Pam Bennett, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Dave Goerig, Tim Malinich, Jane Martin, Amy Stone, and Curtis Young
|
|
October 12, 2006
|
|
This is the twenty-eighth 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 October 10, 2006 conference included: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (Entomology/C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Center at Piketon/Hamilton); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Tim Malinich (Lorain); Dave Shetlar, (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Curtis Young (Allen); and Gary Gao (Delaware)..
Additional factsheet information on any of these articles may be found
through the OSU Factsheet Database (http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/)
|
WEATHER WATCH
|
This weather summary includes information from 4 OARDC weather stations across the buckeye state and includes data from October 1 - 11, 2006. The recent rainfall is supposed to be followed by cooler temperatures, and maybe even a few snowflakes.
| 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 |
65.2 |
48.8 |
------
|
NA |
0.80" |
------ |
| Hoytville |
NW |
71.4 |
45.1 |
57.5 |
55.9 |
0.80"
|
0.89" |
| Miami |
SW |
76.4 |
51.5 |
63.1 |
57.0 |
0.72" |
1.02"
|
| Jackson |
South |
74.8 |
46.6 |
59.5 |
57.1 |
1.01" |
0.88" |
Year-to-date precipitation comparisons (actual vs. normal) are as follows: Perry, 47.19" vs. NA ; Hoytville, 31.87" vs. 26.59"; Miami, 34.49" vs. 28.53"; and Jackson, 36.27" vs. 34.29".
For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, check out: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm .
|
|
HORT SHORTS
|
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. Asters (Aster spp.) are still holding strong in the gardens and fields of Ohio, showing off a variety of fall colors ranging from pinks, to purples to whites. There are over 600 species and cultivars of flowering plants in this diverse genus, many native to the Americas. The daisy-like flowers appear in late summer and can last for weeks. Some cultivars require mulching for winter protection in the garden. They can be used in the perennial border, rock gardens, woodlands and meadows. Some cultivars make good cut flowers. Favorite cultivars for perennial gardeners include A. xfrikarti 'Monch' (blue flowers) and A novi-angliae 'Alma Potshke' (stunning rose pink flowers).
*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. Viburnums (Viburnum spp.) are often forgotten landscape plants but have beautiful flowers, foliage, and fruits. V. xrhytidiphylloides 'Alleghany' for instance, has beautigul showy bright red fruit that matures to black and the native V. trilobum has bright red fruit clusters. On the OSU campus, in the Chadwick Arboretum, there is a brilliant showing of V. dilitatum 'Erie' with incredible red fruits. Viburnums generally are extremely adaptable and tolerant of harsh conditions.
|
|
HAIL DAMAGE WILL SHOW UP IN THE FUTURE
On October 5, a severe storm passed through central Ohio, accompanied by heavy rains, strong winds and, in some areas, hailstones. Some of which were fairly large, up to marble sized. Northwest Columbus suburban areas were hit hard by the hail. Cars were damaged by hail stones, dimpling metal and destroying paint finishes. Windows were broken and vinyl siding had holes punched through it. Plants were also damaged by the hail. The obvious damage was the shredding of leaves on trees, shrubs, and perennials. Fortunately, this damage has little significance to the health of the plant; however, damage that may not be obvious may exist on the limbs, branches and stems on trees and shrubs. The living tissues under the bark on these structures may have been damaged, bruised, or killed by the hail. The symptoms of these impacts might show up in the future. Elliptical "cankers" may appear where the stones hit the bark. These could be mistaken for disease symptoms, when in reality they are wounds from the hail stone strikes. Similar wounds can be observed on trees on golf courses caused by golf ball strikes. Keep this potential reason for "canker" symptom in mind for future plant problem diagnostics.
 
|
|
CLEANUP IN AISLE ONE
This week, BYGLers were treated to inquiries from consumers wanting to know just how much more bloom they could expect from landscape plants this fall. Possible snowfall expected this week will certainly end the season for most of the perennials and annuals. Plants in protected locations, or those tolerant of cold weather, such as chrysanthemums or flowering kale and cabbage, will still be effective in the landscape for some time.
When is the proper time to cut back perennials and pull out annuals? Removing foliage too early can stimulate new growth that will ultimately die after future freezes. Many plants differ in their ability to tolerate low temperatures; however, if the foliage has begun to decline, the plant is shutting down and should be cut at the earliest convenience.
