TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 39, No. 2
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
MARCH-APRIL 2000
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud
For this period, 98 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 574 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 672). Some of the samples are described below:
Blechnum gibbum (Labill.) Mett., (150-200 species, cosmopolitan, mainly southern hemisphere), Blechnaceae, miniature tree fern: Terrestrial fern with erect, stout rhizome "trunk", to 90 cm high, black, scaly, rooting. Fronds 90 cm long, 15 cm wide, dimorphic: sterile fronds 90 cm long, 30 cm wide, oblong-lanceolate, pinnatisect, the adnate pinnae 10-15 cm long, 0.5 cm wide, very numerous, margins entire, dilated and connected at base, the lower pinnae very gradually shorter; fertile pinnae 10-15 cm long, 3 mm wide, very numerous, more or less erect. Very adaptable to cultivation. Native to Fiji, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, and Isle of Pines in the South Pacific. (Duval County; B2000-142; Deborah A. Bivins; 11 April 2000). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Epidendrum ibaguense HBK, (ca. 800 species, tropical America), Orchidaceae, epidendrum orchid: Stems to 2 m tall, slender, scrambling, branching and rooting freely at nodes, producing plantlets on older canes and inflorescences. Leaves to 12 cm long, 4 cm wide, along stems, 2-ranked, semi-opposite to alternate, oblong to lanceolate, often tinted red in bright sun. Racemes terminal, subpyramidal, erect, to 70 cm long, simple or few branched; peduncled enveloped by scarious tubular sheaths; flowers showy, often resupinate, variable in size and color, orange-yellow to dark red or white-rose; sepals 22 mm long, 7 mm broad, spreading; petals 20 mm long, 8 mm broad; lip 15 mm long, 17 mm broad, suborbicular-cordate, deeply 3-dentate. Very common in cultivation, easy to growth, extremely floriferous. Native from Mexico to Panama, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Guyana. (Lee County; B2000-114; Elizabeth Person, homeowner; 3 April 2000). (Huxley 1992).
Graptopetalum paraguayense (N.E. Br.) Walth., (12 species, SW North America), Crassulaceae, ghost plant, mother of pearl plant, flor de marmol: Decumbent herb; stem stout, fleshy, to 30 cm long. Leaves succulent, alternate, in rosettes of 15 to 25, 3.5-5 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide, obovate-spatulate, stiff, thick, short-pointed tip, glaucous, young leaves pale mauve, becoming gray-green, margins tinted carmine during cold weather, entire. Inflorescence 2-6-branched, 3-4 flowers on each; flowers to 18 mm across; petals occasionally spotted red. Of easy culture. New plants form at detachment of leaves. Cold hardy. The deceiving specific epithet localizes its origin in South America, when, in reality, it is a native of Mexico. (Alachua County; B2000-149; Dr. Nancy C. Coile; 24 April 2000). (Huxley 1992).
Myrciaria cauliflora (DC.) O. Berg, (40 species, tropical America), Myrtaceae, jaboticaba: Evergreen tree to 13 m tall. Leaves to 10 cm long, lanceolate, acuminate. Flowers white, in clusters along the trunk and branches. Fruit globose, 1.5-3.5 cm in diameter, white to purple. Grown for its fruit rich in vitamin C, the fruit is eaten fresh, in jellies, or made into wine. In warm tropical and subtropical areas with light rainfall, it will produce five or six crops a year. It is frost tolerant. Native to southern Brazil. (Collier County; B2000-155; Rosamaria M. Alonso; 19 April 2000). (Huxley 1992).
