Triology Vol. 37, No. 5, DPI

TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 37, No. 5
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1998

Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor

BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud and Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D.

Added to the herbarium collection during this period were 28 mounted specimens (total of 7639). Edward T. Putland (R3A4) submitted one specimen new to the herbarium. For this period, 125 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 625 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 777). Some of the samples are described below:

Ammania coccinea Rottb., (25 species in genus, cosmopolitan) Lythraceae, valley redstem, scarlet tooth-cup: Annual herb, subsucculent; stem simple or branched, often spongy at base when growing in water, glabrous, to about 1 m tall. Leaves sessile; opposite, decussate, linear-lanceolate to linear oblong, cordate to auriculate and clasping stem, leaf tips acute to acuminate, to 10 cm long and mostly less than 1 cm wide, glabrous but margins rough with hairs. Inflorescence 2 to 5 (sometimes only one) flowers in a tight axillary cluster, with short slender peduncle and pedicels, bracteolate; calyx about 2 mm long in flower, much larger in fruit; petals 4 (sometimes 5), obovate, bright rose-pink to deep-magenta, 1-2 mm long, quickly deciduous; stamens 4 or 5; style slender, persistent, 1.5 mm long or more, usually bent. Capsule globose, 2-4 mm in diameter, dark red, enclosed within the calyx. In mud and shallow water about ponds, in palmetto flats, sinks and marshy areas. U.S. (from New Jersey to Missouri, south to Florida and Texas, and scattered in the west), Mexico through Central America and the West Indies to South America; adventive in the Pacific Islands, Japan, and southwestern Europe (Manatee County; B98-423; Mark L. Runnals; 29 September 1998). (Correll and Correll 1982; Godfrey and Wooten 1981; Wunderlin 1998).

Anthurium schlechtendalii Kunth (=A. tetragonum Hook. ex Schott), (over 700 spp., tropical American) Araceae, rockloving tailflower, hoja de viento: Epiphyte or lithophyte. Plants large and coarse, the very short stem often 6-8 cm thick, densely covered by roots; petioles about one-sixth as long as the blades, commonly 12-23 cm long, and to 2 cm wide, broadly channeled above, flat beneath; leaf blades coriaceous, broadly obovate to oblanceolate, 30-130 cm long and 10-60 cm wide, rounded and short cuspidate at the tip, narrowed to the base, the primary lateral nerves 15-20 on each side, erect-spreading, not united to form a distinct collective nerve, stout and prominent, extend to margin. Peduncles terete, usually one-third as long as the leaf blade or shorter, mostly 20-35 cm long; spathe linear-lanceolate, long cuspidate, obliquely decurrent at base, 15-28 cm long, 3-5 cm wide near base, green to violet; spadix short-stipitate, 2-3 cm thick at base, 15-34 cm long, caudate-attenuate upward, dull green tinged brown or purplish; sepals 3 mm long and 1 mm wide; stamens length equaling sepals; ovary half longer than the sepals, attenuate at the apex. Berries red, 1-1.5 cm long, 2-3 mm in diameter lanceolate-elliptic , 1-3-seeded; seeds oblong, one-third as long as the berry. Native to southern Mexico, Belize to Panama (Duval County; B98-384; Flewellyn W. Podris; 1 September 1998). (Stanley and Steyermark 1958; Huxley 1992).

Corchorus aestuans L., (ca. 100 spp., tropical), Tiliaceae, East Indian jute: Annual herb up to 1 m tall, widely branching, stems with fine pubescence; hairs thick-based; strong fibers in phloem (bark). Leaves elliptic, ovate, or orbicular-ovate, 2-8 cm long, acute, crenulate. A unique feature is the two basal teeth on the leaf margin which extend to form bristly hairs. Flowers solitary or few clustered in leaf axils, subsessile, sepals linear to linear-lanceolate 4-5 mm long; petals spatulate, same length as sepals. Capsule 3-celled, 1-3 cm long, narrowly wing angled with spreading beaks. The commercial source of jute is C. capsularis L. Jute is a rough fiber used to make gunny sacks, twine, paper and carpeting. C. aestuans is native of East Indies, naturalized in Florida, Alabama, West Indies and South America (Manatee County; B98-424; Mark L. Runnals; 29 September 1998). (Correll and Correll 1982; Long and Lakela 1971; Mabberley 1997; Wunderlin 1998).

