UMass Extension Landscape Message #13
May 28, 2004

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ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The following growing degree day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected from May 20 through May 26, 2004. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on May 26, 2004. Accumulated GDDs represent the heating units above the 50° F. baseline temperature collected via our mini-computers since the beginning of the current growing season. Please note that this data is particularly useful for pinpointing pest development at any time during the season.

Southeast - General conditions: Cool, damp weather prevails but with little rain. Soil temperatures have dropped. Soils in Hanson and in other areas of the county are dry. Remind clients to water newly planted plants, especially trees and shrubs. Tuliptree, Goldenchaintree, burning bush, oriental bittersweet, bearded iris, Siberian iris, Doronicum, Corydalis lutea, Dicentra spectabilis, Dicentra eximia, Aquilegia, (Columbine), Vinca, Tiarella, Phlox divaricata, Phlox stolonifera, Pulmonaria, and Trillium are in full bloom. Flowering Dogwood, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Violets, and Dutchman's breeches are past bloom. Pests/problems: Defoliation continues on many deciduous trees due to winter moth caterpillars and other caterpillars (eastern tent, forest tent, gypsy moth, fall cankerworm, etc.). Like last year, this seems to be the year of the caterpillar. Asiatic garden beetles (AGB) adults were found in the soil in Hanson. AGB feed at night and may be found on a wide range of plant material especially perennials and annuals. They will also feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs, often the new foliage. Azalea sawfly, Lily leaf beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid, Gypsy moth caterpillar, carpenter bees, bumble bees, carpenter ants, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, ticks, and eastern tent caterpillars are all active. Crab grass has germinated along with oxalis.

East - General Conditions: Cool and overcast. Pests/Problems: Lily leaf beetles.

Central - General Conditions: No report..

West - General Conditions: The weather has been cool and moist in the Pioneer Valley. Lawns are lush and green. Pests/Problems: The primary infection lesions of apple scab are clearly delimited on leaves of susceptible crab apples now. By week's end the spots will have a dark green velvety hue to them due to fruiting structures and secondary spores. In addition, the tents of eastern tent caterpillars are visible in wild cherry, hawthorn, apple, and crab apple.

Berkshire - General Conditions: Weather has been seasonal and that means plant growth has been good, flowering period for trees and shrubs has been long, and rate of growth of grass has been fast. The rain during the past week was much needed and soil moisture levels are now high. Pests/Problems: Viburnum Leaf Beetle has been found on Viburnum trilobum in the Great Barrington area. This is the first reported occurrence in Massachusetts of this very serious pest of viburnums. Eastern tent caterpillars have caused considerable defoliation in central and northern parts of the Berkshires. Gypsy moth, pine spittlebug and pine sawfly continue to be active. Rose slugs and aphid infestations have also been observed.number of trees.

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:

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

CENTRAL REGION - Joann Vieira, Superintendent of Horticulture, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston.

WESTERN REGION - Dan Gillman, Plant Pathologist, Urban Forestry Diagnostic Lab, UMass, Amherst.

BERKSHIRE REGION - Ronald Kujawski, Nursery Specialist, UMass Extension Agriculture & Landscape Program, Amherst.

WOODY ORNAMENTALS

INSECTS

Caterpillars

In general, products containing Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t. kurstaki) are very effective against the younger free-feeding caterpillars in the Lepidoptera only. Products that contain spinosad are generally very effective against caterpillars in the Lepidoptera and the Hymenoptera (wasp-like as adults). There are also many chemical insecticides that are labeled for caterpillars, which are pyrethroids, organo-phosphates, carbamates, and other classes.

Lepidoptera (moths):

• Winter Moth - Continued monitoring indicates very high population levels for this pest this year. Defoliation injury is becoming very noticeable in some areas. The small green caterpillars are free feeders now and are often seen hanging on silken threads. In the immediate Boston area, slightly north and then down into Plymouth County, winter moth is quickly reaching the end of its feeding stage and pupating. Some still remain on host plants. The pest is still active farther north of Boston and out on Cape Cod where cooler climates prevail.

• Fall Cankerworm - Initially thought to be in low numbers in coastal areas, it is now being found in large numbers in many of the same areas as winter moth. It is mostly on oaks but it is also being found on other deciduous species. Fall Cankerworm has "2 1/2 pairs" of prolegs due to the reduced size of the first pair. Initially, they are a pale green color but as Fall Cankerworm caterpillars mature, they will become very dark and appear quite different from Winter Moth. This pest will remain active 2-3 weeks longer than winter moth. Treat as other lepidopteran caterpillars.
  
