TRI-OLOGY, Vol.
41, No. 4
Mark A. Garland, Managing Editor
JULY-AUGUST 2002
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud
For this period, 108 specimens were submitted for identification, and 897 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (1,005 total). Some of the samples not previously described in Tri-ology:
Coronilla varia L. (genus of 22 species, Eurasia and Africa), Leguminosae, purple crownvetch: Perennial herb, 20-120 cm long, ascending or prostrate. Leaves green, imparipinnate; leaflets 7-29, 0.6-2 cm long and 0.3-1.2 cm wide, oblong or cuneate; stipules 1-6 mm long. Flowers papilionaceous, 10-15 mm long, white, purple or pink, in 4–20-flowered radiating umbels, on long axillary peduncles. Fruit a cylindrical loment, 20-80 mm long and 1.5-2 mm in diameter, segments 3-14. Grown for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. Native to Eurasia. Escaped from cultivation. (Crittenden County, AR; B2002-401; W.Y. Bennett, homeowner; 15 July 2002). (Huxley 1992; Wunderlin 1998).
Drypetes diversifolia Krug & Urban (genus of about 200 species, Old World tropics and subtropics), Euphorbiaceae, whitewood, milkbark: Shrub or tree to 12 m tall, dioecious, bark smooth, milky-white, often marked with grayish or brownish patches. Leaves 8-12 cm long, oblong-ovate, rather rigid, rounded to obtuse at apex; the lower leaves with short petioles, the margins dentate-spinulose; the upper leaves with petioles to 1 cm long or more, the margins entire. Flowers unisexual, apetalous, fasciculate in the leaf axils, female flowers sometimes solitary. Calyx of staminate flowers 4-6-parted, sepals broad and concave, ciliate; stamens 3-12 or more, the filaments free, anthers introrse with parallel cells. Calyx of pistillate flowers 4-5-parted; ovary 1- to 3-celled, style short, stigma dilated, reniform-discoid. Fruit a drupe, pyriform to obovoid or ellipsoid, tomentose, whitish, 1.5-2 cm long, 1-seeded by abortion. Native to south Florida, Keys included, and the Bahama Islands. Listed as endangered by the state of Florida. (Broward County; B2002-427; Stacey S. Simmons; 13 August 2002). (Correll and Correll 1976; Long and Lakela 1971).
Glechoma hederacea L. ‘Variegata’ (genus of about 10 species, temperate Eurasia), Labiatae, ground ivy, runaway robin, alehoof: Perennial herb to 50 cm long. Flowering stems erect to ascending, non-flowering stems creeping, mat-forming. Leaves to 2.5 cm long and 3 cm wide, apex obtuse or acute, cordate or truncate at the base; margins toothed; basal leaves with petioles to 3.5 cm long, cauline leaves with petioles to 6 cm long. Flowers in secund, 2-6-flowered verticils, violet, mauve or lilac, occasionally white or pink; calyx to 7 mm long, tubular, often glandular-pubescent, 2-lipped, pendent after flowering; corolla to 2 cm long, downy outside, lower lip spreading, 3-lobed; stamens 4, lower pair reduced; style curved, 2-lobed. Cultivated in its variegated-leaved form, which has green leaves with broken edges and zones of white and silver-gray, suitable as a trailing plant for hanging baskets. Native to Eurasia. Naturalized in North America. (Volusia County; B2002-419; Raymond C. Jarrett, Jr.; 13 August 2002). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Jasminum fluminense Vell. (genus of about 200 species, Old World tropics, a few temperate), Oleaceae, Brazilian jasmine, jasmin de trapo: Woody vine, evergreen, tomentose when young, becoming glabrous. Leaves trifoliate; leaflets 5-7 cm long, broadly ovate, the terminal leaflet long-stalked. Inflorescence a broad loose cyme; flowers white, very fragrant, 1.5 mm long, teeth 5-6, shorter than the tube; corolla tube to 2.5 cm long, lobes 5-6, shorter than the tube. Fruit a 2-lobed berry, black. Native to tropical America. Listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council as an Invasive Species, Category I. (Miami-Dade County; B2002-387; Thomas W. Turner; 24 July 2002). (Bailey 1976; Long and Lakela 1971).
