TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 35, No. 3
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
MAY-JUNE 1996
PI-96T-18
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud
For this period, 1,055 specimens were submitted for identification and/or name verification. Added to the herbarium collection during this period were 55 mounted specimens (total of 7,338). The following contributed specimens which were new to the herbarium: Rita J. Carpenter (R3,A2) seven specimens; C. Douglas Corbin (AP,I-B) two specimens; Lynn D. Howerton (R3,A4), William A. `Bill' Thiel, Jr. (R3,A2), and Randall N. Mescher (R3,A1) each provided one specimen. Some of the samples submitted for identification are described below:
Acacia minuta (M. E. Jones) Beauchamp ssp. minuta (=A. smallii), Leguminosae, Small's acacia, huisache: Deciduous shrub or small tree 2-4 m tall, larger specimens intricately branched from the base. Twigs armed with paired, terete, very sharp, stipular spines 3-10 mm long. Leaves alternate, petioles with an abaxial* gland midway of its length; blades of leaves on leader-shoots evenly bipinnately compound, 3-5 cm long, commonly with 8 short stalked pinnae 1-3 (3.5) cm long, each having about 30 leaflets; leaflets sessile, linear-oblong, 4-5 mm long, very slightly inequilateral, nearly truncate basally, obtuse to rounded apically, sometimes with a small tooth at the tip. Inflorescence many-flowered, compact, ball-like heads in clusters from axils of leaf scars on wood of the previous season before new growth starts; calyx funnelform, 5-lobed; corolla orange-yellow, tube cylindric, lobes 5, triangular-acute, about 2.5 mm long; stamens many, free, exerted. Fruit a legume linear-oblong, 4-6 cm long, straight or falcate, turgid, short stipitate, tapered apically into a short beak. In scattered bayfront areas, sandy vacant lots, spoil-flats, appearing "weedy." Distributed in Pensacola area west to western Texas, sporadically to southern California, and northeastern Mexico. Escambia County (B96-101, C. Douglas Corbin). (Godfrey 1988; Kartesz 1994).
Brunfelsia grandiflora D. Don, Solanaceae, morning-noon-and-night: Shrub or small tree to 3.5 m tall. Branches ascending, spreading and arching, slender. Leaves 6-23 cm long, 2-8 cm wide, lanceolate to obovate-oblong, acuminate at apex, dark green above, paler beneath, thickly membranous to subcoriaceous. Inflorescence cymose, lax to dense, 5- to many flowered; pedicels 3-5 mm long; calyx to 1.5 cm long, tubular-campanulate; corolla to 5 cm across, tube to 4 cm long, purple with white center, fading with age. Capsule 17-22 mm in diameter. Grown in the open garden in tropical and subtropical regions for its sweetly fragrant flowers. From Venezuela to Bolivia. Madison County (B96-178, Eric J. Lavier and James H. Fletcher, homeowners). (Huxley 1992).
Chrysophyllum oliviforme L., Sapotaceae, satinleaf, caimitillo: Shrub or tree to 15 m tall. Leaves alternate, ovate to elliptic, shortly acuminate at apex, rounded at base, 1.5-9 cm long, 1-4 cm wide, densely rusty reddish tomentose beneath, becoming glabrous and glossy above. Inflorescence of 3 to 10 flowers in leaf; pedicels 4-8 mm long; sepals silky, about 1.5 mm long; corolla funnelform, light-green to greenish-yellow, fragrant, the tube about 2.5 mm long, the reflexed lobes 1.5 mm long; stamens included, the filaments very short. Ovary pubescent, the style short, stigma lobes 5. Fruit ovate-oblong to oval, dark-purple, 1-2 cm long, to about 1 cm in diameter, edible. Native to Florida, Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Belize; cultivated elsewhere. Listed in Florida as an endangered species due to decreased habitats and diversity in the wild. Broward County (B96-116, William A. `Bill' Thiel, Jr. ). (Correll and Correll 1982).
Crinum moorei Hook. f. `Album', Amaryllidaceae, crinum lily: Bulbous perennial, bulb ovoid, to 20 cm in diameter; neck to 45 cm long. Leaves 12-15, to 90 cm long, 10 cm wide, deciduous, lorate*, spreading, short-pointed, with distinct veins, margin entire. Flowering stem to 90 cm long; pedicels to 8 cm long; flowers 6-12, white in this cultivar (species may be pale to deep pink, or white), fragrant; perianth tube to 8 cm long, curved, green or tinged red, limb funnelform, equalling the tube, lobes oblong, 3.5 cm wide, white; filaments pink, shorter than the lobes; style red towards apex. Widely cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones. Native of South Africa. Orange County (B96-145, Tyson R. Emery). (Huxley 1992).
