TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 36, No. 3
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
MAY-JUNE 1997
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud
Added to the herbarium collection during this period were 4 seed collection (total of 1,462 seed samples). For this period, 62 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 707 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 769). Some of the samples are described below:
Apocynum cannabinum L., Apocynaceae, Indian hemp: Perennial herb with milky sap, to 120 cm tall. Leaves opposite, ovate, elliptic to lanceolate, 4-14 cm long, and 1.5-6 cm wide, glabrous to tomentose beneath. Flowers borne in dense cymes, usually overtopped by leafy branches; corolla 3-5 mm long, tubular, white tinged green to pinkish, scarcely exceeding calyx lobes. Fruits paired follicles, to 20 cm long, usually curved. Seeds with a tuft of short hairs. The strong fibers derived from this plant were important to Amerindians to make fishing nets and baskets. Woodland margins, roadsides and dry waste places; essentially throughout eastern United States and Canada. (Columbia County; B97-216; Mary J. 'Janie' Echols; 6 June 1997). (Huxley 1992; Radford et al.1964).
Buddleja davidii Franch., Loganiaceae, summer lilac, butterfly bush: Vigorous, deciduous shrub to 3 m tall. Branchlets subquadrangular. Leaves opposite, to 20 cm long, and 7 cm wide, dark green above, white-felted below, lanceolate, acuminate, finely toothed; stipules often on main branches only, leaflike; petioles short, to 5 mm long. Inflorescence thick terminal panicles, to 30 cm long, of many-flowered cymes; flowers fragrant; corolla pale violet to purple with orange eye (cultivars also include red-purple, white, and blue), 7.5-14 mm long, outside glabrous or stellate-pubescent, and/or with minute glandular hairs, tube 6-11.5 mm long. Grown for its masses of fragrant and nectar-rich flowers which attract butterflies. Native of China and Japan, naturalized in many parts of the world. [Sometimes spelled Buddleia.] (Lake County; B97-179; Christine M. Murphy; 2 May 1997). (Huxley 1992).
Dioscorea bulbifera L., Dioscoreaceae, air potato, potato yam: Tuberous-rooted twining vigorously high-climbing vine, the stems producing numerous large or small bulblets, bulblets very hard, somewhat compressed, to about 10 cm thick, smooth or warty. Leaves alternate; petioles about as long as blades; blades broadly ovate-cordate, 7-15 cm broad, cuspidate-acuminate at apex, usually 9 curving nerves, membranous, glossy. Stipules present, membranous, oblong-lanceolate. Staminate spikes slender, simple, 3-10 cm long, sometimes paniculate, the solitary flowers variable in size; perianth segments lanceolate, spreading; stamens 6, minute, the anthers oblong-elliptic; style rudiments 3, subulate. Pistillate spikes simple, 10-25 cm long, fasciculate, the flowers erect and often appressed to the rachis. Capsule 2.5 cm long, and 1.5 cm broad, oblong, rounded at each end or sometimes subacute at the apex. Edible and inedible forms exist; the former are cultivated in the Orient. Native of tropical Asia, but introduced throughout the tropics, subtropics, and warm temperate climates. Listed as Category I by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. (Brevard County; B97-219; David H. Faneuf; 3 June 1997). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S. F. Blake, Compositae, Mexican sunflower: Robust, erect annual to 4 m tall. Leaves to 30 cm long, and 20 cm broad, ovate to triangular-ovate, entire to 3-5-lobed, base cordate, sparsely hairy beneath, margins crenate to serrate; petiole to 10 cm long. Heads supported by a hollow peduncle which is wide just below the head. Heads to 7 cm in diameter; phyllaries 14 to 21, in 2-3 series, linear to lanceolate, acute, minutely pubescent; rays to 3.5 cm long, orange to orange-scarlet; often the lower surface of the rays are yellow-orange. Notable more for its extraordinary dimensions than for ornamental merit, this coarse plant is grown for its late summer and autumn flowers. Native from central Mexico to Panama; naturalized in the West Indies. (Columbia County; B97-217; Mary J. 'Janie' Echols; 6 June 1997). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Verbena bonariensis L., Verbenaceae, purple-top vervain, South American vervain: Stiffly erect annual or short-lived perennial herb, 1 m or more tall, somewhat scabrous-pubescent; stems 4-angled, the internodes elongate. Leaves opposite, sessile; blades linear-lanceolate to oblong, to 11 cm long, and 1.5 cm broad, acute at apex, subcordate at base, rugose and hirtellous above, spreading-pubescent below, margin sharply serrate. Spikes compact, to about 7 cm long, mostly shorter, usually sessile and crowded in dense fasciculate cymes, not elongating; bractlets lanceolate, acuminate, barely equaling or slightly surpassing the calyx, pubescent; calyx 3 mm long, pubescent, the lobes acute, with subulate tips; corolla blue to violet or purple, the tube scarcely twice as long as the calyx, pubescent outside, the limb inconspicuous. Nutlets 1.5-2 mm long, longitudinally ribbed on outer surface. Introduced from South America; naturalized in waste places in southern United States, Bermuda, and the West Indies. A similar species (V. brasiliensis Vell., Brazilian vervain) can be distinguished by attenuate leaf bases rather than clasping ones. (Jefferson County; B97-212; James H. Aldrich, North Florida Research and Educational Center; 29 May 1997). (Correll and Correll 1982; Huxley 1992, Radford et al. 1964; Wunderlin 1982).
