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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.

Missed a previous message? Visit the Landscape Message Archive.

Interested in additional turf-oriented content? UMass Extension Turf Program Management Updates External link

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.

  • Eastern Tent Caterpillar - The feeding activity for this caterpillar is virtually over for this 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 SawflyThis 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 Adobe PDF icon - 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 External link

  • 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 Adobe PDF icon - 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:

  • Periodical Cicada − Peak emergence has begun on various parts of Cape Cod.  Thousands upon thousands of cicadas will emerge within 1-2 days time at the peak.

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 External link

  • 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 External link

Reported by Robert Childs, Entomologist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program, Amherst

DISEASES -

Horsechestnut (Guignardia) leaf blotch Adobe PDF icon 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 Adobe PDF icon 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 Adobe PDF icon 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 Adobe PDF icon, 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 Adobe PDF icon 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.

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For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our Conferences and Workshops page.

Don't forget to visit the UMass Extension Online Weed Herbarium!

UMass Extension's Professional Management Guide for Trees and Shrubs2008-2009 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 External link 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 External link 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 External link

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 External link 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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UMass Extension's Professional Management Guide for Trees and Shrubs