Section Reports

Botany

Entomology

Nematology

Plant Pathology

TRI-OLOGY’s New Look

As our 47th year of publicationof TRI-OLOGY approached, wewanted to improve our abilityto inform our readership of thediagnoses and identificationsdone by our division’staxonomic scientists. Afterhaving edited TRI-OLOGY for16 years, I was ready for achange in our look and deliverysystem. I requested assistancefrom several co-workers toassist in this opportunity tochange. We recognized thatimproved use of the Internetwas achievable and wouldimprove access to the scientificdeterminations of pests andpathogens found on ouragricultural and native plantresources.

I would like to thank severalco-workers for their ableassistance in making thisupgrade possible. First andforemost is Dr. Patti Anderson,who has done an exemplary

Foliar symptoms ofRaffaelea lauricola (laurelwilt) on Persea borbonia(red bay tree)Photograph courtesy of BudMayfield, FDACS Division ofForestry

Lycium carolinianum(Christmas berry)Photograph and copyrightcourtesy of RogerHammer/Wildflowers of theEverglades, Atlas of FloridaVascular Plants

Phoradendron leucarpum

HighlightsFollowing are a few of the notable entries from this volume of TRI-OLOGY. These entriesare reports of interesting plants or unusual pests, some of which may be problematic. SeeSection Reports for complete information.

Persea borbonia (red bay) – Raffaelealauricola, laurel wilt. The laurel wilt pathogenvectored by Xyleborus glabratus, redbay ambrosiabeetle, is capable of attacking and killing red bayand several other members of the laurel familyincluding sassafras, pondspice, spicebush andcamphor-tree. Commercially, the biggest concernis the apparent susceptibility of many varieties ofavocado, most of which are grown in Miami-DadeCounty.

Persea humilis Nash. - silk bay, scrub bay. Thethree species of Persea native to Florida are allvery similar in general appearance. Unfortunately,like all of its close relatives, the silk bay istheoretically susceptible to the laurel wilt diseaserapidly being spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle. To date, no infected plantof this species has been found.

Lycium carolinianum Walt. - Christmas berry,Carolina desertthorn, lycium. This species is aspiny, salt-tolerant, evergreen shrub to 2 m tall,found in coastal areas, including shell mounds andthe edges of salt marshes and brackish swamps,from South Carolina to Florida and west to Texasand Mexico.

Phoradendronleucarpum (Raf.)Reveal &M.C.Johnst. - oakmistletoe. Thisevergreen subshrub,up to 1 m in diameter,is a hemi-parasite,taking water and

DPI’s Bureau of Entomology, Nematology and Plant Pathology (the botany section is included in this bureau) produces TRI-OLOGY sixtimes a year, covering two months of activity in each issue. The report includes detection activities from nursery plant inspections, routineand emergency program surveys, and requests for identification of plants and pests from the public. Samples are also occasionally sentfrom other states or countries for identification or diagnosis.

Printer-Friendly PDF VersionDACS-P-00124 Volume 48, Number 1, January - February 2009

job over the past two and halfyears as our Managing Editor,and clearly guided thistransition to success. Next,Denise Feiber, Director ofTechnical Assistance, and ScottWeinberg, Graphic Artist andwebmaster, who have so aptlytaken our vision and made itreal on screen as well as inprint. Also, Dr. Susan Halbert,Dr. Renato Inserra, Dr. JaneteBrito, Robert Leahy, Dr. TimSchubert, Dr. Cal Welbourn, Dr.Dick Weaver, Cindy Edwardsand Jody Hansen contributedsignificantly to our upgrade inmany different ways, makingsure that our scientific staff atlarge had an opportunity toprovide input into ourtransition. I also thank themany contributingphotographers.

As we move forward in betterusing today’s technology, I amreminded that TRI-OLOGY firstappeared in 1962 as atechnical report of news andother notes from theEntomology, Nematology andPlant Pathology bureaus. Thereport was prepared on atypewriter and copies were putin the mail to interestedreaders. At one time, wemailed over 800 copies everytwo months to a worldwidereadership. It took up toseveral months for TRI-OLOGYto reach some of our readers.Now, the retrieval time isinstantaneous after a TRI-OLOGY report is posted to ourwebsite, and we hope ourreaders will find theirinformation needs met througheither the provided overviewsor needed details in linkedancillary tables.

I suspect we will continue totweak our upgrade a bit over

(oak mistletoe)Photograph courtesy of BettyWargo, Atlas of Florida VascularPlants

Carthosilvanusvulgaris (Grouvelle)Photograph courtesyof M.C.Thomas, DPI

Root galling caused byMeloidogyne javanica(Javanese root-knotnematode) on Solanumviarum (tropical sodaapple)Photograph courtesy ofJ. Lotz and J. A. Brito,DPI

Colletotrichum

nutrients from its host tree, but also carrying outphotosynthesis. Only one other species in thisgenus occurs in Florida, P. rubrum, the mahoganymistletoe. It is a rare, parasitic plant found only in

far South Florida, distinguished from oak mistletoe by its lemon-yellow toorange fruit.

Carthosilvanus vulgaris (Grouvelle). Specimens werecollected in a blacklight trap at the Port Manatee ForestryTerminal by Customs and Border Patrol. This is aNeotropical species not previously known from the UnitedStates; the collection is a continental record. This beetle isnot of economic importance. It lives under bark and feedson fungi. (Dr. Michael C. Thomas.)

Orius tristicolor (White) minute pirate bug. Found onHelianthus debilis, beach sunflower or dune sunflower inTierra Verde, FL. This is the second catch for the tinypredator (usually no more than 3 mm long) in thelandscape in Florida. It is intercepted regularly on producefrom Western states. This is a county record for Pinellas.(Dr. Susan E. Halbert.)

