Landscape Message - Landscape Nursey and Urban Forestry

The following growing-degree-day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected for a one-week period, June 22, 2006 through June 28, 2006. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on June 28, 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 weather has once again been changeable, with warm and humid weekdays interspersed with another soaking wet weekend. More rain is forecast in the days ahead. Plants in the landscape are very lush. Early summer shrubs and perennials are coming into bloom, most noticeably Stella D’Oro daylilies and blue hydrangeas. Pests/Problems: With all the wet weather, we are starting to see an increase in foliar diseases. Prunus spp. have been hard hit with a foliar blight, probably caused by Monilinia fructicola. Many ornamental cherries have had their leaves quickly turn brown and fall off. This fungus can also cause twig blight and twig cankers characterized by the presence of a gummy gel-like substance at the site of the canker. Blue Atlas cedars are showing signs of a tip blight of some sort. Powdery mildew has been observed on perennials. Many different trees have leaf spots and/or anthracnose. Red thread continues to run rampant on fescues in lawns. Botrytis is present on peony, as well as on potted geraniums and fading rose blossoms. Forest tent caterpillars are pretty much done for this year while gypsy moth caterpillars are beginning to pupate. Reports of dead and dying gypsy moth caterpillars are coming in from most towns on the Cape. Earwig populations are enormous this year, and they are skeletonizing seedlings of annuals and vegetables. Wilted leaders on small white pine indicate the presence of white pine weevil larvae. Prune these out before they complete their development and emerge as new adults. Deer tick nymphs are plentiful in the landscape. Do thorough tick checks several times during the day. Spittle bugs on pine and on herbaceous plants are very visible. Poison ivy is lush.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst) - General Conditions: It rained for a while just about every day this week in the Valley. Lawns are lush and green. Gardens look okay except for some plants falling over, while new foliage develops on many of the blighted sycamore, oak, and maple. Pests/Problems: Mosquitoes!

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: This week ends where it began—with lots of rain. Soil moisture is so high that soils are very soft. Ruts are often formed in lawns from mower tires. Caution must be exercised to keep heavy vehicles from turf areas and to avoid excessive foot traffic on turf and in garden soils. Other than that, lush is the best term to describe gardens and landscapes. Pests/Problems: Other than mosquitoes and ticks, pest pressure on landscape plants is low. However, disease pressure is high. Powdery mildew is becoming prominent on susceptible species and cultivars. Other foliar diseases and botrytis are common.

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.

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.

Hymenopteran Caterpillars (Sawflies):

Introduced Pine Sawfly - will be active soon and may be found on the same host plants as the European pine sawfly. It can cause much defoliation. Treat the young caterpillars with insecticidal soap or one of the products that contains spinosad.
Oak sawfly species remain very 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.
Birch sawfly - species remain active. They will appear in clusters on foliage of many species of birch. Treat with a spinosad product when found. Small individual clusters can be pruned away and destroyed by hand.
Mountain ash sawfly - is now active. Continue to monitor for this yellow caterpillar with black spots that feeds in clusters. Small infestations can be pruned away and destroyed. Larger infestations can be treated with a spinosad product. This pest consumes all but the main vein of the host plant foliage and is capable of creating serious levels of defoliation.

Beetles:

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

Lily leaf beetle - adults (bright red) are not very commonly found now. However, the larvae are quite large and feeding. As larvae feed, they pile their own excrement on their backs thus giving them a very unattractive appearance. Monitor for their appearance on true lilies, fritillaria, and Solomon’s 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 larvae are active now and creating much injury. Inspect viburnum for defoliation injury, which should be quite noticeable now. Pupation will occur in about 1-2 more weeks. Treat with a spinosad product or one of the registered chemical insecticides. Visit the Cornell University web site at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/index.html for more details.
Imported willow leaf beetle remains active. The small, round blue-black adults will chew ragged notches in the margins of foliage, but it is the larvae that create the bulk of the injury. These small, black, elongate larvae are now active. They line up on the leaf surface and skeletonize. There are multiple generations per year, and they will remain active until September. By August entire trees can appear to have been swept by fire. All of the leaves will be intact, but they will be dead and brown from total skeletonizing. Treat with a spinosad product or with one of the many registered chemical insecticides.

Scarab Beetles:

Rose chafer adult beetles remain active. Monitor roses for the presence of these tan and somewhat slender scarab beetles. Treat, if necessary.
Asiatic garden beetle adults are now emerging. These rust-colored beetles will be active for a month or so. The grubs of this pest cause minimal injury to turf, but the adults can appear in great numbers, feed at night between first dark (approx 9 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.
Japanese beetle adults will began to emerge from the soil in warmer parts of the state. Although limited in numbers right now, an ever-increasing number of new adults will emerge per day over the next month. They are strong fliers, and individual beetles may live for 2-3 weeks. Very soon there will be large numbers of this pest actively feeding. They have a rather wide host range.

Weevils (Snout Beetles):

Polydrusus weevil is active on a variety of deciduous host plants. These small and often bright green weevils will remain active well into July. They mostly create injury by notching the margins of the foliage, frequently to an extreme. Treat with a chemical insecticide when found in abundance. Spinosad products might be affective.
White pine weevil injury is now very noticeable. However, the insect is long gone. Affected shoots, mostly of white pine, are very brown and dead. Prune out dead leaders.

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, also.