Viola primulifolia L., Violaceae, primrose-leaved violet: Stemless, glabrous to pubescent perennial, to 25 cm tall; rhizomes robust, erect; stolons leafy, bearing terminal cleistogamous flowers. Leaves ovate to oblong-ovate, to 4 cm wide, glabrous to subglabrous, apex acute or obtuse to rounded, base cuneate to subcordate, margin shallow-crenate; stipules narrow-lanceolate; petiole tinged red, winged at base. Flowers white, to 12 mm long; petals to 8 mm long, lower petal with purple veins, bearded; style green; spur short to 2 mm long; peduncle to 25 mm long. From eastern North America. (Orange County; B97-197; Barbara 'Barbie' J. Wilder; 14 May 1997). (Huxley 1992).
GLOSSARY: cleistogamous: self-fertilized flowers, these are usually inconspicuous and often underground or in leaf litter; cuspidate: tapering abruptly to a tip; follicle: dry fruit from a single ovary and spliting on one side; hirtellous: with hairs on the midribs; perianth: the calyx and corolla collectively, or when only one whorl is present; phyllaries: involucral bracts under the head in Compositae, these may be in several rows, may overlap; subulate: tapering from a broad or thick base to a sharp point.
REFERENCES
- L. H. Bailey Hortorium Staff. 1976. Hortus third, a concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada. Macmillan Publishing Company, New York. 1,290 p.
- Correll, D. S. and H. B. Correll. 1982. Flora of the Bahama Archipelago. J. Cramer, Hirschberg, Germany. 1,692 p.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Radford, A. E., A. E. Ahles and C. R. Bell. 1964. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 1,183 p.
- Wunderlin, R.P. 1982. Guide to the vascular plants of Central Florida. University Presses of Florida, Tampa. 472 p.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph.D.
For the month of May, there were 1986 samples consisting of 14,207+ specimens. In June, there were 1674 samples consisting of 10,551+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck palm)-- Acanalonia excavata Van Duzee, a planthopper: One specimen was found on a plant in Kendall (Dade County; E97-1770; James R. Martin; 25 April 1997).
This is a Nicaraguan species not previously reported in Florida (Lois B. O'Brien, Professor Emeritus, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee). Its biology is unknown. NEW RECORD FOR NORTH AMERICA.
-- Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth), a bagworm: An infestation was found in Miami (Dade County; E97-2030; Gwen H. Myres; 14 May 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Wodyetia bifurcata (foxtail palm)-- Palmicultor sp. nr. browni Williams, a mealybug: An infestation was intercepted by California on crowns of plants in a shipment from Florida (Broward County; E97-2264; M. I. S. Quintanilla, California Department of Food and Agriculture; 28 May 1997). This species is not known previously from Florida (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, aulacaspis cycad scale: A severe infestation of this new Asian pest was found on more than 50 of 80 plants at a nursery in Homestead (Dade County; E97-2320; Julian L. Gutierrez; 28 May 1997). This location is many miles to the west of other known infestations.
Ixora sp. (ixora)-- Minutaleyrodes minutus (Singh), minute whitefly: A severe infestation involved 90% of 250 plants at a nursery in Fort Lauderdale (Broward County; E97-2725; Rita J. Carpenter; 25 June 1997).
