UMass
Extension Landscape Message #15
June 12, 2008
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The
LANDSCAPE MESSAGE is an educational newsletter intended
to guide landscape, nursery and urban forestry professionals
in identifying pests in the landscape, monitoring their
development, planning management strategies and creating
site-specific records for future management reference.
UMass
Extension has updated this issue to provide timely pest
management information and the latest regional news and
environmental data throughout Massachusetts. During the
months of May and June this newsletter will be updated
weekly. The next update will be available on June
19, 2008.
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a previous message? Visit the Landscape
Message Archive.
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SCOUTING
INFORMATION BY REGION
REGIONAL
NOTES
-
Cape
Cod Region (Barnstable) – General
Conditions: Wet and cool conditions became hot and humid
over the weekend as temperatures went from the low 50’s F
on Friday, June 6, to the low 90’s F by Sunday, June
8. Plant development leaped ahead with the hot weather, and
soils went from fairly moist after the heavy rain of June 4 to
needing irrigation by Monday, June 9. Baptisia (False
Indigo) cultivars are the highlight of the perennial border at
this time. Pests/Problems: Periodical
cicadas emerged in number over the weekend. Forestdale, Mashpee,
parts of Falmouth, Marstons Mills and Centerville appear to have
the highest populations. While these insects do not cause
damage by feeding, the loud chorus may be annoying to clients.
We can expect some twig damage once oviposition begins, but the
damage is cosmetic. No treatment is recommended. Winter
moth caterpillars are spinning down to pupate. Roaming eastern
tent caterpillars are searching for a good pupation site. Asiatic
garden beetles are feeding at night. Boxwood psyllid nymphs
are readily visible on new growth of boxwood. Cottony taxus
scale egg masses are beginning to show up on holly. Woolly
aphids are present on beech. Carpenter ants and carpenter
bees are active. Sycamore has been hard hit with anthracnose
this year. Maple anthracnose is also prevalent. Spot
anthracnose and Discula anthracnose is present on native
dogwoods. Apple scab and cedar apple rust are visible on
susceptible crabapples. Black spot is showing up on roses.
Southeast
Region (Hanson) – General
Conditions: Hanson received 0.78 inches of much
needed rain. Prior to the rain, soils were very dry, at
least down to 6 inches of soil depth. The onset of hot
(90's), humid, sunny weather on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday brought
spring to a halt. Many of the spring blooming plants like
Rutgers hybrid dogwoods, Styrax obassia, viburnums, Pulmonaria, Phlox sp,
and Vinca minor are ending bloom. Soils are now beginning
to dry out. Remind clients to water newly planted
trees and shrubs. Beautybush, Weigela, Kousa dogwood,
climbing hydrangea, Chionanthus virginicus, Lilac 'Miss
Kim', Physocarpus, Rosa rugosa, Corydalis
lutea, Dicentra eximia, Amsonia sp., Thalictrum, peonies, Baptisia sp.,
columbine, Geranium sp., foxgloves, Dianthus, Doronicum sp.,
clematis, Dictamnus, bearded iris and Siberian iris
are in full bloom. Styrax japonica is starting
to bloom. Pests/Problems: Winter moth
caterpillars are done feeding and have pupated. Overall,
damage does not appear to be as severe as the last few years. Eastern
tent caterpillars are seeking sheltered pupation sites and are
almost done feeding for this year. Gypsy moth caterpillars
are few in numbers. Asiatic garden beetles are actively
feeding at night on a wide range of plant material. Roseslug
sawfly larvae are feeding on the undersides of rose foliage,
and untreated foliage now resembles lace. Adult moths of
the larch casebearer, aphids, boxwood psyllid, cottony camellia
scale on holly and Taxus, whitefly on Japanese holly,
fruitworms, carpenter bees, lily leaf beetle (eggs, larvae, adults),
mosquitoes, dog ticks, columbine leaf miner, and ladybugs and
other beneficials are all active. Deer tick nymphs are
active. At this stage, these ticks are very small, hard
to detect, and often responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. Frequent
tick checks are recommended for everyone active out-of-doors. Deer
are browsing on hosta, arborvitae and other plants. Foliage
and flower blights are present on a wide range of plant material,
including Kousa dogwood. Anthracnose is present on a number
on plants including flowering dogwoods and maple. Sycamore
anthracnose is prevalent. Apple scab and rust diseases
are present on crabapple. Pollen count has been high, and
yellow pollen from white pines is blanketing the landscape. Mosquitoes,
carpenter ants, ticks, wasps and hornets are numerous. Plymouth
County Extension does not spray for mosquitoes.
