UMass Extension Landscape Message #22
August 25, 2006

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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, September 8, 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, August 10, 2006 through August 23, 2006. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on August 23, 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: Typical August weather has been the norm for the Cape for the past two weeks. Warm, humid days have produced little in the way of precipitation. A passing cold front did produce some much-needed rain on the 20th. Otherwise, it has been quite dry, and landscape plants are looking peaked. Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ and Joe-Pye-weed are producing the most color in the landscape. Pests/Problems: Water stress is causing many ornamentals in un-irrigated landscapes to look somewhat wilted. Powdery mildew is very prevalent on lilac, phlox, beebalm, zucchini, and is also beginning to show up on turf in shaded areas. Many roses have defoliated from black spot. Mosquitoes are back for another round. EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) was detected in mosquitoes in Dennis. Fortunately, they were the type that feeds on birds. Yellow jacket and other wasp numbers are rising. Many samples of digger wasps, which burrow in sandy soils in sunny areas, have come into the office. Leafhoppers are active on herbaceous material.

Southeast Region (Hanson) - General Conditions: Hanson received 2.5 inches of much needed rain. Rhus copallina, Hydrangea paniculata, Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa), Rose-of-Sharon, butterflybush, Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea), Corydalis lutea, Nepeta, Heliopsis 'Summer Sun,' Monarda didyma, purple coneflower, Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm,’ Rudbeckia ‘Herbstonne,’ Heliopsis ‘Summer Sun,’ Coreopsis 'Moonbeam,' Joe-Pye-weed, Rudbeckia trilobum, Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia syphilitica, Lobelia hybrids, Hibiscus 'Copper King,' ironweed, Phlox paniculata, and hosta are in full bloom. Goldenrod and ragweed are beginning to bloom. Pollen from ragweed may cause allergies in some people, but goldenrod is often mistakenly blamed. Pests/Problems: Earwigs, slugs, snails, black vine weevil adults, and ticks are all active. On the evenings of August 22 and 23, approximately 450,000 acres of land in southeastern MA 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). For more information go to http://www.mass.gov/agr/ and click on Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Many trees, like ash, oak, and red maple that were defoliated by caterpillars earlier this past spring, have not fully recovered and look poorly. Several trees appear dead or have dead branches.

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

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

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst) - General Conditions: Mild, dry weather was the rule during the last two weeks. Soil moisture was on the dry side, but weekend rains improved that situation. Lawns were beginning to show symptoms of moisture stress, but because air temperatures were cool, they continue to be green. Similarly, both vegetable and flower gardens continue to thrive. Pests/Problems: Mosquitoes and flies continue to be plentiful. Leaf spot and shoot blight diseases are ending their infection process with extensive spots, yellowing, browning, and early leaf loss on many trees and shrubs.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: The smell of fall is in the air. Maturing vegetation has a particular fragrance unlike that of spring, and it is quite evident now as a signal that plants are hardening in preparation for winter. While ornamental plants are maturing, turfgrass has renewed its growth after the mid-summer heat and drought. Lawns that went dormant are now returning to their lush green form, aided by cooler weather and recent rains. Conditions are ideal for planting perennials, trees, and shrubs, and for renovating or constructing new lawns. Pests/Problems: Japanese beetles continue to feed on favored plants, though the population has not been unusually high. Stewartia is one plant that has shown some of the most damage from the beetles. Ticks, mosquitoes, and wasp populations remain high. Foliar diseases which have been so prominent this year are very apparent now on perennials. This is a good time to begin cutting back heavily blighted foliage.

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 var. 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) :

• 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; and by late summer, the trees become very unattractive. Sometimes, the caterpillars become a nuisance on houses as they seek an over-wintering site.
  
  
• 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 var. 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. This pest is mostly aesthetic, and unsightly webs may remain through the winter. Individual webs can be pruned away and destroyed now. Feeding activity is almost finished for this year. Never burn webs while still on the tree. Treat with one of the many registered chemical insecticides or a spinosad product.
  
  
• Oak skeletonizer injury and larvae become especially noticeable at this time of year. The tiny, yellow caterpillars can be seen hanging from long threads from oak. Larvae form cocoons that appear as a small grains 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. This pest has been quite prevalent in the eastern part of MA and has 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.
  
• Red-headed pine sawfly is active. Mugo pine is a common host, but other pines are susceptible. Spinosad products work well. Small infestations can be pruned away. This pest will feed well into the fall, usually up until the first good frost. It has the potential to be a very serious defoliator.

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.
  
