Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner - Richard D. Gaskalla, Director

TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 41, No. 2
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
MARCH-APRIL 2002

Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor

ENPP Home | Tri-ology Home

Botany Section Entomology Section Nematology Section Plant Pathology Section

BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud

For this period, 95 specimens were submitted for identification, and 757 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (total 852). Some of the samples are described below:

Baptisia perfoliata (L.) R. Br., (17 species, eastern U.S.A.), Leguminosae, cowbells, perfoliate leaved false indigo: Perennial herb 5-9 dm tall, glabrous, somewhat glaucous. Leaves simple, distinctly perfoliate, orbicular, to 10 cm long, 8 cm wide. Flowers solitary at leaf axils; pedicels to 8 mm long; calyx pubescent within, upper lip deeply divided; corolla bright yellow, 1-1.3 cm long. Legume woody, ovoid-globose, to 1.5 cm long, ca. 1 cm in diameter. Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. (Volusia County; B2002-196; Raymond C. Jarrett, Jr.; 29 April 2002). (Radford et al. 1968). (For a photo of perfoliate baptisia, http://cufp.clemson.edu/scnativeplants/baptisia_perf72.jpg. The foliage resembles dollarleaf eucalyptus, Eucalyptus cinerea, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).

Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & T. Thompson, (2 species, tropical Asia to Australia), Annonaceae, ilang-ilang, ylang-ylang, perfume tree: Evergreen tree to 25 m tall. Leaves alternate, to 20 cm long, oblong-ovate, long acuminate; margins entire. Flowers in nodding axillary clusters, showy, highly fragrant; petals yellow-green, to 2.5 cm long, in 2 subequal whorls of 3-petals each, narrow-lanceolate, drooping; stamens crowded. Fruits to 2.5 cm long, numerous, oblong-ovoid, fleshy, borne on receptacle. Seeds 4-12, 2-ranked. Flowers are the source of ylang-ylang or cananga oil, a constituent of Chanel `No. 5', Revlon's `Charlie', and other perfumes. Perianth chewed with betel nut (Areca catechu) in Sri Lanka. Native to India, Indonesia, and Philippines. (Miami-Dade County; B2002-132; Lynda F. Davis; 13 March 2002). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992; Mabberley 1997). (A nice specimen tree is in Fairchild Tropical Garden. For excellent photos, go to this website: http://www.hear.org/pier3/caodo.htm. This web site gives more information on the perfumes, http://mgonline.com/ylang-ylang.html, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).

Cordia globosa (Jacq.) Kunth, (320 species, World tropics), Boraginaceae, Curaçao bush, bloodberry: Shrub to 3 m tall, young branches with appressed hairs. Leaves alternate, variable in shape, from rhomboid, to lanceolate, to ovate, 1.5-7 cm long, and 3 cm wide, apex acute to obtuse; margins crenate to dentate, rugose and strigose with appressed hairs on upper surface, more densely appressed-strigose beneath. Inflorescence capitate; heads globose, 1.502 cm in diameter, many-flowered, peduncles to 2 cm long; calyx bell-shaped, hispid, 5-lobed, caudate, the filiform tips 1-2 mm long and hirsute; corolla white, 5-9 mm long, with a ring of hairs at throat; stamens inserted; ovary globose to ovoid, style included, twice bifid. Fruit red, ovoid to oblong, partially enclosed in the accrescent calyx. Listed as Endangered. Florida through the West Indies to northern South America, Mexico and Central America. (Pinellas County; B2002-195; Thomas W. Turner; 25 April 2002). (Correll and Correll 1982; Long and Lakela 1971). (See the following web sites for photos. The last one describes South Florida plants which are good food sources for various animals including butterflies; and calls this one "butterfly sage" because of its appearance and its use as a nectar source. http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/images.asp?plantID=3821# http://www.fairchildgarden.org/horticulture/habitatplants.html, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).

Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret, (4 species, Chile and Argentina), Myrtaceae, Chilean myrtle, arrayan, palo colorado, temu, collimamol: Shrub or small tree to 10 m tall, trunk smooth appearing twisted, bark gray to bright orange-brown. Leaves 1-4.4 cm long, and 0.5-3.5 cm wide, elliptic to orbicular, or rarely ovate or lanceolate. Inflorescence 1-flowered, or a dichasium of 3 flower, rarely more; calyx lobes to 4 mm long and wide, ciliate; petals suborbicular, 3-5 mm long, ciliate. Fruit subglobose, to 1 cm in diameter, fleshy, dark purple when ripe. Distinguished from other South American Myrtaceae by its tetramerous flowers. Grown for the glossy evergreen foliage, in beautiful contrast to the slender red stems. Native of Argentina and Chile. (Orange County; B2002-141; Terrence D. Williams; 18 March 2002). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992). (This species is used in bonsai, as shown in this web site: http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/luma.html and this one gives a photo by Dr. Gilman of Univ. Florida: http://www.hortpix.com/pc2625.htm, Dr. Nancy C. Coile).

