Pam Bennett, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Dave Goerig, Tim Malinich, Jane Martin, Amy Stone, and Curtis Young
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July 20, 2006
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This is the Sixteenth 2006 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 18, 2006 conference included: Charles Behnke (retired); Pam Bennett (Clark); Joe Boggs (Hamilton/Piketon); Erik Draper (Geauga); Tim Malinich (Lorain); Becky McCann (ABE Center); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Nancy Taylor (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); 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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This week's weather summary includes data from July 1 July 19, 2006. Rain continues to fall across much of the state but temperatures topping the 90F mark has been a common occurrence. This weather summary includes information from 4 OARDC 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 |
81.2 |
64.3 |
NA
|
NA |
2.98" |
NA |
| Hoytville |
NW |
83.8 |
62.2 |
73.0 |
72.8 |
3.06"
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2.48" |
| Oxford |
SW |
87.8 |
67.7 |
77.7 |
74.0 |
1.76" |
2.53"
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| Jackson |
South |
86.3 |
61.7 |
73.7 |
73.2 |
4.04" |
2.93" |
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 ONLA publications "Perennial Plants for Ohio" and "Landscape Plants for Ohio." The descriptions and photographs of plants were provided for these publications 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. Leopard flower or blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis--Try something different in the perennial garden with this interesting and conversation-starting plant. It grows to around 3-4' tall and has iris-like stems that bear loosely arranged clusters of orange flowers dotted with red. Check out other cultivars for different flower colors. The flowers are flat and star-shaped and 2" across. The seeds are also quite interesting as they are shiny black, round and persist in the fall garden. Those planted north of Zone 5 should be heavily mulched for winter. (please note: correction in BYGL 2006-15 - Monarda didyma was misspelled - Mondarda. The correct spelling is Monarda).
*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. Goldenraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata) - This medium-sized tree is finishing its bloom period in central Ohio. Goldenraintree grows to around 40-50' in height and has a nice rounded crown. The magnificent sunny yellow flowers appear in July and persist for about 2 weeks. It makes a great urban tree as it's tolerant of drought, alkaline soil pH and pollution.
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BAFFLED BY BRYOZOANS
Tim Malinich reported hearing tales of strange alien life forms found in local ponds. These alien visitors were large gelatinous masses found on boat bottoms and floating in the water.
They were colonies of bryozoans, (animal phylum Ectoprocta). Though they may resemble jelly fish or coral they are not related to either. The colonies are made up of individual microscopic animals. Each animal has branches that terminate in a whorl of tentacles that collect food from the surrounding water.
The colonies are normally 1" or less in diameter and go unnoticed remaining attached to sticks or rocks. When conditions favor development, colonies may grow to be the size of softballs or even volleyballs! At this point they are easily discovered and may even be found floating free in the water resulting in reports of alien eggs or jellyfish in ponds. No control is required as they are more a curiosity than a pest.
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BUG BYTES
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MIMOSA WEBWORMS SACKING HONEYLOCUST
Erik Draper reported that first generation mimosa webworm (Homadaula anisocentra) nests are now becoming apparent on honeylocusts in northeast Ohio. Joe Boggs noted that nests are also apparent in the southwest part of the state and second generation caterpillars are now appearing in first generation nests. There are two to three overlapping generations per season in Ohio and female moths often lay eggs on nests, from which they developed, so the nests are expanded by each new crop of caterpillars.
Despite their common name, mimosa webworms are most often found on honeylocusts in Ohio. The caterpillars feed gregariously as skeletonizers within webs spun over the foliage. Their damage causes leaflets to turn orangish brown and appear fire scorched. Attention is drawn to an infestation by clusters of "torched" leaves and leaflets encased in webbing.
