Pam Bennett, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Gary Gao, David Goerig, Tim Malinich, Amy Stone, and Curtis Young.
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April 05, 2007
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This is the First 2007 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 April 03, 2007 conference included: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (Entomology/C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (OSU Extension Center at Piketon/Hamilton-Clermont); Jim Chatfield (OSU Extension Center at Wooster/Hort and Crop Science); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Gary Gao (Delaware); Michael Loos (Cuyahoga); Tim Malinich (Lorain); Amy Stone (Lucas); and Curtis Young (Allen)..
Additional factsheet information on any of these articles may be found
through the OSU Factsheet Database (http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/)
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WEATHER WATCH
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This year brings a few new locations to the weatherwatch summary. Each week we will revisit each weather station and report the year-to-date and/or monthly totals. This week's summary includes data from January 1 - April 3, 2007.
| Weather Station |
Region of Ohio |
Ave. High Temp F |
Ave. Low Temp F |
Ave. Temp F |
Normal Ave. Temp F |
Total Precip " |
Normal Precip " |
| Ashtabula |
NE |
35.0 |
20.6 |
28.1 |
33.8 |
7.1" |
9.42" |
| Wooster |
NE |
33.0 |
17.8 |
25.7 |
35.1 |
5.36" |
12.19" |
| Hoytville |
NW |
37.0 |
20.0 |
28.9 |
34.3 |
NA |
9.21" |
| Delaware |
Central |
39.0 |
21.4 |
30.4 |
36.2 |
6.65" |
12.60" |
| South Car. |
SW |
41.6 |
27.6 |
34.5 |
37.2 |
5.36 |
12.19" |
| Jackson |
South |
46.4 |
25.5 |
36.3 |
39.3 |
8.76" |
14.38" |
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Is your area not included in this year's summary? Check out the website to find the nearest research station. 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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GDD (GROWING DEGREE DAYS)
GDD (GROWING DEGREE DAYS). GDD is a measure of the daily maximum and minimum temperature and directly relates to growth and development of plants and insects. The GDD of any zip code location in Ohio is estimated using the GDD of ten OARDC weather stations and is available on the web at the site below.
Normally at this time of the year, BYGL would include a listing of a multitude of locals from around the state to compare GDD accumulations to one another. However, the accuracy of GDD calculations are currently being affected by updates to the weather stations. Thus, the GDDs for many zip codes will not be accurate or have not been calculated on the web site. BYGL will keep watching the site for completion of these repairs and updates. Until this happens, the GDD comparisons will be omitted from this publication.
 
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PINING AWAY
During last year's BYGL there was an active discussion on the ultimate effect of the heavy rains and flooding on landscape plants in northern Ohio. The caution was that root loss brought about by saturated or flooded soils over the past season could lead to the decline of some plants, especially in poorly drained or heavy soils.
Tim Malinich reported that over the past few months, several samples, and in one case a fifteen foot tree (in pieces) were submitted to his office. In all cases the trees turned yellow and eventually brown over the warm wet winter months. No insect or disease problem was apparent, but in all cases the clients eventually reported that the trees were in areas that were frequently saturated or even flooded last year. Though no exact cause could be pinpointed, root decline due to saturated soil was the prime suspect. If this is any indicator, we may see more cases of water-related decline as the season rolls on.
This tree decline should not be confused with another common late winter complaint, browning of trees from salt spray. Pine and spruce needles exposed to road salt will partially or entirely brown out, leaving the appearance of a very unhappy tree. In this case, however, the damage is usually confined to one side of the tree - the side that faces the road.
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HAVE YOUR PLANTS BEEN HARDENED?
This is a question that consumers should be asking retailers, especially at this time of year when plants are subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations. Of course, retailers should be able to answer "yes" to this question. It is one more reason for homeowners and commercial landscapers to purchase locally grown plants.
The ability of annuals and vegetable plants to survive being transplanted into the cruel, cold world of outdoor survival after being tenderly nurtured in the warm cocoon of a greenhouse is enhanced by the process commonly called "hardening-off." Gradually introducing seedlings to outdoor growing conditions increases their food reserves, reduces the severity of transplant shock, and increases their ability to withstand light freezes and frosts. Even cabbage can succumb to a light freeze if it is planted directly from a greenhouse into an outdoor environment without proper hardening.
Containerized seedlings should be placed outdoors in an area that can be protected at least 7 to 10 days before being planted. If they had been grown in a relatively low light environment, they should be placed in a shaded area and be gradually exposed to longer periods of light each day. They should also be protected from strong winds - but exposed to moderate breezes, and be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Protection from temperatures below 40 degrees is also necessary. Good commercial growers will harden plants in a greenhouse by providing maximum ventilation, heating only when necessary to prevent them from freezing, and reducing watering or by moving them to outdoor beds, reducing watering, and providing necessary freeze protection.