• 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:

• Japanese beetle adults are still active, but their numbers are beginning to lessen. (Refer to the Turf Insect Section in previous issues for management information.)
  
• 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.

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 pesticides (mechanical mode of action) 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 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.

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 either 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 very prevalent. Although found on various host plants, they cause their injury particularly to rhododendrons. 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 don’t kill host plants, their feeding can reduce the aesthetic value of plants, especially those in nurseries.
  
• Aster leafhopper (aka six-spotted leafhopper) is very active. This pale-yellow leafhopper can be easily seen jumping and flying, usually in large numbers, on a variety of plant species. At this point in time, their feeding may cause injury to the developing flower buds of chrysanthemum among other species. They are capable of vectoring aster yellows to plants, which generally appears as chlorosis, stunting, and/or distortion of foliage. This problem is less likely to occur now. Monitor for activity and feeding injury. Treat, only if necessary, with one of the labeled chemical insecticides.

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 remains 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 soon.

Leafminers:

• Arborvitae leafminer larvae are mining foliage. 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 very noticeable. Adults skeletonize the foliage while the larvae mine. The next generation of adult beetles are active and mating now. Treatments now may not be warranted; it may be too late. In many cases, untreated trees are appearing 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:

• Monitor for pine needle scale on mugo and Scots pines, in particular.
  
• Monitor junipers for juniper scale.
  
• Monitor different euonymus for the euonymus scale.

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

Soft Scales:

• The tuliptree scale is very noticeable now. The large, brown gumdrop-shaped coverings of the dead females may harbor up to 3000 eggs each. This pest produces huge amounts of honeydew, and now sooty mold problems will be quite obvious. Treatments at this time are challenging.

• Taxus mealybug (technically not a scale but a close relative) can be found actively feeding on the inner branches of Taxus species . 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. This pest is quickly nearing the end of its activity for this year.

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) 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.
  
• Tunneling larvae of rhododendron borer will expel sawdust, but this early signal can be hidden by dense foliage. Often, an 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:

• 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.

Cedar-apple rust is visible as orange-yellow-brown 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” 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 fungicides to protect high value eastern red cedar and Rocky mountain junipers from August through September.

Horsechestnut (Guignardia) leaf blotch is visible as irregular-shaped orange-brown blotches and causes early loss of infected leaves. As the summer progressed, the impact of the disease became more noticeable. Collect and dispose of fallen leaves to reduce the amount of Guignardia inoculum that provide spores for new infections next spring. 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 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 next season, they are most effective when begun just as symptoms of powdery mildew begin to show in late May or June. 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. Prune trees to increase sunlight penetration and air circulation to promote rapid drying of wet foliage. Collect and dispose of 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 Added. USDA APHIS started regulating new species, effective August 1, 2006. It is now clear that Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ( California wild lilac), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Kalmia angustifolia (mountain laurel), Nerium oleander (oleander), Osmanthus fragrans (fragrant olive), Osmanthus heterophyllus (false-holly), and Quercus acuta (Japanese evergreen oak) are susceptible to infection by Phytophthora ramorum. USDA APHIS now regulates their movement from Ramorum blight infested areas in order to control the artificial spread of this disease. These plants are now on the “Plants Associated with Phytophthora ramorum” list. USDA also transferred Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak), and Salix caprea (Goat Willow) to the “Proven Hosts Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum” list, based on the completion of Koch’s postulates (the standard evidence required to show that a microorganism plays a causal role in a particular disease). Viburnum species is also on the “Proven Hosts Regulated for Phytophthora ramorum” list and regulated at the genus level.

National Surveys Update. Current National Nursery Survey results from forty-five states report that inspectors visited 3,242 nurseries and collected 92,275 samples with 337 confirmed positive. In addition, the United States Forest Service (USFS) is conducting nursery perimeter and general forest detection surveys, as well as a pilot 10-state stream survey. As of July 31, USFS reports 457 nursery perimeter surveys in 25 states with 1129 samples collected. They conducted 244 general forest surveys in 23 states collecting 511 samples.

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

TURFGRASS

Insects:

White Grubs - Grub activity should start to pick up now. We are just beginning to get reports of grub activity from a few locations. European chafer grubs are already in the second instar, and some of the earliest Japanese beetles and oriental beetles may be reaching second instars now. It is getting to be too late to use Merit™ in areas where European chafers are the primary species, but you may still get decent control with applications targeting the other species. In addition, chlothianidin (sold as Arena™) appears to have a slightly quicker action, so based on studies conducted last year, it might provide good control of white grubs if applied within the next couple weeks. As always, water in!

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, September 8, 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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