Pam Bennett, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Dave Goerig, Tim Malinich, Jane Martin, Hannah Mathers, Pam Sherratt, Amy Stone, and Curtis Young
|
|
July 05, 2005
|
|
This is the Fourteenth 2005 edition of the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL).
BYGL is developed from a Tuesday morning conference call of Extension
agents, specialists and other contributors in Ohio.
BYGL is also made available on the Internet from the Ohio State University
Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS) in Virtual Perspective website
(http://bygl.osu.edu). Additional fact sheet information on any of
these articles may be found through the OSU fact sheet database (http://plantfacts.osu.edu).
BYGL is a service of OSU Extension and is aided by major support
from the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA), with additional
funding from the Ohio Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
(ISA) to the OSU Extension Nursery Landscape, and Turf Team (ENLTT).
Participants in the July 07, 2005 conference included: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (CWEPPDC); Joe Boggs (Hamilton/Piketon); Jim Chatfield (Center at Wooster/HCS); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Tim Malinich (Cuyahoga); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); and Curtis Young (Allen)..
Additional factsheet information on any of these articles may be found
through the OSU Factsheet Database (http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/)
|
WEATHER WATCH
|
Weather happens whether or not! Why do we act so surprised about Ohio's weird weather? It's always unusual! BYGLers discussed the unusually warm and dry June and the plant woes associated with this weather. Topics ranged from brown spots in turf being blamed on drought when it might be insects and vice versa, to how quickly perennials in some areas blasted through their normal bloom period.
At any rate, many BYGLers across the state received some relief from the dry spell this past week. However, it was quite apparent that the relief was very spotty across Ohio. For instance, Pam Bennett and Barb Bloestcher noted that most areas in central Ohio received various amounts of rain in the past week. Barb also noted that the east side of Columbus had torrential rains, as well as hail. Joe Boggs, on the other hand, noted that areas around him were still experiencing intensely brown lawns and Dave Dyke said that lawns in his area of Hamilton county were just beginning to go towards dormancy for the first time this summer.
Curtis Young reported that they have had nice rains in the Lima area, while Amy Stone reported very spotty rains in the Toledo area, with some places getting as much as 4" at one time. Tim Malinich mentioned that the west side of Cleveland was dry and other parts had received some precipitation. Dave Goerig reported that his area was normal to slightly dry.
More problematic for plants than just the simple lack of water, was the fact that is was coupled with temperatures over 90F several days. For instance, Clark County had 6 days over 90F this past June compared to 0 days over 90F for 2004 - the entire year! This is tough on plants, especially when people aren't using sound watering practices.
BYGLers shared their own local observation as summarized above. Below is the weather summary data from July 1-6, 2005 from five of weather stations across the buckeye state.
| Weather Station |
Region of Ohio |
Ave. High Temp F | Ave. Low Temp F | Ave. Temp F | Normal Ave. Temp F | Total Precip " | Normal Precip " | | Perry |
NE |
79.7 |
63.1 |
N/A | N/A |
0.59 |
N/A | | Hoytville |
NW |
85.0 |
59.1 |
71.9 |
72.1 |
0.86 |
0.64 |
| Columbus |
Central |
85.1 |
64.4 |
74.8 |
73.2 |
2.06 |
0.87 |
| Miami |
SW |
86.0 |
64.0 |
75.0 |
72.8 |
0.29 |
0.79 |
| Jackson |
South |
87.1 |
63.6 |
74.9 |
72.3 |
0.5 |
0.94 |
For additional information, or to see the locations of all of the OARDC weather stations in Ohio, check out the website at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm
|
|
HORT SHORTS
|
GDD (GROWING DEGREE DAYS)
GDD is a measure of the daily maximum and minimum temperature and directly relates to growth and development of plants and insects. The GDD of any zip code location in Ohio is estimated using the GDD of ten OARDC weather stations and available on the web at: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/gdd/
The range of GDD accumulations in Ohio from north to south is 1,117 to 1,529. Following is a report of GDD for several locations around Ohio as of July 6, 2005: Painesville, 1,117; Cleveland, 1,125; Toledo, 1,260; Youngstown, 1,171; Lima, 1,215; Wooster, 1,256; Coshocton, 1,184; Columbus, 1,247; Springfield, 1,353; Dayton, 1,434; Cincinnati, 1,529; Ironton, 1,461; and Portsmouth, 1,463.