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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. Early blooming TULIPS (Tulipa spp.) were getting ready to burst forth in central Ohio, but the predicted cooler weather may slow them down. There are around 100 species of tulips that can be used in the spring garden. Flower colors, heights, forms, and sizes vary and plants bloom from late winter to late spring. Many of the species tulips are great for naturalizing and come back reliably year after year. Plan your 2008 spring garden now by making note of areas in the garden that would look great with a show of spring color. The main drawback in having tulips in the garden is grazing deer. Tulips are to deer what chocolate is to some humans. If deer are a problem in the landscape, consider planting daffodils instead!
* WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. EASTERN REDBUD (Cercis canadensis) is an excellent native small to medium size tree for the landscape. The purplish-pink flowers have already opened in southern Ohio, and are just about ready to open in central Ohio. The heart-shaped leaves appear on zig-zagged stems after the blooms. The layered branching structure also adds ornamental value to the plant. Try the cultivars 'Forest Pansy' with its vivid purple leaves that soften during the growing season, or 'Lavendar Twist' that is a small weeping cultivar.
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BUG BYTES
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TENT CATS MEOW
Joe Boggs reported that the overwintered eggs of EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR (Malacosoma americanum) began hatching in southwest Ohio the weekend of March 24th, and eggs of FOREST TENT CATERPILLAR (M. disstria) began to hatch late last week. Forest tent caterpillars (FTC) will feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees including ash, sweetgum, oak, birch, cherry, aspen, elm, basswood, and sugar maple. Despite its common name, FTC constructs only rudimentary mat like silk nests on leaves or bark. The caterpillars congregate in colonies during early instar stages; however, later instars disperse from the colonies and become solitary feeders.
Forest tent caterpillars have short grayish-white hairs and a row of distinct white markings running down their backs. These markings have been variously described as looking like "foot prints," or as being "keyhole shaped." The markings are flanked by cobalt-blue lines running the length of the caterpillars' bodies.
Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) are also covered in short, grayish-white hairs; however, they have a distinct, unbroken white stripe down their backs. Unlike FTC, ETC is an accomplished and prolific tent-maker producing highly visible silk nests in the forks of branches. Joe noted tents are now becoming very evident. The caterpillars prefer to feed on trees in the family Rosaceae, particularly those in the genus Prunus, such as cherries. They also occasionally feed on ash, birch, maple, and oaks.
Both of these general defoliating caterpillars are capable of causing serious stress to their host trees. Leaves lost to caterpillar feeding this spring must be replaced using energy stored from last season. Small ETC nests and congregated FTC colonies can be eliminated digitally using five-fingered "smash and/or smear" techniques.
Less hands-on methods include applications of the naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), applied to early instar stages, as well as other insecticides listed for general caterpillar control in the OSU Extension Bulletin 504, "Insect and Mite Control on Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceous Perennials" http://ohioline.osu.edu/b504/index.html. The tiny cats may only meow now, but they will roar later in the season!
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EUROPEAN PINE SAWFLY
Overwintered European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) eggs began hatching in southwest Ohio this past weekend. The first instar larvae feed along the edges of needles, and are too small to consume entire needles. Look for clusters of curled, straw-colored needles on Scotch, mugo, red, jack, Table mountain, and Swiss mountain pine. White and Austrian pines are occasional hosts.
The sawfly larvae are caterpillar-like in appearance, and have bulbous, shiny-black head capsules. They feed in colonies which may include 10-20 larvae. First instars are mostly grayish-green, which makes them difficult to detect among the needles. Later instars develop faint grayish-white longitudinal stripes. As the larvae grow, they eventually consume entire needles. All larval instars feed in groups, or colonies, and can rapidly defoliate branches. There is one generation per year, so damage in Ohio is usually confined to last year's needles.
Most insecticides labeled for use on pines will control this sawfly. However, as with all sawflies, larvae will not be killed using products based on the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). An alternative approach to controlling localized populations is to simply knock the colonies onto the ground...and dispatch them using the "sawfly two-step dance."
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PAINTED HICKORY BORER
Joe also reported that painted hickory borer (Megacyllene caryae) beetles are beginning to emerge from fresh-cut firewood and logs in southwest Ohio. These are a type of long-horned beetle (family Cerembycidae), so named because of their extremely long antennae. The beetles are 3/4-7/8" long with reddish legs. Their tapering cylindrical black bodies are covered by yellow bands and other markings. The third band on the wings is distinctly W-shaped and colored in a lighter shade of yellow than the other markings. The beetles are excellent flyers, and their black and yellow color motif causes them to be occasionally mistaken for yellowjacket wasps.
