Landscape Message - Landscape Nursey and Urban Forestry

The following growing-degree-day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected for a one-week period, June 15, 2006 through June 21, 2006. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on June 21, 2006. Accumulated GDDs represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments since the beginning of the current growing season. This information is intended for use as a guide for monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and planning management strategies accordingly.

REGIONAL NOTES

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable) - General Conditions: The first really warm weather occurred over the weekend, with sunny days and muggy temperatures. Afternoon thunder showers are becoming common. Landscapes are looking lush with all the wet weather that we have had, with early summer perennials coming into bloom. Pests/Problems: Large flights of Eastern pine looper moths have been observed in Wellfleet and Eastham. We can expect to see small caterpillars on the pitch pine by early to mid-July. Pine spittle bug is heavy on white pine this year, and spittle bug is also heavy on perennials and other herbaceous material. Mosquito populations are quite active, green head flies are active in coastal areas. Lily leaf beetle adults and larvae are still feeding on Asiatic and Oriental lilies. Cottony taxus scale egg masses have been observed on blue hollies, and cottony maple scale egg masses have been observed on flowering dogwood. Red thread continues to be very prevalent on fescue in turf. Botrytis blight of peony is active.

Southeast Region (Hanson) - General Conditions: Hanson received 0.45 inches of rain. Hot, humid weather has been the norm. Rosa rugosa, Spirea, landscape roses, Japanese tree lilac, Corydalis lutea, Dicentra eximia, peonies, Campanula, Geranium sp., foxgloves, Dianthus, Doronicum sp., Dictamnus, and early daylilies are in full bloom. Styrax japonica is past bloom. Pests/Problems: Forest tent and eastern tent caterpillars are done feeding and have pupated. Gypsy moth caterpillars are large and still feeding, although some have just started to pupate. Many gypsy moth caterpillars appear to have succumbed to disease. Numerous trees, primarily oaks are completely defoliated. Be sure to advise clients that during dry weather, to water the root systems of heavily damaged trees to avoid further stress and to help the trees to put out a second flush of growth. Pieris or andromeda lacebug, aphids, cottony camellia scale on holly and Taxus, whitefly on Japanese holly, carpenter bees, lily leaf beetle, mosquitoes, ticks, Asiatic garden beetles, European chafer beetles, columbine leaf miner, and ladybugs are all active. Sod webworm adult moths are active on turf. Dogwood anthracnose is prevalent on flowering dogwoods this year. Powdery mildew is showing up on lilac. Apple scab is evident on susceptible apple and crabapple foliage, and black spot was observed on susceptible roses. There are a number of disease resistant landscape roses that show no signs of disease. Mosquitoes, 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.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst) - General Conditions: The weather warmed with a sudden burst this past weekend in the Pioneer Valley. Farmers were able to mow hayfields, lawns continue to grow well, and gardens are generally flourishing. Pests/Problems. Red thread is evident in lawns, but the onset of warmer, drier weather will cause this typically minor problem to abate. It is also important to keep a realistic perspective and remember that leaf spot and shoot blight diseases seldom cause serious harm to trees and shrubs that are otherwise healthy. Affected trees and shrubs may not look as attractive this year, but the time for management has passed for this season. However, controlling diseases on high value herbaceous annuals and perennials including vegetables and lawns, as well as management of powdery mildew and black spot on roses may still provide sufficient benefit to warrant chemical interventions.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: Soil moisture is high. Landscapes continue to be lush. Defoliation caused by tent caterpillars and gypsy moth caterpillars is quite evident in central and northern areas of the county. Pests/Problems: Most caterpillars and early season sawfly larvae have ceased feeding. Asiatic garden beetle, locust plantbug, and rose slugs continue to feed. Leafhoppers, mosquitoes and ticks are prominent. Most visible problems in the landscape are foliar and shoot blights.

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.

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.

The warmer weather for the past week has accelerated insect activity and development.

Hymenopteran Caterpillars (Sawflies):

European pine sawfly - This voracious-feeding caterpillar is finished for this year.
Introduced Pine Sawfly - The larval stage of this sawfly will become active very soon and may be found on many of the same host plants as European pine sawfly (e.g., mugo, scots and other pines). Inspect and treat when found.
Azalea sawfly - This pest is no longer active on deciduous azaleas. However, its damage remains. It consumes all but the main veins of the foliage.
Birch sawfly - The caterpillars remain active. They can be easily observed lined up along the leaf margins. They will feed down to the mid rib of the foliage. When disturbed, they will writhe in a defensive posture. Treat with a spinosad product or with one of the registered pyrethroid insecticides. Younger larvae can be treated with an insecticidal soap spray.
Mountain Ash Sawfly - The caterpillars are active. Currently, these yellow caterpillars are fairly small and clustered together on leaf margins. They consume all but the main vein. Prune out small infestations by hand, or treat larger populations with a spinosad product.