To put these GDD accumulations into perspective, the following is an abbreviated listing of plant and insect species with their respective phenological event and average GDD accumulations at which these events occur. Due to variations in weather, temperature, humidity, etc., these events may occur a few days earlier or later than predicted by the average GDD. By looking at a city, town, or village near you from the above list, or visiting the above web site, you can see what could be taking place in the landscape around you.
June bride littleleaf linden, full bloom, 1,115; bottlebrush buckeye first bloom, 1,158; panicled goldenraintree, full bloom, 1,251; rose-of-Sharon, first bloom, 1,347; pine needle scale egg hatch, 1,349; and euonymus scale, egg hatch - 2nd generation, 1,923.
|
|
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Read all about perennials and landscape trees and shrubs in the new publications "Perennial Plants for Ohio" and "Landscape Plants for Ohio" published by the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association (ONLA). The descriptions and photographs of plants were provided for this new publication by the OSU ENLT Team along with other industry plant lovers. These full-color publications are available at http://Buckeyegardening.com for $5.00. Click on "garden store" and then "onla plant guides." ONLA members can purchase these in quantities at a reduced price at http://onla.org
*PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK - Gaillardia grandiflora - blanketflower. This perennial has bright blooms with hot colors such as burgundy, red, maroon, orange, and yellow and is in full bloom in central Ohio now. The wide range of heights and types of blooms makes them a good fit in a sunny area of the perennial garden. These tough plants are easy to grow and great for beginning gardeners; however, they may be short-lived and have to be replanted in the garden. Many new cultivars are available including 'Burgundy', 'Fanfare' (with cool-looking fluted orange and yellow flowers), 'Tokavar', 'Goblin' and 'Summer's Kiss'.
*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. Aesculus parviflora - Bottle Brush Buckeye.
This summer blooming shrub requires a soil with adequate moisture, and is otherwise adaptable. It will take full sun to partial shade. The bottle brush buckeye is an exceptional landscape plant with a pleasing form that is accentuated by its attractive foliage. It is striking in bloom with flower stalks up to 12" long appearing in July. The plant will spread by suckers, but is considered by many as a slow grower.
|
|
BLOSSOM-END ROT SHOWING UP
Pam Bennet reported blossom-end rot on zucchini and Joe Boggs reported it on tomatoes. This disorder affects tomato, pepper, squash, and eggplant and occurs when soil moisture is uneven. It is easily recognized by the flat, leathery, discolored area on the blossom end of the fruit.
Blossom-end rot occurs when there is a calcium deficiency in the blossom-end of the fruit. If demand for calcium exceeds the supply during rapid fruit development, deprived tissues break down, leaving the leathery-looking blossom end to the fruit. It may be due to lack of calcium in the soil; however, this is not usually the case. The real culprit is usually drastic changes in weather (cool to hot) or uneven or extreme soil moisture fluctuations. When these situations are prevalent during fruit development, calcium uptake is limited or non-existent and blossom end rot can occur.
What is a gardener to do? Avoid wide fluctuations in soil moisture. Calcium sprays for the fruit are sometimes recommended, but are of little value due to poor absorption and movement of the calcium to the fruit.
|
|
OOZING OAK
A homeowner called Dave Goerig to report that a watery sap had been oozing out of the trunk of his oak tree. This sap made the area below the source of the ooze appear to be water soaked. Of course, the homeowner wanted a diagnosis. In this case that is easy, the tree has a case of SLIME FLUX which also goes by the name of WETWOOD. Slime flux is extremely common on elms, common on oaks and mulberry, and may infrequently occur on maples, paper birch, butternut, redbud, sycamore, and walnut. It is usually not much of a problem if the tree is otherwise healthy.
This disease is caused by bacteria that infect trees through wounds caused by an impact, pruning, or cracks from freezing or weak limb crotches. The bacteria may live within the tree for many years without any outward evidence that the tree is infected. Eventually gasses produced by the bacteria can cause the internal pressure of the sap to become very high. As a result, the sap oozes out of openings in the bark and runs down the trunk of the tree, causing dark streaks that then turn light gray or white upon drying. This oozing of sap is called fluxing. The sap may be frothy at the point of exit. Airborne bacteria, yeasts, and fungi often colonize the wet oozing material, which may cause it to ferment and smell very bad like alcohol or in some cases very sweet smelling like molasses.
