Florida Keys Landscape Advisor

Palm Problems? Check out this new diagnostic tool!

2011-02-08T13:34:00.007-05:00

A comprehensive new online resource for diagnosing palm problems was released late last year:

A Resource for Pests and Diseases of Cultivated Palms: Symptoms of Diseases and Disorders

http://itp.lucidcentral.org/id/palms/symptoms/

The authors of this multi-agency initiative are all from UF/IFAS (University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.)

Designed for non-experts, this tool enables the user to make a preliminary field diagnosis based on visual symptoms alone. As you enter observations into the key, the system narrows down the possible causes. When you click on one of the remaining diseases (such as ganoderma butt rot), disorders (like a nutritional deficiency), or insects (perhaps the palm leaf skeletonizer), the related fact sheet is provided.

You can also access the fact sheets directly and learn about palm anatomy from the handy illustrated glossary. The site contains instructions for using the tool, information about when and how to confirm the field diagnosis with a laboratory analysis, and a long list of references.

This new tool is only part of a larger site, A Resource for Pests and Diseases of Cultivated Palms:

http://itp.lucidcentral.org/id/palms/resource/index.html

Already up and running on that site is a similar tool, the Screening Aid to Pests:

http://itp.lucidcentral.org/id/palms/sap/index.html

Future upgrades include a palm ID tool and palm pest screening tools for beetles, scale insects, and mites.

The Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly Has Arrived

2010-11-02T14:13:00.005-04:00

A recent sample submitted to the Extension Office confirms that the Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatis) has arrived in the Keys. This insect was first found in the United States in 2009 in Miami-Dade County.

Host plants include gumbo limbo, palms, woody ornamentals and fruits. Damage may include plant decline, defolation, and branch dieback.

Symptoms of an infestation include an abundance of white waxy material and sooty mold on the leaves. Females lay their eggs in a spiral pattern.

Refer to the following articles for detailed information about this new pest and the best strategies for managing it.

http://www.pbcgov.com/coextension/_pdf/gumbolimbospiralingwhitefly_mannion.pdf

http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/urban_hort/Common%20questions%20about%20the%20gumbo%20limbo%20spiraling%20whitefly.pdf

Article written by Ellen Sculley, Monroe County Master Gardener
Photo Credits: H Glenn, UF/IFAS

Cotton Seed Bug update

2010-08-03T08:11:00.005-04:00

The Cotton Seed Bug is on the move! It was originally found on Stock Island and Key West.

Identifying and reporting the cotton seed bug

For photos and more information see the Pest Alert at http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/pest_alerts/pdf/cotton-seed-bug-pest-alert.pdf

Several closely related species can readily be confused with each other and with the exotic species, and several have similar hosts; however, if you find a large number of small bugs in a cotton boll, the bugs are very likely to be the cotton seed bug. In this case, please contact DPI immediately at 352-372-3505.

Please mail your specimens by USPS to:
Entomology
FDACS, Division of Plant Industry
P.O. Box 147100
Gainesville, FL 32614-7100
Please send only dead specimens (killed in alcohol or frozen, then placed in alcohol). You can use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol for this purpose. Indicate in a letter your name, the date and location where the specimens were collected, and a phone number and email address with which we can contact you.

The Miami-Dade Native Plant Society newsletter has an informative article about the Cotton Seed Bug, Wild Cotton and the Florida Statues.
http://www.dade.fnpschapters.org/pastnewsletters/2010/05.html

What's Bugging my Yard? workshops

2010-08-03T07:59:00.002-04:00

Have you been wanting to know what insect is chewing holes in your plants or why your plant leaves are black and sticky? If the answer is YES, you can get useful information by attending any of the freeinsect workshops listed below and also learn how to identify and control insect pests and identify beneficial insects. If you have any insect smaples you want identified, bring them in a sealed Ziploc baggie or pill vial.

