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During a survey in Trinidad and Grenada for putative vectors of palm lethal decline phytoplasmas, three species of planthopper in the genus Melanoliarus (Hemiptera, Cixiidae) were collected. Melanoliarus maidis was collected from coconut palms in Grenada, M. kindli was collected from grasses in a coconut plot in Trinidad and a new species of Melanoliarus was collected from coconut palms in Trinidad. Herein the novel taxon is described with supplementary molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene to support placement in the genus Melanoliarus in the strict sense.

Palm-infecting phytoplasmas have been a persistent threat to sustainable palm production in Florida, U.S.A., for nearly a century. First, lethal yellowing (LY) was introduced in the early 1900s, then lethal bronzing (LB) was introduced around 2006. While LY is currently rare in Florida, LB is actively spreading throughout the state and as it becomes more established, has begun infecting new host species. Continual monitoring efforts throughout the state seeks to catch infections and remove palms before further spread. As a result of this effort, many palms displaying a variety of symptoms are sampled and submitted to the University of Florida – Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) for confirmation of phytoplasma infection status. Over the course of 3 years, multiple samples of Washingtonia robusta and Roystonea regia were submitted. All of these samples were negative for phytoplasma upon the initial qPCR screening and were tested with universal primers and confirmed as negative. Specimens of Arenga engleri, Rhapidophyllum hystrix, and Sabal palmetto were received and tested positive for LB, LB, and LY, respectively, tentatively representing new host records for these species and respective phytoplasma. Multilocus sequence analyses utilizing the 16S rRNA, 16S-23S intergenic spacer region, secA, secY, and groEL further confirmed the identity of LB and LY in the respective new hosts. These results highlight the need for continued monitoring of palms in Florida so that infected palms can be removed quickly. Also, the novel molecular data ( secY) help better understand and identify phytoplasmas in palms.

Lethal bronzing (LB) is a fatal palm disease caused by the phytoplasma ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma aculeata’. This disease causes significant economic losses in palm industries and landscapes. The American palm cixiid, Haplaxius crudus, recently was identified as the vector of the phytoplasma. However, knowledge about LB phytoplasma transmission is limited due to the lack of a method to generate phytoplasma-infected insects in the laboratory. In this study, the acquisition and transmission of the LB phytoplasma by H. crudus were investigated. Successful acquisitions of the phytoplasma by H. crudus were observed at 2 days acquisition access period on LB-infected palm spear leaves. Analyses revealed increased phytoplasma infection rates of H. crudus with longer acquisition access periods and latent periods. A significantly higher phytoplasma infection rate was shown after various acquisition access periods and latent periods than the infection rate of the field-collected H. crudus population. Transmission of the phytoplasma from LB-infected spear leaves to sucrose media by H. crudus also was observed using digital PCR assays. These results further support the vector status of H. crudus and offer valuable information to understand LB phytoplasma transmission. Additionally, these results generate a critical baseline for future LB phytoplasma−vector research by providing a way to generate vectors with high phytoplasma infection rates in the laboratory setting.

Palm lethal decline is a disease that is always fatal to infected palm hosts and is caused by three species of phytoplasma in the Caribbean basin: ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae’, ‘Ca. P. aculeata’, and ‘Ca. P. hispanola’. Movement of these pathogens throughout the Caribbean has been documented since their discovery in Jamaica. Over time, means of confirming infections in palms have improved. Current protocols utilize quantitative PCR (qPCR) for rapid amplification and distinction of these phytoplasmas using TaqMan probes and high-resolution melt-curve analysis (HRMA) of the 16S rRNA gene. These assays either do not detect all three phytoplasmas (HRMA) or do not distinguish between the three (TaqMan). In this study, a new qPCR-HRMA assay is developed that amplifies and distinguishes all three phytoplasmas currently known to kill palms in the Caribbean. Efficiency for the primer set secA614_F/secA759_R was shown to be consistent for all species at each concentration and yielded distinct melting temperature ranges for amplicons of ‘Ca. P. palmae’ (73.3 to 73.4°C), ‘Ca. P. aculeata’ (72.9 to 73.0°C), and ‘Ca. P. hispanola’ (73.5 to 73.6°C). This assay is a useful new tool not only for diagnostics that will contribute to monitoring and management programs, but it will also aid in basic research by allowing rapid screening of large samples in the context of vector surveys or identification of reservoir hosts.

