| BYGL - May 28, 2009 |
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This is the 8th 2009 edition of the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL). BYGL is developed from a Tuesday morning conference call of Extension Educators, Specialists, and other contributors in Ohio. BYGL is available via email, contact Cheryl Fischnich This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to subscribe. Additional Factsheet 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 ONLA (Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association) http://onla.org/ ; http://buckeyegardening.com/ to the OSU Extension Nursery, Landscape and Turf Team (ENLTT). Any materials in this newsletter may be reproduced for educational purposes providing the source is credited. BYGL is available online at: http://bygl.osu.edu , a web site sponsored by the Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences (HCS) as part of the "Horticulture in Virtual Perspective." The online version of BYGL has images associated with the articles and links to additional information. Following are the participants in the May 26th conference call: Pam Bennett (Clark); Joe Boggs (Hamilton); Jim Chatfield (Horticulture and Crop Science and Plant Pathology); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Gary Gao (Delaware); Bridget Meiring (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Rimelspach (Plant Pathology); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Nancy J. Taylor (CWEPPDC); Curtis Young (Hancock); and Randy Zondag (Lake). In This Issue:
1. WEATHERWATCH.The following weather information summarizes data collected at various Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center (OARDC) Weather Stations spanning the dates: May 1-27, 2009, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Wednesday, May 27 at 6:05 a.m. Several BYGLers commented on the dry conditions including Joe Boggs, Pam Bennett, and Randy Zondag. On the upside, Curtis Young reported that dry conditions were very helpful in his area since farmers were finally able to get out in the fields to plant. As we all know, rainfall accumulations can vary greatly from one area to another, even within the same county. Many are eagerly awaiting the predicted mid-week showers. Next week we will see what actually fell across Ohio.
For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, visit: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm 2. HORT SHORTS.A. GROWING DEGREE DAYS (GDD)
The range of GDD accumulations in Ohio from north to south is 424 to 781. Following is a report of GDD for several locations around Ohio as of May 27, 2009: Painesville, 424; Cleveland, 447; Toledo, 529; Canfield, 444; Findlay, 443; Wooster, 543; Coshocton, 565; Columbus, 683; Springfield, 687; Dayton, 691; Cincinnati, 736; Ironton, 745; Portsmouth, 748; and Piketon, 781. To put these GDD accumulations into perspective, the following is an abbreviated listing of plant and insect species with their respective phenological event and average GDD accumulations at which these events occur. Due to variations in weather, temperature, humidity, etc., these events may occur a few days earlier or later than predicted by the average GDD. By looking at a city, town or village near you from the above list or visiting the above web site, you can see what could be taking place in the landscape around you. Black cherry, full bloom, 419; Miss Kim Manchurian lilac, first bloom, 422; locust leafminer, adult emergence, 437; doublefile viburnum, full bloom, 444; black locust, first bloom, 467; common ninebark, first bloom, 478; oystershell scale, egg hatch, 497; smokebush, first bloom, 501; arrowwood viburnum, first bloom, 534; American yellowwood, first bloom, 546; bronze birch borer, adult emergence, 547; black locust, full bloom, 548; American holly, first bloom, 556; mountain laurel, first bloom, 565; potato leafhopper, adult arrival, 568; juniper scale, egg hatch, 571; common ninebark, full bloom, 596; American yellowwood, full bloom, 599; arrowwood viburnum, full bloom, 621; multiflora rose, full bloom, 643; northern catalpa, first bloom, 675; black vine weevil, first leaf notching due to adult feeding, 677; Washington hawthorn, full bloom, 731; calico scale, egg hatch, 748; greater peach tree borer, adult emergence, 775; and rhododendron borer, adult emergence, 815. For more information, see:
B. COLLAPSING RASPBERRIES. Nancy Taylor reported that the CWEPPDC received samples of raspberries from a grower who said that the fruiting canes (floracanes) were collapsing and dying back, but that the new growth (primocanes) was just fine. That is indicative of winter injury. The floracanes of summer bearing brambles also tend to die back suddenly just as the fruit is ripening as a result of winter injury … or CROWN or CANE BORERS while the primocanes show no signs of distress. A root or stem disease, such as VERTICILLIUM WILT or PHYTOPHTHORA ROOT ROT, would affect both primo- and floracanes. For further information on growing brambles please see OSU Extension Bulletin 940, "Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide" at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/b940/index.html . For more information, see:
C. MASTER GARDENERVOLUNTEERS (MGVS) TEACHING GREEN. May 17-23, 2009 was Ohio's MGV Week and the theme focused on the fact that MGVs have been teaching green longer than the green movement has been around! Following are some of the "green" tips for gardens and landscapes. * Diversify the landscape to attract beneficial insects and discourage major pest outbreaks on one species. Many herbs, annuals and perennials attract beneficial insects. * Water early in the day and use drip or trickle irrigation to conserve water. * Build a compost pile to recycle garden and kitchen scraps. This also helps to add much-needed organic matter to the soil. * Recycle newspaper by using in your garden as mulch. Place paper on the ground in layers and cover it with grass clippings or straw to hold in place. * Select the right plants for the right location. Healthy plants are less likely to have insect and disease troubles. * Practice integrated pest management. Identify the pest problem before grabbing the spray bottle. Know the best method to control the pest in question. When using pesticides, always read the label!