Ficus altissima Blume, (ca. 750 spp., warm and tropical, most from Indomalaysia and Australia) Moraceae, lofty fig, council tree, false banyan: Large, spreading tree to 23 m or more tall and to 40 m across or more in width; with multiple trunks like F. benghalensis (banyan tree), but with fewer aerial roots. (True banyan leaves have thick midveins and a gland just above the petiole.) Twigs to 0.7 cm in diameter, pubescent, ending in plump buds to 3.6 cm long. Leaves evergreen, with entire margins, glabrous and glossy, to 25 cm long and 15 cm wide, stiffly held, symmetrical, elliptic to ovate, tips rounded or obtuse and with a short acuminate point; veins white, the lowest two form a distinct "V." Figs showy, sessile, in axillary pairs, 1.5 cm in diameter, yellow, ripening orange or scarlet. Cultivated in South Florida. Listed by Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council as a Category II species. Accidently introduced wasps (see Stange and Knight 1987) have begun pollinating lofty fig and now Florida specimens have fertile figs. Doves are spreading the figs in Dade and Palm Beach cos., with new plants appearing in storm drains, on palms, on buildings and bridges (Dr. Daniel F. Austin, Florida Atlantic University, personal communication). Native from south and southeast Asia to Malaysia (Lee County; B98-499; Rae Ann Scholle, homeowner; 23 October 1998). (Huxley 1992; Stange and Knight 1987; Watkins and Sheehan 1975).

Lagerstroemia floribunda Jacq., (53 spp., tropical Asia to Australia), Lythraceae, Malayan crape myrtle, Thai crape myrtle: Tree to 20 m tall, but shrubby in Florida with dense foliage hiding the branches. Leaves oblong-elliptic to 20 cm long, and 6.5 cm wide, subtomentose to glabrous. Terminal panicles to 0.5 m tall; calyx tube broadly top-shaped in bud, depressed at apex, with short beak and wing-like appendages, ribbed, tomentose; flowers about 2.5 cm wide, petals of new flowers bright mauve, fade to pale pink and next day are creamy white; stamens 48-70, ovary pubescent. Flowering in June and in some years again in November. Rare in cultivation. Native to Thailand, Viet Nam, and China (Orange County; B98-425; Barbara J. Wilder; 30 September 1998). (Bailey 1976; Menninger 1962).

Mascagnia rivularis Morton & Standl., (50 spp., Mexico to Argentina) Malpighiaceae, yellow butterfly vine: A large vine or a tree, said to be sometimes a tree 12 m tall, the young branches sericeous, but soon glabrate. Petioles 12 mm long, glands at apex inconspicuous; leaf blades subcoriaceous, narrowly oblong, 11-17 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, narrowly long-acuminate, cuneate at the base, glabrous, paler beneath. Inflorescences axillary, in panicles 6-10 cm long, the racemes very lax; pedicels slender, 8-9 mm long; calyx eglandular, sepals oblong, nearly 2 mm long; petals yellow, equal, oblong, 4 mm long, and 2 mm wide, glabrous, with entire margins; ovary densely pilose, 3-parted; fruit is butterfly-like with winged samaras almost glabrous, 3-3.5 cm broad, the very thin wings 1.5-2 cm high, undulate, the dorsal wing small, slightly undulate. Native to the wet forests of Guatemala and Mexico (Monroe County; B98-450; Lynn D. Howerton; 13 October 1998). (Standley and Steyermark 1946).

Piper auritum HBK, (ca. 2000 spp., tropics), Piperaceae, Veracruz pepper, bull-hoof, hoja de anis: Herb, or rarely woody below and becoming tree-like, usually about 2 m high, but can become 6 m; the branches stout, sparsely pubescent or glabrate; plant with scent of sarsparilla. Petioles broadly winged, more or less dilated and clasping at the base; leaf blades to 60 cm long and 35 cm wide, broadly ovate or oblong-ovate, acute and short acuminate, deeply and narrowly cordate at the base, the basal lobes rounded, one of them extending 1.5-3 cm lower than the other (like a bull hoof), usually 3 pairs of nerves above the basal ones, texture thin and soft, downy on both sides, wilting quickly off the plant. Peduncles simple, opposite the leaves, about 3 cm long; dense spikes pale green, 3-5 mm thick and to 25 cm long; the pale peltate scales finely puberulent. Fruits are pungent. Used medicinally and as a flavoring for meats, snails and tamales. Native from Mexico to Colombia, but escaped from cultivation in Cuba and southern Florida (Orange County; B98-414; Tom L. Phillips; 21 September 1998). (Huxley 1992; Standley and Steyermark 1952; Morton 1981; Wunderlin 1998).