Wednesday August 4, 2:00 pm to 3:30pm
Key Largo Extension Office, Suite 244 Nelson Government Center
102050 Overseas Highway, bayside

Monday, August 9, 9:00 to 10:30 am
Marathon Government Center, EOC Meeting room
2798 Overseas Highway, bayside

Monday, August 9, 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Big Pine Key Community Park meeting room
End of Sands Road

Tuesday, August 10, 9:00 to 10:30 am
Key West Gato Building conference rooms
1100 Simonton Street

Digital Diagnostic and Identification System DDIS

2010-06-24T08:41:00.004-04:00

If you have a plant problem that you can't figure try the University of Florida Digital Diagnostic and Identification System http://ddis.ifas.ufl.edu/ddisx/home.jsp

By signing up you can be able to fill out an online form about your current plant issue:

Plant Disease
Insect (Plant)
Insect (Non-plant)
Livestock
Management/Physiology/Nutrient
Plant/Weed

After filling in the form, you can upload photos of the problem. Your DDIS form and photos will be send to your County Extension Agent. The Agent will review the information and send you a reply.

Check it out!

Ask an expert update

2010-06-09T07:01:00.003-04:00

If you have a plant or insect problem you cannot solve then Ask an Expert is a great place to start in answering your question. I have updated the Ask an Expert widget, now you can upload a digital photo to help in describing the problem you are trying to solve.

I look forward to helping you answering your questions.
Kim Gabel, Environmental Horticulture Agent
UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension Service
kgabel@ufl.edu
http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu

Are your trees ready to weather the upcoming Hurricane season?

2010-04-30T08:37:00.007-04:00

Hurricane season starts June 1st, now is the time to prepare your landscape to weather the upcoming hurricane season.

Now is the time to examine the trees surrounding your home. Look at the whole tree from the crown to the root flare.
• Is the bark sloughing off from the trunk?
• Are any trees leaning towards your house?
• Look up in the tree canopy, use your binoculars: Do you notice any broken branches that have turned brown? If the tree has started to put out new leaves closely examine if the branch tips are brown and the bark is separating from the wood?
• Do any trees have tight V crotches on the main trunk or rubbing branches?
• Did the tree get uprooted?
If you answered yes to any of these, then it may be prudent to prune, stake or remove your tree depending on the tree’s condition and possible targets the tree can hit.
For any tree branches above your head or that you have to stand on a ladder with a chain saw to prune that is a job for a professional tree trimmer. Look for someone who is ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified and licensed appropriate in Monroe County or your city. Check the local yellow pages or the ISA website www.isa-arbor.com for a listing of certified arborists in your area. Get three bids, so you have a better understanding of the job’s cost, the amount of tree work to be done and how the debris will be removed from your property.
Remember that some communities in the Keys, such as the City of Key West, have tree ordinances that mandate prior permission for tree removals, even those located on private property. Tree trimming ordinances are designed to protect our trees from improper pruning practices and indiscriminate tree removals. But if the tree is deemed to be hazardous it can be removed after approval from your local City Tree Commission or Monroe County Biologist.
Or if you have recently replanted your landscape the question to ask: Can my landscape stand up to this year’s storms?
For the newly replanted landscape things to keep in mind are:
• Dig a proper planting hole that is 2 to3 times as wide as the original pot and plant no deeper than the top root flare
• Use the native soil taken from the hole and mix no more than 40% with a moist peat moss, or professional potting mix
• Make sure the root ball is not kinked or girdled, if so prune out the problem or return to the garden center for a replacement
• Stake the tree with a tripod mesh straps or dowels. The key is to allow the tree to bend in the wind to develop taper, not be rigid and inflexible.

University of Florida has a website: Trees and Hurricanes - http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/treesandhurricanes/ that can help guide through:
- What to do following a hurricane
-Establishing a wind-resistant urban forest
-Managing a wind-resistant urban forest
And an online booklet: "Assessing Damage and Restoring Trees After a Hurricane (English and Spanish).

If you want a hard copy stop by the Key West Extension office -1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2-260,or Key Largo Extension Office - 102050 Overseas Highway, Suite 244

Photo Credit:
Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS

2010-04-19T13:55:00.003-04:00

Cotton Seed Bug, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis

April 2010, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (cotton seed bug), a major pest of cotton, has been detected for the first time in the United States on Stock Island.

As the name suggests, this is a bug with transparent wings. The rest of the body is dark, giving the bug a contrasting black and white appearance. The head is shaped like the head of a rat. The bugs are about 1/8 of an inch long. Nymphs can be reddish in color. These bugs are seed feeders. For practical purposes, if large numbers of small bugs are found feeding on cotton seeds (inside open bolls) or seeds of other malvaceous plants, for example, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) or Hibiscus spp., it is a suspect colony, and samples should be collected and inform the Monroe County Extension Agent at 305-292-4501 or kgabel@ufl.edu.