Ficus cyathistipula Warb., Moraceae, Puerto Rican patio fig: Tree, much-branched, 15 m tall, at least sometimes beginning life as an epiphyte; aerial roots sometimes present. Twigs pale, glabrous; stipules conspicuous, about half united, persistent, to 2 cm wide. Leaves alternate, glossy or dull green, glabrous, 20-22 cm long, 7 cm wide, rather leathery, symmetric, obovate to oblanceolate, apex obtuse, tip shortly acuminate, base attenuate to cuneate, sometimes narrowly rounded; venation pinnate, widely spaced, the 5-8 veins on each side looping and anastomosing close to margin. Figs axillary towards twig ends, on peduncles to 2.5 cm long, solitary or in pairs or in threes, globose or obovoid, shortly white- or brown-pubescent, rough or warty to touch, pale green to pale yellow, 2-3 cm in diameter. From tropical western, central and eastern Africa, south to Angola, Zambia and Malawi. Broward County (B96-100, William A. `Bill' Thiel, Jr.). (Huxley 1992).
Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., Sterculiaceae, bastard cedar, guacima, guasimo: A fast growing shrub or tree, 12 to 20 m tall, with spreading branches, drooping at the tips. Leaves are usually evergreen but are shed in severe droughts; alternate, oblong, oblong-ovate or lanceolate, 5-15 cm long and to 5 cm wide, pointed at the apex, rounded or indented at the base, margin fine-toothed. Inflorescence in small clusters in the leaf axils. Flowers fragrant, yellowish, 5-parted, 6 mm across. Fruit nearly round to elliptic or oval, 1.5-4 cm long, warty, green and somewhat fleshy when unripe, with mucilaginous, sweetish pulp; turns black, dry and brittle when mature. Used in its natural range as treatment for colds, syphilis, malaria, skin diseases, etc. The leaves contain caffeine. Consumed in excess, the fruits obstruct the digestive tract of cattle. Often planted as a street tree, and left standing in pastures. Abundant in moist or dry warm regions of Mexico and through Central America to Peru, and West Indies from Cuba to Trinidad and Tobago. Hillsborough County (B96-090, Cindy S. Kamelhair). (Morton 1981).
Lonicera hildebrandiana Collett & Hemsl., Caprifoliaceae, giant Burmese honeysuckle: Vigorous scandent evergreen, sometimes semi-deciduous, to 25 m long. Leaves to 12 cm long, 10 cm wide, broad-ovate, oval or rounded-oval, apex abruptly acuminate, base broadly acuminate, deep green above, lighter and glandular beneath; petiole to 2 cm. Inflorescence axillary, with paired or large numbers of flowers. Flowers cream white, turn a rich orange with age, fragrant; corolla-tube narrow, very long (to 16 cm), bilabiate, upper lip 4-lobed, lower lip recurved. Fruit ovoid, to 2.5 cm long. This is a frost-sensitive species; outstanding for its large leaves and flowers. Native of China, and southeast Asia. Broward County (B96-122, Rita J. Carpenter). (Huxley 1992; Bailey 1976).
Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng., Rutaceae, curry-leaf, karapincha: Evergreen tree, 4.5-6 m tall, trunk to 3 m tall, 45 cm in diameter, glabrous or slightly minutely pubescent. Leaves odd-pinnate, pungently aromatic, leaflets 2.5-4 cm long, 5-10 on each side, oblong-lanceolate to ovate, subfalcate, oblique at base, acuminate at apex, margin more or less minutely serrate. Inflorescence terminal, corymbose*. Flowers white or tinged yellow; petals 4-6 mm long, oblong-lanceolate, acute; alternate stamens shorter; style short, thick. Fruit 8-10 mm long, ellipsoid, apiculate at apex, dark blue tinged black. Leaves a standard ingredient of Asian curries. From India and Sri-Lanka, cultivated in warmer regions. Orange County (B96-113, Barbara J. Wilder). (Huxley 1992; Bailey 1976).
