Triology Vol. 35, No. 5, DPI

TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 35, No. 5
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1996

Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor

BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Nancy C. Coile, Ph.D.

Added to the herbarium collection during this period were 11 mounted specimens (total of 7,427). James R. Martin (R2, A3) submitted one specimen new to the herebarium. For this period, 102 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 771 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 873). Some of the samples are described below:

Achrostichum danaefolium Langsd. & Fisch., Adiantaceae, giant leather fern: Short, stout, scaly rootstocks. Leaves erect, closely tufted, to 4 m long, blades much longer than the petioles; leaflets leathery, overlapping or closely spaced, to 37 cm long and 5.5 cm wide. On fertile leaves, most of the lower surfaces of the leaflets is covered with reddish-brown, felt-like coating of sporangia. By contrast, the Florida endangered A. aureum L, golden leather fern, has only the upper 6 to 12 leaflets with sporangia and the leaflets do not overlap. Giant leather fern has been found in most counties in the southern two-thirds of Florida and thrives in sunny spots of swamps; Central and South America. Sarasota County (B96-302, Douglas W. Lawrence). (Flora of North America, Vol. 2 1993; Small 1938.)

Aglaia odorata Lour, Meliaceae, peppery orchid-tree: small tree; branchlets with scattered, tiny, stellate scales. Leaves evergreen, alternate, with 3 to 5 leaflets, petiole and rachis narrowly winged, leaflets 3.5 to 7 cm long, glabrous and glossy, lanceolate or oblanceolate. Inflorescence axillary, to 14 cm long. Flowers fragrant, ca.^* 2 mm across, calyx 5-lobed, 5 concave yellow petals, staminal tube cup-like and with anthers stalked and attached to inside wall (strange!), style short. Fruits yellowish berries, ca. 1 cm wide. At first glance, this species looks like a Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae). This Southeast Asian genus has about 100 species and is a member of the mahagony family. Meliaceae species in Florida include the weedy chinaberry tree, Melia azedarach L., and the Florida endangered Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq., West Indian mahagony. A. odorata is used by Asians in Vero Beach as a lemon-pepper seasoning. Flowers are used to scent tea and the linen closet. Indian River County (B96-359, Alan McCarthy and Nancy C. Coile). (Mabberley 1989; Walker 1976).

Asimina reticulata Shuttlew. ex Chapm., Annonaceae, netted pawpaw: shrub to 1.5 m tall, numerous stems. Leaves deciduous, alternate, leathery, oblong, tips rounded, to ca. 8 cm long and 3 cm wide, margins enrolled, lower surface veins with reddish-brown hairs, veins net-like. Flowers arising from last year's growth, 1 to 3 per node, calyx lobes deltoid. Petals in two rings: outer petals white with white to orange hairs on exterior veins, inner petals one-third to one-half the length of the outer and the interior base is deep-purple and corrugated. Marion County (B96-282, Rebecca H. Lemstrom).

The pawpaws can usually be distinguished by their flat leafbuds covered with reddish hairs and by the unpleasant scent of the crushed leaves. Smallflower pawpaw (A. parviflora (Michaux) Dunal) and common pawpaw or Indiana banana (A. triloba (L.) Dunal) are more northern and barely reach into FL; their leaves are not leathery and have acuminate to acute leaf tips. Polecat bush or flag pawpaw (A. incarna (Bartr.) Exell) has inner petals with yellow corrugations and is often found in pastures. Flag pawpaw (A. obovata (Willd.) Nash) has showy terminal flowers which are on current season growth and open after the leaves appear; southeast to northeast peninsular FL. Narrow-leaved pawpaw (A. longifolia Kral [= A. angustifolia Raf.]) has long narrow leaves, axillary flowers which may be white, pink, or maroon and on current season growth; often in pastures, south to about Lake Co. Dwarf pawpaw (A. parviflora (Michaux) Dunal) is to 0.6 m tall, has maroonish flowers with fetid odor; south to Polk Co. Four-petal pawpaw (A. tetramera Small) (Federally Endangered), has 4 sepals, petals sometimes with 4 in one of the whorls; Martin and Palm Beach cos. (Clewell 1985; Wunderlin 1982; Godfrey 1988).

