TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 38, No. 4
Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Managing Editor
JULY-AUGUST 1999
Wayne N. Dixon, Ph. D., Editor
| Botany Section | Entomology Section | Nematology Section | Plant Pathology Section |
BOTANY SECTION
Compiled by Carlos R. Artaud
Added to the herbarium collection during this period were 22 mounted specimens (total of 7,680). L. Wayne Clifton (R2A6) submitted two specimens; Ellen J. Tannehill (R3A2), and Barbara J. Wilder (R2A1) each submitted one specimen which were added to the herbarium. For this period, 107 specimens were submitted to Botany for identification, and 501 were received from other Sections for identification and/or name verification (for a total of 608). Some of the samples are described below:
Araucaria bidwillii Hook., (18 species, SW Pacific; 2 spp., South America), Araucariaceae, bunya bunya: Tree to 45 m tall, habit narrow, becoming broadly domed with age; branches whorled, horizontal; branchlets long, pendent. Juvenile leaves in 2 rows, 2-5 cm long, and 0.5-1 cm wide, hard, glossy green, oblong-lanceolate, spirally arranged; mature leaves 2-3 cm long, overlapping, twisted, ovate, glossy, pungent, rigid and woody. Male cones 15-17 cm long, and 1.5 cm broad; female cones pineapple-like, to 30 cm long, and 23 cm broad. On a sheltered site, able to tolerate temperatures as low as -5C (23F). Native of northeastern Australia (Queensland). (Lee County; B99-351; Sheila J. Foe; 19 August 1999). (Huxley 1992).
Ceiba insignis (Kunth) Gibbs & Semir (= Chorisia speciosa A. St.-Hil.), (11 species, tropical America, 1 extending to Africa), Bombacaceae, floss-silk tree: Tree to approximately 15 m tall, trunk swollen at base, heavily covered by stout spines. Leaves alternate, palmately lobed, leaflets 5-7, to 12.5 cm long, and 3.5 cm wide, lanceolate, acute, margins serrate. Flowers showy, solitary or clustered, appearing before leaves; calyx cup-shaped, irregularly 2-5 lobed; petals 5, to 10 cm long, oblong, spreading, white or cream at base, white to yellow or pink, red or violet above, often spotted, densely pubescent externally. Fruit a dehiscent capsule to 20 cm long; seeds many, embedded in silky fibers. Widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. The silky seed floss is used for stuffing pillows. Native to Brazil, and Argentina. (Lee County; B99-368; Stephen H. Brown, University of Florida's Lee County Extension Office; 26 August 1999). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Clusia rosea Jacq., (145 species, tropical and warm America), Guttiferae, Balsam-apple, copey, pitch apple: Tree to 16 m tall or more. Leaves opposite; petiole stout, about 1 cm long, with margined pit on upper side at base; blades obovate, rounded at apex, cuneate at base, glabrous, rigid and thick-coriaceous, 6-18 cm long, 6-10 cm wide, wider above the middle, pinnately many veined. Inflorescence short-peduncled, 1-3-flowered; sepals 6, rounded, 1-1.5 cm broad; petals 6-8, broadly obovate to nearly orbicular, 3-4 cm long, creamy-white or pink; stigmas 7-9. Fruit globose, nearly white, fleshy, 5-8 cm in diameter. Natural range to the lower Florida Keys (probably all native plants extirpated and now known by introductions), the West Indies, Mexico, and tropical America. (Lee County; B99-353; Sheila J. Foe; 19 August 1999). (Bailey 1976; Correll and Correll 1982; Huxley 1992; Wunderlin 1998).