Reinwardtia indica Durmont., Linaceae, yellow flax, golden girl: Glabrous shrub or subshrub, to 90 cm tall. Leaves laternate, elliptic-obovate or oblong-obovate, membranous, often serrate, penninerved. Inflorescence of very short clustered racemes, or solitary in the leaf axils, or in dense corymbs at tip of branches. Flowers hypogynous*, yellow, large (2.5-5 cm wide); sepals 5; petals 5, twisted, basally united into a tube, falling early; stamens connate at base, alternating with 5 staminodes; styles 3-5. Fruit a 3 to 5-celled capsule. Stems should be pinched frequently to induce compact habit. Sometimes erroneously grown as Linum flavum. Native to mountains of northern India and China. Lake County (B96-097, Christine M. Murphy). (Huxley 1992; Bailey 1976).
Strongylodon macrobotrys A. Gray, Leguminosae, jade vine: Vigorous evergreen twining liana to 13 m long. Stems initially glossy, purple-green, hardening to black-brown with finely peeling ashy bark. Leaves dark green, emerging pink-bronze, trifoliate; leaflets to 12.5 cm long, 6.5 cm wide, oblong-obovate. Inflorescence a pendulous, axillary, cylindrical raceme to 90 cm long, with flowers arranged in pairs or in whorls of 3. Flowers long-stalked, to 7.5 cm; corolla waxy aquamarine to luminous jade green, standard strongly recurved, claw-like, margins revolute; wings rounded, to one third length of keel, keel tapering finely, apex strongly incurved to hooked. Legume large, 3-10 seeded. Among the most spectacular of all green-flowered plants. Native of Philippine Islands. Broward County (B96-121, Rita J. Carpenter). (Huxley 1992; Bailey 1976).
GLOSSARY: corymbose: a more-or-less flat-topped inflorescence with outer flowers opening first. hypogynous: having the floral parts (calyx, corolla, and stamens) borne at the base of or below the free ovary and not attached to the calyx; lorate: strap-shaped, ligulate, linear, thong-shaped.
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.
- Godfrey, R. K. 1988. Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of northern Florida and adjacent Georgia and Alabama. The University of Georgia Press, Athens and London. 734 p.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Kartesz, J. T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland Vol. 2 - Thesaurus. Timber Press, Portland. 816 p.
- Morton, J. F. 1981. Atlas of medicinal plants of Middle America, Bahamas to Yucatan. Charles C. Thomas, Springfield. 1,420 p.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph.D.
For the month of May, there were 862 samples consisting of +12,525 specimens. In June, there were 1,330 samples consisting of +15,904 specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Carpentaria acuminata (palm)-- Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), a scolytid beetle: A localized but severe infestation was found at a nursery in Miami, Dade County (2 May 1996; P. Naranja-Muller).
Cocos nucifera (coconut palm)-- Acathrix trymatus Keifer, an eriophyid mite: An infestation was found on Grassy Key, Monroe County (1 May 1996; Jon Rackley, nurseryman). NEW US CONTINENTAL RECORD. The mite may be found in large numbers in unfurled leaves of the central shoots of its host. There is no visible damage, and disease transmission is unknown (W. Cal Welbourn).
Cocos nucifera (coconut palm)-- Acathrix trymatus Keifer, an eriophyid mite: An infestation was found on the Loxahatchee River, Jupiter, Palm Beach County (16 May 1996; Jon Rackley). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Pseudococcus longispinus (Targ. - Tozz.), longtailed mealybug: A severe infestation was found on a plant at a nursery in Homestead, Dade County (3 May 1996; Lynn D. Howerton).
Zamia furfuracea (cardboard palm)-- Pseudococcus longispinus (Targ. - Tozz.), longtailed mealybug: A severe infestation was found on a plant at a nursery in Homestead, Dade County (3 May 1996; Lynn D. Howerton).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Cereus sp. (a cactus)-- Pseudococcus sp. (near sociabilis Hambleton), a mealybug: A moderate infestation involving 1% of 1000 plants was found at a nursery in Zellwood, Orange County (5 June 1996; Leslie J. Wilber). Mealybugs possibly new to Florida were collected on roots and stems of plants during import inspection.
Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum (croton)-- Leucothrips furcatus Hood, a thrips: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in North Fort Myers, Lee County (27 June 1996; Lance S. Osborne, University of Florida, Central FL Research and Education Center-Apopka).
-- Philephedra tuberculosa (Nakahara & Gill), a scale insect: A severe infestation involving 50% of 96 plants was found at a nursery in Tampa, Hillsborough County (27 June 1996; Rebecca H. Lemstrom).
