UMass Extension Landscape Message #23
September 8, 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, September 22, 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 24, 2006 through September 6, 2006. Soil temperature and phenological indicators were observed on September 6, 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: Late summer conditions prevail, with sunny warm days and cool nights being the norm. Several periods of light to moderate rain over the past two weeks has kept landscape plants in good condition. Ornamental grasses are coming into their season of bloom, and red maple is beginning to show fall color in some areas. Pests/Problems: EEE has been found in mosquitoes in Marstons Mills, and West Nile virus has been found in dead crows in Hyannis. Adult deer ticks will be appearing soon. Wasp and hornet colonies are large and somewhat aggressive at this time of year. “Lemon” ants are swarming. Giant tar spot has been observed on Norway maple.

Southeast Region (Hanson) - General Conditions: Hanson received 1.49 inches of rain. Hydrangea paniculata, Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa), Rose-of-Sharon, butterflybush, Corydalis lutea, Nepeta, Heliopsis 'Summer Sun,' purple coneflower, Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm,’ Rudbeckia ‘Herbstonne,’ Coreopsis 'Moonbeam,' Joe-Pye-weed, Rudbeckia trilobum, Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia syphilitica, Lobelia hybrids, Hibiscus 'Copper King,' ironweed, Phlox paniculata, hosta, goldenrod, and ragweed are in full bloom. Kousa dogwood fruit (red) and Viburnum trilobum fruit (orange/red) are starting to turn color; staghorn sumac fruit is red. 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. Birch sawfly is active. Mites are active on a wide range of plant material including red maple, butterflybush, and phlox. Powdery mildew continues to be prevalent on a wide range of plant material. Anthracnose is still evident on sycamore, dogwood, maple, and other shade trees.

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

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

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst) - General Conditions: Moderating temperatures and regular rainfall continue to keep trees and shrubs healthy, lawns green, and gardens growing. Foliage is mature and green on most trees and shrubs, as fall color is beginning to show up on sumac. Pests/Problems: Leaf spots and yellowing accompanied by early leaf loss are evident on a number of trees and shrubs. Gray-green to yellow leaves that are often highly distorted is a good indication that powdery mildew has infected the foliage.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: Plenty of soil moisture makes this a very good time to be planting perennials, trees, and shrubs. Some plants, e.g., certain grasses and Itea, showing fall coloration. Stressed or unhealthy trees are showing premature fall coloration. Pests/Problems: Leaf drop is prominent of trees and shrubs that were heavily infected with foliar diseases.

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 are slowing down and, in most cases, there is no need for management. Occasionally in the fall, they do become a temporary problem when seeking shelter, often on houses.
  
  
• Fall webworm tents are very noticeable now; however, this pest has virtually finished feeding for this year.
  
  
• 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 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):

• 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 hard 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:

• Imported willow leaf beetle remains active but is now greatly slowing down its activity. There is now no need to manage this pest.

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. Summer oil sprays or insecticidal soap are the best options now.
  
• Azalea lacebug remains active. Like andromeda lacebug, this pest is active all summer and is 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, have reached peak numbers now and can be problematic.

Adelgids:

• Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) can still be treated with horticultural oil even though this pest is still 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 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.

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 active once again on spruces and hemlock. Being a cool-season mites, it will remain active through October and possibly into November. Monitor for building population numbers and treat, if needed.

Leafminers:

• Arborvitae leafminer larvae are mining foliage. Browning of mined foliage will not appear until January or February.
  
• Locust leafminer on black locust is near the end of its activity, and its damage is now very apparent.

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) is virtually through feeding for this year.

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 gray 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.
  
• 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 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 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 a dusty, gray to white spots on a number of plants including horsechestnut, dogwood, Norway maple, 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.

Black spot on rose can be ugly and destructive to highly susceptible plants. Black, rounded spots develop on infected leaves and rose hips. Infected first year canes have lesions that are reddish colored initially and then turn black. Black, pin-head sized fruiting structures develop in the center of the spots. Repeated black spot infection cycles will occur during wet periods throughout the remainder of the growing season. Eventually, spotted leaves turn yellow and drop off prematurely. Plants that sustain considerable leaf loss fail to thrive and are more prone to winter damage. Remove and dispose of infected leaves and canes. Avoid wetting foliage during irrigation because the longer the foliage and canes are wet the more time for black spot spores to germinate and infect the plant. Apply fungicide sprays at intervals specified on the label to reduce infection of healthy foliage and canes. If replacement is an option, many beautiful, resistant varieties are available.

