TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 41, No. 1
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2002
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud
Casimiroa edulis Llave & Lex., (5 species, Mexico, Central America highlands), Rutaceae, white sapote, Mexican-apple, zapote blanco: Tree to 16 m tall. Leaves digitate, 3-5-lobate; petiole to 10 cm long; leaflets to 12.5 cm long, glandular-dotted, ovate or obovate to elliptic or oblanceolate; obtuse at apex. Inflorescence axillary; flowers fragrant, green or whitish-green, 5-merous. Fruit a drupe, 10 cm in diameter, skin yellow-green, pulp cream colored, sweet but sometimes resinous, butter-textured. A fast growing ornamental, cultivated mainly for its fruits, which have a remarkable high food value, almost as rich in protein, carbohydrates and vitamins as the banana. Cultivated in Florida and California. Native to Mexico and Central America (Indian River County; B2002-067; Richard H. `Dick' Stoll; 11 February 2002). (Huxley 1992). [Go to this website for more information and for recipes: http://www.proscitech.com/trop/c.htm; and to this one for Julia Morton's facts: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/white_sapote.html; and to this one from the California Rare Fruit Council: http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/whitesapote.html Dr. Nancy C. Coile.]
Clematis catesbyana Pursh, (ca. 295 species, north temperate, and south temperate, Oceania, and tropical Africa), Ranunculaceae, satincurls, virgin's-bower, woodbine: Vine, older portions of stems woody, and attaining a diameter of 3 cm. Growth of the season luxuriant, growing over shrubs and the crowns of small trees. Leaves biternately compound or pinnately compound with 5 leaflets; leaflets varying in size, to 6 cm long, and 4.5 cm broad at base, mostly ovate, few-toothed, shallowly or deeply 3-lobed, sometimes with only 1 lateral lobe. Inflorescence in cymes, from simple, short ones to panicled ones, to 2 dm long; sepals spreading or reflexed, off-white, 6-12 mm long; petals none; stamens off-white, filaments flat, shorter than the sepals, anthers 1-1.5 mm long. Achenes tightly congested, at maturity dark-reddish or purplish-brown to dark blackish-purple, about 4 mm long, with long, white-plumose styles curling-spreading in all directions, with a spread 4-5 cm across. From Virginia to Kentucky, and Missouri, southward to Florida and Arkansas. (Lake County; B2002-077; William L. Robinson; 18 February 2002). (Godfrey 1988). [For an excellent illustration, go to this website and click on the images to enlarge them: http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/images.asp?plantID=3242#. In Georgia, the species is of special concern: Dr. Nancy C. Coile.]
Mandevilla sanderi (Hemsl.) Woodson, (114 species, tropical America), Apocynaceae, rose dipladenia: Glabrous, twining shrub, to 5 m tall. Leaves opposite, leathery, broadly oblong-elliptic, 6 cm long, short-acuminate, rounded at base; petiole 1 cm long. Inflorescence a 3-5-flowered raceme, about as long as the subtending leaves; corolla rose-pink, funnelform, tube and throat to 4.5 cm long, lobes to 3.5 cm, acuminate. Native of Brazil. `Rosea', a cultivar known as Brazilian-jasmine, has ovate leaves, to 5 cm long, glossy green above, bronze green beneath; tubular flowers to 8 cm long, salmon-pink, with the throat and tube yellow within. (Volusia County; B2002-068; Gwen H. Myres; 12 February 2002). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992). [For a photograph of the flower of 'Rosea', this website will be useful: http://www.bestgardening.com/bgc/plant/climber03.htm this website shows the plant in a small image, http://www.susansgardenpatch.com/jimmy5.htm Dr. Nancy C. Coile.]