Gordonia lasianthus (L.) Ellis, Theaceae, loblolly bay: Tree, to ca. 25 m tall. Leaves evergreen, alternate, leathery, simple, to 16 cm long and 5 cm wide, margins crenate-serrate. Flowers showy, solitary in the axils, ca. 8 cm wide, 5 white petals united at the base; numerous stamens; one pistil. Fruit a woody capsule. Usually, loblolly bay can be recognized by the presence of a few scarlet leaves ready to shed. Found in bogs, depressions and swamps along with two other "bay" species: (1) sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana L., Magnoliaceae) which has leaves with whitish undersides and knobby fruiting "cones" and (2) swamp red bay (Persea palustris (Raf.) Sarg., Lauraceae) which has pungent leaves (used as a food flavoring substitute for Laurus nobilis) usually with psyllid galls on the leaves, and with small drupes. Polk County (B96-343, James E. "Pete" Lindsay). (Godfrey 1988).

Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan, Commelinaceae, naked-stem dew-flower: Annual herb, sprawling succulent stems, rooting at nodes. Leaves alternate, sheathing bases, blades linear with parallel veins. Inflorescence a terminal, stalked raceme. Flowers tiny, sepals hyaline, petals open in morning and fade before the day's end, bluish lavender to purple; 2 to 3 functional stamens. Capsules about 4 mm long. Wet areas. Native to Asia, naturalized and weedy in FL, to NC and TX and tropical America. Known to occupy the same sites as the Florida endangered species, Polygonum meisnerianum Cham. & Schlecht. Jefferson County (B96-315, Jimmie R. Wigelsworth). (Godfrey and Wooten 1979).

Oplismenus setarius (Lam.) Roem. & Schult., Gramineae, woodsgrass or basketgrass: Small creeping perennial grass, rooting at the nodes. Creeping stems interweave and cover ground; upright stems to 35 cm tall. Leaves soft, 2 to 6 cm long, sheaths shorter than the internodes, blades lanceolate to ovate. Spikelets on one side of the stem, to 3 mm long, awns to 5 to 10 mm long. Moist woods. Seminole County. (B96-369, Martha Brooks and Leslie J. Wilber.)

Pereskia grandiflora Haw., Cactaceae, rose-cactus: Shrub or small tree. Stems not obviously succulent (unlike most cacti) and unsegmented. Leaves present (unlike most cacti), only slightly succulent, to 23 cm long and 6 cm wide, thin, spines to 4 cm long, blackish, straight (not barbed). Flowers clustered at ends of branches (most cacti solitary), roselike in appearance, diurnal, no epigynal tube, areoles bracteate and short woolly, petals and sepals grade together, pink to purplish-pink; numerous stamens. Fruit to 10 cam long and 7 cm wide, fleshy. From Brazil and cultivated in tropical countries. Lee County (B96-349, Rudy Kaye and Barbara Presnell). (Everett 1981; Huxley 1992).

Tagetes lucida Cav., Compositae/Asteraceae, mint-marigold, yerba anise: Perennial herb to 80 cm tall. Leaves opposite, sessile, finely toothed (not dissected as most cultivated marigolds), glandular. Flower heads in dense terminal clusters (most marigolds have single terminal heads). Each head has only 2-3 ray florets and 5-7 disc florets, yellow to orangish-yellow corollas. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, mint-marigold is cultivated in the southeastern U.S. as a substitute for tarragon which does not grow well in hot climates. The anise-scented foliage is used in salads, poultry and fish dishes. Lake County (B96-338, Christine M. Murphy). (Everett 1981; Hill and Barclay 1987; Huxley 1992).

GLOSSARY: ca.: abbreviation of Latin word circa, which means approximately, about, around, in the neighborhood; hyaline: transulcent or transparent.

