Student 10-Minute Presentation
Plant-Insect Ecosystems
Student
Student Competition
Daniel James Rhodes
Lab Technician
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Brian W. Bahder
Associate Professor
University of Florida
Davie, Florida
Jacqueline H. Buenrostro (she/her/hers)
PhD Student & Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Carrie Harmon
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Adam Dale
Associate Professor
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Palms are an iconic feature of the coastal south and generate significant economic impact for Florida's ornamental industry. However, the rapid spread of lethal phytoplasmas (LP) poses a significant threat to palm production and survival in the landscape. Current management relies on preventive insecticide and antibiotic applications to palms, which is not sustainable. There is a critical need for new preventive management tactics that efficiently identify at-risk palms and curtail the continuing spread of LP. Here, we investigate risk factors associated with local landscape characteristics that may influence insect vector densities and LP infection. Using geographic information system mapping software and satellite imagery we tested for associations between LP infection and impervious surface, neighboring palm density, grassy groundcover, and moisture. The ultimate goal is to identify thresholds of surrounding landscape characteristics that predict LP infection to inform more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable preventive practices to manage palm LP in Florida and beyond.