LTC 289-2010 New Tree Pest M
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC #1289-2010 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO Mayor Matti H. Bower and Members of the City Com ission
FROM Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager C,- _ �
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CD -,
DATE: October 28, 2010
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SUBJECT New Tree Pest: Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly
This Letter to Commission is intended to provide you with information on a new pest that h; $
been identified in Miami Beach and Miami -Dade County and is impacting trees, palms and
• landscape plants. In March 2009, the Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly insect, wFiich
believed to originate from Central America, was first found in Miami -Dade County. Since
then it has spread extensively throughout the county (including Miami Beach), where it has
infested trees and palms all over the city. This pest causes trees to drop their leaves and
produces a messy white, waxy substance that falls into pools and on surfaces near infested
trees. This is not the same whitefly that first appeared a few years ago and defoliates ficus
trees.
Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly infests a variety of tree and palm species. A partial list of
host species includes gumbo limbo, calophyllum, black olive, ficus, mango, live oak,
coconut areca palm, and veitchia palms. Because this pest is so new in Florida, little
specific information about it is available. However, it is known that whiteflies typically feed on
the underside of leaves and can harm -the host plant by sucking nutrients from the leaves,
causing wilting, yellowing and leaf drop. The effect an infestation of the new whitefly will
have on tree health is unknown; however, whiteflies in general can cause plant decline,
defoliation and branch dieback. Repeated infestations and defoliations might kill trees, but
so far this has not been reported for Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly.
This whitefly is generally three times larger and slower moving than the Ficus Whitefly that
defoliates ficus trees and .hedges. Mature females lay eggs in a spiral pattern on the
• underside of leaves and deposit a white waxy substance on the eggs. When the eggs hatch,
tiny "crawlers" emerge and start feeding on the leaf and, during certain stages of maturity,
often secrete long, white filaments of wax. The abundance of this white waxy material is
often the most noticeable symptom of an infestation, but infestations are also accompanied
by black sooty mold that grows on "honeydew" produced by the whiteflies.
Management
New pests can rapidly reach high population levels and be very damaging when they first
arrive in an area. However, after several years as populations of natural enemies of the pest
increase, the pest's impact is often reduced. Protection of a pest's predators and parasites
is therefore, a critical component of an effective long -term management strategy. Foliar
sprays with an insecticide labeled for whiteflies can be a quick and effective means of
controlling the pest, especially on small trees. However, foliar sprays provide only short -term
protection, kill all insects indiscriminately, including the pest's predators and parasites, and
are not appropriate for spraying large trees in densely populated areas. A soil drench with a
systemic pesticide provides slower control, but kills fewer beneficial insects and can provide
protection for eight months to a year.
Page 2 of 2 -
Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly
This pest is already so widespread in Miami -Dade County that any control effort would
require county -wide coordination and would likely be quite expensive. In Miami Beach, the
Greenspace . Management Division of the Parks and Recreation Department will treat
infested trees and plantings on city property as infestations are identified. Trees in the
general vicinity of infested trees will be inspected for whiteflies and treated if necessary.
Also, trees known to be hosts of this whitefly, in the general vicinity of an infested tree, will
receive treatment as a precautionary measure even if no whiteflies are observed. The
Greenspace Management Division will treat only trees on city property. Treatment will
consist of a soil drench with a systemic pesticide containing imidacloprid. The estimated
treatment cost per tree is $3 for small trees, $4 for medium trees and $6 for large trees.
For homeowner use, products such as Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control are
available. More information on this pest, including photos and management
recommendations, can be obtained from the University of Florida publication, "Gumbo Limbo
Spiraling Whitefly" (Please see attached). Additionally, this publication has been placed on
the city's web page and information will be shared with residents using the City's available
communications tools.
Should you have additional questions, please contact Kevin Smith at (305) 673 -7730.
J M G/H M F /KS /J O /cl /m m/d m
C: Hilda M Fernandez Assistant City Manager
Kevin Smith Parks Recreation Director
John Oldenburg Assistant Parks Recreation Director
H: \Parks \LTC_Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly_10 28 10.doc
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Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly
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A New Whitefly in South Florida
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w, flt 13 , m M
"�' � � f, Introduction: In March, 2009, a whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus
rfii 0,,i Martin: Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), was collected in. Miami -Dade County
,iN, .N � , �, from gumbo
N �IHwp �n4 limbo. This was the first report of this insect on the U.S.
N �kli x r4,.„
s'411" r ,,j0 4 �, „ continent and it is believed to originate from Central America. Since the
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p,'1 ; ' ° p �0 initial find, there have been numerous other reports, all in Miami -Dade
O yd : I 4 y
l i,: -' ,. �,- , , n ` �" County. It will likely spread to y, •
Adultwhitefly other sout Florida counties. N
fi
What are , Wli itefl t
NOTE: This is not the same whitefly (ficus whitefly)
that.is currently causing defoliation and branch dieback They are Small, winged i nsec ts ?'J
of ficus in south Flor ida. $',_ that belong to the Order `
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Herri ptera a lso includes .