Phlox nivalis Lodd. ex Sweet, (67 species, North America, and northeastern Asia), Polemoniaceae, trailing phlox: Semi-woody perennial, evergreen, stems prostrate. Leaves opposite, or fasciculate on short, spur-like shoots, margins ciliate-hispid. Inflorescence cymose; calyx 6-10 mm long, lobes lanceolate, equaling or shorter than the tube, pubescent, some trichomes glandular; corolla tube 10-16 m long, glabrous, lobes 8-12 mm long, 5-10 mm wide, pink to rose or lavender, rarely white, the eye usually dark; stamens; anthers unequal, inserted near base of corolla and included; styles 3, fused to almost half their length. Capsule papery, 4-6 mm long. Southeastern U.S.A. (Hillsborough County; B2002-143; Walter W. Golden; 22 March 2002). (Radford et al. 1968). (This native phlox has many cultivars, including this one: http://www.plantdelights.com In the Florida Atlas, both the white and lavender colored flowers of the panhandle species are shown at the web site: http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/images.asp?plantID=675# , Dr. Nancy C. Coile).

Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss. [=T. triangulare (Jacq.) Willd.] (40 species, South Africa, Central and South America), Portulacaceae, fameflower: Annual or short-lived perennial to 1 m tall, much-branched, stems thick and fleshy. Leaves alternate, usually deciduous during the dry season, blades 2-6 cm long, and 2.5 cm wide, oblanceolate to obovate, rounded at apex, cuneate towards base, thick and succulent. inflorescence a raceme or small cyme; sepals 2, lance-ovate to broadly ovate, 5-7 mm long, cuspidate, somewhat persistent; petals 5, short-lived, 7-10 mm long, purplish-red or pink or white to yellowish. Capsule 3-valved, subglobose, 4.5-6 mm long; seeds many, black, lustrous, ca. 1 mm in diameter, minutely striolate. Widely used as an ornamental, especially in collections of succulents. Sometimes used as a potherb. Native to tropical America. (Hillsborough County; B2002-116; Amy C. Simington; 13 March 2002). (Bailey 1976; Correll and Correll 1982; Huxley 1992). (Florida Atlas shows this species to be naturalized in Florida and to have the common name verdolaga-francesa: http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/maps.asp?plantID=1873. The following photo was taken in Brazil where the plant (called cariru, and whose nutritious leaves are used similar to spinach) is the host of Ralstonia, a bacterial pathogen: http://ibws.nexenservices.com/WBW_Images/triangulare1.jpg , Dr. Nancy C. Coile.)

Ungnadia speciosa Endl. (1 species, North America), Sapindaceae, Mexican buckeye, Texas buckeye, monilla, false buckeye: Shrub or small tree to 10 m tall. Leaves alternate, oddpinnate; leaflets 3 to 7, to 12 cm long, and 4 cm wide, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, margins serrate. Flowers in fascicles at the leaf axils of the preceding season, appearing before or with the new leaves, polygamous or dioecious, 2.5 cm across, pink to purplish-pink, fragrant; calyx deeply 5-lobed; petals 4-5, obovate, clawed, with a fimbriate-crested at base on inner side; stamens 7-10, unequal, exerted, filaments and anthers red. Fruit a 3-chambered capsule, semi-woody, 5 cm in diameter, red-brown, resembling Aesculus (buckeye); seeds spherical, 1-1.5 cm in diameter, dark-brown to blackish, poisonous. Occasionally cultivated for its fragrant flowers. From Texas, to New Mexico, and adjacent Mexico. (Alachua County; B2002-189; Noel Lake, homeowner; 25 April 2002). (Bailey 1976; Correll and Johnston 1970; Huxley 1992). (The following photographs are by Dr. James R. Manhart, flowers: http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/mi04/mi04086.jpg and fruits: http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/BigBend/BB0197.jpg , Dr. Nancy C. Coile.)

GLOSSARY: accrescent: increasing in size with age; acuminate: having a long, slender, sharp point; caudate: having a tail-like appendage; cuspidate: like the point of a spear, as in the case of leaves tapering abruptly to a point; dichasium: a cyme with two axes running in opposite directions; dioecious: having male and female flowers on separate individuals; fasciculate: in fascicles or bundles; glaucous: covered with a fine whitish bloom which is easily rubbed off; perianth: the calyx and corolla collectively; polygamous: having unisexual and bisexual flowers on the same plant; striolate: having narrow lines or streaks; tetramerous: with part or members in fours

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.
  • Correll, D. S. and M. C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular plants of Texas. Texas Research Foundation, Renner. 1881 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.
  • Radford, A. E., H. E. Ahles and C. R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 1183 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 March, there were 389 samples, consisting of 12,076+ specimens. In April, there were 577 samples, consisting of 15,171+ specimens. Some of the samples are listed below:

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Callistemon sp. (a bottlebrush)-- Oxyops vitiosa Pascoe, melaleuca weevil: A slight infestation involved 200 of 300 plants at a nursery in Naples (Collier County; E2002-609; Scott D. Krueger; 25 February 2002). This weevil was introduced to control Melaleuca quinquenervia, a Federal and State Noxious Weed (Rule 5B-57).