-- Planococcus citri (Risso), citrus mealybug: A severe infestation involving 50 of 200 plants was found at a nursery in Plymouth, Orange County (12 June 1996; Leslie J. Wilber).
Cordyline terminalis (ti plant)-- Echinothrips americanus Morgan, a thrips: A severe infestation involving all of 1000 plants was found at a nursery in Sorrento, Orange County (28 May 1996; Leslie J. Wilber).
Ficus elastica `Robusta' (rubber plant cultivar)-- Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), nigra scale: A severe infestation was found at a high school in Winter Garden, Orange County (16 May 1996; Barbara J. Wilder).
Ligustrum sinense (ligustrum)-- Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ. - Tozz.), white peach scale: A severe infestation was found on twelve plants at a high school in Lakeland, Polk County (14 May 1996; Donald R. Robbins).
Murraya paniculata (orange-jessamine, or Chinese box)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation was found at a trapsite in Miami, Dade County (21 June 1996; Donna M. Gruber). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Zoysia sp. (zoysia grass)-- Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chitt., zoysia billbug or hunting billbug: A severe infestation was found on 100% of 28 pallets of plants at port of entry inspection at George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (25 May 1996; Alfred Benjamin, Chief Agriculture and Veterinary Officer, Cayman Islands). Cayman Islands refused entry of these plants from a nursery in Miami, Dade County, because of the billbugs.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Aechmea poeppigii (an Amazonian bromeliad)-- Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis (Sasaki), rice root aphid: A moderate infestation was found on flowers at a bromeliad show in a mall in Orlando, Orange County (10 May 1996; Barbara J. Wilder and Tyson R. Emery). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. This aphid normally occurs on roots and in hydroponic systems; however, several infestations have been found on bromeliads recently (Susan E. Halbert).
Bromeliaceae (bromeliad)-- Paratrechina fulva (Mayr), an ant: A slight infestation of this Brazillian ant was intercepted in a shipment from Brazil at Miami International Airport, Dade County (11 April 1996; Donna M. Gruber).
Calotropis gigantea (mudar, bowstring-hemp, or giant milkweed)-- Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolombe, oleander aphid: A general and severe infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista, Orange County (12 June 1996; David Weir, company employee). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Calyptranthes zuzygium (myrtle-of-the-river, an endangered species)-- Aphis gossypii Glover, cotton/melon aphid: An infestation was found at a DPI screenhouse in Gainesville, Alachua County (19 May 1996; Gregory A. Evans, University of Florida). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
-- Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe), black citrus aphid: An infestation was found at a DPI screenhouse in Gainesville, Alachua County (19 May 1996; Gregory A. Evans, University of Florida). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Cattleya sp. (orchid)-- Aphis craccivora Koch, cowpea aphid: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Orlando, Orange County (7 June 1996; Tyson R. Emery). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Impatiens walleriana (buzy lizzie)-- Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), western flower thrips: A severe infestation was found on 98% of 200 plants at a greenhouse in Jacksonville (16 May 1996; Flewellyn W. Podris). Plants were suspected of being infected with tomato spotted wilt virus. This collection was not checked for virus. However, another sample on 21 May was found positive for impatiens necrotic spot virus, a thrips transmitted pospovirus closely related to tomato spotted wilt (Lisa L. Bremen).
Lobularia maritima (sweet alyssum)-- Microtheca ochroloma Stal., a leaf beetle: A general and severe infestation involving 100% of 20 plants was found at an amusement park in Orlando, Orange County (27 April 1996; T. Peak).
Rosa sp. (rose)-- Frankliniella tritici (Fitch), flower thrips: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Sumter South Carolina (25 April 1996; Christine M. Murphy).
Spathophyllum sp. (peace lily)-- Psydrothrips luteolus Nakahara & Tsuda, a thrips: A severe infestation involving 100 plants was found at a nursery in Eustis, Lake County (27 June 1996; William M. Purvis and Barbara J. Wilder).
Strelitzia reginae (bird-of-paradise)-- Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan), dictyospermum scale and Coccus hesperidum L., brown soft scale: A severe infestation involving 15% of 25 plants was found at a nursery in Orlando, Orange County (28 May 1996; Leslie J. Wilber).