Recent survey efforts in Costa Rica have documented many new species of planthoppers, primarily in the families Derbidae and Cixiidae, on palms. Recently, a specimen was collected sweeping palms in the Los Angeles cloud forest in Costa Rica and was identified as belonging to the genus Herpis (Derbidae). It was subsequently determined to represent a previously undescribed species. Herein, the new species, Herpis circumsoros Bahder & Bartlett sp. n. is described with supplemental molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 18S rRNA gene to support placement of the new species in the genus Herpis.

Haplaxius is a large genus of cixiid planthopper found in the New World. The genus is of particular interest due to the ability of H. crudus to transmit the phytoplasmas for lethal decline in various palm species, primarily in the Caribbean and Florida, U.S.A. During recent vector survey work in Jamaica, a specimen was collected at Castleton Botanic Garden and determined to be a new species of Haplaxius. The novel taxon is herein described, Haplaxius fornicus sp. n., and corresponding DNA sequence data is provided for the barcoding region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene. An updated phylogeny of the genus is provided with currently available taxa demonstrating additional support for the placement of H. fornicus sp. n. in Haplaxius.

The derbid genus Oropuna is a small taxon of Neotropical planthoppers in the tribe Cenchreini comprised of three species. Recent survey work on palms for planthoppers in Costa Rica resulted in the discovery of a fourth species, Oropuna halo sp. n. In this study the new species is described and a key to the four species is provided along with sequence data for the cyctochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rRNA gene for the novel taxon.

Palm lethal decline phytoplasmas are an important group of plant pathogens that cause death in a variety of palm species throughout the Caribbean basin and the southeastern United States. The 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was introduced to the state of Florida, United States; it has since caused severe economic losses to the green industries of Florida and is threating natural ecosystems because of its ability to infect the native palm Sabal palmetto. In this study, the genetic variability of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was assessed over a 10-year period to determine if multiple introductions had occurred or if natural mutations were occurring. Furthermore, the genetic variability of the palm lethal decline phytoplasma group (16SrIV) was assessed with a multiple locus analysis using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region, and secA and groEL genes. Overall, no variability of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was documented in Florida over a 10-year period. The multilocus analysis showed support for three distinct species of the phytoplasma in the Caribbean basin that infect palms and further support that the 16SrIV-C from Tanzania is not closely related. Furthermore, 16SrIV-B and 16SrIV-D were found to be the same phytoplasma based on 100% identity between the two based on intergenic spacer region, secA, and groEL analysis. This study represents the first robust, multilocus analysis of palm-infecting phytoplasmas from the Caribbean and sheds light on the phylogeny and evolution of the group.

Tico is a small genus of planthopper comprised of four species primarily known from Costa Rica, with one species known from Trinidad and Venezuela. Recent survey work has documented multiple new species from palms and other broadleaf monocots in Costa Rica. Herein, a new species, Tico villablanca sp. n., is described from palms in the Los Angeles cloud forest, Costa Rica. Novel molecular data for the 18S rRNA gene and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is provided for the new species and supplements morphological support for placement in the genus Tico. An updated key is provided for the species of Tico.

Haplaxius is a large genus of New World cixiid planthoppers. The genus is of particular interest because Haplaxius crudus can transmit palm infecting phytoplasmas and the recent discovery of additional Haplaxius on palms during survey work highlights the need to fully understand the diversity of this genus on palms. Herein, a new species, Haplaxius cotinga sp. n., is described from the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. This species is most similar to H. deleter from southern Panama, from which it differs mostly by features of the male terminalia. Molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 18S rRNA, and histone 3 (H3) gene is provided and demonstrates supplemental support for placing the novel taxon in Haplaxius.