Oncoba spinosa Forssk. (genus of 39 species, tropical and South Africa, Arabia, Brazil), Flacourtiaceae, fried-egg tree: Shrub or small tree to 7 m tall, armed with straight spines to 5 cm long. Leaves 9 cm long and 5 cm wide, elliptic, apex acuminate, rounded at base; margins serrate. Flowers 5 cm across, white, fragrant, camellia-like; calyx 4-lobed, persistent; petals twice as long as sepals and variable in number, spreading; stamens numerous, in many rows borne on a fleshy ring. Fruit globose, indehiscent, to 5 cm in diameter, shiny, smooth with a hard shell, many-seeded. Grown for the evergreen foliage, deep green when young, bronzed in winter, and its fragrant flowers. Native to Africa, and Arabia. (Collier County; B2002-442; Scott D. Krueger; 26 August 2002). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Synsepalum dulcificum (Schum. & Thonn.) Daniell (genus of 20 species, tropical Africa), Sapotaceae, miraculous fruit, miraculous berry: Shrub to 4 m tall. Leaves short petiolate, clustered at end of branches, blades 5-15 cm long, and 2-4 cm wide, broadly lanceolate to obovate-lanceolate, with about 8 pairs of veins. Flowers in axillary clusters; calyx 5 mm long, ribbed, 5-lobed, lobes triangular; corolla as long as calyx, narrowly tubular, 5-parted. Fruit a 1-seeded berry, 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, ovoid to oblong, red at maturity. Berries contain miraculin, a glycoprotein, which causes sour and salty things to taste sweet and also acts as an appetite depressant. Native to west Africa. (Miami-Dade County; B2002-361; Lynda F. Davis; 10 July 2002). (Huxley 1992; Mabberley 1997).
GLOSSARY: cauline: growing on or belonging to a stem; dioecious: having the staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers on separate individuals; fasciculate: crowded into bundles, tufts, or clusters; introrse: with the cells of the anthers turned inwards; loment: a legume which is constricted and usually separated into one-seeded segments; papilionaceous: butterfly-like, as the corollas of pea flowers and many other legumes; secund: arranged along one side; tomentose: woolly, hairy; verticil: a whorl or circular arrangement of similar parts around an axis.
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.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Long, R. W. and O. Lakela. 1971. A flora of tropical Florida. University of Miami Press, Coral Gables. 962 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 July, there were 854 samples, consisting of ca. 76,928 specimens. In August, there were 421 samples, consisting of ca. 31,129 specimens. Some of the samples are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A severe infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Ocala (Marion County; E2002-2930; Floyd J. McHenry; 28 June 2002). Another infestation was found in the Governor’s greenhouse in Tallahassee (Leon County; E2002-3345; Dr. Richard K. Sprenkel, University of Florida, North Florida Research and Extension Center, Quincy; 24 July 2002). A slight infestation was found at a discount store in Leesburg (Lake County; E2002-3318; Stephen P. Beidler; 23 July 2002). All finds are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
Ixora ‘Norah Grant’ (Norah Grant ixora)-- Melormenis basalis Walker, West Indian flatid, Puerto Rican planthopper: A specimen was found in Coral Springs (Broward County; E2002-3830; David T. Benner, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Davie; 13 August 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Vinsonia stellifera (Westwood), stellate scale: A slight infestation was found in the landscape at a business in Miami Lakes (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3116; Jo Ann Pate and Lenora J. Coleman; 10 July 2002). NEW DPI RE-INTRODUCTION RECORD. The stellate scale, Vinsonia stellifera, was eradicated from Florida in 1954 and has not been seen in Florida in nearly fifty years. Thus, this record probably indicates a new introduction and establishment in the state. The origin of the stellate scale is unknown, but it occurs in the Australasian, Afrotropical, Oriental, Palearctic and Neotropical regions. The stellate scale is of economic concern to Florida due to its potential threat to citrus, mango, and many ornamentals (Dr. Gregory S. Hodges).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Bambusa sp. (bamboo)-- Trionymus lumpurensis Takahashi, a bamboo mealybug: An infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E2002-3788; Barbara J. Wilder; 12 August 2002). NEW UNITED STATES RECORD. This mealybug is native to the Malaysian area. Its life history is poorly known. The economic impact of this species is unknown. The entry pathway into Florida and distribution beyond the initial infestation have not yet been determined (Dr. Gregory S. Hodges).
Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass, West Indies lemongrass, fever grass)-- Duplachionaspis divergens Green, an armored scale: A severe infestation was found on a plant at a nursery in Sarasota (Sarasota County; E2002-2602; L. Wayne Clifton and Albert L. Wright; 21 June 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Metapronematus sp., a tydeid mite: A moderate infestation was found on two plants at a nursery in North Fort Myers (Lee County; E2002-3129; Reuben E. Sibert; 10 July 2002). NEW TO SCIENCE RECORD. This is a new species in the genus. It probably is a predator (Dr. W. C. ‘Cal’ Welbourn).
Schefflera actinophylla (schefflera, octopus tree)-- Vinsonia stellifera (Westwood), stellate scale: A slight infestation was found at a bank in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3279; Reuben E. Sibert, Matthew W. Brodie, and Stephen P. Beidler; 17 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Schefflera arboricola (dwarf schefflera)-- Vinsonia stellifera (Westwood), stellate scale: Moderate and severe infestations were found in Miami Lakes (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3388, 3395; Walter W. Golden and Lori A. Richards; 23 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Senna surattensis (glossy shower)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation on two of five plants was found at a transportation transfer station in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3675; Alan J. Gambill; 5 August 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Ficus aurea (Florida strangler fig)-- Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), pink hibiscus mealybug: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Pembroke Pines (Broward County; E2002-3512; Thomas Sallese, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Maria S. Quintanilla; 31 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Ficus sp. (ficus)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A moderate infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3276; Lynda F. Davis; 17 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Lysiloma latisiliquum (wild tamarind, false tamarind)-- Paratachardina lobata (Chamberlin), lobate lac scale: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami Lakes (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3914; Lynda F. Davis; 22 August 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Pongamia pinnata (karum tree, poonga oil-tree, pongam)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3057; Lynda F. Davis; 2 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Quercus sinuata (bluff oak, bastard oak)-- Stegophylla sp., a woolly oak aphid: A moderate infestation was found on DPI grounds in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2002-3022; Dr. Timothy S. Schubert, DPI Plant Pathology; 5 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Swietenia mahagoni (West Indian mahogany, mahogany, Madeira redwood)-- Hemiberlesia diffinis (Newstead), diffinis scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-2465; Daniel Delange, nursery employee, Homestead; 11 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Tabebuia sp. (tabebuia)-- Androthrips ramachandrai Karny, a thrips: A slight infestation on three plants was found at a shopping plaza in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E2002-3920; J. Keith Harris; 22 August 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Allium sp. (green onions)-- Blapstinus sp., a tenebrionid beetle: Two specimens were intercepted in a shipment from California at an import business in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E2002-3737; Amy R. Simington; 7 August 2002). This is an exotic beetle (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Anacardium occidentale (cashew, marañon)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-2364; Lynda F. Davis; 12 June 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Annona muricata (soursop, guanabana)-- Aceria sp., an eriophyid mite: A slight infestation was found on one of two plants at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-2495; Lynda F. Davis; 13 June 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Capsicum sp. (pepper)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2002-3890; Dr. Gerald L. Benny, University of Florida, Plant Pathology; 21 August 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.-Tozz.), white peach scale: A moderate infestation was found on one of three plants at a nursery in Princeton (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3081; Ana L. Ochoa and Karen W. LeBoutillier; 3 June 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Dimocarpus longan (longan)-- Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskell), an armored scale: A moderate infestation was found on all of three plants at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3083; Eduardo G. Camero; 9 July 2002). “This is the largest population I have observed in Florida” (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Mangifera indica (mango)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A slight infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3274; Lynda F. Davis; 17 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane)-- Oligonychus grypus Baker & Pritchard, a spider mite: A slight-moderate infestation was found at a farm in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3198; Matthew W. Brodie and Reuben E. Sibert; 15 July 2002). A severe infestation on 10,000 acres was found at a farm near Moore Haven (Glades County; E2002-3178; Reuben E. Sibert; 12 July 2002). Both records are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
