Can you imagine a world without plants? We can’t. Join in celebrating Plant Conservation Day!
May 17, 2011
The important role plants play in stabilizing and regulating the environment is no secret. Plants help keep the world’s climate temperate, purify water, and prevent soil erosion. Plants not only provide aesthetics, but also the basis for human survival as food, shelter, medicine, clothing and even fuel. Plants contribute to biodiversity and sustainability. Plants also serve as a large component of Florida’s economy as part of the agriculture industry from fruit production to horticultural services.
You can make a difference in conserving plants by getting involved with Plant Conservation Day, which is celebrated on May 18. Check out the ideas and resources from the Plant Conservation website. From taking a plant tour to simply talking about the issues facing plants, you can contribute to the cause. Have ideas? Let us know on Twitter. DPI’s Twitter handle is @FL_DPI.
Power to the plant people!
May 12, 2011
The purpose the Division of Plant Industry is to detect, intercept and control plant and honey bee pests that threaten Florida’s native and commercially grown plants and agricultural resources. DPI is able to carry out its purpose because of the dedicated individuals who work each day to support the division’s mission. DPI doesn’t exist as a government agency that simply regulates and industry. DPI functions as a dynamic community of scientists, communicators, administrators, inspectors and supporters who work together to protect Florida’s environment and agriculture industry.
Last week, DPI hosted its annual Spring Awards Luncheon at the Gainesville headquarter office, with subsequent luncheons at branch office locations. This awards function is an opportunity to recognize individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve Floridians. It’s a good thing DPI hosted its Gainesville awards luncheon along with a Cinco de Mayo feast because it wasn’t a short ceremony. There were several hundred award winners. Going above and beyond normal job duties to serve Florida’s environment, agriculture industry and citizens is part of DPI’s work culture. Working at DPI isn’t just about the job; it’s about making a difference.
From our helpline operators who spend their days answering complex questions from consumers about anything from fruit shipment regulations to hibiscus pests, to our scientists who research impactful diseases, pathogens and organisms to keep the agriculture industry and environment healthy, to our personnel staff and training officers who keep our organization operating at its full potential, DPI employees contribute to Florida’s greater good on a daily basis. DPI is a place where people work to serve people. We’re here to serve you.
Whether you need a plant identified or house plants certified for movement across state lines, or whether you’re a citrus grower concerned with the health of your crop or a beekeeper looking for further training, you can contact DPI and talk to a person who cares about your questions, concerns and needs.
DPI Contact Info:
Website: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/
Physical Address: 1911 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL 32608
Toll-free Helpline: 888-397-1517
You can also click on the icons in the right side bar to connect with us through our social media platforms.
DPI is working with you to safeguard Florida’s agriculture industry and environment. Travelers often unknowingly transport harmful plant pests and diseases like Mediterranean fruit flies, red palm mites, citrus greening, cycad scale and many others. It is estimated that one exotic plant pest or disease is introduced into Florida every month.
If you enjoy flying or sailing around the state, be a responsible maritime vessel or aviation operator. Remind passengers of the potential risks associated with bringing fruit and vegetables into Florida. Know the rules about the movement of agricultural products by visiting www.freshfromforida.com or calling 888-397-1517. Safeguard unrefrigerated fruits and vegetables by wrapping them in plastic. Secure peels and other waste from fruits and vegetables in tied plastic bags and dispose of them in a closed dumpster, or double-bag them to set out with household trash. Always be on the lookout and report any suspicious plant pest or disease to your county extension office or to DPI at 888-397-1517. Don’t move firewood. Firewood and unprocessed wood products, including handicrafts, can harbor harmful pests and diseases. Also, purchase plants from registered nurseries. Help keep our food supply safe. When you travel, don’t pack a pest!
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Numbers don’t lie.
