Ambrosia beetles are wood-degrading insects that live in nutritional symbiosis with ambrosia fungi. Usually we consider ambrosia beetles beneficial because they accelerate the decay of dead trees, which is important for nutrient cycling in healthy forests. However, the redbay ambrosia beetle and its fungal symbiont transmit the causal pathogen of laurel wilt disease among plants in the Laurel family (Lauraceae). They are considered a “very high risk” invasive disease pest complex having potential equal to that of Dutch elm disease or chestnut blight. Laurel wilt is a relatively new disease and much is still unknown about how it will impact the flora of North America. This 7-page fact sheet highlights what we do know about this important new pest. Written by Rajinder Mann, Jiri Hulcr, Jorge Peña, and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in886
Tag: Jorgé Peña
ENY-852/IN777 The Hibiscus Erineum Mite, Aceria hibisci (Acari: Eriophyidae) a New Introduction in the Caribbean and a Potential Threat to Florida’s Hibiscus
ENY-852, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by Cal Welbourn, Jose Carlos Rodrigues and Jorge E. Peña, describes this mite pest of hibiscus recently confirmed in the Caribbean — symptoms and identification, dispersal, hosts and control. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN777
HS1136/HS379 Redbay Ambrosia Beetle-Laurel Wilt Fungus: A Potential Major Problem for Florida Avocados
Revised! HS1136, a 9-page illustrated fact sheet by Jonathan H. Crane, Jorgé Peña, and J.L. Osborne, describes this insect-fungal pest attacking woody plants in the laurel family, including avocado. Includes descriptions, origin, detection and spread of the pest, plant hosts in the U.S., a map of counties with the beetle, plant host symptoms and damage, management strategies & restrictions, agencies working on the issue, research and extension efforts, and references. Published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, December 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS379