This is the 19th 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 August 11th conference call:  Pam Bennett (Clark); Joe Boggs (Hamilton); Cindy Burskey (Clermont); Jim Chatfield (Horticulture and Crop Science); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Gary Gao (Delaware); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Bridget Meiring (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Nancy Taylor (CWEPPDC); and Curtis Young (Hancock).

In This Issue:

1. WEATHERWATCH. 
2. HORT SHORTS:  Fried Green Tomatoes - Anyone? (Still Slow Ripening Tomatoes); Green Bean Woes (Insects Damaging Beans); Severe Leaf Drop in Weeping Cherries; and Plants of the Week:  Annual (Fountain Grass), Perennial (Hibiscus), Woody (Elderberry), and Weed (Ragweeds).
3. GREEN SHORTS:  The Virtual Arboretum. 
4. CLINIC CLIPS.
5. BUGBYTES:  Webworm Nests Expand (Fall and Mimosa Webworms); Hope Springs Eternal with Ailanthus Webworm; Grasshopper Damage A-Bounds; Oaks Dropping Eyeballs?  (Acorn Plum Galls); and Windshield Wipes: Magnolia Scale; Obscure Scale; Japanese Beetles; and Bed Bugs.
6. DISEASE DIGEST:  Powdery Mildew Diseases; and Dog Vomit Slime Mold Spews at Zoo. 
7. TURF TIPS:  Selecting Turfgrass Species and Cultivars; and Purple, Greasy Grass (Slime Mold). 
8. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:  Japanese Apple Rust - Do We Have This One? 
9. COMING ATTRACTIONS:  Pesticide Applicator Training Offered; Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Training; and Dates Set For Commercial Applicator Recertification Conferences. 
10. BYGLOSOPHY. 

1.  WEATHERWATCH. 

The following weather information summarizes data collected at various Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center (OARDC) Weather Stations spanning the dates:  August 1-August 12, 2009, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.

While many BYGLers reported receiving some rainfall earlier this week, Curtis Young mentioned that "Lima-land" did not receive any of the recent rains and remains very dry.  

For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, visit:  http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm .

2.  HORT SHORTS.

A.  FRIED GREEN TOMATOES - ANYONE? 

BYGLer across the state of Ohio commented that tomatoes were sloooooowly ripening.  Some gardeners have started harvesting tomatoes for a couple of weeks.  However, a great majority of them are still waiting for that large influx of vine-ripened tomatoes, especially home canners.  Bright sunny days are what gardeners need for that red or yellow juicy, sweet tomato to ripen.  Joe Boggs suggested trying "fried green tomatoes" for now.  Well, this is one way to make use of those green tomatoes.  Fortunately, quite a few tomatoes are turning color and "getting ready" to ripen.  Hopefully, gardeners will be talking about juicy red or yellow tomatoes in the coming weeks.

For more information, see:

• Tomato Not Ripening

B. GREEN BEAN WOES

Gary Gao received phone calls about insect damage on green beans.  There are several insects that could damage green beans.  They are BEAN LEAF BEETLE (Certoma trifurcata), MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE (Epilachna varivestis) and JAPANESE BEETLE (Popillia japonica).  It is relatively rare to see feeding damage on green beans by Mexican bean beetle in most of Ohio.  The most damaging insect of all is bean leaf beetle.  This insect overwinters as an adult, and feeds on bean leaves early in the season, and later leaves and bean pods.  Curtis Young commented that the first generation of bean leaf beetle adults recently emerged, and started feeding on both green bean leaves and bean pods.