Once nests become large and tightly woven, insecticides usually fail to penetrate the thick webbing to kill the caterpillars. The best time to control this webworm is earlier in the season when nests are small and constructed of loosely woven silk. Effective early season treatments include the naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), as well as other insecticides listed in OSU Extension Bulletin 504, "Insect and Mite Control on Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceous Perennials"
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b504/index.html
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HORNWORMS ATTACK TOMATO PLANTS
Curtis Young reported increased activity of hornworms on backyard tomato plants. The caterpillars had stripped several branches of the tomato plants clean, as well as chomped into the green fruits. The culprit that attacks any tomato plant in Ohio could either be the TOMATO HORNWORM (Manduca quinquemaculata) or the TOBACCO HORNWORM (M. sexta), because these two closely related species share a similar host plant menu. The tobacco hornworm is actually the more commonly encountered species. Hornworms are so named because of their prominent horn-like structure that is attached to the rear of their abdomen. Although the 'horn' looks threatening, it is harmless. The tobacco hornworm is green with seven diagonal white lines on the sides and a curved red horn. The tomato hornworm has eight V-shaped marks on each side and their horn is straighter and blue-black in color. These hornworms are the larvae of hawk or sphinx moths and can grow to a size of 4" in length and 1/2-5/8" in diameter.
As the hornworms grow, they begin to consume host plant foliage very quickly and can seemingly defoliate tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, or peppers overnight. Tomato growers are likely to spot the large areas of damage on the plant before they see the hornworms because of their protective coloring. The presence of the hornworms may also be detected because of the large, black droppings (frass) that accumulate on the ground beneath the host plants. Once found, hornworms can be controlled by hand-picking, conventional insecticides, biological insecticides (very young caterpillars only), rototilling (destroying pupae in the soil), predators and parasitoids.
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HOLEY BEAN LEAVES, BUGBOY!
Another backyard vegetable garden defoliator that has just recently re-emerged on the scene is the BEAN LEAF BEETLE (BLB) (Certoma trifurcata). In Ohio, BLB has three peak adult activity periods: April-May (overwintered adults); July (1st generation adults); and September (2nd generation adults). It is the 1st and 2nd generation adults that can wreak havoc in the vegetable garden. BLB will feed on the leaves and fruits of most beans (e.g. green beans, yellow (wax) beans) and peas. They can make a holey mess of the bean plants in a fairly short period of time. Also their pod feeding produces brown scars that make the fresh beans look very unappetizing and unacceptable for consumption.
Adult BLBs are about 1/4" long and are yellow-green or red in color. A black band surrounds the outer margin of the front wings (elytra), the back may have four black spots, and there is a black triangle behind the prothorax. BLB can be difficult to observe because they will drop to the ground and disappear into soil cracks at the slightest disturbance; however, there is no hiding the holes they chew in the leaves and scars on the bean pods. BLB eggs are laid in the same soil cracks and larvae that hatch from the eggs feed on roots and other below ground plant parts.
Management of BLB can be accomplished by exclusion row covers, hand-picking or in many cases controlled using insecticides. Several synthetic pyrethroids (bifenthrin, esfenvalerate (ASANA), zeta-cypermenthrin) and carbaryl (Sevin) are registered for this purpose. Another bean feeding beetle that is more common in the southern portion of Ohio is the MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE (Epilachna varivestis) whose adults and larvae feed on the bean leaves, and can be managed with the same materials.
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YELLOW JACKET AND HORNET COLONIES BUILDING RAPIDLY
Several BYGLers made comments about how rapidly yellow jacket (Paravespula spp.) and bald faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculate) populations are growing this year. Based upon observations of yellow jacket nest arrivals and departures and the sizes of bald faced hornets football-shaped paper nests, they have been having a very good year. Others reported that yellow jackets are already visiting picnics and other outdoor functions where sweet drinks and fruits are served to partake in the festivities, as unwelcomed guests of course. The yellow jackets disappeared inside of pop cans and other opaque containers which could spell disaster if a drinker sipped beverage and wasp at the same time.
Colonies of these social wasps (yellow jackets, hornets and paper wasps) last only 1 year. The nests are built anew each year. The previous year's nests are not reused and in many cases, are destroyed during the winter months. Queens are the only members of the colony able to survive through the winter. In April or May, each queen selects a suitable location, constructs a small nest and begins raising offspring. These workers take over the duties of enlarging and maintaining the nest, foraging for food and caring for the offspring while the queen functions only to produce more eggs.
Both yellow jackets and hornets are beneficial; they prey upon flies, caterpillars and other insects. Unfortunately they can be a potential health hazard to people allergic to their stings and simply painful to others who are not allergic. If colonies are constructed in out-of-the-way locations, they should be left alone because they do help to manage other pestilent insects. If however, the colonies are growing in areas where there is a danger of human interaction, they should be removed. Yellow jackets can be easily controlled with a ready-to-use powder formulation of carbaryl (Sevin) that is placed or puffed into the colony entrance. Hornets can be easily managed using one of the several insecticidal aerosol products specifically designed for this purpose. Use extreme caution around the colonies and follow all product directions.