There is no cure for slime flux, and any attempt to do so often creates more problems. The disease can be prevented by proper pruning, avoiding lawnmower and other impact damage, and avoiding damage to roots by compacting or when planting. Providing good growing conditions, including fertilizer, may minimize its impact.
|
|
75TH YEAR CELEBRATION
The Men's Garden Club of Youngstown celebrated their 75th Anniversary with a day long educational program and formal dinner at the Fellow's Riverside Gardens, Davis Visitors Center last Thursday, June 30th. Mahoning county extension educator, Dave Goerig, worked with the group that organized the event which featured Katy Moss Warner, President of the American Horticultural Society (AHS) as guest luncheon speaker. The program offered a silent auction, door prizes, garden tours, morning and afternoon seminars, food and evening entertainment. Featured Extension speakers during the day included Joe Boggs, on Insects; Pam Bennett, with Perennials; Jim Chatfield, explaining Plant Diagnostics; and Sally Miller on Vegetables.
Fellows Riverside Gardens is an 11 acre public garden in Youngstown, Ohio. It is part of the Mill Creek Metropolitan Park District, the first park district in the state of Ohio. Mill Creek Metroparks oversees nearly 2500 acres of land in Mahoning county for public pleasure, recreation, and preservation purposes. Next time you are visiting Mahoning county, be sure to include a tour of Mill Creek Metroparks and Fellows Riverside Gardens.
|
|
BUG BYTES
|
THERE'S GOLD IN THEM THERE PLANTS
Dave Shetlar reported having encountered a client who thought he had struck it rich by capturing a rare golden insect in his garden. Much to the client's disappointment, his golden insect had been replaced by an icky tan colored, dead bug. "Where did my golden insect go?" was the client's cry. What he had captured was the GOLDEN TORTOISE BEETLE, Metriona bicolor. The golden tortoise beetle starts out as a dull orange color and changes to brilliant metallic gold color when mating. When the beetle dies, its color reverts back to the original dull orange to tan color.
Dave also mentioned that he had observed this same beetle feeding on hedge bind weed around his own landscape. In previous growing seasons, it has been reported here in BYGL that tortoise beetles including the golden tortoise beetle and the CLAVATE TORTOISE BEETLE, Plagiometriona clavata, can feed heavily on ornamental sweet potato vines. The multiple oval holes that the tortoise beetles chewed through the leaves can detract from the ornamental value of these plants. Thus control may be necessary in some cases. The beetles are not difficult to kill and most insecticides registered as general garden sprays will do the job.
Look for tortoise beetles on the undersides of damaged leaves. Tortoise beetles are small (1/4"), oval, turtle-shaped beetles, thus the common name. The beetle is flat below, with the sides of the prothorax and wings flared out, giving the beetle an overall shape like that of a World War I army helmet. Coloration can vary by species. The clavate tortoise beetle is yellow to clear around the flare, with a dark brown, bull frog-like silhouette on its back where the legs of the frog extend out onto the flare.
|
|
ARE THEIR LIGHTS BURNT OUT?
As noted in last week's BYGL (BYGL 2005-14, Backyard Flashers), fireflies (Order Coleoptera: Family Lampyridae) are appearing across the state in great numbers and are producing a glorious display of flashes of color in the evening and nighttime skies. However, some BYGLers reported receiving questions about fireflies sitting on flowers that don't seem to have a flasher. "Are their lights burnt out?" The answer is, "No!"
These beetles that people are seeing sitting on flowers are firefly look-a-likes. They are the SOLDIER BEETLES (Order Coleoptera: Family Cantharidae). Soldier beetles, also known as leatherwings or cantharids, are elongate, soft-bodied beetles, up to 1/2" in length, and are very similar in appearance to fireflies. Soldier beetles are nicknamed leatherwings because of their soft, cloth-like wing covers, which when brightly colored are reminiscent of military uniforms of the past. Colors vary from yellow to red with brown or black wings or spots on the wings. Two differences between the soldier beetles and the fireflies include: the head of soldier beetles protrudes forward beyond the pronotum (first thoraxic segment) and can be seen when viewed from above; and soldier beetles do not have a light producing organ.
