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UMass Extension Landscape Message #24
September 22, 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, October 6, 2006.

Missed a previous message? Visit the Landscape Message Archive.

Interested in additional turf-oriented content? UMass Extension Turf Program Management Updates External link

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) Adobe PDF icon 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 External link

  • 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.


DISEASES

Cedar-apple rust Adobe PDF icon 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 Adobe PDF icon 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 Adobe PDF icon 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 Adobe PDF icon 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

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

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our Conferences and Workshops page.

2006 UMass Green School to Start October 31 in Milford, MA
Green School is a comprehensive certificate training program for Green Industry professionals taught by UMass Extension Educators and Faculty. This course is designed for landscape, turf, and other horticultural practitioners wishing to gain an understanding of horticulture fundamentals and strategies and their relation to environmental quality. Green School attendees learn about sustainable approaches to turf and landscape management in managed environments. Green School's curriculum is based on research and information emphasizing environmental stewardship and integrated pest management (IPM). Participants develop an understanding of how proper management practices impact natural resources such as soil and water. Participants learn to make environmentally appropriate decisions related to turf and plant selection, plant maintenance, pest and nutrient management. For complete information, including curriculum and registration information, visit our Green School page.

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 External link

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 External link.

Don't forget to visit the UMass Extension Online Weed Herbarium!

The freshly revised 2006-2007 Professional Guide for IPM in Turf for Massachusetts External link 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.comExternal link); 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 External link edition and Turf IPM Facts External link. Call (413) 545-2717 to order these publications from the UMASS Outreach Bookstore External link

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 External link

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 External link (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.

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