2010-04-15T14:11:00.001-04:00

University of Florida/IFAS/Monroe County Extension Services
Composting Classes - Rot On!

Key West - The Pines Park, South Roosevelt Blvd.
(next to East Martello Museum)
♦ Saturday, April 24, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
♦ Wednesday, April 28, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Big Pine Key - Big Pine Community Park, at the end
of Sands Road
♦ Saturday, April 17, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Marathon - Sombrero Beach Park
♦ Wednesday, April 14, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Key Largo - Bayside grounds of the Murray E.
Nelson Government & Cultural Center,
102050 Overseas Highway, MM 102
♦ Wednesday, April 21, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
♦ Saturday, May 1, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

☺Please bring a chair and/or blanket to sit on.☺

For more information, e-mail Kim Gabel at kgabel@ufl.edu or call 305-292-4501, or visit our Web site at http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu

Mealybug Destroyer eating scale eggs

2010-02-23T14:35:00.004-05:00

The Mealybug destroyer lady beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, is considered to be beneficial insect because they feed on insect pests, such as mealybugs and scale. In this brief video the larva is feeding on scale eggs. So, identify any insects on your landscape before you spray. If you need help contact you local Extension office. In Florida visit the University of Florida Extension website: http://solutionsforyourlife.com and open the local offices page (in the blue bar under the main photo) to find your County Extension office.

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/

2010-01-27T15:47:00.000-05:00

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/

If you live outside of Monroe County (Florida Keys), but in the state of Florida your County Extension office contact information can be found at this web link.

South Florida Gardening Calendar for March

2010-01-19T14:21:00.014-05:00

May 2011: The link to the monthly gardening calendar has been updated in this post from 2010.

The University of Florida provides an online monthly gardening calendar for each region of the state. It includes recommended actions plus links for additional information. For this month's South Florida edition see:

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/calendar/pdfs/March_South.pdf

With the approach of spring weather it is time to add heat tolerant annuals and warm season vegetable crops to your garden and watch for increased pest activity. It is also a good time to fertilize lawn and landscape plants and prune trees and shrubs.

Flower Beetles

2010-01-19T13:36:00.009-05:00

March is the time to be on the lookout for Flower Beetles, Euphoria sepulcralis, on your tomato plants and mango and avocado trees. Go to the Flower Beetle fact sheet for information about this insect at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN750. It is about a half inch in length and shiny and black in color with white markings on its back.

Flower Beetles feed on tomato fruits and on the blossoms of many plants including mangoes and avocados. The appearance of large numbers of this pest at this time of year can mean a signicant loss of avocado and mango flowers and a subsequent decrease in the amount of fruit appearing on the trees.

If you observe this beetle, place a white bucket with a few inches of water under the edge of the tree’s canopy, then simply collect, remove and destroy the beetles. This does not provide total control but does provide some relief from large populations. For chemical controls first determine if the beetle is damaging any flowers. If so then refer to the UF/IFAS Extension publication: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG013 Insect Management on Landscape Plants for recommendations.

Lawn & Garden - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life

2010-01-15T07:06:00.000-05:00

Lawn & Garden - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life

The place to start in answering your Florida Lawn and Garden advice.

UF/IFAS Extension: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program - Publications

2009-12-14T07:43:00.000-05:00

The UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Book is online:
UF/IFAS Extension: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program - Publications

Bagworms

2009-11-10T13:10:00.006-05:00

Who would suspect that those funny little brown clumps of leaves and twigs we see around the exteriors of our homes are actually moths? The bagworm Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis belongs to the Order Lepidoptera although the females never develop wings and spend their entire lives inside their cases.

Also known as the Evergreen Bagworm, this pest is a common problem in landscape plants and urban forests throughout the eastern and central states. Although they like to munch on evergreens, they are general feeders and can defoliate many types of plants and trees. In the Florida Keys bagworms are making their homes out of seagrape leaves, and palm fronds to name a few. They consume entire leaves, usually one branch at a time, and can strip a plant to death.