The number to call for Plymouth County residents is: 781-585-5450.
East
Region (Boston) – General Conditions: No conditions
report available.
Metro
West (Waltham) – General Conditions: Getting
hot and somewhat dry. Pests/Problems: The
early signs of attack by sycamore anthracnose are very apparent
now.
Metro
West (Hopkinton) – General Conditions: Summer-like
conditions prevail now with warm nights and hot days. Pests/Problems: Some
signs of powdery mildew have been seen on amelanchier in the
area.
Central
Region (Boylston) – General
Conditions: No conditions report available. See
Environmental Data and Phenology below.
Pioneer
Valley Region (Amherst) - General Conditions: Cool temperatures
last week gave way to 90° F since Saturday. There have
been episodes of rainfall, but the soil moisture level is adequate
as evidenced by the green lawns and flourishing gardens. Irises,
columbines, and a host of flowering annuals bloom in neighborhood
gardens while old-fashioned weigela, mountain laurel, and the
fading Catawba rhododendrons add color to the yard and foundation
beds. However, if the warm weather continues and the rainfall
remains as intermittent as it has been, provide soaking irrigation
to newly transplanted and young trees and shrubs.
Berkshire
Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: HOT
and humid. Yet, soil moisture levels are very good on
most sites due to occasional thunder showers. Pests/Problems: Not
much insect activity during this hot spell except for bee, wasp,
hornets and aphids on roses. Mosquitoes and ticks are numerous. Fire
blight observed on ornamental cherry. Damage to thin leaf
viburnums from viburnum leaf beetle is widespread from north
to south county and into the hill towns. Landscapers report
many dead specimens of V. trilobum and V. dentatum. This
pest has become abundant and is causing serious damage to viburnums
in the Berkshires.
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA -
The
following growing-degree-day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected
for a one-week period, June 4, 2008 through June 10, 2008. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were
observed on June 10, 2008. Accumulated GDDs represent the
heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected
via our instruments from the beginning of the current calendar
year. This information is intended for use as a guide for
monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and
planning management strategies accordingly.
| Region/Location |
2008 GROWING DEGREE DAYS
|
Soil
Temp
(°F
at 4" depth) |
Precipitation
(1-Week
Gain) |
1-Week
Gain |
Total
accumulation for 2008 |
| Cape Cod |
126 |
435 |
70° |
0.80" |
| Southeast |
103 |
454 |
89° |
0.78" |
| East |
~ 130 |
~ 530 |
n/a |
n/a |
Metro West
(Waltham)
|
143 |
441 |
77° |
0.56" |
Metro West
(Hopkinton) |
112 |
452 |
78° |
0.92" |
| Central |
133 |
459 |
62° |
0.85" |
| Pioneer Valley |
130 |
530 |
70° |
1.61" |
| Berkshires |
144 |
508 |
83° |
1.28" |
AVERAGE |
128 |
476 |
76° |
0.97" |
n/a = information not available
|
PHENOLOGY
-
The phenological indicators are a visual tool for
correlating plant development with pest development. The following
are the indicator plants and the stages of bloom observed
for this period:
Indicator Plants - Stages of Flowering (begin,
b/full, full, f/end, end) |
PLANT NAME (Botanic/Common) |
CAPE |
SOUTH
EAST |
EAST |
METRO
W. |
CENT. |
P.V. |
BERK. |
Waltham |
Hopkinton |
|
 |
Cornus sericea (Red
Osier Dogwood) |
begin |
