TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 38, No. 1
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1999
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud and Nancy C. Coile, Ph.D.
For this period, 57 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 343 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 400). Some of the samples are described below:
Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl., (ca. 50 species, 1 from North America, 2 from South America and others from Asia), Gramineae, giant cane, cane reed, a native bamboo: Small- to medium-sized, spreading or loosely clumped, woody. Stems typically 2-5 m tall, 2 cm in diameter, hollow, and erect; terete, but internodes slightly flattened to shallowly sulcate above the branches. One bud per node, giving rise to one to three erect to ascending branches, the laterals smaller than the main branch. Stem leaves deciduous to persistent; sheaths with auricles small and fimbriate (sometimes absent). Sheaths persistent on lower branch nodes, the auricles often present and fimbriate, the fimbriaeup to 1 cm long; blades 10-30 cm long, 2.5-4 cm wide, rounded at the base, pointed at the tip, the upper surface glabrous to pubescent, rough. Southeastern U.S.A., from Texas to Maryland. Plants rarely flower and then die afterwards. This species formed the great canebrakes of pioneer accounts, in bogs, savannahs and low woods. (Duval County; B99-057; Flewellyn W. Podris; 16 February 1999). (Huxley 1992; Judziewicz et al. 1999; Radford et al. 1964).
Atalantia monophylla DC., ( 11 species, tropical and East Asia), Rutaceae, Indian atalantia: A small, much-branched tree with single, stout, sharp spines at the nodes, 10-20 mm long, or unarmed. Leaves similar to Citrus, 3-15 cm long, 2-4 cm wide, ovate-lanceolate or elliptic, bright green above, paler and reticulate-veined underneath, margins entire or slightly undulate, apex obtusely rounded, often emarginate, base broadly cuneate, articulated with the wingless petiole. Individual flowers with long pedicels, in short racemes, or clustered in the axils of the leaves; calyx balloon-like, more or less irregularly and deeply 2-cleft; corolla 4-5-merous, petals white, glabrous, bluntly rounded at apex, 8-10 mm long; stamens 8-10, united into a tube 6-8 mm long with the anthers borne on the free tips of the filaments; pistil slender, 6-7 mm long, ending in an abruptly expanded, 3-4-lobed stigma, 1.2-1.5 mm in diameter. Style caducous; fruit globose, 1,5-2 cm in diameter, yellowish-green when ripe, locules filled with numerous pulp-vesicles (lack the stalks of Citrus vesicles). Seeds usually only 1 to a locule; often some of the locules do not develop seeds. Fruits produce an oil. (Dade County; B99-019; Lynn D. Howerton; 3 February 1999). (Huxley 1992; Reuther et al. 1967).
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., (5 species, temperate), Cruciferae, shepherd's-purse: Winter annual with a main stem and ascending branches. Rosette leaves 4-10 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, dissected, lobed or denticulate. Lower leaves and lower portions of the stem often remotely stellate-pubescent. Stem leaves reduced upward, lanceolate, auriculate-sagittate. Racemes to 3 dm long in fruit. Pedicels to 2 cm long in fruit. Petals white, entire, 3-4 mm long. Silicle obcordate-triangular (resembles a shepherd's bag), 5-8 mm long, 3.5-6 mm broad, beak 0.5 mm long. Seeds reddish-brown, minutely pitted, oblong, 0.9-1.1 mm long. Originally from Mediterranean Europe, this extremely successful weed has spread throughout the world. Collected seed were found from a 5950 B.C. site. Used medicinally as a diuretic and fever reducer (Jefferson County; B99-022; Dr. Jeffrey G. Norcini, University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center; 3 February 1999). (Radford et al. 1968; Mabberley 1997).
Euryops chrysanthemoides (DC.) R. Norderstam, (97 species, South Africa to Arabia and Socotra), Compositae, bush daisy: Bushy shrub, to 2 m tall. Leaves to 10 cm long, 3 cm wide, pinnately lobed, base attenuate, lobes to 2 cm long, 0.5 cm wide, 3-10 per side, ovate to lanceolate, more or less obtuse, mucronate. Flowers terminal, often several together, peduncles to 20 cm long, thickened below flower head; involucre to 1.5 cm in diameter, broadly campanulate; involucral bracts to 8 mm long, 4 mm wide, ovate to lanceolate, connate near base; ray florets to 20 mm long, 5 mm broad, narrowly obovate to oblanceolate, yellow. Achenes ca. 5 mm long, oblong-obovate to subfusiform, dark brown to black, 10-ribbed, glabrous; pappus absent. Cultivated for its showy flowers, this species is native to South Africa. (Duval County; B99-011; Flewellyn W. Podris; 21 January 1999). (Huxley 1992).
