UF/IFAS Pest Alert
Recently, USDA-APHIS added 195 sections across Florida in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties to the citrus black spot (CBS) quarantine list. Citrus black spot is a disease is caused by the fungal pathogen,… Read More
Recently, the aphid species Sinomegoura citricola was discovered on mango fruit in a suburban area of Palmetto, Florida. Native to Asia, this aphid pest has previously only been recorded once prior, on citrus in California. As… Read More
Ambrosia beetles are common pests of many woody ornamentals and native trees. Specifically, those belonging to the genus Xylosandrus, are known to infest over 200 species of cultivated woody ornamentals and shrubs. Some of these… Read More
Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is one of the most wide spread, invasive weeds in Florida. Presently occupying more than 700,000 acres across the state, it’s negative impacts on native flora and fauna are plentiful. As… Read More
Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is a non-native, ornamental shrub that can reach heights between 6 to 8 feet and is widely incorporated into residential and commercial landscapes (USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8). With numerous cultivars… Read More
Did you know that Florida is one of the top four producers of watermelon in the United States? In fact, this crop generated over $123 million in Florida in 2016 alone. Here in the southeast,… Read More
Efforts by horticultural breeders have resulted in the release of dozens of crape myrtle cultivars over the years. In fact, they are one of the most widely utilized woody ornamentals throughout Florida, with a wholesale… Read More
Next to mosquitoes, ticks are considered one of the primary concerns for public health. After more than one personal interaction with a tick over the last few weeks, it felt like an opportune time to… Read More
In February of this year, the University of Florida’s Doctor of Plant Medicine Program was delighted to host the 2nd annual Plant Doctors and Plant Health Professionals Conference. Although the event was held virtually this… Read More
Common names: black scale, black shield scale, brown olive scale, Mediterranean black scale, olive soft scale, olive brown scale. Thought to have originated in South Africa, the black scale (Saissetia oleae) is an important pest… Read More