Delonix regia (royal poinciana)-- Theoborus sp., a scolytid beetle: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1262; Holly B. Glenn, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Extension Center; 3 April 2002). This appears to be a NEW UNITED STATES RECORD. This genus is neotropical (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).

Ficus microcarpa (Cuban laurel, Chinese banyan, Indian laurel)-- Holopothrips cf. inquilinus (Bournier), a thrips: A moderate-severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-725; Lynda F. Davis; 28 February 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Androthrips ramachandrai Karny, a thrips: Two specimens were found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-840; Mario Jose Hernandez; 12 March 2002). This species is previously known from India and Taiwan. In Asia, it has been collected from galls on Calycopteris floribunda (=Getonia), including galls induced by Austrothrips cochinchinensis. It has been associated with Gynaikothrips uzeli galls on Ficus retusa (old name for Ficus microcarpa). It is possibly an inquiline in galls of Gynaikothrips ficorum (Dr. Sueo Nakahara, United States National Museum, and Dr. G. B. Edwards). NEW USA CONTINENTAL RECORD.

Myrsine africanus (African boxwood)-- Coccus viridis (Green), green scale: An infestation was found at a residence in Kissimmee (Osceola County; E2002-1330; Terrence D. Williams; 16 April 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Pimenta dioica (allspice)-- Paratachardina lobata (Chamberlin), lobate lac scale: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in Miami Lakes (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1626; Lynda F. Davis; 25 April 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Schinus molle (Peruvian peppertree; pirul; pirul tree)-- Calophya schini Tuthill, a psyllid: A severe infestation was found at Los Bosques Park in Aguascascalientes, Mexico (E2002-761; Bertila Brambila, volunteer at Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes, FSCA Research Associate, and Julieta Brambila; 8 February 2002). NEW NATIONAL RECORD FOR MEXICO. This psyllid was described from Peru. It has become established in California (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

Tabebuia aurea (yellow trumpet tree, Caribbean trumpet tree)-- Holopothrips cf. inquilinus (Bournier), a thrips: Infestations were found in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-425; Duraid I. Hanna; 13 February 2002), NEW DPI HOST RECORD, and Opa-Locka (Dade County; E2002-1278; Lynda F. Davis; 11 April 2002).

Tabebuia heterophylla (tabebuia)-- Holopothrips cf. inquilinus (Bournier), a thrips: An infestation was found in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-424; Duraid I. Hanna; 13 February 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Tabebuia pallida (Cuban pink trumpet tree, white cedar, roble blanco)-- Danothrips trifasciatus Sikimura, a thrips: A severe infestation on three plants was found at a residence in Miami Shores (Miami-Dade County; E2002-567; Lynda F. Davis; 21 February 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD, NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD. This is only the second record of this introduced species in the state (Dr. G.B. Edwards).

Holopothrips cf. inquilinus (Bournier), a thrips: An infestation was found in Miami Shores (Miami-Dade County; E2002-567; Lynda F. Davis; 21 February 2002). This is a NEW DPI HOST RECORD. Other infestations on this plant were found in Hialeah (Miami-Dade County; E2002-692; Lynda F. Davis; 20 February 2002) and Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1333-105; Mario J. Hernandez; 12 April 2002).

Psectrothrips new species, a thrips: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-841; Mario Jose Hernandez; 14 March 2002). NEW USA CONTINENTAL RECORD FOR GENUS. There have been two other finds at Miami area nurseries (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1246-102; Jesus Fuentes; 10 April 2002, and E2002-1333-102; Mario Jose Hernandez; 12 April 2002). The plants in sample 1246 could not be identified to species. The origin of this species is unknown. This genus was known only from the Neotropical Region. Among the hosts reported for some of the seven described species in the genus are flowers of Tabebuia pentaphylla and Tabebuia sp. (Dr. Sueo Nakahara, United States National Museum, and Dr. G.B. Edwards).