Ficus auriculata Lour. (= F. roxburghii Wall. ex Miq.), (About 750 species, tropical and warm, mostly from India to New Guinea to Australia, ca. 105 from Africa and ca. 150 from Americas), Moraceae, Roxburgh fig: Relatively low, thick-stemmed, spreading evergreen (or briefly deciduous) tree sometimes to 18 m across; young twigs pubescent, hollow, to 1.5 cm in diameter, topped by large, bulging buds. Leaves initially maroon or mahogany but becoming bright green, very slightly toothed (entire in mature plants), pubescent along main veins beneath, to 40 cm long, 35 cm wide or more, base commonly broadly cordate; venation palmipinnate, prominent. Figs borne directly on the trunks, aggregated on warty tubercles or on leafless branches down to the base of the tree, depressed-globose to pear-shaped, to 8 cm in diameter, on peduncles 2.5 cm or more long, silky-hairy, green to red-brown with conspicuous white or rusty flecks. From Himalayas to Thailand, Viet Nam and southern China. (Orange County; B99-041; Barbara J. Wilder and Anthony N. Capitano; 18 February 1999). (Huxley 1992).
Hamelia patens Jacq., (16 species, tropical America), Rubiaceae, firebush, a showy native species: Shrub or small tree, 3-7 m tall; branches 4-angled. Leaves to 15 cm long, 7 cm wide, opposite or 3-5-7-whorled, elliptic to obovate to lanceolate, acute or acuminate at apex, acute or narrowed at base, veins 7-10, pink; petioles to 6 cm long, red; stipules lanceolate to triangular. Flowers in cymes, numerous, subsessile, orange to scarlet or crimson; calyx top-shaped, ovate, obtuse or acute, 2 mm long; stamens and anthers 1 cm long; ovary 3 mm long; style 15 mm long. Berries to 8 mm long, 6 mm in diameter, yellow-green, then red to purple and black. The downy, red-gray foliage is attractive, as are the purple fruits. From Florida, West Indies, Mexico south to Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. (Okeechobee County; B99-031; Darin W. Hughes and Kenneth L. Hibbard; 15 January 1999). (Huxley 1992; Long and Lakela 1971).
Hydnophytum formicarium Jack, (52 species, India to New Guinea), Rubiaceae, ant-plant: A myrmecophilous, epiphytic glabrous shrub with swollen lower stem to 20 cm in diameter, irregularly lobed, fleshy, unarmed. Swollen stem ('tuber') with interconnecting hollow chambers internally, sometimes inhabited by ants, covered by cork-like brown bark. Erect stems jointed, brown, slender, terete, sparsely branched. Leaves elliptic, 5-6.5 cm long, 2.5-6.5 cm wide, dark green, obtuse, coriaceous, petioles to 0.5 cm long. Flowers in clusters, sessile, axillary, to 7 mm long; calyx ovoid-cylindric; corolla salver-shaped, with 4 lobes, white, tube hairy within; anthers 4, subsessile; ovary 2-locular, with 1 ovule per locule. Fruit an orange-red pulpy berry. This oddity is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. (Pasco County; B99-008; Alan R. Haynes; 15 January 1999). (Huxley 1992).
Salvinia molesta Mitch., (ca. 10 species, tropical and warm), Salviniaceae, salvinia: Free-floating annual aquatic fern. Fronds dimorphic, in whorls of 3 (two are floating, the other finely divided and rootlike), ovate to suborbicular, flat or usually folded, with numerous papillae above. The trichomes project from the papillae and are joined at their tips to produce an egg-beater-like structure (use your hand lens). Sporangia in sporocarps distinctive by being generally empty or with abortive spores. Thought to be of hybrid origin, this species has vigorous vegetative reproduction. Recently, this Federal Noxious Weed has become established in Texas and Louisiana (see http://nas.er.usgs.gov/ferns/). Also on Florida Department of Environmental Protections's Category I, Prohibited Aquatic Plant list. This troublesome species has not yet established in Florida. Native of New World Tropics. (Collier County; B99-056; Scott D. Krueger and Matthew W. Brodie; 23 February 1999). (Huxley 1992).
