UMass Extension Landscape Message #21
August 11, 2006

Quick Info Menu ------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL DATA REGIONAL NOTES - Cape Cod - Southeast - East - Central - Pioneer Valley - Berkshire PHENOLOGY WOODY ORNAMENTALS - Insects - Diseases - Lab Report - Weeds TURFGRASS - Insects - Diseases - Weeds INFO RESOURCES DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES Use this menu to instantly jump to any portion of the message!

The LANDSCAPE MESSAGE is an educational newsletter intended to guide landscape, nursery and urban forestry professionals in identifying pests in the landscape, monitoring their development, planning management strategies and creating site-specific records for future management reference. UMass Extension has updated this issue to provide timely pest management information and the latest regional news and environmental data throughout Massachusetts. The next update will be available in two weeks on Friday, August 25, 2006 . Missed a previous message? Visit the Landscape Message Archive. Interested in additional turf-oriented content? UMass Extension Turf Program Management Updates

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The following growing-degree-day (GDD) and precipitation data was collected for a two-week period, July 27, 2006 through August 9, 2006. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on August 9, 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: Hot and humid weather, with little in the way of precipitation has been the norm. Plants in the landscape are starting to look peaked as soil moisture disappears. Pests/Problems: The usual beetles, mosquitoes, and earwigs continue to be active. Many roses have defoliated from black spot. Powdery mildew is on anything that gets it.

Southeast Region (Hanson) - General Conditions: The weather was very hot and very humid the past two weeks. Soils are very dry. Unirrigated plants are wilting, and many plants like rhododendron, astilbe, and Japanese maples are showing signs of drought stress. Advise customers to monitor plants and to water, as needed, especially plants installed this season. Hydrangea paniculata, Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa), Clethra alnifolia, Rose of Sharon, Butterflybush, Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf hydrangea), Hydrangea macrophylla, Corydalis lutea, Nepeta, Heliopsis 'Summer Sun,' Monarda didyma, purple coneflower, Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm,' daylilies, Filipendula venusta, Echinops ritro, Joe-pye-weed, Lysimachia clethroides, hollyhocks, and hosta are in full bloom. Pests/Problems: Rusted-colored Asiatic beetles are active and feeding on a wide range of plants at night. Japanese beetles are also active, and numbers vary around the county. Slugs, snails, black vine weevil adults, and ticks are all active. On August 8 (starting at approximately 7:55 PM and concluding at 1:40 AM on August 9), 159,000 acres of land in southeastern MA, mostly in Plymouth County, were aerially sprayed with the synthetic pyrethroid, Anvil™, in an effort to minimize the threat of human biting mosquitoes that carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Mosquitoes have been plentiful this season in Plymouth County. For more information go to http://www.mass.gov/agr/ and click on Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). According to UMass entomologist, Dr. Joe Elkinton, gypsy moth predictions for next year, in most areas, should be low, as many gypsy moth caterpillars succumbed to disease. Dog-day cicadas and katydids are showing up in landscapes. Some white pine and spruce are sporting dead, brown terminals due to white pine weevil. Powdery mildew continues to persist on a wide variety of plants including oak, lilac, and garden phlox. It appears to be a banner year for many weeds, especially crabgrass and spotted spurge.

East Region (Boston) - General Conditions: No report.

Central Region (Boylston) - General Conditions: No report.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst) - General Conditions: There were scorching temperatures in the Pioneer Valley last week, but the temperature and humidity moderated considerably this week. The episodes of rain for the two-week period approached an inch, so soil moisture remains adequate in most areas. Goldenrod, panicle hydrangeas, daylilies, and summer annuals add abundant color to landscapes and gardens. Pests/Problems. Powdery mildew is especially severe on Norway maple and London planetree this summer.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: Soils are quite dry now, as dry as they have been all season. Perennials in non-irrigated situations are most affected by the dry conditions. Rainfall amounts vary widely in the County due to the localized nature of thunderstorms. Most of the rainfall reported here for the Great Barrington location occurred two weeks ago. Rainfall has been in short supply in this part of the Berkshire County. Pests/Problems: Though development of diseases, with the exception of powdery mildew, has slowed, trees and shrubs that experienced foliar blights are now shedding infected leaves. A key management strategy for disease control is the raking and removal of infected leaves. Wasps tend to become more aggressive as the season progresses, so be careful when working around shrubbery and stone walls.

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.

PIONEER VALLEY - Dan Gillman, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, UMass, Amherst.

