UMass
Extension Landscape Message #24
September 22, 2006
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, October 6,
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, September 7 through September 20, 2006. Soil temperature and
phenological indicators were observed on September 20, 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.
| Region/Location |
2006 GROWING DEGREE DAYS
|
Soil
Temp
(°F
at 4" depth) |
Precipitation
(2-Week
Gain) |
2-Week
Gain |
Total
accumulation for 2006 |
| Cape Cod |
202 |
2471 |
68° |
0.75" |
| Southeast |
167 |
2378 |
70° |
1.85" |
| East |
173 |
2539 |
60° |
1.20" |
| Central |
156 |
2325 |
58° |
0.69" |
| Pioneer Valley |
170 |
2407 |
64° |
0.83" |
| Berkshires |
167 |
2250 |
60° |
2.76" |
AVERAGE |
173 |
2395 |
63° |
1.35" |
n/a = information
not available |
REGIONAL
NOTES
Cape
Cod Region (Barnstable) - General
Conditions: Pleasant late summer weather has prevailed
for the past two weeks, although several morning temperatures were
in the crispy forties (degrees Fahrenheit). Soils are a bit dry
even though the cape has had some periods of wet weather. New England
asters and goldenrod are lighting up the roadsides. Pests/Problems: Adult
deer ticks are questing; be sure to do thorough tick check daily!
Wasps and hornet colonies are at their peaks. Citronella ants are
swarming. Toadstools and mushrooms are popping up in lawns.
Southeast
Region (Hanson) - General Conditions: Hanson received
1.85 inches of rain. Heptacodium miconoides, Hydrangea
paniculata,
rose-of-Sharon, butterflybush, Aster divaricatus, and other
fall asters, Sedum sp., Japanese anemones, landscape roses,
many ornamental grasses, Corydalis lutea, Lobelia
syphilitica,
Lobelia hybrids, Phlox paniculata, hosta, goldenrod, and ragweed
are in full bloom. Nepeta, Heliopsis 'Summer Sun,' purple coneflower,
Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm,’ Rudbeckia ‘Herbstonne,’ Coreopsis 'Moonbeam,' Joe-Pye-weed, Hibiscus 'Copper King', ironweed,
and Rudbeckia trilobum are ending bloom. The red fruits of many
plants are adding color to the landscape: Kousa dogwood, cotoneaster,
Viburnum trilobum, staghorn sumac, and hollies. 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: Foliage
color is beginning to lighten in the hills around the UMass
Amherst campus. Red maple, staghorn sumac, and PJM rhododendron
are among the plants whose leaves are turning a distinct red-orange
color. Chrysanthemums and marigolds are in full bloom as the blossoms
on rose-of-Sharon and panicle hydrangea fade. Lawns continue to
look green and lush, as tomatoes and squash ripen in the gardens. Pests/Problems: There is a slight
bit of thinning in the crowns of a few scattered trees on campus
due to leaf spot diseases.
Berkshire
Region (Great Barrington) - General Conditions: Soil
moisture is very good, ideal for planting. Soft soil makes grubbing
out of brush easy. Gradual seasonal cooling occurring and soil temperatures
showing corresponding decrease. Pests/Problems: Foliar
diseases continue to dominate the landscape, most notably maple anthracnose.
Powdery mildew on many herbaceous and woody plants including rhododendrons
in heavily shaded or densely planted sites.
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:
Indicator Plants - Stages
of Flowering (begin, full, end) |
PLANT NAME (Botanic/Common) |
C.C. |
S.E. |
EAST |
CENT. |
P.V. |
BERK. |
|
|
Heptacodium miconoides (Seven-Sun Flower) |
full |
full |
full |
full |
* |
* |
Clematis paniculata (Sweet Autumn Clematis) |
full |
full |
full |
full |
* |
full |
Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed) |
full |
f/end |
f/end |
full |
f/end |
full |
Hybiscus syriacus (Rose-of-Sharon) |
f/end |
f/end |
f/end |
f/end |
end |
f/end |
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea) |
end |
f/end |
full |
full |
f/end |
f/end |
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) |
end |
* |
full |
* |
* |
* |
Lythrum salicaria (Loosestrife) |
end |
end |
end |
f/end |
end |
end |
* = no
activity to report/information not available |
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 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 are very noticeable now;
however, this pest has finished feeding for this year.
