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

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Title: Field report and survey of fiorinia phantasma (hemiptera: diaspididae), potential pest of palms, and ornamental plants in the United States

Author
item Ahmed, Muhammad
item MILLER, DOUGLAS - Retired ARS Employee
item ROHRIG, ERIC - Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services
item RODA, AMY - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
item McKenzie, Cindy
item OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Journal of Integrated Pest Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/12/2021
Publication Date: 9/7/2021
Citation: 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.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmab032

Interpretive Summary: Fiorinia phantasma Cockerell & Robinson (Diaspididae: Hemiptera), phantasma scale, is an economically important pest of nursery plants, particularly of ornamental palms and can be transported to new localities by movement of live nursery stocks. The first U.S. continental record was collected on Phoenix canariensis Hort, Canary Island date palm, in 2018 from Miami-Dade County, Florida, where it was abundant and causing damage to fronds in ornamental palms. Its preference for palms may be of concern in Florida where palms are important components of natural and ornamental environments. The presence of all life stages and dense populations of phantasma scale on palm trees in Miami-Dade County indicate the infestation had been there for an extended period. It is not surprising that the Florida infestation remained undetected, as the scale is identical in field appearance to other species in the genus Fiorinia that occur in Florida on similar or identical hosts. This article will help in detecting, identifying and managing its early infestations.

Technical Abstract: Fiorinia phantasma Cockerell & Robinson, is an invasive, polyphagous pest recently found causing frond losses in ornamental palms in Miami-Dade County and in nurseries in Palm Beach County, Florida, U.S. In this article, we document the discovery of this pest, its associated damage, closely related species, potential host plant species, a field guide, basic diagnostics, field dispersal, and available management options. Fiorinia phantasma is a pest of concern for ornamental plants demanding quick development of its management in Florida and preventative measures for other states in the U.S. This article will help in detecting, identifying and managing its early infestations.