Bagworms begin constructing their cases shortly after hatching, starting with silk and adding sand, soil, droppings, leaves, twigs, bark, and other fibers. The completed bag is up to two inches long. They carry this covering with them throughout their lives, protruding from the end to feed, crawl, or make repairs. Only the mature males, which are black with clear wings, emerge to fly off to mate. A female will lay hundreds of eggs in her bag before she dies. When the larvae hatch they disperse by crawling and in the wind. They undergo a complete metamorphosis before starting the cycle all over again.

Bagworms are controlled to some extent by natural predators. In the landscape, picking off and destroying the bags, especially those containing eggs, is recommended. Insecticides such as Dipel or Thuricide with the active ingredient Bt (Bacillus thuringensis)are effective if applied while small larvae are feeding.

Remember bagworms stuck on the side of your house are not getting the food needed to survive, therefore will die but the bag remains. It is easy to remove by hand picking or a strong stream of water or pressure washer.

For more information:

http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/Bagworm.doc

http://entnem.ifas.ufl.edu/fasulo/woodypest/344.htm

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN033

Article written by Ellen Sculley, Monroe County Master Gardener and Kim Gabel UF/IFAS

Photo credits: Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS

Got Thrips?

2009-11-03T13:47:00.005-05:00

Thrips are small insects that can cause big problems in the landscape. They attack a wide variety of ornamental plants and their numbers can increase rapidly if left unchecked. Although they may be present throughout the growing season, highest populations are in the spring.

These pests are slender and from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. Adults may be yellow, brown or black.

They damage plants by sucking out the juices from the leaves, flowers, or fruit.

Indications of a thrips infestation include leaves that appear bleached, stippled or silver or that wilt, dry up, and drop prematurely. Brown specks of excrement are deposited on the undersides. Red-banded thrips - who love mango and avocado -produce a lot of honeydew, and Cuban-laurel thrips produce curling leaves with purple spots.

Buds may fail to open, or flowers may be deformed, streaked, or discolored.

To look for thrips in your garden, shake the foliage over a sheet of white paper and look at the fallout with a magnifying glass. You can also use a sticky trap to monitor them. See the websites listed below for descriptions and photographs of various thrips species.

Thrips can go through their entire life cycle in 11 to 21 days. Eggs are deposited in leaf tissue, and the insects go through four other stages before adulthood. Nymphs are very active.

A variety of beneficial insects such as lacewings and lady beetles help to keep thrips populations in check but pesticides, including insecticidal soaps, are also effective.

See the following publications for further guidance.

Thrips on Ornamental Plants - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg327

Thrips - General http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/fasulo/woodypest/thrips.htm

Specific thrips species - http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/

Article written by:
Ellen Sculley, Monroe County Master Gardener

Photo Credits:
UF/IFAS

Twospotted Spider Mites

2009-11-02T14:32:00.011-05:00

The two spotted spider mite is oval in shape, about 1/50 inch long and may be brown or orange-red, but a green, greenish-yellow or an almost translucent color is the most common. Spider mite development differs somewhat between species, but a typical spider mite life cycle is as follows. The life cycle is composed of the egg, the larva, two nymphal stages and the adult. The eggs are attached to fine silk webbing and hatch in approximately three days. The length of time from egg to adult varies greatly depending on temperature. Under optimum conditions (approximately 80° F), spider mites complete their development in five to twenty days. There are many overlapping generations per year. The adult female lives two to four weeks and is capable of laying several hundred eggs during her life.

Looking for spider mites: For detection of spider mites, a 10X to 15X magnifying glass is a necessity. Examine the undersides of the leaves closely for mites, cast skins and webbing. A more efficient technique is to place a sheet of white typing paper beneath the leaves and strike the foliage sharply. The mites will fall onto the paper and can be more easily observed and identified than on the green foliage.

Spider Mite Control:
Beneficial Insects: Predators are very important in regulating spider mite populations and should be protected whenever possible. Important genera include the predatory mites, Amblyseius, Metaseiulus, and Phytoseiulus; the lady beetles, Stethorus; the minute pirate bugs, Orius; the thrips, Leptothrips; and the lacewing larvae, Chrysopa.