Melaleuca saligna Schauer, (220 species, Indomalaysia, Australia, and Pacific Islands), Myrtaceae, willowleaf honey-myrtle; willow paperbark: Small tree with papery bark, whitish to cream; branches spreading to ascending; branchlets pendulous. Leaves alternate, 3-10.5 cm long, and 0.4 - 1.8 cm broad, narrowly obovate, tapering to base, 3-7-veined, apex pointed. Flowers in head-like clusters to 1.7 cm across, somewhat globular, terminal and in upper leaf axils, often profuse; individual flowers to 1 cm across, white to pale yellowish-green, crowded; calyx tube often angular, hairy; petals small, white. Fruit a capsule to 25 mm long, and wide, cylindrical. Cultivated for its pendulous foliage. A native of Australia., this species is much used in California parks, and roadsides (San Diego County, California; B2002-036; Dr. Paul D. Pratt, USDA-ARS; 31 December 2001). (Elliott and Jones 1993). [This species was formerly Melaleuca leucadendron var. saligna (Schauer) Bailey, and was recognized as species by Craven and Lepschi ( 1999). It is seldom mentioned on the internet. Not to be confused with Eucalyptus saligna Smith, Sydney Blue Gum. One website lists it (along with other Melaleuca species) which are used medicinally: http://www.liberherbarum.com/Pn0922.HTM Dr. Nancy C. Coile.]
Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites, (100 species, Old World tropics), Annonaceae, corky-stem polyalthia: Shrub to 2 m tall; bark with corky ridges. Leaves alternate, simple, thin, to 12.5 cm long, oblong or oblong lanceolate, obtuse at base, and apex. Flowers fragrant, mostly solitary, opposite the leaves, 3-merous, petals 6, valvate, in 2 series, reddish-brown, to 1.3 cm long, silky outside; stamens and pistils many; pedicels 2.5 cm long. Fruits many in a receptacle, stalked, globose, glabrous, to 7 mm in diameter; 1-2-seeded, rarely 5-seeded. From India, and Sri Lanka to Malaysia. (Miami-Dade County; B2002-047; Eduardo M. Varona). (Bailey 1976). [Excellent illustrations of the shrub, creamy-white flowers and the glossy purplish fruits are available at this website (remember to click onto an image to enlarge it for viewing): http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/images/pol_sub_mid.jpg, Dr. Nancy C. Coile.]
Ruttya fruticosa Lindau, (3 species, tropical and South Africa to Yemen, Madagascar), Acanthaceae, ruttya: Evergreen shrub to 4 m tall. Inflorescences terminal on lateral shoots, flowers several in a short, cone-like spike, subtended by small linear bracts; calyx 6 mm long, 5-parted nearly to base, lobes narrow, equal in length; corolla to 7 cm long, variable in color, bright-yellow, orange-red, or scarlet, with an irregular dark reddish to brown to black blotch at base of middle lobe of lower lip, broadly tubular, 2-lipped, upper lip reflexed, emarginate, consisting of 2-fused lobes, lower lip 3-lobed; stamens 2, anthers monothecous; ovary glabrous. Fruit an ellipsoid capsule; seed 4, nearly smooth, without hairs. A desired subject, popular in hummingbird's gardens. Native of east tropical Africa. (Miami-Dade County; B2002-043; Frederick J. Hubbard, Eduardo M. Varona; 22 January 2002). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992). [For an image of an orange flowered specimen, go to this website: http://www.rareflora.com/ruttyafruorange.htm, and for a yellow one, go to this website: http://www.rareflora.com/ruttyafruyellow.htm, for an excellent habit photograph and cultivation information, go here: http://www.boomanfloral.com/lp_unusual.htm Dr. Nancy C. Coile.]
Saraca indica L., (11 species, Indomalaysia), Leguminosae, asoka tree, sorrowless tree: Underforest tree to 10 m tall; bark covered with lenticels. Leaves alternate, sessile, 10-50 cm long; leaflets in 1-7 pairs, 5-30 cm long, 1.5-10 cm broad, elliptic, ovate or lanceolate, usually without basal glands. Flowers in dense, subglobose corymbs, terminal or axillary, to 20 cm long; bracteoles yellow to red, enclosing flower in bud, 3-8 mm long, persistent or fugacious; calyx tube 7-16 mm long, lobes 4-6, to 12 mm long, and 7 mm wide, rounded, petaloid yellow to red and purple in throat; petals absent; stamens 3 to 10, filaments exerted, yellow to red, anthers purple-gray. Fruit flattened, 6-25 cm long, 2-6 cm broad, elliptic to oblong lanceolate, beaked, margins thickened, 2-valved; seeds 1 to 8, 1-4 cm wide, ellipsoid, not arillate. A favorite ornamental in India, where flowers are used as offerings at temples. India, Thailand to Java and Sumatra (Miami-Dade County; B2002-079; Gwen H. Myres; 19 February 2002). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992). [The following website provides a photograph of the flowers and presents folk medicinal and spiritual use of the plants in India: http://www.essences.com/vibration/sept98/ashoka.html Dr. Nancy C. Coile.]
