Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    Richard Gaskalla, Director

TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 35, No. 6
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1996

PI-96T-22
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor

ENPP Home | Tri-ology Home

Botany Section Entomology Section Nematology Section Plant Pathology Section

BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Nancy C. Coile, Ph.D.

Added to the herbarium collection during this period were 16 mounted specimens (total of 7,443). For this period, 76 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 623 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 699). Some of the samples are described below:

Centratherum punctatum Cass., Compositae/Asteraceae, centratherum: Herbaceous or semi-shrubby, freely branching, to 2 tall. Resembles a spine-less, lax thistle. Leaves alternate, to 2" long, coarse teeth on margins, thin. The heads are terminal, showy, with numerous florets, and have outermost leaf-like phyllaries. Individual tubular disc florets are vernonia-purple which (along with some blues such as jacaranda flowers) results in pink photographs when using Kodachrome®; Ektachrome® provides truer color. This attractive genus was a nomenclatural nightmare, but has been reduced into two species. Pantropical. (Lee County; B96-441; Barbara Presnell, Lee County Extension Service specialist; 17 December 1996). (Everett 1981; Huxley 1992).

Clytostoma callistigioides Bur. & Schum., Bignoniaceae, Argentine trumpet vine, or love charm: Woody vines which climb vigorously or are groundcovers. Leaves evergreen, opposite, with two leaflets 2-4" long and a terminal branchless tendril, glabrous above, young leaves bronzed and with soft hairs. Occasionally, the tendril is replaced by a leaflet. Inflorescences axillary or terminal panicles. Bell-shaped flowers with 5 wavy lobes, paired, 7 cm (2-3") across, purplish-mauve with white throats and two purple lines running to each of the lobes. Fruits prickly capsules, ca. 10" long. Native to tropical America and cultivated in the subtropics and tropics or the greenhouse for their showy flowers. (Alachua County; B96-391; Maria E. Peacock and W. Wayne Smith; 1 November 1996). (Everett 1981; Huxley 1992).

Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb., Flacourtiaceae, Ceylon gooseberry, or kitembilla: [Sometimes mispelled "Doryalis."] Shrubs (or small trees to 20) with arching, spiny branches and with and flowers on separate plants. Leaves alternate; petioles woolly and pink; blades simple, 3-nerved at base, with velvety hairs, 2-4" long. Flowers without petals, inconspicuous, clustered in leaf axils. Berries ½-1" (to 2.5 cm) across, with 9 to 12 seeds; skin bitter, thin, orange to dark-purple, velvety; pulp lucious, sweet, acidic, purple; and resembling gooseberries in size and flavor. Native to Ceylon and India, this species can be grown in Southcentral Florida. Honeybees enjoy the flowers from July to December. Kitembila can be cultivated to produce jelly, but the overly vigorous plants are very susceptible to Caribbean fruitflies and are seldom planted in Florida. (Brevard County; B96-400; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus; 6 November 1996). (Everett 1981; Huxley 1992; Morton 1987).

Note: The subtropical kei-apple (D. caffra Warb.) is grown as a hedge because of its strong axillary spines, but has extremely acidic fruit and is not relished by humans. Mediterranean fruit flies infest the fruit (Weems 1981). Abyssinian-gooseberry or Florida-apricot (D. abyssinica Warb.) is native to Ethiopa and has apricot-colored fruits.

Emilia fosbergii D.H. Nicholson, Compositae/Asteraceae, tassel-flower: Herbaceous, tap-rooted annual, to ca. 1 m tall. Milky sap. Leaves alternate, toothed, often sagittate-clasping at the base, variable in size and form. Inflorescence a head about 7-15 mm wide when florets are open; heads terminate branches. Eight to 13 phyllaries 9-14 mm long and shorter than the florets, and arranged in a cylinder. All flowers discoid, pink, purple, or red (never orange), and longer than the involucre, giving the appearance of a brush. This species is found in disturbed areas throughout the state; often found as a weed in nursery containers. (Jefferson County; B96-440; James H. Aldrich, North Florida Research and Education Center, Monticello; 17 December 1996). (Cronquist 1980; Everett 1981; Huxley 1992).

Note: Two similar species are also weeds in FL: E. coccinea (Sims) G. Don and E. sonchifolia (L.) DC..

Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff., Acanthaceae, caricature plant: Shrub to 2 m tall. Leaves evergreen, opposite, glabrous and glossy, ovate to elliptic, to 6" long, dark green but blotched or marbled with yellow in the central zone and with pink midveins and petioles. Inflorescence in short axillary or terminal racemes or panicles. Flowers tubular, 2-lipped, inflated at the throat, about 1½" long and with 2 protruding stamens. Some cultivars with red, rose, or purple markings on the leaves. Originally from New Guinea, this species is grown in greenhouses or in warm humid regions. (Lake County; B96-376; Christine `Crisi' M. Murphy; 1 November 1996). (Everett 1981; Huxley 1992; Stern 1966).

Note: Grapho is Greek for "to write;" phyllon means leaf; pictum means "colored or "painted;" and these terms refer to the showy leaves. Graptopetalum, the succulent leaved plants in the Crassulaceae, means "marked petals" and refers to the marbled or blotched flowers.

Mucuna sloanei Fawcett & Rendle, Leguminosae, sea bean: Vine. Seeds are buoyant for 18 months and are carried by the Gulf Stream as far as northern Europe where they are cast on shore. Seeds 20 to 40 mm wide, 15-20 mm thick, compressed in cross section, smooth, lustrous, reddish-brown, brown or blackish-brown. The hilum occupies at least ¾ of the seed circumference, and is 4 to 6 mm broad. This species is native to tropical America and tropical Africa. (Dade County; B96-387; Debra S. Chalot; 5 November 1996). (Correll and Correll 1982; Everett 1981; Gunn and Dennis 1976).

Note: Seeds of M. fawcettii Urban of Jamaica [25 to 35 mm wide and 20-25 mm thick, and hilum about 10 mm broad] are sometimes also cast on Florida shores. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., "cow-itch vine," has irritating hairs and dark purple flowers. Cow-itch vine is a problem in some Dade County sites and was surveyed by DPI for its range. The seeds are not cited in Gunn and Dennis 1976.

Oeceoclades maculata (Lindl.) Lindl., Orchidaceae, ground orchid: Terrestrial or epiphytic. Pseudobulb well developed. Leaves stiff, leathery, lanceolate, to 12½" (32 cm) long and 2¼" (5.5 cm) broad, pale grey-green mottled darker green. Inflorescence about 12 flowers. Flowers with green-pink sepals and petals, lip white with purple-pink blotches in throat. This species is found is tropical Africa, Caribbean, Central and South America and is listed by Florida's Exotic Pest Plant Council as an invasive. (Polk County; B96-427; Ralph Russ, homeowner; 3 December 1996. (Correll and Correll 1982; Huxley 1992).

Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore & Stearn, Sapotaceae, sapote, mammee sapote, zapote colorado, red sapote, or marmalade plum: Tree, to 100 (30 m), trunk may be buttressed. With a white, gummy latex. Leaves alternate, clustered at the branch tips, oblanceolate, 4-12" (10-30 cm) long and 1½-4" (4-10 cm) wide, oblanceolate. Inflorescence 6 to 12 flowers in axils of fallen leaves. Flowers ½" (1.2 cm) wide, white to pale yellow, 5-merous. Fruit round, ovoid or elliptic, 3 to 9" (7.5-22.8 cm) long and weighs from ½ to 5 pounds (227 g-2.3 kg). Skin is scruffy and leathery, brown to deep red (scratch skin away to see when fruit is ripe). Flesh salmon to reddish, sweet, pumpkin-like in flavor. One to 4 seeds, 1.6-7 cm long, dark glossy brown. `Mayapan,' a common cultivar, contains one seed and has reddish flesh. The delicious fruit is commonally used for milkshakes and ice cream. (Dade County; B96-371; Steven B. Mathews; 1 November 1996). (Huxley 1992; Morton 1987; Rare Fruit Council 1981).

Note: Mammea americana L., Guttiferae, mamey, is sometimes confused with this species due to the similar common names. Its leaves are opposite; flowers are 1-1½" wide, with , and hermaphrodite together or on separate trees; fruits with a membrane "rag" which adheres to the flesh; ripe flesh resembles apricot or raspberry in flavor; the fruit is used in pies and preserves. Diospyros digyna Jacq., Ebenaceae, black sapote, is also confused because of the common name. Black sapote fruit (a persimmon) has the typical persistent calyx of persimmons; the ripe flesh resembles chocolate pudding.