Some control measures include the removal of insects by hand, insecticide applications, and use of row covers before the insects get on the plants.  If gardeners do choose to apply an insecticide, they need to observe pre-harvest interval and wash the beans before consumption.  For more information, see: Kansas State note on bean leaf beetle OSU Extension FactSheet on Growing Peas and Snap Beans in the Home Garden

C.  SEVERE LEAF DROP IN WEEPING CHERRIES.

Gary Gao received samples of cherry leaves from a tree that lost about 50% of its leaves.  The gardener said that some of the leaves had turned yellow before they fell off.  The leaf samples had different degrees of yellowing and browning.  It was hard to come up with a definitive answer based on those leaf samples.  The gardener indicated that he had been watering the tree in the evening.  The tree is about 15 years old and the canopy is very full.  Gary Gao told the homeowner to switch from watering in the evening to watering in the morning.  Tree roots will be much healthier, if they do not stay wet all night long.  It is also a good idea to thin out the branches.  The ideal time for thinning branches is March.  This gardener can remove every third branch to open up the canopy to let sunlight or air through.  Right now, the canopy looks like an umbrella, well, an opaque umbrella.

There is a fungal disease that could have caused this kind of leaf drop.  It is called the cherry leaf drop, which is a fungal disease.  A spray program with a labeled fungicide would have helped.  It is too late now to spray fungicides to "cure" the tree since fungicides are mostly "protectants", which prevent fungal diseases from developing on plant foliage.  Follow this link http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/pdf/HYG_3021_08.pdf for more information on "Cherry Leaf Spot." For more information, see: Cherry Leaf Spot

D.  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 . *ANNUAL - CRIMSON FOUNTAIN GRASS (Pennisetum setaceum).  This incredible annual grass has such vigorous growth that by mid-summer, the foliage is quite attractive and it's already in full bloom.  The cultivars grow around 2-3' tall and have beautiful burgundy, strap-like foliage.  Flower heads can be yellowish-green to a reddish color and appear mid-summer and last until a frost.  The plants are not winter hardy nor do they have any winter appeal.  The blooms shatter and won't look like much in the landscape.  The most common cultivar available is 'Rubrum' which grows 3' tall and 18" wide with a bronze color to the leaves.  A newer variety, 'Little Red Riding Hood' grows to around 2' tall and as wide, and is excellent accent to perennial borders.  Most varieties are also good for container plantings. For more information, see: Floridata Website
	*PERENNIAL - HIBISCUS (Hibiscus moscheutos).  This particular hibiscus species is a great choice for Ohio gardens as it's hardy to Zone 5.  The enormous flowers on some of the varieties are showstoppers and can be seen from afar.  Blooming begins in early to mid-July and lasts through late summer, and blooms are usually red, pink, or white with blotches of darker colors.  Many blooms grow to dinner-plate size.  The plants grow anywhere from 3-6' tall depending upon the variety, and are drought-tolerant and love hot weather.  The only real downside to these beautiful attention-getters is that they also attract the attention of Japanese beetles.  Therefore, if Japanese beetle populations are high, spraying is required to keep them looking good.  Try any of the 'Luna' series for a shorter, more compact plant, growing around 2-3' tall.  'Kopper King' grows 3-4' tall and has maple-like, purple-bronze leaves.  Be patient in the spring as these are one of the last plants to emerge. For more information, see: USDA Plants Database factsheet
	*WOODY - BLACK LACE ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace').  The incredibly dark, lacy foliage of this plant during the summer makes it a great candidate for a summer-long plant of interest.  In the early part of summer (June-July), light pink flowers appear; they are attractive to butterflies.  After the blooms, the dark black fruit forms but is usually not noticed due to the dark foliage.  All summer long, however, the 'Black Lace' foliage provides a wonderful color and textural contrast in the garden, landscape, or shrub border.  Many Web sites note that this is not a favorite plant for deer; however, don't forget, when deer are hungry, they'll eat anything!  The plant grows to 8' tall with a 6' spread but can easily be pruned and maintained in a smaller habit.
	*THE WEEKLY WEED(S) - COMMON and GIANT RAGWEED (Ambrosia artemisiifolia and A. trifida).  Common ragweed and giant ragweed are annual plants that belong to the Aster family and are commonly found in roadsides, ditches and waste areas.  Occasionally, these plants appear as weeds in gardens and lawns. Common ragweed has hairy stems that can reach up to 4' tall and leaves that are up to 4" long and 1 1/2-2" across.  The leaves can be opposite or alternate along the stems.  Flowers are found on the terminal branches, which have male and female flowers in clusters. Giant ragweed can reach heights of nearly 16' tall.  Leaves of this plant are 3-lobed or less often 5-lobed, and are 4-8" wide and 6" long.  The leaves and stems are rough with male and female flowers located in terminal clusters.
	Ragweed is a major cause of hay-fever during the late summer and fall.  Aside from this unfortunate characteristic, it has considerable ecological value to various birds and moths. Hand cutting ragweed is a viable option to control both types of ragweed.  If chemical control is desired, it is important to try and reach the plant before it gets to a substantial size.  When using an herbicide always follow label instructions.