The borers spend the winter in the pupal stage and emerge as adults in the spring. This helps to distinguish painted hickory borer from the closely related and similar looking LOCUST BORER (M. robiniae). Locust borers emerge in late summer to early fall, and are often observed feeding on the pollen of goldenrod blossoms. Locust borers also have two bands that are W-shaped.
Painted hickory borers will only infest wood that has recently died. For example, live trees that were felled and cut for firewood are susceptible to borer infestation during the first year after cutting. They will not infest older dead wood, so they present no threat to processed wood products (e.g. furniture, siding, decking, etc.). As their common name indicates, the beetles prefer to infest fresh cut hickory. However, they will also infest the wood of several other hardwoods including: oak; ash; walnut and butternut; hackberry; mulberry, Osage orange; honeylocust and black locust.
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CARPENTER BEES ARE BUZZING
Several BYGLers reported that overwintered carpenter bees are buzzing flowers, perspective nesting sites, and the occasional terrified homeowner. A number of solitary wood boring bees carry the carpenter bee name; however, the two most common species found in Ohio are Xylocopa virginica and X. micans. Both species are large and robust bees. They are similar in appearance to bumble bees (Bombus spp.), but the upper surface of their shiny black abdomen is devoid of hairs. A bumble bee's abdomen has a covering of yellow to yellowish-white hairs. Also, bumble bees practice totally different nesting habits.
As their common name implies, carpenter bees bore into wood. The females drill perfect 3/8-1/2" diameter holes into exposed softwood lumber, such as cedar, pine, and true fir (e.g. white fir). They largely avoid hardwood lumber. Once in the wood, the females turn 90 degrees and tunnel the length of the board for 6-10". They then lay eggs and pack pollen into these tunnels. Their tunneling activity can affect the structural integrity of the wood. The best way to avoid the problem is to protect the wood with an oil based or polyurethane paint, or replace with another less preferred species of wood.
Adult carpenter bees spend the winter in the tunnels, and they emerge to mate and lay eggs in the spring. This is where the "fun" begins. As the females busily work to dig and provision their tunnels, the males fly around aggressively buzzing all who venture near. Of course, it's just a ruse since the males lack stingers. Their bellicose attitude can be easily adjusted with a good tennis racket and well-aimed backhand shot! The bee-target practice will also improve your game.
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NOW IS NOT THE TIME!
People have finally discovered that many of their trees and shrubs have been damaged by BAGWORM (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis), or at least it seems that way based on the number of calls that have been received by Extension offices around the state. Bagworm did do extensive damage to numerous trees and shrubs in 2006 resulting in severe defoliation of both evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs and in some cases, even plant death. The bags from the 2006 populations as well as previous years' populations are being observed on these damaged plants.
Although the bagworm does overwinter in some of these bags as eggs, they are not currently susceptible to most management tactics. Those who are interested in handpicking all the bags off of infested plants can do so now, but chemical treatments are not recommended for another month and a half to two months from now depending on when egg hatch occurs. One may also want to cut some bags open to check on winter survival of eggs within the female bags. Winter temperatures might have gotten cold enough in February 2007 to kill the eggs, especially in northern Ohio. But don't get your hopes up too high for this to have happened. Curtis Young reported collecting several highly exposed bags from a shrub near his office and found more than 95% of the eggs still intact.
Watch for later reports in BYGL for egg hatch warnings and management recommendations when the time is appropriate.
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DISEASE DIGEST
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BLACKENED ARBORVITAE MYSTERY RETURNS
Jim Chatfield noted the return of the mysterious malady that causes spotty blackening of arborvitae foliage at Secrest Arboretum. Although there has been a hiatus from this problem in recent years, we still do not definitively know what causes this distinct blackening of the foliage. Quoting from the June 7, 2001 BYGL, the last report of this problem, "There are reports of this tar-like blackening each year and the cause is still uncertain in most cases. Foliar applications of nitrogen (including when spray lines are contaminated with fertilizer) are implicated in some cases, but do not seem involved in others. Winter injury, desiccation, and root decline problems are suggested in some cases, but overall this problem is still something of a mystery." After much discussion, what we can definitively state is that it is still a mystery and continues to baffle BYGLer's!
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FIRE BLIGHT COOKING?