full |
* |
* |
full |
full |
* |
* |
Philadelphus spp. (Mock
Orange) |
begin |
full |
* |
full |
* |
full |
* |
begin |
Syringa reticulata (Japanese
Tree Lilac) |
begin |
* |
* |
* |
begin |
* |
* |
begin |
Kalmia latifolia (Mountain
Laurel) |
begin |
full |
* |
full |
* |
full |
full |
begin |
Rosa multiflora (Multiflora
Rose) |
begin |
full |
* |
full |
full |
begin |
full |
b/full |
Catalpa speciosa (Northern
Catalpa) |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
full |
Cornus kousa (Kousa
Dogwood) |
begin |
full |
* |
full |
full |
full |
full |
full |
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe
Tree) |
b/full |
full |
* |
full |
full |
full |
f/end |
full |
Wiegela florida (Wiegela) |
full |
full |
* |
* |
full |
full |
f/end |
full |
Kolkwitzia amabilis (Beautybush) |
full |
full |
* |
full |
end |
full |
* |
full |
Robinia pseudoacacia (Black
Locust) |
full |
full |
* |
* |
end |
f/end |
f/end |
full |
Deutzia spp. (Deutzia
species) |
full |
f/end |
* |
* |
end |
full |
* |
full |
Syringa meyeri (Korean
Lilac) |
full |
f/end |
* |
* |
end |
full |
f/end |
full |
R. catawbiense (Catawba
Rododendron) |
f/end |
f/end |
* |
end |
full |
f/end |
f/end |
full |
Spirea x vanhouttei (Vanhoutte
Spirea) |
end |
end |
* |
end |
end |
f/end |
f/end |
full |
* = no
activity to report/information not available |
CAPE
COD REGION - Roberta Clark, Horticulturist for Barnstable County,
Barnstable.
SOUTHEAST REGION - Deborah Swanson, Horticulturist for UMass Extension
in Plymouth County, Hanson.
EAST REGION - James R. Allen, Horticulturist and Greenhouse Manager
for UMass Biology Department, Boston.
METRO WEST REGION – James Martin, Consulting
Arborist, reporting from the UMass Extension Center, Waltham.
METRO WEST REGION – Mark Sawyer, Horticulturist,
Weston Nurseries, Hopkinton.
CENTRAL REGION - Joann Vieira, Superintendent of Horticulture, Tower
Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston.
PIONEER VALLEY - Dan Gillman, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension
Plant Diagnostic Lab, UMass, Amherst.
BERKSHIRES - Ron Kujawski,
Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban
Forestry Program, Amherst.
WOODY
ORNAMENTALS
INSECTS
-
Lepidopteran Caterpillars:
-
Gypsy
Moth - No reports of large
numbers of this pest in MA have been received, yet. It
is assumed that numbers are low and that this pest
will be of little concern this year.
-
Forest
Tent Caterpillar - In
most regions of the state, pupation has begun. Look
for the off-white silken cocoons, which are often
attached to vertical surfaces such as the sides of
houses. Moths will appear in about two weeks. There
is only one generation per year.
-
-
Fall
Cankerworm - No reports
of noticeable outbreaks in MA have been received
in MA for this year.
-
Winter
Moth - Feeding has ended, and this caterpillar
is now in the soil as a pupa.
-
Euonymus
Caterpillar - This pest is nearing pupation. The
caterpillar makes large silken mats throughout the
canopy of the host plant. Caterpillars spin
oval silken cocoons that resemble fuzzy grains of rice
and are attached within the silken mats. Adult
moths, which are small and white with black spots,
will appear within the next two to three weeks.
-
Fall Webworm − Several snow-white
adult moths have been found attracted to porch lights
in recent nights in western MA. Mostly, they
go unnoticed. Larvae will not appear until July,
and their large silken webs on the terminals of branches
will not be seen until late July into August.