Prosopis glandulosa Torr., (44 spp., warm Americas, SW Asia, Africa), Leguminosae/Mimosoideae, honey mesquite: Shrub or tree to 9 m tall; stipular spines to 4.5 cm long, solitary or paired, needle-like. Petiole to 15 cm long; 1 to 2 pinnae to 17 cm long; leaflets to 6.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, 6-15 pairs, linear or oblong, obtuse, glabrous, subcoriaceous, prominently veined beneath, remote. Racemes to 14 cm long, crowded; flowers many; corolla creamy to yellowish, to 3.5 mm long; ovary stipitate; villous. Fruit to 20 cm long and 1.3 cm wide, short-stipitate, straight or subfalcate, compressed to subterete, submoniliform, yellow or violet tinged, glabrous, 5-18 seeded; seeds oblique to longitudinal. Most common legume in Texas, the pods provide fodder for cattle and horses. U. S. (from Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Texas) and Mexico (Putnam County; B98-496; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 22 October 1998). (Huxley 1992; Correll and Johnston 1970). Note: many Prosopis species are on the DPI's Noxious Weed List (Rule 5B-57).

Trapa bicornis Osbeck, (15 spp., or 1 polymorphic sp., Central and Southeast Europe, Asia, Africa), Trapaceae, ling nut, a water chestnut: Annual, aquatic herb; stems long, slender, rooting in lower part. Submerged nodes with deciduous, linear leaves and plume-like roots, floating leaves alternate, forming a terminal rosette, blades ovate rhombic, petioles inflated. Flowers white, solitary in axils of floating leaves, bisexual, 4-merous, ovary half-inferior. Fruit to 7.5 cm across, top-shaped drupe, the thin, fleshy outer wall disintegrates and exposes the hard, indehiscent nut with sculptured wall and 2 straight or slightly curved horns. Seeds are edible and are used as food in various parts of the world. Native to eastern Asia. (Note: Eleocharis dulcis (Cyperaceae) is the "water chestnut" whose tubers are used in Chinese dishes.) Should not be grown in ponds and aquaria as ornamentals, since this genus is a prohibited by Department of Environmental Protection's Rule 62C--52 (Dade County; B98-449; Keith Richardson, OPS; 12 October 1998). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).

Zanthoxylum piperitum DC., (ca. 250 spp., Americas, Africa, Asia), Rutaceae, Japan pepper, Szechuan pepper: Shrub or small tree to 6.5 m tall; branches with paired spines to 8 mm long. Leaves to 15 cm long, 11-23 foliate; leaflets to 3.5 cm long, and 1.5 cm wide, ovate to broadly lanceolate, emarginate, base obtuse to cuneate, glabrous with age, margins dentate. flowers in terminal cymes on short axillary twigs, green or yellow green. Cultivated in Japan and elsewhere for use as a pungent spice. Perhaps the original hot taste in Szechuan (=Sichuan) cuisine prior to New World hot peppers (Capsicum spp.). Native to northern China, Korea, and Japan (Broward County; B98-391; Scott Shea; 2 September 1998). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).

GLOSSARY: decussate: opposite leaves at right angles to preceding pair; lithophyte: plant growing on rock, (similar to epiphyte= growing on other plants); submoniliform: (sub- = almost) resembling a string of beads.

