Lethal bronzing (LB) is a devastating phytoplasma disease that affects over 20 palm species. The disease is widespread in the state of Florida and causes significant economic losses to a variety of stakeholders, including nurseries, landscape companies, private homeowners, local municipalities, and the state government. To aid stakeholders in managing LB on properties, palm samples are screened routinely for phytoplasma at the University of Florida Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. Although the priority of these data is to aid stakeholders, they also serve as a useful data collection tool that allow for better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease. In this study, data from 2017 to 2024 were assessed to better understand seasonal trends in new infections, especially in the context of vector populations. Over the period of 8 years, a distinct seasonal trend was observed in the number of positive detections of LB, with the majority of positives occurring from January to May, significantly dropping from June to December. Populations of the vector were monitored and displayed peak activity in September. The relationship observed supports the observations of a 4- to 8-month latent period after peak vector activity. These data provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of LB in Florida and allow for a more precise timing of monitoring and management efforts.

Invasive species are a significant threat to a variety of ecosystems in Florida, with freshwater habitats being of particular concern. Two nonnative species of fish with established populations that are priority organisms for monitoring and management programs are the bullseye snakehead (BS; Channa species complex) and Asian swamp eel (ASE; Monopterus species complex). Recent technological advances have seen the emergence of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis as a useful tool for the detection and monitoring of target organisms and to assess removal efforts. In this study, a duplex digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) was developed, optimized, and validated on control samples and field samples from locations with documented occurrences of target organisms. The assay developed, which allows simultaneous detection of both fish species when present in a sample, demonstrated highly efficient amplification for the corresponding target species with individual assays failing to cross-amplify. Under controlled conditions, high levels of eDNA were detected as early as five minutes post-introduction of BS to water. Additionally, field eDNA samples yielded varying levels of positive amplification for both species based on comparison of fluorescence levels to positive controls (both tissue extract and plasmids with appropriate inserts). These data indicate that through careful assay design and stringent parameter optimization, eDNA results obtained for monitoring of these two fish species can be a viable and cost-effective strategy to detect the presence of these species simultaneously as well as to evaluate the success of removal efforts.

Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas (PLYPs) are plant pathogens that cause fatal infections in various palm species in tropical regions. The only confirmed vector of these pathogens is Haplaxius crudus Van Duzee (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), a planthopper found in the Neotropics and parts of North America. The recent identification of a new PLYP in Madagascar, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma katsepyensis', was the impetus for vector studies. In 2024, an expedition was launched to document planthopper diversity on palms in Madagascar, where phytoplasmas had previously been observed, to identify putative vectors. Insect specimens belonging to the genus Nesomyndus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) were collected in relatively high abundance (n = 101) and later determined to represent three species: N. australis, N. maculatus, and N. madagascarensis. Additionally, five coconut palms tested positive by qPCR for phytoplasma among the sites surveyed. Among all specimens of all three species, only 9 out of 61 specimens of N. maculatus were positive for phytoplasma based on qPCR and high-resolution melt curve analysis, with four of these nine specimens having detectable levels of phytoplasma in the salivary glands by digital PCR. All positive specimens were collected from a single site. The detection of the phytoplasma in the salivary glands provides strong evidence that N. maculatus is a competent vector of a phytoplasma strain affecting coconuts in Madagascar. Future efforts will determine if the other species are also capable of acquiring the phytoplasma and evaluate critical details of the transmission cycle.

The hop plant (Humulus lupulus) is an economically important perennial species of plant because of its role in beer production. Although most hop production occurs in central Washington State, local production in regions around the United States is gaining popularity owing to local microbreweries wanting to use locally grown hops in their production. In Florida, production has recently increased, and although most hop plants are grown from tissue culture, the development of a cost-effective diagnostic assay for hop viruses is critical to ensure planting material is clean. In this study, a tetraplex reverse transcription digital PCR (RT-dPCR) assay was developed for the detection of four common hop viruses; Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), Hop mosaic virus (HMV), Hop latent virus (HLV), and American hop latent virus (AHLV). A synthetic control was generated with corresponding viral sequences inserted in tandem for optimization. Stem, petiole, and leaf tissue sampled from each of three different cultivars with different viral profiles were screened with the tetraplex RT-dPCR assay. Across all tissue types and cultivars, HLV had the highest titer level followed by HMV, and ApMV had the lowest levels. Additionally, there were significant levels of variation among tissue types across cultivars. These data highlight the utility of this assay for detecting viruses in hop tissue and provide a useful diagnostic tool for screening hop plants to confirm they are healthy. This assay will be used in vector studies but also integrated into diagnostic services.