-
Oak skeletonizer
become especially noticeable at this time of year. The tiny, yellow
caterpillars can be seen hanging from long threads from oak leaves. 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 remains very 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 is quite
noticeable; however, feeding has ceased for this year.
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 usually very effective.
Lacebugs:
- Andromeda
lacebug remains 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 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 remain active
on many different hosts, but they are becoming less common.
Inspect plants carefully for building populations. Catalpa,
rose, lindens and many others are common hosts for aphids.
Sooty mold problems are now at peak levels from the copious
amounts of honeydew that these insects produce. Treatments
now are most likely not necessary. Ladybugs are prevalent
on plants that were infested with aphids.
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 to make the application until regular
rain or irrigation is available along with cooler temperatures.
Other P/S Feeders:
- Sharpshooter leafhopper (aka red-banded
leafhopper)
remains active. 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. Treatments now are not necessary.
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 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
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 (Euonymus alatus),
will develop very chlorotic foliage and may even drop its
leaves when high populations occur.
- Spruce spider mite is active once again
on spruces and hemlock. Being a cool-season mite, it will
remain active through October and possibly into November.
Monitor for building population numbers and treat if needed.
Leafminers:
- Arborvitae
leafminer are mining foliage. Browning of
mined foliage will not appear until January or February.
- Locust leafminer on black locust has ended 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) has finished feeding for
this year.
Wood Attackers:
-
Asian long-horned beetle (ALB), which
is not yet known to exist in MA, remains very active in
New York City and New Jersey. The adults of ALB are a very
shiny black with crisp white spots. Their antennal segments
alternate between white and black segments. Visit the web
site listed here for more details: 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.
- 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:
-
Many wasp, bee, and hornet species(Hymenoptera) are
increasing in numbers. Be aware of their potential presence,
especially when around plant material, in order to avoid
their stings. Yellow jacket populations are now at peak
levels and often come into contact with humans at this
time of the year.
- 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.
- Squirrels are now chewing shoots from many different trees,
such as oaks, in order to obtain the seeds. Dozens of live
shoots with green leaves can be seen littering the ground.
However, this usually does not hurt the tree.
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.
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.
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 2006
Monitoring Surveys:
New Hosts Added. APHIS
will be regulating eight new species, effective October 1,
2006. This action is necessary as we have learned that Castanopsis
orthacantha, Cornus kousa x Cornus capitata, Distylium myricoides,
Eucalyptus haemastoma, Ilex purpurea, Loropetalum chinense,
Manglietia insignis, and Parakmeria lotungensis can
be infected by P. ramorum and need to be regulated
in order to control the artificial spread of this disease.
The list, “Plants
Associated with Phytophthora ramorum” now includes
these new plant taxa. With the completion of their Koch’s
postulates assessment, the list, “Proven Hosts Regulated
for Phytophthora ramorum” has four recent
additions including: Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum,
Laurus nobilis, and Michelia doltsopa.
Federal Order, State Inspection,
National Survey, and Other Finds. The Federal
Order, State Inspection, National Survey, and/or other
detections identified 57 positive sites in 10 states.
National
Nursery Survey. As
of September 7, the forty-six participating states reported
on their National Nursery Survey results. Inspectors visited
3,514 nurseries and collected 95,257 samples. Lab evaluation
confirmed that 351 of the samples collected were positive
for infection by P.
ramorum.
Forest Detection Survey. The
United States Forest Service (USFS) and States are conducting
nursery perimeter and general forest detection surveys. As
of August 28, USFS reports 567 nursery perimeter surveys in
29 states with 1498 samples collected. USFS also conducted
320 general forest surveys in 29 states, with 765 samples collected.