3.  GREEN SHORTS.

A.  THE VIRTUAL ARBORETUM.  Steve Foltz, Horticultural Director, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (CZBG), originally developed plantplaces.com to create a database of plants that successfully grow in the Greater Cincinnati Area.  However, as stated in an American Nurserymen article (January, 2008), he has created a Virtual Arboretum.

Steve took photos of trees that were proven hardy (pre-1994) and doing well in southwest Ohio.  The key was to find great specimens of trees and to make people aware of the diversity of plants in the region.  Trees would be photographed and put into a searchable database on the website.  The idea being the whole community is an arboretum. The Zoo, Spring Grove Cemetery, the MetroParks, and plants in peoples' yards can be tracked and treated as part of an overall collection.

The database is searchable and easy to use.  The website also tracks the annual plant evaluations at the Zoo.  Any community is welcome to contribute their information to the website.  As more communities add their data to the website, we will have a greater understanding of these plants.  

A new feature of the website is tracking Green Infrastructure in the region. Green Roofs, rain gardens and bio-swales can be found on the website to help others learn from what has been done so far in the area.  If you have any questions please contact Steve Foltz at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

4.  CLINIC CLIPS.

A sample of comb-clawed beetles was submitted from a residence in a northern state.  These interesting beetles have comb-like tarsi and are often seen on flowers eating pollen or near rotted wood.  A digital image of a northern species of mole cricket was also received. Unlike the mole crickets which destroy turfgrass in southern states, the native mole cricket found in Ohio is not destructive to turfgrass and does not require control.  Samples and calls regarding yellow jackets and other ground nesting hornets have also been received this week.

The Clinic has been examining samples of landscape plants, fruits, vegetables, and field crops.  In the landscape, boxwoods are still being diagnosed with Volutella and winter injury.  We examined wave petunias that tested positive for Phytophthora root and stem rot as well.  A mushroom identification was submitted from a red oak; it was determined to be Ganoderma lucidum, or the "Ling Chih" conk, which can cause root and butt rot.   A greenhouse had several different varieties of Heuchera, also known as Coral bells, with anthracnose attacking the leaves and petioles of the plants.  On the fruit and vegetable side, pumpkin leaves were found to have powdery mildew and two organic tomato samples have been diagnosed with late blight.  Grape leaves were submitted exhibiting symptoms of chemical injury.

5.  BUGBYTES.

A.  WEBWORM NESTS EXPAND. 

Dave Shetlar reported that the nests of second generation FALL WEBWORMS (Hyphantria cunea) and MIMOSA WEBWORMS (Homadaula anisocentra) are becoming very apparent in central and southern Ohio.  Despite its common name, mimosa webworm is found primarily on honeylocust in Ohio.  Fall webworms may graze on more than 120 species of deciduous trees and shrubs.            Caterpillars of both species of moths feed gregariously as skeletonizers on leaves within webs spun over the foliage.  Leaves damaged by mimosa webworms turn orangish‑brown and appear fire‑scorched, while leaves damaged by fall webworms simply fade away to mid-veins and petioles within the sack-like silken nests.  The female moths of both of these webworms lay eggs on nests produced by earlier generations.  Consequently, the nests of each of these moths keep getting bigger with each generation.  Fall webworms have two generations per season on Ohio, while mimosa webworms have at least three generations, and occasionally a fourth generation.