Host Plants: This whitefly appears to have a very broad a p h i d s, i sca l e s , : and " �mealybug s
host range from palms to woody ornamentals and fruits. The typ�cally'feed on
Thus far, it has been seen on gumbo limbo (Bursera :the underside of .leaves +with their
F , needle =li mouthp -
simaru), Calophyllum species, black olive (Bucida bucerus), F + h t arts -,, : ,,
copperleaf Whi can s eriously m
(Acalypha ha yp wilkesiana ) , b roadleaf arrowhead
� }
ho p lants by suckingenutrients6
(Sagittaria la cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco), "
,
� ;li'l, n fr o m;the p wiltm'g ,,
Brazil pepper (Schinus), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), 4, y t',rr , , 1
Iellowmg, stunting, leafz ora 1
live oak (Quercus virginiana) and mango (Mangifera e death,,, Ther a re�' m ore.t h an
- indica). It has also been reported on several palms which , `75 diff w r � n hi
include areca palm (Dypsis Iutescens), Veitchia species, a „i'' & , S ,t ,A p5 b j Florida " ! c
,� ,
coconut (Cocos nucifera). Additional hosts are likely to be , 1' ,l a _� - �4 a�,r � ,� ",t ,; . r, 'rr'
,,'
added to the current list. 4 + f
Biology: There is little information on the biology of this new whitefly, however, research is ongoing
• to describe the life cycle and host range. This whitefly is closely related to giant whitefly, Aleuro
• dugesii, and shares some rti a r ,�,�,,, W
9 k F , m r i i f Whitefly eggs
�' , � "I i ilk similarities. Like giant whitefly the v , ; � � 1 i r ti
,I i a`+w �,X�'nu ,,,., ,,,,, �t'a 1, ,u (Fd �i + Y n ° r° 6lo t, ".v +.
a �4- G'G 'y kpr k, �7i " �d i4i, NpI �I r ll nib '' st a --
6 Ha §i w �@a S ) k 9 P
t adult is about 3 times larger than „,, , it �:,� t* ,�� o K � fi
�e �t t �� I Y� �' �ti � � 39 d�+r '� 7d4 <t�h , I,i���FII��,�I�14�(�,�. � ' �
�'V t d �` , -- I`r u" h 1. S , w I I a
fl ;mI rJ d I t e
* , Fi * ' ` '"` i'�,. other whiteflies that occur in the � tN I,„61 't
`rUk� ^ '� , i�w + , B �a �� �uJ �i l.a � k 3j��N �, �l�t Y9(� �y k,.. �h.
w `��,r r 1 fr o¢r .,�'!' H im u a d °N IPA ali a . 1ri W 14 ��. tc P,,� �i �, .°
�, t ,t� i,� ��� � U . . S and a re more docile (slower � , ,��� � A �
a ti �`, �r i . L' ' �I ni t "t .. i� ' � ' 1 � H � �! yl �h p+' � �� ,
.. , 1t nk iN Ih 4 i.,f x ; ,r ti' .w 1, . lik N! r: H ti i
� $ �� rt � , � � ,� moving) t other types of �, :r�� �a � i �, �T wq � ' ��s'pl��i
k3 +M• � 14 IIi'� q i X A0 i 4 � 7A �; F _ t h - , 4 LI , h '�' d ' Y J' H .1,1::.,11',..:..1.
Na
- - - - , � � `�� wh The adult w hiteflies hir:ib ;, i f I th,� H
v i�ft t ' r 5 r{t'��` -- - , . Adu h' flies congregate on the undersides of a
the leaves to feed and reproduce.�1,t i ,�
The female whitefly lays her eggs in a spiral pattern on the leaves and also �,. ,,4,4 o;
11M a Mff. "c .t l S a>l,�
deposits a white, waxy substance on the eggs. The crawler stage hatches , 111 "�1�' ,p: ,_
�I� I � nigh <;
from the eggs and crawls around before it starts to feed with its "needle r`�,Ni�l ii �g H' ,
like mouthparts. This stage is very small and difficult to see. ' , h4y ,. W,; ; t - a �.
August 2010 Page 1
OR iD
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- - • - 1l AS lslericion
P rig +t t " ' s : f "p 6 The crawler will molt and go through several
r m �� " ",^i g g �u " �r
' "" 0 4�i�hl ,r11 "` ;, immature stages that are oval and initially flat i r r aj � 'i � .
P y � , , „" � then more convex. These stages do not resemble a ,� I���
i�l Mi F^ d M� I i hf r i iF,
P 9nJ �� .I�i h fi a pr�� 9 '� •. a ��� cMMi � � � ti " � iA: 4�', � �S.