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.
Correll, D. S. and M. C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular plants of Texas. Texas Research Foundation, Renner, TX. 1,881 p.
Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. Macmillan Press, London. 4 vols. 3,240 p.
Long, R. W. and O. Lakela. 1971. A flora of tropical Florida. University of Miami Press, Coral Gables. 962 p.
Mabberley, D. J. 1997. The plant-book, 2^nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 858 p.
Menninger, E.A. 1962. Flowering trees of the world. Hearthside Press Inc., New York. 336 p.
Morton, J. F. 1981. Atlas of medicinal plants of Middle America. Charles C. Thomas, Publisher, Springfield, IL. 1,420 p.
Stange, L. A. and R. J. Knight, Jr. 1987. Fig pollinating wasps of Florida. Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, Entomology Circular 296. 4 p.
Standley, P.C. and J. A. Steyermark. 1946. Flora of Guatemala. Malpighiaceae. Fieldiana. 24 (V): 492.
Standley, P. C. and J. A. Steyermark. 1952. Flora of Guatemala. Piperaceae. Fieldiana. 24 (III): 287-288.
Standley, P. C. and J. A. Steyermark. 1958. Flora of Guatemala. Araceae. Fieldiana. 24 (I): 320-321.
Watkins, J.V. and T. J. Sheehan. 1975. Florida landscape plants, native and exotic. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville. 420 p.

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

For the month of September, there were 934 samples consisting of 13,647+ specimens. In October, there were 374 samples consisting of 15,348+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Jatropha sp. (a jatropha)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, marginal mealybug: An infestation was found at a residence in Plantation (Broward County; E98-3191; Derek Burch, homeowner; 20 August 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: A moderate infestation involved 75 of 23,000 plants at a nursery in Boynton Beach (Palm Beach County; E98-3447; Ellen J. Tannehill; 2 October 1998).

Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree)-- Lymire edwardsii (Grote), Edward's wasp moth: A severe infestation involved all of 30 plants at a nursery in Homestead (Dade County; E98-3226; Edward T. Putland; 22 July 1998).

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Alternanthera sp. (a Jacob's coat)-- Conotrachelus parvulus Champion, a weevil: A moderate infestation caused damage to a topiary at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County; E98-3679; Barbara J. Wilder; 21 October 1998). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.

Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui, cycad aulacaspis scale: A severe infestation involved two of eight plants at a nursery in Satellite Beach (Brevard County; E98-3370; David H. Faneuf; 24 September 1998). The plants were from South Florida. NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Cycas sp. (a cycad)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsuiTakagi, cycad aulacaspis scale: A very severe infestation involved all of five plants at a nursery in Homestead (Dade County; E98-3645; Edward T. Putland; 15 October 1998).

Eugenia uniflora (Surinam-cherry)-- Melormenis basalis Walker, a flatid planthopper: A specimen was found at a residence in Homestead (Dade County; E98-3153; Edward T. Putland; 3 September 1998). This insect is relatively new to Florida.

Ilex cornuta 'Burfordi' (Burford holly)-- Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Florida red scale: A severe infestation involved 500 of 2000 plants at a nursery in Trenton (Gilchrist County; E98-3142; M. 'Janie' Echols; 1 September 1998).

Opuntia sp. (prickly pear cactus)-- Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg), tropical cactus borer: An infestation was found at a residence in Immokalee (Collier County; E98-3120, 3126; Lynda F. Davis and Sheila J. Foe; 1 September 1998).

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Evolvulus glomeratus (blue daze)-- Asterolecanium sp., a pit scale: A slight infestation involved 50% of 62 plants at a nursery in Naples (Collier County; E98-3732; Matthew W. Brodie and Scott D. Krueger; 8 October 1998). This scale is very damaging to blue daze (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus, China-rose)-- Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), striped mealybug: A severe infestation involved 120 plants at a nursery in Pembroke Park (Broward County; E98-3040; Maria S. Quintanilla; 26 August 1998).

-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, marginal mealybug: A severe infestation involved 25 of 75 plants at a discount store in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E98-2956; Laura L. Ooms; 19 August 1998).

FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Bursera simaruba (gumbo-limbo, a native species)-- Icerya purchasi Maskell, cottony cushion scale: A moderate to severe infestation was found at a fruit fly trapping site in Homestead (Dade County; E98-3170; Lynn D. Howerton; 4 September 1998).

