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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September 19, 2006
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This is the Twenty-fifth 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 September 21, 2006 conference included: Barb Bloetscher (Entomology/C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Center at Piketon/Hamilton); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Dennis Lewandowski (Plant Pathology); Tim Malinich (Lorain); Becky McCann (ABE Center); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); 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 September 1-September 19, 2006. Precipitation at each of the 4 stations is considered above normal for the month. Callers this week reported cooler temperatures and heavy dewfalls across the state.
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 |
71.4 |
57.4 |
------
|
NA |
2.69" |
------ |
| Hoytville |
NW |
75.2 |
54.8 |
63.9 |
66.2 |
2.52"
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1.79" |
| Miami |
SW |
78.4 |
59.4 |
68.0 |
67.2 |
3.36" |
1.37"
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| Jackson |
South |
75.8 |
55.3 |
64.4 |
67.5 |
4.44" |
1.91" |
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 PLANT OF THE WEEK. CREEPING LILY-TURF (Liriope spicata) is a stoloniferous, grass-like, evergreen perennial that performs well in Ohio landscapes. It can be planted in sun or shade. Lily-turf can withstand hot, dry locations. However, it will bloom best in areas that offer light shade with moist, fertile soil. The plant never grows higher than 18". This time of year, the dainty violet flowers are arranged on terminal racemes and are approximately 10-12" tall. As the flowers fade, a blue-black berry-like fruit takes their place on the stem. It is a common practice to mow this plant each spring to promote new growth. The most common use of lily-turf is as a ground cover. L. spicata 'Lilac Beauty' is a good flowering cultivar with lilac flowers held above the foliage.
*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. BUSH CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruiticosa) is our woody selection this week. The growth habit of bush cinquefoil is a very bushy shrub with upright and spreading stems that form a 4' tall and slightly larger spread, appearing as a rounded shape in landscape plantings. This plant produces perfect, 1" bright yellow, buttercup flowers that begin in June and continue until frost. Bush cinquefoil transplants well and is easy to grow in most soil types as long as it receives good light and water. It can be used in shrub borders, perennial borders, massing and foundation plantings. This hardy plant is available in most nurseries and garden centers and can be found in many cultivars too numerous to mention in this article.
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BUG BYTES
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COOL MITES RETURN
Dave Shetlar alerted BYGLers to the pending appearance of SPRUCE SPIDER MITES (Oligonychus ununguis). The mite spends the summer and winter months in the egg stage. As temperatures cool in the fall or warm in the spring, the eggs hatch making this a "cool-season" mite. Hosts include spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas-fir, true firs, and sometimes other conifers. The mites feed by rupturing individual cells of the host's foliage, producing characteristic tiny yellow spots or "stippling." As the stippling coalesces, foliage becomes bleached and eventually bronze-colored. Inner foliage is generally affected first.
Landscapers and nursery managers should be monitoring for this mite to avoid damage produced by fall populations. A "beating tray" is the most effective tool for discovering and assessing spruce spider mite populations. This tool can be a purchased piece of equipment, or simply a stick and an 8.5" x 11" tablet of white paper. Hold the white surface beneath the conifer foliage and strike the foliage several times with a stick or rod causing the mites to drop onto the white surface. Next, tilt and lightly tap the collection paper or tray to allow plant debris to fall off.
Look closely for small, slow-moving dots, not much bigger than the period at the end of this sentence. These are the spider mites. The faster moving dots are likely to be predaceous mites, the good guys that feed on the spider mites. A finger can be used to "mash and smear" the mites to further distinguish the good mites from the bad. Greenish-brown streaks are "pate de spruce spider mite."
Effective management efforts include washing (syringing) mites from the foliage using a heavy stream of water, applications of soaps and oils or applications of traditional miticides. Syringing will conserve predaceous mites, but may be a difficult endeavor on large trees. Soaps and oils are also kind to predators, but oils will wash away the blue color on Colorado blue spruce.