Tibouchina sp. (princess flower)-- Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), western flower thrips: A severe infestation was found at a discount store in Kissimmee, Lake County (30 May 1996; Barbara J. Wilder). Thrips were causing blisters on new growth.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Bursera simaruba (gumbo limbo, a native species)-- Philephedra tuberculosa (Nakahara & Gill), a scale insect: A severe infestation involving all of 100 plants was found at a nursery in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County (18 June 1996; William A. Thiel).
Quercus virginiana (live oak, a native species)-- Aceria quercerinus (Keifer), an eriophyid mite: A moderate infestation involving 10% of 1000 plants was found at a nursery in High Springs, Alachua County (26 April 1996; Marie E. Peacock and J.J. "Jack" McRitchie).
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Diospyros sp. (persimmon)-- Phyllophaga bruneri Chapin, a West Indian May beetle: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County (7 June 1996; Laura Ooms). Hundreds of beetles came out at night to eat the new foliage of persimmon trees.
Leguminosae (bean)-- Aphis craccivora Koch, cowpea aphid: A severe infestation was found at a farm in Orlando, Orange County (4 June 1996; Tyson R. Emery).
Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon (sugar pea, snow pea, or sweet snap pea)-- Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), pea leafminer: A moderate infestation was found on pods intercepted in a shipment from California at a produce business in Tampa, Hillsborough County (2 June 1996; Sam Fuller). This leafminer is a serious pest in California and South and Central America. It is not known to be established in Florida (Gary J. Steck).
Psidium guajava (guava)-- Tegolophus guavae (Boczek), an eriophyid mite: A moderate infestation involving 75% of 50 plants in Homestead, Dade County (2 April 1996; Jorge E. Peña, University of Florida). The mite causes an initial purplish swelling, pimple like on the fruit epidermis. Injury is followed by bronzing of the fruit (W. Cal Welbourn and Jorge Peña).
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (water cress)-- Phytonemus pallidus Banks, cyclamen mite: A moderate infestation involving 10% of a million plants was found at a farm in Fellsmere, Indian River County (8 May 1996; Gopal Saxena, grower).
Zea mays (corn, or maize)-- Euphoria sepulchralis (Fabricius), a scarab beetle: An infestation was found in Alachua, Alachua County (20 May 1996; Emma Hancock, homeowner). Mrs. Hancock reports that the beetles have recently become pests in corn, onions and other vegetable crops and in roses.
CITRUS: Citrus aurantifolia (lime)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation was found in a commercial lime grove near Homestead, Dade County (30 April 1996; Adrian Hunsberger and Rita Duncan, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center). This is the first infestation of brown citrus aphids found in a commercial grove in Florida.
Citrus meyeri (Meyer lemon)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: Infestations were found at a total of four nurseries in Davie (21 and 24 June 1996; Nuri M. Marrone) and Wilton Manors (13 and 24 June 1996; Nuri M. Marrone), Broward County. Meyer lemon trees are often infected with a strain of citrus tristeza virus that may cause stem pitting on grapefruit (Richard F. Lee, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center-Lake Alfred).
Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation was found at a trailer park in Naples, Collier County (19 June 1996; Floyd Crim, USDA). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Citrus sp. (lime)-- Parthenolecanium sp. (or genus near), a scale insect: An infestation was intercepted in a shipment from Honduras at the Port of Miami, Dade County (2 May 1996; Lisa Lanza).
Citrus sp. (citrus)-- Platynota flavedana Clemens, a tortricid moth: An infestation was found at Southwest FL Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Collier County (22 May 1996; Mark Pomerinke, University of Florida). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Citrus sp. (citrus)-- Stenodontes dasytomus dasytomus (Say), a wood boring beetle: A severe infestation was found in a decaying citrus stump in Miami, Dade County (22 May 1996; W. Wayne Smith). Larvae bore in heartwood of living hardwoods (Michael C. Thomas and Brenda M. Beck).
Citrus spp. (various citrus)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: Severe infestations were found at a nursery in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County (22 May 1996; Laura L. Ooms);
--A severe infestation found at a nursery in Homestead (24 May 1996; Yda L. Collera). --A severe infestation was found at a residence in Dania, Broward County (29 May 1996; William A. Thiel).
--New colonies initiated by numerous winged brown citrus aphids were found in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Broward County (21 and 25 June 1996, respectively; Nuri M. Marrone). Eight winged brown citrus aphids were found on a single key lime sprout.
--New colonies initiated by numerous winged brown citrus aphids were found in Pompano Beach, Broward County (18 June 1996; Laura L. Ooms).