Maine State Officials Seek Homeowners' Help to
Locate Possibly Diseased Lilac Plants August 11, 2006. Officials
with the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine
Department of Conservation, has discovered Phytophthora
ramorum in Maine. They have been surveying nursery, garden
centers, and urban forest sites for the past three years
in an effort to assure that P. ramorum does not establish
a foothold in Maine. In all, more than 70 horticultural
businesses and 25 urban sites have been surveyed and
hundreds of plant segments have been sent to laboratories
for testing. To date, there is no indication that this
disease has become established in Maine.
In June 2006,
plant health officials in Maine were notified that
plants at an Oregon nursery had tested positive for the disease
and shipped plant material to locations in Maine. The
shipments occurred in late April. The garden centers that
received the plants were inspected, and one plant sample tested
positive for the disease. The garden center staff has cooperated
fully with state officials and all affected plant material
remaining at the garden centers has been destroyed.
State plant
health officials are currently trying to locate thirteen
lilac plants purchased only from Agway Garden Centers in
Winslow, Skowhegan, or Farmingdale earlier this year before
the state was notified about the potential problem. The affected
plants are one variety of common lilac, ‘Ludwig Spaethii’.
In flower, the blossoms are a deep reddish-purple. Anyone who
may know the location of these plants is urged to contact the
Maine Department of Agriculture at (207) 287-3891. Sudden Oak
Death is able to spread among a wide variety of plants and
could have economic consequences for Maine’s horticulture
and forestry industries.
Dan
Gillman, Plant Pathologist, based in the UMass Extension Plant
Diagnostic Lab at UMass, Amherst.
WEEDS
No report: Visit the Landscape
Message Archive for previous messages.
TURFGRASS
Insects:
White grubs are active throughout the Northeast.
Most are second or third instars now, and it is becoming
increasingly difficult to manage them. Trichlorfon (Dylox™)
is probably the best bet for those who have access to it.
(Reminder that Dylox™ is not allowed on school grounds
in Masschusetts and is not available in Maine. There are,
no doubt, other restrictions of which I am not aware.) Most
other products will not work quickly enough now. If you do
apply Dylox™, be sure to water it in with at least
0.1 inch of water. (More irrigation is even better.) Also,
be sure to check the pH of the water you are using in the
tank. If the pH is above 7.5, Dylox™ has a tendency to break
down quite quickly in the tank; so use an additive that will
lower the pH to 7.0 or less. (Many people ask what to do
if the irrigation water pH is high. Studies in Alabama showed
that it is more important to irrigate, even if the pH is
high, than to leave the material unwatered.) Sod webworms
have been active in many parts of New England. There are
several species that can occur here, but the bluegrass sod
webworm and vagabond sod webworm are the most likely suspects
at this time of year. Again, the turf is growing very well
in most locations, so control normally is not necessary.
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.
2006 UMass Green School to Start October 31 in Milford,
MA
Green School is a comprehensive certificate training
program for Green Industry professionals taught by UMass Extension
Educators and Faculty. This course is designed for landscape,
turf, and other horticultural practitioners wishing to gain
an understanding of horticulture fundamentals and strategies
and their relation to environmental quality. Green School attendees
learn about sustainable approaches to turf and landscape management
in managed environments. Green School's curriculum is based
on research and information emphasizing environmental stewardship
and integrated pest management (IPM). Participants develop
an understanding of how proper management practices impact
natural resources such as soil and water. Participants learn
to make environmentally appropriate decisions related to turf
and plant selection, plant maintenance, pest and nutrient management.
For complete information, including curriculum and registration
information, visit our Green
School page.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES
2007 UMass Garden Calendar
The theme of UMass Extension's ever popular Garden Calendar
for 2007 is "Choosing the Right Plants." Bulk orders
of 10-49 copies are available at $7.00 each, while orders
of 50 copies or more cost $6.00 each plus shipping
and handling. For an order form and chart of shipping charges,
go to http://www.umassgardencalendar.org 
Consumer surveys have shown that most households spend very little time planning
their garden, including the planning of plant purchases. Yet, adding plants to
the outdoor and indoor garden should be based on more than whimsy. It should
be a carefully thought-out choice based on explicit needs, habitat characteristics,
and plant growth requirements. The Garden Calendar presents plants chosen by
the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry staff for foliar color,
seasonal effectiveness, and adaptability to specific growing environments. Each
image is accompanied by a description of the plant's useful characteristics.
