TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 37, No. 2
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
MARCH-APRIL 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 22 mounted specimens (total of 7,572). Tom L. Phillips (R2A1) submitted two specimens; James E. Bennett and Darin W. Hughes (R2A4), and M. 'Janie' Echols (R1A1) each submitted one specimen which were added to the herbarium. For this period, 155 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 586 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 741). Some of the samples are described below:
Acanthus montanus (Nees) Anderson, Acanthaceae, mountain thistle; alligator plant: Soft-stemmed, sparsely branch shrub to 2 m tall. Leaves to 30 cm long and 8 cm wide, lanceolate-oblong, deeply sinuate to shallowly pinnatifid, margins coarsely spiny, coriaceous, semi-rigid, dark glossy green with some silvering. Inflorescence a terminal spike to 25 cm long; calyx to 2.5 cm long, spinose; corolla to 3.25 cm long, rose or white tinted mauve. A striking small shrub for the mixed border or container plant for porches and terraces. Native to west tropical Africa. (Lee County; B97-078; Jeanne H. Jones, homeowner; 8 March 1998). (Huxley 1992).
Argyranthemum frutescens (L.) Schultz-Bip., Compositae, marguerite: Perennial subshrub to 2 m tall, stems to 1 cm in diameter, branched. Leaves to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide, 1-2-pinnatisect, primary segments 2-10, leathery, succulent, obovate. Heads with 4-30 florets; peduncle to 16 cm long; involucre to over 20 mm in diameter; ray florets to 15 mm long and 5 mm white, white; disc florets to 4 mm long, lobes yellow. Achene to 5 mm long and 5 mm wide, 1-winged. Reliable perennial only in zones that are essentially frost free, otherwise grown as an annual for bedding, bearing their marguerite-type daisies in profusion over long periods. Native to the Canary Islands. Invasive plant in New Zealand. (St. Johns County; B98-051; Flewellyn W. Podris; 26 February 1998). (Huxley 1992).
Bromelia balansae Mez., Bromeliaceae, heart-of-flame: To over 1 m tall in flower. Leaves to 3 m long, spreading, inner bright red when in flower, not basally narrowed, linear, glabrous above, pale-scaly beneath, laxly toothed with upward-curving spines. Inflorescence to 22 cm long, dense, cylindric, axes tomentose; inflorescence bracts leaf-like, overlapping, bright red; floral bracts to 30 mm long, obtuse to truncate, subglabrous; flowers subsessile; sepals to 20 mm long, fused for 7-8 mm, maroon or violet with white margins, obtuse. Mature plants demand much space, making huge stands by means of underground stolons. A noble plant for landscape use in semi-arid subtropical and tropical climates. Sometimes grown as Bromelia serra which is a different species. Native to Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia. (Duval County; B98-072; Flewellyn W. Podris; 4 March 1998). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. f., Taxodiaceae, China-fir: Monoecious, evergreen tree to 50 m tall; bark dark brown, exfoliating in narrow shreds; crown conic, becoming domed columnar with age; lower branches soon falling. Leaves spirally arranged, but twisted at base to become densely 2-ranked around shoot, spreading, recurved, lanceolate, acuminate, clasping base of stem, 3-7 cm long and 5 cm wide, lustrous bright green without or with a few stomata above, and 2 broad, green or white stomatal bands beneath, margins finely toothed, persistent up to 5 years. Cones globose to conical-ovoid, bright green, becoming glossy brown, 2.5 to 4 cm long; cone scales broad, abruptly acute, margins finely serrate, apex mucronate. A luxurious tree when growing well. The fallen dead shoots mat down into a thick layer, making an excellent mulch for weed suppression. Native to central China. (Putnam County; B98-047; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 25 February 1998). (Huxley 1992).