D. VEGETABLES 101 - TAKE CARE OF THOSE BABIES!
Plants need to be gradually acclimated to the outside environment; hopefully, the plants were properly hardened-off at the greenhouse. If not, the plants might scorch or get wind-burned. If the injury is mild, the plants usually come out of it. In severe cases, one might have to re-plant. Water the containers thoroughly before transplanting in order for the roots to be saturated when going into the ground. Once they are planted, water each individual plant thoroughly rather than putting on the overhead sprinkler. This ensures that the entire root zone is moist. Don't water if they wilt without checking to make sure the soil is dry. If it's hot and sunny at planting time, the new transplants might wilt during the heat of the day. They should perk back up in the evening. Check transplants every day for watering needs. In addition, watch for any insect pests. Fertilize at the appropriate times during the growing season according to the fertilizer label. Be patient and before long - voila! A beautiful crop of vegetables appears. For more information, see:
E. WHICH NEEDLES ARE WHICH?
F. PLANTS OF THE WEEK.
3. GREEN SHORTS.A. A FEW CIPS TODAY - LESS RUNOFF TOMORROW. Perhaps your first question is, "What is a CIP?" The short answer is that it is a CONTOUR INFILTRATION PLANTING, a term coined by Dave Dyke in conjunction with his work with the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD) to describe a landscape planting constructed on the contour to capture and infiltrate storm water. Contour plantings are not new; they've been used in traditional agriculture for millennia. However, there are some significant differences between most agricultural contour plantings and CIPs. Most agricultural contour planting are designed to allow producers to grow row crops with minimal soil erosion on slopes, with storm water capture and infiltration as a secondary benefit/goal; while CIPs provide a method for landscapers to easily capture and infiltrate water on a slope to minimize storm water runoff and beautify the landscape. CIPs also may be used to direct water to desired areas. Unfortunately, there is little information on urban contour plantings for storm water management except for some related to the capturing of water for landscape plantings in arid regions of the US Southwest. Therefore, OSU Extension, Hamilton County, formed a partnership collaborative with several other entities to establish a demonstration CIP project in Delhi Township Park, Hamilton County. The partners include: Project Evergreen http://www.projectevergreen.com ; "Horticulture Magazine"; the MSD; the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District; the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); the Delhi Township Park District (DTPD); and Tim Young, Landscape Designer, Delhi Flower and Garden Center Landscaping. Three CIPs were planted on May 22 in conjunction with Ohio Master Gardener Volunteer Week. The DTPD tilled the gardens and provided top soil, pine fines to amend the soil, and mulch. Hamilton County Master Gardener Volunteers and DTPD employees and volunteers planted the gardens. The CIPs will be part of a comprehensive storm water management strategy for that location, directing storm water around, rather than through, a picnic area and then infiltrate as much of it as possible into gardens instead of into the storm sewer system. The CIPs will eventually be connected to rain gardens. The combination of the CIPs with the rain gardens will allow water to become an asset, providing moisture to sustain gardens that beautify the landscape, rather than a liability to be treated at taxpayers' expense.
4. CLINIC CLIPS.Plant pathologists Nancy Taylor and Bridget Meiring have been busy examining plant disease samples. A juniper sample was confirmed to have Phytophthora root rot through serological testing. A Japanese maple was confirmed to have Verticillium wilt; symptoms included the typical greenish streaking under the bark and cultures confirmed the submitter's field diagnosis. The submitter (a landscaper) wanted to be sure since a finding of Verticillium will impact the choice of replacement plants. Finally, in the area of fruit we have seen winter injury causing dieback of the fruiting canes on red raspberry. Pear samples have been exhibiting blacking of the leaf edges which is appears to be mild frost/freeze damage, NOT fire blight!
