Category Archives: Hemiptera

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Boxwood Scale | Pinnaspis buxi (Bouche)

September 23, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Pinnaspis buxi (Bouché): Boxwood Scale

Hemiptera: Diaspididae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Pinnaspis buxi is frequently intercepted by CDFA. A pest rating proposal is required to support its permanent pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Pinnaspis buxi is a widespread, polyphagous armored scale insect that feeds on a wide variety of hosts. Known hosts include Apocynaceae: Nerium odorum^1,2; Aquifoliaceae: Ilex vomitoria^1,2; Araceae: Aglaonema philippinensis^1,2, Alocasia sp.^1,2, Anthurium magnificum^1,2, Anthurium crystallinum^1,2, Anthurium grandi^1,2, Anubias sp.^1,2, Colocasia esculenta^1,2, Epipremnum sp.^1,2, Homalomena philippinensis^1,2, Monstera deliciosa^1,2, Monstera sp.^1,2, Philodendron sp.^1,2, Philodendron pertusum^1,2, Pothos seemanii^1,2, Rhodospatha sp.^1,2, Scindapsus sp.^1,2, Scindapsus aureus^1,2, Spathiphyllum sp.^1,2; Arecaceae: Acrocomia sp.^1,2, Acrocomia media^1,2, Areca lutescens^1,2, Areca catechu^1,2, Areca sp.^1,2, Calamus sp.^1,2, Chamaerops sp.^1,2, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens^1,2, Cocos nucifera^1,2, Daemonorops lewisianus^1,2, Dictyosperma sp.^1,2, Dictyosperma album^1,2, Howeia forsteriana^1,2, Howeia belmoreana^1,2, Licuala grandis^1,2, Neodypsis^1,2, Phoenix sp.^1,2, Pinanga kuhlii^1,2, Raphia sp.^1,2, Rhapis sp.^1,2, Tachycarpus sp.^1,2, Thrinax excelsa^1,2, Trachycarpus sp.^1,2, Veitchia joannis^1,2; Asteraceae: Chrysanthemum morifolium^1,2; Bromeliaceae: Tillandsia sp.^1,2, Vriesea polonia^1,2; Burseraceae: Canarium commune^1,2; Buxaceae: Buxus sp.^1,2, Buxus sempervirens^1,2; Celastraceae: Siphonodon celastrineus^1,2; Cucurbitaceae: Momordica charantia^1,2, Momordica sp.^1,2; Cupressaceae: Cunninghamia sp.¹; Cyperaceae: Cyperus alternifolius^1,2; Ebenaceae: Diospyros sp.^1,2, Diospyros oleoides^1,2; Euphorbiaceae: Aleurites montana^1,2, Hevea brasiliensis^1,2; Fabaceae: Cassia fistula^1,2, Hardwickia binata^1,2, Inocarpus fagifer^1,2, Kentia sp.^1,2, Phaseolus vulgaris^1,2, Tamarindus indica^1,2; Heliconiaceae: Heliconia bihai^1,2, Heliconia sp.^1,2; Iridaceae: Dietes bicolor², Moraea bicolor¹; Juncaceae: Prinonium sp.^1,2; Lecythidaceae: Barringtonia edulis^1,2; Liliaceae: Aloe sp.^1,2, Cordyline terminalis^1,2, Cordyline fruticosa^1,2, Dracaena sp.^1,2; Lythraceae: Punica granatum¹; Magnoliaceae: Magnolia glandiflora^1,2, Michelia chambaka^1,2; Malvaceae: Gossypium barbadense^1,2, Hibiscus arnottianus^1,2, Hibiscus sp.^1,2, Sida sp.², Theobroma cacao¹; Marantaceae: Maranta sp.^1,2; Meliaceae: Dysoxylum sp.², Sandoricum sp.^1,2, Trichilia sp.^1,2; Moraceae: Artocarpus integrifolia^1,2, Artocarpus heterophyllus^1,2, Ficus glomerata^1,2; Musaceae: Musa sp.^1,2; Ochnaceae: Schuurmansia sp.^1,2; Oleaceae: Olea cuspidata^1,2, Olea sp.^1,2; Orchidaceae: Dendrobium sp.^1,2, Epidendrum sp.^1,2; Pandanaceae: Pandanus sp.^1,2, Pandanus conideus^1,2, Pandanus hornei^1,2, Pandanus odoratissimus^1,2, Pandanus seychellarum^1,2, Pandanus upoluensis^1,2, Pandanus utilis^1,2; Pinaceae: Pinus sp.^1,2; Piperaceae: Piper sp.^1,2; Polypodiaceae: Asplenium sp.^1,2; Proteaceae: Helicia sp.^1,2; Pteridaceae: Adiantum aethiopicum^1,2; Rubiaceae: Coprosma laevigata^1,2, Morinda citrifolia^1,2; Rutaceae: Citrus sp.^1,2; Smilacaceae: Smilax sp.^1,2; Solanaceae: Lycopersicon esculentum^1,2; Strelitziaceae: Strelitzia sp.^1,2, Strelitzia reginae^1,2; Thymelaeaceae: Daphne oleoides²; Ulmaceae: Celtis philippinensis^1,2; Verbenaceae: Lantana commersoni^1,2. The scale can spread long distances when infested plants or plant products are moved in commerce.

Worldwide Distribution: Pinnaspis buxi is widespread in Afrotropical, Australasian, Nearctic, Neotropical, Oriental, and Palearctic regions². In the United States it can be found in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico & Vieques Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Hawaiian Islands².

Official Control: Pinnaspis buxi is listed as a quarantine pest by Costa Rica, Japan, New Zealand, and Seychelles.

California Distribution: Pinnaspis buxi has never been found in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: Pinnaspis buxi is commonly intercepted. Between January 1, 2000 and December 4, 2014 the scale was intercepted 857 times. Interceptions were typically on plants or plant material imported from Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Florida.

The risk Pinnaspis buxi (boxwood scale) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Pinnaspis buxi is highly polyphagous and feeds on a wide variety of plants, many of which are grown in California. The scale is likely able to establish wherever host plants are grown. Boxwood scale receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California, or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Pinnaspis buxi feeds on a wide variety of plants in at least 44 families. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Scale insects have high reproductive rates. They may spread long distances when host plants are moved. Furthermore, they may spread by wind or by hitchhiking on clothing, animals, or equipment. Pinnaspis buxi receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Despite the worldwide distribution and polyphagous nature of Pinnaspis buxi it does not appear to be documented as causing economic damage. Nevertheless, it is listed as a quarantine pest by several nations so it has the potential to trigger a loss of markets. Furthermore, it may increase production costs in citrus and in nursery industries as growers may treat to ensure fruit or plant cleanliness. Pinnaspis buxi receives a Medium(2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Pinnaspis buxi is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It is not expected to directly affect threatened or endangered species or disrupt critical habitats. The scale may trigger additional chemical treatment programs by the citrus and nursery industries and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. It is not expected to significantly impact cultural practices, home/urban gardening, or ornamental plantings. Boxwood scale receives a Medium(2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Pinnaspis buxi (Boxwood Scale): High(13)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Pinnaspis buxi has never been found in California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High(13)

Uncertainty:

Pinnaspis buxi is commonly intercepted. It is likely that the scale has entered California many other times and escaped detection. There have been no formal surveys for this scale in the state. It is therefore possible that it could be present in some locations in California.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Pinnaspis buxi is a polyphagous scale that may has never been found in the environment of California. If it were to enter the state, it could be expected to have economic impacts in the nursery and citrus industries. It may also have environmental impacts by triggering new chemical treatments. An “A”-rating is justified.

References:

¹Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet.

http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Pinnaspis%20buxi/

²SEL Catalog query results: http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/diaspidi/Pinnaspisbuxi.htm

³ USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Mango Shield Scale | Milviscutulus mangiferae (Green)

September 23, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Milviscutulus mangiferae (Green): Mango Shield Scale

Hemiptera: Coccidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Since 1991 Milviscutulus mangiferae has been regularly intercepted by CDFA’s border stations and dog teams. This scale insect presently has a temporary rating of “Q”. A pest rating proposal is needed to establish a permanent pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Milviscutulus mangiferae is a highly polyphagous scale insect that feeds on a wide variety of plants. Known hosts include: Anacardiaceae: Campnosperma brevipetiolata¹, Gluta turtur¹, mango (Mangifera indica¹, Mangifera sp.¹); Annonaceae: susung-kalabaw (Uvaria rufa¹); Apocynaceae: Adenium sp.², Alstonia spectabilis¹, Alyxia sp.², Plumeria sp.¹, yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana¹); Araceae: elephant ear (Caladium sp.¹), Colocasia sp.², Diffenbachia sp.², Epipremnum sp.¹; Araliaceae: Meryta macrophylla¹, Schefflera sp.¹; Arecaceae: Chamaedorea sp.², coconut (Cocos nucifera¹), fruit salad plant (Monstera deliciosa¹); Asparagaceae: ti (Cordyline terminalis¹), Cordyline fruticosa¹; Dracaena sp.²; Asteraceae: Wedelia biflora¹; Bignoniaceae: Spathodea sp.²; Bixaceae: achiote (Bixa orellana¹); Boraginaceae: Cordia myxa¹; Bromeliaceae: pineapple (Ananas sp.¹); Caricaceae: papaya (Carica papaya¹); Combretaceae: Terminalia complanata¹, Terminalia brassii¹, tropical almond (Terminalia catappa¹); Convolvulaceae: woodrose (Merremia sp.¹); Elaeocarpaceae: Elaeocarpus sp.¹; Euphorbiaceae: Breynia cernua¹, croton (Codiaeum variegatum¹); Pimelodendron amboinicum¹; Fabaceae: Gliricidia sp.¹; Flagellariaceae: Flagellaria sp.¹; Gnetaceae: paddy oats (Gnetum gnemon¹); Lauraceae: cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.¹); Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia¹), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanica¹), Laurus sp.², Litsea zeylanica¹, avocado (Persea americana¹); Malpighiaceae: wild crapemyrtle (Malpighia glabra¹); Malvaceae: Hibiscus sp.¹; Meliaceae: Lansium sp.²; Moraceae: jackfruit (Artocarpus integrifolia¹), Artocarpus sp.¹, breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis¹), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus¹), Artocarpus integra¹, Hauli tree (Ficus septica¹), Ficus sp.¹; Ficus gibbosa¹, Ficus glandulifera¹, Ficus theophrastoides¹, dye fig (Ficus tinctoria¹), lechechiva (Pseudolmedia havanensis¹); Musaceae: banana (Musa sp.²); Myristicaceae: Gymnacranthera sp.¹, nutmeg (Myristica moschata¹); Myrtaceae: Callistemon sp.², Decaspermum sp.¹, lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora¹), rainbow eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta¹), malay apple (Eugenia malaccensis¹), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata¹), rotra (Eugenia jambolona¹), jambos (Eugenia jambos¹), Eugenia parkeri¹, Eugenia sp.¹, rose apple (Eugenia aquea¹), white stopper (Eugenia axillaris¹), Jambosa sp.¹, myrtle (Myrtus sp.²), common guava (Psidium guajava¹), costa rican guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum¹), rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa¹); Oleaceae: Jasminum trifoliatum¹; Opiliaceae: false olive (Champereia manillana¹); Orchidaceae: alien orchid (Dendrobium spectabile¹), vanilla (Vanilla sp.¹); Phyllanthaceae: bishop wood (Bischofia javanica¹); Pittosporaceae: Pittosporum sp.²; Primulaceae: Parathesis cubana¹, Rapanea quianensis¹; Rhizophoraceae: Gynotroches axilaris¹, Rhizophora apiculata¹, red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata¹); Rosaceae: Rosa sp.²; Rubiaceae: Bouvardia sp.², Gardenia florida¹, jungle geranium (Ixora coccinea¹), noni (Morinda citrifolia¹), Platanocephalus chinensis¹, Platanocephalus morindaefolius¹, Psychotria elyptica¹, Psychotria rubra¹, Timonius sp.¹; Rutaceae: lemon (Citrus limon¹), orange (Citrus sinensis¹); Sapindaceae: ackee (Blighia sapida¹), Dimocarpus sp.², Guioa sp.¹; Sapotaceae: Palaquium formosanum¹, Pometia pinnata¹; Solanaceae: Cuban raintree (Brunfelsia nitida¹); Strelitziaceae: Strelitzia sp.¹; Verbenaceae: Vitex pubescens¹; Zingiberaceae: ginger (Zingiber sp.). Milviscutulus mangiferae may spread long distances on infested plants and plant material from this extensive host list.