Curculigo capitulata (Lour.) Kuntze, Amaryllidaceae, palm-grass: Perennial rhizomatous herb. Leaves 60-90 cm long and 5-15 cm wide, pleated, oblanceolate, upright, hairy; petiole 30-60 cm long. Scape 7-25 cm long, hairy. Inflorescence to 7 cm long, deflexed; bracts to 3 cm long, hairy, brown; perianth lobes 6-8 mm long, yellow, tube short. Fruit 6-8 mm in diameter, spherical. Grown for its dramatic and lustrous evergreen palm-like foliage and also for its dense heads of starry, lily-like flowers. Native from south and southeast Asia to Malaysia, and Australia. (Pasco County; B98-181; Helen A. Smith; 24 April 1998). (Huxley 1992).
Dalechampia aristolochiaefolia HBK, Euphorbiaceae, dalechampia: Liana, the younger branchlets puberulent-tomentulose and sparsely hirsute. Leaves 7-11 cm long and 3-7 cm wide, ovate-lanceolate, shortly acuminate, basally cordate, palmately nerved, minutely denticulate, pubescent above, densely tomentose beneath; petiole 5-10 mm long. Inflorescence terminal, often on leafy or leafless branchlets; bracts suborbicular, 4-7 cm long, narrowed to obtuse base, incised dentate, sometimes rather trilobate, pilose on the 5-7 nerves, rose or reddish-violet, in fruit to 10 cm long; female sepals around 10, with 5-6 linear lacinulae, eglandular, after anthesis 5 mm long; stamens about 50. Capsules 12 mm broad, cocci carinate; seeds 5 mm long, variegated. Cultivated for the showy floral bracts. Native of Peru. (Orange County; B98-165; Barbara J. Wilder, Tyson R. Emery; 15 April 1998). (Macbride 1951).
Escallonia rosea Griseb., Saxifragaceae, escallonia: Shrub to 2 m tall, branchlets more or less angled, reddish, glabrous or short-haired. Leaves sometimes 3-6 in a cluster, lanceolate, to 3.8 cm long, glabrous, margins toothed. Inflorescence a loose raceme, up to 18 flowered; petals white or red, less than 1.2 cm long, long clawed, united in a tube, tips of petals spreading; stamens and styles included. Rapid and free grower, planted mostly in California. Native of Chile. (Pasco County; B98-116; Alan R. Haynes; 3 April 1998). (Bailey 1976).
Pittosporum floribundum Wight & Arn., Pittosporaceae, Himalayan pittosporum: Small tree, trunk pale gray. Leaves lanceolate, to 20 cm long, glabrous, margins somewhat undulate. Flowers small, greenish-yellow, to 6 mm long, in many flowered terminal panicles. Capsule globose, 2-valved, to 6 mm in diameter, seeds few. Cultivated for its good growth habit, attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits. Native to northern India, and Nepal. (Dade County; B98-170; Gwen H. Myers). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Russelia coccinea (L.) Wettstein in Engl. & Prantl, Scrophulariaceae, coral blow: Perennial to 3 m tall with many stems not able to support themselves; stems to 8 mm in diameter at base, subterete, but with narrow ridges and striations between the ridges, internodes 8-10 cm long. Leaves opposite or verticillate, ovate lanceolate, margins serrate, many small, yellowish, depressed on the lower surface which make papillae on the upper surface. Inflorescences one or two from an axil, near the ends of the branches, cymose and sometimes appearing racemose, flowers numerous (15 or more); peduncles 5-8 mm long; pedicels 3-5 mm long; bractlets linear, pubescent, ciliate; calyx lobes ovate-lanceolate, setaceous, margins becoming purple, a few hairs on the midrib and tip, no resinous dots; corolla 10-12 mm long, scarlet, the upper lip slightly notched, the lower lip 3-lobed, the lobes 3 mm long, slightly longer than the upper, pubescent inside; two stamens 5 mm long, the other two 6 mm long; anthers divaricate; staminodia small, 1 mm long; pistils 7-8 mm long. Capsule 3 mm long, excluding beak, globose, no longer than the persistent calyx lobes; seeds 0.3 mm long, black, embedded in hairs which fill the capsule. Cultivated and perhaps naturalized in the West Indies and China. Native to Mexico and Guatemala. (Lake County; B98-043; Christine M. Murphy; 20 February 1998). (Standley and Williams 1973).
