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
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September 08, 2005
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This is the Twenty-third 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 September 06, 2005 conference included: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic(CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Hamilton/Piketon); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Joe Rimelspach (Plant Pathology); Pam Sherratt (HCS); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Curtis Young (Allen); and Randy Zondag (Lake)..
Additional factsheet information on any of these articles may be found
through the OSU Factsheet Database (http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/)
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WEATHER WATCH
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Most of Ohio received some rain from the remnants of Hurricane Katrina, however, little has occurred since. BYGLers in some areas of the state are still recommending irrigation on newly established plants as well as turf in some cases, however check soil moisture levels first before turning on irrigation systems, especially if systems are run by automated timing systems. Following is the weather summary from August 30 - September 5, 2005:
| 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 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A
|
N/A |
N/A |
N/A | | Hoytville |
NW |
79.7 |
55.5 |
67.4 |
69.2 |
0.25 |
0.71 |
| Columbus |
Central |
81.0 |
60.1 |
70.3 |
70.6 |
5.45 |
0.85 |
| Miami |
SW |
81.7 |
59.9 |
70.3 |
68.9 |
3.34 |
0.50 |
| Jackson |
South |
80.4 |
59.9 |
69.2 |
70.5 |
2.96 |
0.94 |
For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, check out: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm
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HORT SHORTS
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PLANTS 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 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 onla.org
* PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK - Sedum spp. These plants are becoming the shining stars in many Ohio gardens as fall approaches. The genus includes a wide variety of plant habits, leaf types and flowers, as well as flowering times. They require well-drained soil and perform best in full sun. One of the most spectacular cultivars is 'Neon', with its electric-pink blooms showing color now in central Ohio. Another common cultivar is 'Autumn Joy' with pale pink buds opening to a rosy-red flower in late summer. Low-growing types such as 'Dragon's Blood' and 'Lidakense' also radiate in many landscapes.
*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. Aronia arbutifolia and A. melanocarpa - Red and black chokeberry, respectively. Red chokeberry is an excellent shrub for sun or partial shade. The cultivar 'Brilliantissima' grows 6 - 10' tall and has attractive white flowers in the spring and glossy green foliage in the summer. The real show, however, is in the fall when the foliage turns brilliant crimson with some purple overtones and combines with the bright red fruits. The fruits persist into early winter.
On the other hand, the black chokeberry grows 4 - 6' and often forms colonies in naturalized areas. It has black, shiny fruits with glossy, green leaves which turn intense red in the fall. 'Autumn Magic' is more compact than the species and 'Viking' has outstanding red fall color and larger than normal edible black fruits.
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BUG BYTES
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LACE BUGS GALORE!!
Several BYGLers reported observing the handy work of a multitude of lace bug species. Lace bugs (Order Hemiptera: Family Tingidae) are very common pests of numerous ornamental plants. Some of the most common lace bug pests in Ohio include the sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata), hawthorn lace bug (C. cydoniae), hackberry lace bug (C. celtidis), oak lace bug (C. arcuata), basswood lace bug (Gargaphia tiliae), azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyriodes), rhododendron lace bug (S. rhododendri), and andromeda lace bug (S. takeyai). The hawthorn lace bug often attacks cotoneaster, pyracantha, flowering quince, crabapple, mountain ash and shadbush (Amelanchier) as well as hawthorn, while the basswood lace bug commonly attacks lindens. The rhododendron lace bug also can be found on mountain laurels. The rest of the species are fairly well restricted to their namesake hosts.
Lace bugs have piercing/sucking mouth parts through which they suck juices from their host plants. As they feed from the undersides of the host plant's leaves, the feeding produces yellow or whitish spots on the upper surface of the leaves. They also deposit a hard, varnish-like excrement onto the leaf surface as they feed. These are called tar spots, or resin spots. Heavy feeding from large infestations may result in large, yellow, blistered areas on leaves, chlorotic, yellowed leaves and early leaf drop.
Right now, we are seeing striking leaf discoloration caused by lace bug feeding on a number of ornamental plants, however this late in the season, effective use of insecticides is minimal. To avoid chlorotic leaves and poor aesthetic appearance of plants, the lace bugs should be controlled early in the season, before successive generations are allowed to occur. Plants that attract lace bugs should be monitored early in order to determine if an infestation is building. Elimination of the first generation of lace bugs is necessary if visual damage is to be avoided. Depending upon the clients tolerance for insect damage, control can be made with standard contact insecticides or by applying a systemic insecticide such as imidacloprid for season long control. Refer to OSU Bulletin 504 "Insect and Mite Control on Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceous Perennials" for current insecticide recommendations.