GLOSSARY: achene: a dry, one-seeded fruit with a firm, tight fitting coating which does not split open along regular lines; acuminate: having a long, slender, sharp point; arillate: having an "aril", a fleshy, and often colored outer covering of a seed; biternatelly (biternate): with three main divisions, each with three leaflets; emarginate: having a notch or a sinus at the end; lenticel: a small, corky, breathing pore in the bark of trees and shrubs; monothecous: an anther that has only one pollen cell.
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.
- Craven, L. A. and B. J. Lepschi. 1999. Enumeration of the species and infraspecific taxa of Melaleuca (Myrtaceae) occurring in Australia and Tasmania. Australian Systematic Botany 12:819-927.
- Elliott, W. R. and D. L. Jones. 1993. Encyclopaedia of Australian plants suitable for cultivation (V.6): 360-361. Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd, Port Melbourne.
- Godfrey, R. K. 1988. trees, shrubs, and woody vines of northern Florida and adjacent Georgia and Alabama. The University of Georgia Press, Athens. 734 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, 2nd Ed.. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. 858 p.
- Wunderlin, R. P. 1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 806 p.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph. D.
For the month of January, there were 300 samples, consisting of 9,710+ specimens. In February, there were 345 samples, consisting of 12,989+ specimens. Some of the samples are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Nolina sp. (a ponytail)-- Ischnodemus rufipes Van Duzee, a seed bug: A specimen was found in the leaf whorl of a tree at a nursery in Dover (Hillsborough County; E2002-568; Heather L. Sadler and Terry L. Gater; 21 February 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Murraya paniculata (orange-jessamine, orange-jasmine, chinese box)-- Minutaleyrodes minutus (Singh), minute whitefly: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E2002-527; Nury M. Marrone and Sallie H. Simmons; 20 February 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Blechum pyramidatum (Browne's blechum)-- Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, spiraling or Keys whitefly: A moderate infestation was found on two of 20 plants at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-296; Duraid I. Hanna; 1 February 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Ceropegia woodii (string of hearts)-- Asterolecanium stentae Brain, euphorbia pit scale and Vryburgia brevicruris (McKenzie), a short-legged mealybug: A moderate infestation involved 15 of 50 plants at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E2001-4250; Leslie J. Wilbur; 12 October 2001). The find of V. brevicruris is a NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
Echinocactus sp. (barrel cactus)-- Eriococcus coccineus (Cockerell), cactus eriococcin: A severe infestation was found on a plant imported from Canada at a grocery store in Bunnell (Flagler County; E2002-20; Raymond C. Jarrett; 2 January 2002).
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus) -- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A moderate infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Clewiston (Hendry County; E2002-194; Jo Ann Pate; 22 January 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Eucalyptus sp. (eucalyptus) -- Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, red gum lerp psyllid: A severe infestation was found at a park in Aguascalientes, Mexico (E2002-55; Bertila and Julieta Brambila; 6 November 2001). NEW NATIONAL RECORD FOR MEXICO.
FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Dimocarpus longan (longan)-- Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskell), an armored scale: A moderate infestation on 30 plants was found at a nursery in Largo (Pinellas County; E2001-4933; David M. Mooney; 13 December 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.Mangifera indica (mango)-- Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead), an armored scale: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-81; Keith J. Richardson; 10 January 2002). NEW UNITED STATES CONTINENTAL RECORD.