Miscanthus sp. (eulalia grass)-- Miscanthicoccus miscanthi (Takahashi), a mealybug: A slight infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E97-935; Barbara 'Barbie' J. Wilder, Dr. Susan E. Halbert and Dr. Avas B. Hamon; 12 March 1997). This mealybug was intercepted 31 December 1996 on a shipment of plants from California, but this find represents the first record for an established population in Florida (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Opuntia sp. (prickly-pear cactus)-- Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg), a pyralid moth: A severe infestation was found on 15-20 plants at a residence in Deltona (Volusia County; E97-2424; Stacy N. Siewnath; 4 June 1997). There is no effective control for this insect (Dr. John B. Heppner).
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Curcuma 'Black Thai' (a ginger cultivar)-- Cercidocerus prob. fabricator Gyllenhal, a weevil: An infestation was found on plants imported from Thailand via Hawaii at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-2927; Russell Adams; 13 June 1997). This insect is native to Asia (Dr. Michael C. Thomas). NEW RECORD FOR WESTERN HEMISPHERE.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus)-- Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring, silverleaf whitefly: A severe infestation involved all of 90 plants at a discount store in Lake Mary (Seminole County; E97-2372; Anne F. Weathers; 4 June 1997).
Rhododendron sp. (azalea)-- Stephanitis pyriodes (Scott), azalea lacebug: A severe infestation involved 100,000 plants at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E97-2370; Leslie J. Wilbur; 4 June 1997).
Vriesea sp. (a bromeliad)-- Hemiberlesia palmae (Cockerell), tropical palm scale: A severe infestation involved half of 1000 plants at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E97-458; Leslie J. Wilbur; 13 February 1997).
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Bursera simaruba (gumbo-limbo, a native species)-- Philephedra tuberculosa Nakahara & Gill, a scale insect: A severe infestation was found on a plant in a campground near Marathon (Monroe County; E97-88; Anne R. Gordon-Vega; 5 January 1997).
Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia, a native species)-- Euphoria sepulchralis (Fabricius), a scarab beetle: A moderate infestation was found on flowers at a nursery in Orlando (Orange County; E97-1837; Tyson R. Emery; 30 April 1997). This is a flower pest (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Morus rubra (red mulberry, a native species)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A moderate infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Port St Lucie, St. Lucie County (27 May 1997; Kenneth L. Hibbard; E97-2221). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Pinus spp. (pines, especially P. taeda L., loblolly pine, a native species)-- Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, southern pine beetle: Severe outbreaks of this aggressive, tree-killing beetle continue to worsen throughout Marion and Levy counties. In Marion County, over 200 infestations have developed since the first of the year and have recently impacted residential landscapes within the city of Ocala. The city government has declared a tree emergency and adopted a direct suppression program. Over 200 infestations have been detected in Levy County, where the largest infestation is more than 100 acres. Active and enlarging southern pine beetle infestations have also been identified in: Putnam Co. approximately five miles west of Palatka; in Clay Co. east of Camp Blanding; and, in Taylor and Dixie cos. along the lower reaches of the Steinhatchee River. Aggressive felling and removal of all infested trees is necessary to minimize the impacts of this destructive insect during such outbreaks. There are no reported outbreaks since 1947 in Marion County. These new outbreaks are due to the recent increase in acreage of loblolly pine. Once the beetle population reaches outbreak levels, then the beetle will affect other pine species (James 'Jim' R. Meeker, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry).
Quercus sp. (an oak)-- Xyleborus sp., probably ferrugineus (Fabricius), a scolytid beetle: A localized but severe infestation was found on 95% of ten plants at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E97-1977; D. Krause; 12 May 1997).
Swietenia mahagoni (mahogany, Florida endangered species)-- Macalla thyrsisalis (Walker), mahogany webworm: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Davie (Broward County; E97-1927; William A. Thiel; 8 May 1997).