March 28, 2011
Have you ever looked inside the Florida Agricultural Statistical Directory? If you’ve ever wondered how important agriculture is to Florida, or why government agencies are in place to protect the agriculture industry, you’ll find your answer there. Agriculture contributes almost $100 billion to the state’s economy, and there are a variety of environmental factors that can reduce the industry’s productivity. Divisions like the DPI help protect segments of agriculture, and therefore protect the state’s food supply and economic stability. Just how much does DPI protect? Check out the numbers below.
Total cash receipts for Florida nursery and greenhouse products were almost $2 billion in 2008. Sales for fresh market vegetables reached more than $1.3 billion, with production on 183,100 acres in 2009. During the 2008-2009 season, Florida citrus growers produced 162.4 million boxes of oranges and 21.7 million boxes of grapefruit. Greenhouse and nursery products generate the most cash receipts of all Florida commodities, with the more well-known citrus coming in second. Floriculture and horticulture products make up a large majority of Florida exports.
From Mediterranean fruit fly eradiation to nursery inspections, DPI protects Florida’s plant and apiary industries from pests and diseases, and therefore protects the state’s economy. For more information, visit http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi.
Florida has a diverse agriculture industry with over 280 different commodities produced in the state each year. A variety of commodity organizations and professional organizations are established in the state, with many of them related to Florida’s plant and apiary industries. A few calendar resources are available online to aid in staying up-to-date on industry events.
For example, the University of Florida IFAS Extension calendar hosts industry events that are related to IFAS Extension. There are categories for citrus; insects, plant diseases and weeds; lawns, landscapes and ornamental plants; natural resources and environment; integrated pest management; and Master Gardener Education and Certification. The events posted in each of these categories and more could be beneficial to those interested or involved in Florida’s plant and apiary industries.
Other calendars that might be helpful would be those from:
That itsy bitsy spider could be a venomous species.
January 14, 2011
(Latrodectus bishopi, the red widow)
“The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout, down came the rain and washed the spider out,
out came the sun and dried up all the rain and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.”
(The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Western nursery rhyme)
Florida is home to a plethora of spider species, as the state’s subtropical climate contributes to its biodiversity. Spiders are often discovered residing in homes, offices, barns and other places where they could come in contact with humans. Many spiders are beneficial to the environment and not harmful to humans. However, some species of spiders are venomous, and serious health problems could result from their bite. Two main types of venomous spiders occur in Florida: widow spiders and recluse spiders. Although some species of widow spiders are native to Florida, nonnative species of widow spiders and recluse spiders have been introduced into the state.
Check out this pest alert on venomous spiders in Florida from DPI’s resident spider expert Dr. G. B. Edwards. This pest alert is helpful in identifying widow and recluse spiders and their bite symptoms. Dr. Edwards recently received an e-mail from a Florida man who had been bitten by a widow spider and was able to avoid severe symptoms from the spider bite because he had read the venomous spiders pest alert. Dr. Edwards also recently assisted a car dealership manager in the Florida panhandle who called for information on how to eradicate an infestation of brown widow spiders at the dealership. Dr. Edwards’ success in assisting and educating the public is a prime example of the purpose of the division, and the dedication of DPI staff to serving Florida consumers and protecting Florida’s environment—even from itsy bitsy spiders.
For more information, see Dr. Edwards’ venomous spiders pest alert, or view these related links:
Spiders and Other Arachnids
Spiders on the Web
Black Widow Spiders
Recluse Spiders
Myths of the Brown Recluse
UF Pest Alerts
Dr. Edwards can be contacted at GB.Edwards@freshfromflorida.com, or 352-372-3505 ext. 194.
Have questions or comments? Call our toll-free helpline at 888-397-1517.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like…” citrus season.
December 3, 2010
When the more northern regions of the United States turn white with a blanket of snow, Florida turns orange from winter citrus production. During the 2007-2008 season, Florida accounted for 70 percent of the nation’s citrus production. This is an impressive accomplishment considering Florida’s experience with citrus diseases such as canker, greening and black spot. In order to keep Florida at the top of the nation’s citrus production, DPI works to keep citrus and citrus producers safe from diseases.