REFERENCES

Clewell, A.F. 1985. Guide to the vascular plants of the Florida panhandle. Florida State University Press, Tallahassee. 605 p.
Everett, T.H. 1981. The New York Botanical Garden illustrated encyclopedia of horticulture, 10 vols. Garland Publishing, Inc., New York.
Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Oxford University Press, New York. 475 p.
Godfrey, R.K. 1988. Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of northern Florida and adjacent Georgia and Alabama. The University of Georgia Press, Athens. 734 p.
Hill, M. and G. Barclay. 1987. Southern herb growing. Shearer Publishing, Fredericksburg, TX. 196 p.
Huxley, A.J. (ed.). 1992. The New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening, 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
Mabberley, D.J. 1989. The plant-book. Cambridge University Press, London. 706 p.
Walker, E.H. 1976. Flora of Okinawa and the Southern Ryukyu Islands. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D. C. 1,159 p.
Small, J. K. 1938 (1964 facsimile). Ferns of the southeastern states. Hafner Publishing Company, New York. 517 p.
Wunderlin, R.P. 1982. Guide to the vascular plants of Central Florida. University of South Florida Press, Tampa. 472 p.

ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph. D.

For the month of September, there were 1,054 samples consisting of +9,584 specimens. In October, there were 731 samples consisting of +13,708 specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Albizia julibrissin (mimosa, Exotic Pest Plant Council's category II)-- Norape ovina (Sepp), a caterpillar: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Tallahassee, Leon County (13 September 1996; Anne Deall, homeowner).

Ardisia crenata (coral berry)-- Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret), cyanophyllum scale: A severe infestation involved 5-10 of 10,000 plants at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (22 October 1996; Leslie J. Wilber).

Cycas micholitzii (bifurcate cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad scale: A severe infestation involved several species of cycads at a botanical park in Miami, Dade County (19 September 1996; Avas B. Hamon, Richard A. Clark and Anne R. Gorden-Vega). This scale severely infests only cycads, and is known from Thailand and China. Some of these infected plants originally came from China, Africa and other foreign locations (Avas B. Hamon). CONTINENTAL U.S. RECORD.

Howea forsteriana (kentia palm, sentry palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County (13 September 1996; Ellen J. Tannehill). Previous collections: Ellen Tannehill in 1995 had submitted this root mealybug from Palm Beach County from Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm) and that collection was a NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD. Another NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD was uncovered by Dr. Robert P. Esser from a nematode sample of mixed roots from Dade County submitted by Karen W. LeBoutillier in March 1996 and tentatively identifed as Rhizoecus hibisci and now confirmed by Dr. D. J. Williams at the Natural History Museum in London, England (Avas B. Hamon).

Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree)-- Howardia biclavis (Comstock), mining scale: A severe infestation involved one plant in Hialeah, Dade County (10 July 1996; Cindy S. Kamelhair).

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Alternanthera ficoidea (Joseph's coat)-- Hypogeococcus pungens Granara deWillink, a scale insect: Severe infestations were found at nurseries in Hialeah, Dade County (9 and 10 July 1996; Cindy S. Kamelhair). An additional infestation was found at a nursery in Davie, Broward County (16 May 1996; Rita J. Carpenter).

Alternanthera ficoidea (Joseph's coat)-- Pulvinaria urbicola Cockerell, urbicola soft scale: A severe infestation involved all five plants at a nursery in Hialeah, Dade County (9 July 1996; Cindy S. Kamelhair).

Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum (croton)-- Leucothrips furcatus Hood and Thrips sp., thrips: A severe infestation involved 2,000 of 5,000 plants at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (29 August 1996; William M. Purvis).

Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle)-- Diaprepes abbreviatus (Linneaus), diaprepes root weevil: A severe infestation involved all of 100 plants at a nursery in Davie, Broward County (20 September 1996; Rita J. Carpenter).

Liriope muscari (lily turf)-- Parlatoria proteus (Curtis), proteus scale: A moderate to severe infestation involved 100's of 7,000 total plants at a nursery in Florida City, Dade County (4 October 1996; Lynn D. Howerton).