Tabebuia sp. (tabebuia)-- Holopothrips cf. inquilinus (Bournier), a thrips: An infestation was found in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2001-4822; Chubby Barbare, homeowner; 16 November 2001). Subsequent records on this host: Hialeah (Miami-Dade County; E2002-453; Edward T. Putland; 14 February 2002), Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-454; Edward T. Putland; 14 February 2002), Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-691; Edward T. Putland; 4 March 2002), Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1036; Eduardo G. Camero; 26 March 2002), Miramar (Broward County; NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD; E2002-1050; George N. Louissaint and K. Griffiths, USDA; 27 March 2002), Hialeah (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1110; Lynda F. Davis; 28 March 2002), Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1246-101; Jesus Fuentes; 10 April 2002), Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1369; Gwen H. Myres; 17 April 2002), Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1482; Frederick J. Hubbard; 17 April 2002), SW Ranches (Broward County; E2002-1511; Maria S. Quintanilla; 25 April 2002), Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1535; Gwen H. Myres; 29 April 2002). The origin of this species is unknown. Holopothrips inquilinus is known from Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. The Chubby Barbare collection is a NEW USA CONTINENTAL RECORD for the species (Dr. Sueo Nakahara, United States National Museum, and Dr. G. B. Edwards).

Wodyetia bifurcata (foxtail palm)-- Holopothrips cf. inquilinus (Bournier), a thrips: An infestation was found at a laboratory in Miami-Dade County (E2002-1006; Dr. Lyle Buss, University of Florida; 6 March 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Viburnum obovatum (Walter's viburnum; small-leaf viburnum, a native shrub)-- Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche), European fruit lecanium: A slight infestation was found at a residence in St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E2002-1025; Thomas W. Turner; 29 March 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Miscanthus sinensis (eulalia; Chinese silvergrass, an exotic grass)-- Melanaphis sorini Halbert & Remaudière, an Asian miscanthus aphid: A slight infestation on 40% of 2000 plants and a moderate infestation on 35% of 5000 plants was found at a nursery in Milton (Santa Rosa County; E2002-769, 768; Laura L. Ooms; 7, 8 March 2002). This is a relatively new introduction known only from Santa Rosa and Orange counties (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

PEST ALERT: ASIAN Miscanthus APHID Melanaphis sorini Halbert & Remaudière is a Southeast Asian aphid which occurs on Miscanthus, an Asian ornamental grass, and can cause severe damage or death to these plants. Melanpaphis sorini is one of a complex of Melanaphis species found in Asia on Miscanthus and related plants (including sugarcane). The only known hosts of M. sorini are Miscanthus species. In North America, only Florida and California have reported M sorini.

Melanaphis sorini is small and colored wine-red to purple. When populations are low, the aphids can be found in leaf whorls or clustered at the nodes of seed stalks. In Asia, colonies frequently are attended by ants, but there is no documented observation of that behavior here. After the first detection in Florida , some specimens were exposed to sugarcane in quarantine to see if they would colonize. The aphids did not persist on sugarcane plants. When the aphids were given a choice of Miscanthus or sugarcane, they colonized only Miscanthus.

In Southeast Asia, Miscanthus is common and weedy and is infested with at least three genera of aphids, including several Melanaphis species. One of these aphid species in Southeast Asia is Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner, the sugarcane silk-floss aphid, which is a serious pest of sugarcane. The white fuzzy wax covering causes this pest aphid to resemble the palm aphid.

Importation of Miscanthus plants from Asia appears to be a pathway for introduction of exotic insects. In the past seven years, Florida has discovered this aphid (M. sorini) and a mealybug species (Miscanthicoccus miscanthi (Takahashi)) on Miscanthus. Fortunately, these two insects are specific to Miscanthus and do not damage sugarcane or other food crops. However, their appearance in Florida demonstrates the importance of inspecting Miscanthus carefully for pests (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Dendrobium sp. (an orchid)-- Spodoptera litura (Fabricius), cluster caterpillar: A single living specimen was found at the bottom of a box of Dendrobium plants from Thailand intercepted at a nursery in Groveland (Lake County; E2002-1414; Stephen P. Beidler; 23 April 2002). This species is a serious Asian pest. It is recommended that further routine orchid shipments from Thailand be treated for armyworms prior to being sent to Florida (Dr. John B. Heppner).

Passiflora sp. (a passion flower)-- Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov & Nikolski, strawberry spider mite: A moderate infestation on about 50 plants was found at a nursery in S.W. Ranches (Broward County; E2002-4857; Maria S. Quintanilla; 5 December 2001). This is not a common species in Florida, but it can be a serious pest (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).

FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Fraxinus americana (white ash, a native tree)-- Dasineura tumidosae Felt, a gall midge: A moderate infestation was found at a park in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2002-1173; Dr. Timothy S. Schubert; 4 April 2002). NEW DPI STATE RECORD. This insect has not been reported previously in states south of Virginia (Dr. Gary J. Steck).

FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Cajanus cajan (pigeonpea, gandules)-- Leptopharsa machalana vinnula Drake and Hambleton, a lace bug: A severe infestation was found in a backyard garden near Delray Beach (Palm Beach County; E2002-531; Ellen J. Tannehill; 12 February 2002). This insect was identified by Dr. Laura Miller, West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Previous collections of lace bugs from damaged Cajanus probably also are this species.

