This week has been full of environmental holidays, from Plant Conservation Day on Wednesday, to tomorrow’s celebration of Endangered Species Day, and the upcoming International Day for Biological Diversity on Sunday. These celebrations are a reminder of the importance of our environment and the relationship we have with the world around us. For most people, animals might come to mind when thinking about endangered species, but there is quite a variety of endangered species that just so happen to be plants.
Florida’s subtropical climate allows it to serve as a home to a diverse array of plants, but many species are listed as threatened or endangered. Florida’s Division of Forestry maintains a federal list of threatened and endangered plants on their website, and other lists of threatened and endangered plants in Florida can be obtained from organization websites such as from the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden website. In addition to official lists of plant species, some native Florida habitats have reached a level of concern, such as Florida scrub and mangrove forests. These ecosystems support many species of plants and animals that are dependent upon those unique habitats for survival.
At DPI, we value Florida’s green space and understand the importance of biological diversity and plant protection. From maintaining the state’s citrus germplasm and budwood facilities to ensure clean, safe rootstock to surveying for invasive weeds to protect natural areas, DPI works to create a healthy balance between the plant and apiary industries and the environment. Learn more about DPI and Endangered Species Day, and you can get involved to make sure our plants stay off of threatened and endangered species lists.
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.
Weed of the Month: Sessile joyweed or dwarf copperleaf
April 25, 2011
Family: Amaranthaceae, the Amaranth Family
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a perennial herb with stems that are sometimes erect, but usually creep along the soil and produce roots at the nodes. The stems can be lined with vertical rows of whitish hairs. The leaves are simple, opposite, hairless, with no teeth along the margin, narrowly oval to oblong, blunt or pointed at the tip, two to four inches long and less than an inch wide. The flowers are white, with a paper-like texture, and are borne in dense, rounded, clover-like heads in the leaf axils. The sessile flower heads are about a half-inch long and wide. The dry fruits, called utricles, remain attached to the flower tepals until the mature fruit is exerted beyond their tips. More…
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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Mikania micrantha — Video
March 30, 2011
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:
March Gardening Tips
March 22, 2011
Spring is finally here, and many Floridians are working in their gardens. Check out what to plant in terms of annuals, bulbs, vegetables and herbs, and what to do to maintain your garden or landscape in your region of the state by viewing the links below from University of Florida IFAS Extension.
North Florida
Central Florida
South Florida
IFAS recommends doing the following every month:
- -Adjust irrigation based on rainfall
- -Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms
- -Monitor the garden for insects and disease
- -Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials and water until established
- -Mow lawns at recommended heights:
- -St. Augustine & Bahia: 3-4”
-Centipede: 1.5-2.0”
-Dwarf St. Augustine: 2.5”
If you suspect insects or diseases in your garden or landscape, check with your local county extension office, and also view DPI’s pest alert page.
If you have questions or comments, please call DPI’s toll-free helpline at 888-397-1517. Purchasing plants for your garden or landscape? Make sure to buy from a registered nursery.
Mikania micrantha
The invasive weed Mikania micrantha is nicknamed mile-a-minute because of its fast growth habits, and rightly so. Also known as Chinese creeper and bittervine, this invasive weed can grow almost half a meter per week in optimal conditions. It thrives in Florida’s warm, humid environment, especially in the Redlands area where it has been detected for the first time in the continental United States.
As a rapidly growing climbing vine, it can smother and overwhelm other small plants and even large trees. Left uncontrolled, it can cover abandoned disturbed areas in only a few months, and then spill over into agricultural and natural areas. It has been documented as a pest in banana, cacao, coconut, oil palm, rubber and rice plantations. Mikania micrantha is one of the top one hundred global invasive pests.
Check out our Flickr album for more Mikania micrantha photos. If you think you have seen this plant, please call 888-397-1517.
Mikania micrantha Positive Finds in Florida
Mikania micrantha Pest Alert – DPI
Mikania micrantha Fact Sheet by Asia – Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network