Nematanthus hirtellus (Schott) Wiehler, [=N. perianthomegus (Vell. Conc.) H.E. Moore], (26 species, South America), Gesneriaceae, goldfish plant: Stem trailing, woody at base, to 80 cm long, rooting at nodes, glabrous. Leaves to 16 cm long, 6 cm wide, asymmetric, apex slightly cuspidate, somewhat fleshy, sparsely pubescent above, and with red pubescence on veins beneath, margins entire; petiole to 7 cm long, carmine-red. Flowers resemble goldfish;1-4 per cyme; pedicel to 0.6 cm long; calyx 2 cm long, orange-green tinged purple, lobes ovate-angular; corolla 3.5 cm long, curved and pouched, lobes slightly reflexed, yellow striped purple throughout, densely pubescent. Fruit 2 cm long, tinged purple, dehiscing to produce a cream colored placental mass. Native to eastern South America. (Lee County; B2000-150; Alan J. Gambill; 14 April 2000). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr., (2-5 species, tropical America), Myrtaceae, allspice: Tree to 15 m tall; young branchlets flattened, 4-angled. Leaves opposite; petioles to 1.5 cm long; blades oblong to elliptic, 7-15 cm long, to 5 cm wide, with pellucid gland-dots, aromatic when crushed. Panicle to 12 cm long, many-flowered; calyx 4-lobed, lobes broadly-rounded, to 1.5 mm long, smooth, wide spreading at anthesis; petals white, 1.5 mm long, quickly deciduous. Berries fragrant, more or less globose, 4-6.5 mm in diameter, usually 2-seeded. The unripe, dried fruit is a spice used to flavor desserts, meats and pickles. Native to Central America and the West Indies. (Lee County: B2000-078; Sheila J. Foe; 6 March 2000). (Bailey 1976; Correll and Correll 1982).
Pyrrosia lingua (Thunb.) Farw., (100 species, tropical Old World to northeast Asia and New Zealand), Polypodiaceae, tongue fern, Japanese felt fern: Rhizomes to 3 mm wide, long-creeping, wiry; scales to 8 mm long, adpressed and imbricate, lanceolate to linear, margins ciliate, light brown. Fronds 30 cm long, 5 cm wide, uniform, lanceolate to ovate, acute at apex, cuneate at base, leathery; stipes to 3 cm apart, 5 cm long, straw-colored. Widely cultivated, excellent in pots and baskets, can also be grown as a ground cover in suitable places. Native of Japan, China, Taiwan, Laos, and Thailand. (Duval County; B2000-141; Deborah A. Bivins; 11 April 2000). (Huxley 1992; Jones 1987).
Robinia pseudoacacia L., (4 species, North America), Leguminosae, black locust: Tree to 25 m tall, often flowering and fruiting when of shrub stature. Leaves alternate, 2-3.6 dm long, leaflets 7 to 25, blades of mature leaflets oblong-elliptic, elliptic, or ovate, 2-6 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide, bases rounded to shortly and broadly tapered, apex rounded or obtuse, shortly apiculate, surfaces glabrous, upper dull green, lower grayish-green; stipular spines to 1.5 cm long. Flowers in racemes, very fragrant; calyx finely short-pubescent; corolla white or creamy-white, the standard with a pale yellow patch, 1.5-2.5 cm long. Legume 5-10 cm long, and 1-2.5 cm broad, glabrous, the base of the slender, persistent style usually present. Cultivated as an ornamental and naturalized throughout much of the eastern States, Pacific States, and in Europe. Native to the southern Appalachian and Ozark Mountains. (Brevard County; B2000-131; Gregory A. Brown; 12 April 2000). (Godfrey 1988).
Schismatoglottis neoguineensis Andre, (100 species, tropical America and Asia), Araceae, drop-tongue: Stem rhizomatous and subterranean. Leaves ovate, acute, base cordate, 12-25 cm long, 16 cm wide, membranous, bright green with irregular pale yellow-green blotches above, pale green beneath; petiole flattened above in upper portion, to 50 cm long, green or purple. Peduncle solitary, to 7.5 cm long; spathe 7 cm long, tube to 3 cm long, green, limb white; spadix with male and female zones adjacent, to 3.5 cm long, terminal appendix orange. Grown for its attractive foliage, and tolerance of deep shade. Native of New Guinea. (Orange County; B2000-074; Tom L. Phillips; 28 February 2000). (Huxley 1992).