BERKSHIRES - Ron Kujawski, Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program, Amherst.

WOODY ORNAMENTALS

INSECTS

In general, products containing Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (B. t. k.) 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.

Lepidopteran Caterpillars (moths) :

• Gypsy moth - adults are virtually finished now.
  
  
• Mimosa webworm caterpillars remain very active. The larvae tie foliage together in clumps and then skeletonize the leaflets from within these pads of leaves. Look for clumps of browned leaves. Treat with a spinosad product or one of the registered chemical insecticides. In some cases, this pest can affect every leaf on honeylocust; by late summer, the trees become very unattractive.
  
  
• Juniper webworm caterpillars remain active. They will tie foliage with silk and cause browning of the foliage. They will be active until the fall and then again next spring until they pupate. It is the second generation that is active now. Treat with a Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki product or a product that contains spinosad. Chemical insecticides are also labeled for this pest. Upright junipers are oftentimes more susceptible to this pest, but they will be found attacking other junipers, as well.
  
  
• Evidence of pine false webworm (Hymenoptera) and pine webworm (Lepidoptera) is very obvious now. Look for damaged needles and clusters of silk loaded with frass pellets. However, both of these pests should now be finished feeding for the year.
  
  
• Fall Webworm - tents are very noticeable now. This pest has dozens of deciduous host species. The larvae feed from within the silken webs and expand the size of the tents, down the branch towards the trunk, as they feed. Injured foliage remains intact but is skeletonized and brown. The damage caused by this pest is mostly an aesthetic problem, and unsightly webs may remain through the winter. Individual webs can be pruned away now and destroyed. Never burn webs while still on the tree. Treat with one of the many registered chemical insecticides or a spinosad product.
  
  
• Silverspotted skipper caterpillar is active now on black locust, rose acacia, and wisteria. Inspect for foliage that is tied together with silk and that has been feed upon. Caterpillars are quite spectacular in appearance by having a large dark head with two, large yellow-eye spots. The first thoracic segment is small and red. The rest of the body is a pale greenish-yellow with faint stripes going around the body. Controls are not necessary unless the caterpillars appear in large numbers.
  
• Oak skeletonizer injury and larvae become especially noticeable at this time of year. The tiny, yellow caterpillars can be seen hanging from long threads on oak. Larvae form a cocoon that appears as a small grain of rice. In larger populations, oak leaves will have numerous individual skeletonized windows on the foliage and leaves. This pest usually does not require control.
  

Hymenopteran Caterpillars (Sawflies):

• Introduced pine sawfly remains active and may be found on the same host plants as the European pine sawfly. Last year, this pest was quite prevalent in the eastern part of MA and caused much defoliation. Treat the young caterpillars with insecticidal soap or one of the products that contains spinosad. Chemical insecticides are also labeled for this pest.
  
• 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.
  
• Oak slug sawfly remains active. Generally, they do not require control.

Beetles:

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

Leaf Beetles:

• Lily leaf beetle remains active.
  
• Viburnum leaf beetle - is finished for this year. 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 dead and brown from total skeletonizing. Treat with a spinosad product or with one of the many registered chemical insecticides.

Scarab Beetles:

• Asiatic garden beetle adults remain active but are nearing the end of their feeding and mating cycle. These rust-colored beetles will be active for a month, or so. The grubs of this pest cause minimal injury to turf and are usually found in poorly maintained lawns. However, the adults can appear in great numbers and feed at night between first dark (approximately 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.
  
• Japanese beetle adults are very active and prevalent now. The number of new adults emerging per day is still increasing. 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 very wide host range. Refer to the Turf Section below for more specific details.
  
• Black vine weevil - adult beetles remain active. Adult weevils feed at night and notch the margins of foliage, mostly low on the plant. Placing loosely crumpled burlap around the base of plants can also be used as a monitoring tool. Weevils will utilize the burlap as if it were leaf litter and will hide there during daylight hours. Inspect and destroy adult beetles. Treat with a chemical insecticide when found in large numbers.

Piercing-Sucking Pests:

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 also usually very effective.

Lacebugs:

• Andromeda lacebug remains very active throughout MA. Inspect the undersides of foliage for their presence. Systemic imidacloprid products work well. If contact (mechanical mode of action) pesticides are utilized, such as summer oil sprays or insecticidal soap, they need to be targeted to the foliage undersides. Japanese andromeda in sunnier growing sites will experience greater problems with this pest.
  