The increased density of nests produced by succeeding generations presents a serious challenge to managing both of these webworms.  The dense nests currently appearing on Ohio trees will impede the penetration of insecticides.  This is particularly true for mimosa webworms as they interweave leaflets with silk to produce a tight leaf-mass.  Fortunately, both of these webworms have a wide complement of predators and parasitoids.  It is not uncommon for these beneficial insects to cause localized high populations experienced this season to fail to reappear next season. For more information, see: BugDoc, OSU Extension Fact Sheet Penn State University Fact Sheet

B.  HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL WITH AILANTHUS WEBWORM. 

Joe Boggs reported observing ailanthus webworm (Atteva punctella) nests and adult moths in southwest Ohio.  Reports of plant pests generally solicit concerns; however, since the caterpillars of this ermine moth feed exclusively on the non-native, invasive TREE OF HEAVEN (Ailanthus altissima), the report generated delight, if not great hope! The webworm caterpillars produce communal nests by pulling several leaflets into a network of loose webbing.  They live within the nests consuming the leaflets bound by the webbing.  The caterpillars can grow up to 1-1 1/2" long.  All instars have a wide, light greenish‑brown stripe down their backs and several thin, alternating white and olive green stripes along their sides.  The caterpillars are sparsely covered with short, erect hairs, which help to suspend them within the webbing.  When disturbed, the caterpillars move backwards out of the nest and drop towards the ground on strands of silk.

Ailanthus webworms have several overlapping generations per season in Ohio.  The caterpillars are capable of defoliating their odoriferous namesake host and may feed on stem tissue once all leaves are devoured.  Unfortunately, such extreme damage is rare on large trees.  Although feeding by this webworm has yet to halt the spread of tree of heaven, hope springs eternal since this is one of only a few insects known to infest this invasive plant.

C.  GRASSHOPPER DAMAGE A-BOUNDS.

Pam Bennett and Joe Boggs reported observing a significant amount of grasshopper feeding damage on ornamental grasses in southwestern Ohio.  The differential (Melanoplus differentialis) and redlegged (Melanoplus femurrubrum) grasshoppers are the two most common species found in Ohio landscapes.  Curtis Young reported that he is also seeing the Carolina locust (Dissosteira carolina) on the wing in the western part of the state.  The mottled coloration of this large (1 1/2-2" long) grasshopper provides almost perfect camouflage.  It may remain unnoticed until it takes flight revealing its striking hind wings that are blackish- brown and trimmed in yellow. Populations for these and other grasshopper species fluctuate in cycles.  High or very high populations may be present for two to four years followed by low to moderate populations for several years.  Even when overall populations are relatively low, grasshoppers in and around the garden can be a nuisance.  However, in outbreak years, grasshoppers can destroy unprotected gardens and threaten small trees and shrubs.

The potential for grasshopper damage increases as summer progresses.  Adults will be more likely to move into yards and gardens in July, August and September.  Severe problems may arise when adjacent agricultural crops or grasslands mature or are harvested and grasshoppers move to find new food sources.  Defoliation is the primary injury to plants, but fruit and ripening kernels of grain will also serve as food.  Indeed, grasshoppers will feed on just about anything as long as they do not detect a feeding deterrent.   Reports are common of grasshoppers eating paper, paint, window screen, window or caulking, fence posts, hoe handles, etc. during grasshopper outbreak periods.  Heavy infestations of grasshoppers may require chemical treatment to reduce or prevent serious damage to sensitive plants. For more information, see: N.C. State Entomology Fact Sheet

D.  OAKS DROPPING EYEBALLS? 

Curtis Young reported that he received some outstanding images from Glen Arnold (OSU Extension, Putnam County) of ACORN PLUM GALLS on the ground after dropping from a red oak.  The rounded to plum-shaped galls range in size from 1/4-3/4" in diameter and they exhibit a striking color pattern.  Their tannish-brown surface is shot-through with vibrant blood-red or purplish-red streaks and blotches.  They have been described by some as looking like "blood-shot eyeballs."  The galls arise from acorn caps and are produced by the cynipid wasp, Amphibolips prunus.  Each gall contains a single wasp larva housed in a seed-like cell at the center of the gall.