Solanum viarum (tropical sodaapple) – Meloidogyne javanica(Treub, 1885) Chitwood, 1949,the Javanese root-knotnematode was found infecting the roots of this noxiousweed during a survey by DPI staff. Roots were heavilyinfected and deformed by prominent and bead-likegalls. Root-knot nematodes have broad host ranges andare very damaging pathogens of many agronomic andhorticultural crops including most row and vegetablecrops, fruit trees and ornamental plants.

Miscanthus sinensis (zebra grass, Chinese silvergrass) - Pratylenchus zeae Graham, 1951, a rootlesion nematode was found infecting the roots of thisornamental grass. Nematode-infected roots showeddark lesions on their surface. Morphological andmolecular (rDNA) analyses were used for species

identification. As this ornamental grass becomes more popular in Florida, itspests may become more economically important.

Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo) –Colletotrichum dracaenophilum, stem rot. This stempathogen has probably been introduced into the UnitedStates by way of the vast quantities of lucky bamboopropagative material imported from Asia.

Hibiscus syriacus (rose-of-Sharon) – Thielaviopsisbasicola, root rot. The black root rot pathogen is morecommonly found on hollies and pansies, but has a widehost range. It prefers wet, cool soils and can be verydifficult to manage after soils are infested. NEW HOST

the next few issues. Wewelcome your comments andsuggestions for improvement.Please feel free to contact meat dixonw@doacs.state.fl.us orDr. Patti Anderson atandersp1@doacs.state.fl.us andlet us know.

Wayne N. Dixon, Ph.D., editor Assistant Director, DPI

dracaenophilum(stem rot) onDracaena sanderiana(lucky bamboo)Photograph courtesy ofT. Schubert, DPI

RECORD.

Suriana maritima (bay cedar) – Rhizoctonia sp.,root rot. Collected from a nursery in Palm Beach Countyon 12 January 2009. NEW HOST RECORD.

Patti J. Anderson, Ph.D., managing editorWayne N. Dixon, Ph.D., editor

Contact TRI-OLOGY | Past Issues | Bureau of Entomology, Nematology and Plant PathologyFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Webmaster | Best Viewed In | E-mail Privacy Policy

Sample Submissions

951 Total Samples Submitted:

Samples submitted by other

DPI sections

870

Samples submitted for

botanical identification only

81

77 specimens added to theherbarium.

Descurainia pinnata (Westerntansymustard)Photograph courtesy of J. Lotz, DPI

Botany SectionCompiled by Richard E. Weaver, Jr., Ph.D., and Patti J. Anderson, Ph.D.This section identifies plants for the Division of Plant Industry, as well as for othergovernmental agencies and private individuals. The Botany Section maintains areference herbarium with over 10,000 plants and nearly 1,500 vials of seeds.

Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. (a genus of 40 species fromtemperate and cool regions, including Europe, South Africa andNorth America). Cruciferae (or Brassicaceae). Westerntansymustard. This is a widespread, weedy, annual herbaceous plant,usually seen flowering in late winter or early spring, in turf, open fields andwaste places with sandy soils throughout the United States and into Mexicoand Canada. This species usually reaches a height of 25-50 cm, with singleor multiple stems that often branch. The stem and leaves are graypubescent, and the deeply dissected leaves are pinnatifid. The flowers occurin terminal racemes, each flower with four yellow, yellow-green or whitepetals. The fruits are narrow siliques, up to 15 mm long and 2-4 mm wide,on pedicels that can reach 1.5 cm in length. Seeds are less than 1 mm long.This is a variable species with several recognized subspecies. Native peoplesthroughout its range used the seeds as food, and some mixed the plant withiron pigments to prepare a dye. (Nassau County; B2009-62; Flewellyn W.Podris; 12 February 2009.) (Austin 2004; Murphy 1996;http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/despin/all.html.)

Ilex latifolia Thunberg. (a nearly cosmopolitan genus ofapproximately 400 species, particularly diverse in temperate andtropical Asia and America). Aquifoliaceae. Lusterleaf holly. Thismagnificent evergreen tolerates well the heat of summers in northern andcentral Florida, yet it is barely known and rarely planted here. It is native toJapan and has been in cultivation in this country since 1840. A dense,pyramidal tree to 10 m tall, it is texturally similar to Magnolia grandiflora.The leathery leaves are lustrous dark green above and yellowish beneath,oblong to elliptic with an abrupt, sharp tip, coarsely serrate but not spiny onthe margins and 10-20 cm long. Like all hollies, male and female flowersare borne on separate trees (dioecious). The dark red fruits are about 8 mmin diameter, and they are borne in dense, axillary clusters that completelyencircle the twigs. The fruits persist through the winter, if the robins andmockingbirds miss them, but the color generally fades considerably. Thetrees are difficult to propagate, perhaps partially explaining why they are sorare in cultivation. (Submitted by the general public; 6 January, 2009.)(Dehgan 1998; Dirr 1990.)