Hymenoptera Sawfly (Caterpillar) Larvae:
-
Dogwood Sawflies − When
we encounter this pest in MA on gray dogwood as well as redoisier
dogwood, it is one of the dogwood sawfly species known as Macremphytus
tarsatus. The larvae of this particular species
start to appear approximately mid July, and their activity
can extend into the autumn months. As the larva age,
they begin producing a white wax over their bodies. This,
along with their tendency to sit on the foliage in a curled
body shape, gives them the appearance of a bird dropping. It
is suspected that this is a defensive posture that they have
evolved to avoid predation; no known parasites or predators
have been detected for this species. One report from
Plymouth County was received early last week about sawfly
caterpillars on dogwood. It is too early in the season
for it to be M. tarsatus. However, there is
another “Dogwood Sawfly” (M. varianus)
that appears to be little known, but it does occur earlier
in the growing season than M. tarsatus, and it can
share the same host plants. It is suspected that this
is what was found. Both species consume all but the
main veins of the host foliage. If necessary, treat
either species with a product that contains spinosad. Very
young larvae can be treated with an insecticidal soap spray.
-
European Pine
Sawfly − This sawfly caterpillar is
nearing the end of its feeding on such host plants as mugo
and scots pines. Now
that they are quite large they are capable of creating
much feeding injury in a short amount of time. For
these larger larvae, consider using a product that contains
spinosad or one of the pyrethroid insecticides. This
pest usually does not kill its host, but it can greatly
impact the aesthetic value of the plant. Small
populations on individual branches can be pruned away
and destroyed.
-
Azalea
Sawfly Caterpillar − This green sawfly caterpillar,
which is virtually the same color as the host plant foliage,
has finished its feeding activity for this year.
-
Birch Sawfly − The
caterpillars of this pest will soon be observed wrapped around
the margins of foliage of birches as they consume all but
the main veins of the leaves. Although not abundantly
common in the state, it does appear somewhere here every
year, and it is capable of causing serious defoliation if
not treated. Spinosad products or one of the registered
pyrethrods work well. Also, insecticidal soap works
well when the larvae are still quite small.
Beetles:
- Asiatic Garden Beetle has been active
for a couple of weeks, but its numbers now are becoming
noticeable. This small, robust and oval-shaped scarab
beetle is only active at night. It feeds on a wide
variety of deciduous landscape plants as well as many
different garden plants. Monitor at night with a
flashlight between the hours of 9 PM and midnight. This
pest can cause much ragged foliage to favored plants.
- Lily
Leaf Beetle
-
larvae have been active for a couple of weeks. As
they feed by skeletonizing the foliage, they begin to
cover their bodies with their own excrement. Entire
plants can be consumed to the soil if this pest is not
treated. Some adult beetles are still actively
mating and laying eggs. NEEM works well for the larvae,
once they appear, but needs to be reapplied every 10-14
days. Spinosad products also work very well for
the larvae. Adult lily leaf beetle is best controlled
with a pyrethroid insecticide.
- Viburnum
Leaf Beetle is well established in western
MA. Ken Gooch (MA DCR) reports finds throughout
Berkshire County. The first find in Franklin County
(Conway, MA) was recorded just a few days ago. Inspect
all viburnum plants brought into the region from areas
that already have this pest. The larvae are active
now and will continue to feed until late June. Spinosad
products work well for the larvae but not the adults,
which require something like a pyrethroid insecticide. Report
any new finds in MA to: Bob Childs rchilds@psis.umass.edu or 413-545-1053. Treat
the same as for lily leaf beetle. For
current information about this pest, visit the Cornell
web site at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb

- Imported Willow Leaf Beetle remains active. The
adult beetle is rather small, rounded, and metallic green/blue
in color. The adult beetles will chew holes into the
foliage, but it is the small black-colored larvae that create
most of the injury. Larvae will line up together on
the foliage and scrape the upper layers. This action
causes the still-intact leaf to eventually die and turn brown. This
pest has multiple generations per year, and its damage can
become severe by August when virtually all of the foliage
on a willow will appear bronze in color, as if fire-swept. All
willows are susceptible. Treating the adult beetle
requires a pyrethroid insecticide while a product that contains
spinosad works well for the larvae.
