South Florida Orchid Society

Dr. Alexandra Revynthi

Dr. Alexandra Revynthi

“Orchid Pests: Ecology and Management”

Dr. Revynthi is an Assistant Professor at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida. She comes from Greece and holds a PhD in acarology from the University of Amsterdam with specialization in the behavioral ecology of predatory mites. Dr. Revynthi has a keen interest in arthropod behavior, population dynamics, chemical ecology, biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) in ornamental crops.

Current research and extension efforts focus on developing an IPM program to control the Hibiscus bud weevil (Anthonomus testaceosquamosus), a new invasive species affecting the hibiscus industry in south Florida. Moreover, Dr. Revynthi explores the potential of a predatory mite as a biocontrol agent of the Ficus whitefly (Singhiella simplex). Additionally, she studies acarine pests of agricultural importance with the aim to develop IPM programs to control them.

Acarine pests of interest include new invasive species such as the Lychee erinose mite (Aceria litchii) and the Hemp russet mite (Aculops cannabicola), as well as established pests such as the Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the flat mite Brevipalpus yothersi. Extension efforts are also focused on improving detection of the Horntail snail, an invasive species that is under eradication by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry.

R A F F L E   T A B L E

The Raffle Table for our May 18th meeting will be provided by Mac’s Orchids. A little history – Mac and Helen are now at their new location – 6800 Appaloosa Trail, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33330. Mac and Helen have been vendors at our annual shows (when we were able to have shows) for many years. Maybe some day you can travel up to Broward County and visit them – I suggest you call Mac (954-410-8580) – as they are often going to Orchid Shows and/or Sales on weekends. Please come out and support the Raffle Table on May 18th.

Sally

Please join us at our March 16th, 2022 SFOS Members Meeting at Pinecrest Gardens. We have a very special and unique program planned and we think you will find it not only interesting, but informative and interactive.

Three of our very own South Florida Orchid Society Members who have many combined years of experience and knowledge in the cultivation and care of Orchid Collections will be presented at our “FIRST ANNUAL SOUTH FLORIDA ORCHID SOCIETY SPEAKERS PANEL”.

Please welcome Steve Rodriguez, Julie Rosenberg and Jorge Merlo. Each Speaker will be giving a short presentation on the Orchid topic and tips they feel most knowledgeable about and would like to share with our Members and Guests.

Everyone attending will have the opportunity to participate by submitting questions. You may want to ask a question of a specific speaker or may have questions that are more general in nature. We will have a Moderator who will ask everyone to hold their questions until the end of all three presentations.

Whether you are a newcomer to growing and caring for your Orchids, or have been part of the local Orchid community for years there is always so much more to learn. You may have questions about what works best in the South Florida backyard environment, how to choose what orchid to add next to your collection, what about city water versus well water quality, potting containers and mediums versus growing bare root. And of course what recommendations does the panel have for fertilizers, disease and insect control.

All of the Panel Speakers have been chosen for their experience, not only in the successful cultivation of Orchids, but also in the submission of Award Winning Orchids to the judging process.

So, join us as we welcome our South Florida Orchid Society resident experts to our “FIRST ANNUAL SOUTH FLORIDA ORCHID SOCIETY SPEAKERS PANEL”

Don McDermott, SFOS Program Chair

South Florida Orchid Society

Raffle Plants for the evening will be supplied by local grower SOROA ORCHIDS

Erna Maxwell

Julie Rosenberg

A special program has been planned for our first South Florida Orchid Society Meeting in this New Year.

On Wednesday January 19th, 2022 our esteemed Certified SFOS Judges Erna Maxwell & Julie Rosenberg will be presenting an INTRODUCTION TO EXHIBITING and JUDGING to teach our Members & Guests what you need to do to prepare your Orchid plants for Judging. For those of you who have already entered plants at our meetings in the past, the information that our SFOS Judges will share during their presentation can serve as a valuable REFRESHER COURSE.

From best practices to use while you are growing your plant, to what you will need to do to prepare & enter your plant for judging, & what steps you will need to take once your plant has received a Culture Award.

South Florida Orchid Society has a long tradition of providing Orchid Judging at our monthly meetings. In addition to the opportunity to enter a plant you have spent time and effort nurturing & caring for, your plant will be photographed professionally by Ron Hunt & may be featured in our Monthly SFOS Newsletter.

Printed Handouts will be provided to all attendees with an outline of the information that will be covered. It is our hope that each of you will be able to benefit from this special presentation.

Following the presentation there will be time for questions.

Erna is an accredited American Orchid Society Judge, Julie is an accredited SFOS judge and editor of the SFOS culture book, “An Introduction to Orchids.”

Note: Please refer to Page 5 & 6 in your South Florida Orchid Society 2020-2021 Membership Roster for additional information on the South Florida Orchid Society Regulations for EXHIBITING and JUDGING.

Plants for our raffle table are being generously supplied by Sheldon Takasaki of Carmela Orchids.

Yolanda Cuesta
Photo courtesy
Annette Rodriguez

OH NO – I just went into the orchid house and found 2 spikes from my favorite den (which was in full bloom) broken off and a beautiful catt bloom was also laying on the bench. What on earth

Can I do with the den spikes and catt bloom now? I know I’ll call Yolanda – I know she can help!

That’s right Yolanda Cuesta of Quest Orchids is coming to speak – I should say show us how to use orchids in arrangements for the holidays!

I don’t know what Yolanda will tell you about our relationship – I’ll just say it goes way back and let her tell you the rest. I regret I will not be at the meeting as I’m in Ocala for a dog show. Please come out and find out what you to can do with your orchids for the Holidays!

Yolanda said you can bring orchids, a vase and some greens, ferns etc. from your yard and work along.

I know Yolanda will have great ideas for you.

Sally Taylor
Acting Program Chair