Syzygium cumini (jambolan plum, Java plum, black plum, jamun, duhat)-- Paratachardina lobata (Chamberlin), lobate lac scale: A moderate infestation was found on a plant at a residence in North Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3976; Lynda F. Davis; 23 August 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
CITRUS AND CITRUS RELATIVES: Afraegle gabonensis (Gabon powder flask)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: An infestation was found at the DPI Citrus Arboretum in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-3124; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 12 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Afraegle paniculata (Nigerian powder flask)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation was found at the DPI Citrus Arboretum in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-3125; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 12 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Casimiroa edulis (white sapote, Mexican apple, zapote blanco)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation was found at the DPI Citrus Arboretum in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-3127; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 12 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Eremocitrus sp. x Citrus depressa (desert kumquat x Shekwasha mandarin hybrid)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: An infestation was found at the DPI Citrus Arboretum in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-3128; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 12 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Bidens sp. (beggarticks)-- Aceria knorri Keifer, an eriophyid mite: A moderate infestation was found along railroad tracks near Tampa (Hillsborough County; E2002-3580; Amy R. Simington and James R. Martin; 31 July 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Bidens alba (beggarticks, romerillo)-- Cicidophyes sp., an eriophyid mite: A moderate infestation was found along railroad tracks near Tampa (Hillsborough County; E2002-2692; Amy R. Simington and James R. Martin; 24 June 2002, E2002-3580; Amy R. Simington and James R. Martin; 31 July 2002). This is an unusual eriophyid. This is the first report of this genus from Bidens. The mite may be a new species (Dr. W. C. ‘Cal’ Welbourn).
Cenchrus sp. (sandspur)-- Paromius longulus (Dallas), a seed bug: A specimen was found in a citrus grove in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2002-3828; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 14 August 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass)-- Duplachionaspis divergens Green, an armored scale: A slight infestation involving ten of 100+ plants was found along a roadside near Jensen Beach (Martin County; E2002-3046; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 28 June 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Stenotaphrum secundatum (St. Augustine grass)-- Duplachionaspis divergens Green, an armored scale: A slight-moderate infestation was found at a boat ramp near Bradenton (Manatee County; E2002-2836; Mark L. Runnals; 25 June 2002).
NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Cissus verticillata (possum-grape, seasonvine)-- Eurhin magnificus (Gyllenhal), a weevil: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in S.W. Ranches (Broward County; E2002-3827; William A. “Bill” Thiel, Jr.; 14 August 2002). NEW UNITED STATES RECORD. This is a Central American species that feeds on grape relatives (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Helianthemum nashii (Florida scrub frostweed)-- Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), pink hibiscus mealybug: A severe infestation was found at a hardware store in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3167; Edward T. Putland and Scott Shea; 12 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Matelea alabamensis (Alabama milkvine, Alabama spiny pod, Alabama anglepod)-- Cicidophyes sp., an eriophyid mite: An infestation was found at a nursery in Lake Wales (Polk County; E2002-3121; Dr. Susan E. Halbert and Terrence D. Williams; 12 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. This plant is endangered. The mite is unusual and may be a new species (Dr. W. C. ‘Cal’ Welbourn).
Mormordica charantia (balsam-pear)-- Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), pink hibiscus mealybug: A slight infestation on ten plants was found along a roadside in Pembroke Pines (Broward County; E2002-3234; Reuben E. Sibert and Matthew W. Brodie; 18 July 2002).
Portulaca amilis (Paraguayan purslane, broadleaf purslane, rose purslane)-- Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.-Tozz.), white peach scale: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3094; Frederick J. Hubbard and Eduardo M. Varona; 10 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Ruellia sp. (wild petunia)-- Acalitus sp., an eriophyid mite: Infested plants were found at Withlacoochee State Forest (Citrus County; E2002-1892; Dr. Susan E. Halbert and Julieta Brambila; 2 May 2002). This probably is a new species (Dr. W. C. ‘Cal’ Welbourn).