Information on garden pests and management strategies are also included in the
daily gardening tips, always a feature of the UMass Garden Calendar. Also included
are daily sunrise and sunset times, phases of the moon, and plenty of room for
notes.
To order single copies, send $11.00, payable to UMass, to UMass Outreach Bookstore,
101 University Dr. - Ste. A4, Amherst, MA 01002-2385. For more information, contact
the UMass Outreach Bookstore at (413) 545-2717 or the UMass Extension Landscape,
Nursery and Urban Forestry Program at (413) 545-0895 or eweeks@umext.umass.edu.
Two UMass Extension Web Sites are specially
designed to provide Green Industry professionals with resources,
upcoming educational programs and events, and other relevant information.
The Internet address for the Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry
Program is http://www.umassgreeninfo.org.
The Turf Program address is http://www.umassturf.org
.
Don't forget to visit the UMass
Extension Online Weed Herbarium!
The freshly revised 2006-2007 Professional
Guide for IPM in Turf for Massachusetts features
the latest techniques critical to environmentally sensitive,
integrated management of lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses.
The guide, intended for use by professionals, presents research-based
material regarding turfgrass selection and water conservation,
as well as current approaches for managing disease, insect,
weed, and nematode problems. Municipal and school officials
charged with establishing IPM programs in their communities
and gardeners and homeowners serious about sensibly caring
for their properties will find unique and critical information
in the guide as well.
The 2006-2007 Professional
Guide can be used effectively in a wide range of management schemes:
from organic, to low-maintenance, to high-intensity care of high-use
turf. Alternative and cultural pest control options are highlighted,
and pesticide selection advice is based on least environmental
impact. While certain portions of the guide are specific to Massachusetts,
much of the information is applicable throughout New England.
Initially developed in 1991, this revision for 2006-2007 marks
the 8th edition of this popular publication.
To obtain a copy,
order online from the Outreach Bookstore (http://umassoutreachbookstore.com );
or call the UMass Outreach Bookstore. The phone number is (413)
545-2717. In either case, payment may be made by credit card.
Alternatively, you may visit the UMass Outreach Bookstore during
normal business hours; Monday through Thursday from 9AM-3PM,
closed Friday. The bookstore is located in Draper Hall on the UMass
campus.
UMass Extension’s Turf Management Guide
and IPM Facts: For more information about the turf pests
mentioned in this message, you will need to refer to the following
publications: the freshly revised Professional
Guide for IPM in Turf for Massachusetts, 2006-2007
edition and Turf
IPM Facts .
Call (413) 545-2717 to order these publications from the UMASS
Outreach Bookstore 
DIAGNOSTIC
SERVICES
UMass Laboratory Diagnoses for Turf and
Landscape Problems - Accurate
diagnosis for a turf or landscape problem can often eliminate or
reduce the need for pesticide use. The UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic
Lab is available to serve commercial landscape contractors, turf
managers, arborists, nurseries and other green industry professionals.
It provides woody plant and turf disease analysis, woody plant
and turf insect identification, turfgrass identification, weed
identification, and offers a report of pest management strategies
that are research based, economically sound and environmentally
appropriate for the situation. Send specimens and payment (payable
to the University of Massachusetts) to UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic
Lab, Holdsworth Natural Resources Center, 160 Holdsworth Way, UMass,
Amherst, MA 01003. The fee for a woody plant disease analysis is
$50; the fee for turf disease analysis or nematode assay is $75.
All insect, weed and turfgrass identification samples are $25 each.
For more detailed submission instructions see http://www.umass.edu/agland/diagnostics 
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.
NEXT UPDATE: The next issue will be available
in two weeks on Friday, October
6, 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.
Comments
or suggestions in regard to the Landscape Message? Please e-mail
the webmaster.
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