Lacebugs:

Andromeda lacebug nymphs are active throughout 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 is active. 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 is active. 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:

Tarnished plantbug is active. This small, brown insect with pale yellow markings has a wide host plant range that includes shrubs and annuals.

Four-lined plantbug is active. Its 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. At first appearance it almost looks beetle-like with its dark body and yellow stripes.

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 (HWA) - can still be treated with horticultural oil, but monitor plants carefully for their stage of development. This pest will become dormant within the next 2-3 weeks. The young instar nymphs will settle on the stems at the base of the needles and not move or feed again until about mid October. However, they can still be managed with horticultural oil sprays.

Other Piercing/Sucking Feeders:

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 possess 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. Check for mites by gently shaking branches over a piece of white paper. Then inspect the paper with a hand lens. Monitor weekly to establish if population numbers increase significantly. Note the numbers of predatory mites present. Treat, if necessary.

Two-spotted spider mite is active. This species has a wide host range. It is also a warm-season spider mite, which means that it will remain active all season long and be very prolific throughout the very hot and dry weather. Begin to monitor now and continue monitoring throughout the growing season for increasing population numbers. Treat only if necessary–if numbers become too high and (especially) if predator mite population numbers are too low. Horticultural oil sprays (summer rate) can be very effective as well as the other labeled pesticides for mites. Deciduous plants, such as winged euonymus (E. alatus), will develop very chlorotic foliage and may even drop its leaves when high populations occur.

Leaf Miners:

Arborvitae leafminer adult moths are mostly finished with mating and egg-laying. The female deposits individual eggs on the undersides of foliage. The tiny caterpillars hatch from the egg and chew their way into the foliage out near the tips. In a couple of weeks inspect the undersides of foliage (with magnification) for new entry holes. The larvae will feed within the foliage all summer and into the fall but browning will not occur until January or February and is often attributed to winter injury. Control measures at this time are very limited.
Locust leafminer on black locust has been active for a while, and its injury is starting to appear. Adults skeletonize the foliage while the larvae mine. The next generation of adult beetles are active and mating now. Treat with a spinosad product or with one of the registered chemical insecticides to break the cycle of re-infestation. In many cases and by August, untreated trees will appear to be fire-swept as all of the foliage is killed.

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 pine and Scots pines, in particular. The crawlers will be emerging soon.

Monitor junipers for juniper scale.

Monitor different euonymus for the euonymus scale.

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.

Monitor azaleas for the azalea bark scale. Inspect inner branches for nymphs and sooty mold. Treat with a summer oil spray, if necessary.

Taxus mealybug (technically not a scale but a close relative) can be found actively feeding on the inner branches of Taxus. This pest also is responsible for much sooty mold. In high numbers it can seriously stunt plant growth. Move foliage aside to inspect the inner branches.

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.
Maple gouty vein gall is found primarily on sugar and red maples (mostly sugar). A tiny fly (a midge) attacks foliage as it is emerging and stimulates gall formation along the main veins of the leaf; usually on the undersides. The galls are initially green but may turn red as they mature. In some cases, there are so many galls per leaf that foliage becomes stunted and distorted. However, the injury is aesthetic. There are no controls nor are they necessary.
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 are 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:

White-spotted pine sawyer (WSPS) adult beetles remains active. This species is only attracted to previously weakened pines and is not considered to be a pest. However, it looks very much like the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB), which is not yet known to exist in MA. The adults of ALB are a very shiny black with crisp white spots. Their antennal segments alternate between white and black segments. The WSPS also has the same type of antennae, but its body coloration is more of a dull grey and has a varying number of dull white spots. For more details visit the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area home page for the ALB at http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/alb Under the heading for Information, select Publications; then open the link to the fact sheet titled Asian Longhorned Beetle vs. Whitespotted Sawyer.
Monitor previously stressed plants (drought, soil compaction, etc.) for signs of invasion of wood borers. Bronze birch borer (BBB) is one such invader. Water infested trees during drought periods. Insecticide injections may be effective in some cases. The adults of BBB are seeking new host plants for egg-laying. 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 if they have been previously weakened. Pruning (wounding) releases plant chemicals that attract BBB females.
Ash borers or bronze birch beetles WANTED - Jennifer Aaron of USDA plant inspection would like a call if anyone has any native borers taking up residence on their property, especially ash borers or bronze birch beetles. The USDA wants to capture and raise them for research purposes. Call her at 508-563-9303 ext 248 if you have any questions or insect samples to send.
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 signs of an already weak tree. Water during times of drought.
Dogwood borer adults are active at this time. Continue to monitor for new infestations. Also, 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.
Rhododendron borer adult moths are active. Pheromone traps are available for this clear-winged moth species. Adult females lay individual eggs usually near the base of shoots of rhododendron. Tunneling larvae will expel sawdust, but this is often hidden due to dense foliage. Often, infestation is not noticed until much later in the summer when individual shoots wilt and suddenly die. Adults can be treated with a chemical insecticide. New tunnels, if possible to find, can be treated with beneficial nematode sprays.

Nuisance Pests:

Many wasp, bee, and hornet species (Hymenoptera) are increasing in numbers. Be aware of their potential presence, especially when around plant material, in order to avoid their stings

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 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 a 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, consider planting resistant varieties of crabapple if replacement is an option

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.

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

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 in two weeks on Friday, July 14, 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 #18 June 30, 2006

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

UMass Extension Landscape Message #18
June 30, 2006