Lycium carolinianum Walt. (a genus of about 100 species of shrubsfrom warm temperate regions, primarily the Americas). Solanaceae.Christmas berry, Carolina desertthorn, lycium. This species is a spiny,salt-tolerant, evergreen shrub to 2 m tall, found in coastal areas, includingshell mounds and the edges of salt marshes and brackish swamps, from

Printer-Friendly PDF VersionDACS-P-00124 Volume 48, Number 1, January - February 2009

Home Botany Entomology Nematology Plant Pathology

Ilex latifolia (Lusterleaf holly)Photograph courtesy of Oregon StateUniversity http://oregonstate.edu

Lycium carolinianum (Christmas berry)Photograph and copyright courtesy of RogerHammer/Wildflowers of the Everglades, Atlasof Florida Vascular Plants

Persea humilis (Silk bay, scrub bay)Photograph courtesy of Shirley Denton, Atlasof Florida Vascular Plants

South Carolina to Florida and west to Texas and Mexico. The clustered,fleshy, simple leaves grow up to 2 cm in length, have entire margins andare linear to narrowly oblanceolate. The flowers, growing singly, have acalyx with four lobes and a blue to lavender (sometimes pale enough toappear white) corolla with four fused petals. The fruit is an ellipsoid berrythat turns bright red when ripe, usually in December. Although somespecies in this family contain toxins, there are some reports that theChristmas berry fruit is edible, like other members of the family, such astomatoes and peppers. Without doubt, this species is an excellent food forwildlife including nectar-feeding insects and fruit-eating birds as well asdeer, raccoons and other wildlife and makes an excellent addition to acoastal landscape. (Pinellas County; B2009-29; Olga Garcia; 18 January2009.) (Godfrey 1988; Huxley 1992; Nelson 2003;http://www.wildflower.org.)

Persea humilis Nash. (a genus of ca. 200 species in the Asian andAmerican tropics). Lauraceae. Silk bay, scrub bay. The three speciesof Persea native to Florida are all very similar in general appearance, as wellas in many characters of the foliage, flowers and fruits. They differ primarilyin habitat preference and in the hairs (pubescence) on their variousstructures, but most conspicuously on their twigs and the undersides of theirleaves. Considered by some taxonomists to be merely a variety of thecommon red bay, Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng., the silk bay, discussed here,forms a suckering shrub or small tree to 3 m tall with twigs that are denselycovered by rusty hairs. The aromatic, leathery evergreen leaves are usuallynarrowly elliptic to lanceolate in outline and 5-9 cm in length. Theundersides of the leaves are reddish brown due to a dense covering of veryfine, appressed silky hairs. With proper lighting and magnification, thesehairs glisten like short golden threads. As in the other two species, the smallgreenish flowers are borne in slender-stalked axillary clusters, and they arefollowed by roundish, black or blue-black drupes. The silk bay is restrictedin its distribution to scrub habitats in Central and southern Florida, fromAlachua and Putnam Counties south to Martin and Collier Counties.Unfortunately, like all of its close relatives, the silk bay is theoreticallysusceptible to the laurel wilt disease rapidly being spread by the redbayambrosia beetle. However, no infected plant of this species has been found.(Submitted by the general public; 9 January 2009.) (Godfrey 1988;Mabberley 1997; Note: redbay ambrosia beetle pest alert available athttp://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/x.glabratus.html.)

Phoradendron leucarpum (Raf.) Reveal & M.C.Johnst. (a genus ofca. 190 species from the Americas with a concentration in thetropics). Viscaceae (formerly Loranthaceae; recently proposed asSantalaceae). Oak mistletoe. This evergreen subshrub, up to 1 m indiameter, is a hemi-parasite, taking water and nutrients from its host tree,but also carrying out photosynthesis. Heavy infestations of P. leucarpum can

Phoradendron leucarpum (oak mistletoe)Photograph courtesy of Betty Wargo, Atlas ofFlorida Vascular Plants

Poinsettia heterophylla (Mexicanfireplant, fiddler’s spurge)Photograph courtesy of Dennis Girard, Atlas ofFlorida Vascular Plants

reduce the growth of host trees. The leathery, opposite obovate leaves are2-5 cm long, with entire margins and rounded apices. The flowers areunisexual, with staminate and pistilate flowers on separate plants. Theseinconspicuous flowers are borne on opposite sides of a jointed spike, withfemale flowers developing into clusters of ten or more fruits. Each waxywhite fruit is 4-6 mm in diameter, with sticky (viscous) flesh, and contains asingle seed. Seeds germinate on tree branches, attached there by the stickyfruit pulp. Only one other species in this genus occurs in Florida, P. rubrum,the mahogany mistletoe. It is a rare, parasitic plant found only in far SouthFlorida, distinguished from oak mistletoe by its lemon-yellow to orange fruit.Lore about mistletoe, including the tradition of a kissing under it, began withthe European Viscum album, a species similar to the North Americanmistletoe, but with fewer fruits in each cluster. Both are considered toxic tohumans if eaten, although native peoples of eastern North America haveused mistletoe extracts medicinally as treatment for a variety of ailmentsfrom headaches to whooping cough to ring worms. (Sumter County; B2009-40; Lorrie R. Rigby; 28 January 2009. Palm Beach County; B2009-41; SallieH. Simmons; 29 January 2009. Volusia County; B2009-42; Albert E. “Bud”Mayfield; 4 February 2009.) (Austin 2004; Godfrey 1988; Mabberley 1997;Wunderlin and Hansen 2003; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoradendron;http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7437.html.)

Poinsettia heterophylla (L.) Klotzsch & Garke ex Klotzsch, (a genusof 11 species native to warm parts of the Americas, usually includedin Euphorbia). Euphorbiaceae. Mexican fireplant, fiddler’s spurge.Like most members of the Euphorbia family, this plant exudes a milky latexif any piece is broken or detached. This latex may cause dermatitis insensitive people and may have unpleasant effects if ingested. The plant isan annual, pantropical weed closely related, but not very similar in generalappearance, to the ubiquitous Christmas decoration, Poinsettia pulcherrima.It grows to about 1 m tall with (usually) unbranched stems. The specificname “heterophylla” meaning “with different leaves” is appropriate since theleaves are extremely variable. They range from ovate and elliptic tonarrowly lanceolate in outline; entire, with a few coarse teeth or withshallow lobes along the margin; dull green or gray-green above, often withsmall, irregularly spaced purple spots; and from 4-15 cm long and 0.5-5 cmbroad. As in the florist’s poinsettia, modified leaves (bracts) subtend theinflorescence. However, in this species, they are basically colored like thefoliage leaves, but occasionally white at the base or with purple spots. Theflowers themselves lack petals and sepals and are borne in specializedstructures called cyathia, characteristic of Euphorbia and a few closelyrelated genera. According to Dressler (1961), Poinsettia heterophylla isnative from Arizona south throughout tropical America and adventiveelsewhere. Wunderlin and Hansen (2003) and most other sources consider itto be native also in Florida. It usually grows in disturbed habitats butseldom becomes a pest, although it is currently on Florida’s list of noxiousweeds (DPI Rule 5B-57.007), under the synonym Euphorbia prunifolia. Itsinclusion on the noxious weed list is under review. (Miami-Dade County;B2009-36; Stephen P. Beidler; 27 January 2009.) (Dressler 1961;Wunderlin and Hansen 2003.)