Selaginella uncinata (Desv.) Spring (ca. 700 species, tropical, warm and temperate), Selaginellaceae, rainbow fern, peacock spikemoss: Evergreen moss-like fern ally. Stems 30-60 cm long, trailing, rooting, mat-forming, slender and weak, branches alternate, pinnate, compound, short. Leaves entire, in 2 planes of 2 rows each, leaves of lower plane 2-3 mm long, rather ovate, thin, cordate at base, minutely petiolate, leaves of upper plane to 1 mm long, strongly imbricate, cuspidate, iridescent-blue. Strobili quadrangular, 6-12 mm long; sporophylls crowded, acutely keeled, 2 mm long. Native to Old World tropics, but established in Marion, Hillsborough and Dade counties (Lee County; B99-042; Stephen H. Brown, Lee County Extension Service; 12 February 1999). (Huxley 1992; Wunderlin 1998).
Veronica persica Poir., (180 species, North temperate), Scrophulariaceae, speedwell (because the corolla drops when picked), or bird's-eye: Decumbent, pubescent annual, 1-3 dm tall, the numerous basal branches form a rosette. Leaves ovate, 7-12 mm long, 5-14 mm wide, margins crenate-dentate, petiolate (the upper subsessile). Inflorescence indistinct, the flowers appearing axillary, pedicels to 2 times as long as the subtending leaf; corolla bright blue, with darker lines and a pale center, 7-12 mm broad. capsule flattened, 4-5 mm long, 5-8 mm broad, widely notched, pubescent, style 2-3 mm long; seeds 8-12 per locule, ovoid, cupulate, 1-1.5 mm long. Weed of lawns, fields, and roadsides in Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia. From northern Iran, this innocuous weed spread to Europe in Neolithic times (Jefferson County; B99-023; Dr. Jeffrey G. Norcini, University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center; 3 February 1999). (Radford et al. 1968; Mabberley 1997; Wunderlin 1998).
GLOSSARY: caducous: deciduous, lasting for a short time, soon falling from the plant; fimbria (fimbriae, pl.): a fringe or fringe-like border; myrmecophilous: plants which are inhabited by ants and offer specialized shelter or food for them; papilla (papillae, pl.): a soft superficial protuberance; a small nipple-like elevation; silicle: a short capsule derived from two united carpels and containing many seeds; sporocarp: hard structure containing the spores of water ferns, which are liberated only when the sporocarp decays, produced by the fusion of the margins of a fertile frond; sporophyll: a spore-bearing leaf; strobile (strobili, pl.): an inflorescence marked by imbricate scales or bracts, as in the hop or pine cone; a small cone or cone-like cluster of sporophylls.
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.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Judziewicz, E. J., L. G. Clark, X. Londoño and M. J. Stern. 1999. American bamboos. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London. 392 p.
- Long, R. W. and O. Lakela. 1971. A flora of tropical Florida. University of Miami Press, Coral Gables. 962 p.
- Mabberley, D.J. 1997. The plant-book, 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press, U.K. 858 p.
- Radford, A. E., H. E. Ahles and C. R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 1,183 p.
- Reuther, W., H. J. Webber and L. D. Batchelor (eds.). 1967. The citrus industry. Vol. 1. University of California. 611 p.
- Wunderlin, R.P. 1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville. 806 p.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph. D.
For the month of January, there were 530 samples consisting of 8,576+ specimens. In February, there were 450 samples consisting of 6,286+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Bowdichia virgillioides (bowdichia)-- Aphis craccivora Koch, cowpea aphid: A severe infestation was found on three plants at a residence in Princeton (Dade County; E99-354; Edward T. Putland; 9 February 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD for a common pest.
Cocos nucifera (coconut)-- Aleurotrachelus atratus Hempel, a whitefly: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in Jensen Beach (St. Lucie County; E99-401; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 12 February 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Elaeocarpus dentatus (elaeocarpus)-- Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), magnolia white scale: An infestation was found at a nursery in Orlando (Orange County; E99-442; Terrence D. Williams; 19 February 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Jatropha integerrina (peregrina)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, papaya mealybug: A severe infestation on three of 100 plants was found at a residence in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E98-2824; Ellen J. Tannehill; 12 August 1998).
