TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 40, No. 5
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2001
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud
For this period, 121 specimens were submitted for identification, and 834 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (total 955). Some of the samples are described below:
Acacia macrantha Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd., (1,200 species, tropical and warm temperate, especially Australia), Leguminosae; long-spined acacia, porknut: Armed tree to 10 m tall with pubescent twigs. Stipular spines 1-9 cm long. Leaves alternate, bipinnate; usually with an elevated, cup-shaped gland near the middle of the petiole; pinnae 10 pairs or more, with glands sometimes present between the pinna; leaflets in as many as 30 pairs, oblong-linear, glabrous, 1.5-4 mm long. Peduncles stout, 1-2 cm long, one to many in the leaf axils; flowers yellow, in heads7-12 mm in diameter, subtended by an involucre. Legume oblong, somewhat compressed, 5-10 cm long, 6-10 mm wide, 2-4 mm thick; seeds in one row. South Florida through the West Indies, and tropical America. (Miami-Dade County; B2001-480; Jose G. Aguilar, Rosamaria M. Alonso; 24 October 2001). (Correll and Correll 1982). (For a photo of this acacia, go to this site: http://waynesword.palomar.edu/acacia.htm#thorn3b.gif, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).
Eucalyptus torelliana F. Muell., (ca. 600+ species, Australia, few in eastern Malaysia), Myrtaceae, cadaga, blood-leaf gum: Tree to 30 m tall; trunk solitary, straight; crown to 12 m across, rounded or spreading, dense. Bark persistent as a skirt on lower trunk, scaly, gray to black; upper trunk and branches smooth and green. Juvenile leaves 5-10 cm long, 8-13 cm wide, alternate, broadly ovate to ovate-lanceolate, petiolate, often peltate; petioles and leaves with blood-red hairs. Mature leaves 7.5-13 cm long, 2-3.5 cm wide, alternate, ovate, petiolate, dark green above, paler beneath with prominent venation. Inflorescence of 3-4 flowered umbels arranged in large terminal panicles, subtended by slender, 1 cm long, peduncles; buds to 8 mm long, 5 mm across, ovoid, cap short, conical, dark brown; flowers to 2 cm across, white, conspicuous. capsules 0.7-1 cm long and wide, ovoid to nearly globular, woody, smooth, valves deeply sunken; seeds red-brown. Its native habitat is a narrow band in northeastern Queensland, Australia. (Pasco County: B2001-460; Alan R. Haynes; 17 October 2001). (Elliott and Jones 1986). (This species is listed as a possible pest plant in Australia. The newest name may be Torelliana corymbia, but we have not received literature about this change. See Dr. Gillman's site (University of Florida) for a photograph and further information: http://www.hortpix.com/pc1714.htm, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).
Habenaria floribunda Lindl., (=H. odontopetala Rchb. f.), (ca. 600 species, pantropical and subtropical), Orchidaceae, toothpetal false reinorchid: Terrestrial, erect orchid with leafy stem to 1 m tall. Roots numerous, fibrous, having an ovoid tuber at base of stem. Leaves 5 to 12, glossy deep green, elliptic, to 20 cm long, 5 cm broad. Flowers up to 60, yellow-green, in sparsely to dense terminal raceme; floral bract green, lanceolate 15 mm long, 2 mm wide; dorsal sepal green obovate, acuminate, concave, 5 mm long, 4 mm wide; lateral sepals green oblong, oblique, 7 mm long, 4 mm wide; petals yellow fading to white along the upper margins, quadrate, obscurely 3-lobed at apex, with a denticulate projection at the lower edge of the base, 4.5 mm long, 2 mm wide; lip yellow-green, linear, the apex round, the base with a pair of small projections on the sides, the base extended into a slender, pale green spur to 2.5 cm long. North central, and southern Florida, Greater Antilles, southern Mexico to Panama. (St. Johns County; B2001-478; Christine J. Frere; 23 October 2001). (Luer 1972). (For several photographs of this unassuming native orchid, go to this site: http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/images.asp?plantID=799 Dr. Nancy C. Coile).