ReferencesAustin, D. F. 2004. Florida Ethnobotany. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.

909 p.

Dehgan, B. 1998. Landscape plants for subtropical climates. UniversityPress of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. 638 p.

Dirr, M.A. 1990. Manual of woody landscape plants, 4th edition. StipesPublishing Company, Champaign, Illinois. 1,007 p.

Dressler, R.L. 1961. A synopsis of Poinsettia (Euphorbiaceae). Annals ofthe Missouri Botanical Garden 48: 329-341.

Godfrey, R.K. 1988. Trees, shrubs and woody vines of northern Floridaand adjacent Georgia and Alabama. University of Georgia Press, Athens,Georgia. 735 p.

Huxley, A.J. (editor). 1992. The new Royal Horticultural Societydictionary of gardening. 4 volumes. Macmillan Press. London, England.3,240 p.

Mabberley, D.J. 1997. The plant book, 2nd edition. Cambridge UniversityPress, Cambridge, England. 858 p.

Murphy, T. R. 1996. Weeds of southern turfgrasses. Florida CooperativeExtension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Universityof Florida, Gainesville, Florida. 208 p.

Nelson, G. 2003. Florida's best native landscape plants: 200 readilyavailable species for homeowners and professionals. University Press ofFlorida, Gainesville, Florida. 411 p.

Wunderlin, R. P. and B. F. Hansen. 2003. Guide to the vascular plantsof Florida, 2nd edition. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.787 p.

Contact TRI-OLOGY | Past Issues | Bureau of Entomology, Nematology and Plant PathologyFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Webmaster | Best Viewed In | E-mail Privacy Policy

Sample/SpecimenSubmissions

January

Samples Submitted 423

Specimens Identified 11,613

February

Samples Submitted 532

Specimens Identified 27,006

Carthosilvanus vulgaris (Grouvelle)Photograph courtesy of M.C.Thomas, DPI

Entomology SectionCompiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph.D.This section provides the division's plant protection specialists and other customerswith accurate identifications of arthropods. The entomology section also builds andmaintains the arthropod reference and research collection (the Florida State Collectionof Arthropods - with over 9 million specimens), and investigates the biology, biologicalcontrol and taxonomy of arthropods.

Carthosilvanus vulgaris (Grouvelle). Specimens were collected in ablacklight trap at the Port Manatee Forestry Terminal by Customs andBorder Patrol on 10 October 2008. This is a Neotropical species notpreviously known from the United States; the collection is a continentalrecord. This beetle is not of economic importance. It lives under bark andfeeds on fungi. (Manatee County; E2009-353; Gloria E. Callahan; 10October 2008.) (Dr. Michael C. Thomas.)

Orius tristicolor (White) minute pirate bug found on Helianthus debilis,beach sunflower or dune sunflower in Tierra Verde, FL. This is the secondcatch for the tiny predator (usually no more than 3 mm long) in thelandscape in Florida. It is intercepted regularly on produce from Westernstates. This is a county record for Pinellas. (Pinellas County; E2009-363;Olga Garcia; 18 January 2009.) (Dr. Susan E. Halbert.)

Entomology Specimen Report (Abbreviated)Following are tables with entries for records of new hosts or newgeographical areas for samples identified in the current volume's time periodas well as samples of special interest. An abbreviated table, with all the newrecords but less detail about them, is presented in the body of this webpage and another version with more complete data is downloadable as aPDF or an Excel spreadsheet.

Download full spreadsheet in PDF format

Download full spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel format

The tables are organized alphabetically by plant host, if the specimen has aplant host. Some arthropod specimens are not collected on plants and arenot necessarily plant pests. In the table below, those entries have no plantinformation included and are organized by arthropod name.

Printer-Friendly PDF VersionDACS-P-00124 Volume 48, Number 1, January - February 2009

Home Botany Entomology Nematology Plant Pathology

Plant SpeciesName

Plant CommonName

Arthropod SpeciesName

Arthropod CommonName County New Records

Contact TRI-OLOGY | Past Issues | Bureau of Entomology, Nematology and Plant PathologyFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Webmaster | Best Viewed In | E-mail Privacy Policy

Bambusa sp. Bamboo Unachionaspis tenuis armored scale Nassau County

Bambusa sp. Bamboo Palmicultor lumpurensis mealybug Nassau County

Bambusa sp. Bamboo Froggattiella penicillata penicillate scale Nassau County

Blechum pyramidatum Browne's Blechum Myllocerusundecimpustulatus

weevil Pinellas Host

Citrus reticulata Tangerine, Mandarin Zaprionus indianus fruit fly Nassau County

Citrus x paradisi Grapefruit Euxesta costalis picture-winged fly Collier County

Citrus x paradisi Grapefruit Curtara insularis ringspot leafhopper Collier County