Celtis laevigata (hackberry, a native species)-- Shivaphis celti Das, Asian woolly hackberry aphid: A moderate infestation was found on a roadside in Scottsmoor (Brevard County; E98-3342; Gregory A. Brown; 17 September 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

-- Shivaphis celti Das, Asian woolly hackberry aphid: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Gainesville (Alachua County; E98-3027; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 27 August 1998). Every branch on every tree was infested. The same trees were examined a year ago, when the Asian woolly hackberry aphid first appeared in Gainesville, and no aphids were found. This recently introduced species became very abundant in Gainesville this year. See website (http://extlab1.entnem.ufl.edu/PestAlert) for photographs and information (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Allium sp., probably A. fistulosa (green onion)-- Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard, pea leafminer: A slight infestation was intercepted on produce from California in Orlando (Orange County; E98-3508; Barbara J. Wilder and Anthony N. Capitano; 7 October 1998). This damaging pest does not occur in Florida.

--Another interception of a moderate infestation occurred in Jacksonville (Duval County; E98-3600; Flewellyn W. Podris; 15 October 1998).

Cichorium endivia (endive)-- Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley), currant lettuce aphid: A moderate infestation was intercepted on produce from California in Orlando (Orange County; E98-3652; Amanda D. Mattison, William L. 'Robbie' Robinson, Barbara J. Wilder and Charles A. 'Zo' Cooper; 20 October 1998). This aphid does not occur in Florida. It is native to Europe and has become established in British Columbia, California, and in the Northeastern states (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).

Lactuca sativa (leaf lettuce)-- probably Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard, pea leafminer: A slight infestation was intercepted on produce from California in Orlando (Orange County; E98-3647; Barbara J. Wilder, Amanda D. Mattison, Charles A. 'Zo' Cooper, William L. 'Robbie' Robinson; 20 October 1998).

-- Acyrthosiphon lactucae (Passerini), wild lettuce aphid: A slight infestation was intercepted on produce from California in Cape Canaveral (Brevard County; E98-3678; Gregory A. Brown; 15 October 1998). This aphid does not occur in Florida.

-- Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley), currant lettuce aphid: A moderate infestation was intercepted on produce from California in Orlando (Orange County; E98-3725; Barbara J. Wilder; 23 October 1998).

Pisum sativum (garden peas)-- Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), pea leafminer: A slight infestation was intercepted on produce of unknown origin in Plant City (Hillsborough County; E98-3634; Stacy A. Tyrala; 16 October 1998).

CITRUS: Citrus reticulata (mandarin)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in Miami Shores (Dade County; E98-3546; Duraid I. Hanna, Citrus Canker Program; 3 October 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Citrus sinensis (a navel orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Groveland (Lake County; E98-3198; Stephen B. Beidler; 10 September 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

(sweet orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A moderate infestation involved 10% of 60,000 plants at a nursery in Plant City (Hillsborough County; E98-3726; Samuel A. Fuller; 26 October 1998).

See "Insect Detection" section on page 8, for information on medfly, Ceratitis capitata.

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Wedelia trilobata (wedelia, = Complaya trilobata, listed by Exotic Pest Plant Council as a category II plant)-- Brevipalpus nr. selas Pritchard & Baker, a tenuipalpid mite: An infestation was found at a residence in Jupiter (Palm Beach County; E98-3428; Dr. Harry Bottenberg, private entomologist; 22 April 1998).

NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Heterotheca subaxillaris (camphorweed, a native species)-- Spilosoma virginica (Fabricius), yellow bear moth: A slight infestation was found near the corner of a citrus grove in Groveland (Lake County; E98-2899; Lynn E. Zellers; 18 August 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Sarracenia leucophylla (white-top pitcher plant, an endangered species)-- Fletcherimgia sp., a sarcophagid fly: Several specimens were found in pitcher plants in Zellwood (Orange County; E98-2123; Leslie J. Wilber; 18 June 1998). These flies are obligate breeders in pitcher plants, where larvae feed on decaying insects (Dr. Gary J. Steck).

Sesbania herbacea [=S. exaltata] (sesban, or danglepod, a native species found in disturbed areas)-- Selenisa sueroides (Guenée), a noctuid moth: A severe infestation involved hundreds of plants in a natural area near Gainesville (Alachua County; E98-3089; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 31 August 1998).