 
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REDBUDS FOLD
Joe Boggs reported observing localized heavy infestations of REDBUD LEAFFOLDER (Fascista cercerisella) on eastern redbuds in forests and landscapes in southwest Ohio. As the common name implies, caterpillars of this velvety black moth use heavy silk to form nests by stitching together leaf edges. The caterpillars feed within the nests as skeletonizers, consuming the leaf surface inside of the fold. The affected areas turn orange-brown which sharply contrasts with the normal dark green color of the foliage.
Early instar caterpillars are cream-colored and have no discernible markings. As the caterpillars mature, alternating thoracic and abdominal segments darken to produce a striking appearance of black and light-green bands running the length of the body. When disturbed, the caterpillars wiggle violently and drop from the nests. Two to three overlapping generations occur per season in Ohio with 2nd and 3rd generation nests containing caterpillars in various stages of development. Populations tend to build with each generation. The moth spends the winter as pupae in debris and fallen leaves beneath infested trees.
Insecticidal applications are not generally recommended for managing this insect in Ohio landscapes. Populations tend to rise and fall naturally from year to year. Also, most of the damage is produced by final generation caterpillars which occur late in the season. Consequently, the leaffolder has a limited impact on the overall health of the tree even during localized population outbreaks. Where practical, populations can be reduced by pinching nests to kill caterpillars, and by raking and destroying fallen leaves to reduce the number of overwintering moth pupae.
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SADDLEBACK SADDLED WITH A PARASITOID
In last week's BYGL (2006-24, 9/14/06), we described a painful encounter between a landscaper and a stinging SADDLEBACK CATERPILLAR (Sobine stimulea). This week, Joe Boggs reported the offending caterpillar ultimately suffered its own malfeasance at the "hands" of a parasitoid. Joe had accepted the caterpillar with the hope of eventually photographing the pupal and moth stages. However, his photo-desires were crushed when after a few days; he observed his photo-model "sprouting" numerous light yellow parasitoid wasp cocoons!
The report prompted a brief discussion on the differences between a predator, parasite, and parasitoid. Understanding the differences is important to understanding how these biological controls work. Predators kill their prey by consuming them from the outside. Lions, spiders and lady beetles are good examples of predatory animals. Parasites seldom directly kill their hosts, whether they feed on the inside or outside. Indeed, the definition of a "successful parasite" is one that does not kill its host. Tapeworms, fleas, mosquitoes and ticks are good examples of parasites. True, parasites may impart pathogens that kill their hosts; however, the parasite does not do the killing.
Parasitoids feed inside their host, and they kill their host. The movie "Alien" provided a good example of a fictional human parasitoid. The wasp afflicting Joe's saddleback caterpillar provided a good example of a real-life insect parasitoid. The feeding by a parasitoid is less obvious than a predator, but the outcome is equally dramatic. Both are killers. Parasitoids simply take longer to kill their host, and they may only become obvious after their work is done. Close observation is the key to maximizing the impact of parasitoids. Caterpillars sprouting parasitoid cocoons should not be killed since they are the "walking dead," and their demise will unleash the parasitoids upon more caterpillars...to the joy of pest managers and the chagrin of insect photographers!
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LADY BEETLE MAY BE DOWN
The MULTICOLORED ASIAN LADY BEETLE (MALB) (Harmonia axyridis) may not be as abundant this year as it was last year. One of the contributing factors to the size of this lady beetle's population is the availability of prey species on which it feeds. MALB does very well when there are lots of aphids. These aphids could be tree and shrub infesting or more recently, field crop infesting. Since 2001 in the heavy crop producing areas of Ohio, soybean producers have been contending with a newly introduced species of aphid, the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines). The soybean aphid has been going through population explosions on an every other year cycle in Ohio. Huge populations were recorded in 2001, 2003 and 2005. During the alternate years, populations were low to nearly non-existent.
MALB population explosions have been closely following those of the soybean aphid. In 2006, soybean aphid populations were very low. High populations of other aphids were also not observed in landscapes or forest environments. As a result, it is expected that the MALB populations are going to be low. It will soon be fairly apparent if this is incorrect, after this cold spell that is expected in the next couple of days, if it warms up again shortly afterwards, MALB will be expected to move to overwintering shelters. Be on the lookout for this unwelcome visitor in the next week or two.