Once the wasp larvae complete their development, the "mature" galls detach from the acorns and drop to the ground.  Since the galls grow from acorn caps, they cause no appreciable harm to the health of their oak hosts.  However, "blood-shot eyeballs" dropping from oak trees may generate calls from concerned homeowners to Extension offices.

When the galls are cut open with a steel knife, the inner flesh is at first yellow to tan in color, but after several minutes, the flesh turns a deep purplish-red and eventually brownish-black.  This color change illustrates an important feature of many oak galls which is connected to both the name given to these plant structures as well as ink used in the middle ages.  As with many oak galls, the acorn plum gall contains gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid).   This bitter tasting acid is responsible for the name "gall."  When gallic acid mixes with iron from the knife, a dye reaction occurs forming a brownish-black liquid that was used as ink.  The Magna Carta, the U.S. Bill of Rights, and the first drafts of the U.S. Constitution were written with gall ink.

For more information, see:

• Michigan Entomology Notes

E.  WINDSHIELD WIPES. 

BYGLers also ran into several other insect and mite problems this week including: *Dave Shetlar reported that MAGNOLIA SCALE (Neolecanium cornuparvum) crawlers (= nymphs) are becoming evident in central Ohio.  This is one of the largest "soft scales" with the tannish-purple mature females measuring as much as 1/2" in diameter.  The crawlers hatch from eggs protected by the female's body and crawler emergence occurs over and extended period of time; from late-July into early October.  This presents a serious challenge with using topical contact insecticides to manage this scale since multiple applications are required.  Neonicotinoid systemic insecticides are an effective alternative with control being achieved in a single application.  A soil drench application of imidacloprid (e.g. Merit), dinotefuran (e.g. Safari), or clothianidin (e.g. Arena) from September into November will suppress this scale.

*Dave also noted that OBSCURE SCALE (Melanaspis obscura) crawlers on oak are now out and about in central Ohio.  The crawlers of this "hard scale" often settle beneath the hard waxy bodies of previous generations making topical contact insecticides largely ineffective.  Dave recommended an application of dinotefuran (e.g. Safari) to control this pest. *Jim Chatfield reported that while JAPANESE BEETLES (Popillia japonica) have been all but no-shows in some parts of the state, they have been abundant in northeast Ohio.  Jim noted that dawn redwoods have been particularly hard-hit with the reddish-brown feeding damage very apparent on redwoods on the OSU-OARDC campus.

 *Several BYGLers reported that phone calls concerning BED BUGS (Cimex lectularius) being found in homes after the homeowners stayed in motels/hotels are now common.  The bugs are extremely good at finding their food (us!) and a single night spent in an infested room can net a weary traveler more than a good night's sleep.  Rooms should be closely inspected before the luggage is brought into the room.  A flashlight helps.  Lift corners of mattresses to inspect for bed bugs and tarry-black bed bud fecal material.  Finding either of these means the manager should be notified and new accommodations found.  Remember the room next door is not safe; bed bugs know no walls.  It's also important to remember that the quality of the motel/hotel is meaningless to bed bugs.  These human parasites have been found in some of the most expensive hotels in the U.S.  Regardless of the price, inspect before you rest.

6.  DISEASE DIGEST.

A.  POWDERY MILDEW DISEASES. 

Many plants are affected by powdery mildew diseases, with different powdery mildew fungi causing the disease on different plants.  The most familiar way to recognize powdery mildew diseases is the actual "sign" of the powdery mildew fungus growing on the upper leaf surface.  This powdery growth is a combination of asexual spores of powdery mildew fungi in combination with threadlike strands of the fungus called hyphae.  The mass of this powdery mildew fungal tissue is visible to the naked eye, but individual spores and fungal hyphae are not; these forms of the fungus, capable of causing infection, are microscopic in size.  One of the overwintering forms of the fungus are dark-colored fruiting bodies know as cleistothecia, that are visible as small round objects on leaves, resembling grains of pepper. 