• Eastern Tent Caterpillar has finished feeding in many areas of the state and has produced severe defoliation. Large caterpillars can still be seen, mostly off of the host plant as they seek a pupation site. Treatments now are not recommended.
  
• Forest Tent Caterpillar has once again appeared in large numbers in SE MA as well showing signs of increasing in numbers in much of the state as well as other NE states and northern NY state. When in large numbers they are serious defoliators of hardwoods, especially oaks. SE MA will most likely experience heavy defoliation once again this year. (Lakeville, Taunton, Freetown, in particular).
  
• Larch Casebearer Caterpillars are beginning to pupate and treatment are most likely no longer necessary in most areas.
  
• Gypsy Moth caterpillars, although limited this year in numbers, continue to feed and are at the instar stages where their characteristic markings are very identifiable. Populations of this pest remain low in much of the state.
  
• Fruitworms (Green) remain active. There are many species of these that sometimes appear in large numbers and create damage on such hosts as maples, beech, fruit trees, and many other deciduous hosts. They are now much larger than winter moth. Do not confuse them with Winter Moth. Fruitworms generally have 5 pairs of prolegs and develop a white stripe down the length of their backs. They also achieve a much greater physical size than winter moth. Treat if found in large numbers (most likely, it's too late for B.t).
  
• Euonymus Caterpillar is active. This small, pale yellow lepidopteran caterpillar with black spots attacks many varieties of euonymus from shrub-form to tree-form. They produce much silk but act as free feeders by moving throughout the entire plant. By mid-June, affected plants may be defoliated and covered in a fine veil of silk. Treat with Bacillus thurngiensis 'Kurstaki', or a Spinosad product, or with one of the many registered chemical insecticides.

Hymenoptera (sawflies):

• European Pine Sawfly - Caterpillars now are near full size in much of the state. Injury to such hosts as mugo pine is severe in many areas. The amount of foliage that can be consumed now, per day, is quite remarkable. Treat with a spinosad product.
  
• Azalea Sawfly - This pale green caterpillar is virtually the same color as its host foliage; primarily 'Mollis' and 'Exbury' varieties of deciduous azaleas. These caterpillars feed mostly at the leaf margins and consume leaves right down to the mid vein, which they do not consume. Look for clusters of main veins and now leaf blade; most likely, upon very close inspection, this pest will be found. It is extremely cryptic in coloration and a challenge to find. However, it's injury is very identifiable. Treat with a spinosad product when found. This pest is only active for a few weeks in the spring but is capable of severe defoliation. In many areas, infested azaleas are already displaying heavy defoliation from this pest.
  
• Rose Slug Sawfly is active. This is another sawfly caterpillar that is only active for a short while but capable of creating much unwanted injury. These rather small, pale green caterpillars feed on the upper leaf surface (mostly) by scraping away the leaf surface (skeletonizing). Such areas first appear as a 'window-paning' effect but later turn brown as tissue dies. Treat with a spinosad product when found.
  
• Oak Sawfly species are active. In general, they are usually found in small numbers feeding by scraping the foliage, which leads to a 'window-paning' effect. In large numbers, they can be serious defoliators. Spinosad products are effective if deemed necessary.

Beetles

In general, products containing spinosad are effective against the larvae (at least) of many free-feeding beetle species. However, there are also many chemical insecticides that are labeled for caterpillars, which are pyrethroids, organo-phosphates, carbamates, and other classes.

Leaf Beetles:

• Lily Leaf Beetle - Adults of this bright red beetle continue to feed and lay eggs. Eggs are hatching and tiny larvae are feeding. Monitor for their appearance on true lilies, fritillaria, and Solomon seal. Recent feedback from pest control practitioners suggests that NEEM products may not achieve the desired results for management of this pest. Spinosad products and many different chemical insecticides are labeled for this pest.
  