Worldwide Distribution: Milviscutulus mangiferae is widespread in the Australasian, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Neotropical regions¹. It has also been found in Israel¹, Japan¹, and Hawaii¹. In North America the scale has been found in Mexico, Florida, and Texas¹.

Official Control: Milviscutulus mangiferae is considered a quarantine pest by Japan and the Republic of Korea³.

California Distribution: Milviscutulus mangiferae has never been found in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: Milviscutulus mangiferae has been regularly intercepted by CDFA since 1991, most commonly on shipments of mango (Mangifera indica) and ti leaves (Cordyline terminalis) from Florida and Hawaii. The scale insect was found on Schefflera sp. plants at a nursery in Oxnard (Ventura County) in 2003 (PDR 1266877). It was found on mango and cherimoya plants at a nursery in Bonita (San Diego County) in October 2013 (PDRs 370P06143908, 370P06143909, 370P06144251, 370P06144252, 370P06144253) and again May 2014 (PDRs 370P06228020, 370P06228022).

The risk Milviscutulus mangiferae (mango shield scale) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: The distribution of Milviscutulus mangiferae is primarily tropical. However, it is found in at least one nation with a Mediterranean climate similar to that of California (Israel¹). Host plants are commonly grown in the warmer parts of California and the scale insect is likely to establish in these areas. Milviscutulus mangiferae receives a Medium(2) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Milviscutulus mangiferae feeds on a wide variety of plants in at least 44 plant families. It receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Milviscutulus mangiferae has a high reproductive rate and three generations per year¹. Scales may be moved long distances in commerce of infested plants or plant parts and may be dispersed locally by wind or by hitchhiking on clothing, animals, or equipment. Milviscutulus mangiferae receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Milviscutulus mangiferae can damage fruit by contaminating it with honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold⁴. Heavy infestations may reduce plant vigor and leaf size, causing yellowing of leaves, leaf drop, and dieback⁴. This damage could reduce fruit yields. The presence of this scale may increase production costs in orchards and nurseries as some growers are likely to treat. The scale insect also has the potential to disrupt markets by disfiguring citrus and avocado fruit as well as nursery stock. Milviscutulus mangiferae receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Milviscutulus mangiferae is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It may feed on the endangered small-leave rose (Rosa minutifolia). The scale is not expected to disrupt critical habitats. It may trigger additional private treatment programs by fruit production and nursery industries and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. Milviscutulus mangiferae feeds on a wide variety of plants that are grown as ornamentals and, in the absence of its natural enemies, may have a significant impact on them. The scale receives a High(3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Milviscutulus mangiferae (mango shield scale): High(14)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Milviscutulus mangiferae has never been detected in the environment of California and receives a Not established(0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High(14)

Uncertainty:

It is possible that this insect will be managed by existing management practices in fruit production and nursery industries.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Milviscutulus mangiferae has not been found in the environment of California. Its entry into the environment of the state may have significant economic and environmental impacts. An “A” rating is justified.

References:

¹Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet.

http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Milviscutulus%20mangiferae/

²SEL Catalog.

http://idtools.org/id/scales/factsheet.php?name=6894

³USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

⁴Grimshaw, Judy F. and John F. Donaldson. 2007. New records of mango shield scale Milviscutulus mangiferae (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and Brevennia rehi (Lindinger) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in north Queensland. Australian Journal of Entomology 46: 96-98. http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/fiji/pdf/grimshaw-donaldson2007.pdf

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Lesser Snow Scale | Pinnaspis strachani (Cooley)

September 23, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Pinnaspis strachani (Cooley): Lesser Snow Scale