Beetles:

Viburnum Leaf Beetle - Inspect all viburnum plants (those that are established in the landscape and nursery, as well as those which are newly arriving) for the presence of this unwanted pest. The indicators of its presence at this time of the year will be bare twigs that have a 'sandpaper' texture, a sign of the over-wintering eggs. Larvae are active now and foliage is starting to display holes from feeding. Don't confuse winter moth injury. Visit the Cornell University web site at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/index.html for current information on this pest. Report any new findings in Massachusetts to Robert Childs by e-mail (rchilds@psis.umass.edu).
Lily leaf beetle - The bright red adults are now actively mating, and the females have been laying eggs. In all areas of the state eggs are hatching, and larvae are feeding. Inspect foliage for notching (adult feeding) and for 'window-paning' effects that are initially caused by the larvae feeding from the leaf undersides. The eggs are laid in irregular lines, about one inch long, on the leaf undersides. Initially, the eggs are tan in color but soon darken and turn a deep red prior to hatching. This is a pest of all true lilies (not daylilies), fritillaria, Solomon's-seal and others. It is a devastating pest to true lilies. Neem-based products, when applied every 10-14 days, can be effective against the larvae when they begin to appear. Other than that, certain pyrethroid insecticides may be necessary.
European chafer - The adult beetles are active. These are night feeders but are often attracted to outdoor lighting. Adult beetles will congregate on trees and shrubs for mating; in the process they may cause heavy feeding injury to foliage. The appearance of ragged notches on the foliage margins could be from this pest. Inspect at night with a light and treat with a pyrethroid insecticide, if necessary.
Asiatic garden beetle - Adults are becoming active. These are night feeders and are most active between the hours of 9 PM and midnight. They are attracted to a wide range of host plants from the landscape to the garden. Their feeding can cause much defoliation. Inspect plants at night with a light and treat, if necessary.
Rose chafer - Adult beetles are active. These tan-colored and slender scarab beetles have a wide deciduous host range. They cause defoliation to rose, but they are certainly active on other hosts such as zelkova, peonies, and ornamental shrubs.
Black Vine Weevil - Begin to monitor foliage of taxus and rhododendron in the landscape and nursery for notched foliage, especially on the lower part of host plants. The adult weevils will become active soon and begin to feed on foliage. Inspection now provides a baseline for new injury. This insect does not fly and must walk up the host plant each night to feed. Place loosely folded burlap strips on the ground around plants and inspect the traps during the day. Adult weevils will use the burlap as a hiding place during daylight hours; collect and destroy beetles. If found in large numbers, treat with a product that contains lambda-cyhalothrin.

Piercing-Sucking Insects and Mites:

Spruce Spider Mite - Inspect the needles and stems of conifers now for the presence of spruce spider mite. One of the growth regulator miticide products may be useful. Continue to monitor on a weekly basis for any building populations. Horticultural oil sprays (at the summer rate) can also be effective.
Two-Spotted Spider Mite (one of the warm-season mites) - This mite is becoming noticeable on a wide range of host plants. Warm season mites prefer and thrive during, hot weather. Their rate of development is greatly accelerated by the heat and at the same time, predatory mites often leave the host plant and go into a summer dormancy in the leaf litter or mulch. This gives spider mite populations the potential to explode in numbers and to create much plant injury in a short amount of time. Continue to monitor on a regular basis and treat increasing populations before they become too large. Horticultural oil sprays, at the summer rate can be quite effective, as are the new mite growth regulator products. Avoid the overuse of chemical pesticides; spider mites are quite adept at developing pesticide resistance.
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) - This pest is now into its second generation for this year. Monitor for increasing numbers and treat with horticultural oil (when plant phenology allows) and/or whenever the correct weather conditions prevail. Systemic imidacloprid products can also be of benefit. This pest is about to enter into its summer dormancy within the next three weeks.
Mealybugs - Inspect the undersides of inner branches for taxus mealybug. Treat when found. They are quite active now. This pest can greatly reduce plant growth, and it also produces much honeydew, which leads to problems with sooty molds.
Honeylocust plantbug - At this time, honeylocust foliage is mostly expanded, and this pest is no longer of great concern.
Andromeda lacebug - The eggs of this pest overwintered embedded in the host plant tissue, and now the pest is active. Inspect leaf undersides of Japanese andromeda for the activity of this pest. Treat the plant with a soil applied systemic treatment of imidacloprid or spray the leaf undersides with an insecticidal soap. Pyrethroid insecticides are also labeled for this pest.