Many Floridians ship citrus fruits to their friends and family from their backyards or local groves during the holidays. Because Florida is battling citrus diseases, the USDA and FDACS/DPI are regulating the movement of citrus within and outside of the state.
USDA Certificate for Citrus Fruit Shipment
In order to ship backyard citrus fruit out of state, homeowners should take their fruit to a commercial packinghouse certified by the USDA to decontaminate their fruit. All citrus fruit crossing the state line (in plane, train, car, by mail, etc.) must be accompanied by a USDA certificate. Fruit can be shipped freely within the state of Florida.
It is important to note that citrus fruit purchased from grocery stores still has to go through the same decontamination process as backyard citrus fruit, which means it still must be accompanied by a USDA certificate in order to leave the state. If you are interested in buying gift fruit from a business to send, make sure your fruit will be shipped with the USDA certificate from the business.
Also, please note that no citrus trees or citrus plant parts (excluding fruit) can be moved across state lines by mail or any mode of transportation.
There are six commercial packinghouses certified by the USDA to decontaminate homegrown fruit. Their contact information is below. If you have any questions, please contact our Citrus Helpline at 888-397-1517, or e-mail us at dpi-blog@doacs.state.fl.us.
A.W. Crisafulli Groves (Brevard)
5515 N Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island, FL 32953-7223
321-452-8100, 800-683-6700
Details: Minimum of ½ bushel (4 gallons)
May Groves (N. Brevard)
1885 US Hwy 1 North
Titusville, FL 32796
321-745-8575
Contact: Barry Gainer
Neukom Groves, Inc. (Pasco)
5409 Gall Blvd,
Zephyrhills, FL 33542-3929
813-782-5596
Fax 813-788-2048
Poinsettia Groves (Indian River)
1481 US Hwy 1
Vero Beach, FL 32960
772-562-3356
Contact: Jeb Hudson
The Mail Center (N. Brevard)
3206 S Hopkins Ave
Titusville, FL 32780
321-268-2255
The Orange Shop (Marion)
PO Box 125
Citra, FL 32113-0125
800-672-6439
info@floridaorangeshop.com
What’s in a name? Peach fruit fly find impacts much more than peaches.
November 17, 2010
“What’s in a name, That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet?”
-Juliet, Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet tries to convey the idea that a name does not necessarily provide an accurate meaning. With the discovery of a peach fruit fly in Miami-Dade County earlier this month, some Floridians might be wondering what could be causing the concern over the fly. Florida might not be as well known for peach production as its neighbor to the north, Georgia, but the peach fruit fly poses a serious risk to Florida’s environment and agriculture industry. Don’t let the name fool you. The peach fruit fly has an appetite for more than just peaches.
- Peach Fruit Fly
A peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata, was found in a trap in a guava tree in Miami-Dade County by a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector during routine surveillance activities earlier this month, marking the first Florida find for this particular species of fruit fly. The peach fruit fly is considered one of world’s most serious fruit fly pests due to its potential economic harm. It attacks many different fruits, vegetables and nuts, including mango, guava, citrus, eggplant, tomato, apple, peach, melon, loquat, almond and fig. The fruit flies lay their eggs in the fruits and vegetables, and in a few days, the eggs hatch and maggots render the fruits or vegetables inedible.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, along with its federal counterpart, has launched an intensified trapping program in an 79-square-mile area surrounding the fruit fly find. If more flies are found, trapping will continue, and an insecticide may be applied to telephone poles along with a substance that attracts the flies. The public will be notified 24 hours prior to the application of any insecticides or other treatment activities, and if necessary, additional outreach activities will be conducted to provide all relevant information.
Agricultural officials are attempting to determine the source of the fruit that carried this fly into Florida. If you have any information on the possible origin of this fly, please report it to the USDA’s anti-smuggling hotline at 1-800-877-3835.