Zigadenus densus (Desr.) Fern., Liliaceae, crow-poison, black snakeroot, Osceola's plume: Perennial, subscapose, glabrous herb. Basal leaves 1 to 3, linear, 2-7 mm wide, enclosed at base by a bladeless, usually purplish sheath. Inflorescence a bracteate raceme; bracts 2-4 mm long. Flowers perfect; perianth segments separate to base, not clawed, white, persistent, often turning reddish in fruit; petals and sepals each with a single gland at the base (completely absent on dried specimens); stamens ½ to 1 times as long as perianth; styles separate, 2-4 mm long, recurved. Capsule conical, 7-12 mm long, 3-4 mm broad; seeds brown, 5-7 mm long. Coastal Plain, Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. (Jefferson County; B98-186; James H. Aldrich, University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center at Monticello; 26 April 1998). (Godfrey and Wooten 1979; Radford, Ahles and Bell 1974).
GLOSSARY: achene: a dry, one-seeded fruit with a firm, close-fitting pericarp which does not split open along regular lines, examples: "seed" on strawberry, sunflower "seed" ; coccus (pl. cocci) [also called a mericarp]: a one-seeded segment into which schizocarps split when ripe, example: caraway; lacinule (pl. lacinulae): a diminutive lacina or lobe; monoecious: having stamens and pistils in separate flowers on the same plant [compare to dioecious: separate plants]; stoma (pl. stomata): a pore surrounded by two expandible guard cells and which opens into internal air cavities, the breathing apparatus in the epidermis of plants, especially prevalent on lower surfaces of leaves.
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.
- Godfrey, R.K. and J. W. Wooten. 1979. Aquatic and wetland plants of southeastern United States, monocotyledons. University of Georgia Press, Athens. 712 p.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Macbride, J. F. 1951. Flora of Peru (v.XIII)(p.IIIA)(no.1):99-100.
- Radford, A. E., H. E. Ahles and C. R. Bell. 1974. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 1,183 p.
- Standley, P. C. and L. O. Williams. 1973. Flora of Guatemala # 24(v.IX):390-391.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph.D.
For the month of March, there were 1,455 samples consisting of 10,346+ specimens. In April, there were 609 samples consisting of 5,448+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Buxus microphylla (boxwood)-- Eriophyes conestrinis (Nalepa), an eriophyid mite: An infestation involved about 10% of 400 plants at a nursery in Middleburg (Clay County; E98-330; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 11 February 1998).
Cassia fistula 'Javarier' (golden shower tree cultivar)-- Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, a mealybug: An infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E98-408; Barbara J. Wilder and Tyson R. Emery; 13 February 1998).
Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii' (Burford holly)-- Rhizoecus floridanus Hambleton, a root mealybug: A severe infestation involved 10% of 2000 plants at a nursery in Ocala (Marion County; E98-527; Floyd J. McHenry; 28 February 1998).
Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese ligustrum)-- Tuckerella pavoniformis (Ewing), a mite: An infestation causing witches' broom was found at a residence in Ocala (Marion County; E98-296-3; Paul Rice, homeowner; 9 February 1998). This mite is widespread, but not common in Florida. The Florida State Collection of Arthropods has records for this species from 20 plant species in 15 counties. In recent records, this mite has been associated with witches' broom on the host plants. In the current sample, at least 6 other mite species (predators, plant feeders and fungivores) were found on the same host (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Mussaenda sp. (tropical-dogwood)-- Saissetia neglecta DeLotto, Caribbean black scale: A moderate infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E98-1018; William A. 'Bill' Thiel; 16 April 1998).
Nectandra coriacea (lancewood, a native species)-- Eucalymnatus tessellatus (Signoret), tessellated scale: A slight infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E98-945; Kenneth L. Hibbard and James J. 'Jim' Walukiewicz; 8 April 1998).
Phoenix roebelenii (pygmy date palm)-- Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), magnolia white scale: A severe infestation involved all of 102 plants at a nursery in Lakeland (Polk County; E98-1008; Stephen A. Bohnstedt; 15 April 1998).
Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: A moderate infestation involved 75% of 3,100 plants at a nursery in Coral Springs (Palm Beach County; E98-1029; Ellen J. Tannehill; 17 April 1998).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Cycas media (Australian nut-palm)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-701; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Cycas micronesia (Marianas cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: A slight infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-497; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 19 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Cycas panzhihuaensis (mining town cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-700; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Pseudococcus longispinus (Targ.-Tozz.), long-tailed mealybug: A severe infestation involved 2 of 800 plants at a nursery in Coconut Creek (Broward County; E98-577; James 'Keith' Harris; 6 March 1998).
-- Parlatoria proteus (Curtis), proteus scale: A severe infestation was found on a plant at a nursery in Pembroke Pines (Broward County; E97-4651; Maria S. Quintanilla; 18 December 1997).
-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami Beach (Dade County; E98-18; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 21 December 1997).
Cycas seamannii (a cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-708; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Cycas thouarsii (ancient cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-496; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Cycas wadei (Wade's cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-699; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Dioon edule (Mexican fern-palm)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: A severe infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-413; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 12 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Dioon merolae (Merola's cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: A severe infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-400; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 12 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Dioon spinulosum (spiny cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: A slight infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-490; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 19 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Dioon tomasellii var. sonorense (Sonoran cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-692; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Elaeocarpus sp. (an elaeocarpus)-- Coccus hesperidum L., brown soft scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Winter Garden (Orange County; E98-984; Barbara J. Wilder and Tyson R. Emery; 15 April 1998).
Encephalartos barteri (Barter's cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-691; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Encephalartos ferox (fierce cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-499; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 19 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Encephalartos lebomboensis (Lebombo Mountains cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-686; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Encephalartos pterogonus (winged-cone cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-397, E98-688, E98-689; Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 12 February 1998, 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Encephalartos whitelockii (Whitelock's cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-690; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura (red-veined herringbone plant)-- Chortinaspis subchortina (Laing), a scale insect: A slight infestation involved 200 of 1000 plants at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E98-740; Leslie J. Wilber; 16 March 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Stangeria eriopus (woolly petioled fern-like cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: An infestation was found at a botanical garden in Miami (Dade County; E98-704; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 February 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Zamia pumila (coontie, Commercially Exploited species)-- Saissetia coffeae (Walker), hemispherical scale: A severe infestation involved all of 30 plants at a nursery in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County; E98-630; Laura L. Ooms and Dennis C. Clinton; 11 March 1998).
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Crocosmia x crocsomiiflora (crocosmia)-- Rhizoglyphus robini Claparede, a mite: A slight infestation was found at a residence (Manatee County; E98-990; Nancy Recheigl, homeowner; 9 April 1998). These mites usually feed on dead decaying roots and diseased bulbs, but they can attach and damage healthy bulbs. This mite species has a non-feeding deutonymphal stage that can survive for long periods (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Chrysanthemum x morifolium Ramat. (florist's mum) [NOTE! The mums had been switched over to Dendranthema x grandiflora, and now back again to Chrysanthemum "to avoid confusion."] -- Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, a mealybug: A severe infestation involved 25% of 10 plants at a discount store in Merritt Island (Brevard County; E98-16; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus; 30 December 1997).
Dracaena fragrans (corn-plant)-- Opogona sacchari (Bojer), banana moth: A severe infestation involved 90% of 250 plants at a nursery in St. Augustine (St. John's County; Yolanda I. Inguanzo and Flewellyn W. Podris; 24 February 1998).
Duranta repens (golden dew drop)-- Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock, barnacle scale: A severe infestation was found on seven plants at a discount store in Orlando (Orange County; E98-644; Tyson R. Emery; 9 March 1998).
Mandevilla splendens (pink allamanda)-- Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell, giant whitefly: A slight infestation was found at a discount store in Vero Beach (Indian River County; E98-587; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 5 March 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Mandevilla sp. (a mandevilla)-- Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, a mealybug: A severe infestation involved 10,000 plants at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E98-928; Leslie J. Wilber; 6 April 1998). This is one of the most common mealybugs in Florida (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Mascagnia rivularis (yellow butterfly vine)-- Pseudococcus longispinus (Targ.-Tozz.), long-tailed mealybug: An infestation was found at a nursery in Orlando (Orange County E98-409; Barbara J. Wilder and Tyson R. Emery; 9 February 1998).