Least Toxic Pest Control: Insecticidal soaps and oils should be carefully considered when a pesticide is required. They are effective against mites and the least toxic to people, other non-target organisms and the environment. The effectiveness of laundry soaps, washing detergents, and vegetable oils is less consistent than with chemical pesticides. Although some growers have been quite pleased with the results of non-insecticidal quality soap and oil use, some have been disappointed. Also, plant varieties differ in their susceptibility to burning induced by soaps and oils. Environmental conditions, as well as micronutrients, fertilizers, and other additives may affect a tendency to "burn" foliage. At higher rates of application, (2%), burning and stunting are more likely.

The two spotted spider mite develops a resistance to most acaricides after prolonged use. Most miticides are not effective on eggs. Therefore two or more applications of the miticide will be required at five-day intervals during the summer or seven-day intervals during the winter.

This information came from the University of Florida fact sheet: Twospotted Spider Mite, EENY150/IN307
Thomas R. Fasulo and H. A. Denmark

For More information:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN307
http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/fasulo/woodypest/mites.htm

Photo Credits:
University of Florida

Florida Keys Regional Plant Clinics

2009-10-02T10:21:00.008-04:00

Florida Keys Regional Plant Clinics are a great place to bring your plant problems for identification and learning about the least toxic control methods to take care of the problem. They are held in Key West and Key Largo year round and in Big Pine Key and Marathon from October 2009 through April 2010. Check out the schedule dates and drop by with your plant and insect questions. You do not need to stay for the duration of the plant clinic. If you have any questions contact our office at 305-292-4501.

Upper Keys Plant Clinics
9 a.m. - noon
Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center
MM 102.5, bayside
453-8748

First and Third Wednesdays of the month
October 7 & 21
November 4 & 18
December 2 & 16
January 20, 2010
February 3 & 17
March 3 & 17
April 7 & 21

Key West Plant Clinics
1 pm to 4 pm
Gato Building
1100 Simonton Street Suite 260

First and Third Mondays (except Holidays)
October 5 & 19
November 2 & 16
December 7 & 21
January 11 & 25 2010
February 1 & 22
March 1 & 15
April 5 & 19

Big Pine Key Plant Clinics
9 am to noon
Big Pine Charter School, look for the blue tent across from the Flea Market

Third Saturday (October 2009-April 2010)
October 17
November 21
December 19
January 16
February 20
March 20
April 17

Marathon Plant Clinics
9 am to noon
Marathon Garden Club
Third Saturday (October 2009-April 2010)
October 17
November 21
December 19
January 16
February 20
March 20
April 17

Scale Insects

2009-09-22T13:26:00.006-04:00

Armored and soft scales are very common in Florida Keys landscapes. These insects damage many ornamental plants by sucking out the fluids. Indications of possible scale infestation include the presence of sooty mold (review Florida Keys Landscape Advisor article "What is that Black Stuff on my plant leaves?") or ants, lack of new growth, stippling (small yellow spots) or chlorotic lesions, extensive leaf yellowing, and premature leaf drop.

Armored scales live and feed under a waxy covering that is not attached to the body. They range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter and come in many shapes and colors. They do not secrete honeydew.

Soft scales have an attached waxy coating and also come in a variety of colors, shapes (flat to spherical), and sizes (1/8 to 1/2 inch). They excrete a lot of honeydew, which attracts ants and is the medium for the growth of sooty mold.

Scale eggs usually hatch within three weeks after they are laid. Crawlers move around on their own or can be spread by the wind. Once they have found a new host plant, they begin to feed by sticking their needle-like mouthpart into the leaf surface.

Severe scale problems can be prevented by early detection and good cultural practices. Learn what scales look like and inspect plants often with a magnifying glass. Small infestations can be pruned off and destroyed. Provide good air flow and do not overfertilize.

