Pest

Year
Discovered

Impacts / Response Actions

Salvinia molesta,
Giant Salviniaquatic weed

1998

First found at Toledo Bend Reservoir, this weed is widespread in at least 35 water bodies in 15 parishes. LDWF and LSU AgCenter coordinated efforts to distribute a biological control agent, the salvinia weevil, into lakes infested with giant salvinia. Giant salvinia has a major negative impact on Caddo Lake. LDAF prohibits nursery production and sales of giant salvinia.

Aethina tumida,
Small Hive Beetle

2000

First detection in Orleans Parish. Beetle has now spread into all 64 parishes. Healthy hives with large bee populations are able to keep the pest in check. Weak hives allow beetle populations to multiply, resulting in serious damage to brood and stored honey. LSU AgCenter faculty worked with LDAF to develop management options. For more information on small hive beetle: LSU AgCenter and Clemson University.

Puccinia hemerocallidis,
Daylily Rust

2001

First found in U.S. in 2000. First Louisiana detection was in Iberia Parish. This disease is easily spread by the wind and through the nursery trade. Severity of injury depends upon variety. LSU AgCenter developed outreach information on resistant or tolerant varieties.

Diaprepes abbreviatus,
West Indian Sugarcane Rootborer

2004

First found in U.S. (Florida) in 1964. New Orleans Audubon Zoo personnel reported finding a few adult beetles in 2004 and 2007. In 2008, the beetle was found infesting a commercial citrus grove near Buras, Plaquemines Parish. Possibly entered Louisiana as a hitchhiker on plant material. LSU AgCenter worked with LDAF to develop management recommendations also extension educational programs about this beetle.

Phakospora pachyrhizi,
Soybean Rust

2004

First detection of this disease in North America was in East Baton Rouge Parish. Rust spores were carried here by wind from South America. Rapid survey response in 2004 indicated disease was widely scattered in the South. LSU AgCenter has developed management plans and tracks rust movement each year.

Apis mellifera
scutellata,
Africanized Honeybee (AHB)

2005

AHB spread into Louisiana by natural migration from Mexico through Texas. LDAF considers the entire state to be infested with confirmed finds in Caddo, Winn, LaSalle, Cameron, Evangeline, Vermilion and St. Bernard parishes. No stinging incidents from AHB have been confirmed. LSU AgCenter cooperated with LDAF to develop response plans for parish governments.

Maconellicoccus hirsutus,
Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHMB)

2006

First established populations of PHMB were found in Jefferson Parish. Biological control agents supplied by USDA were released by LDAF in 2007 and 2008. This is a pest of hibiscus, other ornamentals and several crops produced in Louisiana and is under control. Link to video presentation on pink hibiscus mealybug.

Pomacea canaliculata,
Channeled Apple Snail

2006

First established populations of this snail were found in Gretna, Jefferson Parish. Snail may have been placed into the environment when someone dumped an aquarium into a canal. This pest of rice has now spread throughout Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes. There are populations found on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and in Terrebonne Parish. Egg masses found in a pond in Lafayette were removed, and monitoring of the pond is ongoing. Surveys by LDAF continue in rice-producing areas of the state. Apple snail website.

Aleurocanthus woglumi,
Citrus Blackfly (CBF)

2007

This citrus pest is widespread throughout southern Louisiana. Another pest that growers and homeowners need to watch for and control if citrus trees become heavily infected. LSU AgCenter has released parasitoids for biological control of CBF. More information on identifcation of insects on citrus trees.

Steneotarsonemus spinki,
Panicle Rice Mite

2007

Found in Acadia Parish. This is a federally regulated pest, resulting in infested fields and greenhouses being placed under quarantine by USDA and treatment options given to the grower. More information on panicle rice mite.

Diaphorina citri,
Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP)

2008

First find in Louisiana was in Orleans Parish. This citrus pest was possibly carried into the state on plant material. ACP is widespread across southeast Louisiana. Parishwide spray program is conducted biannually in Plaquemines Parish. Entire state is federally quarantined for this pest, and all shipments of citrus plants out of Louisiana require treatment and certification. LSU AgCenter has published control options for growers and produced a scouting video. USDA surveys continue. Citrus greening Identification publication pdf.

Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,
Citrus greening Asiatic strain

2008

First infected citrus tree was found in Orleans Parish. This disease is vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid. Over the past two years only five infected trees have been found infected, and all have been destroyed voluntarily by LDAF. Orleans and Washington parishes are quarantined for this disease. USDA surveys continue. Citrus greening Identification publication pdf.

Eoreuma loftini,
Mexican Rice Borer (MRB)

2008

LSU AgCenter collaboration with LDAF found two moths spaced five miles apart near the Texas border in Calcasieu Parish (December 2008). The most recent collection included four moths in November 2010 southwest of Sulphur, 15-18 miles from commercial sugarcane. AgCenter continues developing proactive management approaches with ongoing training of stakeholders. More information on Mexican Rice Borer.

Cactoblastis cactorum,
South American Cactus Moth

2009

Natural spread of this moth into Louisiana from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. USDA is attempting to stop the westward movement to keep this pest of prickly pear cacti out of the desert Southwest and Mexico. Infested cacti are destroyed when they are found. More information on South American cacuts moth.

Scirtothrips dorsalis,
Chilli Thrips

2009

This pest of ornamentals and vegetable crops was hand-collected from roses by LSU personnel in Jefferson Parish. No additional reports have been received and no damage concerns expressed. LSU AgCenter faculty have informed citizens of the threat posed by this pest. More information on chilli thrips.

Paratrechina sp. nr. pubens,
Crazy Rasberry Ant

2009

Nuisance pest for homeowners was first found in West Baton Rouge and St. Tammany parishes by LSU AgCenter personnel. Control options are under development. More information on crazy Rasberry ant.

Drosophila suzukii,
Spotted Wing Drosophila

2010

This pest of strawberry, blueberry and blackberry was collected in a fruit fly trap by USDA in Allen Parish in August 2010. LSU AgCenter is developing pest management options. More information on spotted wing drosophila.

Elsinoe australis,
Sweet Orange Scab

2010

This citrus disease was first isolated from a Persian lime tree in Orleans Parish in August 2010. It has now has been found in 15 parishes from Calcasieu to Plaquemines. Because this disease is newly confirmed in the U.S. , the USDA is determining response actions. The AgCenter has educational programs. More information on sweet orange scab.