Leaving yard and landscape trash in the gardens can provide shelter and food for rodents, such as voles, that will feast on succulent crowns of prized perennials. Additionally, insect and disease problems that may have plagued the planting this past season will return if allowed to overwinter in infested plant materials. Deep plowing or digging to cover plant material with soil is practical in vegetable production, but in the landscape or small garden the trash should be removed from the property or shredded and added to a well-managed compost pile.
The compost pile should be monitored and managed to encourage rapid decomposition at elevated temperatures. This will aid in pasteurizing the compost, reducing the chance that pest problems will be spread to next year's garden.
|
|
BUG BYTES
|
EAB FOUND IN LORAIN AND MEDINA COUNTIES
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced Wednesday, October 11, the expansion of the state's EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) quarantine to include Lorain and Medina counties. While examining detection trees across the state, an ODA surveyor discovered an infested ash tree in Lorain County on the Ohio Turnpike near the Cuyahoga County line and in Medina County, just south of U.S Route 224 on Interstate 71. As a result, Lorain and Medina counties are now entirely quarantined to stop the continued spread of the pest through potentially infested materials.
A complete list of Ohio quarantined counties include: Auglaize, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Franklin, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Lorain, Lucas, Marion, Medina, Miami, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Warren, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot Counties.
Additional information about the quarantine can be found on the ODA website at http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab/ or by contacting the hotline at 888-OHIO-EAB.
|
|
BAGWORMS CONTINUE TO BAG PLANTS
Participants at last week's 60th Ohio Plant Diagnostic Workshop were amazed to find late-instar bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) actively feeding and moving about on trees in Wooster, OH. Many thought this season's bagworm plague had already drawn to a close in Ohio, however, the appearance of these "late-bloomers" was predicted in BYGL reports made in mid-August.
At that time, early-instar bagworms were found among mature caterpillars in many areas of the state. The late-developers found in Wooster simply represent the final stages of those more youthful caterpillars observed earlier this season. They do not represent a second generation. Indeed, all of the active caterpillars found during the workshop were late-instars. Participants also observed a male moth mating with a female, as well as bags containing mated dead females full of overwintering eggs.
Workshop participants also observed a parasitoid wasp decimating a population of bagworms on a tricolor beech. The observation of bagworms on beech illustrates the wide range of plants, numbering over 130 species, upon which bagworms will feed. The observation of the parasitoid illustrates that beneficial insects feed upon bagworms!
The wasp was identified as Itoplectis conquisitor (Family Ichneumonidae). While the wasp may be having a significant impact on the Wooster bagworms, it is a generalist and will also target several other caterpillars. This makes the wasp a less dependable ally in suppressing bagworms. Fortunately, there are many other parasitoids, as well as predators, that feast upon bagworms. Collectively, they can have a significant impact on reducing bagworm populations.
Photo: cd0006-388 horizontal
More information: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2149.html
More information: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2149.htmlKeyword search: bagworm
|
|
CHARLOTTE'S BALLOONISTS WEBBING THE WORLD
Curtis Young reported masses of silk floating through the air. The silk is the product of thousands of dispersing SPIDERLINGS. These spiderlings spread across the landscape by climbing to a height on any object then spinning a long silken thread. Eventually the drag of air currents on the lengthening thread becomes strong enough to lift the spiderlings into the air, carrying them to new locations. Sometimes these locations may only be a few feet from the original site and sometimes it is miles away. The silk can be found wrapped around numerous objects, such as tree branches, sign posts, porch railings, car antennae, faces of unsuspecting pedestrians, and many other objects. In some areas, the numbers of spiderlings has been so intense that entire football fields were covered with a silken sheet of migrating spiderling threads. No damage is produced by the presence of the silk or spiderlings, therefore no management is necessary.
More Information: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Pests/gardspid.htm
http://www.americanarachnology.org/JoA_free/JoA_v11_n2/JoA_v11_p283.pdf
|
|
CRANE FLY CLOUDS
Crane fly adults usually appear in Ohio landscapes during two peak periods. Some species emerge as adults in the spring and others in the fall. Joe Boggs reported encountering one of these mass emergences of adult crane flies this past week in his own yard. As Joe mowed his lawn, he herded numerous large crane flies across the lawn to the area of his last pass, at which time the flock of crane flies billowed up from the turf and swarmed around him. Those of fainter heart may have been distressed by such an occurrence, but Joe persevered. Crane flies look like extra large mosquitoes, but fortunately they do not possess the mouth parts to bite or suck blood. Some larvae of crane flies, called leatherjackets, develop in the soil beneath the turf. Most species of crane fly larvae feed on organic materials in the soil and thatch layer, especially in moist to wet areas in the yard. Some species feed directly on living grass plants (blades and crowns) and are of concern. These are the European crane flies (Tipula palodusa), however they have not been identified in Ohio at this time.
