UMass Extension Landscape Message #6
April 10, 2008

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Quick Info Menu ------------------------------- SCOUTING INFORMATION REGIONAL NOTES - Cape Cod - Southeast - East - Metro West Waltham - Metro West Hopkinton - Central - Pioneer Valley - Berkshire ENVIRONMENTAL DATA PHENOLOGY WOODY ORNAMENTALS - Insects - Diseases - Weeds LANDSCAPE TURF - Insects - Diseases - Weeds INFO RESOURCES DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES Use this menu to instantly jump to any portion of the message!

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 April, May, and June this newsletter will be updated weekly. The next update will be available on or about April 17, 2008. Missed a previous message? Visit the Landscape Message Archive. Interested in additional turf-oriented content? UMass Extension Turf Program Management Updates

SCOUTING INFORMATION BY REGION

REGIONAL NOTES -

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable) – General Conditions: The weather has been cold, wet and raw for the reporting period, which is typical for the Cape at this time of year.  Plant growth is slowly resuming, with daylily foliage out of the ground. Early spring bulbs are in full bloom, and lawns are greening up.  Pests/Problems:  Termites and carpenter ants are active.  Starlings, grackles and other black birds are pecking in lawns. Draba verna, one of the winter annual weeds, is blooming.   

Southeast Region (Hanson) – General Conditions: Cool, wet, raw weather, with high winds, was the norm last week. Approximately 1.75 inches of rain was recorded in Hanson from March 27-April 8. Forsythia buds are plump and yellow and starting to open in some areas but are in tight bud in others parts of the county. Lawns have started to green up.  Silver maple, red maple, Cornus mas, pussy willow, crocus, Helleborus niger, H. foetidus, H. x hybridus (formerly orientalis), Corydalis solida, Abeliophyllum distichum (White Forsythia), Omphalodes, Hamamelis mollis 'Pallida' and Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise', and in some areas, early daffodils and early tulips, are all in full bloom. Pieris floribunda is just beginning to bloom. 'Spring peepers' started 'peeping' two weeks ago, and blackbirds have returned.  Pests/Problems: Ticks are active; conduct tick checks frequently, especially after yard cleanups.  Winter moth caterpillar eggs are pinkish-red and have not yet started to hatch in Hanson, MA. Deer continue to browse. Ladybugs are active indoors.

East Region (Boston) – Pests/Problems: No report.

Metro West (Waltham) – General Conditions: It is gradually starting to warm up.  There has been some rain almost every day of the week.  The crocuses are in full flower.  It looks like the daffodils will be in flower in a day or so.

Metro West (Hopkinton) – General Conditions: The first red-wing blackbirds have been spotted and heard in Hopkinton.  Narcissus in the gardens are just beginning to show some color.  We’ve had cold nights and days over the last week.  Trout are starting to rise for insects in the area ponds in early morning and evening.

Central Region (Boylston) – General Conditions: Crocus, Scilla, Chionodoxa, Galanthus, Helleborus and Iris reticulata, as well as the earliest cultivars of narcissus, are bringing some much longed for color to the landscape.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst) - General Conditions: Crocuses are in bloom.  The lawns continue to turn greener by the day.  Pests/Problems.  Black knot is becoming more visible now as this season’s fruiting structures begin to erupt through the bark of branches of cherry and plum trees infected during previous springs.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: Finally, warmer weather has arrived, and new growth of herbaceous plants is visible.  Pests/Problems:  Deer ticks are active.  Deer, rabbits and woodchucks continue to feed on the more succulent vegetation in home landscapes since there’s not much yet for them to feed on in the wild.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA -

The following growing-degree-day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected for a one-week period, April 2, 2008 through April 8, 2008.  Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on April 8, 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.