Scale Insects :

Armored Scales - A group of scale insects characterized by a hard, convex covering over their bodies, such as pine needle scale, euonymus scale, juniper scale, and white prunicola scale can be monitored now. Treat with a horticultural oil spray (summer rate) when plant phenology and correct weather conditions prevail. Pine needle scale has a new batch of crawlers that are settling now to feed.
Soft Scales - Look for sooty mold on the host plants as a telltale sign of the scale insect's presence (past or present). In the case of tuliptree scale (found on tuliptree and magnolia), one can also find the large, dark brown coverings on the stems. Treat with a horticultural oil spray or systemic imidacloprid. These can be difficult to manage and may require future monitoring and treatments. Azalea bark scale is now active. The soft-bodied insect will appear white and cottony and will mostly be found in branch axils along the main trunk. Once the crawlers emerge, treat with a horticultural oil spray at the summer rate or a spinosad product or with a cyfluthrin product. European fruit lecanium scale has many hosts. Inspect for the large, dark brown female scale coverings from last year that will appear lined-up on the stems. This is another soft scale that is problematic to control. Wait for the crawlers to emerge (late June into early July) and treat with a horticultural oil spray at the summer rate or a spinosad product or with a cyfluthrin product.

Leaf Miners:

Birch leafminer - This pest now has well-established mines within the foliage, and treatments now are most likely not feasible.
Arborvitae Leafminer - The adults will emerge within 1-2 weeks in much of the state. This leafminer (a moth as an adult) is not attracted to yellow sticky cards. Inspect foliage for browned tips and exit holes. Gently shake branches to dislodge the tiny, off-white moths. Treat with a pyrethroid insecticide or a spinosad product to kill the newly hatching caterpillars. Eggs are laid on the foliage, and the larvae must chew their way into the leaf, which usually occurs on the leaf underside.
Larch Casebearer - The adult moths are active. If individual trees were affected by the feeding of the caterpillar stage, then monitor for adults by gently shaking foliage and inspecting for the tiny, off-white moths. If necessary, treat with a pyrethroid insecticide to break the mating/egg-laying cycle. Or, wait a few weeks and treat with a spinosad product for the new caterpillars. The new caterpillars will only feed in limited amounts and not cause new injury this year. However, these will be the caterpillars that create the injury next spring.

Wood Borers:

Dogwood Borer - The adult moth will become active very soon. Pheromone traps are available for this pest. Keep flowering dogwood free of wounds from mowers and line trimmers, which encourage invasion by this insect. Treat infested trees in August with a trunk/branch spray of entomopathogenic (beneficial) nematodes.
Bronze Birch Borer - This wood-boring beetle requires a previously weakened tree for successful colonization. Keep birches healthy by watering during drought, mulching, and avoiding soil compaction. Some advise that birches not be pruned from June into September to avoid releasing plant volatiles that may attack female beetles. However, healthy trees should be able to withstand pruning at this time and still naturally defend itself against this pest.

Other Insects:

Birch Catkin Bug - This bug will become active soon. This pest overwinters as an adult. Upon emerging in the spring, it mates and lays eggs in newly forming catkins. Nymphs feed on the developing seeds. This pest does not harm plants; it consumes seeds. However, they often occur in large numbers and accidentally find their way onto people and into homes where they become a nuisance. When catkins fall to the ground, they will contain the developing bugs. Mowing over these catkins crushes the insect within and releases their foul smelling odor. When found exposed on the host plant in large numbers, treat with a registered pyrethroid insecticide, if necessary.
Carpenter ant reproductives - These individual ants are active now throughout the state. The future queens of new colonies are 3/4" to 1" in length, black in color, have two pairs of membranous wings (with the front pair being larger than the hind pair) and elbowed antennae. They will look very wasp-like, but the elbowed antennae and the spike (pedicel) between the thorax and abdomen makes them ants and not wasps. They will be seeking moist wood where they can establish a new colony.