Ipomoea microdactyla Griseb., (ca. 650 species, tropical and warm temperate), Convolvulaceae, wild potato, bejuco colorado: Trailing or often twining woody vine, arising from a large tuber-like root. Leaves alternate, with petioles to 6 cm long; blades ovate to lanceolate, entire to palmately 5-7-lobed, 3-10 cm long, base shallowly cordate to truncate or obtuse, acuminate at apex. Flowers in cymes, rarely solitary; sepals ovate-elliptic, 6-7 mm long, mucronulate, subequal; corolla crimson or scarlet to carmine, salverform, the tube 2.5-4 cm long, the limb 2.5-3 cm wide, sometimes slightly gibbous. Capsule subglobose to ovoid, apiculate with the persistent style base, 10-12 mm in diameter, brown; seeds oblong, 7-8 mm long, brown, woolly with long trichomes. Distribution: Cuba, and rare in Florida; Miami-Dade County. (Miami-Dade County; B99-322; Edward T. Putland and Julieta Brambila, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; 11 August 1999). (Long and Lakela 1971; Correll and Correll 1982; Wunderlin 1998).
Kohleria amabilis (Planch. & Lindl.) Fritsch, (17 species, tropical America), Gesneriaceae, tree gloxinia: Terrestrial herb with scaly rhizomes, stems white-hairy. Leaves ovate, 10-10.5 cm long, and 7.5-8 cm wide, stiff, dark green with purplish-brown veins and sometimes marked with silver above, paler green and often flushed with red beneath, margins crenate. Flowers nodding, on pedicels to 7.5 cm long; calyx lobes spreading; corolla deep rose, barred and spotted with brick-red inside, tube swollen beneath throat, to 2.5 cm long, lobes spreading, rose, barred and dotted with purple red; stamens 4, borne at base of corolla tube. Ovary half inferior. Fruit a capsule. Native of Colombia. (Alachua County; B99-317; Yolanda I. Inguanzo; 5 August 1999). (Bailey 1976).
Polypodium decumanum Willd. (=Phlebodium decumanum (Willd.) J. Sm., (ca. 150 species, cosmopolitan), Polypodiaceae, hare's-foot fern: Epiphytic fern. Rhizomes to 2 cm wide; scales dense, linear to filiform, toothed and ciliate at margin, soft, light red-brown. Fronds to 120 cm long, and 60 cm wide, few, deeply pinnatifid, arching or spreading, oblong, leathery, glaucous; segments to 30 cm long, and 7 cm wide, strap-shaped to oblong or lanceolate, margin wavy , toothed in sinuses, terminal lobed larger; veinlets prominent, parallel; stipes to 60 cm long, glabrous, lustrous. Native to tropical America. (Charlotte County; B99-279; Patricia Massey, homeowner; 8 July 1999). (Huxley 1992).
Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston, (ca. 1,000 species, tropics of Old World), Myrtaceae, rose-apple: Bush or small tree to 8 m tall, twigs angled or compressed. Leaves opposite, oil-dotted, 10-18 cm long, and 2-5 cm wide, lanceolate, acute, narrow, tapered at both ends. Inflorescence terminal, few-flowered, the rachis rather stout, 4-angled; flowers solitary, fragrant; petals 4, white, reflexed at anthesis, orbicular, concave; stamens numerous, to 4 cm long, cream-white. Fruit 3-4 cm long and 6 cm in diameter, very depressed globose, dull yellow tinged pink, ovoid, fragrant with a strong taste of rose water. Widely cultivated in the tropics. Native from southern China, to southeast Asia, and Australia. Listed by Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council as a Category II species. (Broward County: B99-365; William A. 'Bill' Thiel, Jr.; 18 August 1999). (Huxley 1992).
Tanacetum vulgare L., (150 species, north temperate Old World), Compositae, common tansy, golden buttons: Aromatic, rhizomatous perennial, stems to 12 dm long, sparsely pubescent. Leaves 5-15 cm long, pinnate to pinnatisect, pinnae in 7-10 pairs, lanceolate, pinnately lobed or toothed, glabrous to pubescent, glandular-punctate; upper stem leaves sessile. Heads 10-70, in dense corymbs; involucre 5-10 mm in diameter; phyllaries linear-lanceolate, margins scarious; flowers all tubular, golden-yellow. Achene ca. 2 mm long, pappus minute, a 5-lobed crown. Widely naturalized in North America. Native to Europe, and temperate Asia. (Orange County; B99-325; Christine M. Murphy; 10 August 1999). (Bailey 1976; Huxley 1992).