A survey of weeds was undertaken in a palm nursery affected by lethal bronzing (LB) to identify a reservoir host of the causal phytoplasma. Three common species were identified; Urochloa maxima (Guineagrass), Sporobolus indicus (smut grass), and Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutsedge) and sampled over a period of 2 years. Each species was sampled 36 times and all three species were negative for the LB phytoplasma. However, three specimens of C. esculentus tested positive for the phytoplasma species ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense’. These findings represent the first documented case of ‘Ca. P. brasiliense’ in North America, specifically in Florida, U.S.A., as well as a new host record for the phytoplasma and the first monocot host documented. Because of the impact this phytoplasma has on papaya and hibiscus in South America, it presents a unique threat to ornamental and agricultural sectors in south Florida. An area-wide survey for the phytoplasma and potential vectors is recommended.

Anchimothon is a small genus of derbid planthoppers known from Mesoamerica and northern South America. Recent survey efforts in the Caribbean basin have documented many new taxa of fulgoroids from palms. During this survey, a novel taxon identified as Anchimothon was collected from palm seedlings at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Here, the novel taxon is described as A. myriei sp. n. with molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and18S rRNA providing support for placement of the new species in Anchimothon. An updated key is provided for the current species of Anchimothon.

A new species of cixiid planthopper in the genus Oecleus Stål is described from Tortuguero, Limón Province, Costa Rica. This is the first Oecleus species reported from Costa Rica. The new species, Oecleus dormido sp. n., was collected sweeping grassy edge habitat near the Caribbean coast. Sequence data for COI, 18S, and H3 was generated for phylogenetic comparison of the new species with other available Oecleus species and New World Oecleini to test genus-level placement and provide a preliminary examination of the phylogenetic relationships among New World genera of Oecleini. The results indicate that Oecleus, Haplaxius and Myxia are monophyletic, at least among the included taxa, the genera (Myxia+((Nymphocixia+Nymphomyndus)+Haplaxius) may form a clade apart from Oecleus. The monobasic genera Nymphocixia+Nymphomyndus are closely allied, with a difference of 0.98% for 18S, compared to an average of 2.2% among other included oecleine genera. In view of the limited morphological and molecular differences between these genera, we propose Nymphomyndus as a junior synonym of Nymphocixia.

Recent survey work in Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of a wide variety of undescribed species of planthoppers in the families Derbidae and Cixiidae. During a light trapping event in the Los Angeles cloud forest, a large planthopper was collected and determined to belong to the genus Myconus in the family Achilidae. Herein, the novel taxon is described with accompanying molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene and an updated key for the New World Myconus is provided.

Recently, the genus Tico Bahder & Bartlett was described as part of ongoing research focused on planthopper diversity on palms in Costa Rica to accommodate two new species and the transfer of one species from Cenchrea Westwood. Herein, a new species of Tico is described from palms and Heliconia spp. at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Placement of the novel taxon is supported by molecular analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 18S rRNA gene.

Lethal bronzing (LB) is a phytoplasma disease of palms in Florida, U.S.A. Historically, the use of the antibiotic oxytetracycline-hydrochloride (OTC-HCl) was optimized to treat for LY, and currently label rates for OTC-HCl developed for LY are being used to treat palms preventatively against LB. Because of the economic impact of LB, assessing OTC-HCl against LB is essential for developing and optimizing management options for this disease. In this study, Sabal palmetto palms declining from LB were injected with OTC-HCl to assess efficacy on LB. Four groups of palms were selected that represented healthy palms, early symptomatic palms, palms with moderate symptoms, and palms with late-stage symptoms. Within each group, treatment palms injected with OTC-HCl and a control group with no antibiotics were tested weekly by quantitative PCR for 1 year. For asymptomatic palms, treated palms never developed symptoms or tested positive, whereas one of the control palms did. The early symptomatic palms that were treated had similar levels of phytoplasma to the control group but had much slower symptom development. Palms with moderate symptoms had no difference in titer between the treatment and the control group, but treated palms had much slower symptom development. Palms with late-stage symptoms showed no difference in phytoplasma titer or symptom progression between treated and control palms. These results suggest that label rates of OTC-HCl appear useful as a preventative against LB, but once symptoms develop, label rates cannot cure palms. In the meantime, removal of symptomatic palms is recommended.