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

DISEASES

Mushrooms in lawns often develop from thatch, buried logs, dead roots, stumps, or even construction debris. They have many different sizes, colors, shapes, and habits of growth and develop fruiting structures or mushrooms in lawns after prolonged wet weather. The fungi that produce these mushrooms are beneficial because they decompose organic matter in the soil, making nutrients available to other plants. These mushrooms usually are harmless to grasses, but some people consider them unsightly or want to get rid of them because young children play in the area. Neither spray applications nor drenches of fungicides are effective in controlling these mushrooms. Remove mushrooms growing from buried wood or roots by picking them as they appear or by digging out the wood. Elimination of excess thatch and aerating the soil to improve water penetration also helps in some cases. In addition, the mushrooms left alone disappear when the weather becomes dry.

Botrytis blight is noticeable as a gray moldy blight of flowers, leaves and shoots in herbaceous perennial gardens, as well as on some young woody plants with dense foliage. Cool temperatures and shaded conditions enhance the damage by this fungus. To manage Botrytis blight, remove dead plant material that the fungus uses as a beachhead for the development of more inoculum. Irrigate before mid-afternoon so foliage dries before nightfall. Consider fungicide applications to protect succulent growth on high value plants from becoming infected. Repeat applications at labeled intervals until warm, drier weather prevails, and Botrytis blight is less able to infect plants.

Cedar-apple rust is visible as orange-yellow spots on susceptible hawthorn, apple, and crab apple leaves. By mid-summer tiny yellow-white tube-like fruiting structures will extend from the underside of infected leaves. From mid-summer to autumn, spores are wind-carried from the apple leaves; and when conditions are wet, they infect green shoots and needles of junipers. Pea-sized to 2" diameter round, brown galls develop on susceptible juniper needles and twigs between 12 and 20 months after infection. The best long-term approach to manage this disease is to grow cedar-apple rust resistant apple and juniper varieties. Also, prune dormant galls on juniper during the summer, fall, winter, and early spring (before jelly-like horns form). Avoid growing susceptible junipers close to apples. The time to apply fungicides to protect high value apples from cedar-apple rust has passed for this spring. If desired, apply fungicide protection of eastern red cedar and Rocky mountain junipers from mid-August through September.

Hawthorn (Entomosporium) leaf spot is visible as red-purple spots of on green to yellowed leaves on susceptible hawthorn. Now that the fungus is established, it regularly produces spores; and with recurring wet periods, the disease spreads via these secondary infection cycles. There is little benefit from chemical controls of this disease when begun this late in the season. A long-term management strategy to consider is replacement of susceptible hawthorns with resistant trees. Otherwise, apply preventative fungicides as buds open or when the first rains begin after the leaves start to develop in the spring; repeat these at labeled intervals several times until early summer.

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. Fungicide intervention at this time for this season is of little benefit. Keep in mind that horsechestnut infected year after year continue to grow vigorously in spite of Guignardia leaf blotch.

Powdery mildew fungi are evident as a dusty, gray to white spots on a number of plants including horsechestnut, dogwood, sycamore, phlox, and rose leaves. Once established on plants, powdery mildews grow superficially on both upper and lower leaf surfaces as well as green shoots and flower buds. Later this summer spherical, black fruiting structures are visible with a hand lens on the underside of leaves in the dusty, gray mycelial masses. Generally, the damage caused by powdery mildew is of minor consequence to healthy woody 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 brittle, brown, puckered spots. This is not a serious fungal disease problem in our area. Yet, if a severe outbreak is occurring on high value trees, note that for future reference. Next spring, start chemical control activities just as buds open and repeat at labeled intervals if wet weather persists.

Apple scab is causing curling and discoloration as well as some loss of leaves on susceptible crab apple. 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. Now is a favorable time to maintain scab-susceptible crabapples in the landscape in which infection has just begun with fungicides. These fungicides act primarily to prevent new infections, especially those infections that would develop on newly emerging leaves. Apply fungicides to reduce the incidence of apple scab as the season develops if the weather continues wet on high value trees. In addition, prune to increase sunlight penetration and air circulation to promote rapid drying of wet foliage. This fall collect and destroy fallen leaves near the tree to reduce primary inoculum available for initial infections next spring. If apple scab is a chronic problem and replacement is an option, consider planting resistant varieties of crabapple.