Polyscias 'Crispata' (chicken gizzard-aralia)-- Cerambycidae: Lamiinae, a longhorn beetle: A moderate to severe infestation involved 40% of hundreds of plants at a nursery in Homestead, Dade County (8 October 1996; Lynn D. Howerton). This exotic beetle had bored into the stems and caused wilting and leaf loss.

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Dendranthema x grandiflorum (florist's mum)-- Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), western flower thrips: A severe infestation involved all 5 plants at a nursery in Terra Ceia, Manatee County (24 July 1996; James F. Price, University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research & Education Center). The grower had a very difficult time with this pest and discarded much of the crop.

Gardenia augusta (gardenia)-- Thrips florum Schmutz, a thrips: A severe infestation was found on one plant at a residence in Miami, Dade County (12 July 1996; Mark L. Runnals).

Hymenocallis (spider lily)-- A baradine beetle (undescribed genus and species) severely damaged bulbs at a nursery in Gainesville, Alachua County (18 October 1996; Marie E. Peacock).

Senna alata (candlebra plant, emperor's candlesticks)-- Tetraleurodes acaciae (Qua.), acacia whitefly: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami, Dade County (24 October 1996; Barbara J. Wilder).

unknown Malvaceae species-- Philephedra tuberculosa Nakahara & Gill, a scale insect: A severe infestation involved one plant in Zellwood, Orange County (3 October 1996; Charles A. 'Zo' Cooper).

FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Diospyros virginiana (persimmon)-- Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti), white peach scale: A severe infestation involved all of ten plants at a nursery in Micco, Brevard County (27 August 1996; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus).

Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash)-- Aceria fraxini (Garman), an eriophyid mite: A moderate infestation caused stem galls at a park in Jacksonville, Duval County (17 June 1996; Flewellyn W. Podris).

Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia)-- Toumeyella liriodendri (Gmelin), tuliptree scale and Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), magnolia white scale: A severe infestation involved 80% of one plant at a native plant nursery in Largo, Pinellas County (29 August 1996; David M. Mooney).

Salix babylonica (weeping willow)-- Chrysomela scripta Fabricius, cottonwood leaf beetle: A moderate to severe infestation involved 25% of 50 plants at a nursery in Sanford, Seminole County (20 September 1996; Anne F. Weathers).

Tabebuia heterophylla (pink trumpet tree)-- Hybleae puera (Cramer), teak moth: A slight to moderate infestation involved 200 of 250 plants at a nursery in Florida City, Dade County (4 October 1996; Lynn D. Howerton).

FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Dimocarpus longan (longan, formerly Euphoria longan)-- Thysanofiorinia nephelii (Maskell), longan scale: Slight to moderate infestations were found in longan groves in Homestead (13 June 1996; Mark Biondo, grower). NEW USA CONTINENTAL RECORD

Additional finds: Homestead (23 September 1996; Louis T. Lodyga) and Miami (13 September 1996; Edward T. Putland and Louis T. Lodyga). (Avas B. Hamon).

Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato)-- Chelymorpha cribraria (Fabricius), a chrysomelid beetle: A moderate to severe infestation was found at a school in Coconut Grove, Dade County (24 September 1996; Julieta Brambila, University of Florida, Tropical Research & Education Center, Homestead FL). This beetle was first found in Florida in 1993, feeding on various wild species of Ipomoea, but not on sweet potato. This is the first DPI record of damage to the crop in Florida (Michael C. Thomas).

Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato)-- Spartocera batatas (Fabricius), giant sweet potato bug: A moderate to severe infestation was found at a school in Coconut Grove, Dade County (24 September 1996; Julieta Brambila, University of Florida, Tropical Research & Education Center, Homestead FL). The bugs dispersed in high numbers from the infested sweet potato plants and moved through a residential area.

Litchi chinensis (litchi)-- Andaspis punicae (Laing), a scale insect: A general and severe infestation covered stems of young litchee trees in Homestead, Dade County (9 January 1996; Bob Goggin, grower).