Sterculia apetala (Jacq.) Karst., (150 species, pantropical), Sterculiaceae, Panama tree, bellota, castaño, mano de leon: Tree to 30 m tall with a spreading, densely leafy crow. Leaves on very long petioles, deciduous, 15-50 cm wide or even larger, membranaceous, 5-lobate, deeply cordate at the base, glabrate above, densely stellate-tomentose beneath when young; the lobes entire, rounded to subacute at apex. Panicles many-flowered, open or dense, equaling or shorter than the petioles; calyx open-campanulate, 2.5-3 cm wide, yellow within, spotted with dark purple. Follicles usually 5 to 10 cm long, 5 cm broad, tomentose outside, hispid within, brown; seeds 2-5 per follicle, oval, 2 cm long, black, lustrous. Cultivated as a shade tree, and its attractive umbrella-shaped crown. Native to tropical America. (Brevard County: B2000-130; Gregory A. Brown; 12 April 2000). (Huxley 1992; Standley and Steyermark 1976).
GLOSSARY: anthesis: the time of the expansion of a flower; cuspidate: like the point of a spear; resupinate: of a flower, with a rotation through a half a circle so that the posterior side appears anterior; scarious: thin, dry, and membranous; spadix: an inflorescence consisting of a fleshy central column bearing many stamens above and many pistils below, surrounded by a large bract or spathe (usually showy), giving the whole effect of a single flower.
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.
- Godfrey, R. K. 1988. Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of northern Florida and adjacent Georgia and Alabama. The University of Georgia Press, Athens and London. 734 p.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Jones, D. L. 1987. Encyclopaedia of ferns. Timber Press, Portland. 433 p.
- Standley, P. C. and J. A. Steyermark. 1976. Flora of Guatemala. Sterculiaceae. Fieldiana. 24 (VI): 419-420
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph.D.
For the month of March, there were 266 samples consisting of 8265+ specimens. In April, there were 386 samples consisting of 7158+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Acacia sp. (an acacia, or a wattle)-- Acizzia uncatoides (Ferris & Klyver), an Australian acacia psyllid: A moderate infestation was intercepted in Orlando in a shipment of cut flowers from California (Orange County; E2000-676; Terrence D. Williams; 20 March 2000). These psyllids do not occur in Florida. Native to Australia, these psyllids became serious pests of acacia in California before biological controls were introduced (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Chrysobalanus icaco (cocoplum, icaco)-- Paratachardina lobata (Chamberlin), a lac scale: A severe infestation was found at a business in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2000-658; Willio L. Francillon; 16 March 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Palmae (an unknown palm)-- Aleurocerus palmae Russell, a whitefly and Malleolaspis nr. mammata Ferris, an armored scale: A slight infestation was detected in Okahumpka on cut foliage from Mexico (Lake County; E2000-739; Stephen B. Beidler; 24 March 2000). Both species are not known from Florida, but have been intercepted in the past (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Aglaonema sp. (aglaonema)-- Pseudococcus elisae Borchsenius, a mealybug: Infestations were found in Apopka (Orange County; E1995-4041, E1999-2879; Dr. Lance S. Osborne, University of Florida's Central Florida Research and Education Center; 21 September 1995 and 21 October 1999) and in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E1997-227; Julian L. Gutierrez; 22 January 1997). NEW UNITED STATES RECORD.
Aphelandra squarrosa (zebra plant)-- Brevipalpus obovatus, false spider mite: A moderate infestation involved about 500 of 5000 plants at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E2000-791; Amanda D. Mattison; 28 March 2000). This mite can be a serious plant problem (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Asparagus virgatus (an asparagus-fern)-- Schizotetranychus asparagi (Oudemans), a spider mite: An infestation was detected in Apopka (Orange County; E2000-618; Dr. Lance S. Osborne, University of Florida's Central Florida Research and Education Center; 13 March 2000). This mite can be a serious pest of asparagus-fern (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Cycas revoluta (king sago, king sago-palm)-- Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead), oriental scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in LaBelle (Hendry County; E2000-635-302; Dana L. White; 16 March 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
--Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, aulacaspis cycad scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in LaBelle (Hendry County; E2000-638-301; Dana L. White; 16 March 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
--Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, aulacaspis cycad scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Polk City (Polk County; E2000-594; Stephen A. Bohnstedt and W. Jack Shirley; 13 March 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
--Chrysomphalus aonidum, Florida red scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in LaBelle (Hendry County; E2000-635-301; Dana L. White; 16 March 2000). This scale is relatively common on cycads, but usually not such a large population (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
--Saissetia coffeae (Walker), hemispherical scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in LaBelle (Hendry County; E2000-638; Dana L. White;16 March 2000).
