Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata L.) situation in an institutional green area

Abstract

The “ball moss” or “paxtle” (Tillandsia recurvata L.) is one of the main health problems in the trees of the National Instituteof Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE). With the present survey, host preference, level of infestation, mainphenological stages, and control options of the epiphyte were determined. From the tree inventory, the species and theirdimensions (normal diameter and total height) were identified, the level of infestation by “paxtle” was determined and themain phenological stages of the epiphyte were recorded. The effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate spraying for control wasevaluated. Of 2210 trees, 37.23% were infested. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), ash (Fraxinus uhdei), white cedar(Hesperocyparis lusitanica) and glossy privet (Ligustrum japonicum) showed the largest infestations. No specificity wasobserved. The normal diameter was associated with the level of infestation. Seed dispersal occurred from January to April.The application of sodium bicarbonate caused dehydration, necrosis and death of the epiphyte. T. recurvata has become aserious health problem in the green areas of the INAOE. It is recommended to implement control activities in the months ofOctober and November (prior to the dehiscence of the capsules and in the absence of foliage in deciduous tree species).