TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 37, No. 4
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
JULY-AUGUST 1998
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 39 mounted specimens (total of 7,611). James R. Martin (R2A3), Edward T. Putland (R3A4), and Barbara J. Wilder, with Tyson R. Emery, (R2A1) each submitted one specimen new to the herbarium. For this period, 78 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 693 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 771). Some of the samples are described below:
Bauhinia aculeata L., Leguminosae, orchid tree: Tree or shrub, spiny, hairy. Leaves to 10 cm long, simple, bilobed (cleft from apex for third of the length), suborbicular-cordate to ovate-oblong, leathery, glabrous. Stipular spines paired, curved. Inflorescence axillary, short, 2-4 flowered; pedicels to 1 cm long; calyx to 5 cm long, spathe-like, lanceolate-acuminate, splitting into 1 or 2 recurved parts; petals to 6 cm long, white, oblanceolate to obovate, clawed; stamens 10. Fruit to 6 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, oblong, compressed, leathery. Summer flowering. Native of Central America. (Lee County; B98-347; Stephen H. Brown, University of Florida's Lee County Extension Service; 31 July 1998). (Huxley 1992).
Cassia javanica L., (=C. nodosa Roxb.), Leguminosae, pink shower, rainbow shower: Deciduous tree to 25 m tall, rarely to 40 m tall. The trunk occasionally with a few stout, dark gray, thorn-tipped branches 5-10 cm long, and with a widespread crown of thin foliage. Young parts thickly downy. Leaves even pinnate, 10-43 cm long; leaflets 3-8 cm long, 1.5-3.2 cm wide, in 8-17 pairs, elliptic to oblong-elliptic, apex rounded or acute; stipules bilobed. Flowers 10 to many in subsessile, rigid, intercalary, 3-5 cm long; bracts 5-10 mm long, conspicuous; bracteoles smaller; calyx green or tinged purple, downy throughout, longest lobe 4-10 mm long; petals to 35 mm long, crimson or pale pink to buff, downy beneath, apex ranging from broadly rounded to sharp-tipped; fertile stamens 9-10, yellow, filaments with medial knot-like swelling; ovary stiff- or soft-hirsute, or glabrate, ovules 68-94. Fruit 20-60 cm long, 1.5 cm in diameter, linear, terete, dark-purple, becoming brown or black-brown at maturity, indehiscent. One of the most handsome of the tropical flowering trees. Native to Southeast Asia (Lee County; B98-311; Stephen H. Brown, University of Florida's Lee County Extension Service; 2 July 1998). (Huxley 1992; Little and Wadsworth 1964).
Crescentia alata HBK, Bignoniaceae, jicara, tecomate: Tree to 8 m tall, branches crooked; branchlets absent or very few. Leaves compound or simple, in clusters, 3-foliate, leaflets 1-4.5 cm long, 0.3-1.2 cm wide, apex rounded or emarginate, rigid and papery; petiole 2.7-11.5 cm long, winged, oblanceolate, rigid-papery. Pedicels 0.5-0.8 cm long; flowers musky-scented; calyx bilabiate, lobes 1.4-1.9 cm long, 0.7-1.4 cm wide, glabrous; corolla tan brown tubular-campanulate, horizontally folded below, tube 2.8-4.2 cm long, lobes 1-1.5 cm long, triangular, bases connate; style 4.3-5.8 cm long; ovary rounded-conical. Fruit 7-10 cm in diameter, indehiscent, shell woody, pulpy within; seeds 6-7 mm long, 7-9 mm broad. Widely planted throughout the tropics for the fruits, which, though smaller than those of C. cujete, calabash, are also fashioned into bowls, cups, jugs, and other utensils, as well as ornaments and maracas, sometimes decoratively carved. Native from Mexico to Costa Rica. (Dade County; B98-306; Edward T. Putland; 30 June 1998). (Huxley 1992; Little and Wadsworth 1964).