Cycas rumphii (cycad)-- Parmenonta thomasi Linsley and Chemsak, a lamiine cerambicid beetle: An infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2000-550; Blue Stephenson, homeowner; 3 March 2000). Cycad is a very unusual host for this beetle (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Eucalyptus sp. (eucalyptus)-- Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, red gum lerp psyllid: A slight infestation was intercepted in Thonotosassa in a shipment of cut flowers from California (Hillsborough County; E2000-1136; William D. Wesela and Terry L.Gater; 21 April 2000). This psyllid is a serious new pest in California. It does not occur in Florida (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Ficus 'Green Island' (green island ficus cultivar)-- Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), trilobe scale: A severe infestation involved 50% of five plants at a bonsai business in Ocala (Marion County; E2000-870; Floyd J. McHenry; 7 April 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Murraya paniculata (orange-jessamine, orange-jasmine)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: A slight infestation was found at a discount store in Leesburg (Lake County; E2000-563; Stephen B. Beidler; 3 March 2000). Another infestation was found at a residence in Cape Coral (Lee County; E2000-797; Sheila J. Foe; 30 March 2000). Both finds are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Brunfelsia sp. (yesterday-today-and-tomorrow)-- Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock, barnacle scale: A severe infestation involved 52 plants at a nursery in Hollywood (Broward County; E2000-527; Maria S. Quintanilla; 2 March 2000).
Crocus sp. (crocus)-- Dysaphis tulipae (Boyer de Fonscolombe), tulip bulb aphid: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in St. Augustine on bulbs imported from Holland (St. Johns County; E2000-592; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 29 February 2000). It has been over 40 years since this aphid was found in Florida, and the species is not listed as established in Florida in DPI records or in the literature. This find is almost certainly an interception from Europe (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus, China-rose)-- Paratachardina lobata (Chamberlin), a lac scale: A slight infestation was found at a residence in Davie (Broward County; E1999-2359; Rita J. Carpenter; 25 August 1999). NEW UNITED STATES RECORD.
Ixora sp. (ixora)-- Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), trilobe scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2000-888; Eduardo G. Camero; 4 April 2000).
Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine)-- Pseudococcus odermatti Miller & Williams, a mealybug: A moderate infestation involved one plant at a discount store in Leesburg (Lake County; E2000-608; Stephen B. Beidler; 13 March 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Kalanchoe pinnata (cathedral bells, life plant)-- Pseudoparlatoria ostreata Cockerell, an armored scale: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2000-579; Edward T. Putland; 8 March 2000). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Acer rubrum (red maple, a Florida native species)-- Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff), a scolytid beetle: A severe infestation on half of 1000 plants was found at a nursery in Winter Garden (Orange County; E1999-3312; Barbara J. Wilder; 13 December 1999). Small beetles bored into trunks of trees and caused heart rot of trunks and death of trees.
Pinus sp. (pine)-- Toumeyella pini (King), striped pine scale: A moderate infestation on two plants was found at a nursery in Sarasota (Sarasota County; E2000-513; Katherine A. Macias; 29 February 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Quercus sinuata [=Q. austrina, Q. durandii] (bluff oak, bastard white oak, a Florida native species)-- Diphyllaphis microtrema Quednau, a woolly oak aphid: A slight infestation was found at a high school in Port Orange (Volusia County; E2000-516; Stacey S. Simmons and Raymond C. Jarrett; 2 March 2000). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
-- Stegophylla querci (Fitch), a woolly oak aphid: A slight infestation was found at a high school in Port Orange (Volusia County; E2000-516; Stacey S. Simmons and Raymond C. Jarrett; 2 March 2000). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm)-- Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae Matsumura, a Chinese elm aphid: A moderate infestation was found at a bonsai business in Ocala (Marion County; E2000-868; Floyd J. McHenry; 7 April 2000). The plants were from China and had been in the USA for about ten days. The aphid was found in Florida in 1998 in Lake County and subsequently spread onto Chinese elm, especially 'Drake', throughout much of Central Florida. However, it is highly unlikely that an infestation of this magnitude would have developed in 10 days from a local source. Thus, this collection is almost certainly a new interception from China (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Zelkova serrata (Japanese zelkova, saw-leaf zelkova)-- Aceria zelkoviana Kim, an eriophyid mite: An infestation caused reddish leaf galls on plants from China at a bonsai business in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2000-287; Julieta Brambila and Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 9 February 2000). NEW UNITED STATES RECORD.