5. BUG BYTES.A. BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG IN WARREN COUNTY.
The marmorated stink bug looks very similar to the native BROWN STINK BUG (Euschistus servus). Both have shield-shaped bodies, and both have mottled brownish markings. Indeed, it has been speculated that the similarity in the appearance and feeding habits between these two bugs may have contributed to the marmorated being overlooked in many locations in the U.S. The two bugs may be differentiated by the black and white banding on the antennae and along the edge of the abdomen that is very apparent on the marmorated The marmorated has wide host range and can become a very serious plant pest, particularly on fruits and vegetables. Both the nymphs and adults use their piercing mouthparts to puncture and disfigure fruits making them bruise, crack, and ooze juice. Severe feeding damage can render the fruits unmarketable. The bugs will also feed on beans, soybeans, and woody ornamental plants such as roses, maples, and crabapples. They produce stippling and necrotic spots on the leaves of trees and shrubs. Because several overlapping generations occur each season, the bugs move from crop to crop damaging multiple types of plants in each area. The brown marmorated stink bug may also present a serious nuisance problem to homeowners. The bugs collect in large numbers around homes in the fall to spend the winter in a warm structure. If smashed, they emit a foul odor. The bugs may be removed from a home by simply ushering them outdoors, or by using a "by-pass" vacuum cleaner which sends the bugs directly into a collection canister rather than through an impeller (a.k.a. "bug blender"). For more information, see:
B. SCARLET OAK SAWFLY.
Scarlet oak sawfly larvae are 1/4-1/2" long. Their semi-transparent bodies are flattened towards the front and tapered towards the back. The flattened area is trimmed in yellow with the gut contents visible through the cuticle making it appear as if a green line is running down the middle of its back. The tapered area is grayish-black to black. The larvae glisten in the sun and appear slug-like. This is due to their interesting habit of covering themselves with their own excrement which helps them stick to leaves and presumably dissuades predators. Their slimy appearance gives rise to another common name: oak slug sawfly. The sawfly spends the winter as late instar larvae inside cocoons in the leaf litter. Development is completed in the spring. Once the black, fly-like females are mated, they use their saw-like ovipositors to insert eggs in rows along major leaf veins. Populations found so far have been small with only a few leaves damaged. However, this sawfly should be closely monitored since there are 2-3 generations per season. Areas of southeast Ohio saw substantial defoliation from this sawfly in 1997 and 1998. For more information, see:
C. THE LEAVES HAVE EYES.
The damage caused by maple eyespot galls rarely matches their dramatic appearance. In some years, the midges produce enough galls to catch the eye. However, in most years, the galls are somewhat rare since the flies are eyed as fodder by a range of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens.
D. ANTS IN LAWNS AND LANDSCAPES.
For more information, see:
E. EAB UPDATES.
As the group discussed treatment options, Dave Shetlar mentioned that dryer soil conditions can have a negative impact on the successful uptake of systemic trunk and soil insecticides. It is recommended that these treatments be applied when the soil is moist, but not saturated or excessively dry. With some of the dry soil conditions reported, one might consider pre- and post-irrigation to aid in the uptake of the insecticide with around 3/4" of water applied a day prior to treatment, and 1.5" of water applied just after treatment. In other EAB news, officials with the Office of the State Entomologist in the University of Kentucky Entomology Department have announced two confirmed EAB infestations in Kentucky. These are the first findings of this destructive insect in the state. The discoveries resulted from Kentucky Division of Forestry and University of Kentucky officials investigating reports of dying ash trees in a private woodlot in Shelby County and a residential landscape in Jessamine County. For more information, see:
F. GYPSY MOTH UPDATE.
G. WINDSHIELD WIPES.
6. DISEASE DIGEST.A. MOIST CHAMBER. The arrival of fungal spores too small to see, that then germinated and infected plants (still nothing we could observe with the naked eye), are now showing up as disease symptoms and signs a few weeks later. APPLE SCAB is present, and often heavy on susceptible crabapples. POWDERY MILDEW diseases were noted by BYGLers this past week on horsechestnut, ninebark, and crabapple. ORANGE RUST was identified on wild brambles at woods-edge, always a source of unwelcome inoculum for raspberry and blackberry production nearby. Incidence of ANTHRANOSE diseases on oak, sycamore, and ash varies widely throughout Ohio, which is not surprising since the environmental component of these diseases is crucial in terms of infections being favored by critical periods of cool, wet weather during leaf emergence in spring, and this varies from location to location.
