In an environment where one invasive pest is identified per month, Florida’s entomologists stay busy. In this installment of the UF/IFAS TREC’s Research Report, you’ll learn about the research Dr. Dakshina Seal and his lab are conducting towards pest management in south Florida. From studying the biology and behaviors of these pests to publishing articles and communicating with local growers, Dr. Seal and his lab look for ways to manage the harmful insects on vegetable crops and in Miami-Dade County’s agro-ecosystem.

Newest Invasive Pest: Two-Spotted Cotton Leaf Hopper

Researchers have already detected the two-spotted cotton leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula) in the Caribbean attacking vegetable crops like okra, beans, and squash. The pest can also be found on cotton and peanut crops throughout the islands. In south Florida, the two-spotted cotton leaf hopper has already been sighted on okra crops. The invasive pest could impact growers more directly if it gets to the commercial bean, squash, or tomato fields. Presently, Monalisa Seaton, a research assistant in Dr. Seal’s lab, is working on the biology of the two-spotted cotton leaf hopper, its host distribution, and management of the pest. Stay tuned to this Research Report for a future update on south Florida’s latest invasive pest.

Persistent Invasive Pest: Pepper Weevil

For the last 15 years, a part of Dr. Seal’s research has included developing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano). The pepper weevil first arrived in Florida in 1935 where it predominantly took refuge in, you guessed it, peppers. Dr. Seal’s research into the pepper weevil includes its biology, distribution, and potential management strategies including: cultural practices, intercropping, sex pheromones, biorational insecticides, biological agents (like wasps), and chemical agents (like Pelinazolin, which has been effective in recent trials). So long as the pepper weevil persists, so will Dr. Seal’s research.

Some other invasives (oh my!)

Some other invasive pests include the diamondback moth, leaf miners, white flies, and a growing list of Thrips: melon thrips, Asian bean thrips, Thrips parvispinus, and common blossom thrips. These insects are pests of vegetable crops and transmit viruses to the plant. To learn more about any of these pests or to view Dr. Seal’s EDIS publications, click here.

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