BYGLers in southern Ohio reported that ornamental pears were in full bloom last week, and crabapples are beginning to bloom this week. They speculated that extremely warm temperatures coupled with occasional rain showers could provide ideal conditions for fire blight infections. Indeed, John Hartman (Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky) warned in last week's Kentucky Pest News (Number 1120, March 26, 2007) that environmental conditions this spring could be favorable for bacterial infection.
Here is a reprint of John's report titled "Fire Blight Alert:" "Flowering pears and flowering crabapples are in bloom in many parts of Kentucky. Many of these trees suffered from fire blight last year, so there is likely to be plenty of bacterial inoculum available this year. Primary infections of fire blight most often occur during mild weather when the trees are blooming. During the latter part of last week and projecting through the rest of this week, average temperatures have been and will be in the 60's F, which provides good conditions for fire blight bacterial growth and infection. For infection to occur this week, all that is needed is rain or heavy dew to wash the bacteria into the nectaries at the base of the flowers and set off an epidemic of fire blight. In many areas, rain is forecast almost every day this week, thus fire blight is a very likely occurrence in these flowering trees this season.
Nursery producers of flowering pears and crabapples may wish to choose to make preventive applications of streptomycin to prevent fire blight from disfiguring their young nursery stock, especially if the young trees are in bloom. Streptomycin for landscape trees is not suggested because fire blight rarely kills established landscape pears and crabapples and the effects of the blight are usually masked by new growth produced later in the spring. In addition, because streptomycin may have uses in human medicine there is a need to minimize potential exposure of antibiotic-resistant plant pathogens to human pathogens."
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TURF TIPS
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MOSS: A PROBLEM OR A PLEASURE?
Recent damp weather has provided excellent growing conditions for moss in lawns and gardens. For some, this is a problem while others like the appearance of moss, especially if it's located in a woodland garden. Moss grows best in an environment where the soil is compacted, soil fertility is low, there is poor drainage, and shade. If you wish to eliminate moss from the garden or lawn, correct as many of these environmental conditions as possible. Some moss species prefer an acidic soil pH, while others do better on alkaline soil. So, the old recommendation of applying lime will not correct all moss problems. If moss is desirable, one usually doesn't have to do much, especially if it's in a woodland setting.
There are products for moss control on the market but these are usually just "band aids" or temporary fixes. Once the environmental issues are managed, the moss will struggle to survive. The other important factor in managing moss is that by improving the above environmental conditions, turfgrass has a better opportunity to establish and grow.
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MOW MOW MOW YOUR LAWN
Higher temperatures, adequate soil moisture and longer days can only mean one thing, the race for the perfect lawn is on. As consumers and professionals gear up for months of mowing, they should take the time to start off on the right foot.
First, if the turf area has not had its soil tested in several years, take the time to have the soil tested now. No matter how good you think you are, it is impossible to adequately judge the nutritional needs of turf by a visual inspection. Thin or declining turf may be an indicator of other problems - applying more fertilizer is not always the correct solution.
Second, be sure to adequately service the lawnmower before the height of the mowing season: make sure blades are sharp and balanced; clean the underside of the mowing deck; properly service the engine; and, adjust the height of the cut to around 2 1/2 to 3 inches (a good height for strong, healthy turf). A properly maintained mower will leave a cleaner cut on the leaf blade and be less likely to bog down when faced with fast growing thick turf.
Third, make plans to mow as needed rather than by the calendar. One should only remove one third of the leaf blade at a time. Cutting off more than one third weakens the grass plant and stresses the turf. Fast growing turfgrass in the spring may require cutting as frequently as two or three times per week. Also, don't let wet weather get in the way of too many mowings - it is better to mow wet grass than to try to cut grass that has gotten out of hand.
Finally, as spring rolls in, damaged or dead areas will become more apparent. Repair them early in the season while moisture is readily available. Prepare the area by loosening up the soil and raking in turf seed. Be sure to select the same or similar turf mix as the original lawn. Planting a different type of grass can lead to a patchwork look to the lawn. Do not apply pre-emergent herbicides to newly seeded areas. They will inhibit germination of turf as easily as they do weed seed.
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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HANDY HELP - THE BACKPOCKET GARDENER
Coinciding with the arrival of Spring, gardeners began to seek answers to their perfect plant growing quest. Would you like some handy, useful information to provide answers to those tough questions from customers? Questions like: "How do I adjust soil pH?"; "Why don't my plants flower?"; "When do I divide perennials?"; "What fruits can I grow?"; and "What are major (macro-) and minor (micro-) nutrients?" Help with these questions can be as near as your pocket with the new BACKPOCKET GARDENER. The BackPocket Gardener is a new publication produced through the joint partnership between the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association and Ohio State University Extension Nursery Landscape and Turf Team.