7. TURF TIPS.A. SEEDHEAD PRODUCTION "KICKED INTO OVERDRIVE." Joe Rimelspach reported that the seedhead production in "improved" KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS had been "kicked into overdrive" with the recent dry, hot weather. Seedhead production during this time of the year is a natural occurrence. However, seedhead production was accelerated by high temperatures and lack of rainfall. The abundance of seedheads certainly makes the lawn look very unattractive. The seedheads are also low growing making them less likely to be mowed off. Turfgrass needs to be maintained at 2-3" in spring and 2 1/2-3" in summer, depending on the turfgrass species. Turf managers shouldn't lower the mowing height below the recommended mowing heights in an attempt to remove all of the seedheads. Thankfully, the unsightly seedheads will eventually disappear on their own allowing lawns to return to an aesthetically appealing uniformly green carpet. For more information, see:
B. WHAT CAUSED MY LAWN TO TURN BROWN? Joe Rimelspach also reported that grass plants in some lawns in Central Ohio had turned brown. There are many reasons for lawns to go brown. One of the most common problems is lack of rain fall, especially on heavily compacted soil. Turfgrasses plants that are growing on heavily compacted soil tend to have very limited root systems. Moisture stress will cause them to turn brown very quickly. Other possible causes for brown lawns are a thick thatch layer (> 1/2"), scorching from catalytic converters where vehicles have been parked on lawns, tarps or garbage can lids left on lawns for a few days, and buried rock or gravel. There are also insects that can damage the lawn and turn them brown. Grubs and bluegrass billbug are two examples. Gary Gao had observed one area in his lawn that consistently turned brown very quickly each year. After two years of unsuccessful over-seeding, he dug up the dead grass this year and discovered that there was barely any soil underneath the turf. It was all gravel! He turned this area into a small flower bed and planted drought tolerant perennials. If a property owner wants to grow grass where rocks are buried, the rocks and gravel will need to removed and replaced with good top soil before seedling or sodding the area. Soil improvement and avoiding foot traffic on lawn will help lawn survive the dry weather in summertime. For more information, see:
8. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.A. HANG THEM HIGH - BUT "MITE" THEY DIE? Dave Dyke reported that until this past week, he had not seen nor heard of significant insect or disease problems this spring in Cincinnati area greenhouses. However, one grower's experience illustrates that while some problems might be out of sight, they shouldn't be out of mind. The grower was producing baskets of NEW GUINEA IMPATIENS far overhead in his greenhouse. The baskets were irrigated with drip-tubing which can be a very efficient watering system since the baskets do not need to be lowered for watering. Unfortunately, the watering system also meant the baskets were not being closely inspected. The grower learned the cost of infrequent plant inspections when he finally noticed significant TWOSPOTTED SPIDER MITE (Tetranychus urticae) damage on the hanging baskets. Growers should remember that populations of these mites can explode very quickly on the hot, dry foliage growing under the conditions provided by such an overhead production system. Such plants should be inspected frequently, or they just "mite" die. For further information on twospotted spider mites, including control measures, refer to University of California Online Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, UC Pest Management Guidelines, "Floriculture and Ornamental Nurseries, Twospotted Spider Mites" at: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r280400311.html . For more information, see:
B. FLESHY WOODY FUNGI. One of the great things about teaching is the opportunity to learn. Opportunity knocks for Jim Chatfield and a group of other BYGLers and OSU faculty including Erik Draper, Gary Gao, Denise Ellsworth, and Joe Boggs. Next Autumn quarter, they will help teach Plant Pathology 300, "Fleshy Woody Fungi," formerly taught by the most wonderful Lanny Rhodes. We will experiment some with the class: there will be traditional Columbus-based students, but we will also offer the course to others, including the green industry, through OSU's Continuing Education unit and there will be online aspects as well as fungal forays to several Ohio locations. We will update developments for this course from time-to-time in the BYGL, for example relating enrollment information, and highlighting relevant fleshy fungi for horticulturists, from Armillaria to Xylaria, and expounding upon universal veils, gill types and other mycological morphology. For this week, straight from the pages of one of the books we will use with the course "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms," let's just savor some of the curious and curiouser common names for woodland fungi. Fleshy fungal names run the gamut: from hated amanita to the admirable bolete, from