Heliconia latispatha Benth., (100 to 200 species, tropical America), Musaceae, expanded lobsterclaw, pico de gurrion, platanillo: Perennial herb, rather stout., 1.5-2.5 m tall. Leaves distichous, long petiolate, petiole vaginate, blades oblong, often a meter long, mostly 20-30 cm wide, short-acuminate, rounded to subacute, at the base, usually oblique, slightly glaucous or green beneath. Inflorescence terminal, compound, pedunculate, the cymbiform bracts subtending the several-flowered individual inflorescences are colored deep or bright red, widely spaced, narrowly lanceolate, spreading, the lowest often dilated at the apex into large green blades, often tinged with orange or yellow, or sometimes yellow or orange throughout, the middle ones about 15 cm long, 1.5-2 cm high at the base, long-attenuate. Flowers 3-3.5 cm long, pedicellate, the pedicels glabrous or pilose, the perianth greenish-yellow. Popular in cultivation, and used in flower arrangements for its long lasting qualities. From southern Mexico, and Belize through Central America to Panama, and Colombia. On the Pacific slope this species is particularly plentiful, growing not only in ravines of the foothills but far out upon the plains, in either forest or open places. (Volusia County; B2001-465; Stacey S. Simmons; 20 October 2001). (Huxley 1992; Standley and Steyermark 1952). (See leaves photo: http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/dcs420/cr/hdw18039925s.jpg; for plants in flower: http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/dcs420/cr/hdw180399183s.jpg, but for a gorgeous photo, see: http://www.fotolink.ch/fotoseiten/blumen/heliconia_28z.htm, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).
Hibiscus radiatus Cav., (ca. 300 species, warm temperate to tropical), Malvaceae, monarch rosemallow: Perennial to 1 m tall; stems erect or decumbent, prickly. Leaves 2-12 cm long, coarsely and sharply serrate, 3-5-nerved from the base, without glands; upper leaves deeply 3- or 5-lobed, lobes ovate, oblong, obovate, lanceolate, or linear; lower leaves broadly ovate to oblong, acute. Flowers solitary, axillary; pedicels 0.5 cm long, jointed, epicalyx segments 10-12, 1.5-2 cm long, free, spreading, linear, accrescent, with bulbous-based bristles; calyx to 2 cm long, bristly on the prominent nerves, accrescent, becoming longer, stiff and hard in fruit, lobes 1.2 cm long, 0.5 cm wide, long-acuminate, without glands; corolla to 8 cm across; petals to 7 cm long, obovate, yellow, with a dark purple center; staminal column 1-2 cm long. Capsule to 1.5 cm in diameter, globose to ovoid, short-beaked, densely appressed-bristly; seeds to 4 mm long, trigonous, brown. Cultivated as an ornamental vegetable or medicinal herb. Often confused with H. cannabinus, whose leaves and calyx lobes are glandular, and whose epicalyx segments are attached to the calyx. Native of southern and southeast Asia. (Broward County; B2001-415; William A. Thiel; 28 September 2001). (Huxley 1992). (See http://www.calhortsociety.org/Plant_Forums/Aug2000/source/5.html, for a photo. This species has escaped in such divergent Florida counties as Alachua, Hernando, Miami-Dade and Seminole, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).
Momordica balsamina L., (45 species, Old World tropics)., Cucurbitaceae, balsam-apple, southern balsam-pear, bitter gourd: Climber or trailer to 1.5 m long, with simple tendrils. Leaves ovate to reniform, base cordate, pubescent, deeply and acutely palmately lobed, 9-12 cm long, margins sharply dentate; petiole pubescent, to 6 cm long. Flowers solitary; bract ovate-cordate, veined, attached to upper part of peduncle; petals yellow with green venation , to 1.5 cm long, 1.2 cm broad; ovary fusiform, beaked. Fruit to 7 cm long, ovoid or ellipsoid, tapering at both ends, covered with ridged, irregular protuberances, green ripening orange, bursting at maturity. Grows quickly from seeds. Fruits bitter, but cooked and eaten in the Orient. Native to the East Indies, widely naturalized in the tropics. (Miami-Dade County; B2001-444; Mario J. Hernandez; 16 October 2001).(Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992). The more common balsam-pear (M. charantia L.) and this balsam-apple are both considered to be poisonous and have caused death of small animals. However, after cooking, the unripe fruits of both species are eaten, especially by Asians (Perkins and Payne 1978). The ripe fruits are not eaten because they are too bitter and are toxic, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).
