Commercial Horticulture:
Alerts & New Publications

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Current Pest Alerts

  • Substantial numbers of cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) have been dying in Hillsborough and Manatee Counties. The culprit is a phytoplasma disease. Phytoplasma, formerly known as mycoplasma-like organisms, are specialized bacterial parasites that attack the phloem tissue in plants (the phloem tissue transports carbohydrates throughout the plant). Lethal yellowing, common in coconut palms and other palm species, is also a phytoplasma. Click here to read more.
  • Chili thrips are wreaking havoc in Brevard County landscapes. Most of the damage can be found on Indian Hawthorne, but watch for damage on other plants such as hibsicus and Schefflera arboricola. If you are having problems with these thrips, call our office or visit the chili thrips page of the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center website. There you will find pictures of the insect and damage to several plant species.
  • Fusarium decline in queen palms and Mexican fan palms is moving rapidly around the county. It is critical that landscapers and arborists disinfect pruning equipment to help slow the spread of this fatal disease. Read more here (pdf).
  • Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Contol (pdf)
  • Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Laurel Wilt) - Native and ornamental red bays in Brevard County are being devastated by the laurel wilt fungus, which is transmitted by the redbay ambrosia beetle. Click on the links below to read more.

New Extension Publications

The following publications--hosted on UF/IFAS Extension's Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS)--are new or have been recently revised and contain new information relevant to the horticulture industry.



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