Thelypteris kunthii (Desv.) C. V. Morton, (ca. 280 species, tropical and temperate), Thelypteridaceae, southern shield fern: Fronds pinnate, 5-9 dm long in bilinear series on elongate rootstocks; rootstocks brown, scaly at growing apex; scales linear-lanceolate, appressed pubescent; stipes scaly at base, sparingly villous above. Blade broadly ovate, gradually abbreviate at apex, moderately villous on rachis and costae; pinnae sessile, 6-14 cm long, often recurving at caudate tips. Sori nearly marginal with reniform, hispid indusia; spores dark brown, smooth. From Florida to South Carolina, Gulf states to Texas, and the West Indies. (Osceola County; B99-301; Belainesh Desta, FDACS/Bureau of Diagnostic Laboratories; 20 July 1999). (Long and Lakela 1971; Wunderlin 1998).
Treculia africana Decne. ex Trecul., (3 species, tropical Africa and Madagascar), Moraceae, African bread tree: Tree to 36 m tall. leaves 7.5-20 cm long, glabrous, oblong-ovate to lanceolate, leathery, apex obtuse. Flowers axillary; male flowers green, in globose heads to 7 cm in diameter. Fruit globose, to 30 cm in diameter or more, yellowish when ripe, roughened by the knoblike tops of perianth segments, weighing 8-14 Kg; seeds abundant, about 6 mm long. Native to tropical Africa. (Miami-Dade County; B99-345; Evaristo M. Migueli; 13 August 1999). (Bailey 1976).
GLOSSARY: anthesis: the time of the expansion of a flower, specifically when the anthers open and pollination can occur; coriaceous: of a leathery texture; cyme: flat-topped determinate inflorescence in which the central terminal flowers open slightly in advance of the outer ones; filiform: thread-like; gibbous: swollen on one side; indusium (indusia, pl.): a covering protecting the sorus of a fern; mucronulate: with a tiny bristle tip; pappus: the modified calyx of the Compositae flower, scale-like or plumose in form; perianth: the calyx and corolla collectively; phyllaries: the bracts forming the involucre of the inflorescence head in Compositae; sessile: without a stalk; sorus, (sori, pl.): in ferns, fungi, etc., a cluster of sporangia (usually a cover); trichome: a hair or a bristle.
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.
- Huxley, A. J. (ed.) 1992. New Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. 4 vols. Macmillan Press, London. 3,240 p.
- Long, R. W. and O. Lakela. 1971. A flora of tropical Florida. University of Miami Press, Coral Gables. 962 p.
- Wunderlin, R. P. 1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 806 p.
ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Susan E. Halbert, Ph.D.
For the month of July there were 527 samples consisting of 12,326+ specimens. In August, there were 417 samples consisting of 11,027+ specimens. Some of the samples processed are listed below:
ORNAMENTALS, PALMS AND WOODY PLANTS: Aleurites moluccana (candle-nut oil tree)-- Diaprepes abbreviatus (Linnaeus), diaprepes root weevil: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E99-1926; Edward T. Putland; 12 July 1999).
Cycas revoluta (king sago)-- Aulacaspis yasumatsui, cycad aulacaspis scale: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Rockledge (Brevard County; E99-2068; Gregory A. Brown; 26 July 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Murraya paniculata (orange-jessamine, Chinese-box)-- Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: A slight infestation involved two plants at a hardware store in DeLand (Volusia County; E99-1954; Stacey S. Simmons; 16 July 1999).
- A moderate infestation was found at a hardware store in Lake Mary (Seminole County; E99-2360; Leslie J. Wilber and Amanda D. Mattison; 27 August 1999). Both are NEW DPI COUNTY RECORDS.
Myrica cerifera (wax myrtle, a native species)-- Calepitrimerus ceriferaphagus Cromroy, an eriophyid mite: An infestation was found at a nursery in Gainesville (Alachua County; E99-1621; Doug Martin, nurseryman). These eriophyids are sometimes pests of wax myrtles in nurseries (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn), and the mosaic damage caused is apparently due to toxic feeding effects of the eriophyid mites (see: Elliott et al. 1987).