Jatropha sp. (a jatropha)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, papaya mealybug: An infestation was found at a residence in Miami Springs (Dade County; E99-2; Robert Skafidas, USDA; 29 December 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm)-- Rhynchophorus cruentatus (Fabricius), giant palm weevil: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Loxahatchee (Palm Beach County; E99-100; Randall N. Mescher; 11 January 1999). Injured palms were heavily infested.
Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm)-- Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai & Takagi, root mealybug: An infestation was found on 20,000 plants at a nursery in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County; E98-4340; Laura L. Ooms; 10 December 1998).
Syzygium paniculatum 'Nana' (bush cherry cultivar)-- Deroceras laeve (Müller), a slug, Polygyra sp., a snail, and Succinea sp., a snail: A slight infestation was intercepted on plants from California in Naples (Collier County; E99-417; Scott D. Krueger; 18 February 1999). Only the slug is a plant feeder (Dr. Lionel A. Stange).
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS AND PALMS: Aechmea sp. (a bromeliad)-- Stenotarsonemus furcatus DeLeon, a mite: An infestation was found at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; E99-93; Brian Cox, employee; January 1999). This mite can cause damage to new growth (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Ceratozamia mexicana (a horned-cone cycad)-- Chrysomphalus aonidum (Linnaeus), Florida red scale: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Leesburg (Lake County; E99-210; Floyd J. McHenry; 21 January 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Galax urceolata (galax)-- Trialeurodes fernaldi (Morrill), a whitefly: An infestation was intercepted on foliage shipped from North Carolina in Crescent City (Putnam County; E98-4128; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 17 November 1998). This species does not occur in Florida (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Gramineae (a bamboo)-- Asterolecanium miliaris Boisduval, a bamboo leaf pit scale, and Bambusaspis bambusae (Boisduval), a bamboo pit scale: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Melbourne (Brevard County; E99-148; David H. Faneuf and Kenneth L. Hibbard; 20 January 1999).
-- Kuwanaspis howardi (Cooley), bamboo white scale: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Vero Beach (Indian River County; E99- 27; Richard H. 'Dick' Stoll; 4 January 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Murraya paniculata (orange jessamine)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: An infestation was found at a residence in Clearwater (Hendry County; E99-80; Dr. David G. Hall, entomologist, United States Sugar Corporation; 7 January 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
-- Aleuroclava jasmini (Takahashi), jasmine whitefly: A slight infestation was found at the courthouse in Vero Beach (Indian River County; E98-4436; Kenneth L Hibbard; 28 December 1998).
Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo, listed as a Category I species by Exotic Pest Plant Council)-- Tetraleurodes ursorum (Cockerell), a whitefly: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Macclenny (Baker County; E98-4437; Charles H. Webb; 17 December 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. This whitefly is relatively common on several host plants, but usually in low numbers. It is rarely an economic problem (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Xanthosoma sp. (an elephant's ear)-- Aleuroglandulus malangae Russell, malanga whitefly: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Melbourne (Brevard County; E99-163; David H. Faneuf and Kenneth L. Hibbard; 20 January 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, papaya mealybug: A moderate infestation involved ten of thirty plants at a landscaped entrance in Boca Raton (Palm Beach County; E98-2822; Ellen J. Tannehill; 12 August 1998).
--An infestation was found at a residence in Bradenton (Manatee County; E98-3311; Bob Skidmore, homeowner; 18 September 1998).
--A moderate infestation was found at a discount store in Hollywood (Broward County; E98-2360; Maria S. Quintanilla; 15 July 1998).
Ixora coccinea (flame-of-the-woods)-- Minutaleyrodes minutus (Singh), minute whitefly: Infestations were found in Little Hollywood (Brevard County; E99-109; Kenneth L. Hibbard and David H. Faneuf; 15 January 1999) and Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E98-4416; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 23 December 1998). Both are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
-- Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis, trilobe scale: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; E99-431; Teresa L. Estok; 22 February 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Jasminum multiflorum (downy jasmine)-- Aleuroclava jasmini (Takahashi), jasmine whitefly: A slight infestation involved five of fifty plants at a nursery in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E98-4407; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 23 December 1998).