Lethal bronzing disease (LBD) is a fatal infection in a variety of ornamental palms in Florida caused by the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma. The disease was first found in 2006 in Florida and has since spread to 31 different counties, reaching as far north as Jacksonville and as far south as Key Largo. Stakeholders (nursery personnel, landscaping personnel, and extension agents) from across the state take and send samples for analysis. To provide better sampling recommendations and reduce the time associated with the sampling process, the distribution of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was examined by quantitative PCR analysis in various Phoenix sylvestris that displayed different stages of decline, including early symptoms, moderate symptoms, and late symptoms. A declining Sabal palmetto was also available for analysis and examined as well. The findings of this study revealed that regardless of the stage of decline, the highest amount of phytoplasma detected was nearest to the base of the trunk and gradually decreased further up the trunk. Also, in P. sylvestris it was found that with symptoms present, the entire trunk has a systemic infection, resulting in positive reactions for every sample taken. These data are useful to stakeholders because they provide useful sampling recommendations in that only a single sample is needed when sampling a palm suspected to be infected with phytoplasma. Also, based on these results, sampling lower on the trunk is advised.

Recent survey efforts in the Neotropics have documented a variety of new species of planthoppers associated with palms. Herein, a new species, Herpis soros sp. n., is described from palms in lowland tropical rainforest from Costa Rica. Other species in the genus (H. metcalfi, H. albida, and H. fuscovittata) are evaluated to provide an updated diagnosis of the genus Herpis. The New World Phaciocephalus is examined because two species were described in the genus Herpis with P. fimbriolata being recorded for both Herpis and Phaciocephalus. After examining holotype material for the New World Phaciocephalus, two species were determined to belong to other genera resulting in new combinations Oropuna orba comb. n. and Persis (Anapersis) pallidovenosa comb. n. The synonymy of Syntames with Herpis is reviewed, with S. fuscus moved to Oropuna as Oropuna fusca comb. n. Finally, molecular analysis of the new species based on COI and 18S show strong support for H. soros sp. n. as a distinct clade relative to all other cenchreines available.

A new species of Myxia Bahder & Bartlett (Cixiidae: Cixiinae: Oecleini) is established as Myxia hernandezi sp. n. collected from native palms in cloud forest habitat in Costa Rica. Placement in the genus Myxia is supported by molecular analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S loci as well as morphological characters.

The 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was first identified in Florida in 2006. Since its discovery, it has spread throughout most of the state. It is most prevalent in the central part of Florida, from Hillsborough County on the west coast to St. Lucie County on the east coast. The 16SrIV-D phytoplasma is the causal agent of lethal bronzing disease (LBD), which is also known as Texas Phoenix palm decline (TPPD). It affects a variety of common and economically important ornamental palm species as well as the native and ecologically important species, Sabal palmetto. It has spread into the southern portions of Florida, where the palm species diversity is higher. The aims of this survey were to document the spread of disease in terms of geographic and host range one decade after its introduction into Florida, and to assess the risk that LBD poses to the nursery and landscaping industries. The survey included samples received from stakeholders throughout the state, covering 18 counties, as well as a systematic sampling of palms at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC), where the disease is spreading actively. The findings of this survey resulted in the detection of LBD in eight new counties, including Collier, Hernando, Jefferson, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Seminole, and St. Johns, and the expansion of LBD into four new host species, Cocos nucifera, Livistona chinensis, Butia capitata, and Carpentaria acuminata. These findings are crucial for stakeholders because they highlight new hosts of 16SrIV-D phytoplasma and the geographic expansion of the disease, indicating that vigilance is needed when surveying declining palms.

Recent survey work on palms in Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of several new species of Derbidae, especially in the Cenchreini. During a recent expedition, specimens collected by light trapping at the Hotel Villa Blanca (cloud forest) were determined to be a novel species of Omolicna Fennah. Sequence data was generated for the novel taxon for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S loci. Pairwise analyses and phylogenetic analyses support placement of the novel taxon in Omolicna.

Haplaxius is a large genus of cixiid planthoppers that is widespread in the New World and economically important due to the role of H. crudus in transmitting palm lethal decline phytoplasmas. A new species of Haplaxius, here described as Haplaxius pocococo sp. n., was discovered during survey work on palms in north-central Costa Rica. Placement in Haplaxius is supported by sequence analysis of the COI and 18S genes relative to congeners and by morphological characters.