" r M,� X1, 4 � ai ., typical insect. Some of these immature stages will 1 � k * " { " ey, , ,
0 ", ufi �" t :e "rti " secrete long'white filaments of wax. It will likely 0 IMINE «d[yl 'ez'.!4
Whitefly immature stages survive year round in south Florida. whitefly pupae
Plant Damage: The most noticeable symptoms of an infestation of this whitefly is the abundance of
the white, waxy material covering the leaves and also excessive sooty mold. Like other similar
insects, these whiteflies will produce "honeydew ", a sugary substance, which causes the growth of
sooty mold. The actual effect of an infestation on the health of a plant is � "
unknown; however, whiteflies in general can cause plant decline,hi; 1 t,
defoliation and branch dieback.
r f { Gn b i M .e��M� ii d,p„ 0
M a & y # T " # 4 "'k M M, �� iG11 t
" + a „ a" +I ��'Gki ,i. it
I► ,,,,
1 � V � ,I i'x'......, µ � i. 'i� • � � . �i�� �
�, G 4 �-+r a �"°+� � �",y : � ° � � , "v 4 @pITM, " ./ `�'� ��' •^• t y �" ��-" .
,r..�.. h ,e h , } qi
q�
• �A 1 sI � �Ijk ry, " "r�
` `R X,M6��IU I CI k +,�d4�4 H"t At �
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In palm Infested d gumbo limbo �`' h Sooty mold on black olive
Management in the Landscape: Often, when new pests arrive, they can reach very high populations
and can be extremely damaging. It is not uncommon, however, that after several years, the impact is
greatly reduced. Although it may be necessary to use insecticides for this pest, it is very important to
understand the importance of natural enemies and the need to focus on long -term, biologically based
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management. •
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• Monitor plants for early signs of an infestation because it will be easier to manage the pest before
it builds to high populations and causes major damage. If you have an infestation on a tree, be
• sure to search nearby trees as well because this whitefly feeds on many types of trees.
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• In the landscape, one parasitoid attacking this whitefly has been identified, ff "� "�'� »r Parasitoid
p p g Y � :�
Aleuroctonus vittatus (Eulophidae), at very high levels. Awareness of natural
enemies is very important so they are not also killed while trying to control the b r *i
r r� M�tlry "
il r n whitefly. Protecting natural enemies is a critical
d ,t0,I' k 4n7 W ,11y � t P ' fix
w component in the longterm control of this pest.
F iX f �Ir t 4ab ill I� � � 1 Ply,' ��1'�gI7 TN � ICI IX k s
Broad spectrum or persistent insecticides often,* ", `'I ('�I 1
p' li' '9 ��`
kill a high proportion of predators and parasites,
7r, " h "cur articular) when applied as a foliar spray. Carbamates i e.
1
� ��
particularly pp p Y• (�•
il��ih i;. carbar I or ano hos hates i.e. malathion) and pyrethroids i.e.
• ate bifenthrin, cyfluthrin) are especially toxic to natural enemies.
Parasitized whitefly pupae
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August 2010 Page 2
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LIF
L�ORIT A
uivs : r,i,„5,„,,
• You may achieve excellent control with one of the methods listed below, but remember the
white, waxy material and the sooty mold on the plant will take time to wear off unless physically
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washed off.
• Washing plants off with water can bean effective tool to help manage whiteflies for small
infestations or small plants. But, for it to be effective, you must remove the immature stages and
eggs from the leaves with the wash.
• Using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can also help control this pest. These types of
products are strictly contact so thorough coverage of the infested leaves is required. Typically,
several applications are required 7 -10 days apart. Be careful about using these types of products
under high temperatures because they can cause damage to plants.
• If the infestation is large, an insecticide may be needed to control the whitefly population. It is
extremely important to use the appropriate insecticides, methods, and timing in order to get the
best control with the least amount of detriment to the natural enemies or the environment.
There are several insecticide options for both professional use (Table 1) and homeowner use
(Table 2). Many of the insecticides for professional use are available in more than one
formulation (i.e. wettable powder, liquid, soluble granules, granules, pellets) so you can choose
the best fit for your situation.
• Contact insecticides are typically sprayed on the foliage or other infested parts of the plant or in
the soil for soil - dwelling insects. Depending on the insecticide, either the insect must come into
contact with the insecticide or must feed on the plant with the insecticide. Spray coverage Must
be thorough to get the best results, particularly in cases like this when the insect is primarily on .
the underside of the leaves. In general, foliar sprays are active for a few weeks and usually
require more than one application. However, some of these products can be very useful for quick
knockdown which can be very important with bad infestations.