Sida sp. (fanpetals)-- Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), pink hibiscus mealybug: A slight infestation was found along a roadside near Pembroke Pines (Broward County; E2002-3465; Julio Navarro and Thomas Sallese, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 26 July 2002).Spermacoce verticillata (shrubby false buttonweed)-- Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), pink hibiscus mealybug: A severe infestation was found on all of ten plants at a residence in Pembroke Pines (Broward County; E2002-3233; Reuben E. Sibert and Matthew W. Brodie; 18 July 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION & QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi), guava fruit fly: A male was collected in a methyl eugenol trap in a calamondin tree in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3364; Jose Canovas, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 24 July 2002). Two males were collected in a Jackson trap in a grapefruit tree in Pinellas Park (Pinellas County; E2002-3856; Terry L. Gater; 9 August 2002). A male was collected in a Jackson trap in a grapefruit tree in Pinellas Park (Pinellas County; E2002-3942; Mary E. Debenport; 7 August 2002). A male was collected in a Jackson trap in a grapefruit tree in Apopka (Seminole County; E2002-3943; Luis Torres, USDA/APHIS/PPQ, 9 August 2002). Survey activities were increased in each affected area, but no control activities were implemented. This species is potentially of great economic importance. It has been detected previously in Florida in 1999 and in 2001. The numbers and distributions of flies detected in Florida have never reached the threshold established for initiating an eradication program (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) complex, Oriental fruit fly complex: A male was collected in a Jackson trap in a sweet orange tree in Orlando (Orange County; E2002-3939; Jesse Saggus; 8 August 2002). Survey activities were increased in the surrounding area, but no control activities were implemented. This species is of known great economic importance. It has been detected numerous times previously in Florida since 1964, and yearly since 1999 (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), pink hibiscus mealybug: The pink hibiscus mealybug was discovered in Florida on June 6, 2002 on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in Miramar (Broward County). Since then, it has spread to Pembroke, Weston and Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County); it was found on June 17, 2002 in Hialeah and later in Opa-locka and Miami (Miami-DadeCounty); it is now known to occur as far north as Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County).
As of September 9, 2002, pink hibiscus mealybug has been found on the following host plants in Florida: Acalypha wilkesiana, Allamanda violacea, Alternanthera ficoidea, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Annona squamosa, Baccharis halimifolia, Bauhinia sp., Bidens sp., Blechum pyramidatum, Bucida buceras, Bursera simaruba, Calliandra haematocephala, Coccoloba diversifolia, Cocos nucifera, Ficus aurea, Hamelia patens, Helianthemum nashii, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Ixora sp., Liatris sp., Livistona chinensis, Momordica charantia, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, Pluchea odorata, Portulaca sp., Schefflera arboricola, Senna sp., Sida sp., Spermacoce verticillata, Trema micranthum, Viburnum sp.
Two encyrtid parasitoids, Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Gyranusoidea indica Shafee, Alam and Agarwal, were released in July of 2002 in selected sites in Florida where Maconellicoccus hirsutus was known to occur. Both species, probably native to Asia, have been introduced into Grenada, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean countries where they have been very effective against the pink hibiscus mealybug (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).ARTHROPODS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet), Chilean recluse spider: An infestation was found at a residence in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-3059; Dr. Peggy J. Sieburth; 7 July 2002). NEW FLORIDA STATE RECORD. This is reputedly the most toxic species in the genus. It is found from Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. It has been introduced into Guatemala, Belize, and the U.S.A. (California, Kansas, Massachusetts). The infestation in Florida has been eradicated (Dr. G. B. Edwards).
Loxosceles rufescens Dufour, Mediterranean recluse spider: An infestation was found in a warehouse in Pensacola (Escambia County; E2002-3975; Thomas E. Rogers, PCO; 20 August 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
INSECT AND OTHER ANIMAL DETECTION: Arion rufus (L.), a slug: A slight infestation was intercepted in a shipment from Washington State in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E2002-3316; James R. Martin; 22 July 2002). This species is not found in Florida (Dr. Lionel A. Stange).
Dinoderus minutus Fabricius, a bostrichid beetle: A severe infestation was found in bamboo curtain rods purchased from a store in Pompano Beach. The curtain rods originated in China. Beetles infested the house, including hardwood floors at the house in Bradenton (Manatee County; E2002-3031; L. Wayne Clifton, Albert L. Wright, and Karen Lea Etchells; 3 July 2002). This is an exotic beetle (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Beetles were found in furniture purchased from an import store in Debary (Volusia County; E2002-3365; Barbara Bielawski, homeowner; 24 July 2002).