Piercing-Sucking Pests:
-
Lacebugs are active now. These
serious pests always feed from the underside of the foliage,
but they create the fine, yellow stippling feeding injury
on the upper surface of the leaves. Look at the bottom
leaf surface of such affected leaves for the telltale signs
of the brown fecal spots and the lacebugs themselves. Inspect
common host plants for this pest for last year’s damage. Common
hosts are Japanese andromeda, evergreen azaleas, rhododendron,
cotoneaster and hawthorn. Systemic imidacloprid appears
to be quite effective for managing this pest. Also,
horticultural oil sprays or insecticidal soap sprays that
are targeted to the foliage underside is also effective for
the small nymphs. Susceptible plants growing in sunny
areas will experience more damage given that heat greatly
encourages lacebug populations.
-
Miscellaneous Aphid species are
appearing now and building in numbers. Monitor for
honeydew and sooty mold. Treat if necessary. Systemic
imidacloprid, or insecticidal soap sprays, or horticultural
oil sprays are all effective treatments. Maples, catalpa,
tuliptree, lindens and many others are common hosts.
-
Taxus Mealybug is active. Move
the foliage of Taxus (Yew) back and inspect
the inner branches and smaller stems for white, cottony masses. This
insect produces honeydew, which leads to the unsightly buildup
of sooty molds. Also, large populations can cause stunting
and chlorosis of the foliage. Treat with a systemic
imidacloprid product. Otherwise, spray the inner branches
and stems with a horticultural oil spray or with one of the
-
Spider Mites - Inspect
spruce, hemlock, fir and others for the signs of last year’s
feeding damage by these tiny but very prolific and potentially
damaging pests. Inspect very closely for the now-active
mites, which will require a good hand lens or microscope. If
found, treat with an oil spray or with one of the new mite
growth regulators. Monitor for the actual mites
by shaking a branch over a white piece of paper and then
inspecting with a hand lens for the mobile mites.
-
Hemlock
Woolly Adelgid  -
This pest is on the rebound in MA after several years
of being in low numbers due to the exceptionally cold
winter of 2005. However, it reproduces quickly,
and not much else controls its number naturally here. Inspect
for the new cottony egg masses that have been appearing
for the past couple of weeks. A horticultural
oil spray, at the summer rate, (be careful of tender
new foliage now emerging), systemic imidacloprid or systemic dinotefuran (Safari™), are all effective
against this very serious pest. NOTE: Safari™ is
a State Restricted Use pesticide in Massachusetts. (See
Elongate Hemlock Scale, which appears next.)
-
Elongate Hemlock Scale (aka
Fiorinia Scale) − Inspect hemlocks closely
for this pest. If the plant appears weakened or sickly
and has hemlock woolly adelgid, which is very obvious,
take the extra time to closely inspect the undersides of
the needles for this scale. Fiorinia scale is very
small, brown and mostly oval in shape. Many of these
may be present per needle (on the underside only). In
some cases, it will be the primary reason that a hemlock
looks to be in ill-health. Imidicloprid, which works
pretty well systemically for hemlock woolly adelgid, does
not have much of an impact on this scale. Horticultural
oil sprays, which also work well on hemlcok woolly adelgid
tends to provide minimal control for this scale. Safari™ (dinotefuran),
a relatively new neonicotinoid, does show good promise
for fiorinia scale and works well when utilized as a systemic. However,
in Massachusetts, it has a “State Restricted Use” labeling
due to groundwater concerns. Fiorinia scale is difficult
to control. Unlike most armored scales in the northeast,
it produces crawlers throughout much of the growing season. If
found, treat it aggressively. Fiorinia scale is a
very serious pest of hemlock and can occur on conifers
other than hemlock.
-
Cryptomeria Scale was
found on Cape Cod last fall as well as in Rhode Island (not
far from the MA border. This was the first time that
this scale has been found in MA. Both finds were on
Christmas trees (firs) in the nursery/plantation. This
scale attacks various conifers and has the potential to be
a serious pest. Inspect needles for yellowing (stippling)
and the presence of the scale on the needle undersides. Treat
with a horticultural oil if found. .