• A systemic insecticide can be applied directly to the infested plant or to the soil. Soil applications
include drenching the soil, spreading a granular formulation, or burying a pellet. Some products
can also be applied as a basal trunk spray or injection into the trunk. Systemic insecticides can
also be sprayed on the foliage, but often provide longer control when applied to the soil or trunk.
However, it is not recommended to use the same insecticide (active ingredient) on the leaves that
you use in the soil or on the trunk.
• Misuse or overuse of any insecticide can cause problems such as insecticide resistance, secondary
pest problems, environmental contamination, and detrimental effects on non - target organisms.
The site and method of application must be on the insecticide label. Always follow the label
directions "The label is the law ". If it is necessary for you to apply several applications of
insecticides, it is recommended to rotate among different chemical classes .
August 2010 Page 3
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_ � ��� FLOR
ons s*"�u"
. -Table 1. Insecticides labeled for professional use against whiteflies in Florida
___ ___ _
��' ' ' Contactor
Active Ingredient Chemical Class Name(s)
. '
Abamectin lAvermectins Avid - Contact
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Acephate lOrganophosphate Orthene Systemic
Acet i hd ' i i id TriStar
�annpno ��on�otno r 3ystennic
Azadirachtin Botanical Azatin; Azatrol Contact
�
8eouverizbos�ono 'Microbial Botanigard Contact
, ' Bifenthrin Pyrethroid Bifenthrin Pro; Onyx;Ta|stor Contact
- -- -- - -- -- ---------
Buprofezin IGR Talus* Contact
' Carbaryl Carbamate
~.~.... .,^...~~^.~.. lArena; Aloft** Systemic I
Cyfluthrin 1Pyrethroid Tempo; Decathlon* -I Contact 1
Cypermethrin d
Deltamethrin Pyrethroid DeltaGard Contact
Diflubenzuron IGR Adept*;0nni|in* Contact
Dinotefuran N i�oti id Safari
ran . eon no Systemic
.
Fenoxycarb IGR Preclude
,r-,--r— Pyrethroid Trame Contact
Flonicamid Contact .
nuvaxnate 1Pyrethroid Mavrik; aquar|ovv Contact d
Marathon*; K� Merit; Systemic |
|nnidac|ophd | - CoreTect;
Lambda-cyhalothrin Contact
__� __ _+
Malathion OP Malathion Contact
Novaluron IGR Pedestal* Contact
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Paraffinic Oil Oil Horticultural Oil Contact
� ��
Soap - --, Insecticidal Soa, Contact `
Pymetrozine lAntifeedant Endeavor Contact
Pynd b
Pyriproxyfen .T
S-Ki
r____ _ _ _
I Contact
Spinosad im icrobial
Spiromesifen
Thianoethoxam onicot Systemic
*Forproductionnursery,Qreenhnuseand/nrintehorscapeuseonky.
**Product
� a|socontainsa pyrethroid
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August 2010 Page4
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OF FLORA A
Table 2. Insecticides labeled for homeowner use against whiteflies in Florida
Active Ingredient T Chemical Class Trade Name(s)
Bifenthrin — — ` Pyrethroid t Ortho Bug B -Gon Max Lawn & Garden Insect Killer
Carbaryl Carbamate Sevin
Bayer Advanced Rose & Flower Insect Killer;
Cyfluthrin Pyrethroid
Schultz Lawn & Garden Insect Killer
Dinotefuran Neonicotinoid Green Light Tree & Shrub Insect Control with Safari
Bayer Advanced Lawn Complete Insect Killer;
lmidacloprid 1 Neonicotinoid
Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control
Lambda - cyhalothrin Pyrethroid Spectracide Triazicide Once & Done Insect Killer
Green Light Malathion; Ortho Malathion Plus Insect
Malathion I Organophosphate
Spray
Bonide Safer BioNeem; Green Light Neem; Green
Neem oil (Botanical Light Rose Defense; Southern Ag Triple Action
Neem Oil
Paraffinic oil I Biorational Sun Spray Horticultural Oil
P
ethrin Pyrethroid Hi -Yield Indoor /Outdoor Broad Use Insecticide
Potassium salts ;Biorational Safer's Insecticidal Soap
Bonide Yard & Garden Insect Killer;•
. • Pyrethrins (Botanical
Spectracide Rose & Flower Insect Spray
For more information, contact your local Extension agent for additional information or
. http: / /trec.ifas.ufl.edu /mannion/
Catharine Mannion, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
University of Florida, IFAS, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL
- Photo Credits: H. Glenn, UF/IFAS, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL
. The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS
does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify
our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. All chemicals should be used in
accordance with directions on the manufacturer's label. Check the label carefully as this information does
change and our publications may not have the latest information. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow
directions on the manufacturer's label.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide
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research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-
discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status,
national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications,,„
.. contact your county Cooperative Extension service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University
Cooperative Extension Program and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.
August 2010 Page 5
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