Pithecellobium flexicaule (Benth.) Coult., (37 species, tropical and warm temperate America), Leguminosae, Texas ebony: Tree to 20 m tall, spreading, large crowned, armed with black, stipular spines to 0.5 cm long; branches stout, flexuous. Leaves alternate, bipinnate; leaflets 3-6 pairs, to 1 cm long, elliptic-oblong, thick, subglabrous, somewhat shiny. Flowers fragrant, yellow, in dense, slender spikes to 3.8 cm long; calyx sticky-puberulent; stamen sheath often exerted from corolla. fruit to 15 cm long, 3 cm broad, oblong, straight to falcate, indehiscent; seed red. Grown as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical regions. Native to northern Mexico, and to Texas. (Pinellas County; B2001-435; Thomas W. Turner; 11 October 2001). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992). (For information about uses of the plant, see http://uvalde.tamu.edu/herbarium/pifl.htm While in the website, notice that closeup images are available by clicking on subjects at bottom of page, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).
GLOSSARY: accrescent: increasing in size with age: continuing to grow after the formation of the flower; distichous: in two vertical ranks; glaucous: covered with fine bloom which is easily rubbed off; involucre: a cluster of modified leaves or bracts at the base of a flower; peltate: a leaf blade having the petiole attached at or near the middle of the lower surface; perianth: the calyx and corolla collectively; vaginate: sheathed, surrounded by a sheath.
REFERENCES
- 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.
- Correll, D. S. and H. B. Correll. 1982. Flora of the Bahama Archipelago. J. Cramer, Hirschberg, Germany. 1,692 p.
- Elliott, W. R. and D. L. Jones. 1986. Encyclopaedia of Australian plants. Vol.4:228.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Luer, C. A. 1972. The native orchids of Florida. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York. 293 p.
- Mabberley, D. J. 1997. The plant-book, 2nd ed.. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. 858 p.
- Perkins, K. D. and W. W. Payne. 1978. Guide to the poisonous and irritant plants of Florida. University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville. Circular 441.
- Standley, P. C. and J. A. Steyermark. 1952. Flora of Guatemala. Musaceae. #24 (III):182-183.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph. D.
For the month of September, there were 355 samples, consisting of 15,351+ specimens. In October, there were 543 samples, consisting of 35,927+ specimens. Some of the samples are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Chamaedorea sp. (palm)-- Aleurocerus palmae Russell, a whitefly: A slight infestation was intercepted in a shipment of cut flowers from Mexico in Okahumpka (Lake County; E2001-3548; Terrence D. Williams; 31 August 2001).
Conocarpus erectus (buttonwood, a native species)-- Cryptocephalus irroratus Suffrain, a leaf beetle: A moderate infestation on 100 plants was found at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2001-4062; Holly B. Glenn and Catherine M. Mannion; 13 August 2001. This Mexican species was first discovered in southern Miami-Dade County about a year ago. This collection is a NEW DPI HOST RECORD (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Ptychosperma elegans (Alexander palm, solitaire palm)-- Eutetranychus sp., a spider mite: A moderate infestation on four plants was found at a church in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E2001-4025; Nury M. Marrone; 27 September 2001). This is the same exotic spider mite found at this location in February (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Tagaki, a root mealybug: A severe infestation involved 90% of 3,500 plants at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-4167; Duraid I. Hanna; 8 October 2001).