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WINDSHIELD WIPES
BYGLers ran into several other arthropods this week including:
* Dave Shetlar noted that the recent hot weather is magnifying damage symptoms of SPRUCE SPIDER MITE (Oligonychus ununguis) on many conifers, particularly true firs. The feeding damage actually occurred last fall or this spring. This cool season mite is currently in the summer egg stage. The eggs will hatch this fall, so trees showing heavy damage now should be closely monitored for the next crop of mites.
*BYGLers discussed the occasional occurrence of WHITE GRUBS in mulch. Homeowners who find these grubs often erroneously conclude that their lawn is also infested. Dave indicated that BUMBLE FLOWER BEETLE (Euphoria inda) grubs are often the white grub culprits found in mulch. The grubs feed on decaying organic matter and may also be found in compost piles.
*The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) recently announced that EMERALD ASH BORER was detected in Franklin County, northeast of Columbus. ODA officials have quarantined Blendon Township and are working to determine the extent of the infestation. The infestation was discovered in a residential area near Sunbury and Steltzer roads after a local resident reported dying ash trees. The origin of infestation is unknown but likely resulted from the movement of firewood, ash tree nursery stock, ash logs, or other ash tree materials.
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DISEASE DIGEST
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TOMATO TRIBULATIONS
One of the most common foliar diseases of tomato is EARLY BLIGHT caused by the fungal pathogen Alternaria solani. Its name is somewhat misleading because this fungus just doesn't infect early Fall or Spring, but anytime during the growing season. This disease results in very identifiable and unique leaf lesions. Leaf lesions often develop first on the older leaves located nearest the soil. Using a hand lens, early blight spots are fairly easy to distinguish from other diseases due to their characteristic concentric rings of infection or target-like appearance.
These leaf spots may be irregular, brown and vary in size. Often, several lesions coalesce, causing the leaf to turn yellow, dry up, and fall off the plant. This defoliation usually begins at the plant base and works upward, creating a palm tree type of appearance. Additionally, the lack of foliage overexposes the ripening fruit to the sun resulting in sunscald injury. The lack of foliage can drastically reduce both fruit quality and quantity. Although early blight is primarily a foliar disease, those same lesions with their characteristic concentric rings, may develop on both stems and fruit.
This fungus may overwinter on plant debris, seeds, or on weeds in the Nightshade family like horsenettle or black nightshade. Splashing rain, running water, and moving machinery can spread the fungus in the field. Disease development is favored by abundant rainfall, high relative humidity and warm temperatures.
Good garden sanitation can reduce the amount of inoculum available for infection the following year. In the fall, clean up tomato plots by removing the dead plants or bury tomato debris by deep-plowing. Try to avoid planting tomatoes in the same area of the garden year after year. Start transplants by using clean, new seeds or purchase healthy transplants in the spring. This disease may be managed using fungicides which contain the active ingredient- Chlorothalonil. For the best results, applications should begin as soon as symptoms first appear, typically around the time when the fruit are about the size of small grapes. Applications should be made every 7 to 10 days, depending upon label instructions; however, severely infested plants are not likely to be rescued by fungicide treatments.
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THE MOIST CHAMBER
Nancy Taylor reported receiving a sample of Leucothoe with round brown spots scattered across the leaves of the sample. Nancy determined the spots were caused by a species of PHYLLOSTICTA. She was also intrigued to find the presence of PESTALOTIA in those leaf lesions.
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TURF TIPS
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BUZZ-BOMBING BEETLES
BYGLers reported that GREEN JUNE BEETLES (Cotinis nitida) have begun their annual terrorizing of backyard gardeners, golfers, sunbathers, small pets, etc., as they buzz golf courses and lawns in Ohio. The beetle is generally associated with southern states and southern counties in Ohio; however, Dave Shetlar noted that beetles are appearing this year in Tuscarawas County (NE Ohio), and a specimen in the OSU Entomology collection was gathered in Cleveland in 1920.
