SART Entomology

An Entomological Perspectivefor Emergency Agricultural Response: 

An Entomological Perspective for Emergency Agricultural Response

An Entomological Perspectivefor Emergency Agricultural Response: 

An Entomological Perspective for Emergency Agricultural Response Susan E. Halbert, PhD Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry Greg Hodges, PhD Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry Rick Sapp, PhD Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida SART Technical Writer Prepared by

Acknowledgements: 

Acknowledgements Photos Jeff Lotz, Gary Steck, Steve Garnsey, Julieta Brambila, Paul Skelley, Avas Hamon, Susan Halbert, Russ Mizell, Jim Cuda USDA: APHIS, Forest Service FDACS-DPI, SPDN/NPDN University of Florida/IFAS, University of Georgia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Beckman Institute) Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia Orkin, Inc.

Learning Objectives: 

Learning Objectives At the end of this training module, participants will be able to: Identify some of the exotic insect pests currently present and those which pose a significant potential threat to Florida Discuss the nature of the threat associated with each significant exotic pest currently in Florida and the consequences of unchecked spread Identify steps being taken to ameliorate the effects of current exotic insect pest infestation and to prevent the introduction of additional threats Identify key resources that participants can easily access for further information and assistance

What is SART?: 

What is SART? Multi-agency coordination Governmental and private All-hazard preparation, response and recovery Animal and agricultural

Bugs Rule!The Wide World of Arthropods: 

Bugs Rule! The Wide World of Arthropods Insects, spiders, bees, cockroaches, butterflies …. Any invertebrate with a segmented body, jointed limbs and a mineralized shell covering - Almost one million species - Oldest was alive 350,000,000 years ago - In the forest, almost 10,000/square foot or 425 million individual animals per acre - Airborne collection has estimated 25 million per cubic mile - Estimated of fly reproduction from one pair, April to August if none died = (191 million) x (1 trillion) - A 5 mph locust swarm estimated 100 miles wide, 300 miles long, and more than ½-mile high A rare Florida purplewing

Some are Beneficial to Man: 

Some are Beneficial to Man Beneficial Honeybees and wild bees Ladybug (larvae) Praying mantis Ambush bugs Common lacewing (larvae) Ground beetle Robber flies Predatory thrips Tachinid flies Beneficial Activities Decomposers/recyclers Pollinators Pest controllers Food sources for other animals (or humans) Products for humans Medical research Soil engineers

Some are NOT Beneficial: 

Some are NOT Beneficial People pests Mosquitoes, fire ants, venomous spiders and hornets can injure and annoy people Plant pests Other insects threaten plants including plants that humans depend on for food Black Widow Spider Wheat Aphid

Know the Difference: 

Know the Difference It is critical to know the difference between beneficial insects and harmful pests Pest - southern green stink bug Beneficial - a predatory stink bug

Major Groups of Arthropod Pests: 

Major Groups of Arthropod Pests Scales & Mealybugs Aphids & Whiteflies Spider Mites Borers & Beetles Caterpillars & Thrips Claw of assassin bug: Courtesy Imaging Technology Group, Beckman Institute, Univ. Ill. At Urbana-Champaign

Scales & Mealybugs: 

Scales & Mealybugs Scales & Mealybugs Host Range: Most generalists some specialists Sampling Methods: Visual inspection; look for crawlers every 7-10 days Settled crawler of lobate lac scale Lobate lac scale Long-tailed mealybug

Aphids & Whiteflies: 

Aphids & Whiteflies Green peach aphid Wingless and winged forms Whiteflies Host Range: some specialists, several generalists Sampling Methods: visual inspection every 7-10 days Potential vector for disease Aphids Damage: tips, leaves; watch for detectable sooty mold Sampling Methods: visual inspection 1-2x Per week Potential vector for disease

Spider Mites: 

Spider Mites Spider Mites Damage: leaf chlorosis, defoliation Host Range: some specialists, several generalists Sampling Methods: tap leaves on paper 1-2x per week Boxwood spider mite Boxwood spider mite damage

Beetles & Borers: 

Beetles & Borers Borers ‘Bore’ into host trunk, stem, twig or root during life cycle Sampling Method: inspect trunk/branches for damage Beetles Damage: foliage, fruit, roots; some wood-boring species Host Range: some generalists and specialists Sampling Method: inspect host and associated damage