Myrcianthes fragrans (Simpson's stopper, Florida threatened species)-- Minutaleyrodes minutus (Singh), minute whitefly: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E98-4408; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 23 December 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Orchidaceae (an orchid)-- Hemileius sp. probably nicki (Denmark & Woodring), an oribatid mite: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Princeton (Dade County; E99-70; Edward T. Putland; 12 January 1999). These mites are often found associated with orchids. They are not plant pests (Dr. Warren C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Pinus sp. (a pine)-- Chionaspis heterophyllae (Cooley), pine scale: A slight infestation was found at a recreation area in Titusville (Brevard County; E99-418; Gregory A. Brown; 17 February 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm)-- Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae Matsumura, an Asian elm aphid: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Orange City (Volusia County; E98-4413; Stacey S. Simmons; 21 December 1998). This aphid species is a recent introduction from Asia (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Anethum graveolens (dill)-- Hyadaphis coriandri (Das), coriander aphid: A moderate to severe infestation involved three plants at a residence in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E99-57; Anthony N. Capitano; 27 December 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Carica papaya (papaya)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, papaya mealybug: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County; E98-2964; Dr. Forrest W. 'Bill' Howard, University of Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Research and Extension Center; 29 July 1998).
Coriandrum sativum (coriander, cilantro)-- Hyadaphis coriandri (Das), coriander aphid: A slight infestation on one of three plants was found at a residence in Tampa (Hillsborough County; E99-53; Anthony N. Capitano; 27 December 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD. The literature says H. coriandri is very damaging to coriander (Susan E. Halbert).
Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco)-- Myzus nicotianae Blackman, tobacco aphid: A severe infestation was found in a greenhouse at University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Center (Polk County; E99-14; Dr. Susan E. Halbert; Manjunath L. Kermane, University of Florida, Plant Pathology Department; and Dr. Moshe Bar Joseph, visiting scientist, Bet Dagan, Israel; 30 December 1998). Colonies of red tobacco aphids thrived on greenhouse grown tobacco in spite of insecticide treatment. Although this species is reported to be common on field grown tobacco in Florida, this is the first DPI record for tobacco aphid in Florida.
Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane)-- Pulvinaria elongata Newstead, cottony grass scale: A moderate to severe infestation involved all of five plants at a nursery in Terra Ciea (Manatee County; E99-165; Mark L. Runnals; 21 January 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
This species is not economically important in Florida (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
CITRUS: Citrus obovoidea var. kinkoji (a citrus relative)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: An infestation was found at a USDA research unit in Miami (Dade County; E99-20; Gwen H. Myres; 5 January 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Citrus sp. (citrus)-- Ceroplastes rubens Maskell, red wax scale: A slight infestation involved one of 75 plants at a nursery in Naples (Collier County; E99-259; Scott D. Krueger; 1 February 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Uniola paniculata (sea oats, a grass protected by state rule)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, papaya mealybug: An infestation involved 3,000 plants at a nursery in Bradenton (Manatee county; E98-3193; Mark L. Runnals; 24 September 1998). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Licania michauxii (gopher apple)-- Lopesia licaniae Gagné, a gall midge: Specimens were found on underground parts of stems near Avon Park (Highlands County; E98-3823; Kenneth L. Hibbard and James E. Bennett; 29 October 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Sophora tomentosa (necklace pod)-- Diaprepes abbreviatus (Linnaeus), diaprepes weevil: A severe infestation was found on all nine plants at a nursery in Princeton (Dade County; E98-4320; Edward T. Putland; 23 December 1998).
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid)-- Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus), a spiny orbweaver: A specimen was found associated with an Asian citrus psyllid colony on Citrus aurantifolia (key lime) in Miami (Dade County; E99-136; Barbara J. Wilder; 15 January 1999). This spider is a possible predator of Asian citrus psyllid (Dr. G.B. Edwards).
-- Toxomerus sp., a syrphid fly: A specimen was reared from a pupa found in a colony of D. citri collected on Murraya paniculata (orange jessamine) at a residence in Miami (Dade County; E99-320; David H. Faneuf; 4 February 1999).