The BackPocket Gardener is full of practical information and answers to many questions about basic gardening and landscaping practices. It's 10 chapters covers topics like soils, fertilizers, trees and shrubs, roses, flowers, container gardens, lawn, fruits, vegetables, pests and diseases. This pocket-sized reference features 148 pages with over 200 color pictures and can be ordered for $19.95 from the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, 72 Dorchester Square, Westerville, OH 43081; 800-825-5062; fax: 800-860-1713; or online at http://buckeyegardening.com. Click on "garden store" then "onla plant guides."
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TOOLS ADDED IN BATTLE OF EAB
Insecticide treatments provide the only available options for protecting high-value ash trees from the emerald ash borer (EAB) in infested areas. Since the identification of the borer in June of 2002, researchers have been doing numerous studies looking at the efficacy of several different treatment options.
State special 24(c) labels are permitted by EPA for products to be used to meet a special local need. Copies of the new labels are available on the Pesticide Education Program website at http://pested.osu.edu. Once at the site, go to the "General Information" page, and follow the link to "24(c) Labels." The updated 24(c) label information for EAB includes dinotefuron (e.g. Safari) and imidacloprid (e.g. Merit 2F). While different formulations of imidacloprid have been used in the past, dinotefuron is new on the EAB scene.
The 24(c) label for Merit 2F increases the maximum application rate from 0.4 lb active ingredient/acre to 0.8 lb active ingredient/acre. This doubles the cumulative number of inches of trunk diameter that can be treated per acre from 130-260, which is useful when a large number of trees are being treated in a small area.
Research at Michigan State University has shown that the efficacy of dinotefuran bark sprays to be as effective as currently labeled soil and trunk injections for control of EAB. When applied as a non-invasive bark spray, dinotefuran offers the advantages of avoiding trunk wounding, as well as application of insecticide to the soil, both which can be undesirable in certain conditions. The application method of dinotefuran involves mixing the insecticide with a registered, non-toxic, bark-penetrating surfactant (Pentra-Bark). The formulated solution is applied at low pressure with a hand-held sprayer to the lower portion of the trunk. A single treatment is recommended per year. It is important to note that the results with Safari and Pentra-Bark are based on results of only one study, so there is still much to learn about the benefits and limitations of this treatment approach.
The alternative bark spray approach is a preventative cover spray regime consisting of two applications of a synthetic pyrethroid, which is less desirable in urban areas because of drift issues, potential human exposure, and broad-spectrum effects on natural enemies.
Concerted research efforts conducted since the discovery of this non-native borer have allowed us to learn much about the insect's life-cycle and biology, detection tools, and controls. Be sure to stay updated on the latest information by reading BYGL, attending educational programs, and checking out websites including: http://emeraldashborer.info; and http://ashalert.osu.edu.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
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EAB QUARANTINES AND THE FOREST PRODUCT INDUSTRY
On Dec. 1, 2006, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) expanded its emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine to include the states of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The federal quarantine, which limits materials leaving the state of Ohio, is in addition to the state quarantine, which remains in place for 26 counties. The quarantines are designed to mitigate the spread of EAB.
On Monday, April 23, two programs will be offered between 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Keim Lumber (4465 State Route 557) in Charm in northeast Ohio. Representatives from USDA APHIS and ODA will be on hand to present their regulatory program and answer questions of the participants. Presenters will discuss and review the new rules as they pertain to the federal and state quarantines and how compliance agreements can be used to allow businesses to continue to operate.
Keim Lumber is located southeast of Millersburg in southeastern Holmes County between Walnut Creek and New Bedford. For additional information on this program, contact Gary Graham, Ohio State University Extension Center at Wooster, 330-263-3799, graham.124@osu.edu, or call the ODA at 888-OHIO-EAB.
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BYGLIVE! IN CINCINNATI
The 1st 2007 BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About will be held this coming Monday, April 9, at Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum from 12:00-3:00 p.m. This monthly hands-on training for Green Industry professionals focuses on diagnosing plant pest, disease, and physiological problems. ISA Certified Arborist CEU's will be available.
Directions to the meeting location: enter Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum through the main gate entrance off Spring Grove Avenue; drive through the underpass located straight ahead; turn right at the first intersection; turn left at the first "Y" in the road; and travel approx. 100 yards to the meeting parking/gathering point on your right. For more information, contact Joe Boggs at 513-946-8993.
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BYGLOSOPHY
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"When the April wind wakes the call for the soil, I hold the plough as my only hold upon the earth, and, as I follow through the fresh and fragrant furrow, I am planted with every foot-step, growing, budding, blooming into a spirit of spring." - Dallas Lore Sharp
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