Dogwood anthracnose infections are evident on susceptible flowering dogwood (and even some resistant Kousa dogwood). Infected trees have scattered leaves exhibiting irregularly shaped gray-brown areas with purplish-brown margins. This is a challenging disease to control because an abundance of inoculum survives winter on twigs and fallen leaves. In addition, heat and water stressed dogwood sustain more extensive branch dieback than those trees that have more vigor. At this time, consider a fungicide application to protect the new flower buds on susceptible high value trees from infection if the weather is cool and wet. If dogwood anthracnose is a recurring problem, consider replacing the tree with a dogwood anthracnose resistant tree.

Tar spot on maple is especially obvious on Norway maple leaves as black, tar-like fruiting structures grow in size within rounded, yellow-tan leaf spots. Spores from the fungus Rhytisma infected the developing leaves last spring when there were extended periods of mild, wet weather. This provided optimal conditions for the Rhytisma fungus to infect the leaves. Tar spot infections do not threaten the fitness of an otherwise healthy tree. Most of the leaf area remained green throughout the summer, so the tree had plenty of leaf area to photosynthesize and produce what it needs to thrive. Reduce the potential for next year’s infections by collecting and disposing of diseased leaves as they fall. This reduces the amount of inoculum available when conditions are cool and moist next spring and the fungus spores can infect young maple leaves. Applications of protective fungicides are unnecessary except to preserve the appearance of high value trees.

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.

WEEDS

Japanese knotweed or Polygonum cuspidatum is now in flower. Herbicide applications to control Japanese knotweed should be made now. Applications can be made through the month of September as long as plants are not showing fall color and/or dropping leaves. Products containing glyphosate will provide good control; however, retreatment next year may be needed.

Prepare ornamental beds for the onslaught of winter annual weeds, especially if the mild weather of last winter resulted in beds becoming overrun with weeds. Add a fresh layer of mulch if mulch has not been added since late spring and early summer after last years crop of winter annuals set seed. Mulch can be used in conjunction with an application of a preemergence herbicide applied during the month of September. Control existing weeds by hand-pulling or using a non-selective herbicide before applying the preemergence herbicide. A non-selective and a sprayable preemergence herbicide can be tank-mixed and applied at the same. Allow weeds to show herbicide symptoms and then mulch. Monitor for escapes and treat when they are small.

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

TURFGRASS

Insects:

White grubs are definitely on the move. We have seen second instars in several locations in western Massachusetts and have had reports of third instars (probably European chafers) in eastern Massachusetts. Adding to the confusion, there are several farmers in western Massachusetts who are losing hay fields to June beetle grubs. Unfortunately for them, there are no control alternatives at this point. That species is much harder to handle than any of the one-year life cycle grubs, and the farmers have very few chemical alternatives. For those of you maintaining fine turf (golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns, and the like), you have some options. While we are past the point for imidacloprid (Merit™) to be effective, there is another product that is very similar chemically that claims to have more curative power than Merit™. This new product is chlothianidin, sold as Arena™. We have not tested late season applications in Massachusetts, but colleagues in New Hampshire and Ohio report that it has been very effective, even when common sense would suggest it should be too late. For those of you who have access to trichlorfon (Dylox™), we are in the period of time when it is appropriate to use. Eggs have hatched by now and grubs are getting larger day by day. Dylox™ is very fast acting and will kill grubs within a day or two but will break down within a week or two. Note that Dylox™™ cannot be used on school grounds in Masschusetts and cannot be used anywhere in Maine. There may well be other restrictions in other states. Whatever you do, be sure to water the area with at least 0.10 inch of water as soon after application as possible.

Finally, for those of you who have written me and suggested that I look into some non-chemical alternatives for grub control, you might be interested to know that I had arranged to conduct a field trial applying one promising nematode over an acre (leaving a few areas untreated for comparisons). We had planned to put out that test last week, which would have been perfect timing. About three weeks ago, the supplier notified me and said, "So sorry, we don't have any product." So... I contacted another supplier, who agreed to provide enough nematodes to treat five acres. (We were going to purchase these nematodes; it was not going to be a hand out.) On Tuesday of last week, that supplier called me and said, "So sorry, we have had a collapse in our production line. and we can't get anything to you until the second week of September." We will go ahead and put out a small scale trial (two acres), but I am concerned that the application will be too late to be effective against the rapidly growing grubs. In my opinion, until suppliers of nematodes and other non-chemical alternatives can improve on their reliability in delivery (and quality control of the product delivered), we are a long way away from wide-scale acceptance on biological control of grubs in turf.

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

Weeds:

Broadleaf herbicide applications made in late summer and early fall are generally more effective than those made at other times of the year. Fall applications can begin in late August and continue through the month of October. Applications made later during this period will result in slower but still effective weed control.

Crabgrass and other annual grassy weeds continues to decline with the arrival of cooler weather and shorter days. Areas of turf that have thinned as a result of moderate or heavy crabgrass pressure should be fertilized in order to regain density.

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

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 22, 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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