Dimocarpus longan (longan)-- Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskell), an armored scale: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1250; RosaMaria M. Quiñones; 11 April 2002). This species was first found in Homestead in 1969. It will also infest litchi, Indigofera spp. and Nephelium spp. (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).

Litchi chinensis (litchi)-- Anelaphus inermis (Newman), a native cerambycid beetle: Two specimens were reared from a branch found in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2002-904; Richard E. Quigley, farmer, and Dr. Jorge E. Peña and Rita E. Duncan, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Extension Center; 1 March 2002). Probably a NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Malus sylvestris (apple)-- Aculus schlechtendali (Nalepa), apple rust mite: An infestation was found at a nursery in Alachua (Alachua County; E2002-835; Christine McCoy, enployee; 18 March 2002). These mites live on the lower leaf surfaces of apple (Malus pumila), wood or crab apple (Malus sylvestris) and wild crab apples (Malus sp.) in apple growing area from West Virginia to New York and westward to California and Washington. These mites cause a pitting of young leaves. Conversation with the nursery revealed the infested trees were received from out of state and were to be used as rootstock. The trees were treated and no further mites have been submitted. It is unlikely A. schlechtendqali would become established due to the climate in Florida (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.

Mangifera indica (mango)-- Myllocerus undatus Marshall, a weevil: A severe infestation was found at Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1306; Gwen H. Myres; 15 April 2002).

Pyrus pyrifolia (sand pear, Chinese Pear, Asian pear)-- Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe), black citrus aphid: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Arredondo (Alachua County; E2002-1539; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 28 April 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane)-- Oligonychus grypus Baker & Pritchard, a spider mite: An infestation was found in a greenhouse near Clewiston (Hendry County; E2002-1194; David Hall, United States Sugar Corporation, 12 April 2002). NEW DPI STATE RECORD. The mite was also collected on sugarcane at an experiment station in Canal Point (Palm Beach County; E2002-1510, 1520; Matthew W. Brodie and Lori A. Richards; 24 April 2002). To date, all other samples besides these two sites have been O. stickneyi, O. pratensis, Oligonychus without males or other mites.

Oligonychus grypus was described from Central Africa (Zaire) in 1960 and reported from at least seven other African countries by the late 1970s and 1980s on sugarcane, grasses and other plants. It was reported from Papua New Guinea in 1983 and from Australia based on specimens collected in 1968. It was reported from Cuba in 1987 and from Brazil in 1996 based on specimens collected in 1987. We do not known how long the mite has been in the Western Hemisphere. Jeppson et al. (1975) reported this mite as a pest of sugarcane and grass in Zaire and South America.

Flechtmann (1996) described the damage on four-month-old sugar cane as an "intense yellow punctuations on leaves, which later turned red and dried completely." The damage reported in Florida appears as whitish to yellowish blotches on the leaves. There seems to be some difference in the damage that appears in various cultivars of sugarcane making it more difficult to characterize the damage of this mite (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).

Pulvinaria elongata Newstead, cottony grass scale: A slight infestation on 25 plants was found in a commercial field near Clewiston (Hendry County; E2002-1564; Reuben Sibert, sugarcane employee, Matthew W. Brodie, and Lori A. Richards; 1 May 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

CITRUS AND CITRUS RELATIVES: Citrus sp. (citrus)-- Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, citrus leafminer: Two specimens were reared from leaves collected in Walalua, Hawaii (E2002-414; Dr. Walter T. Nagamine and Dr. Bernarr Kumashiro, Hawaii Department of Agriculture; 2 October 2002). This is a new record for Hawaii (Dr. John B. Heppner).

Citrus relatives-- Survey for Florida hosts of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: A survey of citrus relatives was made at the DPI Citrus Arboretum in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2002-1343-1365; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 19 April 2002). The following plants were found to be NEW DPI HOST RECORDS for Asian citrus psyllid: Afraegle paniculata (Nigerian powder-flask), Atalantia monophylla (Indian atalantia), Citropsis gilletiana (African cherry-orange, (Gillette's cherry-orange), Microcitrus australasica (Australian finger lime), Microcitrus australis (Australian round lime), Microcitrus sp. 'Sidney' (Sidney finger lime), Microcitrus papuana (desert lime; New Guinea lime), Naringi crenulata (ranabela, hesperethusa, naringi), Pamburus missionis (pamburus), Swinglea glutinosa (tabog), Triphasia trifolia (lime-berry, trifoliate lime-berry). Zanthoxylum fagara (wild-lime, lime prickly-ash) was found to be a non-host. Several other plants had characteristic damage but no Asian citrus psyllids, or no appropriate flush for observing Asian citrus psyllids and should be re-sampled in the future.

