Abaco Island, Bahamas in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2001-747, 850, 1135; Kenneth L Hibbard; 1, 12, 25 March 2001). This collection confirms the ability for D. citri to travel on fruit, sometimes in large numbers. Sample 850 was preserved in 95% ethanol for molecular analysis for citrus greening. It was negative (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

-- Scaphytopius sp. nr. lineacephalus Caldwell, a leafhopper: Several specimens were collected on fruit arriving from Abaco Island, Bahamas in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2001-909; Gary Warden, USDA, Ft. Pierce and Kenneth L. Hibbard; 14 March 2001, E2001-979; James J. Walukiewicz; 18 March 2001). This species probably is undescribed and does not occur in Florida (Dr. Paul H. Freytag, University of Kentucky).

Citrus sp. (citrus)-- Parabemisia myricae (Kuwana), bayberry whitefly: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Dade City (Pasco County; E2001-782; Leo M. Sansoucy; 2 March 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

-- Rumina decollata (L.), decollate snail: A specimen was found in boxes of dried citrus parts imported from California into Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-1668; Roberto Erb and Rebecca A. Sanders; 23 April 2001). Millions of these snails are being released in California for control of the brown garden snail (Dr. Lionel A. Stange).

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Casuarina sp. (an Australian pine)-Parandrita permixtus (Grouvelle), a flat bark beetle: A specimen was found near a power plant at Jensen Beach (St. Lucie County; E2001-1106; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 23 March 2001). This is a rarely collected beetle (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).

Cyperus odoratus (fragrant flatsedge)-- Melanophthalma picta LeConte, a beetle: A specimen was found in a citrus grove in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2001-1286; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 6 April 2001). This is a rarely collected beetle (Michael C. Thomas).

Setaria magna (giant bristlegrass)-- Nipponaclerda? sp., a scale insect: An infestation was found in a vacant lot in Clearwater (Pinellas County; E2001-843; David M. Mooney; 7 March 2001). This possibly is an undescribed Aclerdidae grass scale insect. It is not similar to any species in McConnell (1953), the standard reference.

Solanum nigrum (black nightshade)-- Tetranychus desertorum Banks, a spider mite: A severe infestation was found at an airport in Clearwater (Pinellas County; E2001-1121; Thomas W. Turner; 23 March 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Hypericum edisonianum (Edison's ascyrum, a Florida endangered plant species)-- Coleotechnites nigra (Busck), a leafminer moth: Specimens were reared from the host plant collected from Lake Placid (Highlands County; E2001-1441; Gayle van de Kerckhove; 10 August 1998). NEW FLORIDA STATE RECORD.

Ludwigia sp. (primrose willow)-- Neortholomus jamaicensis (Dallas), a seed bug: A moderate infestation was found on a roadside plant in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2000-4725-203; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 4 December 2000). Another infestation was found in Sebastian (Indian River County; E2000-4672; Kenneth L. Hibbard and Richard H. 'Dick' Stoll; 28 November 2000) Both finds are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.

--Kleidocerys resedae Panzer, a seed bug: A moderate infestation on five plants was found at a roadside in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2001-4725-202; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 4 December 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Asian citrus psyllid)-- Tamarixia radiata (Waterson), a parasitic wasp: A specimen was collected in a suction trap approximately 2 weeks after release in commercial citrus that was heavily infested with Asian citrus psyllids near LaBelle (Hendry County; E2001-1344; Lori A. McKay; 9 April 2001). The collection probably represents a recovery out of a reproducing population of the introduced Asian parasitoids (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).

Toumeyella liriodendri (Gmelin)-- Coccophagus bivittatus Compere, a scale parasitoid: Specimens were reared from a pest population on Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' (Little Gem cultivar of southern magnolia) found at a nursery in Seffner (Hillsborough County; E2001-1325; Lynda Wilson, University of Florida's Entomology and Nematology Department; 9 April 2001). This scale parasitoid was described from South Africa and is also known from Argentina and India as a parasitoid of various soft scale (Coccidae) hosts. To my knowledge it has not been intentionally introduced into Florida, but may have been introduced along with one of its soft scale hosts. This species is very similar to Coccophagus longifasciatus Howard that was described from Sri Lanka and introduced into Illinois (Girault 1907) for Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), but differs by having a small fuscous area under the stigmal vein, and shorter ovipositor. The Florida specimens reared from Toumeyella liriodendri are somewhat intermediate of these two species - lacking the small infuscate area under the stigmal vein but having a short ovipositor. Overall, they are most similar to C. bivittatus, but differ slightly from the original description and illustrations. These differences may represent intraspecific variation; however, the possibility that these specimens may represent an undescribed species, can not be ruled out at this time. NEW FLORIDA STATE RECORD, NEW HOST RECORD (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).

FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Eucalyptus sp. (eucalyptus)-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: An immature specimen was intercepted on plants from California at a flower shop in Lake City (Columbia County; E2001-793; Michael J. Mulligan; 8 March 2001).

INSECTS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch & Mulaik, brown recluse spider: A juvenile was collected on the Florida State University campus in a wooden chest of drawers in the basement of the Conradi Biology Building, Tallahassee (Leon County; E01-2331; Dr. T. David Gowan, Florida State University; ca.10 December 2000). It was reared in the laboratory and matured to an adult male in May, 2001. Subsequently, a male and a juvenile (26 January 2001, Dr. G. B. Edwards) and a male and female (30 April 2001, Dr. T. David Gowan) were collected in the same basement. The infestation of this spider is suspected to have occurred when a collection of biological specimens was brought from Alabama and stored in the basement (Dr. G. B. Edwards).