APIARY PESTS: Aethina tumida Murray, small hive beetle: A slight infestation was found in a hive at Port Charlotte (Charlotte County; E98-3580; D. Fred Howard; 13 October 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

--A severe infestation was found in a hive in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E98-3268; James C. Alderman; 15 September 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

FUNGI: mold cultures-- Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), a mite: Mites were found in cultures in Seminole (Pinellas County; E98-1830, 1827; Marta E. Warner, laboratory technician; 4 February 1998, 18 May 1998). These mites are common pests of mold cultures (Dr. W. 'Cal' Welbourn).

INSECT DETECTION: Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Mediterranean fruit fly: No wild flies were captured in Florida during this time. The final aerial bait spray treatment in the Sebring (Highlands County) area was conducted on 5 September. In Manatee and Highlands counties, eradication was declared on 2 October 1998, since no wild fly had been detected for 3 life cycles. Sterile insect releases will continue for prophylactic purposes in Manatee, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties until June 1999. Sterile fly release in Highlands County began on 4 October as an added prophylactic measure.

Cryptocephala elegans (Malloch), a stinkbug: One specimen was found in a sweep net sample in Ruskin (Hillsborough County; E98-2534; Mark L. Runnals; 23 July 1998). This is only the third specimen of this species in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods.

Lycosidae (wolf spiders)-- Three different exotic species were intercepted in crates of vases from Vietnam in Bonita Springs (Lee County; E98-3099; Stephen H. Polydoroff, USDA, Orlando; 26 August 1998).

Melormenis basalis Walker, a flatid planthopper: A specimen was found in a Jackson trap in Miami (Dade County; E98-3073; Gwen H. Myres; 26 August 1998). This relatively recent arrival is becoming numerous in South Florida.

Phytoseus hawaiiensis Prosad, a predaceous mite: Specimens were found on damaged Trema micrantha (Florida trema) in Homestead (Dade County; E98-3354; Lynn D. Howerton). The host of the predator was not found. This mite was known only from Hawaii and the South Pacific prior to this find (Dr. W. 'Cal' Welbourn). NEW RECORD FOR THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

Rhizoicus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Sarasota (Sarasota County; E98-2887; L. Wayne Clifton; 14 August 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Schizaphis rotundiventris (Signoret), an aphid: A specimen was collected in a suction trap at Key West (Monroe County; E98-3335; John E. MacKean, USDA, and Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 11-18 September 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Shivaphis celti Das, Asian woolly hackberry aphid: A single specimen was found on a Jackson trap used for checking sterile Mediterranean fruit flies in Palmetto (Manatee County; E98-3229; Elmer E. Goodroad, OPS Medfly; 4 September 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Botany Section

Entomology Section

Nematology Section

Plant Pathology Section

NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Renato N. Inserra, Ph.D.

A total of 3,505 samples were processed in September and October. Details are shown below:

Certification and Regulatory Samples:

Multistate Certification for National and International Export 1,762
California Certification 944
Burrowing Nematode (Citrus Regulatory Survey) 268
Premovement (Citrus Nursery Certification) 144
Site or Pit Approval (Citrus Nursery Certification) 47

Other Samples:

Plant Problem 55
Out of State Survey, Via Florida Interceptions 4
Intrastate Survey, Random 281

Nematodes of Special Interest:

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia (Bipinde anubias)--Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode: Extracted from roots of this aquatic ornamental imported to a nursery as bare-rooted cuttings from Guinea, West Africa (Broward County; N98-0843; Zell Smith III; 27 August 1998). Nematode-infected roots did not show any gall symptoms.

Anubias gracilis (delicate anubias)--Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode: Extracted from roots of this aquatic ornamental imported to a nursery as bare-rooted cuttings from Guinea, West Africa (Broward County; N98-0846; Zell Smith III; 27 August 1998). Infected roots were not galled by the nematode.

Anubias heterophylla "var. congensis" (glabrous anubias)--Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, southern root-knot nematode: Extracted from roots of this aquatic ornamental imported by a nursery as bare-rooted cuttings from Guinea, West Africa (Broward County; N98-0847; Zell Smith III; 27 August 1998). No galls were observed in the nematode-infected roots.