The peach fruit fly marks the third exotic fruit fly find in Florida this year. In June, Mediterranean fruit flies were trapped in Palm Beach County, and a full-scale, three-month eradication program was conducted—one of the shortest in U.S. history. In August, two Oriental fruit flies were found in a trap in Pinellas County, where trapping continues and no additional flies have been found. This year alone, about $7 million has been spent on the Palm Beach and Pinellas county programs. However, $7 million is a much lower figure than would be associated with the potential economic harm caused by untreated fruit fly infestations.
“What these multiple incursions of exotic fruit flies into Florida are telling us is that even with our successful statewide fruit fly detection and monitoring efforts and preventative sterile fly release program, harmful pests and diseases are still being brought into the state by the traveling public,” said Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson. “We must continue to raise public awareness about the risks associated with moved agricultural products without proper certification. We’re asking the public to refrain from bringing any plant material in from another country to reduce the incidence of invasive pests.”
State and federal agencies will work with local governments to keep the public involved and to provide updated information. More information can be found on the department’s website, including maps of the detection area and detailed information on the peach fruit fly.
How can you help keep the story of Florida agriculture from becoming a tragedy like Romeo and Juliet? When you travel, don’t pack a pest!
Need more info? Call our toll-free helpline at 888-397-1517 or e-mail us at dpi-blog@doacs.state.fl.us.
History tends to repeat itself.
July 19, 2010
“I remember, too, a summer when peace and war battled for possession of the Creek and for all of Florida. The conflict was grave for us. The enemy was the Mediterranean fruit fly.” ( from Cross Creek)
In her book, Cross Creek, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings tells her own story of running a homestead in north central Florida in the early 1900s, from managing a 72-acre citrus grove to dealing with runaway farm animals. The challenges that threatened her livelihood are not so different than the challenges faced by Florida farmers and producers today. In this excerpt, Rawlings is describing her experiences and those of her neighbors in dealing with the Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in 1929.
Adult Mediterranean fruit fly
By that time, the Mediterranean fruit fly had already been on the march for over 100 years. It had spread from its native home in sub-Saharan Africa to the countries of southern Europe and northern Africa surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It continued to spread to South America, Australia, Hawaii, and was devastating to local agriculture in all of those places.
In Florida, however, a determined effort was undertaken by the state plant board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to eliminate this pest and was remarkably successful. For the first time ever, the Mediterranean fruit fly had been eradicated from an area it had newly colonized. Florida continues to be a leader in the ongoing battle against invasive pest fruit flies from around the world.
We’re fighting the same enemy today that some of the first Florida farmers, like Rawlings, fought less than a hundred years ago—the Mediterranean fruit fly, now referred to as the Medfly. The conflict is still grave, and we’re fighting to preserve the livelihoods of Floridians who still make their living from the land and your ability to enjoy Florida’s variety of fruits, nuts, vegetables and flowers—all hosts to the Medfly.
Medfly larvae on fruit
Imagine you own a mango grove. You’re used to being able to go out into your grove, pick a ripe mango and enjoy the taste of fresh, locally grown fruit. However, today you pick a mango, go to take a bite, and to your horror discover it’s infested with maggots and rotting. You look around your grove and notice that your fruit has a big problem. You can’t eat your mangos, and you definitely can’t sell them. Now multiply this situation by the thousands of Floridians that grow the more than 260 different hosts of Medfly. Fruit, vegetables and nuts become harder to grow, more costly to produce and require more chemicals to control pests. Homegrown fruit and vegetables would be at risk. Welcome to the world of the Medfly.
Whether you’re an agricultural producer, or a Floridian who enjoys a backyard garden or fruit tree, the Medfly can affect your ability grow fruit and vegetables.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has been fighting to protect Florida from agricultural pests and diseases like the Medfly for years. The Medfly was eradicated from Florida again in the late 1990s and has been monitored through over 56,000 fruit fly traps around the state, but wild fruit flies were discovered in Palm Beach County last month. Since the find was confirmed as Medfly, FDACS Division of Plant Industry employees have been working on location to control the spread of this potentially devastating agricultural pest through a variety of methods.
The Medfly is a problem that impacts every Floridian. You can be part of the solution.
DPI Fruit Fly Helpline: 888-397-1517