Eucalyptus peltata Rusty Jacket Myllocerusundecimpustulatus

weevil Miami-Dade Host

Eucalyptus sp. Eucalyptus Leptocybe invasa blue gum chalcid wasp Palm Beach County

Helianthus debilis Beach Sunflower,Dune Sunflower

Orius tristicolor minute pirate bug Pinellas County

Iva imbricata Seacoast Marsh-elder

Maconellicoccus hirsutus pink hibiscus mealybug Broward Host

Lycium carolinianum Christmas Berry;Carolina Desert-thorn

Euxesta zacki fly Pinellas

Mangifera indica Mango Chrysomya megacephala blow fly Orange County

Mangifera indica Mango Arvelius albopunctatus stink bug Lake County

Plant SpeciesPlant C

omm

on Nam

eA

rthropod Genus

and SpeciesA

rthropod C

omm

on Nam

eC

ollection D

ateLocation

TypeC

ity, StateC

ountyC

ollectorC

ollector Institution

Plants Involved

Plants A

ffectedA

cres Involved

Acres A

ffectedSeverity

Sample N

o.R

ecordN

otes

Bam

busa sp.

Bam

booU

nachionaspis tenuisarm

ored scale9-Jan-2009

Business

landscapeFernandina B

each, FLN

assauFlew

ellyn W. P

odrisFD

AC

S/D

PI

10075%

Moderate

E2009-117

CO

UN

TY

This species is considered to be an invasive. It was reported in Tennessee in 1999,

Alabam

a in 2005 and South C

arolina in 2006, but no literature suggests the species w

ill have an economic im

pact. (Dr. G

reg S. H

odges).

Bam

busa sp.B

amboo

Palm

icultor lum

purensism

ealybug5-Feb-2009

Roadside

Fernandina Beach, FL

Nassau

Flewellyn W

. Podris; Isabelle S

. James

FDA

CS

/DP

I0.01

0.01M

oderateE

2009-588 C

OU

NTY

This is an exotic, invasive m

ealybug, first reported in Florida in 2002, that is now

considered established in Florida (Dr. G

reg S. H

odges).

Bam

busa sp.B

amboo

Froggattiella penicillata

penicillate scale5-Feb-2009

Roadside

Fernandina Beach, FL

Nassau

Flewellyn W

. Podris; Isabelle S

. James

FDA

CS

/DP

I0.01

0.01M

oderateE

2009--588 C

OU

NTY

Blechum

pyram

idatumB

rowne's B

lechumM

yllocerus undecim

pustulatusw

eevil23-Feb-2009

Vacant Lot

St P

etersburg, FLP

inellasLinda G

. McR

ayFD

AC

S/D

PI

E2009-901

HO

ST

Citrus reticulata

Tangerine, Mandarin

Zaprionus indianusfruit fly

20-Jan-2009R

esidenceE

stero, FLLee

Carm

en Escalante

US

DA

/AP

HIS

/P

PQ

E2009-326

CO

UN

TY

Probably native to India or A

frica (Dr. G

ary J. Steck).

Citrus x

paradisiG

rapefruitE

uxesta costalispicture-w

inged fly

7-Jan-2009R

esidenceM

arco, FLC

ollierS

cott D. K

ruegerFD

AC

S/D

PI

1E

2009-97 C

OU

NTY

There are only a handful of specim

ens present in FSC

A; this fly is know

n from D

ade, B

roward, and P

alm B

each Counties as w

ell as The Baham

as and Jamaica (D

r. Gary

J. Steck).

Citrus x

paradisiG

rapefruitC

urtara insularisringspot leafhopper

28-Jan-2009R

esidenceM

arco, FLC

ollierS

cott D. K

ruegerFD

AC

S/D

PI

11

Slight

E2009-522

CO

UN

TY

Eucalyptus

peltataR

usty JacketM

yllocerus undecim

pustulatusw

eevil9-Jan-2009

Roadside

Miam

i, FLM

iami-D

adeO

lga Garcia

FDA

CS

/DP

I1

1S

lightE

2009-163 H

OS

T

Eucalyptus sp.

Eucalyptus

Leptocybe invasablue gum

chalcid w

asp30-Jan-2009

Bert W

inters P

arkJuno B

each, FLP

alm B

eachJohn F. G

ilmore; K

arolynne M. G

riffithsU

SD

A/A

PH

IS/

PP

Q3

2S

lightE

2009-515 C

OU

NTY

A

n Australian gall w

asp pest on Eucalyptus

, previously submitted from

Brow

ard C

ounty in 2008. (James R

. Wiley).

Helianthus

debilisB

each Sunflow

er, Dune

Sunflow

erO

rius tristicolorm

inute pirate bug18-Jan-2009

Roadside

Tierra Verde, FL

Pinellas

Olga G

arciaFD

AC

S/D

PI

11

Slight

E2009-363

CO

UN

TY

This tiny predator has been found for the second time in the landscape in Florida. It is

intercepted regularly on produce from W

estern states. (Dr. S

usan E. H

albert).

Iva imbricata

Seacoast M

arsh-elderM

aconellicoccus hirsutus

pink hibiscus m

ealybug19-Feb-2009

Residence

Pom

pano Beach, FL

Brow

ardJ. K

eith Harris

FDA

CS

/DP

IS

lightE

2009-843 H

OS

T

Lycium

carolinianumC

hristmas B

erry; Carolina

Desert-thorn

Euxesta zacki

fly28-Jan-2009

Ham

mock

Park

Dunedin, FL

Pinellas

Bruce S

utton; David C

. Ziesk; Susan E

. H

albert; Tom Turner

FDA

CS

/DP

I, A

ES

00

Slight

E2009-401

This is an uncomm

only collected species (Kurt M

. Ahlm

ark).