Euphorbia tirucalli L., Euphorbiaceae, pencil cactus, pencil tree, milkbush: Partially dioecious, succulent tree, to 9 m tall. Stems branched; branches opposite to alternate, terminal branches clustered, to 7 mm in diameter, cylindric, glabrous, pale green. Leaves to 12 mm long, 2 mm wide, alternate, linear to linear-lanceolate , soon abscising. Cyathia clustered; involucre cupulate, to 3 mm in diameter, lobed, lobes rhombic, dentate; glands 5, to 1.5 mm, entire. Fruit to 8 mm in diameter, bluntly triangular. The milky white sap is toxic on ingestion and highly irritating externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The active principles comprise co-carcinogenic diterpene esters and although effects may vary according to season and/or stage of growth, the toxicity remains high even in dried plant material. Should not be planted along edges of ponds, or stocked pools, since exudation from broken roots may be fatal to fish. Extensively planted in Mexico, Central America, and West Indies, as living hedges. Native of tropical and South Africa, India east to Indonesia. (Dade County; B98-334; Gwen H. Myres; 22 July 1998). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass., Compositae, niger seed, ramtil: Annual herb to 2 m tall, erect, glabrous or glandular pubescent. Stems branched, occasionally purple-stained. Leaves to 15 cm long, 6 cm wide, sessile, margin entire to serrate. Flower heads many, 1-2 cm in diameter, pedunculate; peduncles 1-2 cm long, densely hairy beneath head; receptacle hemispherical; outer phyllaries 5, broadly ovate to obovate, glabrous, inner pubescent; ray florets 6-15, ligule ca. 2 mm long, yellow. Achene 3-4 mm long, widened upward. Seeds are sterilized before importation into the U.S. for use as finch birdseed. There was a slip-up in this case, but USDA is checking into it. Native of Ethiopia, naturalized in California. (Alachua County; B98-365; Dr. Warren 'Cal' Welbourn; 25 March 1997). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq., Sapindaceae, Spanish lime, mamoncillo: Tree to 20 m tall. Leaves alternate, rachis often winged; petioles to 6 cm long; blades evenly pinnate; leaflets in 2 opposite sessile pairs, ovate elliptic to elliptic, obtuse to acuminate at apex, 6-12 cm long, 6 cm wide. Inflorescences in terminal, many-flowered, simple or paniculate racemes; flowers fragrant, with spreading pedicels 4-6 mm long; calyx 4- or 5-lobed, lobes 2 mm long; petals 4 or 5, 3-4 mm long, obovate, obtuse, greenish-white, ciliate; stamens 8, the glabrous, distinct filaments filiform. Ovary 2- or 3-celled, with 1 or 2 ovules in each locule; style short, the stigma 2- or 3-lobed. Drupe yellowish-green, subglobose, 2-3 cm in diameter, pulp gelatinous, pleasantly acid and edible, surrounding a solitary spherical seed. Cultivated in South Florida. Beside furnishing fruit and shade, it is a honey plant. Its pleasantly scented flowers attract bees. Native of tropical America but introduced into tropical Asia and Africa. (Lee County; B98-364; Sheila J. Foe; 11 August 1998). (Correll and Correll 1982; Little and Wadsworth 1964).
Mussaenda philippica A. Rich., Rubiaceae, tropical dogwood, kahoi-dalaga: Shrub or small tree 3-5 m tall. Leaves petiolate, 6-14 cm long, oval, pointed at both ends; stipules 4 mm long. Flowers in terminal cymes; calyx 5-lobed, one lobe greatly enlarged and leaf-like, white, and very showy; corolla to 2 cm long, yellow, hairy. Fruit to 1.5 cm long. Common in South Florida's gardens, along with other species such as M. frondosa (showy white sepal), and M. erythrophylla (showy sepal scarlet, rose, or pink; depending of cultivar). In its native Philippines, this species is said to be used against snake bikes and to cure dysentery. The roots and leaves in decoction are used for certain affections of the chest and lungs. The root is employed in cases of jaundice as are also the white, full-grown sepals. (Orange County; B98-304; Barbara J. Wilder; 26 June 1998). (Brown 1950).
Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) K. Heyne, (=P. inerme (Roxb.) Naves), Leguminosae, yellow poinciana, yellow jacaranda, copper pod: Evergreen tree to 20 m tall. Young twigs, leaves rachis, peduncles, and pedicels densely coated with rusty or reddish-brown hairs. Leaves alternate, bipinnate, 40 cm long; pinnae 7-15 pairs; leaflets to 2 cm long, 1 cm wide, sessile, 8-20 pairs, elliptic-oblong. Flowers fragrant, in terminal, ascending, compound racemes to 20 cm long; bracts to 1 cm long; pedicels to 1.5 cm long; calyx to 8 mm long; corolla to 4 cm across, yellow, with short-clawed obovate petals, margins frilled; pistil pilose. Fruit to 10 cm long, 2.5 cm broad, samaroid-elliptic to asymmetric oblong, flat, narrow-winged, 2-3 seeded, dark reddish-brown when mature. A handsome ornamental and shade tree, grows rapidly. The flowers attract bees. Reported to be shallow-rooted and subject to damage by strong winds. Widely cultivated throughout the tropics. Native to tropical Asia (Lee County; B98-309; Stephen H. Brown, University of Florida's Lee County Extension Service; 2 July 1998). (Little and Wadsworth 1964; Huxley 1992).
Tabebuia guayacan (Seem.) Hemsl., Bignoniaceae, yellow poui: tree to 50 m tall. trunk often buttressed to 60 cm in diameter, bark gray to beige, channeled. Leaves 5-7-foliate; petioles 7-17 cm long, petiolules 1.1-6.5 cm long, terminal longest; leaflets 6-22 cm long, 21.-9.5 cm wide, oblong-ovate to lanceolate, apex acute, base obtuse, lateral leaflets often further divided, margins entire, scaly and pubescent on venation beneath. Inflorescence lax, flowers opening together; peduncle and pedicels rust-colored pubescent; calyx 7-15 mm long, 5-12 mm broad, pubescent, 2-5-lobed; corolla 6-11 cm long, funnelform, yellow, bilabiate, 5-lobed, lobes 13-33 mm long, lined with pubescent inside; ovary glabrous to scaly. Fruit 29-45 cm long, 1.5-3 cm in diameter, terete, glabrous, calyx not persistent. Valued for its showy flowers. Native from Mexico to Colombia. (Lee County; B98-315; Stephen H. Brown, University of Florida's Lee County Extension Service). (Huxley 1992).
Tetranema roseum (M. Martens & Galeottii) Standley. & Steyerm., Scrophulariaceae, Mexican foxglove: Perennial herb to 20 cm tall, with very short, somewhat woody stem. Leaves few or numerous, 5-20 cm long, obovate, spatulate-obovate, or oblong-oblanceolate, rounded to acute at the apex, long-attenuate to the sessile base, margin crenate-serrate, glabrous or nearly so, or often puberulent beneath. Peduncles about equaling the leaves in length, or often longer, inflorescence umbelliform, several-flowered, pedicels 5-13 mm long, densely puberulent; calyx 5-lobed, sepals lanceolate or narrowly ovate, acute or acuminate, the tips not filiform, puberulent or glabrate; corolla 2-lipped, lower lip 3-lobed, upper lip 2-lobed, 1.5-2 cm long, violet with a purple throat, glabrous outside; stamens 4. Fruit a capsule, broadly ovoid, 4 mm long. A free-flowering plant resembling a small gesneriad. Native of Mexico and Guatemala. (Hillsborough County; B98-346; Mark L. Runnals; 31 July 1998). (Huxley 1992; Standley & Williams 1973).
GLOSSARY: cyathium (cyathia, pl.; also called a psuedanthium): peculiar inflorescence where several flowers simulate a single flower, often with petaloid glands (especially in Euphorbia); dioecious: (two-houses) having the staminate and pistillate flowers on separate plants; emarginate: having a notch or a sinus at the end; intercalary: placed somewhere along the length of a stem; locule: a cell or cavity; phyllaries: the bracts (forming the involucre) which subtend the inflorescence (flower-head) in Compositae.
