Weeping fig Ficus benjamina hedges are a common sight in the Florida Keys. If you have one in your landscape, it’s a good idea to inspect it for possible infestation by a new pest first found in the… Read More
In 2004, a new species of wasp Quadrastichus erythrinae Kimwas identified as the cause of gall formation on several species of Erythrina, known as the coral tree. This tiny pest spread to Hawaii by 2005 and was first… Read More
According to the UF/IFAS publication by W. H. Kern, Jr., Assistant Professor “Dealing with Iguanas in South Florida“ http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN52800.pdf The best measures for iguanas are tolerance, exclusion, and habitat modification. Tolerance Many people enjoy sharing their living space… Read More
Towards the end of the rainy season, frangipani (Plumeria) leaves are prone to infection by the fungus Coleosporium plumierae, known as frangipani rust. This disease causes yellow spots and premature leaf drop and but does not affect the… Read More
The first blustery cold front is blowing through the Florida Keys, and now is the time for vegetable gardening. The most popular garden vegetable plant grown is the tomato (actually a fruit). Before planting your tomatoes do your… Read More
Witch’s Broom Gall is a term applied to growth distortion of woody stems. When something causes the growing tip to die the buds below may produce a tight cluster of shortened stems. This dense cluster of twigs growing… Read More
Have you ever seen those winding patterns on your citrus leaves or tomato leaves? Or have you seen a blotch pattern on the leaf? Both are signs of leafminer damage, first being the serpentine leafminer and second is… Read More
If you live in the Florida Keys and have a plant or insect problem stop by one of the regional plant clinics for answers to your landscaping questions. Clinics are held from October 2008 to April 2009. You… Read More
Have you ever seen a palm with a trunk that tapers to a point like a pencil? This may indicate one of the following problems: 1) a Potassium (K) deficiency, 2) overpruning or 3) Nitrogen (N) deficiency. http://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/palm_prod/palm_problems_tapering_trunk_near_top.shtml… Read More
What happening to this Hibiscus? According to the University of Florida, an ample supply of micronutrients is essential for proper growth of hibiscus. Iron and manganese are often limiting on alkaline soils. Manganese sulfate at a rate of… Read More