Neoregelia sp. (a spiny-edged bromeliad)-- Hemiberlesia palmae (Cockerell), tropical palm scale: A moderate infestation involved 50 plants at a nursery in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E98-1005; William A 'Bill' Thiel; 16 April 1998).
Solidago sp. (goldenrod)-- Cachryphora serotinae (Oestlund), an agile goldenrod aphid: An infestation was found at a nursery in Winter Garden (Orange County; E98-987; Barbara J. Wilder and Tyson R. Emery; 15 April 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed, a native species)-- Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, a mealybug: A slight infestation involved five of 25 plants at an herb farm in Eustis (Lake County; E98-450; Christine M. Murphy; 20 February 1998).
-- Penthesilea difficilis (F.& R.), a pyralid moth: A severe infestation was found at a youth camp in Coral Gables (Dade County; E98-883; Holly B. Glenn, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; at Homestead; 10 March 1998).
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree, listed by Exotic Pest Plant Council as a category I)-- Oligonychus nr. yothersi (McGregor), avocado red mite: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Avon Park (Highlands County; E98-899; James E.'Jim' Bennett and Darin W. Hughes; 3 April 1998).
Guaiacum sanctum L. (lignum vitae, Florida Endangered species )-- Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe), black citrus aphid: A slight infestation involved 3% of 30 plants in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E98-1109; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center; 26 March 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Ulmus americana (American elm, a native species)-- Fissuraspis ulmi (Hoke), elm scale: An infestation was found in a natural area in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-4427; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 24 November 1998). The first collection of this species in over 20 years.
FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Annona squamosa (sugar apple)-- Pseudococcus odermatti Miller & Williams, Odermatt's mealybug: A severe infestation was found on a plant at an airport in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E98-564; Dennis Gunz, USDA; 12 November 1997). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Psidium guajava (common guava)-- Metaleurodicus cardini (Back), Cardin's whitefly: A severe infestation involved 10 plants at a residence in Naples (Collier County; E98-870; Matthew W. Brodie; 27 March 1998).
CITRUS: Citrus x paradisi (grapefruit)-- Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas), black parlatoria scale: A moderate infestation was found in Miami (Dade County; E98-612; Lynn D. Howerton; 6 March 1998).
Citrus sinensis 'Valencia' (sweet orange)-- Coccus viridis (Green), green scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Lakeland (Polk County; E98-1003; Stephen A. Bohnstedt; 15 April 1998).
See: Federal and State Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs section.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Miscanthus sp. (eulalia grass, an exotic genus)-- Miscanthicoccus miscanthi (Takahashi), a mealybug: An infestation was found at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E98-631; Barbara J. Wilder 11 March 1998).
-- Melanaphis sp. nr. yasumatsui (Sorin), an Asian miscanthus aphid: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Alachua (Alachua County; E98-265; Theresa L. Estok and Joseph S. Beckwith; 16 March 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Cabaret' (eulalia grass cultivar)-- Melanaphis sp. nr. yasumatsui (Sorin), an Asian miscanthus aphid: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Milton (Santa Rosa County; E98-796, 813; Steven B. Matthews; 26 March 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Sonchus asper (spiny sowthistle)-- Hyperomyzus carduellinus (Theobald), an Asian sowthistle aphid: Infested plants were found in an abandoned citrus grove near Riverview (Hillsborough County; E98-679; Dr. Susan E. Halbert and Benjamin J. Sudano, OPS Mediterranean fruitfly emergency program; 13 February 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Typha latifolia (cattail)-- Holcocranum saturejae (Kolenati), a cattail seedbug: Infested plants were found in a natural area in Gainesville (Alachua County; E97-3660; Dr. Robert P. Esser, 17 September 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD, according to Julieta Brambila (University of Florida graduate student). This Palearctic cattail pest was found in Florida for the first time in Jacksonville by Judith A. Winston on 12 October 1994 (Hoffman and Slater 1995).