There are a multitude of different species of soldier beetles in Ohio. One of the most common species is Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus, the Pennsylvania Leatherwing. This soldier beetle is yellow to yellow-orange in color with one large black to black brown spot on each wing trimmed with yellow. The beetles are frequently observed on plants that are in bloom where they feed on pollen and nectar. They are also predators and will capture small insects that visit the flowers. They will search other parts of the plant for caterpillars, eggs, aphids, and other soft-bodied insects. They do not damage plants. The flowers are also a good place for adults to find mates, thus many times the beetles are seen in pairs on the flowers (an insect's singles bar).
Since soldier beetles are predators of other insects, they are considered to be beneficial and it is unnecessary to control them.
|
|
BORING SQUASH PESTS
Clark County Extension has been catching SQUASH VINE BORERS in pheromone traps at their Gateway Gardens in the last few weeks, and warns gardeners to be prepared to treat or protect their squash, zucchini, pumpkins and gourds from these pesky borers. As many zucchini growers know from painful experience, the large, fleshy larvae of these moths are usually found in the main stems and nodes of the vines, after it has collapsed and died. While examining the base of the deteriorating vine, one will find a mushy area in the stem with yellow-brown frass coming from a hole in the stem. Within the stem is more yellowish-amber frass and possibly the creamy white larvae (up to 1").
Often misidentified as wasps, squash vine borers are clear wing moths (Family Sesiidae). A relative to such illustrious pests as the dogwood, rhododendron, raspberry crown, and banded ash clear wing borers. The adults of the squash vine borers are mostly orange with a brown thorax, dark iridescent wings, and a series of brown spots running the length of the abdomen. Their bushy, orange banded legs are a definitive characteristic for this pests' identification.
To prevent the larvae of the squash vine borer from destroying the vines, rotate the crops each year and remove the plant material in the fall. Some insecticides are labeled for squash vine borer, but require prudent, frequent applications. The flowers must be avoided during insecticide application so that honey bees, which are required for pollination, are not killed.
A better option is to delay planting a few weeks until the adults have left the area, or at least laid eggs on squash plants elsewhere in the neighborhood, or better yet, plant a trap crop. Dr. Celeste Welty has studied this technique with Master Gardeners and noted great success if a few vines are planted early for the squash vine borers to attack, then removed, and the area replanted with more squash vines. She has also planted an early ripening crop and late crop which "missed" the interval in which the adults were active.
|
|
DOBSONFLY INVADERS
This insect pests has been seen in many areas of Ohio. However, unlike the invaders in the latest Spielberg release, these ferocious looking creatures are real. The Eastern Dobsonfly, Corydalus cornutus, lives most of its life in fast moving streams. The dobsonfly larva uses powerful jaws to trap and feed upon aquatic insects. It also sports hooks on its abdomen to anchor itself in the fast moving water it inhabits. After two or three years in the water, the dobsonfly larva pupates, and emerges the following year as an adult. The adults are attracted to lights at night.
The mature dobsonfly is about 2" in length and gray to brownish in color. It has two pairs of large wings which fold down its back. The male has a pair of very large mandibles which are almost half as long as the body. These mean-looking pinchers are mostly harmless, as they are only used to hold onto females during mating. The female has a shorter set of mandibles which can inflict a painful pinch. Neither of the adult dobsonflies eat. They live only a few days during which they mate, lay eggs, and die.
|
|
MASKED CHAFERS BUZZING
Several BYGLers reported masked chafers flying to lights over the weekend, and causing some alarm to uninformed clients. These orangish 1/2" heavy bodied beetles have become more numerous in certain parts of Ohio, while the Japanese beetles have lessened overall in Ohio, despite some localized heavy populations.
Both the northern and southern masked chafers are most active at night time, however the northern masked chafer is active from midnight till dawn, while the southern masked chafer becomes active from dusk to midnight. After mating, the females will burrow 4-6" into the soil and lay small white eggs. After a good rainfall, the dehydrated eggs will absorb enough moisture to hydrate and hatch in about 2 weeks at 70-75F. The C-shaped grubs will begin to graze on organic matter in the soil until late fall, then burrow deeper for the winter. The following spring, the grubs will crawl back toward the surface, pupate and emerge as adults in late June-July to continue the cycle.