"Symptoms" (effects on plants from infections) of powdery mildew diseases are sometimes not recognized as being caused by powdery mildew fungi.  On a plant like lilac, often symptoms are not apparent - all you see is the powdery white sign of the pathogen.  On other plants, though there is reddening of tissue and in many cases, brown areas caused by desiccation of leaf tissue.  This is common on magnolia, rose, dogwood, and deciduous azalea.  Often the powdery white signs of the pathogen are long gone when people notice the reddening and browning.  Another symptom of powdery mildew disease is leaf distortion.  This is especially common when infections occur on emerging leaves.  This distortion is common on London plane trees and dogwoods. 

Control involves improving air movement and reducing high relative humidity, to the extent possible, with judicious pruning and plant siting and use of powdery-mildew resistant varieties when available.  Also recognize that in many cases the disease causes little harm to plant health, though fungicides may be used when necessary.  Common powdery mildew fungicides include:  triforine (e.g. Funginex), thiophanate-methyl (e.g. Cleary's 3336), and propiconazole (e.g. Banner).  Read and follow the fungicide label carefully when applying to a particular plant.  Powdery mildew fungicides can be very effective because the fungal infection by powdery mildew fungi is very superficial compared to most fungal infections, with the fungus only penetrating into the epidermal layer of cells.

B.  DOG VOMIT SLIME MOLD SPEWS AT ZOO. 

Joe Boggs reported that participants in this week's Southwest Ohio BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden were thrilled (Joe's words) with discovering the so-called dog vomit slime mold (Fuligo septica) climbing coneflower stems.  This descriptively named grotesque, slimy growth is sometimes referred to as a fungus; however, fungi belong to the Kingdom Fungi, and slime molds belong to the Kingdom Protista which is a kingdom that soon may be divided into multiple kingdoms.  Slime molds belong to a smaller group within the kingdom called the Amoebozoans.  Organisms in this group exist as blob-like sacks of protoplasm encased in a cell membrane. The dog-vomit slime mold exists as a colony of individual cells.  The colonies vary in color from yellow, to orange, to pink.  In moist environments, the entire slime mold colony creeps amoeboid-like across the landscape with the individual mold cells engulfing and digesting fungi, bacteria, and other organic matter.  The colonies may climb plant stems under high moisture conditions; however, since the slim mold cells are unable to penetrate plant cells, the mold causes no harm to plants.  Dry conditions cause the colony to stop moving and stimulates the cells to produce reproductive spores.  The pile-o-puke eventually dries down and releases brownish clouds of spores when disturbed.

The most effective time to control this problem is when new mulch is being spread.  Fresh mulch is easily colonized by slime mold.  Watering new mulch increases the moisture level in the relatively dry organic matter.  This allows bacteria and other competitors to get established prior to the arrival of slime molds.  This fierce competition for organic matter reduces the successful development of the dog barf until later in the season. If the slime mold is currently in the landscape, the gelatinous or dry stages of the slime mold can be lifted off the mulch and disposed.  Of course, if left alone the colonies will eventually disappear on their own and in the meantime these amazing organisms can be enjoyed for what they are; fascinating decomposers that are the recipients of numerous colorful and creative names.   For example, given the location of the BYGlive! Walk-About, some participants opted to call it "monkey puke slime mold."

For more information, see:

• Cornell University Plant Pathology Fact Sheet

7.  TURF TIPS.

There are three main types of turfgrass for Ohio.  First type is KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS while the second type is TURF-TYPE TALL FESCUE.  Third type is PERENNIAL RYEGRASS.  Kentucky bluegrass produces the best looking lawn, but requires the most amount of maintenance.  Turf-type tall fescue lawns require much less maintenance.  Turf-type tall fescue looks very nice and is much more tolerant of our challenging weather and soil conditions.  Perennial ryegrass germinates rapidly and provides a quick green cover to bare soil.  Even though it greens up quickly, it has some poor-quality characteristics that may limit its use as a species for home lawns.