Schefflera arboricola (dwarf schefflera)-- Brevipalpus californicus (Banks), false spider mite and Eriophyes sp., an eriophyid mite: A severe infestation involved 95 of 3000 plants at a nursery in Boynton Beach (Palm Beach County; E99-2311; Ellen J. Tannehill; 19 August 1999). The mites caused deformity and curling of new growth.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Blechnum gibbum (silverlady fern)-- Callopistria floridensis (Guenée), Florida fern caterpillar: A severe infestation involved 200 plants at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E99-1968; Cheryl L. Lichkai; July 1999).
Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum (croton)-- Philephedra tuberculosa Nakahara & Gill, philephedra scale: A moderate to severe infestation involved 20 of 25 plants at a nursery in Hollywood (Broward County; E99-2038; Maria S. Quintanilla; 21 July 1999).
Gramineae (a bamboo)-- Kuwanaspis sp., a scale: A moderate infestation involved seven of 20 plants at a nursery in Clearwater (Pinellas County; E98-2346; Cindy S. Kamelhair, consultant; 17 July 1998).
Jatropha sp. (jatropha)-- Lagocheirus araneiformis stroheckeri Dillon, a cerambycid beetle: A moderate infestation involved underground tubers in 25-30 plants at a nursery in Sarasota (Manatee County; E99-1895; Mark L. Runnals and Jennifer A. Lee). The adult beetle was raised from a larva for identification purposes.
Opuntia sp. (prickly pear)-- Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg), tropical cactus borer: A severe infestation on four plants was found at a residence in Treasure Island (Pinellas County; E99-2306; C. Keith Hickman and Ralph E. Muekeley; 18 August 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
--An infestation was found at a residence in Cape Coral (Lee County; E99-2285; Shelia J. Foe; 17 August 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Thelypteris dentata (downy maiden fern)-- Monolocoris eminulus (Distant), a mirid plant bug: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Jacksonville (Duval County; E99-2123; Flewellyn W. Podris; 28 July 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Aechmea calyculata (a bromeliad)-- Tetranychus sp., a spider mite, Hormosianoetus sp., a mite, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Shrank), a mite: A moderate infestation involved 25% of 10 plants at a nursery in St. Petersburg (Pinellas County; E99-1767; C. Keith Hickman; 22 June 1999). The spider mite may be a new species for Florida. The others are not plant pests, but feed on dead plant material (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Gerbera jamesonii (gerber daisy, or Transvaal daisy)-- Tetranychus gloveri Banks, spider mite: A moderate to severe infestation involved 30 of 50 plants at a high school in Gibsonton (Hillsborough County; E99-1949; Karen L. 'Lea' Etchells; 14 July 1999).
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, papaya mealybug: An infestation was found at a residence in Lighthouse Point (Martin County; E99-1229; Robert A Becker, homeowner; 7 May 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
-- Cerococcus deklei Kosztarab & Vest, grenade scale: A severe infestation involved all 12 plants at a residence in South Bay (Palm Beach County; E99-1713; Randall N. Mescher; 17 June 1999). This scale may damage or kill hibiscus (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
-- probably Contarinia maculipennis Felt, a gall midge: A severe infestation was found at a residence in Ft. Myers (Lee County; E99-2131; Stephen H. Brown, University of Florida's Lee County Extension; 28 July 1999). The gall midge caused buds to drop.
-- Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, a mealybug: A severe infestation involved all eight plants at a discount store in Jacksonville (Duval County; E99-2180; Flewellyn W. Podris; 9 August 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Rhaphiolepis umbellata (Yedda hawthorn)-- Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, papaya mealybug: A moderate infestation was found on a plant at a nursery in Pembroke Pines (Broward County; E99-2115; Maria S. Quintanilla; 30 July 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
Spathiphyllum sp. (a peace lily)-- Jikradia melanota (Spångberg), a leafhopper: An infestation was found at a nursery in Windermere (Orange County; E99-1818; Barbara J. Wilder; 30 June 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
FOREST AND SHADE TREES: Diospyros virginiana (persimmon, a native species)-- Aceria theospyri Keifer, an eriophyid mite: A moderate infestation involved all ten plants at a farm in St. Cloud (Osceola County; E99-1729; Terrence D. Williams; 15 July 1999). This mite causes leaf galls (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Quercus virginiana (live oak, a native species)-- Smodicum cucujiforme (Say), a cerambycid beetle: A severe infestation involved all 30 plants along a roadside in Palmetto (Manatee County; E99-1685; Mark L. Runnals; 16 June 1999). All the oaks were dead or starting to die. Bore holes were evident in the trunks. These beetles attack dead and dying hardwoods (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Quercus sp. (an oak)-- Empoasca hastosa Ross & Moore, a leafhopper (potato leafhopper group): A moderate to severe infestation was found at a nursery in Groveland (Lake County; E99-1641; David Coward, nursery employee; 8 July 1999). Although this leafhopper has been reported from Florida, this is the first DPI record of it. It is known to be a pest of legumes (Dr. Raymond J. Gill, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
FOOD OR CROP PLANTS: Feijoa sellowiana (pineapple guava)-- Aceria feijoae (Keifer), an eriophyid mite: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Longwood (Seminole County; E99-2124; Brenda S. Kosiba; 28 July 1999). This mite may cause witches broom (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn).
Litchi chinensis (litchi)-- Pseudaulacaspis major (Cockerell), lychee bark scale: A slight infestation involved ten of 50 plants at a nursery in Miami (Miami-Dade County; E99-1802; Eduardo M. Varona; 29 June 1999).
CITRUS: Citrus aurantifolia 'Tahiti' (Persian lime)-- Chrysomphalus aonidum (Linnaeus), Florida red scale: An infestation was found on a plant at a residence in Groveland (Lake County; E99-2056; Charles Spriggs, homeowner; 22 July 1999). This was a very severe infestation. All its natural enemies must have been destroyed (Dr. Avas B. Hamon).
Citrus x nobilis 'Ortanique' (ortanique tangor)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A slight infestation was found at a nursery in Winter Garden (Orange County; E99-2093; Barbara J. Wilder; 23 July 1999). The infested tree was a budwood source tree that has been disqualified for use because it tested positive for severe citrus tristeza virus. Budwood for this popular gift fruit cultivar is in very short supply.
Citrus spp. (several citrus species)-- Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid: A severe infestation was found in a grove in Inverness (Citrus County; E99-1803; Andrew J. Rose, Jr., University of Florida's Citrus County Extension; 29 June 1999). About 1/5-1/3 of the grove was infested.
--Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Asian citrus psyllid: A slight infestation was found on 16 plants at a hardware store in DeLand (Volusia County; E99-2033; Stacey S. Simmons; 22 July 1999). The insects probably came from infested Murraya purchased by the store (see E99-1954 above).
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Spartina alterniflora (saltmarsh cord grass)-- Circulaspis fistulella Ferris, salt grass scale: Several specimens were found in a saltmarsh in Ft. George (Duval County; E99-2088; Dr. Gregory A. Evans; 14 July 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
-- Lindquistiella canadensis Mitrofanov, a spider mite: A single specimen was found in a saltmarsh in Ft. Georges Island (Duval County; E99-2080; Dr. Gregory A. Evans, Gay M. Fortier, Flewellyn W. Podris, Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn and Sarah E. Walker; 14 July 1999). Until this collection, this mite was previously known from only three female specimens collected in New Brunswick, Canada from Spartina in 1968. This mite is currently not a pest species and is not likely to become a pest (Dr. W. C. 'Cal' Welbourn). NEW USA RECORD.
Poaceae (a cord grass)-- Rhizoecus leucosomus (Cockerell), a root mealybug: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Cocoa (Brevard County; E99-2086; Gregory A. Brown and Kenneth L. Hibbard; 21 July 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
NATIVE AND NATURALIZED PLANTS: Asclepias sp. (a milkweed)-- Oncopeltis cingulifer Stål, a milkweed bug: A moderate infestation was found at a residence in DeLand (Volusia County; E99-2197; Tracy L. Wright; 10 August 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Ipomoea microdactyla (bejuco colorado)-- Spartocera batatas (Fabricius), giant sweet potato bug: A severe infestation was found at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E99-2314: Edward T. Putland and Julieta Brambila, University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center; 9 August 1999). NEW DPI HOST RECORD.