• Viburnum Leaf Beetle - Has finally been found in MA in the town of Great Barrington (Berkshire County) not far from the NY border. Larvae are active now and creating much injury. Inspect viburnum carefully for bare twigs that have a 'sandpaper' feel to them; this could be an indication of an egg-laying site. Monitor for the larvae that are free-feeders and cause much defoliation injury to viburnum. In areas where Winter moth is active, do not confuse that injury with that of the viburnum leaf beetle. Visit the following Cornell web site to become more familiar with this pest. Visit the following Cornell web site to become more familiar with this pest: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb

Scarab Beetles:

• European Chafer adults are active. These rather large beetles congregate at night on woody plants, sometimes by the hundreds or thousands. Primarily clustering for mating purposes, they can also create much injury to foliage by feeding. Large ragged notches, and no insects being present during the day, may indicate a problem with this insect. Inspect the plant at night with a flashlight. Treat with a chemical insecticide if necessary.
  
• Asiatic Garden Beetle are pupating and the rust-colored beetles will be active within a few weeks. The grubs of this pest cause marginal injury to turf but the adults can appear in great numbers, feed at night between first dark (approx 9:00 PM) until about midnight. Adults feed on many hosts including garden plants, annuals, perennials and others. Their feeding can range from notched foliage to heavy defoliation. Inspect at the feeding time with a flashlight; treat if necessary. Visit the archive to refer to the TURF SECTION in previous updates for more specific details.

Piercing-Sucking

In general, imidacloprid applied systemically is very effective on most, with the exception of spider mites. Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, especially against the immature stages, is usually very effective.

Lacebugs:

• Andromeda Lacebug nymphs are active in warmer regions of MA. Inspect the undersides of foliage for their presence. Systemic imidacloprid products work well. If contact (mechanical mode of action) pesticides, such as summer oil sprays or insecticidal soap, are utilized they need to be targeted to the foliage undersides. Japanese andromeda in sunnier growing sites will experience greater problems with this pest.
  
• Azalea Lacebug will be active very soon, if not already in warmer parts of the state. Like Andromeda Lacebug, this pest is active all summer and capable of creating much stippling (chlorosis) of the foliage. Drought conditions and sunnier growing sites tend to favor this pest.
  
• Sycamore Lacebug will be active soon. Although common to Sycamore, it can be especially destructive to English white oak. Active all summer, it can lead to serious chlorosis of the host plant.

Plantbugs:

• Honeylocust Plantbug remains active. Although, foliage of host plants is almost fully emerged and this pest may no longer be of concern. Continue monitoring by gently shaking branches over a white piece of paper and inspecting with a hand lens. If deemed necessary, apply an application of insecticidal soap, or one of the registered chemical insecticides. In many areas, the new growth emerged quickly enough this year to avoid being injured much by this pest.
  
• Tarnished Plantbug is active. This small, brown insect with pale yellow markings has a wide host plant range that includes shrubs and annuals. It's feeding causes brown dead patches to appear on foliage that resemble disease caused by pathogens. If much spotting occurs, controls may be necessary. This insect is active for much of the summer.

Aphids:

• Assorted Aphid Species are active on many different hosts. Inspect plants carefully for building populations. Catalpa, rose, lindens, and many others are common hosts for aphids. Treat with insecticidal soap sprays, an imidacloprid product, a summer oil spray, or with one of the many registered chemical insecticides.

Adelgids:

• Hemlock Woolly Adelgid can still be treated with horticultural oil but monitor plants carefully for their stage of development. Avoid oil sprays on newly emerging tender foliage. There is strong evidence that much winter mortality occurred (as high as 80-90%) and inspections should be made prior to applications to determine if they are necessary.

Other Piercing-Sucking Insects:

• Spider Mites - Several growth regulator products are available that offer high levels of control; mostly for population numbers that are low to moderate in size. Most are so specific that they kill spider mites but not the beneficial predatory mites. Some even poss ovicidal (egg-killing) qualities. Horticultural oil sprays can also be very effective. Many insecticides and miticides are specifically labeled for spider mites as well.
  
• Spruce Spider Mite remains active. Inspect by gently shaking branches over a piece of white paper and then inspect with a hand lens. Monitor weekly to establish if population numbers increase significantly. Note the numbers of predatory mites present. Treat if necessary.

Eriophyid Mites:

• Hemlock Eriophyid Mite (not a spider mite). This tiny, peg-shaped, four-legged mite feeds openly upon needle surfaces. Inspect for its presence. It will remain active into early June. Plants with high levels of infestation become chlorotic. Treat with a horticultural oil spray when necessary.

Psyllids:

• Boxwood Psyllid - This pest remains active. Monitor those boxwoods with cupped foliage for activity of this pest. Maturing nymphs also produce fine strands of wax fibers that are very noticeable right now and aid in monitoring. Cupping of new foliage has already occurred.