-
Cottony Camellia Scale (aka
Cottony Taxus Scale) remains active. Inspect
the foliage of Taxus and certain hollies for
white, oval and waxy scale coverings. If found,
inspect foliage further for the tiny yellow nymphs,
which have overwintered on the twigs and have now migrated
to the foliage. This pest has been actively feeding
already this spring. If this pest was active
last year, then look for the buildup of sooty molds
as well. Larger population numbers can contribute
to poor plant growth and unsightly sooty mold. Systemic
imidacloprid or dintotefuran (Safari™) should
be effective. Oil sprays are also effective but
be careful with their use on hollies, which may be
sensitive to oils.
-
Boxwood
Psyllid - Adult psyllids have been seen
for at least a week in western MA. The activity
for this pest is over for this year.
Leaf Miners:
-
Arborvitae Leafminer − There
are two species of what is commonly called “arborvitae
leafminer” in Massachusetts. The more common
species remains within the foliage as a larva until early
to mid June whereupon it pupates (within the foliage),
and the tiny off-white moths then appear around mid to
late June. The adult moths are not attracted to
yellow sticky cards, so monitor by gently shaking the
foliage to dislodge the moths. Treat with
a pyrethroid insecticide when the adults are found to
prevent re-infestation. The other species, which
is more common in coastal areas of MA, emerges early
in the season and spins a small silken cocoon that slightly
resembles a fuzzy grain of rice. In large numbers,
there may be countless numbers of these cocoons visible
on the foliage. Again, wait for the adults to emerge
and treat the same as the other species. Eggs of
both species are deposited on the foliage and not within
the foliage. A well-timed horticultural oil
spray may be effective for managing these eggs, but timing
is essential. Most eggs (both species) will
be on the undersides of the foliage.
-
Native Holly Leafminer − This
pest of American holly has been in the foliage as a larva
since last June. It creates a serpentine (winding)
mine initially, and then it settles in one part of the leaf
and makes a large blotch mine. Several mines may be
present per leaf when it occurs in large numbers. Pupation
will begin soon, and the adult flies start to emerge around
mid June. Monitor for the adult flies with
yellow sticky cards and treat with a pyrethroid
insecticide when present to prevent re-infestation.
Cool Stuff:
Miscellaneous Stuff:
- Ground Bees - Many calls have been received
this year concerning solitary bees nesting in turf, which
includes home lawns, parks, athletic fields and school grounds. When
these bees are prevalent, such as this year, they can cause
alarm. However, most of these are fairly docile and
only sting (or in some cases, bite) when seriously provoked. There
are many types of these ground bees ranging from digger bees,
mining bees, cicada killers, leaf-cutting bees and others. Overall,
these bees appear more problematic than they actually are,
and most will greatly subside in activity by early to mid
June. Occasionally, controls may be necessary, primarily
on athletic fields, where encounters between humans and bees
may become significant and also where rare but very large
numbers of these bees may soften the playing surface to the
point of risking injury to players.Ohio Extension has a
very informative fact sheet on the topic which can be obtained
at the following web site: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2143.html

- Linden Bark Borer Moth − This obscure
insect is rarely noticed, but the adult moths of the species
are about to become active. The larvae spend a year
feeding within the bark (not under the bark in the
cambium but IN the bark). It seems to create no problems. However,
their activity at this time of the year causes a fine red
sawdust to be pushed out into the bark furrows, and this
can be quite noticeable. The adult moth is rather small
but is quite attractive (black, red and white markings). Controls
are not necessary.
- Grapevine Epimenis caterpillar is very
active on grape and is nearing the end of its larval period
in MA for this year. This colorful caterpillar uses
silk to tie foliage together, which forms a type of pouch;
the caterpillar then feeds from within this shelter. Controls
include spinosad. However, if damage is not apparent
now then controls may not be necessary. See: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/insects/cateast/psycepim.htm

Reported by Robert Childs, Entomologist, UMass Extension Landscape,
Nursery and Urban Forestry Program, Amherst
Horsechestnut
(Guignardia) leaf blotch is
visible as scattered, irregular-shaped orange-brown blotches
on infected leaves. They are primarily affecting
lower, inside leaves. However, as the summer progresses
the impact of the disease may be more noticeable, but chemical
intervention at this time for this season is of little
benefit. Keep in mind that horsechestnuts infected
year after year continue to grow vigorously in spite of
Guignardia leaf blotch. However, if appearance is
important, begin fungicide applications as buds break open;
and if wet conditions persist, reapply 1-2 additional treatments
at labeled intervals.