-- Chelymorpha cribreria (Fabricius), a chrysomelid beetle: A moderate infestation was found at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; E99-2012; Edward T. Putland; 16 July 1999).
Lachnocaulon minus (Small's bogbutton)-- Eriococcus droserae (Miller, Liu & Howell), sundew eriococcin: A specimen was found at Paynes Prairie near Gainesville (Alachua County; E99-1852; Dr. Robert P. Esser, Christine A. Zamora and Ernest C. Ash; 25 May 1999). NEW COUNTY RECORD and NEW HOST RECORD.
Nuphar lutea (spadderdock)-- Galerucella nymphaeae (Linnaeus), a chrysomelid beetle: A severe infestation involved 70% of plants at a creek in Green Cove Springs (Clay County; E99-1983; Nancy P. Allen, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Palatka ; 12 July 1999).
BENEFICIAL INSECTS: Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell (giant whitefly)-- Ocyptamus parvicornis (Loew), a syrphid fly: The adult fly emerged from leaves of hibiscus infested with giant whitefly found at a residence in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E99-1993; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 13 July 1999).
FEDERAL /STATE PLANT PROTECTION AND QUARANTINE PROGRAMS: Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel complex [likely B. philippinensis Drew & Hancock], Oriental fruit fly: (Hillsborough County; E99-1969; Robert 'Bob' W. Owens; 9 July 1999). Three wild males were detected during 9-12 July in the Palm River section of southeast Tampa. This triggered an enlarged trapping survey area and male annihilation campaign, in which methyl eugenol/insecticide bait stations were established throughout 13.39 square miles surrounding the fly finds. Six bait applications at 2-week intervals were planned to remove wild males from the population and to prevent mating with females and thereby force the population to extinction (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
--(Hillsborough County; E99-2204; Vincent 'Vince' M. Rister; 29 July 1999). A single wild male was captured in the Town and Country area of northwest Tampa. Survey activities were increased, but no control action was taken because no additional flies were detected. Based on May and June fly detection, all control activities for south Tampa and Palm River were completed 26 August (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
-(Volusia County; E99-2205; Author Florence, USDA; 30 July 1999). One wild fly was detected. Increased survey trapping did not reveal any additional flies. (Dr. Gary J. Steck)
Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi), guava fruit fly: (Brevard County; E99-2449; Gregory A. Brown; 19 August 1999). One wild male fly was detected in a methyl eugenol trap in Mims and another was detected in Titusville (Brevard County; E99-2450; Gregory A. Brown; 25 August 1999). Survey activities have been increased in the area, but no control activities implemented. The natural distribution of the guava fruit fly is India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It is potentially a serious pest because it attacks several tropical fruits; however, its full potential is not well known. Guava fruit fly coexists with (and may be limited by) other well-known, serious pests such as Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and Bactrocera zonata (Sanders) (Dr. Gary J. Steck).
Cunninghamia lanceolata (China fir)-- Phloeosinus sinensis Schedl and a female Phloeosinus sp., Asian scolytid bark beetles: found in artificial Christmas trees at Naples (Collier County; E99-2335; Scott D. Krueger; 25 August 1999) and at Maccleny (Baker County; E99-2374; Charles H. Webb; 27 August 1999). The trees were made with lengths of China fir stems imported from China and were found to be infested with two species of exotic bark beetles. The trees were distributed to craft shops throughout Florida and the rest of the country (Dr. Michael C. Thomas and Dr. Donald E. Bright, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada).