• Azalea lacebug remains 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 remains 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 very active. This small, brown insect with pale yellow markings has a wide host plant range that includes shrubs and annuals. Its feeding can cause brown spots to appear on foliage and may even kill flower buds. It has been reported to be a problem on daylily flower buds (destroying them prior to opening). Many different chemical insecticides are labeled for the management of this sometimes destructive pest.

• Four-lined plantbug remains 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. Severe sooty mold problems are beginning to appear from the copious amounts of honeydew that these insects produce. Treat with insecticidal soap sprays, an imidacloprid product, a summer oil spray or with one of the many registered chemical insecticides. Catalpa aphid and tuliptree aphid, in particular, are reaching peak numbers now and can be problematic.

Adelgids:

• Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) can still be treated with horticultural oil even though this pest is now dormant. The young instar nymphs have settled on the stems at the base of the needles and will not move or feed again until about mid-October. However, they can still be managed with horticultural oil sprays. To know if they are alive or not, inspect them under magnification (a microscope, if possible) and gently poke them with a sharp needle. If they are dried and brittle, then they are already dead. If they exude a small amount of liquid, then they are most likely alive and dormant. If the use of systemic imidacloprid is desired, wait until the third or fourth week in August for application or once regular rain or irrigation is available along with cooler temperatures.

Other P/S Feeders:

• Sharpshooter leafhopper (aka red-banded leafhopper) is now prevalent. Although found on various host plants, they cause injury to rhododendrons, in particular. By feeding on the newest foliage, they cause stunting and curling of the foliage. These will be active until the first good frost. Although they do not kill host plants, their feeding can reduce the aesthetic value of plants, especially those in nurseries.

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 posses ovicidal (egg-killing) qualities. Horticultural oil sprays can also be very effective. Many insecticides and miticides are specifically labeled for spider mites as well.

• Two-spotted spider mite remains very 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 once the very hot and dry season approaches. Begin to monitor now and continue monitoring throughout the growing season for increasing population numbers. Treat 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. Treat only if necessary. Deciduous plants, such as winged euonymus (E. alatus), will develop very chlorotic foliage and may even drop its leaves when high populations occur.
  
• Honeylocust spider mite is active. In some cases foliage is becoming quite chlorotic. Inspect the undersides of affected foliage for these tiny mites and treat, if necessary.
  
• Spruce spider mite is dormant but will return in about another month.

Root and Shoot Feeders:

See Black Vine Weevil in the Beetle section above.

Leafminers:

• Arborvitae leafminer larvae are mining foliage now. Browning of mined foliage will not appear until January or February.
  
• Locust leafminer on black locust continues to be very active, and its injury is now noticeable. Adults skeletonize the foliage while the larvae mine it. 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, untreated trees are beginning to appear fire-swept with bronzed leaves.

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:

• Continue to monitor scale species at the appropriate time of the season for crawlers and treat again at that time, if necessary. Inspect plants now for the crawlers of euonymus scale and white prunicola scale.
  
• Monitor for pine needle scale on mugo and Scots pines, in particular. Monitor junipers for juniper 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. If necessary, treat with a summer oil spray.

• Taxus mealybug (technically not a scale but a close relative) can be found actively feeding on the inner branches of Taxus sp. 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:

• Maple gouty vein gall has been rather widely reported this year. Sugar and red maples are the primary hosts (mostly sugar). This 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. These 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.

Wood Attackers:

• White-spotted pine sawyer (WSPS) adult beetle 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
  
• 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. The Two-lined chestnut borer, which is a close relative of the BBB, is also very active in previously stressed oaks and birches. Inspect for declining health and D-shaped exit holes.
  
• 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.
  
• The rhododendron borer larvae tunnel the woody stems of plants, expelling sawdust in the process. The holes and sawdust is sometimes 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 found, can be treated with beneficial nematode sprays.

Nuisance Pests:

• Hymenoptera (many wasp, bee, and hornet species) are increasing in numbers. Be aware of their potential presence, especially when around plant material, in order to avoid their stings.
  
• Western conifer seedbug populations are building and can be found on the seeds (cones) of conifers. These do not harm conifers in the Northeast. However, as populations build, the adults become a nuisance in late autumn as they seek shelter in homes. Inspect all screening now on windows, doors, and attic vents. Repair, if necessary. Also, inspect and repair caulking around the same areas.