Lace bugs have several natural enemies that help to keep its numbers in check, including lacewing larvae, spiders, and assassin bugs. Treating with an insecticide now would only reduce the natural predator populations, plus killing the lace bugs at this time will not cause the existing spotting and yellowing of leaves to disappear, nor will the natural color of the leaves return this year.
 
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MITES ON ARBORVITAE
Both Dave Shetlar and Randy Zondag reported increasing populations of spider mites on arborvitae, however, as Dave pointed out, just saying spider mites is not good enough, as three different species of spider mites will attack arborvitae. Knowing which spider mite is attacking is critical to implement effective management strategies.
The three spider mites that may be attacking arborvitae are the ARBORVITAE SPIDER MITE (Platytetranychus thujae), the SPRUCE SPIDER MITE (Oligonychus ununguis), and the TWO-SPOTTED SPIDER MITE (Tetranychus urticae). These spider mites have different seasonal activities, but overlapping host ranges. The arborvitae spider mite is active during the warm- hot season, while the two-spotted spider mite is a hot, dry season spider mite. The spruce spider mite is a cool season critter. The current culprit appears to be the arborvitae spider mite.
Adults of arborvitae spider mites are generally pale green or yellow compared to the darker spruce spider mite. This species is smaller and more slender than spruce spider mite, and moves much more rapidly when disturbed. Their two front legs are slightly longer than those of the other species.
The arborvitae spider mite can be found on arborvitae from May - November. It also feeds on juniper and is found on juniper throughout the growing season.
All spider mites feed by inserting needle-like mouthparts into host tissue and withdrawing cell contents. Feeding damage generally appears as chlorosis, browning, or bronzing, with subsequent defoliation when damage is severe. Heavy infestations of this mite can cause serious fall and winter browning of foliage.
The best way to detect arborvitae spider mite is by tapping foliage over a white or light-colored surface. To identify this species, observe the moving specks on the paper with a hand lens.
If control is needed, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soaps to minimize the effects on predator populations that may be present. Use standard, residual miticides when mite populations and damage levels are high and predator populations appear to be low or absent. For a list of effective materials consult OSU Extension Bulletin 504 titled, "Insect and Mite Control on Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceous Perennials" [ http://ohioline.osu.edu/b504/index.html ].
Dave Shetlar also reported that several companies are developing new miticides which is necessary, because spider mites often develop resistance to pesticide groups faster than other pests. This is why many miticide labels recommend rotating to different chemical classes. Spiromesifin is one of the new miticides and is now being marketed under the trade name of Forbid (Bayer) which is registered for landscape use only. The product name for nursery producers and greenhouse managers is Judo (Olympic Horticultural Products) which has the nursery and greenhouse label with worker protection standards. Spiromesifan is unique in that it has activity against all kinds of mites, including eriophyids. Most of the other newer miticides only knock out true spider mites. This is good news as various rust mites have been increasing in incidence in Ohio landscapes over the last few years.
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MONARCHS REIGN!
Monarch butterflies appear to be everywhere, fluttering through fields and neighborhoods and nectaring on the flowers of rudbeckia, coneflower, sedum, butterfly bush and Blue Mist Spirea. Although monarch butterflies may finish 2-3 broods per season in the northeastern states, this time each year, they begin to migrate south along the eastern coast for the winter. With luck and smoother weather patterns, many of these stately orange and black butterflies will make the successful trip to their southern retreat. Amazingly, they fly in flocks, to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees that their great grandparents did last year.
It is still unknown how these butterflies survive the trip south each year, or how they know the location to land, however, monarch butterfly fans study and watch them each year, marveling at their tenacity and beauty, as they fly south. The peak flight for monarch butterflies in Central Ohio should be from September 15-26.
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DISEASE DIGEST
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IT'S NOT ALWAYS EAB!!
Over the past couple of weeks, BYGLers have seen and been called to visit landscapes in which the owners or managers were concerned that their ash trees may be showing symptoms of emerald ash borer infestation. What many are observing is severe flagging on white ash. From a distance, one sees a few to numerous branches or entire limbs that appear to have died. The foliage appears to sudden collapse! All of the foliage on a small branch or cluster of branches, droop and turn a grayish brown, but do not drop from the tree. In most cases, these branches are scattered around the tree in the lower 1/3 of the canopy, but may be scattered throughout the entire canopy. Upon closer inspection, one finds cankered areas on the branch, as well as splitting of the bark. These slits, any where from 1/2" - 1/4" in length, resemble hail damage, or possibly insect egg-laying sites, however they have found be pathological. The cankers may be found on 2 or more years old.