Oryza sativa (rice)-- Planococcus citri (Risso), citrus mealybug: A scattered infestation involved 30% of 30 plants at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista, Orange County (16 March 1996; Marian E. Coffey, employee).

Pongamia pinnata (pongam)-- ?Ithome sp., a caterpillar: A severe infestation involved one plant at a nursery in Miami, Dade County (9 August 1996; Pedro Naranjo-Muller, University of Florida, Tropical Research & Education Center, Homestead FL).

Prunus persica 'Elberta' (peach, Elberta cultivar)-- Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti), white peach scale: A severe infestation was found near Madison, Madison County (17 October 1996; David L. Sykes, grower).

Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane)-- Leptodictya tabida (Herrich-Schaeffer), sugarcane lacebug: A severe infestation involved all of 25 plants at a residence in Miami, Dade County (27 September 1996; Joseph S. Beckwith). The sugarcane lacebug is a relatively new pest discovered in Florida in 1990. (Susan E. Halbert).

CITRUS: Citrus x paradisi (grapefruit)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A severe infestation involved all the citrus trees in a trailer park in Lake Port, Glades County (2 October 1996; Yolanda I. Inguanzo). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Citrus x paradisi (grapefruit)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A slight infestation on one plant at a residence was found in Melbourne, Brevard County (16 September 1996; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus and David H. Faneuf). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Citrus x paradisi (grapefruit)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in Vero Beach, Indian River County (16 September 1996; Daniel F. Culbert, Indian River County Extension). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Citrus reticulata (a tangerine)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A slight infestation was found on a seedling tree in a swamp at a citrus nursery in Venus, Highlands County (22 October 1996; James E. Bennett). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Citrus sinensis (a navel orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A moderate infestation involved two plants at a residence in Okeechobee, Okeechobee County (18 September 1996; Mark J. Kistler, Okeechobee County Extension). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Citrus sinensis 'Hamlin' (sweet orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A slight infestation was found in a 20 acre grove near Vero Beach, Indian River County (30 September 1996; Edward E. Killer, University of Florida, Indian River Research & Education Center, Fort Pierce). This is the first find in a commercial grove in Indian River County.

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A moderate to severe infestation in a registered scion grove involved nearly all of about 300 plants near White City, St. Lucie County (10 October 1996; Edward E. Killer and Robert C. Bullock, University of Florida, Indian River Research & Education Center, Fort Pierce, and Susan E. Halbert). Much of the available new flush was colonized by brown citrus aphid, and winged forms were abundant. Spread of citrus tristeza virus is probably inevitable under these conditions if inoculum is present (Susan E. Halbert).

Citrus spp. (citrus)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: Slight infestations were found on five different trees in a budwood grove near Immokalee, Collier County (12 September 1996; Mark A. Pomerinke, University of Florida, Southwest Florida Research & Education Center, Immokalee).

Citrus spp. (citrus)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: Slight infestations were found on two plants in a registered scion grove near Clewiston, Hendry County (19 September 1996; Yolanda I. Inguanzo).

Citrus spp. (citrus) Diaprepes abbreviatus (Linneaus), diaprepes root weevil: A severe infestation was found in an unmaintained citrus grove near Apopka, Orange County (26 August 1996; Leslie J. Wilber).

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian pepper-tree, Florida Noxious Weed)-- Pulvinaria psidii Maskell, green shield scale: A severe infestation was found on a tree near a canal in Homestead, Dade County (10 September 1996; Edward T. Putland).

NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Asimina sp. (a pawpaw)-- Omphalocera munroei Martin, a pyralid caterpillar: A moderate to severe infestation was found in a rural area near Astor, Lake County (11 September 1996; Lynn E. Zellers).