Caterpillars & Thrips: 

Caterpillars & Thrips Caterpillars Damage: foliae, stems, webs, tents Host Range: some generalists and specialists Sampling Methods: visually look for caterpillars associated with damage Thrips Damage: foliage, flowers Sampling Methods: inspect foliage, flowers; tap flower heads; yellow and blue sticky traps Potential disease vector Onion thrips

Florida – A “Sentinel State”: 

Florida – A “Sentinel State” Florida is a “Sentinel State” A constant invasion of exotic species Not native to the Florida eco-system Causes harm to or has potential to cause harm to the environment Can be a native American species that has invaded a new area or crop or from Africa or Asia or even from another world! Melaleuca Armadillo Love bugs

Florida Entomological Emergencies: 

Florida Entomological Emergencies The major source of new plant pests is from movement of plants by people.

Emergency ResponsesEradication vs. Management: 

Emergency Responses Eradication vs. Management Timely response needed to prevent further damage Response will depend on the nature of the new problem Eradication vs. Management First choice is eradication, but there are conditions Insect is not very mobile (some scales) Good baits are available (fruit flies) Insects are confined (as in a greenhouse) Infestation is limited If eradication is not possible, then a management program is developed

Eradication ExampleThe 1997-98 Medfly Program: 

Eradication Example The 1997-98 Medfly Program Latest Mediterranean fruit fly or “medfly” in late May 1997 Multiple outbreaks were involved Rapid response from survey crews Teams immediately organized Unified Command and Area Command Multiple agencies involved, so multi-agency coordination was needed Public Information Officer (PIO) and a well-supervised public “Help Line” were very important The only alternative to eradication is to bag individual fruits to prevent infection! Bagging individual peaches to prevent infection In Taiwan Ceratitis capitata

Why the emergency?: 

Why the emergency? Mediterranean fruit fly damage to grapefruit

Why the emergency?: 

Why the emergency? An African fly. Spread around the world. First known in Florida in 1929. Continuing eradication efforts prevent it from becoming established and destroying our citrus economy. Grapefruit trees with fallen fruit were prime suspect locations indicating presence of destructive medflies.

Why the emergency?: 

Why the emergency? One of Florida’s largest agricultural commodities Florida produces 80% of all United States citrus. Total citrus production is 2nd in the world following Brazil. 287 million boxes (15 million metric tons) of citrus On-tree value (before value-added operations such as shipping and processing) about $879 million Post value-added worth about $9.13 billion 90,000 jobs and 800,000 acres of cultivation in 32 counties; $39 million in ad valorem (property) taxes; and $900 million in taxes at all government levels

Eradication Phase 1: Survey: 

Eradication Phase 1: Survey Phase 1: Survey groves and home yards, then plot finds on the map.

Slide25: 

Eradication Phase 2 Organization 1997-98 State Agricultural Response Team 25 Fruit stands Airport Farmers’ market Public Information Officer Sterile release

Eradication Phase 2: Regulate: 

Eradication Phase 2: Regulate Phase 2: Establish regulatory oversight Prevent movement of fruit out of area by monitoring airports Establish quarantine zone and make sure fruit stands within it keep susceptible produce covered Inspect produce section of quarantine zone every day [In 1997-98, this was the produce section of the port of Tampa]

Eradication Phase 3: Control: 

Eradication Phase 3: Control Phase 3: Control Spray infested area with bait spray Air and ground Pick and dispose of infected fruit Rear and release sterile fruit flies

Eradication: Public Education: 

Eradication: Public Education Keeping the public informed Timely and accurate communication with the press is very important Control actions for pests and diseases can be very unpopular with the public

Eradication Success!: 

Eradication Success! The program was successful. No additional non-sterile medflies have been found in Florida since 1998.

Management ExamplePink Hibiscus Mealybug: 

Management Example Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM) has been a major pest in the Caribbean basin PHM appeared in Florida in June 2002 No eradication attempt was made Biological controls of PHM are determined to work well

Not an Emergency, but a Management Dilemma: 

Not an Emergency, but a Management Dilemma Hibiscus a magnificent decorative flower, but is not economically significant 200-220 varieties and grown throughout Florida State flower of Hawaii; national flower of South Korea, Malaysia Large, trumpet-shaped flowers in many colors: red, pink, yellow, blue, lavender, white, brown, gold and mixed Unfortunately, this bug also attacks many Florida food crops!