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*BAGWORM UPDATE
Seemingly enchanted by the bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis), Curtis Young once again reported on the latest developments of this insect. It appears that the vast majority of the bagworms have done the following: completed their feeding; tied off their bags to twigs, stems, trunks, telephone poles, gas meters and anything else to which they were close; pupated; males have emerged as the adult moth; some mating has occurred; a few females have already laid their clutches of eggs. Since the egg stage is the stage in which the bagworm overwinters, they are just about done with all of their activity for this year!
*BEAN LEAF BEETLES MOVING IN TOWN. Curtis Young also reported observing large numbers of bean leaf beetles (Cerotoma trifurcate) flying around in towns and villages. Bean leaf beetle is a common soybean and snap bean pest. It overwinters as an adult beetle away from the bean fields where it had been active during the spring and summer. The beetle comes in two color phases, yellow-green and red, and two spotting patterns, 4 black spots and no black spots, however all have a small black triangle just behind the prothorax. Thus, in areas where soybean production occurs, be on the lookout for migrating bean leaf beetles.
*EUROPEAN PAPER WASP DOES AN ABOUT FACE. Dave Shetlar reported that he has noticed a conspicuous absence of the European paper wasp (Polistes dominulus) in the landscape. While checking out blooming goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) to see what might be feeding on the pollen and nectar of the flowers, Dave was surprised to see very few European paper wasps and numerous native paper wasps. Other BYGLers agreed that they too had not seen much of the European paper wasp this year. What has caused the decline in their numbers is not know at this time.
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DISEASE DIGEST
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PANSY ROOT AND CROWN ROTS NOW APPEARING
Dave Dyke noted that he is now starting to see pansy root and crown rots appearing in pansy crops, which is all too normal at this time of the year. This indicates that growers need to be carefully monitoring their crops for proper growing conditions and disease symptoms.
Four fungi, PYTHIUM, PHYTOPHTHORA, RHIZOCTONIA, and THIELAVIOPSIS are responsible for most of the damage to potted plants in greenhouse production. It is important to determine which of these fungi is responsible for the root rot, since cultural and chemical controls will vary for these organisms.
Pythium and Phytophthora fungi (actually pseudo fungi) are present in most non-treated soils. They may also be found in washed sand and in certain peats. Pythium and Phytophthora are sometimes referred to as water-molds because they produce motile spores that disperse or "swim" in water. Pythium and Phytophthora root rot often occur in saturated or poorly draining potting material and suboptimal temperatures for plant growth. Disease severity may also be increased by excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Most potted flowering plants are susceptible to root rots caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The fungus is present in most non-steamed or non-fumigated soils. The fungus can be easily identified microscopically by the characteristic right-angle branching of the fungal strands (hyphae). The organism is easily transmitted from one location to another in soil, contaminated pots or equipment and is capable of causing a root, crown and even aerial blight.
BLACK ROOT ROT is caused by a soilborne fungus, Thielaviopsis basicola, which damages a number of bedding plants. The fungus may be introduced into the greenhouse on transplants, contaminated pots and tools or in non-treated field soils and certain peat moss. The fungus produces bead-like chains of spores called endoconidia that are easily seen with a microscope. These spores are easily splashed from one pot to the next and may also be moved by insects including shore flies and fungus gnats.
There are many factors that can lead to the development of these diseases, including: nutritional imbalances, improper temperatures, contaminated soils and containers, contaminated water, pH levels above 5.5-6.0, excess of ammonia nitrogen, and improper watering. For more information on these diseases, including control measures, please refer to "Root Rot Diseases of Flowering Potted Plants," Kansas State University at: http://www.oznet.k-state.edu/path-ext/factSheets/Ornamentals/Root%20Rot%20Diseases%20of%20Flowering%20Plants.asp.