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
Magnolia stellata cvs. (Star Magnolia cvs.)	*	*	begin	*	*	*	*	*
R. mucronulatum (Korean Rhododendron)	*	*	begin	*	*	*	*	*
Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia)	begin	*	*	*	begin	*	*	*
Acer rubrum (Red Maple)	begin	full	full	full	begin	begin	begin	begin
Cornus mas (Corneliancherry Dogwood)	begin	b/full	begin	begin	end	begin	b/full	*
Pieris japonica (Japanese Pieris)	b/full	begin	full	begin	*	begin	b/full	*
Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple)	f/end	full	full	begin	end	*	full	*
Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witchazel)	*	full	full	*	full	full	*	full
Hamamelis x intermidia (Witchhazel hybs.)	f/end	full	full	end	full	full	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 - Numbers of this pest are predicted to be low statewide in 2008.  However, small problematic populations often pop up somewhere unexpectedly.  Monitor for viable egg masses now.
  
  
• Forest Tent Caterpillar - After occurring in large numbers throughout the greater Northeast over the past years, this native caterpillar species is now, once again, in low numbers due to natural controls such as the fungus, Entomophaga sp., and parasitoids, such as certain flies.  Inspect now for viable egg masses.  In western MA this pest seems to prefer maples while in the eastern part of the state the primary host plants are oaks.  However, this caterpillar does have a rather large deciduous host range overall.
  
  
• Eastern Tent Caterpillar - Although in large numbers in recent years throughout New England, it is now in limited numbers due to natural controls.  Common on Malus and Prunus species, it makes large silken webs in the crotches of branches.  When present in high population numbers, it is a serious defoliator.  Inspect for egg masses now to determine population size. 
  
• Fall Cankerworm - This is, also, a native species declining in numbers.  It prefers oaks but has a large deciduous host plant range.  Isolated pockets still exist.  In 2007 a defoliating population existed just north of Amherst in western MA.  Random and small populations will be active in eastern MA this year.  
  
  
• Winter Moth - This introduced species will begin egg-hatch within the next 2-3 weeks depending on weather conditions.  (The warmer it is, the faster it will occur.)  Flight of the adult males was initially healthy last November in several eastern towns, but the earlier than normal snowfall may have impeded further emergence of the adults, which therefore may have reduced the number of overwintering eggs.  Eggs of winter moth are difficult to monitor.  They are small, oval and a light orange color and are often scattered on trunk bark.  As the embryos within the eggs near maturity, the eggs turn a deep blue color.  Upon hatching, the tiny larvae are carried upwards into the tree canopies mostly by air convection.  Once there, they seek swelling buds.  These tiny caterpillars then wriggle into the buds and begin to feed on foliage and flowers.  During years of high numbers, this pest can cause severe damage, especially if buds are slow to open due to cool weather.  Blueberries and apple trees can be sprayed with a dormant oil any time now (whenever the weather is conducive for oil sprays).  Once inside the buds, this caterpillar is very difficult to treat until the buds open and the larvae are exposed.  Work on the mass-rearing of the parasitic fly, Cyzenis albicans, continues in Dr. Joseph Elkinton’s lab at UMass Amherst.  More releases of this fly are scheduled for this spring in select areas in eastern MA.  Last year, parasitized winter moth larvae were recovered on Cape Cod at a site where Cyzenis had been previously released.
  
  
• Winter Cutworm − Several reports have been received in the past two months from homeowners about the sudden appearance of numerous caterpillars on the surface of snow.  Birds have often been seen feasting on these larvae.  It is suspected that these caterpillars are a relatively new species here in the Northeast known as the Winter Cutworm Caterpillar (Noctua pronuba), which overwinter as partially grown larvae and are known to become active while temperatures are still rather cool and snow still exists on the ground.  They have a large host plant range which includes vegetables, grasses and ornamentals.   Often, they feed on grasses in the landscape and in hay fields.  In large numbers they are quite destructive and often march across fields and roads like that of armyworm caterpillars when in search of food.  Michigan State University has a very informative fact sheet (PDF format), which is accessible via the following web site:
  http://www.greatlakeshybrids.com/2007/10/23/noctua-pronuba-in-michigan From this web page click on the link, Attached is a two- page brochure, to access the fact sheet.