Not an Emergency, but a Management Dilemma: 

Not an Emergency, but a Management Dilemma Damage from PHM feeding can be seen as “bunchy top” or distorted plant tissues Presence of white wax with pinkish mealybugs (pink eggs) are a good sign that PHM may be present Program is on-going Male pheromone traps now being used Geographical range of PHM is expanding as a result of the nursery trade August 2004: Grower in Homestead, Florida accidentally ships PHM-infected plants to 30+ states Confirmed presence in Kansas, Louisiana and North Carolina

Emergencies, Interceptions andDiscoveries : 

Emergencies, Interceptions and Discoveries

Two of Florida’s CurrentEntomological Emergencies: 

Two of Florida’s Current Entomological Emergencies Citrus greening Spread by bacterium on Asian citrus psyllid: Effects are spot/sector yellowing, notched leaves, misshapen, bitter fruit: Potentially devastating to Florida’s $9.13 billion citrus industry. Africanized bees Originally from Africa Introduced to Americas in 1956: very aggressive, easily agitated, pursues ¼-mile to continue attack can easily kill. Present in Florida now.

Recent Interceptions: 

Recent Interceptions Chlorophorus strobilicola Found in scented pine cones from India Packaged with potpourri, December 2003 Not known to be established

Recent Interceptions: 

Recent Interceptions Anastrepha ludens (Mexican fruit fly) With Manzano peppers originating from Mexico in May 2003 (Pinellas County) Potential pest of citrus No lures for this pest Not known to be established

Exotics Recently DiscoveredIn Florida: Brown Citrus Aphid: 

Exotics Recently Discovered In Florida: Brown Citrus Aphid Found in Florida November 1997 Spreads citrus tristeza virus Occurrences of CTV have increased since the establishment of this exotic aphid

Brown Citrus Aphid: 

Brown Citrus Aphid Overall CTV Occurrence in Southeast Florida Before and After Brown Citrus Aphid

Brown Citrus Aphid: 

Brown Citrus Aphid Severe CTV in Southeast Florida Before and After Brown Citrus Aphid

Exotics Recently DiscoveredIn Florida: Dieuches armatipes: 

Exotics Recently Discovered In Florida: Dieuches armatipes In Florida for about a decade Found as far north as Gainesville Serious peanut pest in Africa Pest status in Florida not known

Exotics Recently DiscoveredIn Florida: Cactus Moth: 

Exotics Recently Discovered In Florida: Cactus Moth In Florida for about 15 years, perhaps spread by hurricanes Threatens $70 million US cactus industry (and Mexico’s, estimated $50-$100 million) Spread by transportation of infected plants UF Associate Professor Jim Cuda studies cactus moth caterpillars on prickly pear. Moth has no natural predators in North America.

Exotics Recently DiscoveredIn Florida: Myllocerus undatus: 

Exotics Recently Discovered In Florida: Myllocerus undatus Weevil native to Sri Lanka Found established in September 2000 Many hosts including sea grape, Turk’s cap, upland cotton, peach, live oak and some palms

Exotics Recently DiscoveredIn Florida: Lobate Lac Scale: 

Exotics Recently Discovered In Florida: Lobate Lac Scale Paratachardina lobata First reported in Florida in 1999 but already established Polyphagous scale Could be a problem for native woody plants Sign of possible infestation is trees looking black from sooty mold

Exotics Recently DiscoveredIn Florida: Mexican Red-Rump Tarantula: 

Exotics Recently Discovered In Florida: Mexican Red-Rump Tarantula Established in a citrus grove in Ft. Pierce Unwanted pets probably were the source of the population

An Entomological Perspectivefor Emergency Agricultural Response: 

An Entomological Perspective for Emergency Agricultural Response Now. Get ready for some really bad bugs that are NOT found in Florida … yet!