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POWDERY MILDEWS
[Guest writer Dennis Lewandowski (OSU Plant Pathology) provided the following report]. Powdery mildews have been severe on certain plants in the landscape this year, including some viburnum and garden phlox cultivars. With the cooler temperatures of late, we are also seeing a number of perennials infected with powdery mildew, including columbine, monarda and Jacobs ladder. Powdery mildew is also beginning to infect the younger leaves of certain rose cultivars.
As the name suggests, the typical symptom of powdery mildew is a white or grayish-white powder on the upper leaf surface. In severe infections, the leaves can be almost entirely white due the fungus. Certain powdery mildews, such as those infecting roses and lilacs are host specific. Other powdery mildew fungi have a wide host range that extends to many ornamental species of shrubs and perennials.
To minimize the incidence of powdery mildew, plant resistant cultivars if they are available. Avoid overhead irrigation and water early in the day to avoid prolonged periods of moisture on the leaves. Avoid planting susceptible plants in shady locations or in areas that lack good air circulation. Sanitation is a key to reducing the incidence of powdery mildew the next season. Remove plant debris under infected plants that contain inoculum that can over winter on dead leaves.
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TURF TIPS
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TURF GONE CRAZY
Cooler temperatures and frequent rainfalls have stimulated rampant growth of turfgrass roots and shoots. This rapid growth has greened lawns and turfgrass areas that were brown and pitiful a month ago. Turfgrass managers need to remember to continue mowing frequently, so that only 1/3 of the leaf blade is removed at one time. This may require 2-3 mowings per week if the turfgrass is actively growing.
Other points to remember are to apply a fertilizer containing 30% nitrogen in September and again in late October-early November. Watch for rust disease, and remove leaves and other debris as it lands on the grass to avoid yellowing and slime mold. Areas that have not recovered should be examined to determine the problem so that it can be corrected this fall.
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4-LEGGED GRUB DIGGERS!
Dave Shetlar reported that raccoons and skunks have found areas of turfgrass containing medium to high populations of annual grubs. Classic signs of raccoon activity are areas where the turfgrass has been peeled back like a rug. Rude and hasty raccoons usually do not roll the turfgrass back in place after they have finished munching all the grubs. Skunks tear the turfgrass into bits and pieces in their quest to find grubs.
So how does one control these pesky critters? Other than taking target practice on the critters, the legal option is to spread Dylox/Proxol in areas where high populations of grubs are found. This controls the grub population. Remember that surveying for grubs involves examining areas that wilt quickly. Grasp the turfgrass near the stems and pull up, as if peeling it away from the ground. If the turfgrass and root zone peels easily, white C-shaped grubs will be seen lying on the surface of the soil. If the turfgrass has been wilting on sunny days, water to keep the remaining roots alive and treat if desired. Grub feeding may continue another month, depending upon daytime temperatures. Frosts and cold temperatures will force the grubs to dig deeper into the soil for the winter.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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FALL WEED CONTROL
Fall weed control was on Randy Zondag's mind as dropping temperatures and adequate soil moisture spurred the germination of winter annuals in the nursery. Many of the grassy weeds have already germinated and the broadleaf weeds will not be far behind. However, wet field conditions have prohibited early treatment in many areas leaving only a few options for control of these fall germinating weeds.
If the fields are currently clean, Randy recommended a split application (once now and again early next season) of a broadleaf pre-emergent. If the weeds are already germinated, as in the case of the grasses, a burn-down herbicide is recommended; systemic herbicides may not be as effective on young grassy weeds at this time. One final caution, the quick fix of mowing weeds can lead to more problems in the future - many weed seeds continue to develop into viable seed even after being cut from the plant.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
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EAB WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED
Members of Ohio's Emerald Ash Borer Task Force invite citizens, municipalities, and green industry representatives to join them in workshops regarding the EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB), and recent discoveries in Delaware, Franklin, Miami, and Wyandot counties.