REFERENCES
- Brown, W. H. 1950. Useful plants of the Philippines. Philippine Executive Commission. Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Bureau of Science, Manila. Acorn Press, Ballarat, Australia. Technical Bulletin 10 (3): 351-352.
- 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.
- Standley, P. C. and L. O. Williams. 1973. Flora of Guatemala. Labiatae and Scrophulariaceae. Fieldiana 24 (IX): 409-411.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. Macmillan Press, London. 4 vols. 3,240 p.
- Little, Jr., E. L. and F. H. Wadsworth. 1964. Common trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. USDA, Forest Service, Washington, D.C. Agricultural Handbook No. 249. 548 p.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph.D.
For the month of July, there were 1,352 samples consisting of 8,911+ specimens. In August, there were 846 samples consisting of 9,582+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Jatropha integerrima (peregrina)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, marginal mealybug: An infestation was found at a residence in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E98-2815; Betty L. Wiklow, homeowner; 11 August 1998. Also, see note under Hibiscus rosa-sinensis on page 6. NEW HOST RECORD.
Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle)-- Paramysidia mississippiensis (Dozier), a derbid planthopper: A specimen was collected at a nursery in Plant City (Hillsborough County; E98-2747; James R. Martin; 7 August 1998). NEW TO FLORIDA STATE COLLECTION OF ARTHROPODS.
Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: Thousands of plants were infested at nurseries in Homestead (Dade County; E98-2101; Terrance D. Williams; 24 June 1998) and in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County; E98-2201; Ellen J. Tannehill and Dennis C. Clinton; 1 July 1998).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Bambusa vulgaris (common bamboo)-- Odonaspis greeni (Cockerell), a bamboo scale: An infestation was found at a research unit in Miami (Dade County; E98-2030; Gwen H. Myres; 19 June 1998). NEW CONTINENTAL USA RECORD.
Cactaceae (a cactus)-- Diaspis echinocacti (Bouche), cactus scale: A severe infestation was found in Gainesville (Alachua County; E98-2887; Jackie O'Quin, homeowner; 19 August 1998).
Cereus sp. (a cactus)-- Pseudococcus sp. near importatus McKenzie, a mealybug: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E98-2343; Leslie J. Wilber; 15 July 1998).
Cycas rumphii (Ceylon sago)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: A severe infestation was found on all of five plants at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-130; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Extension Center; 7 January 1998). These scales were collected from roots of plants as deep as 4 cm in the soil.
Dioon purpusii (Purpus' cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found on plants at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-695; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Extension Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Encephalartos hildebrandti (Hildebrandt's cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found on plants at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-685; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Extension Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Eugenia uniflora (Surinam-cherry; Exotic Pest Plant Council category I list, and medfly host list)-- Melormenis basalis (Walker), a flatid planthopper: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Homestead (Dade County; E98-2453; Edward T. Putland; 16 July 1998). This planthopper is relatively new to the USA. This is the second find in Florida.
Macrozamia lucida (shining cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found on plants at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-707; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Extension Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Murraya paniculata (orange-jessamine; Exotic Pest Plant Council category I list, and medfly host list)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Jensen Beach (St. Lucie County; E98-2831; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 13 August 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
-- Another slight infestation involved all 15 plants at a discount store in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E98-2938; Laura L. Ooms; 19 August 1998).
Opuntia sp. (a prickly pear cactus)-- Pseudococcus sp. near importatus McKenzie, a mealybug: A severe infestation was found in Zellwood (Orange County; E98-2328; Leslie J. Wilber and Tom L. Phillips; 16 July 1998).
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, marginal mealybug: A severe infestation involved 40 of 50 plants at a nursery in Bradenton (Manatee County; E98-2483; L. Wayne Clifton; 24 July 1998). NEW USA CONTINENTAL RECORD.
--The pest was also found in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E98-2592; John Lofquist, homeowner; July 1998, E98-2816; Betty L. Wiklow, homeowner; 11 August 1998).