GLOSSARY: hilum: scar on the seed coat showing where the seeds was attached to the fruit; involucre: a cluster of bracts subtending a flower or an inflorescence; phyllary (phyllaries, plural): an involucral bract which subtends the receptacle of a Compositae head; vernonia-purple: a reddish-purple or magenta color which is the flower color typical of many ironweeds (Vernonia spp.).

REFERENCES

  • Correll, D.S. and H.B. Correll. 1982. Flora of the Bahama Archipelago. J. Cramer, Vaduz, Germany. 1692 p.
  • Correll, D.S. and M.C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular plants of Texas. Texas Reserach Foundation, Renner, TX. 1881.
  • Cronquist, A. 1980. Vascular flora of the southeastern United States, Vol.1, Asteraceae. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 261 p.
  • Everett, T.H. 1981. The New York Botanical Garden illustrated encyclopedia of horticulture, 10 vols. Garland Publishing, Inc., New York.
  • Gunn, C.R. and J.V. Dennis. 1976. World guide to tropical drift seeds and fruits. The New York Times Book Company, NY. 240 p.
  • Huxley, A.J. (ed.). 1992. The New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening, 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
  • Mabberley, D.J. 1989. The plant-book. Cambridge University Press, London. 706 p.
  • Morton, J.F. 1987. Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami. 505 p.
  • Rare Fruit Council. 1981. Tropical fruit recipes, rare and exotic fruits. Minuteman Press, South Miami, FL. 180 p.
  • Small, J. K. 1938 (1964 facsimile). Ferns of the southeastern states. Hafner Publishing Company, New York. 517 p.
  • Stern, W. T. 1966. Botanical Latin. Hafner Publishing Company, New York. 566 p.
  • Weems, H.V., Jr. 1981. Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), (Dipterae: Tehpritidae). Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, FL. Entomology Circular No. 230. 8 p.
  • Wunderlin, R.P. 1982. Guide to the vascular plants of Central Florida. University of South Florida Press, Tampa. 472 p.

ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert

For the month of November, there were 610 samples consisting of 5,096+ specimens. In December, there were 680 samples consisting of 8,925+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Chamaerops humilis (European fan palm)-- Pseudaulasaspis cockerelli (Cooley), magnolia white scale: A severe infestation involved 75% of 300 plants at a nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County (11 December 1996; Larry W. Smith).

Howea forsteriana (kentia palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: A slight infestation was found on one plant at a nursery in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County (13 November 1996; Ellen J. Tannehill). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Phoenix dactylifera (date palm)-- Phoenicococcus marlatti (Cockerell), red date scale: An infestation was found on a tree at a hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Orange County (20 November 1996; Barbara J. Wilder). This species was not previously known from central Florida (Avas B. Hamon). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: A moderate infestation involved 50 of 4,000 plants at a nursery in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County (19 December 1996; Steven H. Cook).

Livistona chinensis (Chinese fan palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: An infestation was found at a nursery in Lake Worth, Palm Beach County (19 December 1996; Steven H. Cook).

Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar palm)-- Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret), cyanophyllum scale: A severe infestation involved 30 of 50 plants at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (11 December 1996; Leslie J. Wilber).

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' (asparagus fern)-- Echinothrips americanus Morgan, a thrips: A severe infestation involved 3,000 of 10,000 plants at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (4 December 1996; Leslie J. Wilber).

assorted cactus-- Hypogeococcus pungens Granara de Willink, a mealybug: A moderate infestation was found on ca. 1,000 of 500,000 plants. The mealybug was known previously from Broward County, FL and several countries in South America. In the literature, this mealybug has been suggested as a biological control agent against cacti (Avas B. Hamon).

Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad scale and Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), magnolia white scale: A mixed infestation was found at a nursery in Miami, Dade County (11 December 1996; Gwen H. Myres). This is the first mixed infestation observed. The cycad scale is a very serious new Asian pest of cycads (Avas B. Hamon).

-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, cycad scale: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami, Dade County (24 November 1996; Edward T. Putland).

-- A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami, Dade County (15 November 1996; Joseph S. Beckwith and Floyd J. McHenry).

-- A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami, Dade County (19 November 1996; Avas B. Hamon, Richard A. Clark and Anne R. Gorden-Vega). Plants were dying.

-- A severe infestation was found at a residence in Miami, Dade County (7 November 1996; Edward T. Putland).

-- Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), magnolia white scale: A moderate infestation was found on 5 of 15 plants at a nursery in Jacksonville, Duval County (18 November 1996; Flewellyn W. Podris).

--A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Longwood, Seminole County (1 November 1996; Anne F. Weathers).

--A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Cocoa, Brevard County (5 November 1996; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus).

-- Saissetia coffeae hemispherical scale and Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), magnolia white scale: A severe mixed infestation was found on one plant at produce business in Jacksonville, Duval County (18 November 1996; Flewellyn W. Podris).

Epipremnum sp. (pothos)-- Pseudococcus longispinus (Targ.-Tozz.), longtailed mealybug: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (25 November 1996; William B. Purvis).

Hedera canariensis (Algerian ivy)-- Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell), pyriform scale and Ceroplastes rubens (Maskell.), red wax scale: A severe mixed infestation was found on two plants at a nursery in Miami, Dade County (26 November 1996; Karen W. LeBoutillier).

Liriope muscari 'Evergreen Giant' (lily turf)-- Cecidophyopsis n. sp., an eriophyid mite: An infestation was found at a nursery in Eustis, Lake County (4 October 1996; Christine M. Murphy).

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' (zebra grass)-- Pulvinaria elongata Newstead, cottony grass scale: A moderate infestation involved 50 of 75 plants at a nursery in Ellenton, Manatee County (9 October 1996; Mark L. Runnals). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima' (dwarf Chinese silvergrass cultivar)-- Miscanthicoccus miscanthi (Takahashi), a miscanthus mealybug: A slight infestation was found on 30 plants at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista, Orange County (18 November 1996; Barbara J. Wilder). The plants had just arrived from California. The mealybug is not known from Florida (Avas B. Hamon). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.

Polyscias `Crispata' (chicken gizzard aralia cultivar)-- Nealcidion privatum (Pasco), a lamiine cerambycid beetle: This is an update on the unidentified beetle reported in the Sept-Oct 1996 issue. A moderate to severe infestation was found at a nursery in Homestead, Dade County (8 October 1996; Lynn D. Howerton). This is a common and polyphagous Central American species (Edmond F. Giesbert, FSCA Research Associate). NEW U.S. CONTINENTAL RECORD.

Syngonium podophyllum (nephthytis)-- Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), striped mealybug: A severe infestation was found at a discount store in Gainesville, Alachua County ((19 August 1996; Marie E. Peacock, Gretchan L. Langley, and Steve Stauffer (entomology graduate student, Texas A&M University)).

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Allamanda cathartica (allamanda)-- Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.-Tozz.), white peach scale: A severe infestation involved most of the 5 plants at a discount store in Merritt Island, Brevard County (26 November 1996; Karen L. Garrett-Kraus).

Alpinia purpurata (red ginger)-- Ceroplastes rubens (Maskell), red wax scale: A moderate infestation was found on 26 plants at a nursery in Plymouth, Orange County (1 November 1996; Leslie J. Wilber). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

Cattleya sp. (orchid)-- Dichromothrips corbetti (Priesner), vanda thrips: A severe infestation involved 50% of 100 plants at a nursery in Winter Garden, Orange County (21 November 1996; Barbara J. Wilder and Anthony N. Capitano).

Hemerocallis sp. (daylily)-- Myzus hemerocallis (Takahashi), daylily aphid: Infestations, some severe, were found at nurseries in Plant City, Hillsborough County (18 December 1996; James R. Martin) and McIntosh, Marion County (Maria E. Peacock, Floyd McHenry and Paul S. Lehman). There is no record of this aphid in DPI samples since 1992, but it appears to be widespread and quite damaging in Florida this winter. Homeowners near Gainesville have made several reports, and daylilies on DPI grounds are infested. The major Florida host of this species is daylily, and a possible other host is Agapanthus umbellatus, blue-nile lily (Susan E. Halbert).

Phalaenopsis sp. (moth orchid, butterfly orchid)-- Tenuipalpus pacificus Baker, a mite: An infestation was found on 25 plants at a nursery in Apopka, Orange County (5 November 1996; Tom L. Phillips). This mite is a pest of orchids (W. Cal Welbourn).

Radermachera sinica (China doll)-- Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), broad mite: A severe infestation involved 12 plants at a discount store in Gainesville, Alachua County (19 November 1996; Maria E. Peacock and Gretchan L. Langley). This mite can be a serious pest (W. Cal Welbourn).