A new species of Myxia Bahder & Bartlett (Cixiidae: Cixiinae: Oecleini) is established as Myxia baynardi sp. n. collected from native palms in cloud forest habitat in Costa Rica. Placement in the genus Myxia is supported by molecular analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S loci as well as morphological characters. Haplaxius delta (Kramer) was collected along the Caribbean coast as a new country record for Costa Rica. Based on morphological characters observed and molecular analysis of COI and 18S, H. delta is herein moved to the genus Myxia.

Recent survey work for planthoppers at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica found two new species allied with Cenchrea Westwood. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S were sequenced for the new taxa and used these data to assess the genus-level standing of the new taxa. The new taxa do not cluster with Cenchrea dorsalis Westwood, the type species of Cenchrea. A new genus Tico gen. n. described for the reception of new species described as Tico emmettcarri sp. n. (the type species) and Tico pseudosororius sp. n. Cenchrea sororia Fennah is moved to Tico gen. n., to form the new combination Tico sororius (Fennah). Tico gen. n. is compared with allied genera, and review genus-level diagnostic features and the species composition of Cenchrea, which appears to be compositionally heterogenous, but additional data is needed to evaluate genus-level placement of most species.

Background Haplaxius crudus (the American palm cixiid) is a major insect pest of various economically important palms. H. crudus persists in tropical and subtropical regions where it is known to transmit the lethal yellowing (LY) phytoplasma. It has been implicated as the putative vector of Lethal bronzing (LB), a destructive phytoplasma-induced palm disease affecting over 16 species of ornamental and agricultural palms. To date, no mitochondrial genomes for species in the family Cixiidae are sequenced. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences of H. crudus has proven useful for proper species diagnosis and population studies which could benefit management programs aimed at moving infective insects. These analyses describe the first mitochondrial genome from the American palm cixiid, Haplaxius crudus and an insect in the family Cixiidae. Results In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of H. crudus was assembled and characterized from PacBio Sequel II long sequencing reads using the University of Florida’s HiPerGator supercomputer. The circular mitogenome of H. crudus is 15,845 bp long and encodes 37 mitochondrial genes (including 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs) in addition to a putative non-coding internal control region. The nucleotide composition of H. crudus is asymmetric with a bias toward A and T (44.8 %A, 13.4 %C, 8.5 %G and 33.3 %T). Protein-coding genes (PCGs) possess the standard invertebrate mitochondrial start codons with few exceptions while the gene content and order of the H. crudus mitogenome is identical to most completely sequenced insect mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that H. crudus is closely related to the planthopper in the family Delphacidae: N. lugens, which is the established sister group to Cixiidae. Conclusions Our studies have elucidated the first reference mitochondrial genome of Haplaxius crudus, providing structural analysis of the circular genome and encoded gene regions. The present results provide future opportunities to assess the diversity and origin of H. crudus. This study demonstrates the significance of understanding the structure and function of the mitochondrial genome to inform effective diagnostic and management strategies for insect pests.

Insect vector feeding preference and behavior play important roles in pathogen transmission, especially for pathogens that solely rely on insect vector transmission. This study aims to examine the effects of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma, the causal agent of lethal bronzing (LB) disease of palms, on associated auchenorrhynchan insects. The numbers of auchenorrhynchans collected during weekly surveys during a yearlong study using yellow sticky traps were analyzed. The cumulative number of H. crudus was 4.5 times greater on phytoplasma-infected relative to non-infected palms. Other auchenorrhynchans showed no difference between phytoplasma-infected and non-infected palms or were greater on non-infected rather than on infected palms. Furthermore, we examined the effects of LB, palm height, temperature, and the interactive effects of these factors on H. crudus abundance. When the palms were infected with LB, at low temperature, H. crudus was more abundant on shorter than taller palms, however, H. crudus was more abundant on taller than shorter palms at the median and higher temperatures. These results may indicate that H. crudus prefers LB-infected palms over non-infected palms. The interactive effects of LB, palm heights, and temperature further suggest that vector monitoring and disease management should be optimized according to seasonal variation in temperature.