In recent times this mealybug has been an economic pest of papaya in the Dominican Republic and Haiti (Dr. Dale E. Meyerdirk (USDA/APHIS/PPQ, personal communication). It has also been a problem on papaya in St. Croix, Virgin Islands according to Dr. Douglass R. Miller (USDA, personal communication).
In Florida, hibiscus shows the distorted leaf/stem symptoms very similar to those caused by pink hibiscus mealybug. Williams and Granara de Willink (1992) report that live marginal mealybugs are blue-black and seem to be common on cassava plants, often causing damage. To date, marginal mealybugs have been found in Florida only in Manatee and Palm Beach counties (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Celtis laevigata (hackberry, a native species)-- Shivaphis celti Das, an Asian hackberry woolly aphid: A severe infestation of all seven plants was found at a residence in Gainesville (Alachua County; E98-3027; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 27 August 1998).
This species was reported in Duval County last year for the first time in the Western Hemisphere (See Triology 36, No.4). High populations in and around Gainesville this year have become a nuisance to homeowners. It is not known whether S. celti causes any permanent damage to the trees. A brief write-up and some excellent photos of this new pest can be found on the Internet (see URL in References) (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Swietenia mahagoni (mahogany, Florida endangered species)-- Macalli thyrsisalis Walker, mahogany webworm: A severe infestation was found in Homestead (Dade County; E98-2056; Edward T. Putland; 23 June 1998).
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Petroselinum crispum (parsley)-- Hyadaphis coriandri (Das), coriander aphid: An infestation on ten of fifteen plants was found at a residence in Apopka (Orange County; E98-2254,2255; Anthony N. Capitano; 10 July 1998).
This species was found last year in Orange County for the first time in the Western Hemisphere (See Triology 36, No.5). It colonizes several species in the family Umbelliferae and can be particularly damaging to coriander and fennel (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Tamarindus indica (tamarind)-- Sitophilus linearis (Herbst), tamarind weevil, and Ulomoides ocularis (Casey), a tenebrionid beetle: A severe infestation was found on pods two weeks after harvesting in Homestead (Dade County; E98-2138; Julieta Brambila, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Extension Center; 3 June 1998. Pods were unfit for consumption.
CITRUS: Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Arrhenodes minutus (Drury), oak tuberworm: A moderate infestation was found in a tree in a grove in Sunnyland (Hendry County; E98-2238; Mark A. Pomerinke, University of Florida graduate student, University of Florida's Southwest Florida Research and Extension Center, and Belén Belliure, Spanish graduate student trainee; 16 June 1998). The weevils fed on the inner bark of the tree. This is a well-known forest pest in the eastern United States, but citrus is an unusual host record (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Spartina patens (marshhay, or salt meadow cordgrass, a native species)-- Odonaspis floridana Ben-Do, an armored scale: A severe infestation was found on stems and leaves of plants in Jacksonville (Duval County; E98-462; Flewellyn W. Podris; 20 February 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Paspalum notatum (Bahia grass)-- Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), fall armyworm: An infestation was found in Apopka (Orange County; E98-2856; Tom L. Phillips; 14 August 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Heterotheca subaxillaris (camphorweed, a native species )-- Spilosoma virginica (Fabricius), yellow bear moth: A slight infestation was found in Groveland (Lake County; E98-2899; Lynn E. Zellers; 18 August 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove, a native species)-- Anthonomus alboannulatus Boheman, a weevil: A moderate infestation was found in fruits in Coconut Grove (Dade County; E98-2141; Julieta Brambila, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Extension Center; 18 October 1997). Weevils emerged from white mangrove fruits collected from the ground.
Sambucus canadensis (elderberry, a native species)-- Cosmopepla bimaculata (Thomas), a stinkbug: An adult was actively feeding on ripe elderberry fruits in Gainesville (Alachua County; E98-2966; J. Eric Cronin, Florida State Collection of Arthropods Research Associate; 23 July 1998). This insect is primarily found in the northern states, but has been collected from Georgia. FLORIDA STATE RECORD.