Hemiptera: Diaspididae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Pinnaspis strachani is frequently intercepted by CDFA. A pest rating proposal is required to support the permanent pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Pinnaspis strachani is a highly polyphagous armored scale insect that feeds on a wide variety of plants. Known hosts include: Acanthaceae: Justicia sp.¹, Thunbergia grandiflora¹; Amaryllidaceae: Agave fourcroytes¹, Crinum sp.¹, Crinum asiaticum¹, Eucharis sp.¹, Polianthes tuberosa¹; Anacardiaceae: Anacardium occidentale¹, Mangifera sp.¹, Mangifera odorata¹, Mangifera indica¹; Annonaceae: Annona muricata¹, Annona squamosa¹, Annona sp.¹, Annona reticulata¹, Cananga odorata¹, Polyalthia longifolia¹, Uvaria sp.¹; Apocynaceae: Calotropis procera¹, Nerium sp.¹, Pachypodium sp.¹, Parsonsia sp.¹, Plumeria sp.¹, Plumeria alba¹, Plumeria rubra¹, Plumeria tuberculata¹, Vallesia glabra¹; Araceae: Colocasia esculenta¹, Rhaphidophora sp.¹; Araliaceae: Arailia sp.¹, Schefflera sp.¹, Arecaceae: Acanthophoenix sp.¹, Attalea gomphocarpa¹, Chamaerops , Chrysalidocarpus sp.¹, Cocos nucifera¹, Cocos sp.¹, Elaeis guineensis¹, Heterospathe sp.¹, Howea sp.¹, Kentia sp.¹, Latania sp.¹, Licuala sp.¹, Livistona sp.¹, Phoenix dactylifera¹, Rhapis sp.¹, Roystonea regia¹, Sabal sp.¹, Thrinax sp.¹, Trachycarpus sp.¹, Veitchia joannis¹, Verschaffeltia¹; Asparagaceae: Agave sisalana¹, Agave americana¹, Cordyline sp.¹, Dracaena sp.¹, Furcraea gigantea¹, Liriope sp.¹, Yucca sp.¹; Asteraceae: Chrysanthemum indicum¹, Fitchia sp.¹, Psiadia sp.¹, Scalesia incisa¹, Scalesia affinis¹; Boraginaceae: Coldenia fusca¹, Cordia lutea¹, Cordia alba¹, Cordia macrostachya¹, Heliotropium arborescens¹, Messerschmidia argentea¹, Tournefortia sp.¹, Tournefortia argentea¹; Brassicaceae: Thelypodium sp.¹, Bromeliaceae: Ananas comosus¹, Bromelia sp.¹; Cannaceae: Canna indica¹; Combretaceae: Conocarpus erecta¹, Terminalia sp.¹, Terminalia catappa¹, Terminalia calamansanay¹, Terminalia complanata¹; Convolvulaceae: Ipomoea batatas¹, Ipomoea grandiflora¹; Crassulaceae: Bryophyllum pinnata¹; Cucurbitaceae: Benincasa cerifera¹, Cucurbita sp.¹, Cucurbita maxima¹, Cucurbita pepo¹, Sechium sp.¹, Sechium edulis¹, Trichosanthes sp.¹; Cycadaceae: Cycas sp.¹, Cycas revoluta¹, Dioon edule¹, Zamia sp.¹; Dioscoreaceae: Dioscorea alata¹, Dioscorea bulbifera¹, Dioscorea sp.¹, Ebenaceae: Diospyros chloroxylon¹, Diospyros kaki¹; Elaeocarpaceae: Muntingia calabura¹; Euphorbiaceae: Acalypha wilkesiana¹, Aleurites moluccana¹, Chamaesyce amplexicaulis¹, Croton lucidus¹, Croton sp.¹, Euphorbiaceae heterophylla¹, Euphorbiaceae sp.¹, Euphorbiaceae nivulia¹, Euphorbiaceae pulcherrima¹, Excoecaria agallocha¹, Hevea brasiliensis¹, Hippomane mancinella¹, Jatropha curcas¹, Manihot sp.¹, Manihot esculenta¹, Pedilanthus sp.¹, Ricinus communis¹; Fabaceae: Acacia melanoxylon¹, Albizia stipulata¹, Albizia sp.¹, Bahuinia variegata¹, Bauhinia sp.¹, Bauhinia pauletia¹, Bauhinia purpurea¹, Bauhinia sp.¹, Caesalpinia sp.¹, Caesalpinia pulcherrima¹, Caesalpinia crista¹, Cajanus indicus¹, Cajanus sp.¹, Cajanus cajan¹, Canavalia microcarpa¹, Cassia alata¹, Cassia tora¹, Cassia occidentalis¹, Crotalaria usaramoensis¹, Crotalaria hirsuta¹, Crotalaria sp.¹, Delonix regia¹, Desmodium lasiocarpum¹, Enterolobium cyclocarpum¹, Erythrina subumbrans¹, Erythrina sp.¹, Erythrina poeppigiana¹, Erythrina lithosperma¹, Erythrina indica¹, Erythrina glauca¹, Galactia striata¹, Inocarpus fagiferus¹, Intsia bijuga¹, Lablab purpureus¹, Leucaena leucocephala¹, Lonchocarpus pentaphyllus¹, Macroptilium lathyroides¹, Mimosa pigra¹, Mimosa pudica¹, Phaseolus vulgaris¹, Pithecolobium saman¹, Prosopis sp.¹, Pueraria thunbergiana¹, Samanea saman¹, Sophora tomentosa¹, Wistaria sp.¹; Geraniaceae: Geranium sp.¹, Pelargonium radula¹, Pelargonium zonale¹; Gesneriaceae: Saintpaulia sp.¹; Heliconiaceae: Heliconia sp.¹; Hernandiaceae: Hernandia ovigera¹, Hernandia peltata¹; Lamiaceae: Ocimum gratissimum¹; Lauraceae: Cassytha filiformis¹, Cinnamomum camphora¹, Persea americana¹; Lecythidaceae: Barringtonia sp.¹, Barringtonia asiatica¹, Barringtonia thurstonii¹, Barringtonia butonica¹; Liliaceae: Aloe sp.¹, Asparagus officinalis¹, Asparagus sprengeri¹, Asparagus plumosus¹, Cordyline terminalis¹, Ophiopogon japonicus¹, Ophiopogon intermedius¹, Rhipogonum scandens¹, Sansevieria metallica¹, Sansevieria sp.¹, Yucca gloriosa¹; Lythraceae: Lagerstroemia indica¹, Punica granatum¹; Magnoliaceae: Magnolia grandiflora¹; Malvaceae: Abutilon hybridum¹, Abutilon sp.¹, Althaea officinalis¹, Bastardia vicosa¹, Ceiba sp.¹, Ceiba pentrandra¹, Dombeya sp.¹, Gossypium sp.¹, Gossypium hirsutum¹, Gossypium barbadense¹, Gossypium arboreum¹, Guazuma ulmifolia¹, Hibiscus sp.¹, Hibiscus syriacus¹, Hibiscus tiliaceus¹, Hibiscus sabdariffa¹, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis¹, Hibiscus mutabilis¹, Hibiscus manihot¹, Hibiscus esculentus¹, Malvastrum americanum¹, Malvaviscus arboreus¹, Ochroma sp.¹, Pachira insignis¹, Sida sp.¹, Sida acuta¹, Sterculia sp.¹, Thespesia sp.¹, Thespesia propulnea¹, Triumfetta semitriloba¹, Urena lobata¹, Vitis vinifera¹, Waltheria ovata¹; Marantaceae: Calathea zebrina¹, Maranta sp.¹; Meliaceae: Cedrela salvadorensis¹, Melia azedarach¹; Menispermaceae: Cissampelos pareira¹; Moraceae: Artocarpus heterophyllus¹, Artocarpus altilis¹, Ficus carica¹, Ficus palmata¹, Morus nigra¹; Moringaceae: Moringa oleifera¹; Musaceae: Musa sp.¹, Musa sapientum¹; Myrtaceae: Eucalyptus grandis¹; Nyctaginaceae: Bougainvillea sp.¹, Cryptocarpus pyriformis¹; Ochnaceae: Lophira alata¹; Olacaceae: Schoepfia sp.¹, Oleaceae: Jasminum grandifolium¹, Jasminum sambac¹; Orchidaceae: Aerides¹, Cymbidium sp.¹, Cypripedium sp.¹, Dendrobium sp.¹, Odontoglossum sp.¹, Orchis sp.¹, Paphiopedilum insigne¹, Phalaenopsis sp.¹, Renanthera sp.¹, Rhynchostylis sp.¹, Trichoglottis sp.¹; Pandanaceae: Pandanus sp.¹, Pandanus odoratissimus¹; Passifloraceae: Passiflora edulis¹; Piperaceae: Piper nigrum¹; Poaceae: Cenchrus ciliaris¹, Cenchrus glauca¹, Cymbopogon sp.¹, Cynodon dactylon¹, Panicum sp.¹; Polygonaceae: Antigonon sp.¹, Antigonon leptopus¹, Coccoloba sp.¹, Polygala sancti-georgii¹, Polygala galapageia¹, Polygala andersonnii¹, Polygonum glabrum¹; Polypodiaceae: Niphobolus fissus¹; Portulacaceae: Portulaca sp.¹, Proteaceae: Grevillea heliosperma¹, Grevillea robusta¹, Persoonia sp.¹; Pteridaceae: Asplenium nidus¹; Pteridophyta: Neottopteris rigida¹, Nephrolepis davalliodes¹, Platycerium grande¹; Rhamnaceae: Colubrina arborences¹, Scutia pauciflora¹, Ziziphus sp.¹, Ziziphus jujuba¹; Rhizophoraceae: Bruguiera gymnorhiza¹, Rhizophora mangle¹; Rosaceae: Prunus sp.¹, Prunus persica¹, Pyrus sp.¹; Rubiaceae: Genipa sp.¹, Morinda royoc¹, Morinda citrifolia¹, Randia sp.¹; Rutaceae: Aegle marmelos¹, Atlantia citrioides¹, Balsamocitrus paniculata¹, Balsamocitrus chevaliere¹, Balsamocitrus dawei¹, Casimiroa sp.¹, Citrus aurantifolia¹, Citrus unshiu¹, Citrus sp.¹, Citrus sinensis¹, Citrus paradisi¹, Citrus maxima¹, Citrus macrophylla¹, Citrus limon¹, Citrus grandis¹, Citrus aurantium¹, Feronia limonia¹, Feroniella pentaphylla¹, Limonia glutinosa¹, Limonia acidissima¹, Micromelum minutum¹, Murraya exotica¹, Murraya paniculata¹, Murraya koenigii¹, Zanthoxylum sp.¹, Zanthoxylum martinicense¹; Salicaceae: Salix chilensis¹, Salix sp.¹, Salix babylonica¹; Santalaceae: Viscum sp.¹; Sapindaceae: Dodonaea viscosa¹, Litchi chinensis¹, Melicoccus sp.¹, Melicoccus bijugatus¹, Sapindus sp.¹; Sapotaceae: Pouteria obavata¹; Solanaceae: Capsicum annuum¹, Capsicum sp.¹, Capsicum frutescens¹, Cestrum diurnum¹, Datura metel¹, Lycopersicon esculentum¹, Solanum seaforthianum¹, Solanum wendlandii¹, Solanum torvum¹, Solanum sp.¹, Solanum erianthum¹, Solanum melongena¹; Strelitziaceae: Ravenala madagascariensis¹, Strelitzia sp.¹; Symplocaceae: Symplocos sp.¹; Ulmaceae: Trema guineensis¹, Trema micranthum¹; Urticaceae: Laportea sp.¹, Soleirolia sp.¹; Verbenaceae: Clerodendron thomsonae¹, Gmelina arborea¹, Lantana involucrata¹, Stachytarpheta sp.¹; Vitaceae: Cissus sp.¹, Vitis sp.¹; Zingiberaceae: Alpinia purpurata¹, Zingiber officinale¹; and Manoranjitham sp.¹. Pinnaspis strachani may be spread long distances in the commerce of infested plants or plant parts.

Worldwide Distribution: Pinnaspis strachani is widespread in Australasian, Oceanic, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Neotropical regions¹. In North America it has been reported in Mexico, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas¹. It is also present in Hawaii.

Official Control: Pinnaspis strachani is listed as a quarantine pest by Honduras, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan³.

California Distribution: Pinnaspis strachani has never been found in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: Pinnaspis strachani was intercepted 1,401 times by California between January 1, 2000 and December 12, 2014. Interceptions are most common on plants and fruit from Hawaii, Florida, and Costa Rica.

The risk Pinnaspis strachani (lesser snow scale) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Host plants are commonly grown as crops and ornamentals in California and Pinnaspis strachani is likely to establish wherever they grow. The scale receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California, or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Pinnaspis strachani is highly polyphagous. It is known to feed on hundreds of species of plants in at least 74 families. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Scale insects have high reproductive rates and may disperse long distances when infested plants or plant parts are moved. They may also be spread by wind or by hitchhiking on plants, animals, or equipment. Pinnaspis strachani receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Pinnaspis strachani is documented as a pest of many crops including citrus, olives, and cotton¹. Known hosts also include grapes, Prunus and avocado. The scale may lower yields in these crops and increase production costs by triggering new management programs. Pinnaspis strachani is also listed as a quarantine pest by several of California’s trading partners and therefore has the potential to trigger a loss of markets. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Pinnaspis strachani is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. The scale may directly affect threatened or endangered species including Thelypodium stenopetalum (slender-petaled thelypodium), Chamaesyce hooveri (Hoover’s spurge), Croton wigginsii (Wiggins’ croton), and Polygonum hickmanii (Scott’s valley polygonum). The scale is not expected to disrupt critical habitats. Pinnaspis strachani may trigger new chemical treatments in agriculture and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. The scale may also significantly impact a wide variety of ornamental plantings and home/urban gardens. Lesser snow scale receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Pinnaspis strachani (lesser snow scale): High (15)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Pinnaspis strachani has never been detected in the environment of California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High(15)

Uncertainty:

Pinnaspis strachani is commonly intercepted and presumably has remained undetected on other consignments. It may already be present in some localities in California or may have failed to establish.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Pinnaspis strachani (lesser snow scale) has never been found in the environment of California and can be expected to have significant economic and environmental impacts if it were to establish here. An “A”-rating is justified.

References:

¹Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet.

http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Pinnaspis%20strachani/

²SEL Catalog query results: http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/diaspidi/Pinnaspisstrachani.htm

³ USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

White Peach Scale | Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni)