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Trialeurodes pergandei (whitefly)-- Encarsia lanceolata Evans & Polaszek, a parasitic wasp: Several whiteflies on Pyracantha coccinea (firethorn) were found to be parasitized in Gainesville (Alachua County; E98-1119; Eric M. Pickens, pest company employee; 16 July 1997). NEW HOST RECORD FOR PARASITE (Dr. Gregory A. Evans).
Chrysoperla rufilabris green lacewing: Several specimens were collected in a citrus grove (St. Lucie County; E98-274; Vernon Williams, grove employee; 2-3 February 1998) where augmentative releases of this species had been made in June 1997.
FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Mediterranean fruitfly (medfly): One male was detected in a Jackson trap in an avocado tree in Miami Springs (Dade County; E98-829; Misael E. Igarza; 1 April 1998). Another male was captured the following day at the same site. All potential host fruits were stripped from the positive and adjacent properties, and small amounts of malathion bait spray were applied by hand sprayer to host plants on all properties within 200 m of the site. Large numbers of detection traps were placed in an 81 square mile grid surrounding the find according to protocol guidelines. Medfly larvae were detected in grapefruit on 15 April about 200 feet from the adult site. This prompted fruit stripping from all properties within 200 m of the site. Additionally, sterile medfly were released in the area beginning 30 April. Approximately 25 square miles will receive sterile flies for 2 to 3 life cycles after the last medfly detection.
One unmated female medfly was detected in a Jackson trap in a sour orange tree in Umatilla (Lake County; E98-1087; Harry L. Morrison; 27 April 1998). Large numbers of detection traps were placed in an 81 square mile grid surrounding the find according to protocol guidelines. This quickly led to the discovery of a heavily infested sour orange grove about 1 mile north of the original find. Over 1,300 flies have been trapped; of these, about 95% were taken in the infested groves; these and other flies were captured at a total of 10 sites in six 1-square mile sections. Fruit was stripped from affected groves and buried. A minimum of four aerial malathion bait spray treatments was to be conducted at 1-week intervals. The first treatment occurred on 3 May and fly catches dropped to virtually nil afterwards (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: Several specimens were intercepted in a shipment of Elaeocarpus dentatus (an elaeocarpus) from California at an amusement park in Orlando (Orange County; E98-814; Anne F. Weathers; 27 March 1998).
INSECTS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Ornithonyssus bursa , tropical fowl mite: Mites were found at a residence in Orlando (Orange County; E98-952; Jim Reinhardt, homeowner; 15 March 1998). Removal of any bird nests in and near the house should solve the problem, because the mites will die without access to birds (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Simulium slossonae D. & K., a black fly: Aggressive biting insects were collected at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E98-403; Barbara J. Wilder; 16 February 1998). The same species was also found in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E98-458; James R. Martin; 18 February 1998) and several other Central and North-central Florida counties. Blackflies breed in running water, and they are common pests in northern states. This outbreak in Florida is very unusual in intensity and presumably results from the abnormally wet winter months (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
INSECT DETECTION: Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji, blue alfalfa aphid: Two specimens were collected in an aerial suction trap in Quincy (Gadsden County; E98-931; Dr. Richard K. Sprenkel, University of Florida, and Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 2-10 April 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
REFERENCES
- Hoffman, Richard L. and James A. Slater. 1995. Holocranum saturejae, a Palearctic cattail bug established in eastern United States and tropical Africa (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae: Artheneinae). Banisteria 5:12-15.
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NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Renato N. Inserra, Ph.D.
A total of 3,647 samples were processed in March and April. Details are shown below:
Certification and Regulatory Samples:
Multistate Certification for National and
International Export 1,575
California Certification 1,264
Burrowing Nematode 190
Premovement 203
Site or Pit Approval 68
Other Samples:
Plant Problem 60
Out of State Survey, via
Florida Interceptions 14
Intrastate Survey, Random 273
Nematodes of Special Interest During This Period and Not Previously Reported:
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (Senegal tea)--Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal, 1989) Chitwood, 1949, peanut root-knot nematode, was extracted from roots of this aquatic plant. Plant roots were severely galled by this nematode pest. (Palm Beach County; N98-00438; Ellen J. Tannehill; 17 April 1998).