More Really Bad BugsSuni Bug: 

More Really Bad Bugs Suni Bug Eurygaster integriceps Absolutely the world’s worst agricultural pest! Feeds on wheat, perhaps the world’s most important food crop. Not found in western hemisphere … yet. Unlikely to be a problem in Florida, although an insect of this genus has been intercepted in Florida on European tile

More Really Bad BugsSoybean Aphid: 

More Really Bad Bugs Soybean Aphid Aphis glycines Asian species Found in Minnesota in 2000 Occurs as far south as Georgia Yellow dots are Aphis glycines

More Really Bad BugsFoxglove Aphid (Asian Strain): 

More Really Bad Bugs Foxglove Aphid (Asian Strain) Not in Western Hemisphere Colonizes soybean plants and many ornamentals Causes bright yellow damage Transmits soybean dwarf virus, a persistent virus of legumes Possible hosts travel the world as cut flowers and nursery plants Aphids themselves do not invoke an automatic quarantine in many cases, especially if the species is already present in the US

More Really Bad BugsOxycarenus hyalinipennis: 

More Really Bad Bugs Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Serious pest of cotton Established now in the Caribbean

More Really Bad BugsRusselliana solanicola: 

More Really Bad Bugs Russelliana solanicola A potato psyllid Found in South America (Peru) Causes serious damage to potato Transmits a newly discovered plant pathogen

More Really Bad BugsAsian Longhorn Beetle: 

More Really Bad Bugs Asian Longhorn Beetle Established in Chicago and New York Discovered during an agricultural “stake-out” Eradication effort involves cutting down large trees in residential areas

And Even More Really Bad BugsCitrus Longhorn Beetle: 

And Even More Really Bad Bugs Citrus Longhorn Beetle Not established in United States, but intercepted on bonsai trees in Georgia and Washington Host plants are numerous hardwoods and citrus spp., hibiscus, Ficus, sycamore, willow, pear, oak, maple, Japanese red cedar, etc.

And Even More Really Bad Bugs Citrus Longhorn Beetle, ctd.: 

And Even More Really Bad Bugs Citrus Longhorn Beetle, ctd. Signs of damage Emergence holes located on the lower trunk and exposed roots Identification Adults 1-1.5” long, shiny black with white dots, rows of polished tubercles at base of front wings

And Even More Really Bad BugsAfrican Citrus Psyllid: 

And Even More Really Bad Bugs African Citrus Psyllid Trioza erytreae Not in Western Hemisphere Occurs in Africa and several islands in the Indian Ocean Is the other known vector of citrus greening disease Causes puckers in the leaves that look like an incipient scab infection

And Even More Really Bad BugsBemisia tabaci, Biotype ‘Q’: 

And Even More Really Bad Bugs Bemisia tabaci, Biotype ‘Q’ Bemisia tabaci biotypes are prolific pests worldwide Occasional outbreaks reported in US in early 1800s In 1986 became economically important; listed as Biotype B March 2005, University of California and Arizona researchers identify Biotype Q on poinsettias Resistant to systemic pesticides and IGRs

And Even More Really Bad BugsBemisia tabaci, Biotype ‘Q’ ctd.: 

And Even More Really Bad Bugs Bemisia tabaci, Biotype ‘Q’ ctd. FDACS-Division of Plant Industry response (1) Inquire with growers, “Are you having problems with white fly control? Do they seem to be resistant to systemics and IGRs?” (2) Pest alert issued (see Resources) (3) Samples identified at DPI – Bemisia or not? (4) Bemisia samples sent to USDA collaborator for biotype identification

A Take-Home Message…: 

A Take-Home Message… Be aware!! Recognize plant damage you have not seen before Notice odd plant coloration, defoliation, fallen fruit, etc.

Key Resources: 

Key Resources United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) www.usda.gov Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) www.doacs.state.fl.us FDACS-Division of Plant Industry www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/ FDACS Division of Animal Industry www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/ Florida Agriculture Statistical Directory 2004 www.florida- agriculture.com/pubs/pubform/pdf/Florida Agriculture Statistical Directory 2004.pdf Bemesia pest alert issues by FDACS-DPI www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/b.tabaci.html

Key Resources: 

Key Resources Florida Department of Agriculture Annual Report 2004 (www.florida-agriculture.com/pubs/puform/pdf/FDACS_Annual_Report_2004.pdf) FDACS’ Division of Marketing and Development Internet site provides information to agribusinesses and the general public about Florida agriculture (www.florida-agriculture.com) USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Center for Import and Export (www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/) Insecta Inspecta World (www.insecta-inspecta.com/bees/killer/) Florida State Agricultural Response Team (www.flsart.com) Integrated Pest Management, IFAS Extension, University of Florida (http://ipm.ufl.edu/)

Florida and The World: 

Florida and The World

Working Together To Protect Florida’s Agriculture & Way of Life: 

Working Together To Protect Florida’s Agriculture & Way of Life Thank You!