These representative finds and many others indicate widespread heavy infestations and flight activity throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Estimates indicate that about 3% of citrus in the area is infected with a severe strain of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) (Larry G. Brown). Since transmission efficiency by brown citrus aphid is at least 30%, at least one of every 100 winged brown citrus aphids will likely infect a citrus tree with severe CTV if it feeds on the plant. It is very probable spread of severe strains of CTV is occurring in Southeast Florida (Susan E. Halbert).
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Datura sp. (an angel's trumpet)-- Philephedra tuberculosa (Nakahara & Gill), a scale insect: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Tampa, Hillsborough County (26 June 1996; Rebecca R. Lemstrom).
NATIVE OR NATURALIZED PLANTS: Celtis laevigata (hackberry)-- Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche), European fruit lecanium: A slight infestation was found at a travel park in Okahumpka, Lake County (14 June 1996; Stephen P. Beidler). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Polygala smallii (tiny polygala, federally endangered species)-- Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret), cyanophyllum scale: A moderate infestation was found in Martin County (26 April 1996; Suzanne Kennedy, Fairchild Tropical Gardens Research Center).
Sideroxylon tenax (tough bumelia)-- Mesolecanium nigrofasciatum (Pergande), terrapin scale: A slight infestation was found on a plant at a port in Cape Canaveral, Brevard County (28 June 1996; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Toxoptera citricida (brown citrus aphid)-- Lysiphlebia japonica Ashmead, a parasitic wasp: The Japanese parasite of brown citrus aphid was released in an organic orange grove in sleeve cages enclosing large colonies of brown citrus aphids. The parasites were recovered a week later after one generation in the field (18 April 1996; Limhuot Nong, Ru Nguyen, and Susan E. Halbert). Parasites were obtained in cooperation with Ray Yokomi (USDA/ARS, Orlando).
FEDERAL-STATE PLANT QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Lactuca sativa (lettuce)-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: An infestation was intercepted in a shipment from California at a natural food store in Dover, Hillsborough County (17 May 1996; Alan R. Haynes).
INSECT DETECTION: Anomala innuba (Fabricius), a scarab beetle: A huge population was observed during the evening hours in Gainesville, Alachua County (8 May 1996; Hubert W. Collins).
Dinoderus minutus (Fabricius), bamboo powderpost beetle: A severe infestation was found in bark baskets in Orange Springs, Marion County (17 June 1996; Floyd J. McHenry and E. Olson, homeowner).
Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse), Oriental wood borer: A severe infestation was found in furniture in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County (14 May 1996; P. Green). This beetle has been found numbers of times in wood imported from tropical and subtropical areas (Paul E. Skelley).
Lymantria dispar (L.), gypsy moth: A specimen was found in an RV park in Ocala, Marion County (3 April 1996; Robert S. Longtin, USDA).
Minthea rugicollis (Walker), powderpost beetle: A severe infestation was found in Pace, Santa Rosa County (31 May 1996; Kenneth L. Oser, FDACS/Forestry). A cabinet maker purchased Brazilian virola plywood in November 1994 and had a cabinet returned because of the beetle infestation (James R.Meeker, FDACS/Forestry).
Palembus sp. prob. dermestoides (Fairmaire), a tenebrionid beetle: Infested peanuts were brought in to an University of Florida unit in Miami, Dade County (May 1996; Jorge Peña, University of Florida) by a local person who uses the beetles for an asthma cure. The beetles were introduced from outside of the country (Ecuador or Peru) and are not recorded as established in the United States. The beetle is a stored product pest (Michael C. Thomas).
Smynthurodes betae Westwood, bean root aphid: A single specimen was collected in a suction trap at Quincy, Gadsden County (15-24 May 1996; Richard K. Sprenkel and Susan E. Halbert). NEW DPI FLORIDA STATE RECORD. Bean root aphids have a wide host range including beans, potatoes, tomatoes, beets and other plants. They infest bean roots in high numbers but probably cause little if any economic damage (Susan E. Halbert).
Theridion sp., a spider: A single specimen was intercepted in Miami, Dade county in a shipment from Italy (13 June 1996; Christine M. Murphy). The species is not known to occur in Florida (G.B. Edwards).
Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: Specimens were collected in the suction trap in Kendall, Dade County (24-31 May 1996 and 14-21 June 1996; Robert T. Lawton and Susan Halbert). Collections in the suction trap are further evidence of flight activity in the Miami area (see above under "Citrus").