Anubias spp.--unidentified species of Meloidogyne, root-knot nematodes: Found in roots (without galls) of A. afzelii, A. barteri vars. lanceolata and nana simela, and A. hastifolia (Broward County; N98-848, 845, 844, and 849; Zell Smith III; 27 August 1998). These findings provide further evidence that anubias, along with other Araceae, are good hosts for root-knot nematodes. Because of lack of root gall symptoms, these root-knot nematode infections remain undetected during visual inspections of the cuttings at the port of entries of national and international markets. More appropriate nematological analyses are necessary to detect infections of these endoparasitic nematodes.

Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan, a native species)--Aphelenchoides besseyi Christie, 1942, rice white-tip nematode: Extracted from leaves of this flowering ornamental (Alachua County; N98-0889; Dr. Timothy S. Schubert; 29 August 1998). Chlorotic and necrotic lesions were the most obvious symptoms caused by the nematode infection in the leaves of this plant.

COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1998:

Brown, Gregory A 15
Dees, Carrie S. 55
Emery, Tyson R. 18
Esser, Dr. Robert P. 41
Foe, Shelia J. 74
Fuller, Samuel A. 165
Harris, Jessie M. 134
Inguanzo, Yolanda L. 17
Inserra, Renato N. 46
Lawrence, Robinson L. 92
Lehman, Dr. Paul S. 46
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 118
Qiao, Ping . 439
Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' 227
Salisbury, Thomas L. 232
Simons, Stacey S. 17
Smith, W. Wayne 176
Smith III, Zell 46
Zamora, Christine A. 12

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

For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 3,831 specimens. These included 641 pathology, 12 miscellaneous, 16 soil, 3,151 suspected canker samples in Dade County, 3 suspect canker samples in Manatee County, and 8 suspect canker samples from Immokalee County.

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus (silver buttonwood, a native species and variety)-- Chaetomella sp. leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Davie (Broward County; P98-1910; William A. Thiel Jr.; 28 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

Corchorus aestuans (East Indian jute)-- Cercospora sp. Fresen., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Parrish (Manatee County; P98-2238; Mark L. Runnals; 29 September 1998). NEW STATE RECORD.

Melaleuca decora (ornate melaleuca)-- Sphaeropsis tumefaciens Hedges, stem gall/witches broom: Collected at a nursery in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; P98-2007; Dr. Gary R. Buckingham, USDA/ARS; 10 September 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Saxifraga stolonifera (strawberry-begonia)-- Cylindrocladiella camelliae (Venka Taromani and Venkmto Ram) Boesewinkel, leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Plant City (Hillsborough County; P98-1772; Stacy A. Tyrala; 14 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Dianthus caryophyllus (carnation)-- Fusarium proliferatum (T. Matsushima) Nirenberg, secondary pathogen: Collected at a nursery in Hawthorne (Alachua County; P98-2427; Theresa R. Estok; 16 October 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

Tacca integrifolia (white bat flower)-- Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & M. A. Curtis) M. B. Ellis, leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Winter Garden (Orange County; P98-2220; Barbara J. Wilder; 29 September 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Actinidia deliciosa (kiwi)-- Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan, leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Alachua (Alachua County; P98-1666; Sarah E. Walker and Theresa R. Estok; 6 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

Allium sp. (onion)-- Myrothecium roridum Tode.'Fr., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Sun City Center (Hillsborough County; P98-1876; Mark L. Runnals; 27 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

Macadamia integrifolia (macadamia nut)-- Phytophthora palmivora (E. J. Butler) E. J. Butler, root rot: Collected at a nursery in Maderia Beach (Pinellas County; P98-2358; David M. Mooney; 8 October 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Solanum viarum (tropical soda apple, a noxious weed, DPI Rule 5B-57)-- Alternaria solani (Soraur), leaf spot: Collected at a pasture in Coleman (Sumter County; P98-1850; Floyd J. McHenry; 20 August 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

NATIVE OR NATURALIZED: Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel bush or salt bush, a native species)-- Septobasidium sp., fungus: Collected at a unknown location (21-2755 B-12) in Bay Lake (Lake County; P98-1855; Lynn E. Zellers; 25 August 1998).

Campsis radicans (trumpet vine, a native species)-- Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville (Alachua County, P98-2003; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 10 September 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

OTHER DETECTIONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Baccharis halimifolia (saltbush)-- Hansfordia sp., fungal hyperparasite: Collected at a natural area in Gainesville (Alachua County; P98-2290; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 29 September 1998). NEW HOST RECORD.

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