The large, metallic green beetles tend to emerge en masse. Their large size, coupled with an audible "buzzing" sound, and low level flight plan (cruising at about 2-3' above the ground) may induce mild panic in individuals unfamiliar with this insect. Indeed, BYGLers noted they are being misidentified as "giant Japanese beetles," or "large bodied wasps". Adults feed on tree leaves as skeletonizers, or they may be found on ripening fruit. They rarely cause significant leaf injury; however, they may seriously damage fruits.
The beetles seek turfgrass with high levels of organic matter (e.g. thatch) in which to lay eggs. It has been speculated that this attraction to decomposing organic matter explains why large numbers of adults will assail certain lawns, while ignoring neighboring lawns. Unlike other Scarab beetle larvae found in turfgrass, green June beetle grubs burrow 10-12" into the soil, and remain closely associated with these burrows. They feed at night on thatch and other organic matter. Despite their large size, green June beetle larvae seldom cause injury to turf equal to that caused by Japanese beetles or masked chafers.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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WHITE PINE WEEVIL WOES
Joe Boggs reported that WHITE PINE WEEVIL (Pissodes strobe) was the hottest topic at the Ohio Christmas Tree Association's (OCTA) Summer Meeting held this past Friday and Saturday at Saums' Family Farm near Lancaster, Ohio. This weevil may be found on many of the conifers important to the Christmas tree and nursery industries including: white and scotch pine; all spruces; and Douglas-fir. The weevil rarely attacks true firs.
The white, grub-like weevil larvae may be found on the main leader where they feed beneath the bark on phloem tissue. Currently, their feeding damage is causing leaders of white pine and Douglas-fir to turn reddish-orange. Dave Shetlar observed that symptoms on blue spruce seem to be lagging behind in central Ohio with leaders just now becoming yellow. He suspects that the tell-tale reddish-orange coloration may not become noticeable until after the weevils complete their development and emerge later in the season. This is important because the growers must focus now on reducing weevil populations by removing infested terminals.
Joe indicated that information presented at the OCTA meeting focused primarily upon the most effective approach to managing the weevil by making spring applications of insecticides prior to oviposition. At least two applications are recommended targeting the main leader. Timing of these applications is critical. The first application should be made when forsythia is in full bloom and again three weeks later. Joe noted that several growers who are using forsythia to time their applications reported very good success with controlling the weevil.
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OH, GNATS!
Charles Behnke reported that during greenhouse scouting, he had noticed FUNGUS GNATS (Sciara spp.) are already becoming a problem in poinsettia propagation houses. These tiny flies reproduce in decaying organic matter. The maggots will also feed on cuttings, root hairs and feeder roots. Leaf litter and overly wet potting mixes make an ideal breeding ground. In the greenhouse, reproduction takes place throughout the year and all stages of the life cycle are usually present at the same time.
Monitor fungus gnat populations with yellow sticky cards. If cuttings fail to root, remove them and check the base for the tiny white larva (maggot). Sanitation is the best means of control. Throw out infested plants and media, and remove plant debris. Manage moisture levels by checking for proper drainage, correct water leaks and avoid overwatering.
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NW OHIO SAWMILL REOPENS AND READY TO PROCESS ASH MATERIAL
Crook-Miller Co., a sawmill in Defiance County, is back in business. This NW Ohio sawmill is once again processing logs after a nearly one year shutdown because the emerald ash borer quarantine made it difficult to get the logs it needed. A recent article published in the Toledo Blade stated the company has an arrangement (compliance agreement) with federal and state agencies allowing them to bring logs from Michigan and Indiana into Ohio's quarantined area where is located. The logs are to be processed within 96 hours. The article also mentioned that the company made an investment on new machinery that will help grind the wood to such a small size that the adult borer and larvae would be destroyed.
For additional information on ash compliance agreements, contact ODA at 888-OHIO-EAB.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
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NEW OTF SEMINAR
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) and The Ohio State University are offering a new seminar entitled, "Turf Problems and Solutions for Where You Live, Work and Play!" at a new location, The Golf Center at Kings Island, Cincinnati, Ohio on Tuesday, July 25,2006. Concurrent sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Registration is at 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. (breakfast included).
Three tracks are offered covering Golf Course Maintenance, Sports Turf, and Lawn & Grounds. Earn 0.25 GCSAA education points and up to 1.5 hours of Commercial ODA pesticide re-certification credits. Registration is free for OTF members and $25 for non-members (registration is limited). The registration form can be printed from the following on-line web address:
http://www.ohioturfgrass.org/pdf/2006RegistrationFax.pdf.