Mangifera

indicaM

angoC

hrysomya

megacephala

blow fly

30-Dec-2008

Residence

Orlando, FL

Orange

Janice DeJesus

US

DA

/AP

HIS

/P

PQ

Slight

E2009-032

CO

UN

TY

An introduced species in N

orth Am

erica (Dr. G

ary J. Steck).

Mangifera

indicaM

angoA

rvelius albopunctatus

stink bug10-Feb-2009

Nursery

Clerm

ont, FLLake

Lorrie R. R

igbyFD

AC

S/D

PI

E2009-672

CO

UN

TY

Oldenlandia

corymbosa

Flattop Millegraines

Aleurothrixus

floccosusw

oolly whitefly

27-Jan-2009R

oadsideM

iami, FL

Miam

i-Dade

Olga G

arciaFD

AC

S/D

PI

100100

Severe

E2009-415

HO

ST

Podocarpus

macrophyllus

Japanese Yew

Tortricidae ? Genus

tortricid moth

29-Jan-2009B

usiness landscape

Miam

i, FLM

iami-D

adeO

lga Garcia

FDA

CS

/DP

I1

1S

lightE

2009-472 H

OS

T

Pseudophoenix

sargentii

Buccaneer P

alm, S

argent's C

herry Palm

, Hog P

alm,

Datelet, D

umm

y Date

Raoiella indica

red palm m

ite17-D

ec-2008S

moker P

arkFt. Lauderdale, FL

Brow

ardK

arolynne M. G

riffithsU

SD

A/A

PH

IS/

PP

Q6

6M

oderateE

2008-8375 H

OS

T E

stablished exotic species (Dr. W

.C. 'C

al' Welbourn).

Psychotria

nervosaW

ild-Coffee, S

eminole

Balsam

oM

yllocerus undecim

pustulatusw

eevil13-Jan-2009

Com

munity

Park

Coconut C

reek, FLB

roward

Lisa A. C

harltonFD

AC

S/D

PI

E2009-177

HO

ST

Quercus sp.

Oak

Rhinoleucophenga

obesafruit fly

22-Jan-2009R

esidenceW

inter Haven, FL

Polk

John Larry Byrd

US

DA

/AP

HIS

/P

PQ

E2009-339

CO

UN

TY

Rhus

copallinumW

inged Sum

ac, Flameleaf

Sum

acN

ew G

enus new

speciescroton scale

5-Jan-2009B

usiness landscape

Miam

i, FLM

iami-D

adeO

lga Garcia

FDA

CS

/DP

I1

1S

evereE

2009-43 H

OS

T This scale is considered new

to science (Dr. G

reg S. H

odges).

Salicornia

bigeloviiD

warf G

lasswort

Pissonotus

quadripustulatusdelphacid planthopper

28-Jan-2009W

eedon Island S

tate P

reserveS

t Petersburg, FL

Pinellas

David C

. ZieskFD

AC

S/D

PI

Moderate

E2009-405

HO

ST

Sclerocarya

birreaM

arulaM

yllocerus undecim

pustulatusw

eevil3-Feb-2009

US

DA

S

ubtropical R

esearch Unit

Miam

i, FLM

iami-D

adeE

duardo G. C

amero

FDA

CS

/DP

I2

2M

oderateE

2009-535 H

OS

T

Sideroxylon

tenaxTough B

umelia, C

lark's B

uckthorn, Silver B

uckthornA

sphondylia bumeliae

gall midge

23-Dec-2008

Roadside

Miam

i, FLM

iami-D

adeO

lga Garcia

FDA

CS

/DP

I1

1S

evereE

2008-8427 C

OU

NTY

D

istinctive polythalmous galls that greatly enlarge the stem

(Dr. G

ary J. Steck).

Stenotaphrum

secundatum

St. A

ugustine Grass

Blissus insularis

southern chinch bug

29-Dec-2008

Residence

Flagler Beach, FL

FlaglerK

aren G. C

offeyFD

AC

S/D

PI

lawn

50 %0.25

0.100000001M

oderate to S

evereE

2009-9 C

OU

NTY

Suriana

maritim

aB

ay Cedar

Paracoccus

marginatus

papaymealybug

8-Jan-2009R

oadsideM

iami, FL

Miam

i-Dade

Olga G

arciaFD

AC

S/D

PI

11

Slight

E2009-138

HO

ST

Talipariti tiliaceum

Sea H

ibiscus; Mahoe

Anom

is erosam

allow caterpillar

11-Dec-2008

The Kam

pongC

oconut Grove, FL

Miam

i-Dade

Eduardo M

. Varona; K

arolynne M.

Griffiths

US

DA

/AP

HIS

/P

PQ

11

00

Moderate

E2008-8374

HO

ST

Tamarindus

indicaTam

arindS

elenaspidus articulatus

rufous scale28-Jan-2009

Residence

Lee County, FL

LeeS

tephen H. B

rown

UF

E2009-510

CO

UN

TY

This exotic armored scale, w

ith a range restricted to South Florida, is som

ewhat

comm

on and considered established (Dr. G

reg S. H

odges).

Tillandsia utriculata

Spreading A

irplant, Giant

Wild-P

ineM

etamasius callizona

Brom

eliad weevil

9-Jan-2009H

ickory Bluff

Preserve

Osteen, FL

Volusia

J. How

ard Frank; Michael C

. Thomas

UF,

FDA

CS

/DP

IE

2009-275 C

OU

NTY

Viola x

wittrockiana

Pansy

Elaphria nucicolora

Nucicolorm

idget m

oth28-A

pr-2008U

niversity of Florida

Gainesville, FL

Alachua

Lyle J. Buss

UF

Slight

E2009-303

HO

ST

Entomology R

eport January - February 2009

Blissus eucopterus

chinch bug26-M

ar-2006O

sceola N

ational Forest

Osceola, FL

Osceola

Julieta Bram

bilaU

SD

A/A

PH

IS/

PP

QE

2009-554 C

OU

NTY

Neortholom

us jam

aicensisseed bug

12-Dec-2006

Roadside

Citra, FL

Marion

Mark J. R

othschildFS

CA

R

esearch A

ssociateE

2009-553 C

OU

NTY

Silvanus lew

isisylvanid beetle

18-Jul-2008P

ort Manatee

Forestry Term

inalP

almetto, FL

Manatee

Gloria E

. Callahan

CB

PE

2009-354 C

OU

NTY

A

n Asia silvanid previously know

n from southeastern coastal counties (D

r. Michael C

. Thom

as).