Once a homeowner or a turf manager decides on a turfgrass species, then it is time to select good cultivars.  It is highly recommended to select a blend of 3-5 cultivars of one turfgrass species.  If one cultivar does not perform well, the other 3 or 4 cultivars may compensate for the other's limitations.  How does someone know which cultivars of turfgrass do better than others?  Well, the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program has an outstanding website for trial results across the nation.  The URL address is http://www.ntep.org/ .  Good turfgrass cultivars, though possibly more expensive, will pay off in the long run.  It is not a good idea to buy cheapest turfgrass seed, because there may be many undesirable species in the mix including weeds.

For more information, see:

• OSU Extension FactSheet on Turfgrass Species Selection
• National Turfgrass Evaluation Program

B.  PURPLE, GREASY GRASS.  

Curtis Young reported observing patches of discolored turfgrass on the Ohio Northern University campus in Ada, Ohio.  The turfgrass stood out from the surrounding plants, because the affected plants were darker in appearance and looked somewhat greasy as if an oil had been dribbled from a malfunctioning machine onto the lawn.  Closer examination revealed an organism growing on the surface of the grass blades.  The organism that was growing on the turfgrass was a slime mold (Physarum cinereum).

The presence of slime mold on turfgrass is more of a curiosity than a problem.  Slime molds are primitive organisms that were once considered members of the Kingdom Fungi, but are now classified as members of the Kingdom Protista which is a kingdom that soon may be divided into multiple kingdoms.  Slime molds belong to a smaller group within the kingdom called the Amoebozoans.  They feed on decaying organic matter and other organisms in the thatch layer and soils under turfgrass.

Slime molds often appear after a warm summer rain.  At first a slimy growth, called the plasmodium, appears.  This slimy growth dries into a powdery mass of spore-bearing structures that coat grass blades.  Slime molds usually last one to two weeks and often are observed in the same spot year after year.  Typically 4-6" patches of the fungus are formed.

Control measures are not usually necessary.  If desired, slime mold can be removed by raking, sweeping with a broom, spraying with stream of water, or mowing.

For more information, see:

• OSU Extension FactSheet on Slime molds on turf
• Kansas State Extension note on slime mold on turf

8.  INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.

A.  JAPANESE APPLE RUST - DO WE HAVE THIS ONE?  The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) is spreading the word about a rust disease, Japanese Apple Rust, on apple and crabapple.  Japanese apple rust has been observed in Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.  It appears similar to other apple rust diseases but the spores and fruiting horns differ.  Please see the link provided below for further information.  

We have a number of rust diseases on our crabapples and apples which produce very similar symptoms, these include cedar apple rust and cedar quince rust.  However, if rust symptoms on your crabapple or apple closely match the description found in the link below you may wish to send a sample to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic free of charge: http://www.npdn.org/Library/ViewDocument.pdf?filetype=pdf&DocumentId=12990.

9.  COMING ATTRACTIONS.

A.  PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING OFFERED.  Trained Serviceperson and New Applicator Commercial Schools are planned for August 26, 2009 and September 30, 2009.  These sessions will be taught at the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  For additional information on these schools, and other educational opportunities, check out the Pesticide Education website at http://pested.osu.edu .

B.  WOOD DESTROYING INSECT INSPECTION TRAINING.  Mark your calendars for training on September 16, 2009.  This training will be held at ODA in Reynoldsburg.  Recertification credit will also be available in Core, 10b and 12.  For additional information, check out http://pested.osu.edu .

C.  DATES SET FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION CONFERENCES.  The following dates have been set for recertification conferences this winter.  Mark your calendars now!

• January 13, 2010, Dayton Convention Center, Dayton
• February 17, 2010, Kalahari Conference Center, Sandusky
• March 3, 2010, John S. Knight Center, Akron
• March 9, 2010, Columbus Convention Center, Columbus

10.  BYGLOSOPHY.

"We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics." - Bill Vaughan