Scale populations are controlled naturally by predators such as ladybird beetles and lacewings as well as parasitic wasps. If beneficial insects are present, consider letting them them do their jobs before you apply use a pesticide. For detailed information about biological and chemical controls see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG005

See the following sources for information about specific scale pests:

http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/

Cycad Aulacaspis Scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (EENY-096) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN253)

Cottony Cushion Scale, Icerya purchasi Maskell (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN161)

False Oleander Scale, Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley) (EENY-149) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN306)

Green Scale, Coccus viridis (Green) (EENY-253) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN436)

Lobate Lac Scale, Paratachardina lobata lobata (Chamberlin) (EENY-276) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN471), http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/scales/lobate_lac.htm

Red Wax Scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell (EENY-237) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN393)

Scale Pests of Florida Citrus (ENY-814) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CH059)

White Peach Scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni) (EENY-076) (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN233)

Lesser snow scale http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG070

New soft scale on Croton http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/coccoidea_coccidae.html

To see photographs of some common Florida scales, see:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CH195, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG005 and http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN008

Additional sources:

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/fasulo/woodypest/scales.htm

Article compiled by Master Gardener Ellen Sculley from multiple University of Florida scale fact sheets.

Photo Credits:
UF/IFAS

Vegetable Gardening - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life

2009-09-17T07:34:00.001-04:00

Vegetable Gardening - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life

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Mealybugs come in all shapes and colors

2009-09-16T11:10:00.009-04:00

Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that do not look like insects but, more like small ovals that are often covered with cottony white filaments. They are about 1/8th inch long, with pinkish or yellowish bodies. Since these insects are so small, it is best to view them through a 10x magnifying glass.

These insects can move throughout their lives. They infest all plant parts: feeder roots, root crowns, stems, twigs, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Injured plants have discolored, wilted, and deformed leaves.

Mealybugs excrete large amounts of honeydew which provides an excellent medium for the growth of a black fungus called "sooty mold" - refer to sooty mold article - http://www.floridakeyslandscapeadvisor.com/2008/07/what-is-that-black-stuff-on-my-plant.html

When looking for this insect if you are seeing sooty mold on the upper leaf surface then examine the bottom of the leaf above for the mealybug. If you need any help in identifying the insect, contact your County Extension Agent. For those living in the Florida Keys you can contact Kim Gabel at kgabel@ufl.edu

The least toxic mealybug control methods are:
Use strong stream of water to blast off the mealybug but not the leaves
Use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils (read and follow all label directions)
Prune and remove the branch with the mealybugs
Look for beneficial insects that are eating the mealybugs (Green Lacewings, Mealybug Destroyers) or tiny wasps that lay their eggs on live mealybugs that then become a food source for the wasp

For more information please refer to the following University of Florida Extension fact sheet:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG005

Photo Credit: Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS

Are your Hibiscus Plants making you see red?

2009-09-02T11:13:00.014-04:00

The pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus, is a soft scale that indiscriminately attacks numerous exotic and native ornamental plants, trees and vegetables Keyswide and on the mainland.The major food source is hibiscus plants of all colors not just pink hibiscus.

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug damage
http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/Hort/2007%20News%20Articles/Pink_Hibiscus_Mealybug_01.07.pdf

PHMs feed on the soft tissues of many plants sucking out the sap and injecting a toxin which causes the following damage symptoms:

· Crinkled/twisted leaves and shoots

· Bunched and unopened leaves

· Distorted/bushy shoots

· White fluffy masses on stems, buds, fruits and roots

· Honeydew which attracts ants and results in sooty mold

· Flowers which do not open but shrivel and die

· Small deformed fruit

Uncontrolled PHMs can stunt plant growth making hibiscus leaves look like waded up paper and if their population is very high they can kill plants.

Control Measures
If the population on a plant is small, the PHM can be controlled by pruning the affected branches, placing them in a plastic bag and discarding the bag with household garbage.

Chemicals such as horticultural soaps and oils have yielded limited success in controlling PHMs due to the coverings on the females and eggs.

Biological controls are considered the safest and have the most success in combating the PHM. The Mealybug Destroyer, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, feeds on all stages of the PHM. The destroyer larvae looks similar to the female adult PHM but is much larger, moves quickly and should not be destroyed.

Two parasitoid wasps, Anagyrus kamali and Gyranusoidea indica are being released in Monroe County by the Horticultural Extension Agent and Master Gardeners, in yards where PHM are identified. The tiny wasps DO NOT ATTACK plants, your pets or children; only PHMs. The wasps lay their eggs inside individual mealybugs. When the egg hatches it feeds on the mealybug and in 2-3 weeks it emerges as an adult leaving an empty shell “mummy” of a PHM behind. The adult wasps find mates and repeat the cycle.