Cathartosilvanus

vulgarissylvanid beetle

10-Oct-2008

Port M

anateeP

almetto, FL

Manatee

Gloria E

. Callahan

CB

PE

2009-353U

S C

ON

TINE

NTA

L This is an undescribed N

eotropical species not previously known from

the U.S

. It has no econom

ic importance (D

r. Michael C

. Thomas).

Loxosceles rufescensM

editerranean recluse spider

1-Dec-2008

Restaurant;

bathroom

floorG

raceville, FLJackson

Derek W

. Pum

phrey

Branch

Manager,

Brock Law

n and P

est C

ontrol

E2009-648

CO

UN

TY

Scytodes alayoi

spitting spider20-Jan-2009

Residence

Gainesville, FL

Alachua

Patti J. A

ndersonFD

AC

S/D

PI

E2009-417

CO

UN

TY

Introduced and established in South Florida. This is the northernm

ost record for this species (D

r. G.B

. Edw

ards).

Oncopeltus cingulifer

milkw

eed bug28-Jan-2009

Residence

Safety H

arbor, FLP

inellasTom

TurnerFD

AC

S/A

ES

E2009-402

CO

UN

TY

Halyom

orpha halysbrow

n m

armorated stink

bug14-Feb-2009

Residence

Polk C

ity, FLH

illsboroughH

omeow

nerE

2009-743A

live sample w

as submitted by a seasonal resident from

an infested state. The bugs w

ere found in a box from the car or the m

otor home.

Stethoconus

praefectuslace bug predator

14-Feb-2009R

esidenceB

radenton, FLM

anateeK

aren Lea Etchells

FDA

CS

/DP

I1

10.01

0.01M

oderateE

2009-844 C

OU

NTY

This is an A

sian introduction. The bugs were found first in M

iami, also preying on

Pseudacysta

perseae, the avocado lace bug (Dr. S

usan E. H

albert).

Pseudiastata

nebulosafruit fly

19-Feb-2009R

esidenceH

ernando, FLC

itrusS

ara M. W

hiteFD

AC

S/D

PI

E2009-781

CO

UN

TY

Tempyra biguttula

seed bug24-Feb-2009

Residence;

found on dom

estic catG

ainesville. FLA

lachuaJ. 'E

ric Cronin

FSC

A

Research

Associate

Slight

E2009-878

CO

UN

TY

This is a rare bug (David C

. Ziesk).

Sample Submissions

2,159 samples:

Morphological Identifications 1,860

Molecular Identifications 299

Certification and RegulatorySamples

Multistate Certification for

National and International

Export

1,392

California Certification 318

Pre-movement (Citrus

Nursery Certification)

28

Site or Pit Approval (Citrus

Nursery and Other

Certifications)

6

Other Samples

Identifications (invertebrate) 16

Plant Problems 25

Intrastate Survey, Random 75

Molecular Identifications* 299

*The majority of these analysesinvolved root-knot nematode species

Nematology SectionCompiled by Janete A. Brito, Ph.D., and Renato N. Inserra, Ph.D.This Section analyzes soil and plant samples for nematodes, conducts pest detectionsurveys and provides diagnosis of plant problems, in addition to completingidentification of plant parasitic nematodes involved in regulatory and certificationprograms. State of Florida statutes and rules mandate the principal part of theregulatory activity of the section. Analyses of plant and soil samples include those fromin-state programs, plant shipments originating in Florida destined for other states andcountries, as well as samples intercepted in Florida from outside the United States.

Nematodes of Special InterestSolanum viarum (tropical soda apple) – Meloidogyne javanica(Treub, 1885) Chitwood, 1949, the Javanese root-knot nematodewas found infecting the roots of this noxious weed during a survey by DPIstaff. Roots were heavily infected and deformed by prominent, bead-likegalls. In November 1994, this species was found on tropical soda apple inWalton County and reported in TRI-OLOGY. At that time, it was noted that"unlike cultivated crops, tropical soda apple was not severely damaged bythe population of Javanese root-knot nematode." A root-knot nematode inthe same genus (M. arenaria) was recently reported on tropical soda applewith a similar concern that the plant will serve as a reservoir for a knownpest of garden tomatoes and many other hosts. Although these species ofroot-knot nematodes have been found reproducing on the tropical sodaapple, they are not biological control agents and should not be used assuch. Root-knot nematodes have broad host ranges and are very damagingpathogens of many agronomic and horticultural crops including most rowand vegetable crops, fruit trees and ornamental plants. DPI continues itsactive monitoring of this and other pest plants. (Volusia County, N09-00100, Kenneth L. Hibbard, 28 January 2009; Lake County, N09-00170,Leslie J. Wilbur, 11 February 2009.) (Church and Rosskopt 2005; Inserra,R.N. 1994; http://www.gri.msstate.edu/research/ipams/ipams.php.) (DPIcircular No. 27 - Tropical Soda Apple Solanum viarum)

Miscanthus sinensis (zebra grass, Chinese silver grass) -Pratylenchus zeae Graham, 1951, a root lesion nematode was foundinfecting the roots of this ornamental grass. Nematode-infected rootsshowed dark lesions on their surface. Morphological and molecular (rDNA)analyses were used for species identification. As this ornamental grassbecomes more popular in Florida, its pests may become more economicallyimportant. (Santa Rosa County, N09-00152, William L. Robinson, 5February 2009.)