September 23, 2016 Jason Leathers

White Peach Scale | Psuedaulacaspis pentagona

California Pest Rating for

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni): White Peach Scale

Hemiptera: Diaspididae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is frequently intercepted by CDFA. A pest rating proposal is required to justify its pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is a highly polyphagous armored scale insect. It is considered an important economic pest of peach trees and woody ornamentals and has destroyed many peach orchards in the southeast USA¹. Known hosts include: Acanthaceae: Acanthus sp.², Asystasia², Crossandra sp.²; Actinidiaceae: Actinidia arguta², Actinidia polygama², Actinidia sp.²; Amaranthaceae: Gomphrena sp.², Salicornia fruticosa²; Anacardiaceae: Mangifera sp.², Mangifera indica², Rhus sp.², Schinus sp.², Spondias sp.²; Apocynaceae: Allamanda cathartica², Allamanda grandiflora², Allamanda sp.², Asclepius sp.², Calotropis procera², Calotropis², Catharanthus roseus², Cynanchym perrieri², Ervatamia orientalis², Marsdenia clausa², Nerium oleander², Nerium sp.², Plumeria alba², Plumeria rubra², Plumeria sp.², Plumeria acutifolia², Rhynchospermum verticulatum², Rhynchospermum sp.², Tylophora asthmatica², Vinca rosea²; Aquifoliaceae: Ilex sp.², Ilex opaca²; Araceae: Philodendron sp.², Symplocarpus²; Araliaceae: Arailia sp.², Aralia spinosa², Aralia elata², Hedera sp.², Kalopanax septemlobus²; Arecaceae: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens², Cocos nucifera², Phoenix²; Asteraceae: Arctium sp.², Bahia fastigata², Helianthus sp.², Helianthus annuus², Mikania²; Berberidaceae: Berberis², Mahonia sp.², Betulaceae: Osmanthus ilicifolius², Osmanthus asiaticus², Ostrya²; Bignoniaceae: Bignonia², Catalpa ovata², Catalpa syringifolia², Catalpa vulgaris², Catalpa yunnanensis², Catalpa sp.², Catalpa bignonioides², Catalpa bungei², Tecoma sp.², Boraginaceae: Ehretia ovalifolia², Ehretia acuminata², Heliotropium peruvianum², Messersmidia argentea², Tournefortia argentea², Brassicaceae: Brassica willdenovii², Brassica rapa², Iberis sp.²; Cannabaceae: Trema sp.²; Capparaceae: Cleome spinosa²; Caricaceae: Carica papaya², Carica sp.²; Caryophyllaceae: Dianthus sp.²; Casuarinaceae: Casuarina²; Celastraceae: Euonymus alata², Euonymus sp.², Euonymus europaea², Orixa japonica²; Clusiaceae: Calophyllum sp.², Hypericum sp.², Mammea americana²; Convolvulaceae: Argyreia speciosa², Argyreia nervosa², Ipomea batatas², Ipomea purpurea², Ipomea sp.², Ipomoea tiliacea², Cornaceae: Cornus sp.²; Crassulaceae: Bryophyllum calycinum², Bryophyllum pinnatum², Kalanchoe nadijae², Kalanchoe orgyalis², Kalanchoe pinnatum², Kalanchoe sp.², Sedum sp.²; Cucurbitaceae: Citrullus vulgaris², Cucurbita sp.²; Cycadaceae: Cycas revoluta², Cycas media², Cycas sp.², Zamia²; Ebenaceae: Diospyros sp.², Diospyros kaki², Diospyros virginiana²; Elaeagnaceae: Elaeagnus²; Euphorbiaceae: Aleurites², Codiaeum sp.², Croton sp.², Euphorbiaceae sp.², Hevea², Jatropha gossypifolia², Jatropha curcas², Jatropha integerrima², Jatropha sp.², Macaranga sp.², Mallotus japonicus², Manihot sp.², Manihot esculenta², Pedilanthus tithymaloides², Poinsettia², Ricinus communis², Ricinus sp.², Sapium sebiferum², Sebastiana ligustrina²; Fabaceae: Acacia sp.², Acacia arabica², Albizia stipulata², Bauhinia sp.², Cajanus cajan², Cassia alata², Cercis sp.², Cercis canadensis², Crotaleria juncea², Crotolaria sp.², Cytisus scoparius², Cytisus nigricans², Erythrina poeppigiana², Erythrina indica², Erythrina glauca², Erythrina sp.², Genista sp.², Gleditschia triacanthos², Gleditschia sp.², Gleditschia ferox², Glycine max², Kennedya², Lespedeza sp.², Ononis sp.², Phaseolus vulgaris², Pueraria sp.², Robinia pseudoacacia², Sarothamnus², Sophora japonica², Vigna sp.²; Fagaceae: Castanea sp.², Castanea crenata², Quercus acutissima²; Geraniaceae: Geranium sp.², Pelargonium zonale², Pelargonium inquinans², Pelargonium sp.²; Ginkgoaceae: Ginkgo²; Grossulariaceae: Ribes sp.²; Hydrangeaceae: Hydrangea sp.²; Juglandaceae: Juglans regia², Juglans mandshurica², Juglans sp.², Juglans nigra², Pterocarya stenoptera²; Lamiaceae: Callicarpa sp.², Nepeta sp.²; Lauraceae: Cinnamomum², Sassafras sp.²; Liliaceae: Draceana sp.²; Loganiaceae: Buddleia davidii², Gelsemium sp.²; Loranthaceae: Loranthus sp.²; Lythraceae: Lagerstroemia flos-reginae²; Magnoliaceae: Magnolia sp.²; Malvaceae: Althaea rosea², Althaea sp.², Dombeya sp.², Firmiana simplex², Firmiana plantanifolia², Gossypium sp.², Gossypium brasiliense², Guazuma ulmifolia², Hibiscus sp.², Hibiscus diversifolius², Hibiscus esculentum², Hibiscus manihot², Hibiscus mutabilis², Hibiscus rosa-sinensis², Hibiscus tiliaceus², Malachra sp.², Malvastrum tricuspidatum², Montezuma speciosissima², Sida², Sterculia plantifolia², Sterculia sp.², Theobroma sp.², Tilia miqueliana², Triumfetta bartramia², Urena sinuata², Urena lobata²; Meliaceae: Cedrela sp.², Cedrela toona², Melia sp.², Melia azedarach²; Moraceae: Broussonetia sp.², Broussonetia kazinoki², Broussonetia papyrifera², Castilla sp.², Ficus sp.², Morus nigra², Morus rubra², Morus sp.², Morus alba², Morus indica², Morus bombycis²; Musaceae: Strelitzia²; Myrtaceae: Eugenia sp.², Psidium²; Oleaceae: Chionanthus virginicus², Fraxinus chinensis², Fraxinus excelsior², Fraxinus sp.², Jasminum sp.², Jasminum sp.², Ligustrum obtusifolium², Ligustrum japonicum², Ligustrum ibota², Ligustrum sp.², Osmanthus sp.², Syringa vulgaris², Syringa sp.²; Onagraceae: Fuchsia sp.²; Orchidaceae:, Ellaeanthus sp.², Stanhopea sp.²; Pandanaceae: Pandanus sp.²; Passifloraceae: Passiflora sp.², Passiflora edulis², Passiflora quadrangularis²; Piperaceae: Piper sp.², Piper umbellatum², Potomorphe umbellata²; Pittosporaceae: Pittosporum sp.²; Platanaceae: Phytolacca rivinoides², Platanocephalus indicus², Platanus²; Polygalaceae: Polygala²; Ranunculaceae: Clematis sp.², Delphinium sp.², Paeonia²; Rhamnaceae: Hovenia dulcis², Rhamnus alaternus², Rhamnus sp.², Rhamnus elaternum², Ziziphus sp.²; Rosaceae: Amygdalus communis², Amygdalus sp.², Amygdalus armeniaca², Amygdalus persica², Armeniaca², Cerasus², Cliffortia polygonifolia², Cotoneaster sp.², Cydonia sp.², Cydonia oblonga², Cydonia vulgaris², Kerria japonica², Malus pumila², Malus formosana², Malus sylvestris², Persica vulgaris², Photinia serrulata², Prunus sp.², Prunus mume², Prunus communis², Prunus domestica², Prunus laurocerasus², Prunus persica², Prunus yedoensis², Prunus subhirtella², Prunus sargentii², Prunus salicina², Prunus pseudocerasus², Prunus amygdaloides², Prunus armeniaca², Prunus avium², Prunus pognostyla², Prunus cerasus², Pyrus serotina², Rosa², Rubus², Sorbus commixta², Spiroea japonica², Stranvaesia niitakayamensis²; Rubiaceae: Bouvardia², Cinchona sp.², Galium sp.², Morinda citrifolia², Palicourea sp.²; Rutaceae: Citrus maxima², Citrus reticulata², Citrus sp.², Citrus aurantium², Evodia rutaecarpa², Zanthoxylum², Zanthoxylum piperitum²; Salicaceae: Flacourtia², Populus sp.², Populus sieboldi², Populus alba², Salix warburgii², Salix nigra², Salix kinuyanagi², Salix glandulosa², Salix chaenomeloides², Salix babylonica², Salix sp.²; Santalaceae: Phoradendron flavescens²; Sapindaceae: Acer², Aesculus pavia², Aesculus hippocastanum², Koelreuteria paniculata², Nephelium²; Sapotaceae: Sideroxilon marmulano²; Saxifragaceae: Deutzia scabra², Ribes rubrum², Ribes grossularia², Ribes sinanense²; Scrophulariaceae: Angelonia salicariaefolia², Buddleja sp.², Myoporum pictum², Paulownia tomentosa², Paulownia sp.², Scrophularia², Veronica²; Simaroubaceae: Ailanthus glandulosa², Picrasma quassioides²; Solanaceae: Capsicum grossum², Capsicum annum², Capsicum sp.², Datura suaveolens², Lycopersicon esculentum², Nicotiana tabacum², Solanum verbascifolium², Solanum rugosum², Solanum uporo², Solanum auriculatum², Solanum sp.²; Theaceae: Camellia sp.², Thea sinensis²; Ulmaceae: Aphananthe aspera², Celtis australis², Celtis sinensis², Trema lamarckiana², Trema micrantha², Ulmus campestris², Ulmus sp.², Zelkova serrata²; Urticaceae: Boehmeria sp.², Urtica dioica²; Verbenaceae: Callicaria superba², Callicarpa americana², Callicarpa lanata², Lantana sp.², Stachytarpheta indica², Stachytarpheta jamaicensis², Stachytarpheta dichotoma², Stachytarpheta mutabilis², Stachytarpheta sp.², Stachytarpheta urticifolia², Stachytarpheta urticaefolia², Verbena sp.², Verbena bonariensis²; Vitaceae: Quinaria², Vitis vinifera², Vitis sp.². White peach scale may be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved.

Worldwide Distribution: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is believed to be native to Japan or China but has spread throughout much of the world¹. It is established in the east from Texas to Florida and as far north as Maine¹. It was first found in Hawaii in 1997¹.

Official Control: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is listed as a harmful organism by Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Chile, French Polynesia, Georgia, Honduras, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam³_.

California Distribution: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona has never been found in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona has been intercepted by CDFA’s high risk programs, dog teams, and border stations 408 times. Many of these interceptions have been on papaya and kiwi fruits from Hawaii and kiwi fruits from Italy.

The risk Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (white peach scale) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Due to its highly polyphagous nature and current establishment in a range of climates from Hawaii to Canada white peach scale can be expected to establish a widespread distribution in California. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is known to feed on hundreds of species of plants belonging to at least 76 families. Known hosts include many economically important crops. White peach scale receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Female Pseudaulacaspis pentagona lay an average of 80-100 eggs and have 2-4 generations per year¹. Scale insects can be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved. They may also disperse locally by crawling, wind, or by hitchhiking on clothing, equipment, or animals. White peach scale receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: If Pseudaulacaspis pentagona were to enter California it would be expected to lower the yields of many crops, especially stone fruit. It is likely to increase crop production costs. Many of California’s trading partners list white peach scale as a harmful organism, indicating that trade disruptions would be likely. White peach scale receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It is likely to feed on multiple threatened or endangered plant species including Nevin’s barberry (Berberis nevinii), island barberry (Berberis pinnata insularis), and small-leaved rose (Rosa minutifolia). It is not expected to disrupt critical habitats. White peach scale would likely trigger additional official or private treatment programs in orchards, the nursery industry, and by residents who find infested plants unacceptable. It is also likely to significantly impact cultural practices, home/urban gardening, and a wide range of ornamental plantings. Pseudaulacaspis pentagona receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (White Peach Scale): High (15)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona has never been found in California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (15)

Uncertainty:

There have not been any recent surveys of California for white peach scale. It is possible it could be present at some localities.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona has never been found in California and is likely to have major economic and environmental impacts if it were to enter the state. An “A” rating is justified.

References:

¹Branscome, Deanna. 2012. Common name: white peach scale. University of Florida Featured Creatures. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/scales/white_peach_scale.htm

² Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet.

http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Pseudaulacaspis%20pentagona/

³ USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Bronze Bug | Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellapé

September 21, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellapé: Bronze Bug

Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae

Pest Rating: B

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

In the summer of 2016 residents of Los Angeles County began to observe infestations of an unusual bug and shared images online¹. The images were tentatively labeled as Thaumastocoris peregrinus, an insect not known to be found in North America. Staff from Los Angeles County collected official specimens in follow-up surveys. The diagnosis was confirmed on July 29 (PDR 190P06060169). A pest rating proposal is required to determine a permanent pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Thaumastocoris peregrinus is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on several dozen species of Eucalyptus and Corymbia¹. Infestations of the insect can lead to leaf loss, thinning tree canopies, and branch dieback¹. The bugs can be transported long distances when plants or fresh plant parts are moved.