Beetles:

• Lily Leaf Beetle - The bright red adults will be seen soon as they forage for newly emerging lilies.  Once found, the adults will begin feeding and mating.  Eggs will appear later in May on the undersides of foliage.  NEEM works well for the larvae, once they appear, but needs to be reapplied every 10-14 days.  Spinosad products also work well for the larvae.  Adult lily leaf beetle is best controlled with a pyrethroid insecticide.
  
  
• Viburnum Leaf Beetle is established in western MA (randomly throughout Berkshire County) and is expected to become a serious pest there.  It is expected that this pest will continue to expand its invasion of MA now given that it is in CT, RI, VT, NH, ME, and NY states.  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

Piercing-Sucking Pests:

• 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.  Once found, inspect very closely for overwintering eggs, which will require a good hand lens or microscope.  If found, treat with an oil spray or with one of the new mite growth regulator products that targets spider mite eggs. 
  
  
• 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.  Treat with a dormant oil spray now.

Cool Stuff:

• Periodical Cicada − This unique insect only appears every 17 years in the adult stage.  Specific populations of these occur in the eastern USA as different Broods that have peak years at varying times.  This year, it is Brood #14 that is peaking, and a part of that once large brood still exists on parts of Cape Cod.  As homeowners begin to rake their yards this spring, they will notice large round holes in the ground.  These holes are made by the nymphs as they take advantage of moist and pliable soil now to prepare an emergence hole that will get utilized in late May/early June.  At that time, millions of these nymphs will pour out of the ground, climb up on virtually everything, and molt for the last time into the large, red-eyed, winged adult cicadas.  This emergence brings much speculation about the remaining size of this population given the enormous development that has occurred on Cape Cod in recent decades.

Nuisance Pests:

• Ladybugs - The Multi-Colored Asian Ladybird Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) was introduced into this country decades ago to combat certain agricultural pests such as the pecan aphid in the Gulf States.  It, apparently, established itself quite well and now thrives in most states.  This particular species of ladybug (synonymous with "ladybird") is a dull orange color and has anywhere from zero to 19 black spots on its wing covers.  It is beneficial by feeding on pest insect species such as aphids and scales.  However, as is the case with most ladybug species, it seeks sheltered areas as overwintering sites, such as rock cliffs, in the late fall.  Oftentimes, this species congregates on/in homes.  Lighter-colored homes that are exposed and those on hilltops seem to experience the worst infestations.  Houses are not a good choice for these ladybugs given that they are heated through the winter, and this often prevents them form entering into the dormant stage.  As a result, many of them starve.  This ladybug does not bite nor sting people nor do they feed or breed indoors through the winter.  However, they have a natural defense mechanism known as "reflex bleeding" to protect themselves from danger.  Their "blood" is an orange color and has a rather offensive odor.  When disturbed (such as a human picking them up) they "bleed" this noxious liquid from their joints.  As mentioned, it smells bad, and it can stain fabrics and wallpaper.  Therefore, vacuuming is the best solution.  When finished vacuuming, the bag should be remove from the cleaner and placed outside.  Otherwise, the ladybugs will just crawl out of the bag back into the home.  It is recommended that homes be inspected for holes in screening, which includes doors, windows and attic vents.  Caulking around all of these points of entry should also be inspected and repaired, if needed.  The ultimate key to managing these unwanted home invaders is to prevent them from entering in the first place.  If large numbers are being seen now on the outside of a house, the chances are good that they were within the house all winter, most likely in an attic, crawl space, under siding, or within the wall voids.  There are no traps available that I know of for catching these beetles.  Using a pesticide bomb within the house is not advised.  These are ultimately our friends by feeding on the pest insects that are outdoors.  

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

LANDSCAPE TURF

INSECTS -

No report this week.

WEEDS -

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 April 17, 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.

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