Lethal bronzing disease is caused by the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma and is fatal to many palm species. This disease has caused significant economic losses to nursery and landscaping industries in Florida. As is the phloem-limited nature of phytoplasmas, the lethal bronzing disease phytoplasma is transmitted only by phloem-feeding insect vectors. However, the vector remains unconfirmed and this impedes the development of Integrated Pest Management programs that target vector populations. The primary objective of this study was to identify potential vectors of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma in Florida by surveying auchenorrhynchans using sticky traps at the area where the disease is actively spreading, and screening the specimens for the presence of the phytoplasma. Cixiidae, Cicadellidae, Derbidae, and Membracidae insects were collected consistently during the 1-yr survey. The total number of a cixiid planthopper, Haplaxius crudus (Van Duzee) (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), was significantly higher than other insects that were collected on the traps. Of 3,734 specimens tested by nested polymerase chain reaction, approximately 0.672% of the H. crudus specimens and 1 unidentified leafhopper (Cicadellidae sp.) tested positive for the16SrIV-D phytoplasma. The 16S sequences amplified from the positive specimens were confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Based on the population survey and the polymerase chain reaction assay results, we suggest that H. crudus is the potential vector of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma. However, the vector competency of H. crudus needs to be further investigated due to the possibility of feeding residue being detected. The study has important implication for current lethal bronzing disease management by monitoring and controlling vector candidates in disease areas.

An ongoing survey to document planthopper diversity on palms (Arecaceae) is being conducted in Costa Rica. During these efforts a new species of derbid planthopper belonging to the genus Agoo was found on Astrocaryum alatum Loomis in the Heredia province at La Selva Biological Station and is described here as Agoo luzdenia Bahder & Bartlett sp. n., bringing the genus to four described taxa—A. dahliana, A. luzdenia Bahder & Bartlett sp. n., A rubrimarginata, and A. xavieri. Sequence data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S genes was generated for the novel taxon and strongly supports its placement in the genus Agoo.

The genus Haplaxius is a large taxon of cixiid planthoppers that is of economic importance due to the ability of Haplaxius crudus to transmit lethal yellowing in coconut palms. Haplaxius dougwalshi sp. n. is established as a new taxon of Cixiidae in the tribe Oecleini collected from native palms in lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica. Placement in the genus Haplaxius is supported both by molecular evidence based on the COI and 18S genes as well as by morphological characters. This novel taxon was discovered during survey work in Costa Rica to look for phytoplasmas and document planthopper diversity on palms. Furthermore, Haplaxius skarphion was also collected from coconut palms during survey work and is reported for the first time in Costa Rica.

An ongoing survey for planthoppers associated with palms in the Caribbean basin is being conducted with current efforts on the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. In an expedition in June of 2019, a derbid was found on coconut palms in Alajuela province and was determined to be a new species belonging to the genus Anotia. The novel taxon is described and named Anotia firebugia Bahder & Bartlett sp. n. Additionally, molecular barcode data (COI) is provided for the newly described taxon.

Lethal bronzing disease (LBD) is a fatal infection in a variety of ornamental palms in Florida caused by the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma. The disease was first found in 2006 in Florida and has since spread to 31 different counties, reaching as far north as Jacksonville and as far south as Key Largo. Stakeholders (nursery personnel, landscaping personnel, and extension agents) from across the state take and send samples for analysis. To provide better sampling recommendations and reduce the time associated with the sampling process, the distribution of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was examined by quantitative PCR analysis in various