Photo: cd1699-06.jpeg horizontal
More Information: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/cranefly/ http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Aug05/crane.flies.invade.ssl.html
Keyword Search: Crane fly
|
|
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
|
THE LOSS OF A LEGEND
It is with great sadness and a tremendous sense of loss that we report the passing of a legend. Dr. Alex Shigo died on October 7, 2006 from injuries sustained in a fall when walking to his office, the place where he penned so many of the books that changed the arboricultural industry, near his beloved summer cottage in New Hampshire. His books remain a testament to his tireless dedication to advancing our knowledge of trees.
Dr. Shigo was born in 1930 in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. He received his B.S. in biology from Waynesburg College, his M.S. in biology from West Virginia University, and his Ph.D. in plant pathology from WVU. His first position was with the U.S. Forest Service, where he eventually became Chief Scientist, from which he retired to launch his second career as the arborist's arborist.
His first assignment with the Forest Service was to learn about tree decay, so he began dissecting trees. His longitudinal dissections revealed that trees were not put together as the textbooks at the time described. His observations changed the way trees are now viewed, and the way arborists work with trees. His work propelled arboriculture out of the realm of myths and guesswork and into the arena of hard science.
Dr. Shigo is deservedly called the "Father of Modern Arboriculture." He always signed his books with "Touch Trees." He helped us all to touch trees, and in turn, he touched all of us.
|
|
FACTS ABOUT FIREWOOD
Recent expansions of the emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine has caused people to ask questions about firewood, and what they can and cannot do.
It is illegal to move all non-coniferous firewood out of Ohio's quarantined areas (see list of current quarantined counties in the EAB article). Other regulated items include: ash trees, ash logs, ash branches, ash wood chips, and ash bark. Firewood and the above mentioned materials can be moved within, but cannot be moved from a quarantined area (Ohio Revised Code, 901:5-56-03).
What is considered firewood? Firewood is considered anything less than 4long, and the quarantine includes all hardwood material. All non-coniferous firewood is included in the regulations for several reasons:
- Small pieces of wood can sometimes be difficult to identify to species.
-Firewood is often sold as a mix rather than a single species.
-The message of not moving firewood is broader than EAB. Federal agencies such as the United States Department of Agricultures Forest Service and Animal Plant Health Inspection Service are promoting the concept of buying firewood locally, thus cutting back on the potential movement of both native and exotic pests from one area to another.
Violators of the EAB quarantine face fines up to $4,000. Firewood dealers, businesses, or woodlot owners interested in marketing and transporting ash trees or firewood out of quarantined areas can do so only with a department-approved compliance agreement. For more information on EAB, compliance information, or for the latest quarantine map, go to http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/eab, or call 1-888-OHIO-EAB.
|
|
COMING ATTRACTIONS
|
MARK YOUR CALENDARS -- OCTOBER EAB EVENTS
There seems to be a correlation: the more EAB is detected here in Ohio, the more workshops, in-services, and programs are being scheduled across the Buckeye State.
* October 17, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason (Warren County), EAB WORKSHOP FOR INDUSTRY AND MUNICIPALITIES. Contact ODA for additional information at 888-OHIO-EAB.
* October 17, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason (Warren County), EAB WORKSHOP FOR THE HOMEOWNER AND WOODLOT OWNER. Contact ODA for additional information at 888-OHIO-EAB.
* October 25, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, OSU Extension Office in Seneca County, 3140 South SR 100, Suite E, Tiffin (Seneca County), EAB WORKSHOP. Contact ODA for additional information at 888-OHIO-EAB, or Ed Lentz in Seneca County at (419) 447-9722, or lentz.38@osu.edu .
|
|
FROM TREELAWN TO TIMBER
October 30, 12:30 - 4:00 pm, Bellevue (Sandusky County), "FROM TREELAWN TO TIMBER - TURNING COMMUNITY WOOD WASTE INTO A COMMUNITY ASSET" Registration fee, $5.00. For registration materials or questions, contact Mark Koenig in Sandusky County at (419) 334-6340, or koenig55@postoffice.ag.ohio-state.edu
|
|
BYGLOSOPHY
|
" The love for all living creatures is the noblest attribute of man."
-Charles Darwin
|
|
