Research Project: Exotic Whitefly and Subtropical Invasive Pests of Vegetables and Ornamental Plants

Location: Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Functional response of Franklinothrips vespiformis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) to eggs and nymphs of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Schoeller, E., Hogan, J., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2024. Functional response of Franklinothrips vespiformis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) to eggs and nymphs of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Journal of Insect Science. 24(2):3,1-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieae030.

Unravelling the synergistic interaction of Thrips tabaci and newly recorded, Thrips parvispinus with Alternaria porri (Ellis.) Cif., inciting onion purple blotch - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Saini, S., Raj, K., Saini, A., Kumar, R., Saini, A., Khan, A., Kumar, P., Devi, G., Bhambhu, M., Mckenzie, C.L., Lal, M., Wati, L. 2024. Unravelling the synergistic interaction of Thrips tabaci and newly recorded, Thrips parvispinus with Alternaria porri (Ellis.) Cif., inciting onion purple blotch. Frontiers in Microbiology. 15:1321921. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1321921.

Arthropod and mollusk pests of hemp, cannabis sativa (rosales: cannabaceae), and their management plan in Florida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. Arthropod and mollusk pests of hemp, cannabis sativa (rosales: cannabaceae), and their management plan in Florida. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 15(1):1, 1-22. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmad028.

Datasheet on Melanaspis leivasi - (Literature Review)
Ahmed, M.Z. 2023. Datasheet on Melanaspis leivasi. Center for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Invasive Species Compendium. https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.25124697.

Development of a species-level field diagnostic kit for Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive and regulatory pest in the United States - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmed, M.Z., Dorado, C., Ellenrieder, N.V., Quinn, N., Roda, A., Schoeller, E.N., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S., Diepenbrock, L.M. 2023. Development of a species-level field diagnostic kit for Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive and regulatory pest in the United States. Journal of Applied Entomology. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.13177.

Distribution of Scirtothrips dorsalis cryptic species complex in the United States and true host assessment of its dominant member - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kumar, V., Xiao, Y., Borden, M.A., Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2023. Distribution of Scirtothrips dorsalis cryptic species complex in the United States and true host assessment of its dominant member. Journal of Economic Entomology. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toad138.

The records of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) deposited in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Deeter, L.A., Ahmed, M.Z. 2023. The records of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) deposited in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. Insecta Mundi. 0995: 1–8.

History and field identification of Thrips parvispinus in Florida - (Other)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L., Roberts, J. 2023. History and field identification of Thrips parvispinus in Florida. Meeting Abstract. https://www.hriresearch.org/thrive-web-series.

Rapid species-level hemolymph color test for all life stages of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive and regulatory pest in the United States - (Abstract Only)

Life table analysis and development of Delphastus pallidus LeConte (Insecta: Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), under different constant temperatures - (Abstract Only)

Building a better banker plant by incorporating predatory pallidus beetles, Delphastus pallidus LeConte (Insecta: Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), into the papaya banker plant system - (Abstract Only)

Thrips parvispinus (Karny), an emerging invasive and regulatory pest in the United States - (Popular Publication)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2023. Thrips parvispinus (Karny), an emerging invasive and regulatory pest in the United States. Growertalks. https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=26308.

What is the most challenging with Thrips parvispinus in Florida - (Abstract Only)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2023. What is the most challenging with Thrips parvispinus in Florida. Meeting Abstract. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsi9gtPIajg&t=12s.

Whitefly management using banker plant systems - (Popular Publication)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2023. Whitefly management using banker plant systems. Extension Publications. https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=26267&.

Thrips parvispinus (Karny), an emerging invasive and regulatory pest in the United States - (Other)

Using banker plants to control mites - (Popular Publication)
Osborne, L., Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L. 2023. Using banker plants to control mites. Growertalks. https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=26216&.

Thrips management using Banker plant systems - (Popular Publication)
Schoeller, E.N., Mckenzie, C.L., Ahmed, M.Z., Osborne, L. 2023. Thrips management using Banker plant systems. Growertalks. https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=26177&.

Field guide for common ornamental Dark Thrips in Florida (adult females), with a focus on the Pepper Thrips, Thrips parvispinus - (Other)

Developing species-level diagnostic kit for Nipaecoccus viridis - (Abstract Only)

Using Banker plants to control Arthropods - (Popular Publication)
Osborne, L., Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L. 2023. Using Banker plants to control Arthropods. Growertalks. https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=26138.

Parasitoid-mediated horizontal transmission of Rickettsia between whiteflies - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Liu, Y., He, Z., Wen, Q., Peng, J., Zhou, Y., Mandour, N., Mckenzie, C.L., Ahmed, M.Z., Bao-Li, Q. 2023. Parasitoid-mediated horizontal transmission of Rickettsia between whiteflies. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.1077494.

Hibiscus mealybug (hemiptera: pseudococcidae)- biology, field guide, North American host plants, and current management prospects - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Olabiyi, D., Middleton, E., Ahmed, M.Z., Osborne, L., Mckenzie, C.L., Diepenbrock, L.M. 2023. Hibiscus mealybug (hemiptera: pseudococcidae)- biology, field guide, North American host plants, and current management prospects. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 14 (1). https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmac029.

Control of Echinothrips americanus on lima bean by Franklinothrips vespiformis crawford using supplemental food - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Schoeller, E.N., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2022. Control of Echinothrips americanus on lima bean by Franklinothrips vespiformis crawford using supplemental food. Biocontrol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-022-10151-9.

New records of whiteflies (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) and their host plants from Colombia - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Díaz-Sánchez, J.L., Serna, F., Ahmed, M.Z. 2022. New records of whiteflies (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) and their host plants from Colombia. Biodiversity Data Journal. 18(4):889-896. https://doi.org/10.15560/18.4.889.