Veitchia sp. (palm)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E2001-4163; Nury M. Marrone and Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn; 9 October 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Adiantum raddianum (delta maidenhair fern)-- Myzus (Nectarosiphon) persicae (Sulzer), green peach aphid: A moderate to severe infestation was found on 50 of 250 plants at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E2001-3784; Leslie J. Wilber and Kathy A. Gonzalez; 13 September 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Bambusa oldhamii (Oldham bamboo)-- Kuwanaspis vermiformis Takahashi, an armored scale: An infestation was found at a nursery in Ruskin (Hillsborough County; E2001-3796; Karen 'Lea' Etchells; 17 September 2001). This is a relatively new introduction to Florida and known only from bamboo. This scale possibly arrived with a new bamboo introduction from Hawaii or China (Dr. Avas B. Hamon). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, aulacaspis cycad scale: A moderate infestation involved ten of 50 plants at a nursery in Panama City (Bay County; E2001-3890; Larry W. Smith; 20 September 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Ctenanthe oppenheimiana (never-never plant)-- Calpodes ethlius (Stoll), canna leafroller: An infestation was found at a grocery store in Ocoee (Orange County; E2001-4246; Barbara J. Wilder; 10 October 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Myrica cerifera (wax myrtle, a native species)-- Calepitrimerus ceriferaphagus Cromroy, an eriophyid mite: An infestation was detected at a residence in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2001-1085; Suzanne Leahy, homeowner; 26 March 2001). This is a frequent pest of wax myrtles and can transmit a virus to the plants (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Opuntia sp. (A prickly-pear cactus)-- Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg), tropical cactus borer: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in St. Cloud (Osceola County; E2001-4192; Terrence D. Williams; 9 October 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Platycerium sp. (a staghorn fern)-- Tenuipalpus pacificus Baker, false spider mite: A severe infestation on ten plants was found at a nursery in Key West (Monroe County E2001-4326; Lynn D. Howerton; 17 October 2001). This mite is a frequent pest of orchids, but it also will feed on staghorn ferns in Florida (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Ternstroemia japonica (cleyera)-- Ceroplastes floridensis (Comstock), Florida wax scale: An infestation was found at a nursery in Orlando (Orange County; E2001-3647; Terrence D. Williams; 6 September 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Celosia argentea var. cristata (feather celosia)-- Stemmatomerinx nr. acircula Howell & Miller, a mealybug: A slight infestation on 12 of 30 plants was found at a nursery in Lake City (Columbia County; E2001-3505; Michael J. Mulligan; 28 August 2001). The holotype was collected in 1956 in Miami. The mealybug was collected in Stuart, FL in 1978 and in Manatee Co in 2000. This is the fourth collection in Florida. It usually occurs on grasses (Dr. Avas B. Hamon). NEW DPI HOST AND COUNTY RECORD.
Dendrobium sp. (an orchid)-- Contarinia maculipennis Felt, a gall midge: A moderate infestation on 50,000 of 500,000 plants was found at a nursery in Groveland (Lake County; E2001-4226; Stephen P. Beidler and William L. Robinson; 9 October 2001).
Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton, an endangered species, Rule 5B-40)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; Nury M. Marrone and Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn; 9 October 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Pyracantha coccinea (firethorn)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A slight infestation was found on five plants at a nursery in New Smyrna Beach (Volusia County; E2001-3754, 3833; Raymond C. Jarrett, Jr.; 12, 18 September 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Senna surattensis (glossy shower)-- Cryptocephalus irroratus Suffrian, a chrysomelid beetle: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3704; Eduardo G. Camero; 6 September 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Celtis laevigata (hackberry, sugarberry, a native species)-- Shivaphis celti Das, Asian woolly hackberry aphid: A severe infestation was found on a tree along a fenceline in Palm Harbor (Pinellas County; E2001-4448; Linda G. McRay; 29 October 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Quercus laurifolia (swamp laurel oak, a native species)-- Acaricalus sp., an eriophyid mite: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Groveland (Lake County; E2001-3365; Stephen P. Beidler; 21 August 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. May also be a NEW DPI STATE RECORD (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Quercus virginiana (live oak, a native species)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Margate (Broward County; E2001-3349; J. Keith Harris; 16 August 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Swietenia mahogoni (West Indian mahogany, a native species on the Threatened Plant List, see Rule 5B-40)-- Diaprepes abbreviatus (Linnaeus), diaprepes root weevil: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3937; Mario Jose Hernandez; 24 September 2001).
Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm, a native species)-- Aculops calulmi? (Keifer), an eriophyid mite: A moderate infestation was found on plants imported from China at a bonsai nursery in Ocala (Marion County; E2001-3979; Floyd J. McHenry, Dr. Susan E. Halbert, Dr. Metwaly 'Wally' H. Sheta, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Orlando, and Lita Davis, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Orlando; 27 September 2001). This mite has been reported from elms in California and Washington. It is a leaf vagrant (feeds but does not produce galls) that has not been reported to cause significant plant damage (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
--Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae Matsumura, Chinese elm aphid: A slight infestation was found on plants imported from China at a bonsai nursery in Coral Springs (Broward County; E2001-3915; Scott Shea, J. Keith Harris, Dr. Susan E. Halbert, William A. Thiel, and Thomas Dobbs, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Miami; 26 September 2001). This aphid infestation could have come from China (Dr. Susan E. Halbert). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Capsicum annuum (sweet bell pepper)-- Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), broad mite: A severe infestation on all 120 plants was found at a discount store in Florida City (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3601; Lynn D. Howerton; 30 August 2001). This mite can be a serious pest of peppers (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Carica papaya (papaya)-- Xenogryllus sp., a cricket: A slight infestation was found at a University of Florida (IFAS) unit in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3782; Dr. Jonathan H. Crane, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Extension Center; 23 August 2001). This exotic species appeared in the Homestead area after Hurricane Andrew (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato, boniato)-- Geopemphigus floccosus (Moreira), sweet potato root aphid: A slight infestation was found on 1000 plants at a farm in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3456; Edward T. Putland; 23 August 2001). This aphid is rarely collected (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Litchi chinensis (litchi)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3308; Evaristo M. Migueli; 13 August 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Prunus persica (peach)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Hollywood (Broward County; E2001-3662; Maria S. Quintanilla; 7 July 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Spinacia oleracea (spinach)-- Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard, pea leafminer: A moderate infestation was intercepted at a supermarket in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2001-3904; Joseph S. Beckwith; 23 September 2001). Several live larvae were found and reared.
CITRUS: Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Praticolella griseola (Pfieffer), a snail: A slight infestation was found on 50,000 plants at a nursery in Avon Park (Highlands County; E2001-3442; James E. Bennett and Loresa L. Collins; 23 August 2001). These snails can feed on plants (Dr. Lionel A. Stange).
Citrus sp. (a citrus species)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: An infestation was detected on several plants at a nursery at the Texas A&M Citrus Center in Weslaco, TX (E2001-3720; Victor French, Texas A&M University; 10 September 2001). NEW STATE RECORD FOR TEXAS.
-- A moderate infestation of this psyllid was found at a nursery in Middleburg (Clay County; E2001-3821; Edward G. Means; 18 August 2001). A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Fernandina Beach (Nassau County; E2001-4063; Edward G. Means; 2 October 2001). Both finds are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Bischofia javanica (toog, a weedy tree)-- Xylopsocus capucinus (Fabricius), a bostrichid beetle: Beetles emerged from dead limbs at a park in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E2001-3764; Brian Cabrera, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Extension Center; April 2001). This is an exotic bostrichid established in South Florida (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Ricinus communis (castorbean)-- Spilosoma congrua Walker, a moth: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3759; Mario Jose Hernandez; 29 August 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Baccharas halimifolia (salt bush, a native species)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E2001-3439; Heather N. Hursh; 17 August 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Helianthus debilis (beach sunflower, dune sunflower)-- Spalacopsis stolata Newman, a cerambycid beetle: A single specimen was collected at a park near Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2001-4070; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 1 October 2001). This is an interesting and relatively uncommon longhorn beetle (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass, Fakahatchee grass)-- Chionaspis heterophyllae Cooley, pine scale: A slight infestation on ten of 25 plants was found at a nursery in Naples (Collier County; E2001-3757; Scott D. Krueger; 12 September 2001). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. This scale is not usually found on grasses (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Zamia pumila (coontie, Florida arrowroot, a Commercially Exploited species, see Rule 5B-40)-- Liriomyza sp., an agromyzid leafminer fly: A slight infestation was found on two plants at a residence in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2001-2712; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 5 June 2001). Leaves with mines were held in the laboratory. The insect pupated outside the leaf, and the adult eventually emerged. This plant has not been recorded previously as a host for agromyzid leafminers (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
Zanthoxylum fagara (wild lime, prickly-ash)-- Leuronota fagarae Burckhardt, wild lime psyllid: A slight to moderate infestation was found at the Deering Estate at Cutler Ridge (Miami-Dade County; E2001-3552; Alicie Warren-Bradley, Natural Resources Manager, Deering Estate; 29 August 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid)-- Tamarixia ? sp., a parasitic wasp: A pupa was found in a psyllid specimen on Murraya paniculata (orange-jessamine) intended for export from Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2001-4119; Edward T. Putland; 2 October 2001). The species identification was not able to be confirmed without an adult, but this is an apparent recovery of Tamarixia radiata released for biological control of D. citri in Florida (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).