Dogwood anthracnose has been widespread this spring. High value trees benefit from four fungicide applications to control dogwood anthracnose during wet seasons. It is too late to protect trees from foliar infections for this season. Typically begin, as buds break open, reapply when bracts have fallen, and again four weeks later. An application in late summer protects flower buds if there is wet weather after they form. If this is a persistent problem, consider planting one of the many resistant cultivars of C. florida and C. kousa now commercially available.

Ramorum Blight, also known as Sudden Oak Death (SOD) - Since the early 1990's, oaks and tanoaks were dying in the coastal counties of California. Since then, other types of plants have been found to be infected or associated with this disease, referred to as Sudden Oak Death, ramorum leaf blight or ramorum dieback, or by regulation as Phytophthora ramorum. The first positive identification of the disease was in 1995 on tanoak in Mill Valley (Marin County), California. Since that time, surveys confirmed Phytophthora ramorum on various native hosts and nursery plants in several locations in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. When nursery surveys find infected plants, prompt quarantine and/or eradication activities ensue. Research conducted by the Agriculture Research Service, US Forest Service, universities, and others is under way to better identify hosts, improve methods of detection, and develop effective treatments. USDA APHIS currently regulates 84 plants, two of which are at the genus level (Camellia and Rhododendron). There are no chemical treatments currently available to eliminate Phytophthora ramorum from infected plants.

Status of Phytophthora ramorum Monitoring Surveys - The 2006 National Nursery Survey is underway. The monitoring survey generally visits nurseries in areas with a high incidence of the problem and collects samples from host plants exhibiting leaf spot, blight, and canker symptoms associated with Phytophthora ramorum infections.

Dan Gillman, Plant Pathologist, based in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab at UMass, Amherst.

WEEDS

Monitor landscape beds for annual weeds that may be germinating in areas where mulch is thin. Larger weeds should be treated with glyphosate or glufosinate since hand-weeding will often result in mulch disturbance. Small seedlings can be covered with mulch.

Randall Prostak, Weed Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program, Amherst.

TURFGRASS

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

Insects:

Armyworms. A report from Ohio indicates that armyworms have been active in the northwestern part of that state, attacking wheat and corn fields as well as some fine turf areas. Many of you will remember that turf managers in New England encountered very high populations of armyworm caterpillars in the summer of 2001. Armyworm moths, apparently, flew (or were blown) into New England from areas south and west of here in early June and laid eggs. The resulting caterpillar explosion was truly remarkable. In many areas you could not take a step without crushing at least one caterpillar on the surface, and there were even more out of sight. Many lawns and native turf areas were severely pruned by the voracious caterpillars.Please be on the watch for armyworm activity. The caterpillars are very dark (usually described as black or navy blue) and have several lighter colored stripes that run the length of the body. Two characteristics are quite diagnostic: 1) the head looks honey-combed, with a light and dark shade of brown, and 2) the point where the fleshy legs meet the body on the abdomen is very dark.Please let us know if you see any armyworms. And remember, just because they are active in Ohio, does not necessarily mean that we will have an invasion here this year. Just keep your eyes open! Armyworms are not picky Bthey will feed on any kind of grassy material, whether on lawns, cemeteries, parks, athletic fields, or golf courses. So, just keep your eyes open! Early detection is the key. Once the caterpillars are more than a half inch long, it is very difficult to manage them.

Pat Vittum, Professor and Extension Entomologist, Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences, UMass Amherst.

Weeds:

Germinating crabgrass can be seen in all turf areas. Treatment with fenoxaprop or quinclorac can begin now. If your management program includes split applications of preemergence herbicides, these applications can continue.

Monitor for yellow nutsedge. Control attempts with halosulfuron have a high success rate if done early. Treat now.

Broadleaf herbicides applications can continue. With ample rainfall and cool weather, despite a few hot days, good control of broadleaf weeds is being achieved. Broadleaf applications should be completed by the end of June or very early July.

Applications targeted for clover can begin now. Herbicide products containing quinclorac, clopyralid or fluroxypyr will provide the best control.

Winter annual weeds in turf continue to fade. No need to treat winter annual weeds. Encourage turf growth to fill the voids.