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Gramineae (an unidentified grass)-- Holopothrips cf. inquilinus (Bournier), a thrips: An infestation was found in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-708; Lynda F. Davis; 26 February 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass, a Noxious Weed, see Rule 5B-57)-- Duplachionaspis divergens Green, an armored scale: A slight infestation was found in a citrus grove near Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2002-928; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 22 March 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD for a recent discovery in Florida (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).

Melaleuca quinquenervia (punktree, paperbark, a Noxious Weed, see Rule 5B-57)-- Paratachardina lobata (Chamberlin), lobate lac scale: A slight infestation was found on a plant growing around a nursery in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County; E2002-1546; Ellen J. Tannehill; 24 April 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Spodoptera eridania (Cramer), southern armyworm: An egg mass and neonate larvae were found on plants used for biocontol experiments in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2002-1058; Erin E. Eckhardt, University of Florida/USDA. NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

NATIVE OR NATURALIZED PLANTS: Ambrosia artemisifolia (common ragweed, a native species)-- Pleotrichophorus ambrosiae Hille Ris Lambers, an aphid: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Clearwater (Pinellas County; E2001-1897; Thomas W. Turner; 7 May 2001). Probable NEW DPI STATE RECORD. There is one previous doubtful record on Panicum, which is not a usual host of this aphid species. No specimens are available from that collection for verification. P. ambrosiae is native and widespread in North America (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

Blechum pyramidatum (Browne's blechum, an exotic naturalized species)-- Blepharomastix aplicalis (Guenee), a pyralid moth: Two specimens were reared from plants collected at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2002-1104; Kyle Hawkins, homeowner; 20 March 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. A related species is known to feed on Blechum also in the Miami area (Dr. John B. Heppner).

Erechtites hieracifolia (fireweed, burnweed, a native species)-- Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach), plum leafcurl aphid: A colony was discovered in clusters of flowering heads at Weedon Island State Park near St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E2002-656; Thomas W. Turner; 1 March 2002). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Eremochloa ophiuroides (centipede grass; lazy-man's grass, a native species)-- Aceria sp., an eriophyid mite: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2002-919; Doug Brogan, employee; 21 March 2002). This mite is similar to a species that attacks bermuda grass, but it may be a new species. This is a NEW DPI HOST RECORD for this mite genus (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).

Monarda punctata (horsemint, spotted beebalm, a native species)-- Macrosiphum salviae Bartholomew, an aphid: A slight infestation was found at Weedon Island State Park in St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E2002-1181; Thomas W. Turner; 1 April 2002). NEW DPI HOST RECORD; NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass, Fakahatchee grass, a native species)-- Oligonychus modestus (Banks): An infestation involved 50% of an entire bed at a nursery in Naples (Collier County; E2002-420; Douglas L. Caldwell, University of Florida's Collier County Extension Agent; 11 February 2002). Our last record of this mite in Florida was in 1981. This is a NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD (Dr. W.C. 'Cal' Welbourn).

FEDERAL & STATE PLANT PROTECTION & QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Leucospermum sp. (a pincushion flower)-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: An infestation was intercepted on cut flowers from Hawaii in Orlando (Orange County; E2002-1320; Terrence D. Williams; 17 April 2002).

Unknown plants-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A severe infestation was intercepted at the I-10 Inspection Station (Suwanaee County; E2002-1484; Sgt. Marty R. Hutchins, OALE; 24 April 2002).

A severe infestation was intercepted at a residence on plants from California in Venice (Sarasota County; E2002-1575; Phillip G. Baioni and L. Wayne Clifton; 1 May 2002). About 0.5 acre was infested with all stages of brown garden snails. An eradication effort is underway.

INSECT DETECTION: Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: Large numbers were found resting on weeds (Ambrosia artemisifolia and Solanum chenopodioides) and an irrigation pump at a tomato and watermelon farm near Clewiston (Hendry County; E2002-799, 808; Lori A. Richards and Ryan S. Richards; 15 March 2002). There was no indication of reproduction on the plants. High numbers probably reflect heavy infestations in large groves in the vicinity.

Steatoda borealis (Hentz), a spider: A female specimen was found at a residence in Venice (Sarasota County; E2002-1618; Phillip G. Baioni and L. Wayne Clifton; 1 May 2002). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.  This more northern species is rarely even found in Georgia (Dr. G.B. Edwards).

Zachrysia provisoria (Pfeiffer), Cuban land snail: A specimen was found at a residence in Newberry (Alachua County; E2002-1485; Elizabeth "Betty" L. Roberts, secretary with Plant Inspection; 26 April 2002). This species usually is restricted to South Florida. Cold weather may kill them (Dr. Lionel A. Stange).