NATIVE OR NATURALIZED PLANTS: Distichlis spicata (saltgrass; seashore saltgrass; inland saltgrass)-- Eupodes sp., a mite: An infestation was found on about 0.25 acres on Black Hammock Island, Jacksonville (Duval County; E2001-4990-801; Flewellyn W. Podris; 14 December 2001). This is a new species, closely related to species found in Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, and Hawaii (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn). NEW SPECIES RECORD.Erechtites hieracifolia (fireweed, burnweed)-- Brachycaudus helychrysi (Kaltenbach), A slight infestation was found on several plants at Weedon Island State Park (Pinellas County; E2002-856; Thomas W. Turner; 1 March 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Gramineae (a grass)-- Duplachionaspis divergens (Green), an armored scale: A slight infestation on one of two plants was found at a nursery in Sanford (Seminole County; E2002-102; Amanda D. Melco; 11 January 2002). This scale also is recorded from Collier, Manatee, and Pasco counties. All hosts are grasses (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Ludwigia sp. (a primrose willow)-- Neortholomus scolopax (Say), a seed bug, Neortholomus jamaicensis (Dallas), a seed bug, and Prepops crucifera (Berg), a mirid bug: A moderate infestation was found on plants along a roadside in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2002-360; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 5 February 2002). All finds are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
Lycium carolinianum (Christmas berry; Carolina desertthorn)-- Aceria pallida Keifer, an eriophyid mite: A moderate-severe infestation was found at Weedon Island State Park (Pinellas County; E2001-4550; Thomas W. Turner; 5 November 2001). This mite has been found on this host on several occasions, but does not appear to be common (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Aculops sp., an eriophyid mite: A moderate to severe infestation was found at Weedon Island State Park (Pinellas County; E2001-4550; Thomas W. Turner; 5 November 2002). NEW DPI FLORIDA HOST RECORD.
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Antaeotricha sp., (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae pupae)-- Pediobius sp., a parasitic wasp: Several specimens were reared in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2002-498; J. R. Harvey; 9 October 1969). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. Other Pediobius species known from this host family are not known to occur in Florida (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).ARTHROPODS OF MEDICAL & VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Parascochoengastia nunezi (Hoffman), a chigger: A specimen was found on a great egret at Dogleg Island (Pinellas County; E2001-2522; Teresa De La Fuente, University of Florida; 1999). The bird was found sick and later died. Lesions on the bird contained this chigger species. This chigger species originally was described from Mexico and has been found on birds in Central America (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
Rhopalurus laticauda Thorell, a bark scorpion: An adult specimen with four young was found in a maritime shipping container full of pine straw bales from Venezuela at the Port of Jacksonville (Duval County; E2002-177; Michael J. Mulligan; 26 December 2001). This is not a native species. Some species in this genus are potentially dangerous. A typical clutch for a Rhopalurus scorpion is 12-49 young. The young that were intercepted were first instars, which normally could not survive without the mother; however, they were fully pigmented, indicating that they were about to moult to the second instar, which is the dispersal stage. Some young may have been distributed with the pine straw bales. (Dr. G.B. Edwards).
INSECT DETECTION: Aphis amaranthi Holman, spiny pigweed aphid: A specimen was collected in a suction trap in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-212; Michael C. Kesinger; 14 December 2001). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.Curinus coeruleus Mulsant, a ladybird beetle: A specimen was found in a Jackson trap in Coconut Creek (Broward County; E2002-290; David Benner, USDA; 30 January 2002). This is a recently established, exotic ladybird beetle (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Halictophagus mackayi? (Bohart), a strepsipteran: A specimen was recovered from a suction trap sample from LaBelle (Hendry County; E2002-8; Mark R. Terrell; 21 December 2001). The specimen matches the description and illustration of this Canadian species but no reference material is available for confirmation (Dr. Gregory A. Evans). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
Lyctus africanus Lesne, a bostrichid beetle: Three specimens were found infesting 12 year-old cabinets at a home in Naples (Collier County; E2002-109; homeowner; 16 November 2001). This is an exotic, widely distributed and frequently intercepted powder post beetle. It is not known to be established in Florida (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Pseudopachybrachius basalis (Dallas), a seed bug; A specimen was found under fallen palm fronds at a boat ramp in Mims (Brevard County; E2002-154; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 16 January 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Rumina decollata (Linnaeus), decollate snail: Several specimens were confiscated from a business in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-392; Louis T. Lodyga; 11 February 2002). The snails were being sold as biological control for garden snails and slugs. This snail is not in Florida. It can be a destructive plant feeder, but also can feed on other snails (Dr. Lionel A. Stange).