Fortunately, these symptoms have been observed and identified in the past before EAB was the "hot topic" in ashes. In 2002, these symptoms were associated BOTRYOSPHAERIA CANKER on ash. Botryosphaeria canker on ashes appears to be linked to environmental stress, such as drought. Although infection may have occurred years earlier, the fungus acts like a "latent pathogen." The fungus is in the tree, but the trees defense mechanisms normally keep the fungus from producing symptoms more severe than cankers, but, when the tree is stressed, such as from drought, the defense mechanisms are thwarted and branch dieback occurs.
Botryosphaeria canker on ash does not appear to be fatal to most that are infected with the fungus. If trees are otherwise healthy, a significant recovery is very possible. As with dealing with other tree problems, general plant health care practices will provide the best support for this recovery.
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TURF TIPS
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GRAY LEAF SPOT
A disease caused by Pyricularia grisea was confirmed Friday Sept. 2 on perennial ryegrass. The sample came in from an athletic field in the Lancaster area of Ohio. Outbreaks in Ohio appear to occur following hurricane events when conditions are very humid and warm. In Ohio, it occurs south of I-70. It is very difficult to diagnose gray leaf spot as it can be confused with brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani), but gray leaf spot -infested leaf tissue will collapse very quickly and has a grayish color. It can also be confused with drought symptoms, however if the soil moisture is adequate for turf growth, drought can be discounted.
For more information on gray leaf spot, refer to the OSU Spots Turf posting of (8/25/05) http://hcs.osu.edu/sportsturf/notes/ . Perennial ryegrass turf managers should be vigilant for this disease right now. If gray leaf spot is suspected, send a sample to OSU's Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. For details on how to do this, phone (614) 292-5006 site or check the website at http://ppdc.osu.edu/ . Turf managers with questions about this can call Joe Rimelspach, (614) 292-9283, Turfgrass Pathologist.
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LAWN RENOVATION --- NOW IS THE TIME!
Since most of the state has received rain last week, lawns have started to revive, showing which section(s) of lawn has died this summer, and what turf will recover. If there are badly damaged areas of a lawn NOW is the ideal time to renovate the lawn. The best time to seed a lawn in northern Ohio is between August 15 - September 15. In central and southern Ohio, the entire month of September is acceptable. Lawns seeded later in the fall may fail because the seedling turfgrass roots have insufficient growth to survive the winter. Sodding can be done late into the fall.
Seed or Sod?
High-quality lawns can be established from either seeding or sodding the site. If seeding is the preferred method, be certain the seed used is free of weed seeds with a high percentage of germination. By law, all seed sold in Ohio must be accurately labeled, specifying contents of the package, percent germination of the specie(s), and data on which the testing was performed (see Lawn Establishment - Bulletin 546).
Emphasis should be placed on obtaining the most desired species and the highest germination rates. Ohio law allows Kentucky bluegrass seed to contain some seed of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and bentgrass, both of which can be serious weeds. It is possible to obtain weed- free grass seed, if the buyer is persistent and willing to pay a premium price.
Sodding is an immediate resolution to lawn establishment, however, the aesthetics of a sodded lawn may be good or poor depending on the quality of the sod, and the skill with which it is installed. Another advantage of sodding is that it may be successfully done any time the ground is not frozen, if properly watered.
Only good quality sod from reputable dealers should be purchased. Information on the grass species, and cultivar composition of the sod should be determined prior to purchase to ensure its acceptability. The sod should be of uniform density and free from broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, quackgrass, bentgrass, and other lawn weeds. Today high quality Kentucky bluegrass or turf type tall fescue is available in Ohio along with other turf combinations.
A good lawn can be established by closely following the basic rules for seeding or sodding. Careful attention to detail will help insure success of the new turfgrass. The following steps are essential in developing a new lawn:
1. Control perennial weeds such as quackgrass, and bentgrass.
2. Remove existing sod and dead material. Also remove stones and other debris. Have the soil tested and add nutrients as necessary, based upon soil test results. Modify the soil if necessary with topsoil or compost.