An ongoing survey for novel phytoplasmas and viruses that affect palms (Arecaceae) and their potential vectors is being conducted in Costa Rica. During that survey, a new species of derbid planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) from the palm Astrocaryum alatum H.F. Loomis was found in Heredia State and is here described as Agoo dahliana sp. n. Omolicna dubia Caldwell and O. latens Fennah were also found on coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) and represent new country records. Sequence data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) were generated for 9 ingroup (Omolicna Fennah) and 1 outgroup (Neocenchrea Metcalf) taxa; and for 18S ribosomal RNA gene were generated for 8 ingroup plus 2 outgroup taxa (Neocenchrea, Cenchrea Westwood). These data were compiled with available data from GenBank and BOLD for maximum likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction for Omolicna. These results, plus morphological evidence, support changing the status of the genus-group name Agoo Bahder & Bartlett from subgenus within Omolicna to full genus, resulting in the new combination of Agoo xavieri Bahder & Bartlett. Based on the original description and illustration of the genitalia of Omolicna rubrimarginata Fennah (from Trinidad), we transfer this species to Agoo, creating the combination Agoo rubrimarginata (Fennah), and bringing the total number of species in this genus to three, with A. dahliana sp. n. and A. xavieri currently only known from Costa Rica. Based on both molecular and morphological evidence, O dubia is transferred to Anchimothon Fennah. A key to differentiate the species of Agoo is presented.

A new species of the genus Agoo Bahder & Bartlett, Agoo beani sp. n. was found associated with coconut (Cocos nucifera L., Arecaceae) in Jamaica. This species was discovered as part of a survey of the Caribbean basin to document planthopper diversity on palms. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S sequence data strongly support placement of the new species in Agoo. The morphological features of Omolicna cocoana Rodriguez-Leon & Hidalgo-Gato from Cuba are reviewed and this species transferred into the genus Agoo.

Recently, a new phytoplasma was discovered in Hillsborough County in the state of Florida, USA. This phytoplasma belongs to the 16SrIV taxonomic group and is classified as subgroup D. It is the causal agent of lethal bronzing disease (LBD) of palm. Since the discovery of LBD in 2006, the disease has spread throughout much of the state. In 2014 and 2015, stands of cabbage palm and queen palms that had been present at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Davie, FL began showing symptoms of LBD. After confirming the presence of the LBD phytoplasma in initially infected palms by nested PCR and RFLP analysis, all palms were systematically sampled over the period of 1 year to monitor and quantify disease spread. A total of 30 cabbage palms were tested monthly by qPCR, with five testing positive on the first sample date. By the end of the study period, 16 cabbage palms had died from the infection. A total of 16 queen palms were surveyed, with three palms initially testing positive. By the end of the study, four queen palms had tested positive and died from the infection. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to document and quantify spread of palm‐infecting phytoplasmas. This data provides important insights into the ecology of palm‐infecting phytoplasmas and highlights the impact that the movement of infective insects can pose to established stands of palms.

Lethal yellowing (LY) and Texas Phoenix palm decline (TPPD) are two important phytoplasma diseases of palms in Florida. Both have been responsible for major economic losses historically and remain a constant threat to the sustainability of palm production in the landscaping and nursery industries in Florida. These two diseases cause rapid, lethal decline in afflicted palms, so rapid detection and identification is crucial to implement appropriate management strategies to reduce further spread and losses. In this study, a qPCR assay was developed to detect and identify the causal agents of LY and TPPD. Based on sequence data of the 16S gene for the 16SrIV-A phytoplasma (LY) and the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma (TPPD), two regions were identified in the gene that possessed sufficient variation to yield amplicons with measurable differences in melting temperature based on high resolution melt analysis (HRMA). One region was in the 5′ region and the other was located in the 3′ region of the gene. Products from both regions yielded amplicons with significantly different melting temperatures between the two phytoplasma strains. This research allows for the detection and identification of phytoplasmas in palms rapidly by eliminating many lengthy and post-PCR steps commonly used in phytoplasma identification.

Myxia belinda gen. et sp. nov. is established for a new taxon of Cixiidae in the tribe Oecleini collected from palms in Costa Rica. The new taxon was discovered while surveying palms for potential phytoplasma vectors. Placement in a new genus is supported by a 1,383 bp sequence of 18S that differs by 2.77% from Haplaxius, 5.20% from Myndus taffini, and 2.80% from Nymphomyndus caribbea. Intrageneric variation for 18S was found to be approximately 0.5% to 0.6% within Haplaxius. Generic level differences within the Oecleini for COI ranged from 15% to 17% with the novel taxon differing by about 16% from other genera. The new genus is most similar in appearance to Haplaxius but possesses striking sexual dimorphism, and the aedeagus is only partially surrounded by the phallobase (versus entirely enveloped in Haplaxius). The discovery of a novel taxon of cixiid on palms that is similar to Haplaxius is important because of the role that Haplaxius crudus plays in phytoplasma transmission in palm agro- and natural ecosystems.

Lethal bronzing disease (LBD) is a lethal decline of various palm species caused by the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma. The disease was described in Texas in 2002 but found in Florida in 2006. Since its introduction, the phytoplasma has spread throughout much of the state. Typically, sampling of infected palms involves taking trunk tissue; however, in some instances this is not possible so alternative protocols are needed. In this study, phytoplasma titers were measured in different leaf tissues of infected palm in order to provide stakeholders with more sampling options. In addition, understanding the phytoplasma distribution in the palm canopy can shed light on the pathogen’s biology and aid in vector studies. Three species of palm, Phoenix roebelinii, Sabal palmetto, and Syagrus romanzoffiana, were identified and confirmed positive for infection by qPCR analysis. Leaf tissue from these species that represented different stages of decay were sampled and tested by qPCR and dPCR. For each species, phytoplasma was only detectable in the spear leaf tissue that was connected directly to the apical meristem by both qPCR and dPCR. These data are useful by demonstrating that the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma appears to be restricted to the spear leaf so stakeholders who wish to sample palms but cannot sample trunk tissue due to palm size or lack of permission to drill into the trunk have an alternative tissue type to reliably sample. In addition, this information will help improve vector research by knowing where to collect insects that have a higher probably of possessing the phytoplasma.

An ongoing survey for novel phytoplasmas and viruses that affect palms (Arecaceae) is being conducted in Costa Rica along with potential vectors. During that survey, a new species of derbid planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) in the genus Omolicna Fennah was detected from Heredia and Limón State and is here described as Omolicna xavieri sp. n. This new taxon was first found on declining coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) and subsequently on healthy coconut palms in Tortuguero National Park. Also, two additional species of Omolicna, O. brunnea and O. triata, were collected on coconut in the same habitat and represent new country records. There are no previously published records of Omolicna from Costa Rica. Sequence data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the 18S ribosomal RNA gene were obtained. In addition, novel 18S primers specific to auchenorrhynchan insects were developed and presented. The molecular data show high pairwise distances between O. xavieri sp. n. and other Omolicna species (24% to 31% and 10% using COI and 18S, respectively). Based on both morphological and sequence data, we erect and briefly describe the new subgenus Agoo for the new species to reflect the observed differences. A checklist of Omolicna species is presented.

Phytoplasmas are an economically important group of plant pathogens that negatively impact a wide variety of plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems. In Florida, palm trees are essential elements in the nursery and landscaping industries that suffer from diseases caused by phytoplasmas that are related to each other but are classified in two different subgroups, 16SrIV-A and 16SrIV-D. In this study, a TaqMan assay was developed for digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) to detect both palm-infecting phytoplasmas found in Florida. When compared with real-time PCR assays and nested PCR assays, dPCR was capable of detecting the phytoplasmas at much lower concentrations than was possible by using real-time PCR and nested PCR. Additionally, the assay was capable of detecting 16SrIV-B phytoplasma as well as isolates representing the 16SrI and 16SrIII phytoplasma groups. Due to sequence identity of primer annealing regions across diverse phytoplasmas, the assay is likely to be successful for detection of a wide variety of phytoplasmas. The increased sensitivity of this dPCR assay over real-time PCR will allow for earlier detection of phytoplasma infection in palm trees, as well as for screening of salivary glands of candidate insect vector species. These advantages should aid timely management decisions to reduce disease spread and rapid determination of phytoplasma transmission by vectors.

A new species of cixiid planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) in the genus Oecleus Stål, Oecleus mackaspringi sp. n., is described from Spring Garden, Jamaica. This new taxon is associated with coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) and was found while surveying palm plots with active cases of lethal yellowing (LY). This is the first report of the genus Oecleus from Jamaica. Sequence data for the COI gene and 18S gene are also provided.

Summary This study investigated nuclear markers in Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) that can be used as a diagnostic tool to detect F1 hybrids from field samples. Six microsatellite markers were compatible for both parental species and hybrid termites and were optimized so that a standard gene library can be built for the south Florida Coptotermes populations.