Stephanopachys rugosus Oliver, a bostrichid beetle: Beetles were found emerging from a pine floor in Lawtey (Bradford County; E2002-245; Bruce McCown, Florida Pest Control; January 2002). This native beetle can do considerable damage to flooring and other timbers in buildings (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Tamarixia radiata (Waterston), a parasitic wasp: A specimen was recovered from a suction trap sample from LaBelle (Hendry County; E2001-4979; Mark R. Terrell; 10 December 2001). This species was released for control of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama.
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section | Back to Top |
NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Janete A. Brito, Ph.D. and Paul S. Lehman, Ph.D.
A total of 2,614 samples were processed in January and February of 2002. Details are shown below:
| Certification and Regulatory Samples: | Other Samples: |
Multi-state
Certification for National California Certification 676 Burrowing Nematode Pre movement |
Site or Pit Approval Plant Problems 55 Intrastate Survey Random 138 |
Nematodes of Special Interest: Bougainvillea sp. (a bougainvillea). -- Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode, was found infecting the roots of this ornamental plant (Dade County; N02-00144; Karen, W. LeBoutillier; 5 February 2002). The damaging effect of this root-knot nematode on bougainvillea has not been determined.
Epipremnum pinnatum 'Aureum' (golden pothos) -- Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode, was found infecting the roots of this ornamental plant (Orange County; N02-00089; Barbara J. Wilder; 24 January 2002). Previous research by DPI nematologists has shown that this root-knot nematode suppresses the growth of pothos plants (P.S. Lehman and D. E. Stokes. 1979. Effect of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on pothos. Proceedings Florida State Horticultural Society 92: 343-345).
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE
SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR
NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING JANUARY
AND FEBRUARY 2002:
Aguila, Jose G. .....................................112
Baron, Osmund O. .................................17
Emery, Tyson R. ......................................8
Echols, Mary ‘Janie' ...............................10
Fuller, Samuel A ...................................132
Harris, Jessie M .....................................15
LeBoutillier, Karen W ..........................185
Means, Edward G ...................................8
Melco, Amanda D. ................................13
Pate, Jo Ann .............................................66
Podris, Flewellyn W.............................. 51
Qiao, Ping .............................................81
Robinson, William L ‘Robbie' ..............157
Salisbury, Thomas L ............................285
Simmons, Stacey S ..................................8
Stone, Carrie S. (Dees) ..........................68
Tannehill, Ellen J .......................................8
Wigelsworth, Jimmie R ...........................20
Wilber, Leslie J .......................................10
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by Robert M. Leahy
For this period the Plant Pathology Section rceived and processed 1,655 specimens. These included 564 Pathology, 12 Miscellaneous, 24 Soil samples. 1,055 Citrus Canker samples were also processed, including 1,043 from South Florida, 5 from West Coast Florida, 0 from South West Coast Florida, 6 from Central Coast Florida, and 1 from North Central Florida.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Chrysobalanus icaco (coco plum)-- Pseudocercospora sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; P2002-117; Lynn D. Howerton;, 15 January 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.Livistona chinensis (Chinese fan palm)- Cercosporidium sp. , a leaf spot and Spiropes guareicola (Stev.) C.F., a hyperparasite: Collected at a dooryard in Lake Worth (Palm Beach County; P2002-502; Gregg D. Farina; 19 February 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Nolina recurvata (ponytail)-- Kutilakesopsis macalpinae, Agnihothrudu & Barua, a leaf rot: Collected at a nursery in Goulds (Miami-Dade County; P2002-324; RosaMaria M. Alonso; 7 February 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Hula Girl' (a hibiscus cultivar) -- Thielaviopsis basicola, (Berk. & Broome) Ferraris, black root rot: Collected at a dooryard in Ocala (Marion County; P2002-54; Gary Zugar, homeowner; 8 January 2002).
Linum sp. (a flax)-- Oidium sp., a powdery mildew: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-342; Osmond O. Baron; 11 January 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Capsicum annuum (pepper)-- Tomato Mosaic Tobamoirus, a virus: Collected at a nursery in Belle Glade (Palm Beach County; P2002-387; Joel Allingham, consultant; 11 February 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato)-- Phytophthora infestans, leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Sun City (Hillsborough County; P2002-0313; Karen Lea Etchells; 5 February 2002).
