A South American Leaf Beetle Pest Of Crucifers In Florida

Microtheca ochroloma Stal was first recorded in the United States from Mobile, Alabama, 20 march 1947, where it was a pest of turnip, cabbage, collard, mustard, and radish (Chamberlin and Tippin, 1949). Gentry (1954) reported it also from Marengo County, Alabama, on irish potato. In 1956 (anonymous) it was reported for the first time in Louisiana (Tangipahoa Parish) on mustard greens. Later its distribution was listed as 22 counties in 4 states (anonymous, 1962). Although Edwards (1949) listed the species from “Alabama and Florida,” there appears to be no substantiation for a Florida record until it was found at Tampa on 4 april 1972. At that time it was found on watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) at an aquatic nursery by DPI Plant Specialist E. R. Simmons. Subsequent surveys from 1972 to 1974 have not produced additional records except at the original find. This Circular is prepared to acquaint regulatory personnel with the beetle in order to facilitate detection during future surveys.