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JULY DIAGNOSTIC WALKABOUT
July Diagnostic Walkabout on the Northcoast is Monday, July 31 at 7:30 a.m. in the Cleveland/North Olmsted area. OSU Extension Educators Tim Malinich and Charles Behnke (retired) will once again take a look at landscape and turf problems during these early morning walkabouts. Recertification credits available for category 8 and 6A. Call 216-429-8224 to request a registration flyer with more information.
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2006 NORTHWEST OHIO GREEN INDUSTRY SUMMER SESSION
The OSU Extension, Agricultural Business Enhancement (ABE) Center; OSU Extension, Lucas County; Owens Community College; and the Green Industry Educational Committee joined forces to sponsor this all-day educational event to be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2006, at Owens Community College in Toledo. Attendees will hear the latest researched-based industry information, and have the opportunity to receive ODA, ISA, and ONLA re-certification credits.
The program will offer several training tracks covering a wide range of educational topics including: planting techniques; principles of good pruning; tree I.D.; water garden basics; using Ohio native plants; pesticide updates; using beneficial insects; basic turfgrass management; turfgrass disease management; turfgrass insect management; and using a digital camera to capture plant problems for diagnosis. Plus, there will be sessions on Workman's Compensation and other business issues. For more information, contact the OSU Extension, ABE Center office at (419) 354-6916, or visit:
http://abe.osu.edu/COMMERCIAL/Info/index.html
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BYGLIVE! IN CINCINNATI
The 5th 2006 BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About in Cincinnati will be held on Monday, August 7, at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Participants will walk-about from 12:00 - 3:00 pm. with our hosts Steve Foltz (Director of Horticulture), Brian Jorg (Horticulture Manager), and others looking at plants, plant pests and diseases, animals, and other points of considerable interest.
Don't miss the annual plants trial and demonstration gardens jointly sponsored by OSU Extension, Hamilton County, the Cincinnati Flower Growers Association, and the Zoo! For more information on the Walk-About, contact Joe Boggs at: 513-946-8993.
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OHIO LAWN CARE OUTDOOR SUMMER SEMINAR
The Ohio Lawn Care Association (OLCA) is offering an outdoor summer seminar on Thursday, August 17, at the OTF Research and Education Facility, 2551, Carmack Road, Columbus, OH. This day-long training event will offer a range of practical educational topics that will earn ODA pesticide re-certification credits: CORE: 1/2 hr.; Category 8: 2 hrs.; Category 6a: 1/2 hr.
Training topics will include: the art of the service call (Mark Grunkemeyer, Buckeye Ecocare); billbug and chinch bug management (Dr. Dave Shetlar); broadleaf weed control strategies (Dr. Dave Gardner); new herbicide chemistry for grassy weed control (Dr. John Street); diagnostic skills for basic lawn management (Joe Rimelspach); landscape and ornamental insects (Barb Bloetscher and Joe Boggs); and a pesticide regulatory and enforcement update (Dr. Bill Pound). Plus, participants will have the opportunity to test-drive lawn maintenance equipment from many of the leading industry manufacturers! For more information, contact Kevin Thompson at 614-501-1100, ext. 3151, or visit the OLCA website "calendar" at http://www.ohiolawncare.org/calendar/calendar.html
TREE SURVIVAL SCHOOL for 2006 will be held on October 4, 5, and 6 in Bay Village, Cuyahoga county. Randy Zondag and Alan Siewert will teach this three-day school will teach this three-day school. Class limited to 35 participants. ISA credits available for certified arborists. For registration questions, call 440-225-7613.
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TREE SURVIVAL SCHOOL
Tree Survival Sschool for 2006 will be held on October 4, 5, and 6 in Bay Village, Cuyahoga county. Randy Zondag and Alan Siewert will teach this three-day school will teach this three-day school. Class limited to 35 participants. ISA credits available for certified arborists. For registration questions, call 440-225-7613.
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PESTICIDE LICENSE TRAINING SCHOOL
Pesticide License Training SCHOOL is scheduled for October 10, 2006 in Lorain County. This is a training session for those preparing to take the test in ornamental, turf or industrial vegetation. Put a hold on these dates, more information to follow.
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BYGLOSOPHY
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A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows. ~Doug Larson
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