ReferencesChurch, G. T. and E. N. Rosskopt. 2005. First report of the root-knot

nematode Meloidogyne arenaria on tropical soda apple (Solanumviarum) in Florida. Plant Disease 89: 527.

Inserra, R.N. 1994. Nematology section. TRI-OLOGY 33: 7.

Printer-Friendly PDF VersionDACS-P-00124 Volume 48, Number 1, January - February 2009

Home Botany Entomology Nematology Plant Pathology

Root galling caused by Meloidogynejavanica (Javanese root-knot nematode)on Solanum viarum (tropical soda apple)Photograph courtesy of J. Lotz and J. A. Brito,DPI

Solanum viarum (tropical soda apple)Photograph courtesy of J. Jeffrey Mullahey,University of Florida, Bugwood.org

Collectors submitting five or more samples that were processedfor nematological analysis in January - February 2009

Anderson, James L. 152

Bailey, Wayne W. 11

Bentley, Michael A. 10

Echols, Janie M. 8

Edenfield, Carrie S. 41

LeBoutillier, Karen W. 93

Ochoa, Ana L. 97

Pate, Jo Ann 31

Qiao, Ping 141

Smith, Larry W. 13

Spriggs, Charles L. 117

Contact TRI-OLOGY | Past Issues | Bureau of Entomology, Nematology and Plant PathologyFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Webmaster | Best Viewed In | E-mail Privacy Policy

Sample Submissions

1,425 Samples:

Pathology 275

Bee 4

Citrus Canker 289

Citrus Greening 844

Soil 8

Miscellaneous 5

Foliar symptoms of Raffaelea lauricola(laurel wilt) on Persea borbonia (red baytree)Photograph courtesy of Bud Mayfield, FDACSDivision of Forestry

Plant Pathology SectionCompiled by Robert LeahyThis section provides plant disease diagnostic services and conducts a citrusgermplasm introduction program. The agency-wide goal of protecting Floridaagriculture very often begins with accurate diagnosis of plant problems. Diseasemanagement recommendations are offered where appropriate and available. Our plantpathologists are dedicated to keeping informed about plant diseases outside Florida inorder to be prepared for potential introductions of new pathogens.

Persea borbonia (red bay) – Raffaelea lauricola, laurel wilt. Collectedat a private home in Volusia County on 23 January 2009. The laurel wiltpathogen vectored by Xyleborus glabratus, redbay ambrosia beetle, iscapable of attacking and killing several members of the Lauraceae inaddition to red bay, including sassafras, pondspice, spicebush and camphor-tree. Commercially, the biggest concern is the apparent susceptibility ofmany varieties of avocado, most of which are grown in Miami-Dade County.

Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo) – Colletotrichumdracaenophilum, stem rot. Collected at a grocery store in Duval Countyon 9 February 2009. This stem pathogen has probably been introduced intothe US by way of the vast quantities of lucky bamboo propagative materialfrom Asia.

Hibiscus syriacus (rose-of-Sharon) – Thielaviopsis basicola, rootrot. Collected at a nursery in Gilchrist County on 20 January 2009. Theblack root rot pathogen is more commonly found on hollies and pansies, butit has a wide host range. The fungus prefers cool, wet soils and can be verydifficult to manage once soils are infested. NEW HOST RECORD.

Suriana maritima (bay cedar) – Rhizoctonia sp., root rot. Collectedfrom a nursery in Palm Beach County on 12 January 2009. NEW HOSTRECORD.

Plant Pathology Sample ReportFollowing is a table with entries for records of new hosts or new

Printer-Friendly PDF VersionVolume 48, Number 1, January - February 2009

Home Botany Entomology Nematology Plant Pathology

Colletotrichum dracaenophilum (stem rot)on Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo)Photograph courtesy of T. Schubert, DPI

geographical areas for samples identified in the current volume's time periodas well as samples of special interest. The tables are organizedalphabetically by plant host.

Plant Species

PlantCommon

Name Causal AgentDiseaseName

LocationType County

SampleNumber Collector Date

NewRecords

Calamagrostis sp. reed grass Phyllachora graminis tar spot nursery Escambia 21996 William L.Robinson

22-Jan-09

Dracaenasanderiana

lucky bamboo Colletotrichumdracaenophilum

stem rot grocerystore

Duval 22659 FlewellynW. Podris

4-Feb-09

Gossypium sp. cotton Kuehneola gossypii rust nursery Miami-Dade

21834 Steven P.Biedler

1-Jan-09

Hibiscus syriacus rose-of-Sharon Thielaviopsisbasicola

root rot nursery Gilchrist 21905 Wayne E.Bailey

20-Jan-09

Host

Lantana sp. lantana Mycovellosiellalantanae

leaf spot nursery Taylor 22715 Wayne E.Bailey

18-Feb-09

Persea borbonia red bay Raffaelea lauricola laurel wilt privatehome

Volusia 22257 Jeffrey M.Eickwort

23-Jan-09

Persea palustris swamp bay Raffaelea lauricola laurel wilt privatehome

Flagler 22708 Alfred E.Mayfield

18-Feb-09

Suriana maritima bay cedar Rhizoctonia sp. root rot nursery PalmBeach

21868 Sallie H.Simmons

12-Jan-09

Host

Contact TRI-OLOGY | Past Issues | Bureau of Entomology, Nematology and Plant PathologyFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Webmaster | Best Viewed In | E-mail Privacy Policy