REFERENCES

  • Heppson, L. R., H.H. Keifer, and E.W. Baker. 1975. Mites injurious to economic plants. University of California Press, Berkeley. 679 p.
  • Flechtmann, C. 1996. [title unavailable.] Revta. braz. Zool. 13 (3): 569-578.
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 2,453 samples were processed in March and April 2002. Details are shown below:

Certification and Regulatory Samples: Other Samples:

Multi-state Certification for National
and International Export 1,500

California Certification 525

Burrowing Nematode(Citrus Regulatory Survey) 17

Pre movement (Citrus Nursery Certification) 158

Site or Pit Approval
(Citrus Nursery Certification) 31

Plant Problems 88

Intrastate Survey Random 134

Nematodes of Special Interest

PEST ALERT: Meloidogyne mayaguensis Rammah and Hirschmann, 1988
A root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne mayaguensis Rammah and Hirschmann, 1988, was identified associated with several ornamental plants (Thunbergia spp., Tibouchina spp., Tithonia spp., Torenia spp., and Trachelospermum spp.) Boynton Beach (Palm Beach County; N2002-607; Christine A. Zamora; March 7, 2002); and on tropical fruit trees (Annona sp., Pouteria sapota, Euphorbia longana, Chrysophyllum cainito, and Psidium guajava Redlands (Miami-Dade County; N2002-608; Christine A. Zamora; March 7, 2002, Redlands; and with unidentified species of plants collected in a commercial tomato field La Belle (Hendry Co.; N2002-609; Christine A. Zamora; March 1, 2002). The samples were a composite of roots from different species. Further studies are needed to confirm which species are hosts.

Females of M. mayaguensis have a pear-shaped body and reproduce by mitotic parthenogenesis. The perineal pattern is rounded to a dorso-ventrally oval similar to that of M. arenaria with a very distinct circular tail tip, which is free of striae. The dorsal arch is round with fine striae continuous and widely spaced whereas the ventral arch is also round with fine striae closely spaced. Sometimes a single lateral line may occur on one side of the pattern at the junction of the dorsal and ventral arches (Rammah and Hirschmann 1988). Studies of perineal patterns of females from the Florida population of M. mayaguensis have shown a great amount of morphological variability within a population. In several cases, they were similar to the common M. incognita. Identification of this nematode was determined by the morphology of perineal patterns of females, isozyme profiles, and mitochondrial DNA.

This nematode has been reported in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Martinique, Senegal, Ivory Coast and South Africa. It was shown to reproduce on eggplant (Solanum melongena), which is the type host first reported in Puerto Rico. Other recorded hosts include tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), soybean (Glycine max), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). A tropical fruit tree, guava (Psidium guajava), is also a good host of this nematode. A weed host includes Spanish needle (Bidens alba). In Cuba, reproduction was observed on beet (Beta vulgaris), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), horsebean/jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis), and potato (Solanum tuberosum). Populations of Meloidogyne mayaguensis were reported in West Africa to break resistance in tomato cv. Rossol, soybean cv. Forrest, and sweet potato cv. CDH. Damage to coffee has been observed in Cuba and also the nematode is reported to reproduce on tomato with the Mi gene for nematode resistance. Experiments will be conducted in a quarantine greenhouse (FDACS/DPI, Gainesville, Fl) to determine if the Florida population of M. mayaguensis is able to reproduce on the tomato +Mi gene cultivars (Dr. Janete A. Brito).

REFERENCES

  • Block, V. C., M. S. Phillips, and M. Fargette. 1997. Comparison of sequences from the ribosomal DNA intergenic region of Meloidogyne mayaguensis and other major tropical root-knot nematodes. Journal of Nematology 29: 16-22.
  • CAB International. 2001. Meloidogyne mayaguensis in Crop protection compendium, global module, 3rd edition. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.
  • Decker H, Rodriguez Fuentes M. E. 1989. The occurrence of root gall nematodes Meloidogyne mayaguensis on Coffea arabica in Cuba. Wissenschaftliche Zeitschrift der Wilhelm-Pieck, Universität, Rostock, Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe 38: 32-34.
  • Esbenshade, P. R. and A. C. Triantaphyllou. 1985. Identification of major Meloidogyne species employing enzyme phenotypes as differentiating characters. pp.135-407 in J. N. Sasser and C. C. Carter, eds. An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne, vol. I: Biology and Control. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University Graphics. Fargette M, Phillips M. S., Blok V. C., Waugh R., Trudgill D. L. 1996. An RFLP study of relationships between species, populations and resistance-breaking lines of tropical species of Meloidogyne. Fundamental and Applied Nematology 19(2): 193-200.
  • Fargette, M., and R. Braaksma. 1990. Use of the esterase phenotype in the taxonomy of the genus Meloidogyne. 3. A study of some "B" race lines and their taxonomic position. Revue de Nématologie 13: 375-386.
  • Fargette, M., M. S. Phillips, V. C. Block, R. Waugh, and D. L. Trudgill. 1996. A RFLP study of relationships between species, populations and resistance-breaking lines of tropical species of Meloidogyne. Fundamental and Applied Nematology 19: 193-200.
  • Rammah, A. and H. Hirschmann. 1988. Meloidogyne mayaguensis n. sp. (Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode from Puerto Rico. Journal of Nematology 20: 58-69.
  • Rammah A, 1989. Morphological and taxonomic studies of certain populations of the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne arenaria and M. javanica. [Abstract]. Thesis, North Carolina State University, USA. Dissertation Abstracts International, B (Sciences and Engineering) 49: 244.
  • Rodríguez, M. G., L. Sanchez, and J. Rowe. 2002. Host status of several plant families to Meloidogyne mayaguensis in Cuba. (in preparation).
  • Rodriguez MG, Rodriguez I, Sanchez L, 1995. Species of the genera Meloidogyne which parasitize coffee in Cuba. Geographical distribution and symptomatology. Revista de Proteccion Vegetal 10: 123-128.
  • Rodriguez, M. G. 2000. Identificación y caracterización de Meloidogyne mayaguensis (Nemata: Meloidogynidae) en le cafeto en Cuba. Ph.D. Thesis, Havana University, Havana, Cuba.
  • Willers, P. 1997a The nematode problem of guava is controlled by the nematicide cadusafos. Inligtingsbulletin - Instituut vir Tropiese en Subtropiese Gewasse 293: 10-12.
  • Willers, P. 1997b. First record of Meloidogyne mayaguensis Rammah & Hirschmann, 1988: Heteroderidae on commercial crops in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Inligtingsbulletin - Instituut vir Tropiese en Subtropiese Gewasse 294: 19-20.