Ulmus rubra (slippery elm, a native species)-- Kaltenbachiella ulmafusca (Walsh & Riley), a root aphid: An infestation was found on its winter host in a state park north of Marianna (Jackson County; E97-1876; Dr. Paul E. Skelley; 6 May 1997). The summer hosts are roots of mints (Labiatae). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Ananas comosus (pineapple)-- Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat), bromeliad weevil: A moderate infestation was found on immature fruit at a residence in Stuart (Martin County; E97-2156; Bill Gould, homeowner, Robert B. Whitty, University of Florida, Martin County Cooperative Extension, and Kenneth L. Hibbard; 23 May 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato)-- Spartocera batatas (Fabricius), giant sweet potato bug: Infestations of this relatively new and conspicuous pest were found at Homestead (Dade County; E97-1920; Julieta Brambila, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center; 9 April 1997).
--Found at a farm in Homestead (Dade County; E97-1919; Julieta Brambila and A. Lambe, grower; 19 April 1997). This listing is the first record in commercial sweet potatoes in Florida.
Persea americana (avocado)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A slight infestation was found on a plant in Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County; E97-2220; Kenneth L. Hibbard and Richard L. Morris, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 28 May 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
CITRUS: Citrus meyerii (Meyer lemon)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: An infestation which included winged adults was found on three of 45 plants at a discount store in Pembroke Pines (Broward County; E97-2413; Nury M. Marrone; 6 June 1997).
Meyer lemons sometimes are infected with a severe strain of citrus tristeza virus that can be transmitted by brown citrus aphids (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A slight infestation was found on one of three plants at a residence in Port St. Lucie (St. Lucie County; E97-1975; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 12 May 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A moderate infestation was found on each of three plants at a residence in Boyette (Hillsborough County; E97-2572; Elaine MeComas, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 17 June 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Citrus sinensis (a navel orange cultivar)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A slight infestation was found in a commercial grove in Kenansville (Osceola County; E97-2362; Richard H. 'Dick' Stoll; 4 June 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Conyza canadensis (horseweed, a native species)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A moderate infestation was found on three of six plants at a residence in Port St. Lucie (St. Lucie County; E97-2219; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 27 May 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Cyperus rotundus (purple nutsedge, "the world's worst weed")-- Schizaphis rotundiventris (Signoret), an aphid: A moderate infestation was found at the University of Florida in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-1995; Fred T. McCuistion, Jr., University of Florida graduate student; 15 May 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. This aphid is relatively new to the Western Hemisphere. It is known to infest several Cyperus species (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Erechtites hieracifolia (fireweed, a native species)-- Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach), plum leaf curl aphid: An infestation was found on two plants in Melbourne (Brevard County; E97-1602; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus; 21 April 1997). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
--An infestation on the same species was found in Vero Beach (Indian River County; E97-1974; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 9 May 1997). NEW COUNTY RECORD.
This aphid species is a serious cosmopolitan pest on Prunus species (winter hosts) and various Compositae (summer hosts), especially chrysanthemums. This is DPI's first Florida record for an established population of this species; however, it has been trapped by plant virus epidemiologists in Leesburg (Dr. Susan E. Webb, University of Florida, Central Florida Research & Extension Center). In separate host transfer experiments by Ken Hibbard and Karen Garrett-Kraus, the eastern Florida population from fireweed failed to establish colonies on chrysanthemum (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Pluchea odorata (camphorweed, a native species)-- Paraphytoptus nr. calipucheae (Keifer), an eriophyid mite and Stenotarsonemus sp., a tarsonemid mite: A severe mixed infestation was found on one of 100 plants at a residence in Miami (Dade County; E97-1236; Mark L. Runnals; 2 April 1997).
Solanum capsicoides (soda-apple )-- Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring, silverleaf whitefly: An infestation was found on six plants at a University of Florida laboratory in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-2379; Dr. Nancy C. Coile; 9 June 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Sonchus oleraceus (sow thistle, native to Europe)-- Sixeonotus albicornis Blatchley, a plant bug: A specimen was found at a business in Sanibel (Lee County; E97-2111-003; Alan J. Gambill; 15 May 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
-- Hyperomyzus carduellinus (Theobald), an Asian sow thistle aphid: A severe infestation was found at a business in Sanibel (Lee County; E97-2111-002; Alan J. Gambill; 15 May 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
?Spartina bakeri (sand cordgrass, a native species)-- Odonaspis floridana Ben-Dov, a scale insect: An infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E97-859; Barbara 'Barbie' J. Wilder, Dr. Avas B. Hamon and Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 12 March 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Xanthium strumarium (cocklebur, a cosmopolitan weed native to the New World)-- Capitophorus xanthii (Oestlund), cocklebur aphid: An infestation was found on leaves in Hastings (St. John's County; E97-2067; Dr. Robert P. Esser, Theresa R. Estok and Gregory A. Brown; 21 May 1997). This is a widely distributed species (Dr. Susan E. Halbert). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
-- Corythucha marmorata (Uhler), a lacebug: An infestation was found on leaves in Hastings (St. John's County; E97-2071; Dr. Robert P. Esser, Theresa R. Estok and Gregory A. Brown; 21 May 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
OTHER NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel-tree)-- Trirhabda bacharidis (Weber), a leaf beetle: A severe infestation was found in Pensacola (Escambia County: E97-1832; Russell E. Hill, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 1 May 1997).