angel's wings to dead man's fingers. Sometimes the fungus itself seems somewhat conflicted. Consider, for example, the elegant stinkhorn. One of the instructors' favorites is wolf's milk slime (Lycogala epidendrum). Sounds dreadful and a bit unappetizing. One of the highlights of the course though, will be the mycological feasts late in the quarter, featuring such delicacies as puffball parmesan and the delights of corn smut fritters and whatnot. Many fungi have food allusions in their very names, though not all of these are truly edible. There is apricot jelly, fried-chicken fungus, and even the black-and-blue pairing of beefsteak polypore and blue-cheese polypore. For breakfasts in Wonderland, scrambled-egg slime, and for dessert - chocolate tube slime. Good both for the fungi Slippery Jack (Suillus luteus) and equally so for Slippery Jill (Suillus sublutens) if not for characters in the real world. Rest assured, though, the mantra of: "There are old mushroom hunters and bold mushroom hunters, but no old bold mushroom hunters" will be heeded. We will go to great lengths to insure that the final exam ... will not truly be your last meal. So, if in the future you do not want to be known as the dunce cap fungus or even thought to be as ignorant as a pig's ear gomphus, pay heed to our fungal updates throughout the summer and consider enrolling in Plant Pathology 300 this fall. Be there, or risk being known as a stinky squid/green slime/earth tongue/poison pie/ pigskin poison puffball!
C. BIZ BUZZ. CONTINUING THOUGHTS ON TRAINING. Training is making the complex and difficult seem simple. Training requires: a competent trainer; equipment, tools, supplies, appropriate place and training aids; a willing learner; a training plan; two-way communication and practice; and much patience by both teacher and learner. As you consider who should do the training for your business keep in mind the following points. Training the trainer so they are providing information you approve. Both you and the trainer should be involved in planning the training and allow for freedom to be creative. And remember to reward a job well done. As we conclude this short introduction to training employees, Dr. Bernie Erven, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, suggests these take-home points: *Every new employee needs some orientation and training *Planning is the basis of success with orientation and training *Success in orientation and training requires training in how to do both well.
9. COMING ATTRACTIONS.A. SOUTHWEST OHIO BYGLIVE! The 3rd monthly Southwest Ohio BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About for 2009 will be held Monday, June 8, from 12:00-3:00 pm., at the Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum, 4600 Muchmore Rd., Indian Hill, 45243. 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. For more information, contact Joe Boggs at 513-946-8993.
B. BYGLive! AT TOLEDO BOTANICAL GARDEN (TBG). Don't miss this month's BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About on Monday, June 1, 2009, at Toledo Botanical Garden. The group will meet at the flag pole near the main parking lot off of Elmer Drive, and the walk will begin at 1:00 p.m. If you have any questions, about the walk, contact Amy Stone at 419-578-6783, or by email at:
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C. LAST REMINDER: HAMILTON COUNTY EXTENSION RELOADED TOUR. This tour of 4 leading Cincinnati area greenhouses will be led and conducted by a spectrum of OSU Extension educators and specialists on June 3, 2009. The focus of the tour will be to observe and learn greenhouse Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and cultural strategies to enable growers to produce better plants at a lower cost while using less pesticides, labor and energy. Pesticide recertification credits will also be available including: 1 hour of core (commercial); and 5.5 hrs in categories 6 and 6D (commercial).
All horticultural professionals are invited to participate in the tour and subsequent Cincinnati Flower Growers Association meeting. If you will be participating in the tour please RSVP to Kim Martini at (513) 946-8989 or by e-mail at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you will be attending the meeting, please RSVP to West Hills Greenhouses by Monday June 1 at (513) 922-2378 or by e-mail at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To see a complete itinerary of the tour, visit the OSU Extension, Hamilton County, website at http://hamilton.osu.edu/Horticulture/professional-horticulture .
D. GREATER CINCINNATI BRANCH OF THE PROFESSIONAL GROUNDS MANAGEMENT SOCIETY (PGMS) ANNUAL REGIONAL MEETING AND SITE VISITATION is scheduled for July 23 and 24, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Program information, schedules, and registration forms are available on the PGMS website at: http://www.pgms.org . 10. BYGLOSOPHY.A garden is evidence of faith. It links us with all the misty figures of the past who also planted and were nourished by the fruits of their planting. - Gladys Taber
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| Last Updated on Friday, 29 May 2009 00:33 |
