Pest Alert

Decline of Indian Hawthorn in Landscape Beds

Tue, 11 May 2010 14:00:00 GMT

One of the most common plants found in our landscapes are Indian Hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica). These evergreen low growing shrubs are used extensively in groupings or as border plants. Listed as drought tolerant by most regulatory agencies, their use has intensified by designers needing to meet landscape codes requiring a certain percentage of plants be drought tolerant. Like many other new plant varieties introduced from other parts of the country, Indian Hawthorn has several major problems when planted in Florida's wet humid climate. They are highly susceptible to fungal leaf spot diseases, root rot diseases and nematodes resulting in a shortened useful lifespan of only 5-10 years.

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Cold Damaged Palms

Tue, 11 May 2010 13:07:00 GMT

The cold temperatures this past winter severely damaged many palm species growing in our area. The species showing the most damage were Coconut, Areca, Adonidia (Christmas palms) and Foxtails. The damage varied from location to location, but here is what to expect going forward.

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COOPER FUNGICIDE TREATMENT FOR FREEZE DAMAGED PALMS

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:34:00 GMT

We have been receiving calls regarding the practice of applying copper fungicide to freeze damaged palms. I have discussed this with Dr. Monica Elliott, the palm disease expert at the University of Florida. Here is what we know and our recommendations.More...

POST FREEZE RECOMMENDATIONS

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:14:00 GMT

Freeze Damaged Landscape Plants:

The affects of this months historic cold weather period on our landscapes is becoming more evident every day. Some affects are seen immediately and others will keep showing up for the next several weeks to months The severity varies greatly from location to location, even among neighbors, the damage can vary. Cold air will follow paths and settle in areas within the same property. Damage can be severe on one side of a house and not as bad on another. Plants under the canopies of trees may not show damage like those in the open. Basically if you are seeing any change in your plant material, it is probably due to the cold weather.
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BROWN PATCH INFORMATION

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:23:00 GMT

Brown Patch Disease in St. Augustine Grass

Q. What is Brown Patch?
A. Brown patch is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. It can infect all grasses grown in Florida. In our area, St. Augustine grass is the most affected species. This fungus is worldwide infecting a wide range both ornamental plants and food crops.
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WINTER IRRIGATION INFORMATION

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:29:00 GMT

Proper Winter Irrigation

One of the most misunderstood aspects of landscape management for homeowners is irrigation management. Specifically, how often should you run your irrigation system. Below are a few basic facts and recommendations on how to properly irrigate during cooler months. These are simplified guidelines as proper water management combines the complex interactions of soil, water, and plant sciences. No two landscapes and irrigation systems are exactly alike. These recommendations apply to established lawns and landscapes.

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Pink Hibiscus Mealybug

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:49:00 GMT

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHM) is a serious pest of agricultural and vegetable crops, fruit trees and ornamental plants. It was first detected in south Florida in 2002 and has since spread throughout the state. Most hibiscus plants in our area have some damage from PHM.

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Fusarium Decline of Queen Palms

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:49:00 GMT

A new and fatal disease known as Queen Palm Decline has become established in our area. The disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum a well known wilt disease fungus that previously was not know to attack Queen and Washingtonia palms.

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Native Redbay Trees (more commonly called Bay Oaks) - Face Extinction

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:56:00 GMT

Our native Redbay trees (Persea borbonia) face possible extinction from a fungus being spread by a small exotic beetle called the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Xyleborus glabratus).

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