Planthoppers are a diverse and interesting group of insects. In the tropics, there are many undiscovered species and recent efforts have uncovered many new taxa associated with palms. One species of Cixiidae, Haplaxius crudus (Van Duzee), is economically important due to its ability to transmit palm lethal decline phytoplasmas, which has caused significant economic losses to palm producers across the Caribbean and the United States. A survey was conducted in Trinidad and Tobago to assess the potential threat that lethal yellowing and lethal bronzing pose to Trinidad and Tobago by evaluating the status of Haplaxius crudus (and other putative vectors) on the islands and genetically characterize populations in the islands to determine if H. crudus was a distinct haplotype. Populations of H. crudus were sampled and analyzed to assess genetic variability. Specimens of H. crudus were homogenous for the COI gene but represent a novel haplotype of the species. All specimens of H. crudus were negative for phytoplasma. Additionally, 8 species of Derbidae were documented, including one new species, Oropuna tobagoensissp. n., 5 species of Cixiidae and one species of Delphacidae on coconut palms. These data provide a valuable baseline to aid in the development of a long-term, robust monitoring program that will allow for rapid and early detection of palm phytoplasmas should they be introduced to the islands and ultimately help prevent the establishment of the disease and economic losses to the coconut industry.

Lethal bronzing disease is a fatal phytoplasma infection of over 20 different palm species. It was introduced to Florida around 2006 and has since spread throughout the entire state where it has caused millions of dollars in economic to nurseries and landscape companies. While spread within nurseries and urban landscapes in Florida is driven primarily by transmission via the vector, Haplaxius crudus, long distance dispersal is commonly driven by movement of infected plant material. In this study, evidence is provided of the first detection of this phytoplasma in Phoenix sylvestris in Georgia, representing a new state record that is due directly to the movement of plants from Florida. Sequence data for the 16S rRNA, secA and groEL genes confirms the identity of the phytoplasma in declining palms from Georgia. This report highlights the continued need for monitoring and testing for lethal bronzing in Florida and regions where palms can grow and are commonly planted.

New species of Anchimothon, A. hippocampus sp. nov. and A. sphinx sp. nov. (Derbidae: Derbinae: Cenchreini), are described from Alajuela and Puntarenas Provinces, Costa Rica, where they were collected during a survey of planthoppers associated with palms. Molecular data for the five-prime region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and 28S rRNA gene are provided for available members of Cenchreini to support placement in Anchimothon.

Recent survey work in Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of a series of new species of derbid and cixiid planthoppers associated with palms. Here a new species of Agoo was collected by sweeping palms and is described as Agoo keili sp. nov. Sequence data are generated for the new species and Omolicna fulva for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene and the D9 to D10 expansion region for the 28S rRNA gene to support the placement of the novel taxon in the genus Agoo. Omolicna fulva is transferred to Agoo, as A. fulvus comb. nov.

Recent survey work in Jamaica has uncovered a large number of new species of planthoppers in the families Derbidae and Cixiidae on palms (Arecaceae). Herein, a new genus and species of planthopper, Litophallus inornatus gen. et sp. nov., is described from coconut palm. Molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 18S rRNA gene and D8-D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene is provided and analyzed for the novel taxon and other available New World Otiocerinae. These findings are important because they provide novel data to help better understand the diversity and evolution of this unique group of planthoppers. Finally, Shellenius schellenbergii (McAtee, 1923) is transferred to the new genus as Litophallus schellenbergii comb. nov.

Recent survey efforts on palms (Arecaceae) in Costa Rica have resulted in the discovery of many new species of cixiid planthoppers. A recent expedition resulted in the discovery of a new species, Bothriocera aurea sp. nov., from palms on the Osa peninsula. Herein, the novel taxon is described and supplemental molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), histone 3 (H3), 18S rRNA and D8-D10 expansion regions of 28S rRNA genes are presented.

Recent palm survey work in Costa Rica focusing on planthoppers has resulted in the discovery of several new taxa, primarily in Cixiidae and Derbidae. Here a new species of Cyclopoliarus Fennah, C. nigelwatsoni sp. nov., is described from Caño Negro, Limón Province, Costa Rica. The new species is compared with C. omani, the only other described Central American Cyclopoliarus. Supplemental molecular data is presented for the barcoding region (5' half) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and D9 to D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene. A phylogeny is presented to place the new species relative to other available taxa.

- We observed a sea-star mortality event with gross signs diagnostic of sea star wasting idia senegalensis (Nine-Armed Sea Star), which displayed gross pathological signs associated with SSWD: lesions, limb curling, and body fragmentation. While limb autotomy is relatively common in Luidia spp., its co-occurrence with necrotic lesions, deflation, and rapid disintegration meets the typical morphological criteria for SSWD. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of SSWD in Nine-Armed Sea Star and the first in Florida. Environmental stressors, such as elevated sea-surface temperatures (+1.1 degrees C anomaly), low tides, and stormwater runoff, may have contributed to the event. Nine-Armed Sea Stars play a critical role in sediment turnover and benthic trophic dynamics, and population declines could disrupt these processes. This outbreak expands the known host and geographic range of SSWD and underscores the importance of population health monitoring in subtropical marine invertebrates.

Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas (PLYPs) are a group of phytoplasmas that cause death in infected hosts across the tropics. Historically, detection and identification has relied on standard PCR, nested PCR, and restriction fragment length polymorphism. While these approaches are generally good, they are prone to error and contamination that is significantly lower or absent in modern approaches using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR). Additionally, these modern approaches are more time-efficient and consume fewer resources, making them more cost-effective in the long term. Recent studies have adapted dPCR and qPCR coupled with high-resolution melt curve analysis (HRMA) for PLYPs in the Caribbean/New World; however, these tools have not been developed for phytoplasmas in Africa and Madagascar. In this study, a duplex dPCR assay was developed with two specific assays, one for ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmicola’ and one for ‘Ca. P. cocostanzaniae’ and isolates from Madagascar. Additionally, primers targeting the secA gene were optimized and allowed for the separation of ‘Ca. P. cocostanzaniae’ and Malagasy isolates by approximately one degree Celsius. New primers were developed based on secA for ‘Ca. P. palmicola’ that allowed for the separation of the two subgroups (A and B) by HRMA by a difference of approximately one degree Celsius. These assays provide a valuable resource to explore aspects such as vector discovery and host range.

Human-mediated biological invasions can lead to introgressive hybridization events between lineages that have evolved independently, with potential for evolutionary, ecological, economic and social impacts. This study provides evidence for the ongoing spread and hybridization between two major invasive and destructive termite pest species, Coptotermes gestroi and C. formosanus in Florida. Heterospecific courtship behaviour between alates (winged reproductive caste) of the two species has led to the establishment of F1 hybrid colonies in the field, which have matured and produced F1 hybrid alates. Laboratory backcross attempts confirmed the possibility for F1 hybrid female alates to establish viable F2 colonies with males of either parental species. With the recent documentation of introgressive hybridization between the two species in Taiwan, the current study confirms its independent occurrence in Florida, demonstrating that both Coptotermes species can hybridize in areas where their distributions overlap. In Florida, the proximity of field-established hybrid colonies to the large leisure boat industry implies that Florida populations of C. gestroi, C. formosanus and their hybrids will continue to serve as a bridgehead source of propagules for further dispersal beyond their current distribution, with a potential for F1 hybrids to spread outside of Florida.

A new species of Myxia is described from light collecting in Villa Blanca, Costa Rica. The new species possesses an unusual large areolet on the anterior portion of the vertex. Maximum Likelihood analyses based on the 18S rRNA gene, D9–D10 expansion region of the 28S gene, H3 gene and 5’ region of the COI gene support the monophyly of Myxia, with the new species nested deeply within the genus.

During survey work for planthoppers associated with palms in Jamaica, one new species of Patara was collected at the Castleton Botanic Garden and is here described as Patara euryfrons sp. n. The species is unusual in having a much broader head than is normally found in members of the genus. Supplementary molecular data for the barcoding region (5' half) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 18S rRNA gene and D9-D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene is provided to support the placement of the novel taxon in Patara.

The genus Platocerella is a monotypic otiocerine genus (Derbidae: Otiocerinae: Otiocerini) reported from Guyana. A new species of Platocerella associated with palms is herein described from Costa Rica. Molecular data for the barcoding region cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 18S rRNA gene, and D9-D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene is provided to produce a preliminary phylogenetic tree including the new species and related taxa to place the new species relative to other otiocerine planthoppers.

Recent surveys of palm-associated planthoppers in Costa Rica have revealed many new species, primarily in the families Derbidae and Cixiidae, but also Myconus jacquelinae Bahder & Bartlett, in the Achilidae. Here a new species of Myconus from the the Osa peninsula is described as Myconus florae sp. n. with supplemental molecular data for the barcoding region (5’-half) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene. A key to all species of Myconus is provided.

A new species of Colpoptera, , C. stonei sp. nov., , (Colpopterinae: Colpopterini) is described from Costa Rica, during a survey of planthoppers associated with palms. Molecular data for the five-prime region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and 28S rRNA gene are provided for available members of Colpopterini to support placement in Colpoptera. .

'Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense' (CPB) is a phytoplasma originally discovered in South America and is known to infect a wide variety of economically important crops. It is most prevalent in Hibiscus spp., where it causes witches broom symptoms, and papaya, where it causes bunchy top. Recently, CPB was documented for the first time in North America in a new host, globe sedge. In this study, two quantitative PCR assays are developed: one using high-resolution melt curve analysis (HRMA) based on the secA gene and the other a TaqMan assay based on the dnaK gene. The secA/HRMA and dnaK/TaqMan assay successfully amplified two of the three isolates of CPB. Both assays were screened against available isolates of 16SrI, 16SrII, and 16SrIV phytoplasmas. The secA/HRMA assay failed to amplify 16SrI and 16SrIV phytoplasmas but successfully amplified 16SrII phytoplasmas. The resulting melting point (Tm) products of CPB and 16SrII phytoplasmas displayed a difference of 0.5°C, easily distinguishing them by melt curves. The dnaK/TaqMan assay failed to amplify all non-CPB phytoplasma isolates in the study. The development of these assays provides a valuable tool that will significantly improve monitoring programs in Florida and will aid in developing a better fundamental understanding of the epidemiology of this phytoplasma.