INSECTS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Ornithonyssus bacoti (Hirst), tropical rat mite: A severe infestation was found in an apartment in Kissimmee, Orange County (13 May 1996; Gabriela Olivera, homeowner). The presence of the mite indicates that there are rodents nesting in the vicinity. These mites cause irritating bites (W. Cal Welbourn).
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NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Renato Inserra, Ph.D.
A total of 3,164 samples were processed in May and June. Details are shown below:
Certification and Regulatory Samples:
Multistate Certification for National and
International Export 1,458
California Certification 981
Premovement 70
Site or Pit Approval 18
Burrowing Nematode 296
Other Samples:
Identification
(Invertebrate) 16
Out of state survey, via
Florida Interceptions 26
Plant Problem 88
Intrastate Survey, Random 211
Aloe barbadensis (aloe)--Meloidogyne icognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, root-knot nematode was extracted from roots of this ornamental collected in Palm Beach County (4 June 1996, Tom Salisbury, N96-00820).
Anthurium sp. (anthuriums)--Radopholus similis (Cobb, 1893) Thorne, 1949, burrowing nematode was found in high numbers in roots of stunted plants of this ornamental in Dade County (12 June 1996, Karen LeBoutillier, N96-00795). Anthuriums, maranthas, philodendrons and pothos are the most common foliage ornamentals damaged by burrowing nematodes. These pests are spread with infected cuttings in ornamental nurseries of Florida.
Panicum hemitomon (maidencane) and Paspalum notatum (Bahia grass)--Pratylenchus loosi Loof, 1960, lesion nematode was found for the first time in Florida in the roots of these pasture grasses in a potential site for citrus nursery, in Hillsborough County (20 December 1995, Samuel Fuller, N96-00546). This lesion nematode, which is a serious pest of tea (Camellia sinensis) in the Far East, has been reported on unidentified grasses in Japan. NEW STATE and NEW HOST RECORD.
Collectors submitting five or more samples that were processed for Nematological Analysis during May and June 1996:
Collins, Jr., Hubert W. 12
Dees, Carrie S. 33
Dones, Ramon A. 169
Fuller, Samuel A. 14
Harris, Jessie M. 156
Inguanzo, Yolanda I. 72
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 313
Nelson, Carl R. 103
Peacock, Maria E. 29
Podris, Flewellyn W. 6
Robinson, William L. "Robbie" 287
Robbins, Donald R. 6
Salisbury, Thomas L. 348
Smith, W. Wayne 31
Wigelsworth, Jimmie R. 10
PLANT PATHOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by John W. Miller, Ph.D.
For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 1,077 specimens. These included 592 pathology, 24 miscellaneous, 10 soil and 451 suspect canker samples. Some of the samples are listed below.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Breynia nivosa (snowbush)-- Collecotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc., Alternaria sp., & Leptosphaerulina trifolii (Rostr.) Petr., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Winter Garden, Orange County (3 June 1996, Barbara J. Wilder, P96-1564). NEW HOST RECORD.
Paulownia elongata (a paulownia)-- Pythium sp., root rot: Collected at a lab in Apopka, Orange County (11 June 1996, Charles A. `Zo' Cooper, P96-1609).
Phoenix sp. (a date palm)-- Annelopora phoenocis M. B. Ellis, leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Valrico, Hillsborough County (28 May 1996, James R. Martin, Cindy S. Kamelhair, P96-1507). NEW STATE RECORD.
Scaevola sp. (a half-flower)-- Pythium myriotylum Drechs., root rot: Collected at a nursery in Plant City, Hillsborough County (11 June 1996, Alan R. Haynes, Cindy S. Kamelhair, P96-1640). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Aglaonema nitidum `Silver Queen' (aglaonema cultivar)-- Gliocladiopsis sp., secondary pathogen: Collected at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (11 June 1996, Leslie J. Wilber, P96-1610). NEW HOST RECORD.
Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass)-- Exserohilum rostratum (Drechs.) K. J. Leonard & E. G. Suggs & Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Orlando, Orange County (21 June 1996, Barbara J. Wilder, P96-1719). NEW HOST RECORD.
Dionaea muscipula (Venus'-flytrap)-- Idriella lunata P. E. Nelson & K. Wilth., root, leaf rot: Collected at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (22 May 1996, Stephen P. Beidler, P96-1440).