Arthropods pests of hemp, cannabis sativa l. in Florida - (Rapid Release Publication)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2022. Arthropods pests of hemp, cannabis sativa l. in Florida. Field Guide. https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/media/programsifasufledu/hemp/files/2022/Hempfieldguide.pdf

Don’t Bet Your Hedges: IPM Guide Outlines Ficus Whitefly Management - (Popular Publication)
Ahmed, M.Z. 2022. Don’t Bet Your Hedges: IPM Guide Outlines Ficus Whitefly Management. Entomology Today. https://entomologytoday.org/2022/04/08/ficus-whitefly-hedges-integrated-pest-management/.

The current distribution status of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Q-biotype in Florida - (Abstract Only)
Powell, E., Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2022. The current distribution status of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Q-biotype in Florida. Entomological Society of America, Southwestern and Southeastern Branch.

Pest Status, Survey of Natural Enemies, and a Management Plan for Fig Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), Singhiella simplex (Singh) in the USA - (Abstract Only)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Rohrig, E., Revynthi, A.M., Evans, G., Mannion, C., Osborne, L. 2022. Pest Status, Survey of Natural Enemies, and a Management Plan for Fig Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), Singhiella simplex (Singh) in the USA. Entomological Society of America, Southwestern and Southeastern Branch.

Chemical Control of the Phantasma Scale, Fiorinia phantasma (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Potential Pest of Palms and Ornamentals Plants in Florida - (Rapid Release Publication)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2022. Chemical Control of the Phantasma Scale, Fiorinia phantasma (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Potential Pest of Palms and Ornamentals Plants in Florida. Laboratory Publication.

The Phantasma Scale - (Rapid Release Publication)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2022. The Phantasma Scale. Laboratory Publication.

Rapid species-level hemolymph color test for all life stages of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive and regulatory pest in the United Sates - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmed, M.Z., Deter, L.A. 2022. Rapid species-level hemolymph color test for all life stages of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive and regulatory pest in the United Sates. Journal of Applied Entomology. 2022;00:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.12985.

Pest status, survey of natural enemies, and a management plan for whitefly singhiella simplex (hemiptera: aleyrodidae) in the United States - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Revynthi, A.M., Evans, G.A., Mottern, J.L., Mannion, C., Osborne, L. 2022. Pest status, survey of natural enemies, and a management plan for whitefly singhiella simplex (hemiptera: aleyrodidae) in the United States. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 13(1):11;1-14. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmac007.

Pragmatic applications and universality of DNA barcoding for substantial organisms at species level: A review to explore a way forward - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmed, S., Ibrahim, M., Nantasenamat, C., Nisar, M.H., Malik, A., Waheed, R., Ahmed, M.Z., Alam, M.E., Ojha, S. 2022. Pragmatic applications and universality of DNA barcoding for substantial organisms at species level: A review to explore a way forward. BioMed Research International. 2022:1846485. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1846485.

Field guide for phantasma scale - (Other)
Ahmed, M.Z., Mckenzie, C.L., Powell, E., Roda, A., Rohrig, E., Osborne, L. 2021. Field guide for phantasma scale. Extension Publications. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmab032.

Characterization of the entomopathogenic fungal species conoideocrella luteorostrata on 17 the scale insect pest fiorinia externa infesting the christmas tree abies fraseri in the USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Urbina, H., Ahmed, M.Z. 2022. Characterization of the entomopathogenic fungal species conoideocrella luteorostrata on 17 the scale insect pest fiorinia externa infesting the christmas tree abies fraseri in the USA. Florida Entomologist. 105(1). https://journals.flvc.org/flaent/article/view/128966

A parasitoid vectors a plant pathogen, potentially diminishing the benefits it confers as a biological control agent - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Guo, C., Ahmed, M.Z., Ou, D., Zhang, L., Lu, Z., Sang, W., Mckenzie, C.L., Shatters, R.G., Qiu, B. 2021. A parasitoid vectors a plant pathogen, potentially diminishing the benefits it confers as a biological control agent. Communications Biology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02851-2.

Taxonomic and identification review of adventive fiorinia targioni tozzetti (hemiptera: coccomorpha: diaspididae) of the United States - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmed, M.Z., Moore, M.R., Liu, D., Feng, J., Normark, B., Miller, D.R., Mckenzie, C.L., Rohrig, E.A. 2021. Taxonomic and identification review of adventive fiorinia targioni tozzetti (hemiptera: coccomorpha: diaspididae) of the United States. ZooKeys. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1065.69171.

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) management program for ornamental plants - (Other)
Kumar, V., Ahmed, M.Z., Palmer, C., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2021. Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) management program for ornamental plants. Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS). https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1171.

Formosa parasitic wasp - (Other)
Schoeller, E., Klaschus, A., Winchester, C., Daley, A., Kumar, V., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2121. Formosa parasitic wasp. Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS). https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Creatures/BENEFICIAL/WASPS/Encarsia_formosa.htm#top.

Sophia parasitic wasp - (Other)
Schoeller, E.N., Klaschus,, A., Winchester, C., Kumar, V., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2021. Sophia parasitic wasp. Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS). https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Creatures/MISC/WASPS/Encarsia_sophia.htm#top.

Field report and survey of fiorinia phantasma (hemiptera: diaspididae), potential pest of palms, and ornamental plants in the United States - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmed, M.Z., Miller, D.R., Rohrig, E., Roda, A., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2021. Field report and survey of fiorinia phantasma (hemiptera: diaspididae), potential pest of palms, and ornamental plants in the United States. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 12(1):33. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmab032.

Evaluation of main components of bio-intensive IPM programs for cucumbers in Central Florida: A model for hemp - (Abstract Only)