Triphasia trifolia (trifoliate limeberry, native to SE Asia)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation was found at a residence in Delray Beach, Palm Beach County (9 September 1996; Ellen J. Tannehill). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Zanthoxylum fagara (wild lime, or lime prickly-ash)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation was found at a residence in Delray Beach, Palm Beach County (5 September 1996; Ellen J. Tannehill). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Toxoptera citricida (brown citrus aphid)-- Cycloneda sanguinea sanguinea (Linnaeus), a ladybird beetle: Beetles were found associated with a moderate infestation of brown citrus aphid in an orange grove in Davie, Broward County (30 August 1996; Nury M. Marrone, William A. Thiel, and Susan E. Halbert).

Toxoptera citricida (brown citrus aphid)-- Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant), a ladybird beetle: Beetles were found associated with a moderate infestation of brown citrus aphid in an orange grove in Davie, Broward County (31 July 1996; Ru Nguyen).

FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Avicularia avicularia (Linneaus), pinktoe tarantula: Three specimens were found for sale in a pet store in St. Lucie, St. Lucie County (14 October 1996; Kenneth L. Hibbard). Sale of this species is prohibited in Florida (G.B. Edwards).

Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A severe infestation was found on Apium graveolens var. dulce (celery) in a box of plants at a food store in Tampa, Hillsborough County (9 October 1996; Alan R. Haynes).

Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A slight infestation was found on Eucalyptus cinerea (silver-dollar eucalyptus) intercepted from California in Tampa, Hillsborough County (26 September 1996; Rebecca H. Lemstrom).

Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A slight infestation was found on plants of Lactuca sativa (lettuce, a red leaf cultivar) intercepted from California in Tampa, Hillsborough County (22 October 1996; Rebecca H. Lemstrom).

Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A specimen was found at an organic food store in Dover, Hillsborough County (10 October 1996; Samuel A. Fuller).

Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), pea leaf miner: Moderate to severe infestations were found on Beta vulgaris (both red chard and beet cultivars) at an organic foodstore in Winter Haven, Polk County (9 and 16 September 1996; James E. 'Pete' Lindsay, 14 and 28 October 1996; James E. 'Pete' Lindsay and W. Jack Shirley). Several infested boxes were shipped from California.

INSECTS OF MEDICAL OR VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, American house dust mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrant), mold mite, and Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans, a predaceous mite: A severe infestation was found in a house in Gainesville, Alachua County (10 September 1996; Yvonne Graham, homeowner). The American house dust mite is common in most houses. While these mites do not bite people, they can cause respiratory allergies in some people. The Cheyletus is a predatory mite that feeds on the other two species (W. Cal Welbourn).

Latrodectus geometricus C.L. Koch, brown widow spider: A slight infestation was found in a natural food store in Dover, Hillsborough County (26 September 1996; Alan R. Haynes).

INSECT DETECTION: Brachypelma vagans (Asser), Mexican redrump tarantula: A moderate infestation was found in a citrus grove near Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County (4 September 1996; Reed 'Ed' Burns, Jr., Kenneth L. Hibbard, and James J. Walukiewicz). The spiders were found in 18-24 inches deep burrows under the citrus trees. The species is not native to Florida and is found from southern Mexico and into Central America. This tarantula species was collected at the same site on several occasions. There are unconfirmed reports of these tarantulas at other sites in St. Lucie County. Eradications methods are being evaluated (G.B. Edwards).

Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse), a bostrichid beetle: A moderate infestation was found in furniture purchased in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County (6 September 1996; David M. Mooney).

Megouroparsus singularis (Hottes & Frison), an aphid: A winged individual was collected in a suction trap in Quincy, Gadsden County (23-30 August 1996; Richard K. Sprenkel, University of Florida North Florida Research & Education Center, Quincy and Susan E. Halbert). NEW DPI STATE RECORD FOR THIS NATIVE SPECIES.

Odinia meijerei Collin, a fly: A specimen was collected in a Jackson trap in a calamondin tree in Melbourne, Brevard County (9 September 1996; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus, and David H. Faneuf). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Stiretrus anchorago (Fabricius), a predaceous stinkbug: The stinkbugs were preying on caterpillars at a butterfly nursery in Kissimmee, Osceola County (11 September 1996; Barbara J. Wilder).

Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: Winged individuals were collected in a suction trap at Immokalee, Collier County (23-30 August and 20-27 September 1996; James M. Conner and Philip A. Stansly, University of Florida, Southwest Florida Research & Education Center, Immokalee, and Susan E. Halbert). These collections indicate significant flight activity and potential spread of citrus tristeza virus in the Immokalee area (Susan E. Halbert).

Botany Section

Entomology Section

Nematology Section

Plant Pathology Section

NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Paul S. Lehman, Ph.D.

A total of 2,565 samples were processed in September and October. Details are shown below:

Certification and Regulatory Samples:

Multistate Certification for National and International Export 958
California Certification 822
Premovement 134
Site or Pit Approval 39
Burrowing Nematode 96

Other Samples:

Identification (Invertebrate) 0
Out of state survey, via Florida Interceptions 8
Plant Problem 185
Intrastate Survey, Random 323

Based on DPI records all of the following nematodes are reported for the first time from Florida:

Erica subdivaricata (persoluta heather)--Pratylenchus bolivianus Corbett, 1983, lesion nematode, was found parasitizing the roots of this shrub in Lakeland, Polk County. (13 February 1996, Donald R. Robbins, N96-00211). NEW STATE RECORD.

Hemerocallis sp. (a daylily)--Paratylenchus holdemani Raski, 1975, a pin nematode, was found associated with roots of this ornamental in Brooksville, Hernando County. (16 January 1996, Samuel A. Fuller, N96-00046). NEW STATE RECORD.

Hemerocallis sp. (a daylily)--Paratylenchus breviculus Raski, 1973, a pin nematode, was found associated with the roots of this ornamental in Green Cove Springs, Clay County (7 July 1996, Wayne W. Smith, N96-00885). NEW STATE RECORD.

Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia, a native species)--Allotrichodorus sharmae Rashid, De Waele & Coomans, 1986, stubby root nematode, was found associated with roots of this ornamental in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County. (4 March 1996, Floyd McHenry, N96-00292). NEW STATE RECORD.

Pinus palustris (longleaf pine, a native species)--Hoplolaimus magnistylus Robbins, 1982, spiral nematode, was found associated with the roots of this tree in Gainesville, Alachua County. (8 February 1996, Robert P. Esser, N96-00150). NEW STATE RECORD.

COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1996:

Dees, Carrie S. 55
Fuller, Samuel A. 98
Harris, Jessie M. 48
Lanza, Lisa. 7
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 176
Nelson, Carl R. 29
Peacock, Maria 37
Robinson, William L. "Robbie" 233
Salisbury, Thomas L. 203
Santos, Maria 403
Smith, W. Wayne 54

PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by John W. Miller, Ph.D.

For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 955 specimens. These included 722 pathology, 18 miscellaneous, 14 soil, and 201 suspect canker samples. (These figures do not include citrus canker slips which are still in Miami.) Some of the samples are shown below:

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANT AND PALMS: Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine)-- Corynespora elaeidicola M. B. Ellis, a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Sarasota, Sarasota County (07 Octobert 1996, Elizabeth L. Roberts, P96-2890). NEW STATE RECORD.

Rhododendron sp. (azalea)-- Elsinoe sp. and Sphaceloma sp., a scab/spot anthracnose: Collected at a nursery in Newberry, Alachua County (27 August 1996, Maria E. Peacock, P96-2382). NEW HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Bacopa sp. (bacopa)-- Xanthomonas sp., a bacterial leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Hawthorne, Alachua County (23 September 1996, Maria E. Peacock, Gretchan L. Langley, P96-2719). NEW HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Bauhinia sp. (orchid tree)-- Cristulariella moricola (Hino) Redhead, a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville, Alachua County (19 September 1996, Maria E. Peacock, Gretchan L. Langley, P96-2650). NEW HOST RECORD.