Powdery
mildew fungi
are visible as dusty, gray to white areas on red horsechestnut
(Aesculus x carnea) leaves. Additional
common host plants of various species of powdery mildew
include dogwood, sycamore, phlox, and rose are not showing
signs of powdery mildew yet in the Amherst area. Once
established on plants, powdery mildews grow superficially
on both upper and lower leaf surfaces as well as green
shoots and flower buds. They are obligate parasites
and derive sustenance only from living host plants. They
do this by using minute, tube-like structures (haustoria)
that penetrate the epidermal cells and draw out material
they need to survive. Later this summer spherical,
black fruiting structures are visible with a hand lens
on the underside of leaves in the dusty, gray mycelia. Generally,
the damage caused by powdery mildew is of minor consequence
to healthy plants and does not warrant chemical control
if unsightliness is not a critical concern. If considering
chemical control, there are a number of unconventional
applied materials labeled to protect susceptible plants. They
include summer horticultural oil, commercial baking soda
preparations (sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate),
anti‑transpirants, as well as a number of conventional
fungicides. Chemical spray programs are most effective
when begun just as symptoms of powdery mildew begin to
show. Once powdery mildew is extensive on the plant,
there is little benefit from chemical control that season. Applications
need to coat both surfaces of all susceptible plant parts
to prevent infection. Spray on a regular schedule,
and repeat more often during warm, humid weather.
Oak
leaf blister is
showing up on red, white, and pin oak leaves as faint,
yellowed to brown, puckered spots/blisters. This
is a not a serious fungal disease problem in our area. Yet,
if a severe outbreak is occurring on high value trees,
next spring start chemical control activities just as buds
open and repeat them at labeled intervals if wet weather
persists.
Sycamore ,
maple, oak, and ash anthracnose are evident now
as dark-green to dark-brown curling leaves and shoots sycamore,
maple, and oak, while ash anthracnose appears as young green
leaves with very tiny brown spots falling from the trees. Anthracnose
is widespread on early leaves and shoots this year due to
the abundance of inoculum on overwintering twigs and fallen
leaves, as well as the consistently wet weather. It
is too late this spring to apply protective fungicides. These
diseases cause some premature leaf loss, but that is not
going to seriously affect an otherwise healthy tree. In
the fall fine prune infected twigs if practical, as well
as collect and dispose of fallen leaves. Promote drying
of foliage by pruning and spacing plants to increase the
penetration of sunlight and air circulation in and around
plants.
Now that new needles are developing it is possibly time
to protect susceptible, high value spruce trees from Rhizosphaera
needle cast. This disease is normally not severe
enough to warrant fungicide protection. However, three
(and now maybe four) springs in a row of cool, wet weather,
as immature needles are growing, resulted in an increase in
this disease in landscapes and Christmas tree farms. Check
last year’s shoots for evidence of Rhizosphaera needle
cast infection to determine if the spruce is particularly susceptible. On
susceptible trees considerable numbers of needles from the
last several years are missing (cast off). In addition,
those still attached often have several stomata on their needles
blackened by the Rhizosphaera fruiting structures that are
releasing spores at this time of the year. Fungicides
act to protect immature needles from becoming infected. Where
management is desirable, apply 2-3 treatments at 7-14 day intervals
beginning now.
Flowering dogwoods susceptible to dogwood
anthracnose are
vulnerable to infection during wet seasons. Apply
fungicide to protect developing leaves on high value trees,
as the buds break open, again when bracts have fallen,
and ~4 weeks later. If this is a persistent problem,
consider planting one of the many resistant cultivars of
flowering dogwood and Kousa dogwood now available.
