Plant Pests and Diseases

Biological control is the use of natural enemies to reduce damage caused by destructive organisms to tolerable levels. 

CAPS is an effort by state and federal agricultural agencies to conduct surveillance, detection and monitoring of exotic plant pests.

Find citrus industry information including regulations, pests, diseases, and current programs.

Occasionally local populations explode to such an extent that they can seriously damage ornamentals, row crops and citrus groves. 

Emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in the northern U.S. since its arrival in 2002. 

Fruit flies have a wide host range of fruits, vegetables and nuts, and most of Florida’s crops fall within the host range. 

Viral inclusion bodies can be seen using the light microscope and can be used for disease diagnosis.

The giant African land snail is one of the most damaging snails in the world, consuming at least 500 different types of plants. 

The horntail snail, a pest that feeds on a wide variety of crops, was identified in Miami-Dade County in September 2020.

 Learn how to properly submit a plant or insect specimen to the Division of Plant Industry for identification.

Laurel wilt is a deadly disease of redbay  and other tree species in the Laurel family.

A quarantine is in place for all of Lee County due to the presence of lychee erinose mite, a major pest of lychee. 

Mile-a-minute is a fast-growing vine on both the federal and Florida state noxious weed lists. 

FDACS regulates the movement of noxious weeds in Florida. Nursery sales of these weeds are prohibited.

Pest alerts are scientific publications regarding agriculture pests of concern to Florida. 

Learn about the red palm mite, a pest of coconut, areca palm and date palms. 

Inspections and compliance agreements are available to help ensure tropical soda apple isn't spread via the movement of regulated articles.