Brugmansia x insignis (hybrid angel's trumpet)-- Pseudocercospora daturina (Yen) Deighton, a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Vero Beach, Indian River County (01 October 1996, Lee Rathbun, nursery owner, and Nancy Coile, P96-2836). NEW HOST RECORD.

Melampodium paludosum (black foot daisy)-- Cercospora sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville, Alachua County (19 August 1996, Timothy S. Schubert, P96-2288). NEW HOST RECORD.

Phlox paniculata (perennial phlox, or summer phlox)--Cercospora omphacodes Ellis & Holw., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Newberry, Alachua County (24 September 1996, Maria E. Peacock, P96-2736).

Spiraea sp. (spiraea)-- Xanthomonas sp., a bacterial leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Hawthorne, Putnam County (23 September 1996, Maria E. Peacock, Gretchan L. Langley, P96-2717). NEW HOST RECORD.

Tithonia sp. (Mexican sunflower)-- Puccinia sp., a foliar rust: Collected at a nursery in Hawthorne, Alachua County (23 September 1996, Maria E. Peacock, Gretchan L. Langley, P96-2718).

Weigelia florida (Korean weigelia)-- Nectriella pironii Alfieri, a stem gall: Collected at a nursery in Middleburg, Clay County (24 September 1996, Gretchan L. Langley, P96-2749). NEW HOST RECORD.

FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Nyssa sylvatica (blackgum, a native species)-- Sphaceloma sp., a scab/spot anthracnose: Collected at a nursery in Monticello, Jefferson County (12 September 1996, Jimmie R. Wigelsworth, P96-2565). NEW HOST RECORD.

FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal)-- Pseudomonas cichorii (Swing.) Stapp, a bacterial leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Melrose, Putnam County (16 September 1996, Sarah E. Walker Maria E. Peacock, P96-2666). NEW HOST RECORD.

Prunus avium 'Bing' (sweet cherry cultivar)-- Phloeosporella padi (Lib.) v. Arx, a leaf spot/shot hole: Collected at a nursery in Lithia, Hillsborough County (16 October 1996, James R. Martin, P96-2991). NEW HOST RECORD.

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Pleioblastus variegatus (dwarf white-striped bamboo, synonym: Arundinaria variegatus)-- Exserohilum rostratum (Drechs.) K. J. Leonard and E. G. Suggs, a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Sanford, Seminole County (28 August 1996, Anne F. Weathers, P96-2443). NEW HOST RECORD.

Eremochloa ophiuroides (centipede grass)-- Crinipellis sp., a turf blight: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville, Alachua County (18 September 1996, Robert Cannon, P96-2630). NEW HOST RECORD.

Pyrrhopappus carolinianus (false dandelion)-- Septoria sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Newberry, Alachua County (27 August 1996, Maria E. Peacock, P96-2381). NEW HOST RECORD.

Rottboelia cochinchinensis (itchgrass, synonym: R. exaltata, Florida and Federal Noxious Weed)-- Curvularia cymbopogonis (C.W. Dodge) Grover & Skolko, a leaf spot: Collected on rural road survey in Darby, Pasco County (19 September 1996, Warren J. Dowling, P96-2698). NEW HOST RECORD.

NATIVE OR NATURALIZED: Chionanthus virginicus (fringe tree)-- Cercospora sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Orlando, Orange County (23 September 1996, W. Jack Shirley, P96-2746). NEW HOST RECORD.

Echinodorus cordifolius (radicans sword, synonym: E. radicans)-- Cercospora osirisae El-Gholl, Proffer & T.S. Schubert, a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Lake City, Columbia County (20 September 1996, M. Janie Echols, P96-2687).

Illicium parviflorum (yellow anise)-- Elsinoe sp., a scab/spot anthracnose: Collected at a nursery in Longwood, Orange County (28 August 1996, William M. Purvis, P96-2420). NEW HOST RECORD.

OTHER DETECTIONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Hymenoptera (wasps, bees and ants)-- Cordyceps sp., an insect parasite: Collected at a nursery in Goulds, Dade County (12 September 1996, Edward T. Putland, M96-0065).

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