Commelina sp. (a dayflower)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A slight infestation involved two of four plants at a residence in Port St. Lucie (St. Lucie County; E97-2218; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 27 May 1997). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Passiflora incarnata (maypop)-- Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock, barnacle scale: A severe infestation on one of seven plants was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E97-1853; Barbara 'Barbie' J. Wilder; 1 May 1997).
Ruellia brittoniana (Mexican bluebells, Britton's wild-petunia, a native of Mexico)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A severe infestation was found on five of ten plants at a residence in Port St. Lucie (St. Lucie County; E97-2217; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 27 May 1997). Homeowners have reported that Mexican bluebells is invasive (Dr. Nancy C. Coile). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Salvia coccinea (blood sage, tropical sage)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A moderate infestation on two of four plants was found at a residence in Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County; E97-2468; Kenneth L. Hibbard; E97-2468). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Typha sp. (cat tail)-- Pseudococcus sorghiellus (Forbes), a mealybug: A moderate infestation was found in South Florida (Broward County; E97-2151; William A. Thiel; 22 May 1997).
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Aphis gossypii (cotton/melon aphid)-- Acanthocaudus sp., a parasitic wasp: a parasite on an aphid was collected on Stachys (a hedgenettle) in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-2565; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 20 April 1997). The parasitic wasp emerged from the aphid (Dr. Gregory A. Evans, University of Florida Post-doctoral Fellow). NEW DPI HOST RECORD FOR PARASITE GENUS.
Myzus varians Davidson (an aphid)-- Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake, a parasitic wasp: parasites on aphids were collected on Clematis virginiana (virgin's bower) in a state park near Marianna (Jackson County; E97-343; Dr. Susan E. Halbert and Letitia C. Croom; 4 January 1997). The parasites emerged from the aphids (Dr. Gregory A. Evans, University of Florida Post-doctoral Fellow). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Uroleucon elephantopicola (an aphid)-- Allothrombium sp., a mite: Mites were found attached to 2 of 20 aphids examined in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-2004; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 17 May 1997).
FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Citrus spp. (citrus)-- Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), One male was detected in a Trimedlure-baited Jackson trap in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E97-2190; Howard L. Wallace; 28 May 1997).
On the following day, eight additional adult males were detected in Brandon, Hillsborough County. Medfly larvae were first collected and identified in various citrus fruits (grapefruit, sweet orange and tangerine) in Brandon (Hillsborough County; E97-2226-2230; Avas B. Hamon; 1 June 1997).
A survey and eradication program went into effect immediately. Intensive trapping quickly revealed the Brandon area to be heavily infested. The primary host fruits were very mature grapefruit. On 6 June, the first aerial applications of malathion bait spray were applied. Initial treatment areas comprised two non-contiguous zones in Tampa and Brandon totalling 69 square miles.
Further trapping revealed a wider area of infestation that eventually encompassed Plant City and expanded the treatment area to nearly 400 square miles (see below for details). A series of medfly adult collections were made in Lakeland (Polk County; E97-2621; Robert S. Longtin, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 18 June 1997) which also led to aerial bait spraying. Further medfly outposts include Snead Island (Manatee County; E97-2740; L.D. Cunningham, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 26 June 1997), Apollo Beach (Hillsborough County; E97-2835; L.D. Cunningham; 2 July 1997), and Plymouth (Orange County; E97-2891; Charles A. 'Zo' Cooper; 9 July 1997). This is the most serious outbreak of medfly in Florida since 1956 and will entail at least several months of quarantine restrictions over large areas (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea-tree)-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A slight infestation was intercepted in a shipment from California to Tampa (Hillsborough County; E97-1729; Rebecca H. Lemstrom; 28 April 1997).