-- Tetraneura sp., a root aphid: A few galls containing this species were found on plants imported from China at a bonsai business in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2000-629; Duraid I. Hanna; 14 March 2000). Tetraneura spp. overwinter on Ulmus and related plants and migrate to roots of grasses in the spring. This species is different from the ones known from the USA. This collection is very likely an interception from China (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Daidalotarsonemus sp., a tarsonemid mite: A slight infestation was found on one of 340 plants at a bonsai business in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2000-759; Duraid I. Hanna; 27 March 2000). This mite may be a new species or an exotic species. It does not appear to be any of the named Florida species (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
FOOD AND CROP PLANTS: Lycopersicon esculentum (garden tomato)-- Aculops lycopersici (Massee), tomato russet mite: A severe infestation was found at a farm in Charlotte County (E2000-777; Galen Frantz, Glades Crop Care; 25 March 2000). This mite can be a serious pest of tomato plants (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Manihot esculenta (cassava, manioc, yuca)-- Mononychellus caribbeanae (McGregor), a spider mite: An infestation was found at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E2000-918; Gwen H. Myres; 10 April 2000). This mite can be a serious pest (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Persea americana (avocado)-- Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell), pyriform scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Merritt Island (Brevard County; E2000-662; Gregory A. Brown; 16 March 2000).
CITRUS: Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: An infestation involved 1000 acres near LaBelle (Hendry County; E2000-776; Dr. Philip A. Stansly, University of Florida's Southwest Florida Research and Extension Center; 2 February 2000). This is the first infestation found in a commercial grove in Southwest Florida (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Citrus spp. (several citrus species)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: Asian citrus psyllids were found in two commercial citrus nurseries in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E2000-1118,1119; James J. Walukiewicz; 17 April 2000).
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Sonchus asper (spiny sowthistle)-- Hyperomyzus carduellinus (Theobald), an Asian sowthistle aphid: A severe infestation was found at a residence in South Daytona (Volusia County; E2000-615; Raymond C. Jarrett; 14 March 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Sonchus oleraceus (sowthistle)-- Hyperomyzus carduellinus (Theobald), an Asian sowthistle aphid: A moderate infestation was found at a fast food outlet in Ocala (Marion County; E2000-1147; Raymond C. Jarrett; 27 April 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Sonchus sp. (an unknown sowthistle)-- Hyperomyzus carduellinus (Theobald), an Asian sowthistle aphid: A severe infestation was found on a roadside in Bunnell (Flagler County; E2000-709; Raymond C. Jarrett; 20 March 2000). Another severe infestation was found on a roadside in Geneve (Seminole County; E2000-901; Raymond C. Jarrett; 12 April 2000). Another severe infestation was found on a roadside in Hastings (St. Johns County; E2000-1040; Raymond C. Jarrett; 17 April 2000). All finds are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
NATIVE OR NATURALIZED PLANTS: Erythrina herbacea (Cherokee bean, coral bean, a native species)-- Terastia meticulosalis Guen Te, a pyralid moth: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Key West (Monroe County; E2000-959; Lynn D. Howerton; 11 April 2000). Larvae bored into seed pods and ate all seeds.
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Saccharosydne sacccharivorus Westwood, (a delphacid planthopper)-- Paracentrobia punctata Howard, a trichogrammatid egg parasitoid: A specimen was reared from a colony of the delphacids on Andropogon sp. (a broomsage) collected at a wilderness preserve in Orlando (Orange County; E2000-1064; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 12 April 2000). NEW UNITED STATES RECORD and NEW HOST RECORD.
Unknown host: Centrodora tomaspidis (Howard), an aphelinid egg parasitoid: A specimen was reared from a colony of Epidiaspis tillandsiae, a scale insect, collected at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2000-641; Lynn D. Howerton; 8 March 2000); however, the scale probably was not its host. The parasite is known only from the Caribbean. NEW UNITED STATES RECORD.