Leafminers

• Birch Leafminer - New mines are now obvious. In most areas of the state it is too late for effective controls.
  
• Inkberry Leafminer is active within the mines as larvae. Pupation is occurring. Monitor for the adults with yellow sticky cards now. Inspect plants now for the brown mines to gauge the levels of infestation. Treatment is aimed at the adult flies when they emerge. However, much winter injury has occurred to foliage of Inkberry and may currently mask infestations.
  
• Native Holly Leafminer remains active in the mines as a larva, mostly in American Holly. Pupation will begin soon. Hang yellow sticky cards in affected plants to monitor for adult emergence. Treat when they appear with a registered chemical insecticide.

Scale Insects

In general, horticultural oil sprays work well against most armored scale species, especially when they are in the crawler stage. Imidacloprid does not work well on armored scales but is much more effective against many soft scales.

Armored (hard) Scales:

• Monitor for Pine Needle Scale on mugo and Scots pines, in particular.
• Monitor junipers for Juniper Scale.
• Monitor different euonymus for the Euonymus Scale.

Continue to monitor each at the appropriate time of the season for crawlers and treat again at that time, if necessary.

Soft Scales:

• Monitor yews and certain hollies for the Cottony Camellia Scale (aka: Cottony Taxus Scale). Treat the active nymphs with a summer oil spray. This pest creates much honeydew that generates much sooty mold.
  
• Begin to monitor azaleas for the Azalea Bark Scale. Inspect inner branches for nymphs and sooty mold. Treat with a summer oil spray if necessary.

Gall Formers

Many different galls have appeared on various host plants; most are insignificant in terms of plant injury. Felt patch galls, caused by certain Eriophyid mites, are commonly found on maples, beech, and other hosts. Although usually a tan color they can sometimes be a spectacular pink color and raise much alarm. They are harmless

• Aphid-induced galls are common on certain elms. These large pouch-like galls are often very numerous. There are no controls for these nor are any deemed necessary.
  
• Galls on oaks - Mostly stimulated by Cynipid wasp species, the majority of these are harmless. However, if found on the stems, they can be quite serious. Unfortunately, there are no effective controls for the ones on stems. The vast majority of these will be found on foliage and control measures are not warranted nor effective.

Wood Attackers

Monitor previously stressed plants (drought, soil compaction, etc.) for signs of invasion.

• Bronze Birch Borer is one such invader. Water infested trees during drought periods. Insecticide injections may be effective in some cases. Now that Black Locust is blooming (a good phenological indicator), the adults of BBB will start to appear and seek new host plants. Even though they only emerge over a few weeks time, the adults can remain active through August. It is recommended that susceptible birches not be pruned during this time, especially is they have been previously weakened. Pruning (wounding) releases plant chemicals that attract BBB females.
  
• Conifer Bark Beetles, such as the Black Turpentine Beetle invade stressed trees. Inspect for pitch tubes and streaks of pitch on the bark. These are a sign of an already weak tree. Water during times of drought.
  
• Dogwood Borer - Flowering dogwoods that are known to be heavily infested with the Dogwood borer can be treated with a spray of Entomopathogenic nematodes now. Otherwise, continue to monitor for new infestations (adults will become active within several weeks) and continue to avoid any wounding of the tree trunks with mowing equipment and string trimmers, which encourages infestations of this pest. If necessary, monitor for adult emergence with pheromone traps.

Others

• Carpenter Bees have been active for the past several weeks. They are not pests of plants but are commonly seen visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. These large bees are similar in appearance to Bumble bees but usually have a thorax that is mostly devoid of hairs, unlike bumble bees. Carpenter bees make large round holes, usually in the eaves of houses, and in the trim boards of windows and doors, especially in unheated buildings. Over the years, they can be very destructive.

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

DISEASES

Leaf spot and shoot blight (including anthracnose) diseases are widespread this year because of the extended periods of rainy weather. The best time to initiate protective fungicide applications to nursery and specimen woody landscape plants that are known to be susceptible to these diseases has past. However, if they were started earlier this spring it is important to repeat the treatments at the labeled intervals to maintain the protection until the foliage matures or drier weather conditions prevail.