INSECTS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Amblyoma americana (Linnaeus), lonestar tick: One specimen was found on a person in Fort White (Columbia County; E97-2034; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 11 May 1997). This tick can vector human diseases (Dr. W. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Dermacentor variabilis (Say), American dog tick: Several specimens were collected from a dog at Fort White (Columbia County; E97-2033; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 16 May 1997). This tick can vector Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans (Dr. W. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Latrodectus geometricus C.L. Koch, brown widow spider: A moderate infestation was found in a residence in St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E97-1955; David M. Mooney; 7 May 1997).
Ornithonyssus bacoti (Hirst), tropical rat mite: These small reddish mites were found infesting a residence and causing an allergic reaction to residents in Orlando (Orange County; E97-1883; Barbara 'Barbie' J. Wilder; 4 May 1997). The mites are parasites of small mammals and sometimes bite people. Rodent control is the main means of dealing with the problem (Dr. W. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese), tropical fowl mite: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Homestead (Dade County; E97-2330; William R. Graves, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center; 3 June 1997). Mites were biting owners and dogs and could be found on the walls.
Ornithonyssus sp., an ornithonyssus mite: An infestation with mild bites on an infant and mother was found at a residence in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E97-2204; Jeff Coffee, pest control operator, Young Pest Control; 28 May 1997).
Triatoma lectularia (Stål), blood sucking cone nose: This vector of Chagas disease was found in a migrant camp in Myakka City (Manatee County; E97-2084; Mark L. Runnals; 21 May 1997).
These bugs are quite common in Florida and here rarely carry the pathogen (Dr. Jerry F. Butler, University of Florida).
INSECT DETECTION: Amnestus trimaculatus Froeschner, a burrower bug: A single specimen was collected in a McPhail trap in Miami (Dade County; E97-2046; Robert Kubina, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 8 May 1997). This is the second Florida specimen of this Cuban species added to the Florida State Collection of Arthropods.
Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach), plum leaf curl aphid: A specimen was collected in a yellow pan trap at Immokalee (Collier County; E97-2385; Dr. Philip A. Stansly, University of Florida, Southwest Research and Education Center; 4 June 1997). Please see page 6 for more about this species. NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Catorhintha selector Stål, a coreid bug: A specimen was collected at a state park near Boulougna (Nassau County; E97-2940; J. Eric Cronin, Research Associate, Florida State Collection of Arthropods, and Dr. Paul E. Skelley; 17 April 1997).
This Central American and Mexican bug is known also from Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas (Dr. James A. Slater, University of Connecticut, and Dr. Richard M. Baranowski, University of Florida). NEW STATE RECORD.
Euleia fratria (Loew), a tephritid fly: A specimen was collected in a McPhail trap in St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E97-1811; C. 'Keith' Hickman; 24 April 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
--A specimen was collected in a Jackson trap in Grand Island (Lake County; E97-1823; Harry L. Morrison; 17 April 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Megasoma sp., a scarab beetle: A live specimen was found in a yard in Miami (Dade County; E97-2594; Willio L. Francillon; 19 June 1997).
The beetle is 3 inches long and 1½ inches wide! There was no indication how the beetle arrived in Florida, but it is unlikely that this species, a native of Central and northern South America, will become established in Florida (Dr. Michael Thomas).
Schizoptera bispina McAtee & Malloch, a jumping ground bug: A specimen was trapped at a black light in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-1993; J. Eric Cronin, Research Associate, Florida State Collection of Arthropods; 1 May 1997).
This species is native to Guatemala and Mexico and is found in Spanish moss, sugar cane and leaf litter. It is reported in the literature from Florida, but there are no previous collections. DPI STATE RECORD.
Strongylium prob. aulicum Mäklin, a tenebrionid beetle: A specimen was collected in a citrus grove in Brandon (Hillsborough County; E97-2939; Dr. Paul E. Skelley; 8 June 1997).
Reported from Central America and Brownsville, Texas (Dr. Charles A. Triplehorn, Ohio State University). NEW FLORIDA RECORD.
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NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Renato N. Inserra, Ph.D.