Falconina gracilis (Keyserling), a spider: A specimen was found in a church parking lot in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2002-3245; Dr. Paul E. Skelley; 21 July 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD. This is an introduced species previously recorded only from St. Lucie County (Dr. G. B. Edwards).
Ischnodemus rufipes Van Duzee, a seed bug: A specimen was found on a van in Port St. Lucie (St. Lucie County; E2002-3047; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 28 June 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Macroteleia elongata (Ashmead), a parasitic wasp: A specimen was collected in a suction trap in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-3203; Kytran G. Nguyen; 11 July 2002). This is an unusual wasp. Members of the genus are egg parasites of Tettrigoniidae (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).
Ochrimnus tripligatus (Barber), a seed bug: A specimen was found under a fallen palm frond along a roadside in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2002-2988; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 2 July 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Oncopeltus cingulifer Stål, a milkweed bug: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Wimauma (Hillsborough County; E2002-3892; Karen Lea Etchells; 19 August 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Phrurotimpus minutus (Banks), a spider: A specimen was found under a sabal palmetto frond in the Pine Lands Natural Area in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2002-4072; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 29 August 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks), a phytoseiid mite: A specimen was found foraging on Annona muricata (soursop, guanabana) at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-2495; Lynda F. Davis; 13 June 2002). NEW DPI PLANT FORAGING RECORD.
Schizura sp., a caterpillar: A specimen was reared from Lehigh Acres (Lee County; E2002-2771; Dr. Jeffrey R. Brushwein, visiting professor, Southwest Florida Research and Extension Center, Immokalee; 24 June 2002). This insect may be from the West Indies (Dr. John B. Heppner).
Scoloposcelis flavicornis Reuter, a minute pirate bug: Two specimens were found in a turpentine funnel trap in Myakka River State Park; E2002-3023; Dr. John L Folz and David T. Almquist, University of Florida, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville; 30 June 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Spartocera batatas (Fabricius), giant sweet potato bug: A severe infestation was found in a residential neighborhood in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-3743; Edward T. Putland; 7 August 2002). Thousands of bugs were on lawn, walls, and furniture. These large bugs feed on vines of sweet potatoes and close sweet potato relatives. They are originally from South America, but have been introduced into the Caribbean and Florida. Although they may occasionally damage sweet potato crops, they are mostly an urban nuisance (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Zosis geniculata (Olivier), a spider: A specimen was found on the outside of a bulk bag of green coffee beans originating from Vietnam, and intercepted at the I-10 Agriculture Inspection Station in Jacksonville (Duval County; E2002-3682; Terri L. Gater and Laura L. Ooms; 2 August 2002). This spider is pantropical and occurs in Central to South Florida. Its presence in Jacksonville probably indicates that this specimen was imported (Dr. G. B. Edwards).
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NEMATOLOGY
SECTION
Compiled by Renato Inserra, Ph.D. and Janete A. Brito, Ph.D.
A total of 2,476 samples were processed in July and August 2002. Details are shown below:
| Certification and Regulatory Samples: | Other Samples: |
| Multistate Certification
for National
and International Export 1,231 California Certification 598 Burrowing Nematodes 28 Premovement (Citrus Nursery Certification) 248 Site or Pit Approval (Citrus Nursery Certification) 20 |
Identification 2
Plant Problems 71 Intrastate Survey Random 278 |
Nematodes of Special Interest
Paspalum notatum (Bahia grass) -- Pratylenchus brachyurus (Godfrey 1929) Filipjev & Schuurmans Stekhoven 1941, smooth-headed lesion nematode, was found infecting the roots of this turf grass (Santa Rosa County; N02-1000; Laura Ooms; 16 July 2002). In spite of the ability of this lesion nematode to infect and reproduce in the roots of Bahia grass, nematode feeding is well tolerated by this turf grass.
Paspalum notatum (Bahia grass) Pratylenchus zeae Steiner in Clayton & McMurtry 1951, a lesion nematode, was found infecting the roots of this turf grass (Santa Rosa County; N02-1000; Laura Ooms; 16 July 2002). The damage caused by this lesion nematode to Bahia grass has not been assessed, but is probably similar to that of the smooth-headed lesion nematode.
Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) -- Pratylenchus hexincisus Taylor & Jenkins 1957, a lesion nematode, was found associated with roots of this palm (Hillsborough County; N02-1077; Amy Simington; 30 July 2002). The date palms were introduced from California into Florida. Pratylenchus hexincisus is not regulated by Florida.
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL
ANALYSIS DURING JULY AND AUGUST 2002:
Aguila, Jose G. 44
Baron, O. 6
Clifton, W. 18
Etchells, L. 19
Frere, Christine J. 5
Fuller, Samuel A. 138
Harris, Jessie M. 5
Harris, J. K. 8
Laurence, R. 5
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 207
Ochoa, A. 70
Ooms, L. 6
Pate, J. 18
Qiao, Ping 122
Quintanilla, M. 6
Robinson, R. 41
Salisbury, Thomas L. 237
Simington, A. 9
Stone, C. 183
Tannehill, E. 8
Walukiezicz, J. 7
Wilder, B. 9
Williams, M. 9
PLANT
PATHOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Robert M. Leahy
For this period the Plant Pathology section received and processed 1,285 specimens. These included 812 pathology, 13 miscellaneous, and 2 soil samples. Citrus canker diagnoses were performed on 458 samples, including full pathogenicity tests on 7 from South Florida, 30 from Southwest Coastal Florida, 2 from Central Coastal Florida, and 8 from North Central Florida.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Cycas revoluta (king sago palm)-- Cylindrocarpon sp., secondary root pathogen: Collected at a nursery in St. Augustine (St. Johns County; P2002-4406; Christine Frere; 25 July 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Loropetalum chinense (fringe bush, loropetalum)-- Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; P2002-4481; Dr. James O. Strandberg, IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center; 31 July 2002). NEW STATE RECORD.
Loropetalum chinense (fringe bush, loropetalum)-- Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Plant City (Hillsborough County; P2002-4801; Terry Gater; 20 August 2002).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Alocasia sp. (alocasia)-- Colletotrichum dematium (Pers.) Grove, secondary fungus: Collected at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; P2002-4727; Shabbir Rizvi and Jodie Hansen; 15 August 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Hemionitis arifolia (heart fern)-- Myrothecium roridum Tode ex Fr., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Zellwood (Orange County; P2002-4483; Thomas Dowling and Lynn Zellers; 2 August 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ (chameleon plant)-- Cercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Hawthorne (Alachua County; P2002-4501; Osmond Baron; 8 August 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Tolmiea menziesii (piggyback plant)-- Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds, leaf spot/anthracnose: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-4153; Osmond Baron; 9 July 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (zz plant)-- Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., southern blight: Collected at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; P2002-4520; Ana L. Ochoa; 7 August 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Diospyros virginiana (common persimmon)-- Fusicladium levieri P. Magn., leaf spot: Collected in a natural area in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-4149; Dr. Timothy S. Schubert; 8 July 2002).
Prunus sp. (prunus)-- Hormonema sp., post harvest fruit rot: Collected at a nursery in Ocala (Marion County; P2002-4241; Floyd McHenry; 16 July 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Celtis laevigata (sugarberry)-- Cristulariella moricola (Hino) Redhead, leaf spot/blight: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-4775; Alejandro Hernandez; 20 August 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Ulmus alata (winged elm)-- Phloeospora ulmi (Fr.:Fr.) Wallr., leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville, Alachua County (P2002-4698; Doug Brogan;13 August 2002). NEW STATE RECORD.
NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Cissus verticillata (possum grape)-- Mycosyrinx cissi (DC.) Beck, leaf smut: Collected at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; P2002-4068; Karen W. LeBoutillier and Ana L. Ochoa; 19 June 2002).
Echinacea sp. (coneflower)-- Colletotrichum coccodes (Wallr.) Hughes, leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ft. McCoy (Manatee County; P2002-4026; Gene Gruenbeck; 27 June 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Itea virginica (Virginia willow)-- Phaeoramularia sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-2793; Robert M. Leahy and students in Doctor of Plant Medicine program, University of Florida; 6 June 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry)-- Coniella sp., leaf spot, stem lesions: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-4345; David Navden; 25 July 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.
