Observation of Potential Pests of Hops (Humulus lupulus) Grown in the Southeastern United States

摘要

Humulus lupulus, commonly known as hops, is an herbaceous perennial crop cultivated from rhizomes for its strobiles which contain important compounds for the flavoring and aroma of food, tea, and beer. Interest in producing hops in areas outside of the Pacific Northwestern United States has been fueled by demand for locally produced products and growing craft beer market. Several arthropod pests threaten hop production in the Pacific Northwest; however, the pest or pest complexes that will impact hops grown in Florida are currently unknown. Without appropriate intervention, high density population of potential pests can result in total crop loss. Identification of potential pests provides important information that assists with establishing and integrating pest management controls. Sixty hop rhizomes consisting of four varieties ('Chinook', 'Columbus', 'Amalia', and 'Neol') were transplanted into native deep sand soil (Tavares-Millhopper soil series) within a protected agricultural polyethylene covered, open-sided greenhouse located in Apopka, FL, and cultivated for a period of two years. Observation and identification of potential pests on hops produced in Southeastern United States included: spider mites (Tetranychus urticae and Oligonychus ilicis), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci and Aleurodicus dugesii), and aphid (Aphis gossypii). Results from this work are critical in aiding commercial hop producers in the Southeastern United States correctly identify potential pest of hops. Moreover, this observational report also serves as a foundational platform for production viability and development of future integrated pest management programs.