Hemiberlesia lataniae (armored scale)-- Signiphora merceti Malenotti, a primary parasite: This parasite was reared from scales on Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian pepper-tree, see Rule 5B-57) imported from California found in Orlando (Orange County; E2001-4081; Terrence D. Williams; 3 October 2001). This parasite is not known to occur in Florida. The shipment evidently originated in California (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).
FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Cactaceae (cactus)-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A specimen was intercepted in a shipment from California in Apopka (Orange County; E2001-3949; Leslie J. Wilber; 26 September).
ARTHROPODS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, bed bug: Several specimens were found at a hotel in the Orlando (Orange County; E2001-4064; unknown collector; 23 September 2001). A hotel customer was bitten while staying at the hotel. Bed bugs are becoming more common in hotels as a result of increase in international travel. They are difficult to control (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
APIARY PESTS: Aethina tumida Murray, small hive beetle: An infestation was discovered at an apiary in Bristol (Liberty County; E2000-3493; Warren R. Johnson; 6 September 2001). Another infestation was found at an apiary in Pensacola (Escambia County; E2001-3378; Joseph H. Robinson; 16 August 2001). Both finds are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
INSECT DETECTION: Anomala sp., a scarab beetle: A specimen was found in a backpack manufactured in Taiwan and purchased at a discount store in Vero Beach (Indian River County; E2001-3613; Ute Albrecht, customer; 4 August 2001). This beetle is exotic to Florida. It is similar but not identical to several species of Anomala from Taiwan in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say), chinch bug: A specimen was found at Myakka River State Park (Sarasota County; E2001-3594; Julieta Brambila and Paula Benshoff, Park Employee; 16 July 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD. This is the southern-most record for the chinch bug (Julieta Brambila).
Oedancala crassimana (Fabricius), a lygaeid bug: A specimen was found at a Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E2001-3801; Amy R. Simington; 13 September 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Oncopeltus cayensis Torre-bueno, a seed bug: A specimen was found in a sweep sample in a vacant lot in Lake Alfred (Polk County; E2001-3896; Martha A. 'Ginger' Simpson, USDA; 21 September 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Philodromus bilineatus Bryant, a spider: Two specimens were found at a residence in Lehigh Acres (Lee County; E2001-3812; Jeffrey Brushwein, University of Florida's Southwest Florida Research and Extension Center; 20 September 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Selenops submaculosus Bryant, a spider: A specimen was found in Palm Beach (Palm Beach County; E2001-3822; Todd Vittum, University of Florida; 7 September 2001). This is the first female captured in the state. Two males were previously known. The species was described from the Bahamas and British West Indies, but now appears to be established in Florida (Dr. G.B. Edwards).
Sinoxylon anale Lesne, a bostrichid beetle: A specimen was found in wooden crates in Orlando (Orange County; E2001-3557; Mario Garcia; 31 August 2001). Another specimen was found in cargo held by U.S. Customs in Orlando (Orange County; E2001-4341; Terrence D. Williams; 18 October 2001). This beetle is not established in Florida (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Sinoxylon conigerum Gerstaeker, a bostrichid beetle: A specimen was found in wooden crates in Orlando (Orange County; E2001-3557; Mario Garcia; 31 August 2001). This beetle is established in Florida only in Miami-Dade County (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Trichotrombidium muscarum (Riley), a microtrombidiid mite: Specimens were found in a sweep sample around melaleuca trees near Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E2001-3679; Dr. Paul D. Pratt, USDA/ARS, Ft. Lauderdale; 24 May 2001). The larval stage of this mite is a parasite of flies and usually is associated with house and stable flies. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
Xylothrips flavipes Illiger, a bostrichid beetle: Two specimens were found in wooden crates in Orlando (Orange County; E2001-3557; Mario Garcia; 31 August 2001). This exotic species is not usually found in imported wood. It has not been reported previously in Florida (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section | Back to Top |
NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Renato N. Inserra, Ph.D. and Janete A. Brito, M.Sc.