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

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 aeration of the soil to improve water penetration also helps in some cases. In addition, the mushrooms left alone disappear when the weather becomes dry.

Cedar-apple rust is visible as orange-yellow spots on susceptible hawthorn, apple, and crab apple leaves. Tiny needle-like fruiting structures extend from the spotted areas on the underside of leaves. From mid-summer to autumn, spores are wind-carried from the infected leaves and twigs of rosaceous hosts, to infect wet green shoots and needles of junipers. Pea-sized to 2-inch 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 season. If desired, apply fungicides to protect high value eastern red cedar and Rocky mountain junipers from August through September.

Horsechestnut (Guignardia) leaf blotch is visible as scattered, irregular-shaped orange-brown blotches on infected leaves. As the summer progressed 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, lilac, 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.

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.

New Hosts Detected - Two additional species of plants not yet listed as hosts or associated host plants by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Pest Quarantine (PPQ) tested positive for P. ramorum on May 1, 2006. The plants are Osmanthus fragrans (sweet olive) and Osmanthus heterophyllus (false holly). On June 9, APHIS confirmed Oleander as positive as a new P. ramorum-associated host plant. Oleander is a plant that grows outdoors in warmer regions, and it grows as a shrub or sometimes to the size of a small tree and produces showy flowers. The Oleander samples were part of a delimitation survey in Humboldt County, California.

National Survey - As of the most recent reports, forty-three states reported compliance inspection or national survey results. Puerto Rico, Iowa and Missouri are not participating in the National Survey. Wisconsin is looking for P. ramorum as part of their regular nursery inspection. The national survey visited 2,786 nurseries and collected 88,973 samples. Out of the samples collected, 327 were positive for P. ramorum. Five states identified 42 positive sites in through national survey or Federal order and annual cleanliness compliance surveys.

Forest Service Survey - The US Forest Service (USFS) and states are conducting nursery perimeter and general forest detection surveys, as well as a pilot ten state stream survey. As of July 3, USFS reports 332 nursery perimeter surveys in 22 states with 791 samples collected. In addition, the USFS conducted 152 general forest surveys in 17 states and collected 326 samples.

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

TURFGRASS

Insects:

Some FAQs for this time of year:

Where will the grubs be this year? The answer to this question will depend in part on which species is/are most prevalent in a given location. European chafers normally prefer drier soils (although we did see them thriving after being under water for 10 days last fall). So, in general, I would expect to see more chafer activity in higher, drier locations this year. In normal years we often see less Japanese beetle or oriental beetle grub activity in unirrigated sites, like golf course roughs or less aggressively maintained home lawns. But this year, because of the persistent rains, all turf areas are at risk more than usual. For beetles that have already laid eggs, you might find more activity in areas that drain better, because soil moisture remains quite high in much of New England. But the beetles that are laying eggs actively right now or in the next couple weeks may find soil moisture a bit lower, so they may end up selecting their usual sites.

Are there more sod webworms than usual this year? It seems that sod webworm activity is a bit spotty this year. I have had a couple reports from readers that moth activity is higher than usual, but in general I suspect it is about average in most locations. Keep in mind that the webworm caterpillars often do not cause serious damage in lawn settings, but they certainly can!

 What about chinchbugs? Chinchbugs are active now. Many lawns and other turf areas may go into summer dormancy soon as a response to the extreme heat that is dominating the region. Remember to look—is it just heat-induced dormancy or are there chinchbugs too? On a sunny day you can see chinchbugs moving near the surface of the turf. Disturb the turf lightly with your fingertips and look for movement. Chinchbugs are fairly vulnerable to several turf insecticides; if treatment is deemed necessary, there are several alternatives.

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.

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

Lyme Disease Diagnostics - UMass Extension, in cooperation with researchers at UMass Amherst, will assess deer ticks for the presence of Lyme Disease. There is a fee of $35 per sample. To submit a sample, follow the directions at the UMass Extension tick diagnostics website at http://www.umass.edu/agland/diagnostics/lyme_disease.htm (or Google: UMass Extension Tick). After submission, results will be reported within 10 business days. Be advised: If someone has been infected by a tick bite, symptoms may begin to occur even before the results of tick testing are available. People should not wait for tick testing results before seeking medical advice should any symptoms develop. For specific information, contact: Dr. Craig Hollingsworth, (413) 545-1055, chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu.

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NEXT UPDATE: The next issue will be available in two weeks on Friday, August 25, 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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