Apple scab lesions are visible on susceptible crab apple leaves. Many leaves are curling or cupping where lesions developed before the leaves were mature, and the dead leaf tissue constricted leaf expansion. Within weeks after infection the olive green fruiting bodies produce new spores. New infections can occur essentially the entire growing season during wet and mild conditions. To maintain scab-susceptible crabapples in the landscape in which infection has already occurred, consider using systemic fungicides. These fungicides act to prevent new infections that develop on newly emerging leaves. Systemic fungicide applications will not restore distorted, discolored crabapple leaves to health. They can reduce the incidence of apple scab as the season goes on if they are applied soon, before the extent of infection is too severe, and protection is maintained at labeled intervals. Alternate every second or third systemic fungicide spray with a broad-spectrum fungicide to reduce problems with fungicide resistance. Prune to increase sunlight penetration and air circulation, which promotes rapid drying of wet foliage. If apple scab is a chronic problem and replacement is an option, consider planting resistant varieties of crabapple.

Evidence of dogwood anthracnose from last year's infections is apparent on trees where there are buds that did not open and twigs and branches that died back. Prune off and dispose of diseased twigs and branches to reduce anthracnose inoculum. Four fungicide applications are usually needed to control dogwood anthracnose on susceptible trees during wet seasons. Begin, as buds break open, repeat when bracts have fallen, 4 weeks later and in late summer after flower buds form. If this is a persistent problem consider planting one of the many resistant cultivars of C. florida and C. kousa commercially available. Flowering dogwoods that are resistant to anthracnose are better able to limit the extent of dogwood anthracnose damage if they receive good cultural care. Water shortage, heat stress and winter damage weaken trees and increase the severity of the disease. Water during dry periods, fertilize as needed, and maintain 2-4 inches of composted bark mulch over as much of the root area as possible.

Sycamore, ash, and oak anthracnose diseases are evident now as dark-green to dark-brown curling leaves and shoots. Anthracnose is widespread on early leaves and shoots this year due to the abundance of inoculum on over-wintering twigs and fallen leaves, as well as the consistently wet weather. These diseases cause some premature leaf loss, but that is not going to seriously an otherwise healthy tree. In the fall fine prune infected twigs and 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.

The wet conditions, along with development of immature scale-leaves/needles, are favorable for infection of juniper by Phomopsis tip blight. Juniper shoots that are tan-gray with pinhead sized, black fruiting bodies are producing spores at this time. New growth that becomes infected this spring with Phomopsis tip blight will turn green-yellow, then brown and die within a few weeks of infection. Management begins with the removal and disposal of infected shoot tips to reduce inoculum. Cut an inch or so below the boundary between dead and healthy tissue. Now is the time to initiate fungicide control of juniper tip blight to improve plant appearance. Grow junipers in an open, sunny location to promote drying of foliage, that are adapted to the site and that have resistant to tip blight.

There were recent news reports about Sudden Oak Death (SOD), caused by the fungus Phytophthora ramorum. SOD is a severe disease of oak and tanoak in certain Pacific Northwest fog forest areas. In March 2004 Phytophthora ramorum was found in two large ornamental nurseries in southern California. This detection demonstrates that the pathogen is not necessarily limited to the moist coastal regions of northern California and southern Oregon. At least one of the two nurseries distributes nursery stock nationwide, including Massachusetts. To date, Phytophthora ramorum has not been found in Massachusetts, though it has been positively identified in Florida and Georgia. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is monitoring this situation carefully. A number of surveys are planned by MDAR, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) nationwide and in Massachusetts to check for the presence of Phytophthora ramorum in nurseries and natural forest areas.

This pathogen has a wide range of host plants, including rhododendron, viburnum and camellia, which are potential 'carriers' of the fungus when plants are transported. The damage on non-oak hosts involves minor leaf spotting and twig dieback. However, infections on these non-oak hosts may contribute to a rapid build-up of the fungus in the environment, serving therefore as a reservoir of inoculum, which in turn infects woody tissues of oaks and tanoak trees.

Surveys continue in several states as a national survey is getting underway. APHIS-PPQ is determining the distribution of Phytophthora ramorum.

P. ramorum has been confirmed in plants traced forward from the initially positive California wholesale nursery in 97 facilities in 14 states. The numbers of nurseries or garden centers with positive P. ramorum samples from the wholesaler by state are: California (38), Alabama (1), Florida (5), Washington (6), Oregon (9), Texas (5), Colorado (1), Georgia (13), Louisiana (5), Maryland (1), North Carolina (9), New Mexico (1), Tennessee (2), and Virginia (1).

