Insect Alerts
Whitefly Update - Based on early reports, 2007 may be another challenging year for whitefly management. Whiteflies have been detected in some rooted cuttings shipments, and hot dry conditions have promoted a greater than normal buildup of whiteflies on field crops in parts of the southeastern United States.
Pink Hibiscus Mealybug - The pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, an exotic pest, has been reported in Florida (2002), Louisiana (2006), and Texas (2007). Locations have been confirmed in Nueces County and Hidalgo County in Texas. This mealybug is a potentially serious pest of many ornamental and agricultural crops. It feeds by sucking plant sap on more than 300 species in 74 plant families.
Chilli Thrips - Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood), is an important pest of crops in tropical and subtropical regions. An established population of this pest was first detected in the United States on landscape roses in Florida in 2005.