Worldwide Distribution: Thaumastocoris peregrinus is thought to be native to Australia. From there it has spread to New Zealand², southern Africa², southern South America², Italy², Portugal², and Mexico⁴.

Official Control: Thaumastocoris peregrinus is listed as a harmful organism by Peru³.

California Distribution: Thaumastocoris peregrinus has only been found in Los Angeles County.

California Interceptions: Thaumastocoris peregrinus has never been found in any regulatory situations in California.

The risk Thaumastocoris peregrinus (bronze bug) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Eucalyptus trees are grown throughout much of California and Thaumastocoris peregrinus is likely to establish wherever they grow. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Thaumastocoris peregrinus feeds on several dozen species of plants in two genera in one plant family. It receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Thaumastocoris peregrinus has a high reproductive rate. Each female lays an average of 60 eggs and can mature from egg to adult in 20 days². The insects can spread locally by crawling, by wind, or by hitchhiking on animals, clothing, or equipment. They can also be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved. Bronze bug receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Thaumastocoris peregrinus is not expected to lower any crop yields in California. It may increase the production costs of Eucalyptus and Corymbia nursery stock. Its presence may also disrupt commerce in nursery stock. Bronze bug is not expected to change cultural practices, vector other organisms, injure animals, or interfere with water supplies. It receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Thaumastocoris peregrinus is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It is not expected to affect threatened or endangered species or disrupt critical habitats. Bronze bug might trigger additional chemical treatment of Eucalyptus and Corymbria in the nursery industry and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. Eucalyptus trees are common ornamental plants and are likely to be significantly affected by this pest. Thaumastocoris peregrinus receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Bronze Bug): Medium (12)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Thaumastocoris peregrinus is only known to be established in Los Angeles County. It receives a Low (-1) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (11)

Uncertainty:

There have not been any official surveys for Thaumastocoris peregrinus in California. It could be more widespread.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Thaumastocoris peregrinus appears to be established in Los Angeles County and is not under official control. Its establishment in the state is likely to have significant economic impacts to nurseries that produce and distribute Corymbia and Eucalyptus plants. It is also likely to have environmental impacts as it triggers new chemical treatments and significantly affects ornamental plantings. A “B” rating is justified.

References:

¹ http://bugguide.net/node/view/1236779/bgimage

² CABI Invasive Species Compendium http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/109741

³ USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

⁴Jiménez-Quiroz, Eduardo, Juan Manuel Vanegas-Rico, Oscar Morales-Martínez, Refugio Lomeli-Flores, and Esteban Rodríguez-Leyva. 2016. First Record of the Bronze Bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé 2006 (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae), in Mexico. Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology 32(1):35-39. http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3954/1523-5475-32.1.35

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: B

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Spanish Moss Orthezia | Graminorthezia tillandsiae (Morrison)

September 21, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Graminorthezia tillandsiae (Morrison): Spanish Moss Orthezia

Hemiptera: Ortheziidae

Pest Rating: C

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

On August 1, 2016 Dr. Natalia von Ellenrieder identified a sample submitted by a resident of Santa Ana (Orange County) as Graminorthezia tillandsiae, Spanish moss orthezia. A pest rating proposal is required to determine a permanent pest rating for this insect.

History & Status:

Background: Graminorthezia tillandsiae is an ensign scale insect that feeds on Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and small ballmoss (Tillandsia recurvata)¹. It can be transported long distances when infested plants are moved.

Worldwide Distribution: Graminorthezia tillandsiae is native to Florida¹. It has been found in Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia, Guatemala, and Germany¹.

Official Control: Graminorthezia tillandsiae is not known to be under official control in any states or nations.

California Distribution: Graminorthezia tillandsiae has never been found in the environment of California except for one sample submitted by a resident of Santa Ana (Orange County).

California Interceptions: Graminorthezia tillandsiae was intercepted at nurseries in Orange County in 1993 and Ventura County in 1998.

The risk Graminorthezia tillandsiae (Spanish moss orthezia) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Spanish moss and small ballmoss only grow as epiphytes under very humid conditions. Graminorthezia tillandsiae only feeds on these hosts and is expected to establish in very limited circumstances in California. It receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Graminorthezia tillandsiae only feeds on two species of plants in one family. It receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: The biology of Graminorthezia tillandsiae is not well documented. It is assumed to have a high reproductive rate. It can rapidly spread long distances when infested plants are moved and receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: If Graminorthezia tillandsiae were to establish in California it is not expected to lower any crop yields. It could lower the value of Spanish moss and small ballmoss plants in the nursery industry by disfiguring them with its presence. It is not expected to disrupt markets, change cultural practices, vector other organisms, injure animals, or disrupt water supplies. Spanish moss orthezia receives a Low (1) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: If Graminorthezia tillandsiae were to establish in California it is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It is not expected to affect threatened or endangered species or critical habitats. It could trigger new treatment programs in the nursery industry and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. It is not likely to significantly impact cultural practices, home/urban gardens, or ornamental plantings. Graminorthezia tillandsiae receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Graminorthezia tillandsiae (Spanish Moss Orthezia): Low (8)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: There have not been any official collections of Graminorthezia tillandsiae in California. It receives a not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Low (8)

Uncertainty:

There have not been any surveys of residential gardens for Graminorthezia tillandsiae. It might be more widespread.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Graminorthezia tillandsiae is only expected to establish in the warmest and most humid areas of California where Spanish moss and small ballmoss plants are cultivated. Its economic and environmental impacts are expected to be limited to nurseries and residents with these ornamental plants. A “C” rating is appropriate.

References:

¹ García Morales M, Denno BD, Miller DR, Miller GL, Ben-Dov Y, Hardy NB. 2016. ScaleNet: A literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics. Database. doi: 10.1093/database/bav118. http://scalenet.info. http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Graminorthezia%20tillandsiae/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Pest Rating: C

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel and Miller: Jack Beardsley mealybug

July 26, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel and Miller: Jack Beardsley mealybug

Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Since 1999 Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi has been regularly intercepted by CDFA’s border stations and dog teams. This mealybug presently has a temporary rating of “Q”. A pest rating proposal is needed to establish a permanent pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi is a highly polyphagous mealybug that feeds on a wide variety of plants. Known hosts include: Anacardiaceae: mango (Mangifera indica¹), hog plum (Spondias sp.¹); Annonaceae: custard apple (Annona sp.¹), sugar-apple (Annona squamosa^1,2), soursop (Annona muricata¹), cherimoya (Annona cherimola¹); Apiaceae: celery (Apium graveolens¹); Apocynaceae: Fernaldia sp.¹, wax plant (Hoya carnosa¹), oleander (Nerium oleander¹), Plumeria sp.¹; Araceae: Malayan sword (Aglaonema simplex¹), Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema sp.¹), poison dart plant (Aglaonema commutatum¹), Anthurium sp.¹, Dieffenbachia sp.; Araliaceae: spikenard (Aralia sp.); Arecaceae: coconut (Cocos sp.¹); Asparagaceae: Agave sp.¹, ti (Cordyline terminalis²), Dracaena sp.¹, Yucca sp.¹; Asteraceae: Spanish needles (Bidens bipinnata¹), jack in the bush (Chromolaena odorata (=Eupatorium odoratum¹)), Chrysanthemum sp.²; Basellaceae: Indian spinach (Basella alba²); Begoniaceae: Begonia sp.¹; Boraginaceae: black sage (Cordia curassavica¹); Bromeliaceae: pineapple (Ananas comosus¹); Cactaceae: Acanthocereus sp.¹; Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus peruvianus¹), Cereus sp.¹, Coryphanta cubensis¹, melon cactus (Melocactus sp.¹), Rhipsalis mesembrianthemoides¹; Caricaceae: papaya (Carica papaya^1,2); Convolvulaceae: morning glory (Ipomoea sp.¹), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas¹); Cucurbitaceae: ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis¹), cantaloupe (Cucumis melo¹), Cucurbita sp.¹, pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo¹), chayote (Sechium edule¹), Trichosanthes cumumesina; Dilleniaceae: Acrotrema cestatum¹; Euphorbiaceae: Acalypha wilkesiana¹, Aporusa aurita¹, Chamaesyce sp.¹, Codiaeum sp.¹, Croton sp.¹, sandbox tree (Hura crepitans¹), Jatropha sp.¹, Jatropha curcas¹, cassava (Manihot esculenta^1,2); Fabaceae: thorntree (Acacia sp.¹), shyleaf (Aeschynomene americana¹), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan¹), Cajanus indicus¹, logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum¹), Mucuna sp.¹, lima bean (Phaseolus limensis¹), Pueraria javanica¹, tamarind (Tamarindus indica¹), Tamarindus sp.; Geraniaceae: geranium (Pelargonium sp.¹); Gesneriaceae: purple martin (Streptocarpus sp.²); Heliconiaceae: Heliconia sp.¹; Iridaceae: Iris sp.¹; Lamiaceae: Coleus sp.¹, mint (Mentha sp.¹), basil (Ocimum sp.¹), sage (Salvia sp.¹); Lauraceae: avocado (Persea sp.¹); Lythraceae: pomegranate (Punica granatum¹); Malvaceae: cotton (Gossypium sp.¹), Gossypium barbadense¹, okra (Hibiscus exculentus¹), kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus¹), Hibiscus sp.¹,; cacao (Theobroma cacao¹); Moraceae: Ficus decora¹, Ficus sp.¹, Ficus tricolor¹, mulberry (Morus sp.¹); Moringaceae: Moringa oleifera¹; Musaceae: latundan banana (Musa sapientum¹), banana (Musa sp.¹), Musa paradasiaca¹; Myrtaceae: Eucalyptus sp.¹, Eugenia sp.¹, common guava (Psidium guajava¹), guava (Psidium sp.¹); Nephrolepidaceae: Nephrolepis sp.¹; Nyctaginaceae: Bougainvillea sp.¹; Oleaceae: star jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum²); Orchidaceae: Cattleya sp.¹, Cycnoches sp.¹, twisted dendrobium (Dendrobium tortile¹), Dendrobium sp.¹, Mormolyca balsamina¹, venus slipper (Paphiopedilum sp.¹); Piperaceae: black pepper (Piper nigrum¹); Poaceae: lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus¹), corn (Zea mays¹); Polygonaceae: Rumex sp.¹; Proteaceae: Macadamia sp.¹; Rubiaceae: coffee (Coffea arabica¹), Gardenia jasminoides¹; Rutaceae: Citrus sp.¹, key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia¹), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi¹); Sapindaceae: ackee (Blighia sapida¹), lychee (Litchi chinensis¹), Nephelium sp.¹, rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum¹); Sapotaceae: star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito¹); Solanaceae: Capsicum sp.¹, chili pepper (Capsicum fructescens¹), bell pepper (Capsicum annuum¹), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum¹), cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana¹), husk tomato (Physalis pubescens¹), Solanum sp.¹, eggplant (Solanum melongena¹), potato (Solanum tuberosum¹); Sterculiaceae: teabush (Melochia tomentosa¹); Verbenaceae: Lantana sp.¹, wild sage (Lantana camara¹); Vitaceae: grapevine (Vitis sp.¹); Zingiberaceae: red ginger (Alpinia purpurata¹), ginger-lilies (Alpinia sp.¹), Phaeomeria sp.¹, ginger (Zingiber officinale¹). It is most common on banana, tomato, potato, pepper, and Hibiscus¹. The mealybug may spread long distances through commerce in infested plants and plant material.