If you think you have PHMs bring or send samples to your County Extension Agent and if PHMs are verified you may become the proud owner of your own parasitoid wasp family.

For more information:

http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/ORN/mealybug/mealybug.htm

http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/PinkMealybug.htm

http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/phm.html

http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/mannion/pests.shtml

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN156

Photo credits:
Dale Meyerdirk, APHIS
Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS
Lance Osborne, UF/IFAS

Article written by:
Monroe County Master Gardener Susan Matthews
Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS Monroe County Horticulture Extension Agent

Red Palm Mites

2009-08-11T10:23:00.008-04:00

Countless tiny little red palm mites move across the underside of palm fronds, and on bananas, heliconias and gingers. The red palm mite cycle is approximately 23-28 days. All palm species should be considered potential hosts for this mite. Coconuts appear to be the most commonly infested palm.

Damage: Young coconut palms appear to be the most severely injured. Damage symptoms include leaf yellowing or yellow spots which eventually become reddish-brown colored and then begin to rot. The symptoms caused by heavy infestation of the red palm mite could be confused with palm nutritional deficiencies(potassium)or palm disease, such as lethal yellowing.

Management: If necessary, prune off the most heavily infested plant parts, double bag and dispose of before moving it. Do not move infested plants or plant material as it facilitates spread of this pest to unaffected areas. Potential predators have been identified for red palm mite control; however more work is necessary to determine their impact. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can be effective but thorough coverage is necessary and may be difficult to achieve.

This article is an abbreviated version of Red Palm Mite by Dr. Catharine Mannion

Weblinks:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN681
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/r.indica.html
http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/palms/red_palm_mite.htm

Photo Credit: UF/IFAS
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Bug of the Month - Aphid

2009-07-23T12:12:00.022-04:00

Aphids are soft bodied pear-shaped insects generally less than 1/8 inch long and usually green in color but many are black, brown, pink, yellow, blue, or white. Most aphids are wingless but when colonies become overcrowded or the host plant becomes undesirable, winged forms are produced which establish new colonies.

Aphids have piercing-sucking mouthparts and cause damage by sucking the plant juices. They are commonly found on the stems, undersides of leaves and on flower buds in colonies of individuals. However, their ability to transmit plant virus diseases may be more harmful than any direct feeding damage.

Aphids seem to be especially troublesome on plants that are in shaded areas. Their feeding causes the leaves to curl or crinkle and flower buds may become hardened causing the flowers to be distorted.

Aphids excrete large amounts of honeydew which is a sugary liquid composed of unused plant sap and waste products. This provides an excellent medium for the growth of a black fungus called sooty mold. Besides being unattractive, sooty mold interferes with photosynthesis and somewhat retards the growth of the plant. Sooty mold usually weathers away following control of the insect infestation. Ants feed on honeydew, therefore when ants are observed, plants should be examined closely for aphids.

What to do?
If the aphid population is high and there are few or no natural enemies present, spray with horticultural oil or try to wash off the aphids with water. Soaps are available that are formulated for controlling insects and related pests. If one of the commercial soaps is unavailable, 3 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid (do not use those containing a degreaser or an automatic dishwashing soap or detergent) per gallon of water may be applied as a foliar spray to woody plants. Use 2 tablespoons for bedding, foliage and flowering plants. Do oil or soap test on a small section of the plant then wait three days to see how the plant reacts. If the plant turns brown then the stop using product, if the plant is green continue applying on a as needed basis. Repeat at weekly intervals as needed. Soap is effective in controlling aphids, safe for people and the environment. Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle and spray undersides of leaves and stems when the aphids appear.

Aphid predators are lady beetles, praying mantids, assassin bugs, ambush bugs, and aphid lions. Spiders also prey on numerous insect pests. Parasitized aphids have a brown or black colored bloated body. If predators are present or the pests show signs of parasitism, every effort should be made to preserve the beneficial insects. Delay applying a pesticide until damage appears, and provide the beneficials an opportunity to control the pest populations.

Websites:

http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/fasulo/woodypest/aphids.htm

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG002

This article is an excerpt from Aphids on the Landscape Plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.eud/MG002

Photo Credits:

Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension

UF/IFAS