INSECT DETECTION: Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius), cigarette beetle: A customer at a food store in Lakeland (Polk County; E99-127; 14 January 1999) claimed that the beetle came from a meatball used in a dish also containing spices, carrots and other unknown ingredients. The beetles are stored product pests and do not attack meat. The infestation was most likely in the spices (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae Matsumura, an Asian elm aphid: A specimen was collected in a suction trap at Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E99-24; Dr. Robert C. Bullock, University of Florida's Indian River Research and Extension Center, and Dr. Susan E. Halbert; 25-31 December 1998). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
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NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Robert P. Esser, Ph.D.
A total of 3,174 samples were processed in January and February 1999. A synopsis of sample categories is shown below:
Certification and Regulatory Samples:
Multistate Certification for National
and International Export 1,409
California Certification 1,308
Burrowing Nematode (Citrus Regulatory Survey) 46
Premovement (Citrus Nursery Certification) 72
Site or Pit Approval (Citrus Nursery Certification) 81
Other Samples:
Plant Problems 59
Out of State Survey, via Florida Interceptions 59
Intrastate Survey, Random 199
Mr. Daniel C. Phelps reported the following information for burrowing nematode status.
Citrus nursery sites: Thirty citrus nursery sites were re-evaluated in July through September 1998. Nine citrus nursery blocks were disapproved. Eight citrus nursery sites were taken from active status. A total of 125 certified citrus nurseries (consisting of 984 acres) are currently active.
Soil pits: No new soil pits were approved in July through September 1998. Nine soil pits were re-evaluated, and one pit (40 acres) was removed from certification. A total of 118 soil pits
(3961 acres) remain in active certification.
Non-citrus nematode certification: Thirty nine nurseries (879 acres) were certified this quarter. A total of 587 (6710 acres) non-citrus nematode certified nurseries remain active.
Nematodes of Special Interest Detected During August - October 1998: Baccharis glomeruliflora (silverling, saltbush, groundsel, a native species)-- Gainesville, Paynes Prairie (a natural area). The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus (Steiner, 1914) Golden, 1956; Meloidogyne sp.; Paratylenchus elachistus Steiner 1949; Nothocriconema permistum (Raski & Golden, 1956) de Grisse, 1967 (Alachua County; Christine A. Zamora, Gay M. Fortier and Dr. Robert P. Esser; N99-122; 26 January 1999).
Carya glabra (pignut hickory, a native species)-- Gainesville. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Nothocriconema shepherdae Jairapuri & Southey, 1984; Trichodorus pachydermus Seinhorst, 1954; Xiphinema americanum Cobb, 1913. Also detected were: Belonolaimus sp.; Hemicriconemoides minutus Esser, 1960; Hoplolaimus tylenchiformis Daday, 1905; Longidorus sp.; Meloidogyne sp.; Nothocriconema permistum (Raski & Golden, 1956) de Grisse, 1967; and Xenocriconemella macrodora (Taylor, 1936) de Grisse & Loof, 1965 (Alachua County; N98-809; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 20 August 1998).
Chamaesyce hyssopifolia (hyssopleaf sandmat, a native species)-- Gainesville, Paynes Prairie, a natural area. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952; Criconemoides xenoplax Raski, 1952; Hemicriconemoides wessoni Chitwood & Birchfield, 1957; Hemicriconemoides minutus Esser, 1960, Meloidodera floridensis Chitwood, Hannon, & Esser, 1956; Meloidogyne sp.; Pratylenchus sp.; Trichodorus aequalis Allen, 1957; Xiphinema sp.; Paratrichodorus anthurii Baujard & Germani, 1985 (Alachua County; N98-799; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 17 August 1998).
Croton glandulosus (vente conmigo, a native species)-- Gainesville. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Belonolaimus sp.; Criconemoides citri Steiner, 1949; Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952; Criconemoides amorphus de Grisse, 1965; Heliocotylenchus dihystera (Cobb, 1893) Sher, 1961; Longidorus sp.; Meloidogyne sp.; Tylenchorhynchus latus Allen, 1955 (Alachua County; N98-798; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 17 August 1998).