Worldwide Distribution: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi is presumably native to and widespread in the Neotropical region from Mexico south to Brazil¹. It has spread to many Pacific islands including Hawaii, and to southeast Asia¹. In the continental United States it has been found in Florida and Texas¹. It has even been found in Canada¹.

Official Control: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi is considered a quarantine pest by Chile, India, Japan, and Peru³.

California Distribution: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi has never been found in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi has been intercepted by CDFA 321 times since 1997, most commonly on basil leaves, nursery stock, and cut flowers. The mealybug has not been found in any nurseries.

The risk Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi (Jack Beardsley mealybug) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi feeds on a large variety of plants, many of which are grown in California. It is likely to establish wherever host plants are grown and receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi is highly polyphagous on a wide variety of plants in at least 49 plant families. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi has high reproductive potential. Each female lays 300-600 eggs⁴ and they can complete many generations per year. Mealybug crawlers may be dispersed locally by crawling, wind, or by hitchhiking on clothing, animals, or equipment. They may also be moved long distances on infested plants or plant material. Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi is injurious to plants in the absence of efficient natural enemies and has the potential to lower yields of many high-value California crops such as grapes, citrus, and tomatoes. This mealybug may also lower the value of a wide variety of nursery stock by disfiguring plants with its presence and by the production of sooty mold. It may also increase crop production costs as some growers may apply new treatments. The mealybug is also considered a quarantine pest by several of California’s trading partners and could potentially disrupt markets for fresh fruit and nursery stock. Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. Hoover’s spurge (Chamaesyce hooveri) and Wiggin’s croton (Croton wigginsii) are listed as endangered plants in California and are likely to be consumed by this mealybug. The mealybug is not expected to disrupt critical habitats. It could trigger new chemical treatments in agricultural industries and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. Many of the mealybug’s hosts are popular ornamental plants and are likely to be significantly impacted, especially when grown as indoor houseplants with limited access to predatory insects. Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi (Jack Beardsley mealybug): High (15)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi has never been detected in California. CDFA has conducted several recent delimitations for exotic mealybugs that would have been likely to detect this mealybug due to its large host range and the high-risk locations of the survey. It was not found in any of these surveys. Furthermore, it has not been found in any nurseries. Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi should be considered absent from California and receives a Not established(0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High(15)

Uncertainty:

It is possible that existing treatments for mealybugs will limit the impact of Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi in managed environments.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi has never been found in the environment of California and its entry to the state has the potential to have significant economic and environmental impacts. An “A” rating is justified.

References:

¹Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet. http://scalenet.info/validname/Pseudococcus/jackbeardsleyi/

http://www.idtools.org/id/scales/factsheet.php?name=7007

²Shylesha, A.N. 2013. Host range of invasive Jack Beardsley mealybug, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel and Miller in Karnataka. Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems 19(1):106-107 http://aapmhe.in/index.php/pmhe/article/viewFile/176/168

³USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

⁴Mau, Ronald F.L. and Jayma L. Martin Kessig. Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel and Miller. Crop Knowledge Master. Department of Entomology. Honolulu, Hawaii. http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/type/p_jackbe.htm

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:

Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Mycetaspis personata (Comstock): Masked Scale

July 25, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Mycetaspis personata (Comstock): Masked Scale

Hemiptera: Diaspididae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Mycetaspis personata is commonly intercepted at CDFA’s border stations and presently has a temporary Q-rating. A pest rating proposal is required to assign a permanent pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Mycetaspis personata is a polyphagous armored scale insect that typically feeds on leaves^1,2. It has been considered a pest of citrus in Madeira and mango in Egypt^1,2. Known hosts include: Anacardiaceae: Anacardium spp.¹, mango (Mangifera indica^1,2), Mangifera spp.^1,2, Tapirira guianensis²; Annonaceae: Annona spp.^1,2; Arecaceae: Areca spp.^1,2, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens^1,2, coconut (Cocos nucifera^1,2); Cocos spp.^1,2, latan palm (Latania sp.^1,2); Phoenix spp.^1,2, palmetto (Sabal spp.^1,2), walking palm (Socratea exorrhiza)²; Bignoniaceae: Catalpa longisiliqua^1,2; Bromeliaceae: Tillandsia spp.^1,2; Fabaceae: Bauhinia spp.^1,2; Guttiferae: Mammea americana²; Lauraceae: Persea spp.^1,2; Malpighiaceae: Banisteria laurifolia^1,2; Monimiaceae: Tambourissa spp.^1,2; Moraceae: Cuban-laurel (Ficus retusa^1,2), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina^1,2), Ficus spp.^1,2; Musaceae: Musa spp.^1,2; Myristicaceae: Virola sebifera²; Myrtaceae: Eugenia spp.^1,2, pineapple guava (Feijoa selloviana^1,2); Oleaceae: jasmine (Jasminum spp.^1,2); Rutaceae: Citrus spp.^1,2; Sapotaceae: sapote (Achras sapota^1,2); Theaceae: Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica^1,2). Mycetaspis personata may be transported long distances with infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved.

Worldwide Distribution: Mycetaspis personata has a widespread distribution in South America and the Caribbean^1,2. It has spread to several African and Asian nations and is established Mexico, Hawaii, and Florida^1,2.

Official Control: Mycetaspis personata is listed as a harmful organism by Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan³.

California Distribution: Mycetaspis personata has never been detected in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: Mycetaspis personata is frequently intercepted by CDFA’s border stations and dog teams on fruit. It is most often intercepted on mango, but has also been intercepted on other fruit including lime, coconut, and avocado.

The risk Mycetaspis personata (masked scale) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Host plants of Mycetaspis personata are grown throughout California and the scale insect can be expected to establish wherever they are grown. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Mycetaspis personata is polyphagous on a wide variety of plants in at least 18 families. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Scale insects are capable of rapid reproduction and can be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved. They may also disperse locally by crawling, wind, or by hitchhiking on clothing, equipment, or animals. Mycetaspis personata receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Mycetaspis personata is considered a quarantine pest by several of California’s trading partners. This insect could disrupt markets for Californian agricultural commodities if it were to establish in the state. It may also increase crop production costs by triggering additional management practices to ensure that crops are free from the pest. Mycetaspis personata receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Mycetaspis personata is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It is not expected to directly affect threatened or endangered species or disrupt critical habitats. It may trigger additional treatment programs in agriculture and by residents who find infested plants unsightly. Masked scale may also significantly impact ornamental plantings. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Mycetaspis personata (Masked Scale): High (14)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Mycetaspis personata has never been found in California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (14)

Uncertainty:

There have been no recent formal surveys for scale insects in California. It is possible that mask scale could be established in some localities.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Mycetaspis personata has never been found in California and may have significant economic and environmental impacts if it were to establish here. An “A” rating is justified.

References:

¹ Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet. http://scalenet.info/validname/Mycetaspis/personata/
http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Mycetaspis%20personata/

² SEL Catalog. http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/diaspidi/Mycetaspispersonata.htm

³ USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:

Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Balclutha rubrostriata (Melichar): Red streaked leafhopper

July 25, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Balclutha rubrostriata (Melichar): Red streaked leafhopper

Hemiptera: Cicadellidae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

In July 2014 USDA’s New Pest Advisory Group (NPAG) distributed a report recommending that the status of Balclutha rubrostriata (red streaked leafhopper) be changed to non-actionable for the entire United States. The species was first found in Texas in 2008 during a wood borer survey and is now widespread and abundant in that state and spreading into Louisiana. A pest rating proposal is needed to determine future direction.

History & Status:

Background: Balclutha rubrostriata feeds on a wide variety of grasses and is sometimes considered a pest in grass crops because it negatively impacts seed production. Hosts include a variety of grass (Poaceae) species including rice (Oryza sativa), sugarcane (Saccharum officianarum), bluegrass (Bothriochloa spp.), King Ranch bluestem (B. ischaemum), Australian bluestem (B. bladhii), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). It has also been found on sesame (Sesamum indicum (Pedaliaceae)). This leafhopper may be a vector of sugarcane white leaf phytoplasma. The leafhopper has been found carrying the phytoplasma but it is currently unknown if the insect can transmit the phytoplasma to plants. Balclutha adults, nymphs, or eggs are sometimes moved long distances by commerce in infested plants or as hitchhikers.

Worldwide Distribution: Balclutha rubrostriata is known to be present in parts of North Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. In the United States it is present in Hawaii, Texas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and possibly Florida.

Official Control: Balclutha rubrostriata is not under official control in any other countries or states.

California Distribution: Balclutha rubrostriata has never been found in California.

California Interceptions: In 2003 a single female Balclutha sp. was intercepted on Malonggai leaves from Hawaii (PDR P205345) but could not be assigned a specific epithet. It is likely that eggs and nymphs are intercepted more frequently but also cannot be identified.

The risk Balclutha rubrostriata would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Grasses are widespread in California and Balclutha rubrostriata is expected to be capable of establishing where they grow. The leafhopper receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: The host range of Balclutha rubrostriata is thought to be limited to a wide variety of grasses, including rice. The leafhopper receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Leafhoppers are jumping insects with limited dispersal capabilities and most species have only one generation per year. However, Balclutha rubrostriata has rapidly become abundant and widespread in Texas, demonstrating high reproductive potential. Furthermore, the insects may be transported long distances through commerce in infested plants. Balclutha rubrostriata receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Balclutha rubrostriata is known to lower yields in grass production and may be expected to increase production costs. Growers in Australia treat with dimethoate to control the leafhopper. However, despite its abundance the leafhopper has not yet emerged as a pest in Texas. Balclutha rubrostriata receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Balclutha rubrostriata is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. The leafhopper may feed on several species of native grasses that are listed as threatened or endangered species. The leafhopper is not expected to disrupt critical habitats. The leafhopper is likely to trigger additional private treatment programs in grass production where seed yield is important. Balclutha rubrostriata is not expected to significantly impact cultural practices, home/urban gardening, or ornamental plantings. Red streaked leafhopper receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Balclutha rubrostriata (red streaked leafhopper): High (13)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Balclutha rubrostriata has never been found in California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score:

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (13)

Uncertainty:

CABI lists yam (Discorea spp.), cotton (Gossypium spp.), and corn (Zea mays) as additional hosts of Balclutha rubrostriata but this does not appear to be supported by literature. If these other crops are suitable hosts then the entry of this leafhopper to California could have additional economic and environmental impacts.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Red streaked leafhopper (Balclutha rubrostriata) has never been found in California. If it were to enter the state, the leafhopper may have significant economic impacts on grass production, including rice. The leafhopper may also have significant environmental impacts including triggering new chemical treatments in grass industries and by feeding on threatened and endangered grasses. An “A” rating is justified.

