Vol. 129 (2016): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Systemic Insecticides Reduce Staining Caused by Caterpillar Frass and Eriophyid Mite Galls of Oxhorn Bucida (“Black-Olive”) Trees

Florida State Horticultural Society Proceedgins 2016 Volume 129

Published 2017-05-15

Abstract

The oxhorn bucida tree is sometimes attacked by eriophyid mites and caterpillars. These two arthropod pests create by-products (caterpillar frass and mite galls) which cause severe staining of hardscapes and vehicles beneath the tree canopy. This staining is so objectionable that unhappy homeowners cut the trees down to resolve the issue. In an effort to reduce staining and save trees, field tests were initiated in two locations to evaluate systemic insecticide treatments. In 2014, in Naples, FL, trees treated with a dinotefuran soil-root drench or with acephate trunk injections had less staining due to caterpillar suppression. In 2015, in Coral Gables, FL, trunk injections of abamectin provided noticeable reduction in mite galls and staining.