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Aleurodicus dugesii (giant whitefly)-- Entedononecremnus krauteri Zolnerowich & Rose, a parasitic wasp: These wasps emerged from the darkened pupae of the giant whitefly collected in Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County; E98-2244; Dr. Robert C. Bullock, University of Florida's Indian River Research and Education Center; 7 July 1998).
Thirty-two percent of 5,676 immature whiteflies were parasitized. This find represents a recovery of a parasite originally from Texas and introduced into Florida from a California culture (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).
Compsus spp. (weevils)-- Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis Bouché, a thrips: Thrips were observed feeding on weevil eggs during a survey for natural enemies of citrus weevils in Villavicencio, Colombia, South America (E98-2179; Dr. Jorge E. Peña, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; 16 March 1998).
These thrips are usually thought to be phytophagous (Dr. G.B. Edwards).
Pinnaspis strachani (lesser snow scale)--Cybocephalus binotatus Grouvelle, a nitidulid beetle: These beetles were found feeding on a population of lesser snow scale in Homestead (Dade County; E98-2898; Holly B. Glenn, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Extension Center; 18 August 1998). These beetles are being released to control the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi.
FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Citrus x paradisi (grapefruit)-- Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), medfly: One medfly was detected in a Jackson trop located in a calamondin tree in Sebring (Highlands County; E98-2271; Mona Lisa Payne, USDA; 7 July 1998). Intensive trapping quickly revealed the focus of the infestation to be a nearby grove of unharvested grapefruit. Control measure included ground and aerial bait application. The last fly was detected on 10 August 1998, making a total of 134 adults. Larval detections were restricted to the same grove.
Dade County: The sterile fly release program was completed. A total of 150 million sterile medflies was released between 2 May and 10 July 1998. Eradication was declared on 24 August 1998.
Lake County: The last medfly was detected on 17 June 1998, making a total of 1,315 medflies detected for the area. Eradication was declared on 7 August 1998. Sterile fly release began on 8 August over 135 square miles at a rate of 16 million flies per week and will continue through the end of October.
Manatee County: Drops of sterile medfly continued as previously. Approximately 1.1 billion flies have been released to date over 700 square miles of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Projected date to declare eradication is mid-October 1998 (Dr. Gary G. Steck).
Mangifera indica (mango)-- Anastrepha ludens (Loew), Mexican fruit fly: One infested fruit was intercepted at a grocery store in Sarasota (Sarasota County; E98-2269; Katherine A. Macias; 7 July 1998). The maggots, all dead, had consumed much of the mango seed (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
APIARY PESTS: Aethina tumida Murray, small hive beetle: These beetles were found by a beekeeper in late May in Fort Pierce and submitted to DPI for identification on June 1, 1998. NEW WESTERN HEMISPHERE RECORD.
A minor pest of bee hives in South Africa, this beetle has proved to be a more serious pest in Florida and other southeastern states, where it has subsequently been discovered. Adults and larvae infest hives, where they feed on pollen and honey, destroying combs and fouling the honey. In Florida, the small hive beetle apparently is confined to six counties: Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Lake, and Polk (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
INSECTS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus), black soldier fly: About 60 maggots were found in stool samples from a dog in Apopka (Orange County; E98-2083; Dr. K. A. Sanders, veterinarian; June 1998). These flies occur world-wide. Larvae usually feed on rotting plant and animal matter, but they also are well known in human myiasis (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
Latrodectus sp., a widow spider: A subadult female specimen (which later matured) was found in a shipment of grapes from Chile at a grocery store in Tallahassee (Leon County; E98-2467; Mrs. George Heuler, customer; 19 July 1998). The spider is not native to the USA (Dr. G.B. Edwards).