Echinodorus sp. (blacksword was the common name given, customarily E. parviflorus)-- Aphanomyces euteiches Drechs., leaf, stem rot: Collected at a nursery in Plant City, Hillsborough County (20 May 1996, Alan R. Haynes and James R. Martin, P96-1451).
Homalomena sp. (a homalomena)-- Phytophthora sp. & Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., root rot: Collected at a nursery in Homestead, Dade County (7 June 1996, Cheryl L. Lichkai, P96-1600). NEW HOST RECORD.
Neoregelia carolinae (blushing bromeliad)-- Exserohilum rostratum (Drechs.) K. J. Leonard & E. G. Suggs, leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Windermere, Orange County (21 June 1996, Barbara J. Wilder, P961721).
Sagittaria latifolia (common duck potato, a native species)-- Doassania deformans Cornu, leaf smut: Collected at a nursery in Christmas, Orange County (8 May 1996, Tyson R. Emery, Barbara J. Wilder, P96-1298).
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Bergenia sp. (an elephant-ear saxifrage)-- Phlyctaena sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Eustis, Lake County (23 April 1996, Christine M. Murphy, P96-1122). NEW HOST RECORD.
Dendrobium nobile (an orchid, the most commonly cultivated dendrobium)-- Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., stem rot: Collected at a dooryard in Apopka, Orange County (9 June 1996, Anthony N. Capitano, P96-1597). NEW HOST RECORD.
Helianthus annuus (common sunflower)-- Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich & Curvularia sp., charcoal root rot: Collected at a nursery in Leesburg, Lake County (5 June 1996, Stephen P. Beidler, P96-1576). NEW HOST RECORD.
Helianthus sp. (a sunflower)-- Cercospora helianthicola Chupp & Viegas, leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Mount Dora, Lake County (14 May 1996, Christine M. Murphy, P96-1402). NEW STATE RECORD.
Impatiens walleriana (busy lizzie)-- Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus, virus: Collected at a nursery in Jacksonville, Duval County (13 May 1996, Flewellyn W. Podris, P96-1356). NEW HOST RECORD.
Lavatera maritima (bush mallow)-- Puccinia malvacearum Bertero ex Mont., leaf rust: Collected at a nursery in Melbourne, Brevard County (14 May 1996, Karen L. Garrett-Kraus, P96-1382). NEW HOST RECORD.
Masdevallia sp. (an orchid)-- Septoria sp., leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Apopka, Orange County (24 April 1996, Anthony N. Capitano, P96-1156). NEW HOST RECORD.
Portulaca oleracea (purslane, also an edible weedy species)-- Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr., root/stem rot: Collected at a nursery in Live Oak, Suwannee County (4 June 1996, M. E. `Janie' Echols, P96-1553). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Acer rubrum (red maple, a native species)-- Coniella sp., leaf spot: Collected at a campgrounds on the Silver River in Ft. McCoy, Marion County (3 March 1996, Gretchan L. Langley, Christine A. Zamora, P96-0804). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo `Summer Crookneck' (a summer squash cultivar)-- Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich, charcoal root rot: Collected at a nursery in Williston, Levy County (8 May 1996, Anthony Smith (owner), P96-1272). NEW HOST RECORD.
Prunus sp. (a plum)-- Pythium splendens H. Braun, root rot: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville, Alachua County (18 June 1996, David A. Davison, Maria E. Peacock, P96-1662). NEW HOST RECORD.
Solanum melongena var. esculentum (eggplant)-- Verticillium lecanii (A. Zimmermi) Viegrs, insect parasite: Collected at a University Florida Tropical Research & Education Center lab in Homestead, Dade County (24 May 1996, Holly B. Glenn, researcher, P96-1484).
Vitis sp. (a grape)-- Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., root rot: Collected at a nursery in Titusville, Brevard County (6 May 1996, Karen L. Garrett-Kraus, P96-1267). NEW HOST RECORD.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Desmodium sp. (a beggarweed)-- Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at IFAS natural area in Gainesville, Alachua County (11 June 1996, Robert P. Esser, P96-1595). NEW HOST RECORD.
OTHER DETECTIONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Diospyros sp. (a persimmon)-- Exserohilum sp., saprophyte: Collected at a nursery in Trenton, Levy County (31 May 1996, Maria E. Peacock, P96-1513). NEW HOST RECORD.
Vaccinium sp. (a blueberry)-- Dinemasporium sp., saprophyte: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville, Alachua County (15 May 1996, Maria E. Peacock, Jimmie R. Wigelsworth, P96-1379). NEW HOST RECORD.