The number of confirmed positive facilities from the national, and other surveys is 118 in 14 states. Fourteen states continue to impose quarantine regulations over and above those ordered by PPQ on California, and in some cases Oregon, Washington or British Columbia.

For more information about SOD and Phytophthora ramorum check out the following web page, http://www.massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/suddenoakdeath.html

Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Diagnostic Lab Report

The following are some of the interesting disease/abiotic disorder samples received at the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Diagnostic Lab in Amherst during the period May 17 through May 21, 2004:

• Arborvitae - plants in a hedge with numerous browned branch tips; arborvitae leaf miner feeding that was worsened by opportunistic Pestalotiopsis blight infection.
• Ornamental pear - scattered dieback of branches especially on the lower part of the well-established tree; Phomopsis canker.
• Douglasfir - browning of scattered one-year-old needles on the north side of the tree, Swiss needle cast disease.

Reported by Dan Gillman, Plant Pathologist, based in the Urban Forestry Diagnostic Lab at UMass, Amherst, Mass

TURFGRASS

Diseases: No report. Visit the Landscape Message archive for previous messages.

Insects: No report. Visit the Landscape Message archive for previous messages.

Weeds: No report. Visit the Landscape Message archive for previous messages.

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES

Two UMass Extension Web Sites are specially designed to provide Green Industry professionals with resources, upcoming educational programs and events, and other relevant information. The Internet address for the Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program is http://www.umassgreeninfo.org. The Turf Program address is http://www.umassturf.org .

UMass Extension’s Management Guide for Woody Ornamentals is NOW available! Remember to use the Professional Management Guide for Insects, Diseases and Weeds of Trees and Shrubs in New England 2003-2004 as a reference tool along with this message. The guide is a 130-page guide to provide arborists, tree wardens, and green industry professionals with current information on the materials and products available to manage pests of woody plants in New England, updated every two years by the University of Massachusetts Extension's Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program. Send orders (checks payable to UMass) to UMass Extension Bookstore, Draper Hall, 40 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA 01003. You can also order with a credit card by calling the Extension Bookstore at 413-545-2717. The cost is $26 (plus $5 shipping) for Part I: Professional Management Guide for Insects, Diseases, and Weeds of Trees and Shrubs in New England; $12 (plus $5 shipping)for Part II: Strategies for Plant Health Management of Woody Ornamentals; or $40 (plus $5 shipping) for both Parts I and II and the inscribed 3-ring binder to hold them. For more details or to order online, go to the Publications Section of this web site.

UMass Extension’s Turf Management Guide and IPM Facts: For more information about the pests mentioned in this message, you will need to refer to the following publications: the Professional Guide for IPM in Turf for Massachusetts, 2003-2004 edition and Turf IPM Facts . Call (413) 545-2717 to order these publications from the UMASS Extension Bookstore.

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

UMass Laboratory Diagnoses for 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 Urban Forestry Diagnostic Laboratory is available to serve commercial landscape contractors, turf managers, arborists, nurseries, and other green industry professionals. It provides woody plant disease analysis, woody plant and turf insect identification, turfgrass identification, landscape and turf 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 made payable to the University of Massachusetts to Urban Forestry Diagnostic Lab, 160 Holdsworth Way, Holdsworth Natural Resources Center, UMass, Amherst, MA 01003. The fee for a woody plant disease analysis is $50.00. All insect, weed, and turfgrass identification samples are $25.00 each. For complete information and instructions on how to send specimens, visit the Urban Forestry Diagnostic Lab page.

Turfgrass disease samples should be directed to the UMass Turf Disease Diagnostic Lab . By special arrangement, the UMass Turfgrass Disease Diagnostic Lab is now open at Marquette University. This lab provides diagnostic services for turfgrass professionals in CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT. This service is available ONLY to green industry professionals such as landscapers, lawn care companies, and golf course managers. For more info specifically on turf disease diagnostics, visit the Disease Diagnostics page at www.umassturf.org .

NEXT UPDATE: The next issue will be available on June 4 , 2004.

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 Turfgrass Program as well as cooperating horticultural, green industry, and other professionals from the field. The text is adapted for access via the Internet by Jason Lanier and made available to subscribers via electronic transmittal by Ellen Weeks.

DISCLAIMER. This message is intended for commercial use. UMASS Extension assumes no liability for recommendations. The use of trade names does not imply endorsement. Similarly, there may be other products you prefer to use.

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