Generally speaking, the northern masked chafer is prevalent in areas where cool season turfgrass grows, while the southern masked chafer is more common in the transition zone where the warm season turfgrasses reign.
|
|
THE ANNUAL BROWNING OF BLACK LOCUST BEGINS
We reported in BYGL 2005-9 (6/02/05) that Curtis Young had observed overwintered LOCUST LEAFMINER (Odontota dorsalis) adults feeding on newly expanded oak leaves in Akron, Ohio. In that report, we noted that adults do not confine their leaf skeletonization feeding activity to their namesake but may also be found on dogwood, elm, oak, beech, cherry, wisteria, hawthorn, and crabapple, as well as several herbaceous plants such as soybeans. However, it is on black locust that they cause the most obvious and widespread damage.
Joe Boggs reported observing first generation adults feeding on black locust leaves in southern Ohio this past weekend. Locust leafminer adults have elongated flat bodies. They have a black head, orangish-yellow wing covers, and a distinct black wedge-shaped pattern running down the back. Damage by this insect should be familiar to travelers motoring on Ohio's interstate highways. Larval and especially adult feeding produces a captivating reddish-brown leaf coloration that highlights infested trees, allowing black locusts to be positively identified at highway speeds! Usually, "flamed" trees do not become apparent until later in the season.
The beetle spends the winter as an adult in bark crevices or beneath leaf litter. They emerge in the spring and feed on the leaves of a wide variety of trees, but ultimately the beetles move to black locust where they lay eggs. Oviposition may also occur on yellowwood. The resulting larvae first feed in groups in communal mines, but eventually they disperse and create their own individual blotch mines. The larvae pupate in mid-to-late June, and first generation adults begin to appear and feed on leaves in late-June to early-July. There are two generations per year in southern Ohio while the northern part of the state may have only one generation.
|
|
FLATID-FLUFF FLEECES FLORA!
Several BYGLers reported observing fleecy PLANTHOPPER nymphs covering the lower stems of herbaceous perennials and low-growing woody ornamentals. Planthoppers belong to the Family Flatidae (Order Homoptera), and several species have nymphs that cloak themselves in a dense tangle of waxy, white "fluff." It is this profusion of flocculent material that usually draws attention to the insects. The nymphs also produce copious quantities of honeydew which may coat the plant and become colonized by a black sooty molds. Both the cottony material and honeydew may be washed from infested plants during heavy rains.
The planthopper nymphs are highly mobile and rapidly move away from probing fingers, typically dropping bits of fluff as they flee. The jumping adults (planthoppers) are 1/4" to 3/8" long, purplish blue, lime green, or powdery white. They are most easily recognized by the broad wings held vertically in a tent-like fashion and covering the sides of the body and legs.
Planthopper nymphs are usually found near the ground and may occur on a wide variety of small trees, shrubs, and flowers. The immature stage of this insect seldom lasts more than a few weeks, and once the nymphs molt, the flocculent material quickly degrades and disappears. Aside from providing great entertainment value, these sap-sucking insects usually have little impact on the landscape. They seldom become more than a nuisance pest, which usually occurs during extended periods without rain. Although no control measures are generally recommended, a heavy spray of water will wash the nymphs and fluff from the plant.
|
|
BOXELDER OR "ACER" BUGS?
Joe Boggs reported observing a sizable population of BOXELDER BUG (Boisea trivittatus) nymphs in a landscape in southwest Ohio that was completely devoid of boxelder trees (Acer negundo)! However, the landscape did have a substantial collection of mature silver maples (A. saccharinum). Joe's observation demonstrates that insects pay little attention to their common name.
Boxelder bugs are a sucking insect, and they primarily feed by sucking juices from tree seeds. Besides feeding on boxelder seeds, the bug commonly feeds on seeds of other trees in the genus Acer, as well as on ash. Boxelder bug has even been observed feeding on alder, apple, buckeye, cactus, geranium, grape, honeysuckle, lilac, linden, oak, peach, plum, spirea, strawberry, and tulip. As seed-feeders, the bug causes no harm to the health of trees. However, their feeding activity on tree fruit and strawberries has been known to reduce fruit quality.