INSECTS OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE: Loxosceles sp., brown recluse spider: A specimen was found in the library of an elementary school in Callaway (Bay County; E99-1931; Robert Bush, school maintenance; 13 July 1999). Two additional specimens were collected later in July on sticky board traps (Bay County;E99-2063; Dr. Eric T. Schreiber, Florida A&M University) (Dr. G.B. Edwards). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
APIARY PESTS: Aethina tumida Murray, small hive beetle: A severe infestation was found in a hive at Chiefland (Levy County; E99-2265; Thomas B. Dowda III; 18 August 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
INSECT DETECTION: Ctenotrachelus shermani Barber, an assassin bug: A specimen was found at a residence in Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County; E99-1842; Kenneth L. Hibbard; 26 June 1999). NEW DPI COUNTY RECORD.
Dieuches annulatus (Signoret), a lygaeid bug: A specimen was collected in a blacklight trap at DPI headquarters in Gainesville (Alachua County; E99-1561; J. Eric Cronin, DPI Research Associate; 27 May 1999). This is the second specimen recorded from Florida. The bug is from Central Africa (J. Eric Cronin and Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
Filistatinella ? n. sp., a spider: Two specimens were found in Sarasota (Sarasota County; E99-1688; Jennifer A. Lee and Mark L. Runnals; 11 June 1999). NEW DPI STATE RECORD FOR GENUS.
Leptostylopsis argentatus DuVal, a cerambycid beetle: A specimen was found at a state agency in Cocoa (Brevard County; E99-1956; Gregory A. Brown; 14 July 1999). This is an unusual beetle. Its only known host is Zanthoxylum (Dr. Michael C. Thomas).
Mastophora sp., bolas spider: A specimen was found at a residence in Sun City (Hillsborough County; E99-2001; Mary E. Morgan, homeowner; 20 July 1999). This is a rarely seen spider (Dr. G.B. Edwards).
Shivaphis celti Das, Asian woolly hackberry aphid: 137, 123 and 276 of these recently introduced aphids were collected in a suction trap at Winter Haven during weeks ending 30 July 1999, 6 August 1999 and 13 August 1999, respectively (Polk County; E99-2275, 2276, and 2277; Michael C. Kesinger and Dr. Susan E. Halbert). The only known host of this aphid is hackberry (Celtis spp.). The large collections indicate heavily infested trees in the Winter Haven area (Dr. Susan E. Halbert).
REFERENCES
- Elliott, M. S., H. L. Cromroy, F. W. Zettler, and W. R. Carpenter. 1987. A mosaic disease of wax myrtle associated with a new species of eriophyid mite. HortScience 22:258-260.
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NEMATOLOGY SECTION
Compiled by Robert P. Esser, Ph.D.
A total of 2,462 samples were processed in July and August of 1999. Details are shown below:
Certification and Regulatory Samples:
Multistate Certification for National and International Export 1,250
California Certification 718
Burrowing Nematode (Citrus Regulatory Survey) 125
Premovement (Citrus Nursery Certification) 23
Site or Pit Approval (Citrus Nursery Certification) 143
Other Samples:
Plant Problems 96
Out of State Survey, via Florida
Identifications 0
Intrastate Survey, Random 119
COLLECTORS SUBMITTING FIVE OR MORE SAMPLES THAT WERE PROCESSED FOR NEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS DURING JULY AND AUGUST 1999:
Brown, Gregory A. 8
Dees, Carrie S. 42
Emery, Tyson R. 22
Fuller, Samuel A. 111
Harris, Jessie M. 58
LeBoutillier, Karen W. 394
Pate, JoAnn 45
Qiao, Ping . 243
Robinson, William L. 'Robbie' 178
Salisbury, Thomas L. 209
Smith, W. Wayne 72
Walukiewicz, James J. 'Jim' 7
Wilder, Barbara J. 'Barbie' 8
PLANT PATHOLOGY
Compiled by Robert M. Leahy
For this period, the Plant Pathology Section received and processed 4,759 specimens. These included 526 pathology, 20 miscellaneous, 6 soil, 4,182 suspect canker samples in Miami-Dade County, 10 suspect canker samples in Manatee County, and 15 suspect canker samples from Collier County.
