Thrips parvispinus (Karny) is an exotic pest that has invaded many regions around the world in the last three decades. It was first detected in Florida in 2020 on ornamental plants (Hoya and Anthurium) in greenhouses and subsequently on ornamental plants in residential landscapes (Gardenia) in 2021. However, its first report on open vegetable field crops (Capsicum) in Florida was in 2022. We conducted field surveys and genetic analysis to answer three questions: (1) Is the population of T. parvispinus that invaded Florida the same as the one that has spread globally in the last few decades? (2) Is the host expansion to Capsicum in Florida a new population or the extension of the existing population reported on ornamental plants? and (3) What are the native and invaded distribution ranges of T. parvispinus? We analysed the genetic variation in the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) to address these questions. The global genetic diversity analysis of T. parvispinus revealed 18 haplotypes (populations) worldwide based on available data, but only one population (Hap1) invaded three continents: Africa, Europe, and North America. Based on available data, the highest haplotype diversity was observed in India, suggesting India may be part of the presumed native range (South and Southeast Asian countries) of T. parvispinus. Our survey of retail plant stores across 10 Florida counties indicated that plant trade is the source of T. parvispinus in open vegetable field crops and ornamental landscape plants. The outcome of this study will assist with regulatory and management decisions of T. parvispinus in Florida and elsewhere.

Aleurothrixus (formerly known as Aleurotrachelus) trachoides Back (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), commonly known as pepper or solanum whitefly, is a new emerging whitefly pest of several horticultural crops in the United States. During the preliminary survey for pepper whitefly infestation in Florida, a whitefly-specific predatory beetle Delphastus catalinae Horn (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was observed associated with this pest in the natural ecosystem. The current study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of this naturally occurring predator, D. catalinae, and an entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps (formerly known as Isaria) fumosorosea (Cfr) (Wize) (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), alone or in combination, under controlled laboratory conditions. Whitefly mortality for Cfr (88%), beetle (100%) and Cfr + beetle (100%) treatments were similar and significantly higher compared to control. In the combination treatment, Cfr did not impact D. catalinae longevity and daily food intake, indicating a neutral interaction between the two treatments. Results showed that both of these natural biological control agents could potentially offer an effective alternative in the battle against invasive whiteflies such as pepper whitefly in U.S. horticulture production, either as a stand-alone strategy or in an integrated approach. Although these findings are promising, compatibility of the two treatments needs to be evaluated further under greenhouse and semi-field conditions before recommending to commercial growers.

The early establishment of a biocontrol agent in the production system, whether in the greenhouse, nursery, or field, is essential for the success of the biological control program, ensuring growers’ profitability. In an effort to develop a sustainable pest management solution for vegetable growers in Florida, we explored the application of a preemptive biological control strategy, “Predator-In-First” (PIF), in regulating multiple pepper pests, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, and Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks under greenhouse and field conditions during different growing seasons. In these studies, two bell pepper cultivars (7039 and 7141) and the phytoseiid mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias–Henriot were used as a model system. Pepper seedlings (~8 week) of each cultivar were infested with varying rates of A. swirskii (20 or 40 mites/plant or one sachet/10 plant) and allowed to settle on plant hosts for a week before planting in pots or field beds. Results showed a comparative consistent performance of the treatment with the high rate of phytoseiids (40 mites/plant) in regulating B. tabaci and F. occidentalis populations in greenhouse studies, and B. tabaci and P. latus pests under field conditions. During two fall field seasons, higher marketable yields of 12.8% and 20.1% in cultivar 7039, and 24.3% and 39.5% in cultivar 7141 were observed in the treatment with the high rate of phytoseiids compared to the untreated control, indicating yield benefits of the approach. The outcome of the study is encouraging and demonstrates that PIF can be an important tool for organic vegetable growers and a potential alternative to chemical-based conventional pest management strategies. The advantages and limitations of the PIF approach in Florida pepper production are discussed.

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, USA. 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 United States. This article will help in detecting, identifying, and managing its early infestations.