Reported by Dan Gillman, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension
Plant Diagnostic Lab, Amherst
LANDSCAPE
TURF
No turf reports this week.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES
For
a complete listing of upcoming events, see our Conferences
and Workshops page.
Don't forget to visit the UMass
Extension Online Weed Herbarium!
2008-2009 Professional Management Guide
for Insects, Diseases and Weeds of Trees and Shrubs in New
England - Pesticide label
registration changes every year in all states and you can only
legally apply pesticides according to the current year's label.
This updated 2008-09 guide tells you what is current and legal
for use in all the New England states and is the way for you
to stay current with pesticide information. If you already
have the 2003 version, this is the updated supplement for pesticide
information. Remember, if you're a pesticide applicator, it's
the law! Created by UMass Extension professionals, this manual
offers the latest on virtually all the insects, diseases, and
weeds of woody plants in New England; current and legal listings
of chemical compounds labeled for the management of these pests;
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) considerations for most of
these pests; environmentally friendly alternatives in pest
management such as horticultural oils, soaps, biologicals,
etc.; and Growing Degree Day (GDD) information for most of
the insect pests of woody plants. Click
here to order online from the UMass Extension Bookstore or
contact (413) 545-0895; eweeks@umext.umass.edu for information.
Planting and Maintaining Sustainable
Landscapes: A Guide for Public Officials and the Green Industry -
An updated and reprinted collection of fact sheets, including
Trees and Shrubs for Low Maintenance Landscapes; Recommendations
for Planting and Maintaining Trees and Shrubs; Integrated
Pest Management and Plant Health Care; Streetscape Design
and Planting; Selecting Turfgrasses for Low Maintenance Sites;
Turf Pesticides and the Environment; Children's Protection
Act and School IPM Plans; and Guidelines for Planting within
the 100 Foot Wetland Buffer. Click
here to order online from the UMass Extension Bookstore or
contact (413) 545-0895; eweeks@umext.umass.edu for
information.
DIAGNOSTIC
SERVICES
UMass Laboratory Diagnoses Turf and
Landscape Problems - Accurate
diagnosis for a turf or landscape problem can often eliminate
or reduce the need for pesticide use. The UMass Extension
Plant Diagnostic Lab is available to serve commercial
landscape contractors, turf managers, arborists, nurseries
and other green industry professionals. It provides woody
plant and turf disease analysis, woody plant and turf
insect identification, turfgrass identification, weed
identification, and offers a report of pest management
strategies that are research based, economically sound
and environmentally appropriate for the situation. Send
specimens and payment (payable to the University of Massachusetts)
to UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, Holdsworth Natural
Resources Center, 160 Holdsworth Way, UMass, Amherst,
MA 01003. The fee for a woody plant disease analysis
is $50; the fee for turf disease analysis or nematode
assay is $75. All insect, weed and turfgrass identification
samples are $25 each. For more detailed submission instructions
see http://www.umass.edu/agland/diagnostics 
Soil and Plant Tissue Testing - The University
of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory is
located on the campus of The University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Testing services are available to all. The function of the Soil
and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory is to provide test results
and recommendations that lead to the wise and economical use
of soils and soil amendments. For complete information, visit
the UMass Soil and Plant tissue Testing Laboratory web site at: http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest Alternatively,
call the lab at (413) 545-2311.
NEXT UPDATE: The next issue will be available
on June 19, 2008.
This message is produced by the
UMASS Extension, Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program.
The copy is prepared by Anna Greene from data and reports provided
by the staff and faculty of the UMass Landscape, Nursery and
Urban Forestry Program and the UMASS Extension Turf Program as
well as cooperating horticulturists and Green Industry professionals.
The text is adapted for access via the Internet by Jason Lanier.
DISCLAIMER. This
message is intended for commercial use. UMass Extension assumes
no liability for recommendations. It is the responsibility
of the applicator to verify the registration status of any
pesticide BEFORE applying it. Different states have different
regulations as well. The use of trade names (™) does
not imply endorsement. Similarly, there may be other products
you prefer to use.
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or suggestions in regard to the Landscape Message? Please e-mail
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