ORNAMENTALS, WOODY PLANTS AND PALMS: Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah'(Savannah holly)-- Xanthomonas sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ft. McCoy (Marion County; P99-1641; Gene Gruenbeck, nurseryman; 21 July 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Phoenix roebelenii (pygmy date palm)-- Pseudocercospora sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Homestead (Miami-Dade County; P99-1346; Cheryl L. Lichkai; 15 June 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Podocarpus macrophyllus (Japanese-yew)-- Erythricium salmonicolor (Berk. & Broome) Burdsall, pink limb blight: Collected at the University of Florida's Tropical Research and Education Center (Miami-Dade County; P99-1844; William R. 'Bill' Graves; 12 August 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Tabebuia umbellata (yellow trumpet tree)-- Pseudomonas cichorii (Swing.) Stapp & Xanthomonas sp., leaf spots: Collected at a nursery in Winter Garden (Orange County; P99-1680; Sarah E. Walker, Barbara J. Wilder and William L. 'Robbie' Robinson; 22 July 1999). NEW HOST RECORDS.
ORNAMENTALS, FOLIAGE PLANTS: Plectranthus scutellarioides 'Pineapple'[=Coleus blumei] (coleus cultivar)-- Xanthomonas sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ft. McCoy (Marion County; P99-1821; Gene Gruenbeck, nurseryman; 9 August 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
ORNAMENTALS, FLOWERING PLANTS: Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding heart)-- Xanthomonas sp., a leaf spot: Collected at a nursery in Ft. McCoy (Marion County; P99-1369; Gene Gruenbeck, nurseryman; 18 June 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Gerbera jamesonii (gerber daisy)-- Pythium polymastum Drechsler, a root rot: Collected at a nursery in Jacksonville (Duval County; P99-1466; Flewellyn W. Podris, Dr. Lawrence G. Brown, Lisa L. Breman, David A. Davison and Robert M. Leahy; 28 June 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Renantanda sp. (an orchid, hybrid of Renanthera and Vanda)-- Mycoleptodiscus indicus (Sahni) Sutton, a leaf spot: Collected at a dooryard in Apopka (Orange County; P99-1343; Anthony N. Capitano; 16 June 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Stanhopea oculata (an orchid)-- Microsphaeropsis sp. & Pestalotiopsis sp., leaf spots: Collected at a nursery in Ocala (Marion County; P99-1451; Floyd J. McHenry; 23 June 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Vriesea 'Nova' (a bromeliad cultivar)-- Calonectria ilicicola Boedijn & Reitsma and Cylindrocladium parasiticum Crous, Wingfield & Al Fens, basal rots: Collected at a nursery in Apopka (Orange County; P99-1593; Leslie J. Wilber; 12 July 1999). NEW HOST RECORDS.
WEEDS AND GRASSES: Paspalum notatum (bahia grass)-- Leptosphaerulina trifolii (Rostr.) Petr. and Nigrospora sphaerica (Sacc.) E. Mason, leaf spots: Collected at a dooryard in High Springs (Alachua County; P99-1561; Rick Peterson, homeowner; 7 July 1999). NEW HOST RECORDS.
NATIVE OR NATURALIZED: Carphephorus odoratissimus (vanilla plant)-- Cercosporella virgaureae (Thumen) Allescher, a leaf spot: Collected at University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center (Jefferson County; P99-1882; James H. 'Jim' Aldrich; 18 August 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
-- Pseudocercospora sp., leaf spot: Collected at University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center (Jefferson County; P99-1477; James H. 'Jim' Aldrich; 28 June 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Carphephorus paniculatus (hairy chaffhead)-- Cercosporella virgaureae (Thumen) Allescher, a leaf spot: Collected at University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center (Jefferson County; P99-1884; James H. 'Jim' Aldrich; 18 August 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
Solidago stricta (wand goldenrod)-- Cercosporella virgaureae (Thumen) Allescher, leaf spot: Collected at University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center (Jefferson County; P99-1885; James H. 'Jim' Aldrich, 18 August 1999). NEW HOST RECORD.
OTHER DETECTIONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Eremochloa ophiuroides (centipede grass)-- Phaeocytostroma megalosporum B. C. Sutton, a saprophyte: Collected at a dooryard in Alachua (Alachua County; P99-1608; Paul Derry, homeowner; 15 July 1999). NEW USA RECORD.