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (Durban crowfootgrass, an exotic weed)-- Gainesville. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Criconema cobbi (Micoletzky, 1925) Taylor, 1936; Criconemoides xenoplax Raski, 1952; Helicotylenchus dihystera (Cobb, 1893) Sher, 1961; Hemicriconemoides sp.; Trichodorus christiei Allen, 1957; Xiphinema vulgare Tarjan, 1964 (Alachua County; N98-790; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 12 August 1998).
Dichanthelium laxiflorum (openflower witchgrass, a native species)-- Gainesville. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species from: Criconema aberrans (Jairajpuri & Siddiqi, 1963) Raski & Luc, 1987; Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952; Hemicriconemoides minutus Esser, 1960; Hopolaimus tylenchiformis Daday, 1905; Longidorus longicaudatus Siddiqi, 1962; Trichodorus sp.; Trophotylenchus floridensis Raski, 1957; Xiphinema sp.; Xenocriconemella macrodora (Taylor, 1936) de Grisse & Loof, 1965 (Alachua County; N98-754; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 5 August 1998).
Dryopteris ludoviciana (southern wood fern, a native species)-- Gainesville, Paynes Prairie, a natural area. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952; Criconemoides michieli Edward, Misra, & Singh, 1968; Criconemoides n. sp.; Helicotylenchus sp.; Helicotylenchus n. sp.; Hemicycliophora sp.; Hemicycliophora thienemanni (Schneider, 1925) Loos, 1948 (Alachua County; N99-10; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 20 January 1999).
Galactia elliottii (Elliott's milkpea, a native species)-- Gainesville. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Belonolaimus sp.; Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952; Criconemoides xenoplax Raski, 1952 ; Helicotylenchus sp.; Hemicriconemoides sp.; Longidorus longicaudatus Siddiqi, 1962; Meloidodera floridensis Chitwood, Hannon & Esser, 1956; Pratylenchus sp.; Scutellonema bradys (Steiner & LeHew, 1933) Andrassy, 1958; Trichodorus christiei Allen, 1967; Northocriconema neopacificum Mehta, Raski and Valenzuela, 1982 (Alachua County; N98-790; Christine A. Zamora, Gay M. Fortier and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 12 August 1998).
Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass, a noxious weed)-- A survey of this grass in various Florida sites revealed a phytoparasitic nematode originally described from the USSR, Criconemella calvata (Heyns, 1962) Ebnsary, 1982. DETECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FLORIDA.
Several other phytoparasitic nematodes were associated with this weed species for the first time: Aglenchus sp.; Aphelenchoides sp.; Criconemella obtusicaudata (Eroshenko 1981) Raski & Luc, 1987, which was originally described from South Africa; Criconemoides sp., Criconemoides citri Steiner, 1949; Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952; Criconemoides xenoplax Raski, 1952; Helicotylenchus dihystera (Cobb, 1893) Sher, 1961; Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus Steiner, 1914; Helicotylenchus wessoni Chitwood & Birchfield, 1957; Longidorus sp.; Longidorus longicaudatus Siddiqi, 1962; Meloidodera floridensis Chitwood, Hannon & Esser, 1956; Meloidogyne sp.; Peltamigratus christiei (Golden & Taylor, 1956) Sher 1964; Trophotylenchulus sp.; Trophotylenchulus floridensis Raski, 1957; Xiphinema americanum Cobb, 1913; Xiphinema denoudeni Loof & Maas, 1972; and Xiphinema radicicola Goodey, 1936. (Central Florida counties; N98-1274, N98-1338, N98-1339, N98-1390, N98-1391, N98-1392, N98-1393, N98-1394, N98-1395, N98-1396, and N98-1399; Dr. Marc C. Minno, St. Johns River Water Management District, and Maria Minno; November 1998).
Mollugo verticillata (green carpetweed, exotic weed)-- The following plant parasitic nematodes were found for the first time associated with this plant: Criconemella pelerentsi Sakwe & Geraert, 1991; Criconemoides citri Steiner, 1949; Criconemoides curvata Raski, 1952; Hoplolaimus tylenchitiformis Daday, 1905; Meloidodera floridensis Chitwood, Hannon & Esser, 1956; Meloidogyne sp.; Pratylenchus brachyurus (Godfrey, 1929) Filipjev & Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1941; and Xiphinema americanum Cobb, 1913 (Alachua County; N98-702; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 20 July 1998).