Randall Prostak, Weed Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program, Amherst.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

2006 UMass Green School to Start October 31 in Milford, MA
Green School is a comprehensive certificate training program for Green Industry professionals taught by UMass Extension Educators and Faculty. This course is designed for landscape, turf, and other horticultural practitioners wishing to gain an understanding of horticulture fundamentals and strategies and their relation to environmental quality. Green School attendees learn about sustainable approaches to turf and landscape management in managed environments. Green School's curriculum is based on research and information emphasizing environmental stewardship and integrated pest management (IPM). Participants develop an understanding of how proper management practices impact natural resources such as soil and water. Participants learn to make environmentally appropriate decisions related to turf and plant selection, plant maintenance, pest and nutrient management. For complete information, including curriculum and registration information, visit our Green School page.

July 19, 2006 - Nursery & Landscape Summer Meeting & Trade Show - The day will offer horticulture education workshops presented by well known researchers and educators, a trade show and hands-on insect, disease, and weed laboratory. At press time, plans were underway to feature an actual outdoor set-up of garden center displays showing examples of today’s most successful marketing and plant branding strategies. Plans to organize class reunions for Stockbridge School of Agriculture and UMass alumni the day before and have University Admission officials on hand to answer questions about student applications are also in discussion.

This special event will also showcase Dr. Michael A Dirr, respected author, lecturer and retired Professor of Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Georgia, Athens as keynote speaker. Dr. Dirr will give a presentation on Breeding, Evaluating, Introducing and Marketing New Woody Plants. Professor Dirr has had a long and varied career since he received his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1972. Before moving to Georgia he held appointments at the University of Massachusetts, the University of Illinois, Urbana, and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.

You will want to mark your calendars now. For more information, go to http://www.mnla.com , http://www.umassgreeninfo.org, or contact UMass Extension’s Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program at (413) 545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu. Time: 9 AM to 3:00 p.m. Location: UMass Amherst Student Union and Metawampe Park.

UMass Extension Weed Identification Workshops
Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program. Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided), 9 am - 3 pm. Cost $95/person (pre-registration required, space is limited). 5 pesticide contact hours available; MCLP and MCH credits will be offered.

Broadleaf Weeds (plus a few grassy weeds) - July 27- Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain
Broadleaf Weeds (plus a few grassy weeds) - August 3 - UMass Amherst
Grassy Weeds - August 24 - UMass Amherst

See our Conferences and Workshops page for registration information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES

2006 UMass Extension Green Directory: Now Available! The 2006 UMass Extension Green Directory is a comprehensive guide to educational resources for Massachusetts Agriculture industry professionals. This 25 page guide is used as a reference document all year long! To receive a copy, send mailing address: email greeninfo@umext.umass.edu; fax requests to 413-577-1620. The complete directory is also available online in PDF format. Visit http://www.umass.edu/agland and click 'The Green Directory' link in the right hand menu.

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 .

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

The freshly revised 2006-2007 Professional Guide for IPM in Turf for Massachusetts features the latest techniques critical to environmentally sensitive, integrated management of lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses. The guide, intended for use by professionals, presents research-based material regarding turfgrass selection and water conservation, as well as current approaches for managing disease, insect, weed, and nematode problems. Municipal and school officials charged with establishing IPM programs in their communities and gardeners and homeowners serious about sensibly caring for their properties will find unique and critical information in the guide as well.

The 2006-2007 Professional Guide can be used effectively in a wide range of management schemes: from organic, to low-maintenance, to high-intensity care of high-use turf. Alternative and cultural pest control options are highlighted, and pesticide selection advice is based on least environmental impact. While certain portions of the guide are specific to Massachusetts, much of the information is applicable throughout New England. Initially developed in 1991, this revision for 2006-2007 marks the 8th edition of this popular publication.

To obtain a copy, order online from the Outreach Bookstore (http://umassoutreachbookstore.com); or call the UMass Outreach Bookstore. The phone number is (413) 545-2717. In either case, payment may be made by credit card. Alternatively, you may visit the UMass Outreach Bookstore during normal business hours; Monday through Thursday from 9AM-3PM, closed Friday. The bookstore is located in Draper Hall on the UMass campus.

UMass Extension’s Turf Management Guide and IPM Facts: For more information about the turf pests mentioned in this message, you will need to refer to the following publications: the freshly revised Professional Guide for IPM in Turf for Massachusetts, 2006-2007 edition and Turf IPM Facts . Call (413) 545-2717 to order these publications from the UMASS Outreach 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 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

NEXT UPDATE: The next issue will be available on Friday, June 30, 2006.

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 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. 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 Landscape Message #17 June 23, 2006

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UMass Extension Landscape Message #17
June 23, 2006