Now, Test Your Knowledgeand Awareness (1 of 3): 

Now, Test Your Knowledge and Awareness (1 of 3) (True/False) Florida “SART” is a rescue team of trained dog handlers and crime scene investigators on-call following an emergency. You might say that insects and man have a love-hate relationship – even though bugs may not be capable of feeling those emotions. Nevertheless, which of the following activities is actually beneficial to man? a. pollination of plants d. predation on other insects b. nature’s recyclers e. all of the above are beneficial c. used in medical research Because of its sub-tropical climate, unusual geography as a peninsula pointing 300 miles from the mainland of North America to the heart of the tropics and accessibility for exotic imports, Florida is considered a “__________ State.”

Pre/Post Test (2 of 3): 

Pre/Post Test (2 of 3) (True/False) The major source of new plant pests is from movement of plants by people. An invasive plant pest such as the Africanized honeybee or pink hibiscus mealybug will be met with one of two control strategies. Name these two threat responses. The on-going phase of an eradication effort aimed at an invasive exotic species, the continuing public effort before, during and following A. Survey, B. Organize and Regulate and C. Control is _______________. Two current invasive threats that have potentially deadly and/or devastating consequences in Florida are _______ and ______. Which of the following has not been identified yet in Florida? A. Mexican fruit fly B. Suni bug C. Onion thrips D. Mediterranean fruit fly

Pre/Post Test (3 of 3): 

Pre/Post Test (3 of 3) If you recognize an unusual insect or plant damage that seems extra-ordinary you should notify: a. nobody – you’re not an expert and your meddling will only take up the time of people who are involved in serious work to eliminate exotic pests b. Ghost Busters c. your County Agricultural Extension Service d. the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services consumer Help Line 888-397-1517. 10. Approximately how many species of arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans, etc.) are there on earth?

Test Answer Key: 

Test Answer Key False (d) all of the above a “Sentinel State” True Eradication or management Public Relations Africanized honeybees and citrus greening Suni bug c. or d. – your County Agricultural Extension Service or the DACS Help Line [1-888-397-1517] are acceptable. About 1,000,000

Glossary (1 of 2): 

Glossary (1 of 2) Agroterrorism: When any person knowingly or maliciously uses biological or chemical agents as weapons against the agriculture industry and food supply. It may also be thought of as the malicious use of plant or animal pathogens to cause disease in the agricultural sector – plants or animals. Arthropod: Any organism belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, characterized by a segmented body, jointed legs, a digestive tract and, in most cases, a chitinous shell that is periodically molted to allow growth. Modern-day arthropods include spiders, insects, crustaceans, scorpions and horseshoe crabs. Chitin: The tough, horny protein material similar to fingernails, it is a nitrogenous polysaccharide, which forms the exoskeleton of an insect. Entomology: The study of insects: life cycle, behavior, ecology, diversity, control. Exotic: Not native, introduced from abroad. Killer bees (Africanized honeybees): A strain of honeybees that originated in Brazil in the 1950s, a cross between an aggressive African bee and a European honeybee. These bees retain most of the African traits: highly aggressive, relatively poor pollinators and poor honey producers.

Glossary (2 of 2): 

Glossary (2 of 2) Mesophyll: The photosynthetic tissue of a leaf located between the two outer leaf tissues. Phloem: The food-conducting tissue of a plant, the “inner bark,” made up of sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem parenchyma, and fibers. SART: The Florida State Agricultural Response Team, is a multi-agency coordination group consisting of governmental and private entities dedicated to all-hazard disaster preparedness, planning, response and recovery for the animal and agriculture sectors in Florida. Siphunculi: A characteristic common to most aphids is the presence of two tubes, called siphunculi, on the back ends of their bodies. These siphunculi secrete defensive substances. Stylets: Sharp appendages on an insect, used for piercing and sucking. Xylem: The supporting layer of tissue in vascular plants that conducts water and nutrients from the roots to other parts of the plant.

An Entomological Perspectivefor Emergency Agricultural Response: 

An Entomological Perspective for Emergency Agricultural Response That concludes our presentation on “An Entomological Perspective for Emergency Agricultural Response.” Thank you for attending and for participating!