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

Aguila, Jose G. ....................................148
Baron, Osmund O. ................................39
Brogan, D.(Law Enforcement Agency) ..................12
Emery, Tyson R. ....................................39
Farina, Gregg D ......................................6
Frere, Christine J ...................................12
Fuller, Samuel A ..................................158
Harris, Jessie M ......................................9
LeBoutillier, Karen W .........................167
Pate, Jo Ann .........................................48
Qiao, Ping ...........................................110
Robinson, William L ‘Robbie' ..............183
Salisbury, Thomas L ............................135
Simington, Amy R. ..................................7
Simmons, Stacey S .................................5
Smith, L ................................................11
Stone, Carrie S. (Dees) .........................83

PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by: Robert M. Leahy

For this period the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 3,857 specimens. These included 1,793 Pathology, 24 Miscellaneous, 13 Soil samples. 2,047 Citrus Canker pathogenicity tests were conducted, including 22 from South Florida, 1 from West Coast Florida, 4 from South West Coast Florida, 1 from Central Coast Florida, and 0 from North Central Florida.

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Conocarpus erectus (green buttonwood, a native species)-- Sphaceloma sp., spot anthracnose: Collected at a dooryard in Orlando (Orange County; P2002-2248; Terrence D. Williams; 19 March 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.

Guettarda elliptica (velvet seed, a native species)-- Pseudocercospora guettardae (Chupp) Deighton, leaf spot: Collected at a PPD survey site in Florida City (Miami-Dade County; P2002-0683; Lynn D. Howerton; 5, February 2002).

Phoenix roebelenii (pygmy date palm)-- Chlamydomyces palmarum (Cooke) Mason, a secondary fungus: Collected at a yard service in Lake Worth (Palm Beach County; P2002-852; Greg D. Farina; 27 February 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Salvia splendens (scarlet Brazilian salvia)-- Impatiens Nerotic Spot Tospovirus, virus: Collected at a nursery in Alachua (Alachua County; P2002-2075; Ken Murray, nurseryman; 9 March 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.

CITRUS: Citrus sp. (an orange)-- Pellicularia koleroga Cooke, thread blight: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-527; Osmond O. Baron and Dr. Avas B. Hamon; 18 January 2002).

FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Cucumis melo (cantaloupe)-- Phytophthora capsici Leonian, a stem or root rot: Collected at a nursery in Stuart (Martin County; P2002-0789; Joel Allingham, nurseryman; 22 February 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.

NATIVE OR NATURALIZED: Crossopetalum illicifolium (quailberry, Christmas berry, Florida Threatened species)-- Cephaleuros virescens Kunze, black mildew: Collected at a intersection in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; P2002-546; Eduardo M. Varona; 21 January 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.

Desmodium  lineatum (sand ticktrefoil, a beggerweed, a native species) -- Microsphaera diffusa Cooke & Peck, a powdery mildew: Collected at the University of Florida Natural Area in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2002-735; Dr. Timothy S. Schubert,; 15 February 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.

Myrcianthes fragrans (Simpson's stopper, twinberry, Florida Threatened species)-- Puccinia psidii G. Wint., rust: Collected at a nursery in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County; P2002-877; Ellen J. Tannehill; 28 February 2002). NEW HOST RECORD.

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