A total of 3,852 samples were processed in May and June. Details are shown below:
Certification and Regulatory Samples:
Multistate Certification for National and
International Export 1,904
California Certification 1,130
Premovement 133
Site or Pit Approval 36
Burrowing Nematode 246
Other Samples:
Identification
(Invertebrate) 3
Florida Interceptions 4
Plant Problem 91
Intrastate Survey, Random 305
Nematodes of Special Interest: Bucida buceras (black-olive)-- Pratylenchus penetrans (Cobb, 1917) Filipjev & Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1941, lesion nematode: Found in the roots of this ornamental plant (Broward County; N97-00571; Thomas L. Salisbury; 1 May 1997).
Dillenia indica (elephant-apple)-- Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode: Extracted from roots of this ornamental plant (Broward County; N97-00641; Rita J. Carpenter; 16 May 1997).
Roots of this plant were severly galled and distorted by the nematode infection.
Fragaria x ananassa (strawberry)-- Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood, 1949, northern root-knot nematode: Extracted from roots of this field crop (Hillsborough County; N97-00652; Dr. Joseph W. Noling, University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center; 30 April 1997).
Root galls induced by this nematode on strawberry were spherical and smaller than those induced by M. incognita on other plants. Northern root-knot nematodes are not common in the warm soils of Florida. Meloidogyne hapla infestation on strawberry originated from infected propagative material introduced into Florida from Canada, where M. hapla is a common pest of vegetable and field crops. Strawberry growers should check strawberry runners for presence of gall symptoms before planting in order to avoid the contamination of fumigated fields with infected plant material (Dr. Joseph W. Noling).
Parietaria floridana (Florida pellitory)-- Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford & Oliveira, 1940, reniform nematode: Nematode females and eggs were extracted from roots of this weed in a greenhouse (Alachua County; N97-00762; Carol C. Cochran; 13 June 1997).
Florida pellitory is a new host for the reniform nematode and should be included in the list of weeds which are major source of contamination of this nematode pest in Florida nurseries.
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING MAY AND JUNE 1997:
Branch, Kenneth D. 10
Dees, Carrie S. 96
Dowling, Warren J. 'Jim' 85
Echols, M. 'Janie' 12
Esser, Robert P. 9
Fuller, Samuel A. 30
Gambill, Alan J. 5
Harris, Jessie M. 105
Leahy, Robert M. 5
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 357
Peacock, Maria E 15
Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' 169
Salisbury, Thomas L. 459
Smith, W. Wayne 87
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by John W. Miller, Ph.D.
For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 1,320 specimens. These included 483 pathology, 11 miscellaneous, 14 soil, 793 suspect canker samples as of June 26, 1997 in Miami, and 19 suspect canker samples from Manatee County.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Butia capitata (pindo palm, or jelly palm)-- Graphium sp., secondary pathogen: Collected at a nursery in Orlando (Orange County; P97-1395; Tyson R. Emery; 30 April 1997). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Schefflera arboricola (dwarf schefflera) -- Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend. Fr., root rot: Collected at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; P97-1609; Charles 'Zo' Cooper; 5 May 1997). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Barleria cristata (Phillipine violet)-- Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr., Fusarium semitectum Berk. & Ravenel, root rot: Collected at a nursery in Wauchula (Hardee County; P97-1611; James E. Bennett; 22 May 1997). NEW HOST RECORD.
Guzmania sp. (bromeliad)-- Fusarium moniliforme J. Sheld., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; P97-1727; Leslie J. Wilber; 6 June 1997). NEW HOST RECORD.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Hemarthria altissima 'Floralta' (limpograss cultivar)-- Rhizoctonia sp., root/crown rot: Collected at a ranch in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; P97-1722; Kenneth L. Hibbard, and the following personnel from University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center: Dr. Albert E. Kretschmer, Dr. Robert C. Bullock, and Thomas C. Wilson; 6 June 1997). NEW HOST RECORD.
OTHER DETECTIONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Cucurbita okeechobeensis (Okeechobee gourd, federally endangered species)-- Sphaerotheca fuliginea (Schlechtend.:Fr.) Pollacci, powdery mildew: Collected at Snake Creek Cut Off Island, near Blue Springs State Park (Volusia County; P97-1417; Marc C. Minno and Maria Minno; 1 May 1997). NEW HOST RECORD.
Leguminosae, possibly an Indigofera sp.-- Parodiella hedysari (Schwein.) S. J. Hughes , leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Winter Garden (Orange County; M97-0050; Barbara 'Barbie' J. Wilder; 3 June 1997).