3. Grade and level the lawn area.
4. Rototill or otherwise till the soil 3 to 6 inches deep.
5. Allow soil to settle, or firm with a heavy roller.
6. Apply starter fertilizer and rake it in the soil.
7. Seed or sod,-if sod, ignore items 8 and 9.
8. Rake lightly-let some seed remain on surface.
9. Mulch lightly so that the soil can still be seen.
10. Roll lightly.
11. Irrigate. The surface must be kept moist until seedlings establish, or the sod is well rooted into the soil.
Proper watering is essential for a successful lawn renovation. The soil must stay moist for the seed to germinate. Inadequate irrigation will result in poor germination, seedling and /or sod death and poor results.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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ANNUAL PLANT TRIALS AT THE CINCINNATI ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
Four years ago, annual plant trials were started at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (CZBG) as a collaborative effort between the CZBG, the Cincinnati Flower Growers Association (CFGA), and the OSU Extension, Hamilton County. Its purpose is to evaluate herbaceous annuals based upon quality and performance, in order to determine which plants to recommend for planting in area gardens and to provide the general public, commercial growers, and landscapers an opportunity to observe many varieties of the latest, high quality annuals available, and to promote those annuals.
Over 150 varieties of plants utilized in 2005 were provided by Pan American Seed Co., Ball Floral, Proven Winners, Michell's, and members of the CFGA, and planted in gardens and containers throughout the zoo. The final selection of those varieties determined to be truly outstanding, the "Zoo's Best", was made this week as a result of evaluations by Steve Foltz, Horticulture Director, CZBS; members of his staff; and Dave Dyke.
Would you like to know which varieties made the "Zoo's Best" list this year? Attend the Zoo's Best Garden Party, to be held from 5:00 8:00 p.m. on September 30. Tickets are $25.00 / person. All proceeds will benefit the CZBG botanical collection and education efforts. Please RSVP by September 16 by calling Allison Chandler at (513) 559-7759. In addition to the results of the annual trials, the zoo's latest and greatest perennials, trees, shrubs, grasses, and bamboo will be discussed and available for viewing.
We, of course, also highly recommend visiting the zoo to take a leisurely look at all of the fabulous plants, which are labeled. Visit the zoo's website at http://www.cincyzoo.org/Exhibits/GardenBest/2004Annuals/04bestannuals.html
or that of the CFGA, http://www.cincinnatiflowergrowers.org/, to see the results of previous trials.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
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DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP
OSU Extension, Hancock County and the OSU ENLTT, with teachers Nancy Kronberg, Joe Boggs, and Jim Chatfield announce the next Ohio Plant Diagnostic Workshop, on Wednesday, September 14 in Findlay. The location is The Lodge at Riverbend in Findlay. For a registration form on this program of the latest in diagnostic issues and problems, contact Nancy at (419) 422-3851 or (kronberg.3@osu.edu).or send $30 per person to OSU Extension, 7868 C.R. 140, Suite B, Findlay, Ohio 45840. The program starts at 9:45 a.m. and runs until approximately 4:00 p.m. Rumors are that in addition to a "marvelous lunch" there will be a good deal of screaming by all. The 2nd Annual Hancock County Master Gardener Ice Cream Feast will be included!
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OSU/ONLA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE RESEARCH DAY
Catch up on the latest and greatest research at OSU by attending this program on September 22 at the Waterman Farm on the Columbus campus. The program starts at noon with lunch (and brief presentations) and continues until 3:45 p.m. Presenters include Dr. Hannah Mathers, Dr. Dan Herms, Michele Bigger, Alejandra Acuna, Enrico Bonello, Alieta Eyles, Don Cipollini, Nathan Kleczewski, Randy Zondag, Heping Zhu, Charles Krause, Mike Redding, Luke Case, and Richard Rathjens. The afternoon includes tours of the Waterman and Howlett Nursery Trials. There is NO COST; contact Dr. Mathers at 614-247-6195 or Luke Case at 614-292-0209 to register.
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SALSA II
The first SALSA (SECREST ACADEMY FOR LANDSCAPE SCIENCES AND ARTS) series is fully enrolled. The first two full days of programming were on July 18 and August 15. The dates for the second series of three full-day sessions are October10, November 14, and December 12. Featured topics include maintenance practices such as fall planting, fertilization and mulching, plant selection for fall landscape appeal, weed management, wildlife management in the landscape, and problems with invasive organisms. This program is held at OSU's Secrest Arboretum at the OARDC in Wooster. It is for individuals with professional or personal interest in an intensive, hands-on landscape learning experience, and is sponsored by OSUs Secrest Arboretum and the OSUE Center at Wooster.
SALSA is a learning experience, advancing 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 it a full-fledged 2- or 4- year degree program. SALSA occupies the landscape between these two; it is rooted in dedication and blooming with creativity. Class size is limited. The cost of SALSA II is $300 for the full three days of programming. This fee includes considerable reference material and class curriculum notebooks, lunches and refreshments. For more information contact Joe Cochran at Secrest Arboretum (330-263-3886 or [cochran.58@osu.edu].
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BYGLOSOPHY
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Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
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