INSECT DETECTION: Minthea rugicollis Walker, a wood-boring beetle: A severe infestation was found in damaged wooden rulers from China in a school warehouse in Milton (Santa Rosa County; E98-2151; Russell E. Hill, USDA/APHIS/PPQ; 30 June 1998). The insect probably is not established in Florida (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
REFERENCES
- Anonymous, 1998. Pest Alerts. University of Florida Internet URL address (http://extlab1.entnem.ufl.edu/PestAlert/)
- Williams, D.J. and M.C. Granara de Willink. 1992. Mealybugs of Central and South America. CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon, U.K. 635 p.
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NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Robert P. Esser, Ph.D.
A total of 2,302 samples were processed in July and August. Details are shown below:
Certification and Regulatory Samples:
Multistate Certification for National and
International Export 1,475
California Certification 622
Premovement 10
Site or Pit Approval 34
Other Samples:
Plant Problem 48
Identification (Invertebrate) 2
Intrastate Survey, Random 111
NEMATODES OF SPECIAL INTEREST:
Dichanthelium laxiflorum (openflower witchgrass)-- Criconema aberrans (Jairajapuri & Siddiqi, 1963) Raski & Luc, 1987, spine nematode; Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952, ring nematode; Hemicriconemoides minutus Esser, 1960, sheathoid nematode; Hoplolaimus tylenchiformis Daday, 1905, lance nematode; Trophotylenchulus floridensis Raski, 1957, no common name; Xiphinema sp., a dagger nematode; and Xenocriconemella macrodorum (Taylor, 1936) de Grisse & Loof, 1965, a ring nematode, were associated for the first time with this plant species (Alachua County; N-98-754; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 5 August 1998).
Mollugo verticillata (Indian chickweed)-- Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau, 1958, a sting nematode; Criconemoides citri Steiner, 1949, a ring nematode; Criconemoides curvatum Raski 1952, a ring nematode; Criconemella pelerentsi Sakwwe & Garaert, 1991, a ring nematode; Hoplolaimus tylenchiformis Daday, 1905, lance nematode; Meloidodera floridensis Chitwood, Hannon & Esser, 1956, cystoid nematode; Meloidogyne sp., a root knot nematode; Pratylenchus brachyurus (Godfrey, 1929) Filipjev & Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1941, lesion nematode; and Xiphinema americanum Cobb, 1913, dagger nematode, were associated with this plant species for the first time (Alachua County; N-98-702; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 20 July 1998).
Musa x paradisiaca (banana)-- Criconemoides citri Steiner, 1949, a ring nematode; Helicotylenchus sp., a spiral nematode; Meloidogyne sp., a root knot nematode; and Praylenchus zeae Graham, 1951, a lesion nematode, were found associated with this plant (Palm Beach County; N-98-662; Thomas L. Salisbury; 30 June 1998.
Oxalis lyonii (tufted yellow woodsorrel): Criconemoides michieli Edward, Misra & Singh, 1968, a ring nematode; Longidorus sp., a needle nematode; Meloidogyne sp., a root knot nematode; Trichodorus sp., a stubby-root nematode; and Xenocriconemella macrodora (Taylor, 1936) de Grisse & Loof, 1965, a ring nematode, were found associated with this plant species for the first time (Alachua County; N-98-674; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 8 July 1998).
Phytolacca americana (pokeweed)-- Longidorus afzali Khan, 1964, a needle nematode; Scutellonema bradys (Steiner & LeHew, 1933) Andrássyssy, 1958, a spiral nematode; Meloidogyne sp., a root knot nematode; and Xiphinema diffusum Lamberti & Bleve-Zacheo, 1979, a dagger nematode, were associated with this plant species for the first time. Hoplolaimus tyenchiformis Daday, 1905, lance nematode; and Xenocriconemella macrodorum (Taylor, 1936) de Grisse & Loof, 1965, a ring nematode, were also detected (Alachua County; N-98-689; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 15 July 1998).
Portulaca pilosa (pink purslane)-- Criconemoides citri Steiner, 1949, a ring nematode; and Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952, a ring nematode, were associated with this plant species for the first time (Alachua County; N-98-713 Christine A. Zamora; 13 July 1998).