FEDERAL/STATE QUARANTINE AND PLANT PROTECTION PROGRAMS: Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: An infestation was intercepted in a California shipment of Agapanthus africanus (lily of the Nile) brought in without a snail certificate in a discount store in Gainesville (Alachua County; E2000-718; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 23 March 2000).
ARTHROPODS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch & Mulaik, brown recluse spider: Five adult males and one subadult were found on a sticky board trap in Jacksonville (Duval County; E2000-842; Andrew Beck, Navy Disease Vector Ecology & Control Center; 6 April 2000). Six specimens on one sticky trap indicates a fullblown infestation (Dr. G. B. Edwards).
APIARY PESTS: Apis mellifera (honey bee)-- Aethina tumida Murray, small hive beetle: A slight infestation was found in a hive in Hilliard (Nassau County; E2000-719; Randall A. Dean; 17 March 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
ARTHROPOD DETECTION: Amaurobiidae (genus undetermined), a spider: A single male specimen was found under rocks near the area where soil from the Bahamas is brought into St. Lucie County (E2000-725; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 22 March 2000). Possible NEW UNITED STATES RECORD.
Chalcophora georgiana (LeConte), a buprestid beetle: A specimen was collected in Winter Haven (Polk County; E2000-494; Martha A. Simpson, USDA; 25 February 2000). This is a rather rare beetle (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Cyrtophora n. sp., a spider: Several specimens have been collected in webs in Ficus benjamina at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E2000-545; Duraid I. Hanna; 2 March 2000, and E2000-965; Julieta Brambila;12 April 2000). Cyrtophora species are orbweaving spiders that make a lot of barrier webbing in addition to the orb. The barrier web tends to collect a lot of plant debris. The spiders appear to hide in or near the tip of a curled leaf and look like a piece of dead leaf or other detritus. The webs are about the dimension and volume of a basketball. If numerous, their webs could be conspicuous features in the landscape, and could possibly be considered a nuisance by some homeowners. NEW UNITED STATES RECORD.
Diaditus pictipes Champion, an assassin bug: A specimen was found in a park in St. Lucie County (E2000-1209; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 28 April 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: Several specimens were collected in suction traps in Kendall (E2000-724; Gwen H. Myres and Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 17 March 2000), in Belle Glade (Palm Beach County; E2000-792; Gregg S. Nuessly; 16 March 2000) and at a commercial citrus nursery in LaBelle (Hendry County; E2000-1002, 1003; Lori McKay, Budwood Bureau, and Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 11 April 2000). Collections of Asian citrus psyllids in suction traps indicate significant flight activity.
Lycosa wallacei Gertsch, wolf spider: A specimen was found in a park in Merritt Island (Brevard County; E2000-879; Kenneth L. Hibbard and Gregory A. Brown; 6 April 2000). This is an uncommon species (Dr. G. B. Edwards).
Lyctus africanus Lesne, a bostrichid beetle: Two specimens were found in a wood carving from Indonesia by a homeowner in Cocoa Beach (Brevard County; E2000-1130; Gregory A. Brown; 20 April 2000).
Metazygia zilloides (Banks), a spider: A specimen was found on the north shore of Lake Wales (Polk County; E2000-1010; Julieta Brambila; 15 April 2000). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD and northernmost record for species.
Trogoxylon impressum (Comelli), a bostrichid beetle: Several specimens emerged from a desk in Palatka (Putnam County; E2000-1131; homeowner; 7 March 2000) that was bought in India over 10 years ago. This is an exotic powder post beetle, known in the US only from interception records. NEW DPI STATE RECORD.
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NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Paul S. Lehman, Ph.D.
A total of 3,350 samples were processed in March and April of 2000. Details are shown below:
Certification and Regulatory Samples: Multistate Certification for National and International Export .....................1,731
California Certification ..................................................759
Burrowing Nematode (Citrus Regulatory Survey) ......................162
Premovement (Citrus Nursery Certification) ..........................76
Site or Pit Approval (Citrus Nursery Certification)......................50
Other Samples:
Plant Problems ......................43
Identifications ..........................6
Intrastate Survey, Random ....................523
New Aquatic Plant Host of Burrowing Nematode
Hygrophila polysperma (Indian swampweed or hygro, federally listed noxious weed)-- Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne (burrowing nematode) was recovered from the roots of hygro that was sampled for export certification at Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County, N-0456, Thomas L. Salisbury, 3 March 2000).