Hoya sp. (wax vine)--Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919), Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode, was detected in roots of this ornamental plant. Both the southern root-knot nematode and the peanut root-knot nematode are serious damaging pests of wax vine. (Lake County; N98-00449; Christine M. Murphy; 17 April 1998).
Ophiopogon sp. (lilyturf)--Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode, was extracted from roots of this ornamental plant. Roots were deformed and stunted by this nematode pest. (Alachua County; N98-00456; Eric Bjerregaard, nurseryman; 22 April 1998).
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING MARCH AND APRIL 1998:
Beckwith, Joseph S. 13
Brown, Gregory A. 29
Dees, Carrie S. 162
Echols, 'Janie' M. 12
Esser, Dr. Robert P. 23
Estok, Theresa R. 23
Fuller, Samuel A. 122
Harris, James K. 95
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 313
Patterson, Shirley A. 22
Qiao, Ping . 316
Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' 130
Salisbury, Thomas L. 200
Smith, W. Wayne 266
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Complied by John W. Miller, Ph.D.
For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 1,274 specimens. These included 519 pathology, 16 miscellaneous, 11 soil, 723 suspected canker sample as of April 24, 1998 in Dade County, and 5 suspect canker samples from Manatee County.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Eriobotrya japonica (loquat)-- Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands., root rot: Collected at a nursery in High Springs (Alachua County; P98-0609; Rick Peterson, nurseryman; 10 March 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
Malpighia glabra (Barbados-cherry)-- Cercosporidium sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Sarasota (Sarasota County; P98-0895; Katherine A. Macias; 8 March 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
Viburnum tinus (laurustinus)-- Mycosphaerella sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Orange City (Volusia County; P98-0502; Stacey S. Simmons; 25 February 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Campyloneurum phyllitidis (long strap fern, delisted as a threatened species; see Rule 5B-40, 7 January 1998)-- Tubakia sp., leaf spot: Collected at a county park in Titusville (Brevard County; P98-0711; Anthony N. Capitano; 19 March 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Ascochyta cycadina Scalia, leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in O'Brien (Suwannee County; P98-0251; M. 'Janie' Echols; 3 February 1998). NEW STATE RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Nerium oleander (oleander)-- Nectria haematococca Berk. & Broome, cutting rot: Collected at a nursery in St. Augustine (St. Johns County; P98-0520; Flewellyn W. Podris and Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 26 February 1998).
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Eucalyptus grandis (rose gum)-- Taeniolella sp., leaf spot: Collected on University of Florida campus in Gainesville (Alachua County; P98-0432; Jason E. Stanley, USDA student assistant; 17 February 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
Quercus geminata (sand live oak, native species)-- Cylindrocarpon didymum (Harting) Wollenweb., secondary fungus: Collected at a beach in Panama City (Bay County; P98-0687; Geoffrey A. Cummings, Division of Forestry; 4 March 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
Quercus virginiana (live oak, native species)-- Phellinus wahlbergii (Fr.) Reid, rot: Collected one mile west of I-75 on CR 234 (Alachua County; P98-0460; Mike Campbell, nurseryman; 25 February 1998). NEW STATE RECORD.
FOOD OR CROPS PLANTS: Citrullus lanatus (watermelon)-- Phytophthora capsici Ieonian, stem/leaf blight: Collected in a field near Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; P98-0635 & P98-0636; Syed F. Fazli, private consultant; 14 March 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Mikania scandens (climbing hempweed, native)-- Puccinia spegazzinii DeToni in Sacc., leaf rust: Collected at a nursery in Williston (Marion County; P98-0851; Floyd J. McHenry; 4 April 1998).
Paederia foetida (skunk vine, listed by Exotic Pest Plant Council as category I)-- Cercospora paederiicolia Guo; leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Ocala (Marion County; P98-0095; Floyd J. McHenry and Maria E. Peacock; 14 January). NEW STATE RECORD.