Rhododendron sp. (azalea)-- Hemiberlesia lataniae, latania scale: A severe infestation involved 100 of 200 plants at a nursery in Bradenton, Manatee County ((16 September 1996; Mark L. Runnals and G.C. Spring (nursery employee)).

Rhododendron sp. (Formosa azalea)-- Caloptilia azaleella (Brants), azalea leafminer: A severe infestation involved 50% of 5,000 plants (40% of 2 acres) at a nursery in Plant City, Hillsborough County (18 December 1996; James R. Martin).

FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)-- Resseliella clavula (Beutenmuller), a fly: An infestation was found in rural Alachua County (25 October 1996; Paul E. Skelley). This is the first record for Florida for an insect previously unknown south of Virginia (Raymond J. Gagné, USDA/ARS/Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.

FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Diospyros sp. (persimmon)-- Oncideres cingulata cingulata (Say), a longhorn beetle: A moderate infestation involved 15% of 1300 plants at a farm in Palatka, Putnam County (28 October 1996; Gretchan L. Langley). The insects were girdling small trees and branches.

Eruca vesicaria (arugula, roquette)-- Lygus elisus van Duzee, pale legume bug: A specimen was intercepted on organic produce from California in Winter Haven, Polk County (25 November 1996; Stephen A. Bohnstedt, and W. Jack Shirley). This bug is an important western U.S. pest, apparently not established in Florida (Susan E. Halbert).

Lactuca sativa (Romaine lettuce)-- Acyrthosiphon lactucae (Passerini), lettuce aphid: An infestation was intercepted on organic produce from California in Melbourne, Brevard County (22 November 1996; David H. Faneuf). The lettuce aphid can be a serious pest in Western states, particularly in lettuce grown for seed. It is not known from Florida (Susan E. Halbert).

Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom)-- Drosophila sp., a pomace fly: An infestation was found at a mushroom farm in Naples, Collier County (13 November 1996; David D. Slocum, farm employee and James M. Conner, University of Florida Southwest Florida Research and Extension Center, Immokalee).

Solanum melongena (eggplant)-- Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom), a thrips: A general and moderate infestation involved 50% of 300 plants at an IFAS unit in Homestead, Dade County (22 November 1996; Holly B. Glenn, University of Florida Tropical Research and Extension Center, Homestead). Ms. Glenn reports that this is the first time in five years that this insect has been a problem.

Zea mays (corn)-- Euphoria sepulchralis (Fabricius), a scarab beetle: A moderate infestation involved 20% of 200 plants at a nursery in Tampa, Hillsborough County (9 May 1996; Cindy S. Kamelhair).

CITRUS: Citrus aurantium (sour orange)-- Heliothis zea (Brodie), corn earworm: A moderate to severe infestation involved 24 plants in a hydroponic system at a state agency in Gainesville, Alachua County (20 November 1996; Steven C. Gillis).

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A slight infestation was found in a grove in Arcadia, DeSoto County (5 December 1996; Willie L. Casady). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.

-- A slight to moderate infestation involved 70% of 50,000 plants in a grove in Dangriga, Belize (26 October 1996; P.S. Reddy, Research Manager, Citrus Research and Education Institute, Belize). This find is a NATIONAL RECORD FOR BELIZE (Susan E. Halbert).

-- A severe infestation involved 30% of 12 trees in a trailer park in Sebring, Highlands County (15 November 1996; Mona Lisa Payne, USDA/APHIS/PPQ). This find indicates that brown citrus aphids have colonized the southern end of the Central Florida citrus production area.

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Chenopodium ambrosioides (Mexican tea)-- Phenacoccus parvus Morrison, a mealybug: A severe infestation involved all of 100 plants on weeds at a nursery in Longwood, Seminole County (28 October 1996; Anne F. Weathers). The mealybug is relatively new to Florida (Avas B. Hamon).

Solanum diphyllum (two leaf nightshade)-- Aphis gossypii Glover, cotton/melon aphid: A slight infestation was found on one plant in Hialeah, Dade County (24 October 1996; Lynn D. Howerton). This is a NEW DPI HOST RECORD for what may be the most common aphid species in Florida.

Solanum torvum (Thai eggplant)-- Lineodes integra (Zeller), eggplant leafroller: A severe infestation was found at an IFAS unit in Homestead (13 November 1996; Holly B. Glenn, University of Florida Tropical Research and Extension Center, Homestead). FL. This is a state and Federal Noxious Weed.

NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Baccharis halimifolia (saltbush)-- Coccus viridis (Green), green scale: A severe infestation was found near Christmas, Orange County (14 November 1996; Lynn E. Zellers).

Pityopsis graminifolia (narrowleaf silk-grass)-- Hermostes reflexulus (Say), a scentless plant bug: A slight infestation was found on leaves and flowers on a roadside near Lutz, Hillsborough County (21 November 1996; Cindy S. Kamelhair and James R. Martin). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.

FEDERAL/STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Erica sp. (heather)-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A slight infestation was intercepted in a shipment from California at a florist shop in Tampa, Hillsborough County (7 November 1996; Rebecca H. Lemstrom).

Juniperus x media 'Mint Julep' (juniper)-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: Snails were intercepted in a shipment from California at an amusement park in Lake Buena Vista, Orange County (14 November 1996; Barbara J. Wilder).

mixed cut flowers-- Helix aspersa Müller, brown garden snail: A moderate infestation was intercepted in a shipment from California at a florist shop in Tampa, Hillsborough County (12 November 1996; Rebecca H. Lemstrom).

INSECTS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Latrodectus geometricus C.L. Koch, brown widow spider: A moderate infestation, including numerous egg sacs and young, was found at a residence in Bradenton, Manatee County (4 November 1996; Wayne L. Clifton).

Neoscona nautica (L. Koch), a spider: Several construction workers were bitten by this species in South Bay, Palm Beach County (18 October 1996; Gregg S. Nuessly, University of Florida Everglades Research and Extension Center, Belle Glade), and near Clewiston, Hendry County (November 1996; David G. Hall, United States Sugar Corporation).

INSECT DETECTION: Anastrepha interrupta Stone, a fruit fly: A single specimen of this uncommon native species was found in a McPhail trap in Indiantown, Martin County (19 December 1996; Andria L. Grubb, Caribbean Fruit Fly Protocol). Its only known hosts are Schoepfia spp. (Gary J. Steck).

Brachypelma vagans (Ausserer), Mexican redrump tarantula: One adult female and three young tarantulas were found in a burrow on a canal bank near Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County (1 November 1996; Kenneth L. Hibbard).

--A male was collected by a grove worker while cleaning weeds around small citrus trees (18 December 1996; Chris Arnold). This latter find was 0.9 miles from the original site, indicating possible wider establishment than earlier suspected (G.B. Edwards).

Lupparia sp., a cockroach: A moderate infestation was discovered in a stump by a pest control operator at a residence in Miami, Dade County (4 November 1996; Kenneth Madry, Bug Busters employee). This cockroach is definitely exotic (Michael C. Thomas). NEW U.S. CONTINENTAL RECORD.

Metaphidippus cf. vitis Cockerell, a jumping spider: One male and two immature specimens were found in lime grove near Homestead, Dade County (29 July 1996; Divina M. Amalin, entomology graduate student at University of Florida). NEW DPI STATE RECORD.

--One female was collected in another lime grove near Homestead, Dade County (26 August 1996; Divina M. Amalin). These collections appear to be an introduction from Mexico, based on morphological features. Although the M. vitis group occurs in the western United States, this is the first record of the group from Florida (G. B. Edwards).

Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi and Rhizoecus americanus (Hambleton), root mealybugs: A mixed infestation with nymphs was found in mixed roots from a nursery in Lake Worth, Palm Beach County (13 November 1996; Thomas L. Salisbury).

Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, a root mealybug: An infestation was found in mixed roots at a nursery in Lake Worth, Palm Beach County (24 September 1996; Thomas L. Salisbury).

Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: Several specimens were collected in a suction trap and in yellow pan traps at an IFAS unit in Immokalee (specimens collected by both methods during weeks ending 1 and 8 November 1996; James M. Conner, Philip A. Stansly, University of Florida Southwest Florida Research and Extension Center, Immokalee and Susan E. Halbert). These collections are indicative of brown citrus aphid flight activity and potential for spread of citrus tristeza virus in the area (Susan E. Halbert).