The insect's most common claim to fame is in the form of a nuisance pest. As temperatures cool in the fall, the bugs may appear in large numbers near overwintering sites, which include cracks and crevices in foundations, openings around windows and doors, and gaps beneath siding. With little incentive, they can move into homes appearing in sobering numbers on walls, around baseboards, and occasionally in bedding, where they may be mistaken for more serious sucking pests such as bed bugs.
Boxelder bugs are 3/4" in length, narrow, and flat-backed. They are dark brownish-black and have three orangish-red stripes running lengthwise on the pronotum, the area behind the head. The nymphs have bluish-black antennae, head, thorax, legs, and wing-pads. Their abdomen is bright red with a faint orange line running down the middle, and an obvious orange spot in the middle of the line. The literature reports that boxelder bugs typically become most abundant during years with hot, dry summers...it's looking good thus far this season for these bugs!
|
|
WINDSHIELD WIPE
*ANNUAL CICADAS or dog day cicadas, have begun their summer staccato cry around Ohio. After last year's barrage of the periodical (17 year) cicada in Ohio's central and western counties, this cicada is a welcome portend of the dog days of summer. Although called annual cicadas, they actually have 2-5 year life cycles, however the cycles overlap so that some emerge every year. They are not as destructive as the periodical cicadas and do not require control.
*FIREFLY UPDATE. Since drawing attention to the flashing fireflies (lightningbugs or lightning beetles) of summer, several more BYGLers have taken notice of this summer delight. To the casual observer, the flashes appear to occur randomly across the landscape. However, most species of fireflies have species specific patterns to their light production and there is a call-and-reply interaction occurring between opposite sexes. Occasionally, the observer may be startled when a whole field of fireflies flash in unison. This synchronous flash can be brought on by the shockwave of a clap of thunder or the explosion of a firework. It was also reported that there are a few species of fireflies in the tropics that typically flash in unison as well as a species of unison flashers that exists in the Smokey Mountains.
|
|
DISEASE DIGEST
|
DON'T OPEN THE DOOR TO OAK WILT
Oak wilt is a serious and often deadly vascular disease of oaks. The fungal pathogen, Ceratocystis fagacearum, is believed to be native to the United States and is distributed throughout the Midwest and Texas. The fungus grows into and throughout the water conductive tissues or sapwood of the host plant, plugging the vessels with fungal growth and spores, but it also causes a defensive reaction by the tree to stop the fungal spread by actively plugging its own vessels. These processes interfere with water uptake and cause a wilting syndrome which often results in death of the tree.
Symptoms are typical of wilts. The leaves usually begin withering in the upper canopy, producing "flags." In all cases, however, conclusive diagnosis can only be made in specialized laboratories, such as The Ohio State University C. Wayne Ellett Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic (http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~plantdoc/cweppdc/cweppdc.html).
In order to properly manage oak wilt it is essential to understand its cycle. The pathogen spreads from diseased to healthy trees in two ways: overland and underground. Overland spread is mediated mainly by sap feeding beetles commonly referred to as picnic beetles (Order Coleoptera Family Nitidulidae). Nitidulids are attracted by chemicals emanating from the fungal mats. Once on the mats, the beetles pick up fungal spores and can carry them, sometimes over distances of a few miles, to freshly wounded healthy trees because they are attracted by the smell of fresh sap. This potential results in new infections, thus closing the overland cycle.
Pruning wounds are obvious culprits, but any fresh wound will function as potential infection gateway. The word fresh is emphasized because it is believed that wounds are attractive to Nitidulid beetles only for approximately three days. Overland spread can be hindered or interrupted by ensuring that trees are never wounded when most Nitidulid beetles are flying. Although some recommendations lift pruning bans after July 1, Curtis Young reported still seeing beetle activity. A more stringent approach is to avoid wounding the trees throughout the growing season (April 15-Oct.1). If pruning is absolutely necessary during the growing season, it is imperative to dress the wounds. This can be done with latex paint. Although this will slow wound healing, it will also deter beetles from landing on the wounds.
More information on the underground spread of oak wilt is promised for next weeks BYGL. Stay tuned for more details in the Disease Digest.
|
|
TURF TIPS
|
TIME TO TREAT FOR GRUBS?