In each county, experts will provide information about the invasive insect, backyard detection, quarantine issues, and local woodlot and landscape options. Area residents can plan to attend:
Delaware/Franklin Counties and Surrounding Area:
--General public: Tuesday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Westerville Community Center, 350 North Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, Ohio
--Green industry: Tuesday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Westerville Community Center, 350 North Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, Ohio
Miami County and Surrounding Area:
--General public: Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Piqua City Parks, Fountain Park Dining Hall near the corner of Forest Avenue and Echo Lake Drive, Piqua, Ohio
--Green industry: Thursday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Piqua City Parks, Fountain Park Dining Hall near the corner of Forest Avenue and Echo Lake Drive, Piqua, Ohio
Businesses dealing with trees or tree products planning to attend the specialized industry workshops are asked to pre-register (1-888-OHIO-EAB) to help ensure adequate material and supplies. Questions can be directed to the Ohio Department of Agriculture (1-88-OHIO-EAB) or the local hosting Extension office.
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OSU/ONLA NURSERY LANDSCAPE RESEARCH DAY
This outstanding program is presented by The Ohio State University and the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association. It will be held October 3, 2006 at the Wittmeyer Conference Room, OSU Waterman Farm, 2490 Carmack Road Columbus, Ohio.
Please RSVP by September 25, 2006. There is a $10 registration (lunch) fee. Pre-registration is required. Please fax or mail RSVP & payment to Cheryl Cuthbert, 256D Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Ct, Columbus, OH 43210 (Fax: 614-292-3505). Payment: Cash, check, or 100W forms, and please make checks payable to "The Ohio State University." Please send questions to: cuthbert.9@osu.edu or 614-247-4353.
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TREE SURVIVAL SCHOOL
This is a cooperative program with OSU Extension and Associated Industries. The three-day program occurs on October 4-6, 2006, at Community House, 303 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, OH. Instructors include the dynamic-duo of Alan Siewert (ODNR) and Randy Zondag (OSU).
The school will be helpful to anyone who purchases, plants or cares for trees in a commercial or public landscape. The three days are divided between classroom and hands-on outdoor learning experiences. City service directors, tree commission members, cemetery workers, professional groundskeepers, and school groundskeepers are invited. Participants should to dress for the weather and bring proper pruning tools (pruning saw, hand pruners, pole pruners, pole saw) and eye protection. Participants will be making a nursery visit and planting a tree. The class is limited to 35 applicants. The class is worth 15 ISA Credits for Certified Arborists, and 1 hour ODA Pesticide License Credit. ONLA Credits, & ASLA Credits are applied for. If you have questions, call Alan Siewert at (440) 632-5299. For registration questions or directions call (440) 225-7613.
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60TH PLANT DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY
Thursday and Friday, October 5-6 marks the annual flagship 2-day Ohio Plant Diagnostic Workshop, held this year in Wooster, Ohio at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Secrest Arboretum and OSU Extension Center at Wooster.
Cost for the two day program is $50 or $30 for single day registration, either day. Various recertification credits are available. For more information, contact Sue Beasley at the OSU Extension Center at Wooster for registration details. Her information is: beasley.37@osu.edu (330) 263-3799 (FAX = 3667), Extension Center at Wooster, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691.
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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 or obtain ODA Recertification credit in ornamental, turf or industrial vegetation. For registration questions, call 440-225-7613.
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OCTOBER 11 TREE FORUM
The "Why Trees Matter" Community Tree Forum, featuring the "Environmental, Economic and Social Benefits and Impacts of Community Forests" will be held on October 11, 2006 at OSU's OARDC in Wooster. This forum is a program of the OSU Next STEP (Street Tree Evaluation Program), OSU's Secrest Arboretum, and the OSU's Extension Center at Wooster. "Why Trees Matter" is for all those interested in Ohio's community forests, including street tree commissions, mayors, arborists and urban foresters, utility companies, economic development and resource managers, nurserymen and landscapers, and all citizens of Ohio interested in the resource of trees in our urban and suburban areas.
For further information and registration materials for October 11, 2006 contact Sue Beasley at the OSU Extension Center at Wooster (beasley.37@osu.edu, 330-263-3799, fax = 330-263-3667, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691).
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BYGLOSOPHY
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"You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or squirrel of subversion or challenge the ideology of a violet." - Hal Borland
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