References:

Newton, Leslie P. 2014. NPAG Report on Balclutha rubrostriata (Melichar): Red streaked leafhopper. New Pest Advisory Group (NPAG). Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory. Center for Plant Health Science & Technology.

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:

Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead): Oriental Scale

June 24, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead): Oriental Scale

Hemiptera: Diaspididae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Aonidiella orientalis is frequently intercepted by CDFA. A pest rating proposal is required to support its pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Aonidiella orientalis is a highly polyphagous armored scale insect. It feeds on the leaves of a wide variety of plants and is regarded as an economic pest of citrus, tea, dates, palms, papaya, mango, and ornamentals¹. Known hosts include: Acanthaceae: Adhatoda vasica¹, Barleria cristata¹, Thunbergia grandiflora¹; Amaranthaceae: Bassia latifolia¹; Anacardiaceae: Mangifera indica¹, Pistacia integerrima¹, Spondias cytherea¹; Annonaceae: Annona squamosa¹, Annona glabra¹, Annona¹, Polyalthia korihthi¹, Polyathia¹, Rollinia emarginata¹; Apocynaceae: Alstonia scholaris¹, Alstonia¹, Calotropis¹, Calotropis procera¹, Carissa carandas¹, Carissa¹, Nerium¹, Nerium oleander¹, Plumeria¹, Tabernaemontana coronaria¹, Tabernaemontana¹; Araliaceae: Hedera¹; Arecaceae: Cocos nucifera¹, Cocos¹, Inodes neglecta¹, Loroma amethystiora¹, Phoenix¹, Phoenix dactylifera¹, Phoenix¹, Roystonea regia¹; Aristolochiaceae: Aristolochia¹; Asparagaceae: Agave variegata¹, Agave sisalana¹, Agave americana¹, Agave¹; Bignoniaceae: Bignonia vinusta¹, Bignonia radicans¹, Kigelia pinnata¹, Oroxylum indicum¹, Tecoma australis¹, Tecoma undulata¹, Tecoma stans¹; Boraginaceae: Cordia rothii¹, Cordia myxa¹, Cordia¹, Cordia obliqua¹, Ehretia serrata¹; Burseraceae: Boswellia serrata¹, Bursera serrata¹; Buxaceae: Buxus sempervirens¹; Cactaceae: Cactus¹, Opuntia¹; Cannaceae: Canna indica¹; Capparaceae: Crataeva religiosa¹; Caprifoliaceae: Lonicera chinensis¹, Sambucus javanica¹; Caricaceae: Carica papaya¹, Carica papaya¹; Celastraceae: Catha edulis¹, Celastrus paniculata¹; Combretaceae: Quisqualis indica¹, Terminalia belerica¹, Terminalia arjuna¹; Convolvulaceae: Calonyction roxburghii¹, Ipomoea¹, Porana paniculata¹; Cunoniaceae: Weinmannia¹; Cycadaceae: Cycas revoluta¹, Cycas¹; Ebenaceae: Diospyros¹, Diospyros montana¹, Diospyros embryopteris¹; Elaeagnaceae: Elaeagnus pungens¹; Euphorbiaceae: Acalypha¹, Bischofia javanica¹, Croton tiglium¹, Mallotus philippinensis¹, Phyllanthus myrtifolius¹, Poinsettia¹, Putranjiva roxburghii¹, Ricinus¹, Ricinus communis¹, Sapium sebiferum¹; Fabaceae: Acacia cyanophila¹, Albizia lebbek¹, Albizia¹, Atylosia¹, Atylosia candollii¹, Bauhinia variegata¹, Bauhinia¹, Bauhinia purpurea¹, Bauhinia alba¹, Bauhinia vahlii¹, Bauhinia racemosa¹, Butea frondosa¹, Caesalpinia bonducella¹, Cassia¹, Cassia auriculata¹, Cassia fistula¹, Ceratonia siliqua¹, Dalbergia¹, Dalbergia lanceolaria¹, Dalbergia sissoo¹, Erythrina crista¹, Inga dulcis¹, Poinciana regia¹, Pongamia glabra¹, Saraca indica¹, Tamarindus¹, Tamarindus indica¹, Tephrosia¹; Heliconiaceae: Heliconia¹; Liliaceae: Aloe vera¹, Asparagus sprengeri¹, Asparagus¹; Lythraceae: Lagerstroemia indica¹, Lawsonia inermis¹, Punica granatum¹; Magnoliaceae: Magnolia grandiflora¹; Malpighiaceae: Hiptage madablota¹; Malvaceae: Adansonia¹, Bombax malabaricum¹, Eriodendron anfractuosum¹, Grewia asiatica¹, Hibiscus¹, Pterospermum acerifolium¹, Sterculia¹, Sterculia alata¹; Melastomataceae: Osbeckia¹, Wrightia coccinea¹, Meliaceae: Azedarach indica¹, Cedrela toona¹, Melia volkensii¹, Melia¹, Melia indica¹, Melia composita¹, Melia azadirachta¹, Swietenia mahagoni¹; Menispermaceae: Cocculus laurifolius¹; Moraceae: Broussonetia papyrifera¹, Ficus benghalensis¹, Ficus salicifolia¹, Ficus glomerata¹, Ficus infectoria¹, Ficus nitida¹, Ficus orbicularis¹, Ficus palmata¹, Ficus religiosa¹, Ficus carica¹, Ficus retusa¹, Ficus roxburghii¹, Ficus¹, Ficus elastica¹, Maclura aurantiaca¹, Morus¹, Morus alba¹, Morus laevigata¹; Moringaceae: Moringa pterygosperma¹; Musaceae: Musa¹, Musa sapientum¹; Myrtaceae: Callistemon rigidus¹, Eucalyptus¹, Eugenia jambolana¹, Eugenia¹, Myrrhinium rubriflorum¹, Myrtus communis¹, Psidium guajava¹; Nyctaginaceae: Bougainvillea¹, Mirabilis jalapa¹, Nyctaginia¹; Ochnaceae: Ochna squarrosa¹; Oleaceae: Jasminum¹, Olea europaea¹; Orchidaceae:¹; Oxalidaceae: Averrhoa carambola¹; Poaceae: Panicum¹; Podocarpaceae: Podocarpus neriifolius¹, Podocarpus lamberti¹; Polygonaceae: Antigonon leptopus¹; Proteaceae: Grevillea robusta¹; Ranunculaceae: Clematis paniculatus¹; Rhamnaceae: Rhamnus persicus¹, Ziziphus oenoplia¹, Ziziphus¹, Ziziphus jujuba¹; Rhizophoraceae: Bruguiera sexangulata¹, Rhizophora mucronata¹; Rosaceae: Eriobotrya japonica¹, Prunus armeniaca¹, Pyrus sinensis¹, Rosa¹; Rubiaceae: Stephegyne parviflora¹; Rutaceae: Aegle marmelos¹, Aegle¹, Casimiroa¹, Chloroxylon swietenia¹, Citrus trifoliata¹, Citrus limon¹, Citrus aurantium¹, Citrus¹, Feronia elephantum¹, Limonia¹, Murraya exotica¹, Murraya exotica¹; Salicaceae: Populus alba¹, Populus euphratica¹, Salix tetrasperma¹; Santalaceae: Santalum album¹; Sapindaceae: Acer pictum¹, Acer oblongum¹, Dodonaea viscosa¹, Litchi chinensis¹, Nephelium litchi¹, Sapindus detergens¹; Sapotaceae: Mimusops elengi¹, Mimusops kauki¹; Simaroubaceae: Ailanthus aladulosa¹; Solanaceae: Solanum melongena¹, Solanum arundo¹; Theaceae: Camellia¹, Thea¹; Ulmaceae: Celtis¹, Celtis australis¹, Ulmus integrifolia¹, Ulmus¹; Verbenaceae: Callicarpa macrophyla¹, Citharexylum subserratum¹, Clerodendrum phlomoides¹, Duranta ellisi¹, Duranta plumieri¹, Gmelina arborea¹, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis¹, Vitex negundo¹; Vitaceae: Vitis vinifera¹, Zamiaceae: Zamia¹; Zingiberaceae: Alpinia nutans¹. Aonidiella orientalis may be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved.

Worldwide Distribution: Aonidiella orientalis is presumably native to Asia and has spread through much of the Neotropical, Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Oceanic regions. In North America it is only known to be established in Florida¹.

Official Control: Aonidiella orientalis is listed as a harmful organism by Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Japan, and the Republic of Korea².

California Distribution: Aonidiella orientalis has never been found in California.

California Interceptions: From 1987 through 2015 Aonidiella orientalis was intercepted 225 times by CDFA’s high risk programs, dog teams, and border stations. Many of these interceptions have been on coconut, papaya, and mango from Florida, Brazil, and Mexico.

The risk Aonidiella orientalis (Oriental scale) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Due to its highly polyphagous nature and known distribution across a range of climates Aonidiella orientalis can be expected to establish a widespread distribution in California. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Aonidiella orientalis is known to feed on hundreds of species in at least 67 plant families. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Scale insects are capable of rapid reproduction and can be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved. They may also disperse locally by crawling, wind, or by hitchhiking on clothing, equipment, or animals. Aonidiella orientalis receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Aonidiella orientalis is considered an economic pest of several crops that are grown in California and may be expected to lower crop yields and increase crop production costs. Oriental scale is listed as a harmful organism by several of California’s trading partners. If the scale were to enter the state it may disrupt markets for fresh fruit and nursery stock. Aonidiella orientalis receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Aonidiella orientalis is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It may feed on endangered and threatened species such as small-leaved rose (Rosa minutifolia). Oriental scale is not expected to disrupt critical habitats. It may trigger additional official or private treatment programs in orchards, the nursery industry, and by residents who find infested plants unacceptable. Aonidiella orientalis may also significantly impact cultural practices, home/urban gardening, and ornamental plantings. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Aonidiella orientalis (Oriental Scale): High (15)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Aonidiella orientalis has never been found in California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (15)

Uncertainty:

There have not been any recent surveys for oriental scale in California. It is possible that it could be established in some localities.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Aonidiella orientalis has never been found in California and is likely to have significant economic and environmental impacts if it were to enter the state. An “A” rating is justified.

