UF/IFAS Pest Alert
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry and the USDA have officially announced the eradication of giant African land snails (GALS) from the state of Florida. Of interest to note,… Read More
Did you know that Florida is home to several species of native cacti? Its true! The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) produces edible fruit with flowers that bloom a variety of warm-toned colors. These cacti… Read More
The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute (FSI) has found an alarming invasion of Blue tilapia that has replaced the native fish population in Silver Springs State Park based on a recent survey. In 2019,… Read More
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