This is the second report of burrowing nematode reproduction in submersed aquatic plants. In 1998, during sampling for routine certification, this nematode was detected for the first time in the roots of Anubias barteri Schott var. nana ( See:Tri-ology 37 (1): 7).
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING MARCH AND APRIL 2000:
Etchells, Karen L. ........................6
Fuller, Samuel A. ........................230
Harris, Jessie M. .........................31
Inguanzo, Yolanda. ............................35
LeBoutillier, Karen W. ...........................279
Lorenzo, Jose .............................280
Pate, JoAnn ..............................38
Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' .................171
Runnels, Mark L. ........................6
Salisbury, Thomas L. ......................359
Smith, Larry W. ..............................6
Smith, W. Wayne .........................142
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Complied by: Robert M. Leahy
For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 12,460 specimens. These included 448 pathology, 9 miscellaneous, and 24 soil samples. 11,979 citrus canker samples were also processed, including 11,918 from South Florida, 14 from West coastal Florida, 40 from Southwest coastal Florida, two from Central Florida, and five from northern Florida.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (variegated gymno, or Senegal tea, a noxious aquatic weed in Australia)-- Alternaria zinnae M. B. Ellis, a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; P2000-0486; Rita J. Carpenter; 21 March 2000). NEW HOST RECORD.
Rumohra adiantiformis (leatherleaf fern)-- Bipolaris sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Pierson (Volusia County; P2000-0716; Stacey S. Simmons; 18 April 2000). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Heliconia sp. (unknown heliconia)-- Pseudocercospora sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Grant (Broward County; P2000-0715; David H. Faneuf; 18 April 2000). NEW HOST RECORD.
Heliconia angusta (a lobsterclaw)-- Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands and Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr., root rots: Collected at a nursery in Loxahatchee (Palm Beach County; P2000-0475; Randall N. Mescher; 16 March 2000). NEW HOST RECORDS.
Ludisia discolor (a jewel orchid)-- Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. and Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr., leaf spots: Collected at a dooryard in Orlando (Orange County; P2000-0286; Barbara J. Wilder; 17 February 2000). NEW HOST RECORDS.
Mirabilis jalapa (four o'clock)-- Pseudomonas sp. and Xanthomonas sp., leaf spots: Collected at a nursery in Tallahassee (Leon County; P2000-0647; Jimmie R. Wigelsworth; 11 April 2000). NEW HOST RECORDS.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Glyceria spectabilis (variegated manna grass)-- Drechslera gigantea (Heald & Wolf) Ito, leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; P2000-0485; Rita J. Carpenter; 21 March 2000). NEW HOST RECORD.
Lygodium japonicum (Japanese climbing fern, a noxious weed; see Rule 5B-57)-- Puccinia lygodii Hariot and Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spots: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2000-0334; Jason D. Stanley, USDA's Florida Biological Control Laboratory, Gainesville; 28 February 2000). The first is a NEW STATE RECORD and the other is a NEW HOST RECORD.
NATIVE OR NATURALIZED PLANTS: Iva frutescens (marsh elder, a native species )-- Albugo tragopogonis (Pers.) S. F. Grey, white rust: Collected at a nursery in Odessa (Hillsborough County; P2000-0477; Alan R. Haynes; 17 March 2000). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Brassica oleracea (cabbage)-- Pyrenophora sp., fungi: Collected at a nursery in Immokalee (Hendry County; P2000-0598; Dana L. White; 3 April 2000). NEW HOST RECORD.
Rosmarinus officinalis (culinary rosemary)-- Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr., leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P2000-0514; Carolyn Baker; 23 March 2000). NEW HOST RECORD.
OTHER DETECTIONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Bambusa multiplex (a hedging bamboo)-- Acrodictys furcata M. B. Ellis, saprophyte: Collected at a nursery in Hilliard (Nassau County; P2000-0635; Flewellyn W. Podris; 6 April 2000). NEW HOST AND STATE RECORDS.