References:

¹ Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet.

http://scalenet.info/catalogue/Aonidiella%20orientalis/

http://scalenet.info/validname/Aonidiella/orientalis/

² USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:

Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Clavaspis herculeana (Common Name): Herculeana Scale

June 24, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Clavaspis herculeana (Common Name): Herculeana Scale

Hemiptera: Diaspididae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Clavaspis herculeana is commonly intercepted by CDFA. A pest rating proposal is required to support its pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Clavaspis herculeana is a polyphagous armored scale insect. It burrows beneath the surface of twigs and branches and feeds by sucking juices from plants while concealed beneath the epidermis of its host-plants^1,2. Known hosts include: Anacardiaceae: mango (Mangifera indica^1,2), Mangifera cambodiana^1,2, Mangifera spp.^1,2; Florida poisontree (Metopium toxiferum^1,2), ambarella (Spondias dulcis^1,2), jocote (Spondias purpurea^1,2), Spondias cytherea^1,2; Annonaceae: sugar apple (Annona squamosa^1,2), soursop (Annona muricata^1,2), Annona spp.^1,2; Apocynaceae: Plumeria rubra, Plumeria sp. (numerous CDFA interceptions); Bignoniaceae: pink trumpet tree (Tabebuia heterophylla^1,2); Bixaceae: buttercup tree (Cochlospermum vitifolium^1,2); Caricaceae: papaya (Carica papaya^1,2); Euphorbiaceae: tung-oil tree (Aleurites fordii^1,2), Aleurites spp.^1,2; Fabaceae: sweet acacia (Acacia farnesiana^1,2), Acacia flexicaulis^1,2, golden shower tree (Cassia fistula^1,2), royal Poinciana (Delonix regia^1,2), coast coral tree (Erythrina caffra^1,2), coral tree (Erythrina indica^1,2), Erythrina spp.^1,2, Lonchocarpus spp.^1,2, Lonchocarpus latifolius^1,2, sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica^1,2), monkey-pod (Pithecellobium saman^1,2); Lauraceae: Cinnamomum sp.^1,2, true cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum^1,2); Magnoliaceae: southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora^1,2); Malvaceae: Eriodendron anfractuosum^1,2, Eriodendron spp.^1,2, Gossypium spp.^1,2; Meliaceae: Cedrela toona^1,2; Moraceae: common fig (Ficus carica^1,2), Ficus spp.^1,2, Roxburgh fig (Ficus roxburgii^1,2), sacred fig (Ficus religiosa^1,2), Ficus capensis^1,2, old fustic (Maclura tinctoria^1,2), white mulberry (Morus alba^1,2); Myristicaceae: Myristica hypargyraea^1,2; Myrtaceae: Eugenia spp.^1,2; Polygonaceae: Muehlenbeckia sagittiformis^1,2; Proteaceae: southern silky oak (Grevillea robusta^1,2); Rhizophoraceae: Rhizophora spp.^1,2; Rosaceae: loquat (Eriobotrya japonica^1,2), pear (Pyrus spp.^1,2), rose (Rosa spp.^1,2); Rubiaceae: buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis^1,2); Rutaceae: Citrus spp.^1,2; Salicaceae: poplar (Populus spp.^1,2), Xylosma venosum^1,2; Santalaceae: Phoradendron randiae^1,2; Styracaceae: Halesia spp.^1,2; Verbenaceae: Avicennia nitida^1,2. Clavaspis herculeana may be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved.

Worldwide Distribution: Clavaspis herculeana is widespread in many parts of the Australasian, Afrotropical, Oriental, Palearctic, and Neotropical regions^1,2. It is present in Mexico, Texas, Florida, and Hawaii^1,2.

Official Control: Clavaspis herculeana is listed as a harmful organism by Japan and the Republic of Korea³.

California Distribution: Clavaspis herculeana has never been found in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: From 1988 through 2015 Clavaspis herculeana was intercepted 45 times by California’s high risk programs, dog teams, and border stations. Most of these interceptions have occurred on plants or fresh plant parts from Hawaii, primarily Plumeria rubra or Plumeria sp.

The risk Clavaspis herculeana (Herculeana scale) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Clavaspis herculeana is polyphagous on a wide variety of plants that are widely grown in California and is likely to establish wherever they are grown. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Clavaspis herculeana is known to feed on plants in at least 25 families. It receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Scale insects are capable of rapid reproduction and can be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved. They may also disperse locally by crawling, wind, or by hitchhiking on clothing, equipment, or animals. Its cryptic habits mean that herculeana scale may easily be dispersed by trade in infested plants without being detected. Clavaspis herculeana receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Clavaspis herculeana has not been documented as lowering any crop yields. It may lower the value of nursery stock by disfiguring plants with its presence and increase fresh fruit production costs. Herculeana scale is listed as a harmful organism by several of California’s trading partners and its entry to the state may disrupt fresh fruit and nursery stock export markets. This scale is not expected to change cultural practices, vector other organisms, injure animals, or disrupt water supplies. Clavaspis herculeana receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: Clavaspis herculeana is not expected to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It is likely to feed on endangered or threatened species including small-leaved rose (Rosa minutifolia). Herculeana scale is not expected to disrupt critical habitats. It may trigger additional treatment programs in fresh fruit and nursery industries. It is not expected to significantly impact cultural practices, home/urban gardening, or ornamental plantings. Clavaspis herculeana receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Clavaspis herculeana (Herculeana scale): High (14)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Clavaspis herculeana has never been found in California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (14)

Uncertainty:

Clavaspis herculeana is reported to be associated with the fungus Septobasidium saccardinum^1,2. This relationship is not clear.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Clavaspis herculeana has never been found in California and is expected to have significant economic impacts to California’s fresh fruit and nursery industries if it enters the state. It is also expected to have significant environmental impacts. An “A” rating is justified.

References:

¹ Miller, Dug, Yair Ben-Dov, Gary Gibson, and Nate Hardy. ScaleNet. http://scalenet.info/validname/Clavaspis/herculeana/

² SEL Catalog. http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/diaspidi/Clavaspisherculeana.htm

³ USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

Comment Format:

♦ Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s) being commented on, as shown below.

Example Comment:

Consequences of Introduction: 1. Climate/Host Interaction: [Your comment that relates to “Climate/Host Interaction” here.]

♦ Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.

♦ Comments may not be posted if they:

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to the pest rating proposal;

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal material;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination;

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.

♦ Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.

♦ Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the website to be viewed, not just submitted.

Pest Rating: A

Posted by ls

Hemiptera, Insects, Mites & Earthworms

Halticus bractatus (Say): Garden Fleahopper

June 24, 2016 Jason Leathers

California Pest Rating for

Halticus bractatus (Say): Garden Fleahopper

Hemiptera: Miridae

Pest Rating: A

PEST RATING PROFILE

Initiating Event:

Halticus bractatus was recently intercepted by one of CDFA’s border stations on outdoor plants from Florida. Although this insect is included on some old pest lists with a “C” rating, all PDRs for the species to date have been assigned a temporary rating of “Q”. A pest rating proposal is required to assign a permanent pest rating.

History & Status:

Background: Halticus bractatus is a polyphagous pest that feeds on a variety of crops including citrus¹. It prefers to feed on hosts in the family Fabaceae including alfalfa, beans, peas, and clovers but will readily feed on many other plants including barley, beets, cabbage, celery, corn, cotton, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, oats, pepper, potato, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, tomato, tobacco, and wheat^1,2. It also feeds on many weeds and occasionally other insects². Adult females insert eggs into the stems of vegetation². Nymphs and adults suck juices from the stems and surfaces of leaves². Feeding causes whitish or yellow speckling on the foliage, stunts plant growth, and may cause the death of seedlings². Nymphs and adults deposit black fecal material that reduces the marketability of vegetables². Halticus bractatus may be transported long distances when infested plants or fresh plant parts are moved.

Worldwide Distribution: Halticus bractatus is widespread in the eastern United States and Canada as far west as the Rocky Mountains^1,2. It is found throughout Central and South America^1,2. It is also present in Hawaii.

Official Control: Halticus bractatus is listed as a harmful organism by Guatemala, Mexico, Japan, and the Republic of Korea³.

California Distribution: Halticus bractatus has never been found in the environment of California.

California Interceptions: Halticus bractatus has been intercepted twice by CDFA on outdoor plants from Florida and Ocimum sp. from Hawaii. Unidentified species of Halticus have also been intercepted twice on plant cuttings and herbs from Hawaii.

The risk Halticus bractatus (garden fleahopper) would pose to California is evaluated below.

Consequences of Introduction:

1) Climate/Host Interaction: Halticus bractatus is widespread east of the Rockies from Canada to Argentina. It is likely capable of establishing a widespread distribution in California and receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California. Score:

– Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.

– Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.

– High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.

2) Known Pest Host Range: Halticus bractatus is highly polyphagous and receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) has a very limited host range.

– Medium (2) has a moderate host range.

– High (3) has a wide host range.

3) Pest Dispersal Potential: Halticus bractatus has a high reproductive rate. Under favorable conditions it can complete a generation in 30 days and each female produces 80-100 eggs. Despite its polyphagous nature and widespread distribution in the eastern United States it has only been intercepted by CDFA a few times. This indicates it may not move often in commerce. Halticus bractatus receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score:

– Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.

– High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.

4) Economic Impact: Halticus bractatus is not typically a pest of commercial agriculture because it is controlled by insecticides used against more damaging pests². If it were to establish in California it is not expected to lower crop yields. It may reduce the value of nursery stock and fresh vegetables by disfiguring these commodities. It is also listed as a harmful organism by several of California’s trading partners and therefore has the potential to disrupt markets. It is not expected to change cultural practices, vector other organisms, injure animals, or interfere with water supplies. Halticus bractatus receives a Medium (2) in this category.

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score:

A. The pest could lower crop yield.

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.

– Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.

– Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.

– High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.

5) Environmental Impact: If Halticus bractatus were to establish in California it is not likely to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem processes. It may feed on threatened and endangered species such as showy indian clover (Trifolium amoenum), Pacific grove clover (Trifolium polyodon), and Monterey clover (Trifolium trichocalyx). It is not likely to disrupt critical habitats. It is not expected to trigger new treatment programs in commercial agriculture. However, in Florida it is a common early season pest in home gardens. Home/urban gardening may be significantly impacted by this pest and it may trigger new treatment programs in this environment. Halticus bractatus receives a High (3) in this category.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score:

– Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.

– Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.

– High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.

**Consequences of Introduction to California for Halticus bractatus (Garden Leafhopper): High (13)**

Add up the total score and include it here.

–Low = 5-8 points

–Medium = 9-12 points

–High = 13-15 points

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information: Halticus bractatus has never been found in California and receives a Not established (0) in this category.

–Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.

–Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate/host area (region).

–Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

–High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate/host areas.

Final Score

The final score is the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: High (13)

Uncertainty:

In the eastern United States Halticus bractatus is attacked by many other organisms including egg and nymph parasitoids, predatory mites, and nematodes². It is possible that the bug could be more damaging in California in the absence of these natural enemies.

Conclusion and Rating Justification:

Halticus bractatus has not been found in California and it is likely to have significant impacts if it were to establish in the state. An “A”-rating is justified.

References:

¹ Henry, Thomas J. 1983. The Garden Fleahopper Genus Halticus (Hemiptera: Miridae): Resurrection of an Old Name and Key to Species of the Western Hemisphere. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 85(3):607-611. https://research.amnh.org/pbi/library/0332.pdf

² Capinera, John L. 2014. Common name: garden fleahopper. University of Florida Featured Creatures. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/fleahopper.htm

³USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD). https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/

Responsible Party:

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.

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