A total of 2,803 samples were processed in September and October of 2001. Details are shown below:
| Certification and Regulatory Samples: | Other Samples: |
|
Multi-state
Certification for National California Certification 557 Pre movement (Citrus Nursery Certification) 58 Site or Pit
Approval |
Intrastate Survey Random 212 Out-of-State
Survey, via Plant Problems 122 Identification (Invertebrate) 1 |
Nematodes of Special Interest: Chamaerops humilis (European fan palm)-- Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode was found infecting the roots of this ornamental palm (Pasco County; N01-1361; Helen A. Smith; 19 September, 2001). European fan palms were severely stunted by the nematode infection. Palm growers should be aware of the potential damage that root-knot nematodes cause to ornamental palms, especially in new planting sites and in nurseries.
Stenotaphrum secundatum (St. Augustine grass)-- Meloidogyne graminis (Sledge and Golden, 1964) Whitehead, 1968, a root-knot nematode was found infecting the roots of this turf grass (Hillsborough County; N01-01339; Samuel A. Fuller and Jason Stanley; 16 September, 2001). The damaging effect of this root-knot nematode on turf grasses has not been determined under field conditions
--Paratylenchus aquaticus Merny, 1966, a pin nematode was found associated with the rhizosphere of this turf grass(Hillsborough County; N01-01339; Samuel A. Fuller and Jason Stanley; 16 September, 2001).
-- Pratylenchus zeae Graham, 1951, a lesion nematode was found infecting the roots of this turf grass (Hillsborough County, N01-01339; Samuel A. Fuller and Jason Stanley; 16 September, 2001). This lesion nematode is a damaging pest of rice, but its effect on turf grass is not known.
COLLECTORS
SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR
NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
DURING SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2001:
|
Aguila, Jose G 337 Baron, Osmond O 18 Dees, Carrie A 71 Emery, Tyson R 18 Fuller, Samuel A 272 LeBoutillier, Karen W 158 McHenry, Floyd F 14 Melco, Amanda D 15 Pate, Jo Ann 20 |
Qiao, Ping 61 Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' 139 Salisbury, Thomas L 157 Stornaiuola, Serena 24 Smith III, Zell 14 Tannehill, Ellen J 7 Varona, Eduardo M 12 Wigglesworth, Jimmie R 6 Wilber, Leslie J 27 |
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by Robert M. Leahy
For this period the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 2,014 specimens. These included 604 pathology, 11 miscellaneous, 7 soil samples. Additionally, 1,410 citrus canker sample were processed, including 1,364 from South Florida, 8 from West Coast Florida, 26 from South West Coast Florida, 10 from Central Coast Florida, and 2 from North Central Florida.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Piper sp. (A pepper)-- Phaeroamularia sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Ocala, in Marion County, (17 September 2001, Floyd J. McHenry, P2001-3895). NEW HOST RECORD
Musa sp. (a banana)-- Pyricularia grisea, a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; P2001-3860; Kathy A. Gonzalez and Leslie J. Wilber; 13 September 2001).
Phyllostachys nuda (a bamboo)-- Bipolaris sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ruskin (Hillsborough County; P2001-3888; Karen Lea Etchells; 17 September 2001). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Alpinia purpurata (red ginger)-- Deightoniella torulusa (Syd.) M.B. Ellis, leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; P2001-3516; William A. Thiel; 30 August 2001). NEW HOST RECORD
Pseudogynoxys chenopodiodes (Mexican flame vine)-- Mycoleptodiscus indicus and Guignardia sp., leaf spots: Collected at a dooryard in Miami (Miami-Dade County; P2001-4063; Gwen H. Myres; 28 September 2001). NEW HOST RECORDS
Selenicereus sp. (an orchid cactus)-- Virus - tobamovirus, virus: Collected at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; P2001-4343; Leslie J. Wilber and Serena Stornaiuolo; 23 October 2001). NEW HOST RECORD
WEED AND GRASSES: Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass, Florida Noxious Weed List, see 5B-57)-- Nigrospora sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a park in Sanford (Seminole County; P2001-3911; Anthony N. Capitano and Dr. Nancy C. Coile; 19 September 2001).
Ipomoea triloba (little bell morningglory, Florida Noxious Weed List, Rule 5B-57)-- Coleosporium ipomoeae, a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Ocala (Marion County; P2001-3894; Floyd J. McHenry and William L. 'Robbie' Robinson; 18 September 2001).
NATIVE OR
NATURALIZED:
Decodon verticillatus
(swamp loosestrife)-- Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spot:
Collected at a dooryard in Ocala (Marion County; P2001-3893; Floyd J. McHenry;
17 September 2001). NEW HOST RECORD