Pinus taeda (loblolly pine, a native species)-- Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrur, 1934) Nickle, 1970, pinewood nematode, was found in Gainesville (Alachua County; N98-913; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 10 September 1998).
Prunus americana (American plum, a native species)-- Gainesville. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Criconema aberrans, (Jairajpuri & Siddiqi, 1963) Raski & Luc 1987; Criconemoides xenoplax Raski, 1952; Hemicriconemoides minutus Esser, 1960; Longidorus longicaudatus Siddiqi, 1962; Meloidodera floridensis Chitwood, Hannon & Esser, 1956; Trichodorus sp.;, Trophotylenchulus floridensis Raski, 1957; Xenocriconemella macrodora (Taylor, 1936) de Grisse & Loof, 1965 (Alachua County; N98-768; Dr. Robert P. Esser; 6 August 1998).
Taxodium distichum (bald-cypress, a native species)-- Gainesville, Paynes Prairie, a natural area. Criconema taylori Jairajpuri, 1964 [originally described from India] was DETECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FLORIDA. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Criconema gracile Mehta & Raski, 1971; Criconema tenuicaudatum Siddiqi, 1961; Criconemoides xenoplax Raski, 1952; and Helicotylenchus sp. Paynes Prairie (Alachua County; N98-90; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 5 January 1999).
Trichostema dichotomum (forked bluecurls, a native species)-- Gainesville, Paynes Prairie, a natural area. The following nematodes were associated for the first time with this species: Aglenchus sp.; Criconemoides curvatum Raski, 1952; Helcotylenchus erythrinae (Zimmerman, 1094) Golden, 1956; Hemicycliophora sp.; Trichodorus sp.; and Tylenchorhynchus sp. (Alachua County; N98-01104; Christine A. Zamora and Dr. Robert P. Esser; 20 October 1998).
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1999:
Dees, Carrie S 74
Emery, Tyson R. 10
Esser, Dr. Robert P. 13
Faneuf, David H.. 8
Fuller, Samuel A. 63
Harris, Jessie M. 17
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 103
Pate, JoAnn 29
Podris, Flewellyn W. 5
Qiao, Ping . 91
Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' 129
Salisbury, Thomas L. 134
Smith, W. Wayne 122
Zamora, Christine A. 12
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by J. J. 'Jack' McRitchie, Ph.D.
For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 8,657 specimens. These included 410 pathology, 12 miscellaneous, 5 soil, and 8,213 suspected canker samples in Dade County, 14 suspect canker samples in Manatee County, and 3 suspect canker samples from Collier County.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck palm)-- Nigrospora sphaerica (Sacc.) E. Mason, a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ft. Myers (Lee County; P99-286; Walter W. Golden; 4 February 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Coccoloba diversifolia (pigeon plum, native species)-- Pseudocercospora sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Lake Worth (Palm Beach County; P99-278; Miguel J. Perales; 4 February 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Phoenix sp. (a date palm)-- Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds, a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Plant City (Hillsborough County; P99-129; Stacy A. Tyrala and James R. Martin; 21 January 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Musa spp. (banana)-- Colletotrichum sp. and Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc., leaf spots: Collected at a nursery in Palmetto (Manatee County; P99-0132; Mark L. Runnals; 20 January 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Eranthemum pulchellum (tropical blue-sage)-- Kutilakesa pironii, stem gall: Collected at a nursery in Palmetto (Manatee County; P99-234; Mark L. Runnals; 1 February 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Euphorbia mili hybrid (crown of thorns)-- Amphobotrys ricini, flower blight: Collected at a dooryard in Homestead (Dade County; P99-242; William R. 'Bill'Graves, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; 2 February 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Salvia officinalis (culinary sage)-- Peronospora lamii A. Braun, downy mildew: Collected at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; P99-303; nursery employee; 12 February 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Miscanthus sp. (eulalia grass, exotic cultivated species)-- Stagonospora sp., leaf blight: Collected at a nursery in Pensacola (Santa Rosa County; P99-0207; Tyson R. Emery and Steven B. Mathews; 27 January 1999).
Youngia japonica (Asiatic hawk's beard, garden weed)-- Septoria crepidis Vestergr. in Bihang , a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Gainesville (Alachua County, P98-3029; Dr. Timothy S. Schubert; 7 December 1998). NEW US RECORD.