INSECT DETECTION: Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: 3,731 specimens were collected in a single weekly suction trap sample in commercial citrus near LaBelle (Hendry County; E2001-1175; Lori A. McKay; 26 March 2001). The traps in this area collected low numbers of Asian citrus psyllids throughout the winter months. In the spring, populations increased rapidly, and numbers were reflected in trap samples, reaching a peak in late March (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

Falconina gracilis (Keyserling), a spider: Several specimens were found under rocks next to a site where soil from the Bahamas was imported into Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2001-867; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 5 April 2001). This spider is a native of South America and was first collected in the U.S. from Texas in 1957. Subsequent records came from Louisiana and Mississippi, indicating the spider was migrating eastward. Despite the lack of records form other areas in Florida, it is likely that this spider has become established in Florida due to this continuing migration. It has not been reported from the Bahamas, another possible source for this species. It is not likely to become a nuisance because of its ground-dwelling, secretive habits, nor is it a known venomous threat to humans. NEW DPI STATE RECORD (Dr. G.B. Edwards).

Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse), a bostrichid beetle: Specimens were found infesting pallets and containers of machine parts imported from Singapore in St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E2001-1595-701; David M. Mooney and Ralph E. Muekeley; 24 April 2001). Unfortunately, this exotic beetle is already established in the wild in Florida (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).

Hyadaphis coriandri (Das), coriander aphid: A specimen was collected in a suction trap at Winter Haven (Polk County; E2001-1608; Michael C. Kesinger and Dr. Peggy J. Sieburth; 23 March 2001). The coriander aphid is a serious pest of coriander, dill, fennel and other similar herbs. The trap collection is a new milestone for this pest. Previously, it was known only from a couple of home gardens. The trap collection indicates it is widespread and occurring in relatively high numbers in Central Florida. NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

Lyctus africanus Lesne, a bostrichid beetle: A specimen was found in wood tiki imported from Hawaii in Brevard County (E2001-1158; Robert Kinzel, USDA; 27 March 2001). This is a commonly intercepted cosmopolitan pest (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).

Paroxacis interrita (Arnett), false blister beetle: Large numbers of these beetles were found in a house in Marathon (Monroe County; E2001-1233; homeowner; 29 March 2001). Some of these beetles can cause blisters if crushed against the skin. They breed in driftwood and sometimes can be very abundant in coastal areas (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).

Sinoxylon conigerum Gerstaeker, a bostrichid beetle: Several specimens were found infesting pallets and containers of machine parts imported from Singapore into St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E3001-1595-702; David M. Mooney and Ralph E. Muekeley; 24 April 2001). This is an exotic beetle known to be established only in Miami-Dade County (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).

NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Paul S. Lehman, Ph.D.

A total of 4,030 samples were processed in March and April of 2001. Details are shown below:

Nematodes of Special Interest: Phyllostachys bambusoides (timber bamboo)- Gracilacus latescens Raski, pin nematode (Hillsborough County; N01-00593; Karen L. Etchells and Mark L. Runnals; 24 April 200l). Timber bamboo is a new host for this species of pin nematode in Florida.

Rhododendron sp. (azalea)- Aphelenchoides fragariae(Ritzema-Bos) Christie, foliar nematode (Lee County; N01-00645; Jane Tollinger, nursery employee; 1 May 2001). Foliar nematodes were first found on azalea in Florida in 1965. In the early stages of infection, the nematode causes light brown lesions which are delineated by the veins. Older lesions become dark-brown to black. If foliage is keep moist, severe infections and defoliation may occur. Foliar nematodes are seldom a problem in Florida nurseries which use drip irrigation.

COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING MARCH AND APRIL 2001:

PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by Robert M. Leahy

For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 3,624 specimens. These included 484 pathology, 11 miscellaneous, and 17 soil samples. Also processed were 3,112 citrus canker samples, including 3,095 from South Florida, 16 from South West Coast Florida, and 1 from Central Florida.

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Guaiacum sanctum (lignum vitae, Florida endangered species)-- Oidium sp., powdery mildew: Collected at a dooryard in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; P2001-1021; William 'Bill' R. Graves, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; 30 April 2001). NEW HOST RECORD

Serenoa repens (saw palmetto, a native species)-- Phytophthora palmivora (E. J. Butler) E. J. Butler, root rot: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2000-2765; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 15 November 2000). NEW HOST RECORD

Viburnum odoratissimum (sweet viburnum)-- Plasmopara viburni Peck, downy mildew: Collected at a nursery in Longwood (Seminole County; P2001-651; Amanda D. Melco; 15 March 2001).

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Epipremnum aureum var. pictum (pothos)-- Buckholderia solanacearum (Smith 1896) Yabuuchi, Kosako, Oyaizu, Yano, Hotta, Hashimoto, Ezaki & Arakawa, bacterial wilt: Collected at a nursery in Sorrento (Lake County; P2001-844; Tom L. Phillips; 6 April 2001).

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Salvia greggii (Autumn sage)-- Peronospora lamii A. Braun, downy mildew: Collected at a nursery in Homestead (Miami- Dade County; P2001-747; William 'Bill' R. Graves, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center;23 March 2001).

FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Taxodium distichum (bald cypress. a native species)-- Pythium splendens H. Braun, root rot: Collected at a nursery in Palm Harbor (Hillsborough County; P2001-943; Alan R. Haynes; 18 April 2001).

FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass)-- Puccinia nakanishikii Dietal, leaf rust: Collected at a nursery in Mascotte (Lake County; P2001-1011; Stephen P. Beidler; P2001-1011; 27 April 2001).

Salvia officinalis (sage)-- Peronospora lamii A. Braun, downy mildew: Collected at a nursery in Tampa (Hillsborough County; P2001-558; Alan R. Haynes; 2 March 2001).

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