Pests of Florida hops: preliminary observations

Authors

  • Hugh Smith University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA
  • Megan Hennessey University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA
  • Amanda Furuya University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA
  • Esnai Munthali University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA
  • Bruno Rossitto de Marchi University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA
  • Shinsuke Agehara University of Florida, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Department of Horticulture, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA

Abstract

Surveys of arthropods associated with hops at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, Florida, USA, from 2016 to 2020 reveal that spider mites are the primary pest of the crop. Lepidoptera and lace bugs also were observed causing occasional damage to the crop. Whiteflies and thrips have been observed on the crop in low numbers. The tall (5.5 m) canopy of the hops trellis creates a challenge to applying insecticides with adequate coverage. Sampling data indicate that spider mite densities tend to be higher in the upper canopy than at ground level. Efforts to control spider mites with releases of the commercially available predator Phytoseiulus persimilis showed promise. Naturally occurring spider mite predators observed on hops at Gulf Coast Research and Education Center include Stethorus sp., Neoseiulus sp., Orius sp., and trash bugs.

Sumario

Los sondeos de artrópodos asociados con el lúpulo en el Centro de Educación e Investigación de la Costa del Golfo de la Universidad de Florida, Wimauma, Florida, EE. UU., desde el 2016 hasta el 2020, revelan que las araňas rojas son la plaga principal del cultivo. También, se observaron lepidópteros y chinches que causan daños ocasionales al cultivo. Se han observado pequeñas cantidades de moscas blancas y trips en el cultivo. El dosel alto (5,5 m) del enrejado del lúpulo crea un desafío para una aplicación de insecticidas con la cobertura adecuada. Los datos de muestreo indican que las densidades de araňas rojas tienden a ser más altas en el dosel superior que a nivel del suelo. Los esfuerzos para controlar las arañas rojas con la liberación del depredador comercial Phytoseiulus persimilis se mostraron prometedores. Los depredadores de las arañas rojas observados que ocurren naturalmente sobre el lúpulo en el Centro de Educación e Investigación de la Costa del Golfo incluyen Stethorus sp., Neoseiulus sp., Orius sp., y crisópidos.

Key Words: Humulus lupulus; spider mites; Phytoseiulus persimilis

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Published

2021-05-24

Issue

Vol. 104, No. 1 (March 2021)

Section

Scientific Notes

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