Botany Section Entomology Section Nematology Section Plant Pathology Section Back to Top

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

A total of 2,141 samples were processed in November and December. Details are shown below:

Certification and Regulatory Samples:

Multistate Certification for National and International Export 559
California Certification 763
Premovement 149
Site or Pit Approval 73
Burrowing Nematode 60

Other Samples:

Identification (Invertebrate) 8
Nematology Investigations 1
Out of state survey, via Florida Interceptions 2
Plant Problem 94
Intrastate Survey, Random 432 Dryopteris erythrosora (Japanese shield fern)-- Aphelenchoides besseyi Christie, 1942, foliar nematode, was found in the leaves of this ornamental in Seminole County (12 November 1996, Robert A. Dunn (nematologist, Univeristy of Florida) and Gary W. Simone (plant pathologist, University of Florida). Infected plants were severly damaged by the necrotic spots induced in the leaves by the nematode attack.

Hemerocallis sp. (daylily)-- Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal, 1889) Chitwood, 1949, and M. incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, root-knot nematodes, were extracted from roots of this ornamental in Alachua County (8 December 1996, Maria E. Peacock and Joseph S. Beckwith, N96-01563). Root-knot nematode infections on daylily are commonly overlooked because no obvious galls are visible in the fleshy daylily roots colonized by these pests.

Lantana camara (shrub verbena)-- Aphelenchoide besseyi, foliar nematode, was found in the leaves of this ornamental in Seminole County (12 November 1996, Robert A. Dunn and Gary W. Simone, N96-01448). Foliar nematode infections of Lantana spp. are not frequent in Florida. Infections by this pest were probably favored by the cool temperatures and high moisture conditions of late fall in Central Florida.

Pteris vittata (Chinese brake fern)-- Aphelenchoide besseyi, foliar nematode, was found in the leaves of this fern in Seminole County (9 December 1996, Anne F. Weathers, N96-01554).

COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1996:

Brown, Gregory A. 11
Dees, Carrie S. 73
Echols, M. Janie 30
Esser, Robert P. 44
Fuller, Samuel A. 75
Harris, Jessie M. 25
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 116
Nelson, Carl R. 53
Peacock, Maria 25
Robinson, William L. "Robbie" 230
Salisbury, Thomas L. 163
Santos-Quintanilla, Maria 149
Smith, W. Wayne 52
Weathers, Anne F. 24
Wigelsworth, Jimmie R. 42

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

For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 2,881 specimens. These included 632 pathology, 11 miscellaneous, 7 soil, and 2,231 (November through December 12th) suspect canker samples. Some of the samples are shown below.

ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Phoenix sp. (date palm)-- Pythium spinosum Sawada, root rot: Collected at a nursery in Lutz, Pasco County (06 December 1996, Madeline Dehann (nursery personnel), P96-3545). NEW HOST RECORD.

Salix babylonica (weeping willow)-- Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich, charcoal root rot: Collected at a nursery in Palm Coast, Flagler County (12 December 1996, Orlando Maccharulo, P96-3579). NEW HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Clerodendrum sp. (pagoda plant)-- Cercospora apii Fresen ssp. clerodendri Sobers & A. P. Martinez, leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Tampa, Hillsborough County (18 November 1996, Cindy S. Kamelhair, P96-3353).

Marsilea quadrifolia (water-clover)-- Cercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at a laboratory in Lake City, Columbia County (30 October 1996, M. Janie Echols, P96-3186). NEW HOST RECORD.

Polystichum tsus-simense (Korean rock fern)-- Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Longwood, Seminole County (09 December 1996, Anne F. Weathers, P96-3600). NEW HOST RECORD.

ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Strelitzia reginae (bird-of-paradise)-- Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend:Fr., root rot: Collected at a nursery in Winter Haven, Polk County (23 December 1996, James E. Lindsay, P96-3740). NEW HOST RECORD.

Tithonia sp. (Mexican sunflower)-- Puccinia zanthii Schwein., foliar rust: Collected at a nursery in Hawthorne, Alachua County (23 September 1996, Maria E. Peacock, Gretchan L. Langley, P96-2718). NEW HOST RECORD.

WEEDS AND GRASSES: Andropogon virginicus (broomsedge)-- Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch, scab: Collected at a park in Titusville, Brevard County, (07 November 1996, Karen L. Garrett-Kraus, P96-3261). NEW HOST RECORD.

Tripsacum dactyloides (gamagrass)-- Septoria sp., leaf spot: Collected at a USDA center in Brooksville, Hernando County (24 October 1996, Robert W. Dudley, P96-3161). NEW HOST RECORD.

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