Several people have called OSU Extension offices with concerns that their "lawn care professional" recommended that their lawns be treated with a grub control product. Although diligent in their strive to ensure a perfect lawn, one needs to consider all the options.
Have grubs been a problem the last few years? Are racoons and/or skunks digging up the turfgrass in the spring and fall? Did the turfgrass grub treatment the last few years produce satisfactory results? Have any Japanese or masked chafer beetles been seen this year? Is your turfgrass dormant - an uninviting to grubs as they prefer green actively growing turf?M
If the lawn has not been damaged by grubs or mammals looking for grubs in the last few years, it is most likely that the turf does not need to be treated this year. If the lawn was treated successfully the last few years, the turfgrass owner can consider waiting to see if grubs appear and wait until late August to treat. If no beetles were seen this year or last year, the lawn may escape an infestation of grubs heavy enough for damage to occur. Remember that turfgrass can usually tolerate low populations of grubs (5-10 grubs per square foot) and damage can be masked by irrigation. Imidacloprid (ie MERIT) or halofenozide (ie MACH II) can be applied for these grubs until mid-August, however the target date for European chafer grubs has almost passed (early June-mid July).
|
|
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
|
A GOOD SEASON SO FAR
An informal poll of BYGLers provided some encouraging news on garden center/greenhouse sales this spring.
Sales in central, south, and southeast Ohio have been good to very good. Dave Dyke reported that overall, April-June plant sales in the Cincinnati area have been up significantly over last year and what several growers have called a "normal" year. A "normal year" being better than the last 2 years, that have been below "normal." A informal survey of local retailers revealed that gains for year-to-date sales ranged from about 5% above "normally expected sales" to 25% above last year's sales. Most of those sales increases were attributed to the weather with new marketing techniques also receiving some credit.
Hal Kneen, Extension Educator in Meigs County, reported several weeks ago that sales in his area were very good. Most growers had sold out earlier than normal with only 4" geraniums selling slowly. Pam Bennett reported sales in the Dayton and Springfield areas were also very good for the first time in 3 years.
Sales in north and northeast Ohio appear to have been a bit slower. Tim Malinich reported that growers/retailers said that they were happier than last year ... that their sales were a little better. Dave Goerig related that a grower in Mahoning County said, "we didnt have to borrow from the bank as has been necessary the last 2 years" as a result of stronger sales.
|
|
COMING ATTRACTIONS
|
SALSA (SECREST ACADEMY FOR LANDSCAPE SCIENCES AND ARTS)
SALSA is a learning experience, advancing your knowledge of the arts and sciences of landscape horticulture, through linked interactive hands-on programs. SALSA is not a series of isolated single-topic programs, nor is it a full-fledged 2- or 4-year degree program. SALSA occupies the landscape between these two ... rooted in dedication, blooming with creativity. Class size is limited. The cost of SALSA I is $300 for the full 3 days of programming. This fee includes considerable reference material and class curriculum notebooks, diagnostic aids such as hand lens, lunches and refreshments. For more information contact Joe Cochran at Secrest Arboretum (330-263-3886; cochran.58@osu.edu).
|
|
PLANT HEALTH CARE WORKSHOP
Last call for the Identification and Management of Weeds in Landscapes and Nurseries! Come join the fun at this year's Plant Health Care Workshop in Wooster on July 12-13. There will also be a pre-conference weed identification workshop on July 11. For registration and program information, contact Denise Ellsworth or Diane Dunphy at 330-928-4769.
|
|
BYGLive! IN CINCINNATI
The fourth 2005 BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About will be held this coming Monday, July 11, at Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum. This monthly hands-on training program focuses on diagnosing plant pest, disease, and physiological problems. Directions to the meeting location are: enter Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum through the main entrance off Spring Grove Avenue; straight ahead will be an underpass - drive through the underpass; turn right at the first intersection, and travel approximately 100 yards to the meeting site on your left. For more information, call Joe Boggs at 513-946-8993.
|
|
BYGLive! IN TOLEDO
Come join in at the next diagnostic walk-about at Toledo Botanical Garden, Monday, July 11 beginning at 6:00 pm. The walk will begin at the flagpole near the conference center. For more information, call Amy Stone at 419-578-6783.
|
|
BYGLOSOPHY
|
Weather means more when you have a garden. There's nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans.
~Marcelene Cox
|
|