Toxicodendron radicans (poison-ivy)-- Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952, a ring nematode; Hoplolaimus tylenchiformis Daday, 1905, lance nematode; Meloidodera floridensis Chitwood, Hannon & Esser, 1956, cystoid nematode; Scutellonema bradys (Steiner & LeHew, 1933) Andrássy, 1958, a spiral nematode; Trophotylenchulus floridensis Raski, 1957, no common name; Xiphinema diffusum Lamberti & Bleve-Zacheo, 1979, dagger nematode; Paratylenchus sp., a pin nematode; and Xenocriconemella macrodorum (Taylor, 1936) de Grisse & Loof, 1965, a ring nematode, were found associated with this plant species for the first time (Alachua County; N-98-688; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 15 July 1998).
Richardia scabra (rough Mexican-clover)-- Criconemoides citri Steiner, 1949, a ring nematode; Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952, a ring nematode; Hemicriconemoides wessoni Chitwood & Birchfield, 1957, a sheathoid nematode; Scutellonema bradys (Steiner & LeHew, 1933) Andrássy, 1958, a spiral nematode; and Trichodorus sp., a stubby-root nematode, were found associated with this plant species for the first time (Alachua County; N-98-676; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 9 July 1998).
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING JULY AND AUGUST 1998:
Bennett, James E.. 'Jim' 7
Brown, Gregory A. 14
Dees, Carrie S. 22
Esser, Dr. Robert P. 20
Foe, Shelia J. 33
Fuller, Samuel A. 144
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 110
Murphy, Christine M. 8
Qiao, Ping . 286
Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' 74
Salisbury, Thomas L.'Tom' 214
Smith, W. Wayne 50
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by John W. Miller, Ph.D.
For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 2,128 specimens. These included 522 pathology, 17 miscellaneous, 18 soil, 1,519 suspect canker specimens in Dade County, 25 suspect canker specimens in Manatee County, and 27 suspect canker specimens from Collier County.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Bambusa sp. (a bamboo)-- Rhizoctonia sp. & Pythium sp., root rot: Collected at a nursery in Alachua (Alachua County; P98-1762; E. 'Janie' Echols, 14 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORDS.
Chamaedorea elegans (parlor palm)-- Nectria haematococca Berk. & Broome, crown rot: Collected at a nursery in Zellwood (Orange County; P98-1426; Sarah E. Walker and Charles A. 'Zo' Cooper; 6 July 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Eustoma grandiflorum (lisianthus, or prairie-gentian)-- Phoma sp., Fusarium oxysporium Schlectend.:Fr., and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc., fungi: Collected at a nursery in Valrico (Hillsborough County; P98-1742; Anthony N. Tyrala; 11 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORDS.
Haemanthus sp. (a blood lily)-- tomato spotted wilt tospovirus, virus: Collected at a nursery in Newberry (Alachua County; P98-1465; Theresa R. Estok; 14 July 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
Loropetalum chinense (loropetalum)-- Pythium sp., root rot: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P98-1354; Harold Strom, nursery manager; 24 June 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
-- Phytophthora sp., stem blight and leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P98-1562; Harold Strom, nursery manager; 24 July 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
-- Rhizoctonia sp., stem blight and leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Plant City (Hillsborough County; P98-1673; Osmond O. Baron; 3 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Actinidia arguta (small-fruited kiwi)-- Phytophthora sp., stem blight and leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Alachua (Alachua County; P98-1665; Sarah E. Walker and Theresa R. Estok; 6 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
NATIVE OR NATURALIZED: Conocarpus erectus (buttonwood, a native species)-- Nectriella pironii Alfieri & Samuels, stem gall: Collected at a nursery in Homestead (Dade County; P98-1305; William R. Graves, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; 16 June 1998).
-- Nectriella pironii Alfieri & Samuels, stem gall: Collected at a nursery in Golds (Dade County, P98-1429; William R. Graves, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; 6 July 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
Tilia americana (basswood, or American linden, a native species)-- Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc., leaf spot and Alternaria sp. & Pestalotiopsis sp. leaf spot: Collected at a natural location in Gainesville (Alachua County; P98-1657; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 5 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORDS.
