| BYGL - September 24, 2009 |
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This is the 25th 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 fact sheet information on any of these articles may be found through the OSU FactSheet 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 September 22nd conference call: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Hamilton); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Tim Malinich (Lorain); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); 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: September 1-September 22, 2009, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Today is the first official day of fall. While the calendar says autumn, warm and muggy days were experienced by all today. Each of the 5 weather stations highlighted below are reporting below average precipitation totals for the month of September.
For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, visit: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm 2. HORT SHORTS.A. PLANTS OF THE WEEK.
*ANNUAL - ORNAMENTAL PEPPERS (Capsicum spp.). Wow - look at 'em now! These plants don't look like much in the way of ornamentals during the summer but come late summer and early fall, they are spectacular. There are numerous varieties and cultivars of ornamental peppers available on the market and their showiness depends on the variety. Plants look like garden peppers and have green, purple, or variegated foliage. The fruits start to develop in mid- to late summer and the color depends upon the variety. These early fruits can be purple or green usually. They are also several different sizes and shapes. Then, when one least expects it, the peppers start to mature and turn a different color; these colors include orange, red, purple, and a variety of colors in-between. At times, the plants have all colors of developing and mature fruit at the same time. The plants also come in a variety of sizes, ranging from short and compact to larger and around 2' tall. Favorites in the field trial plots at the OSU Extension Gateway Learning Gardens in Clark County include:
For more information, see: *PERENNIAL - CARYOPTERIS (Caryopteris x clandonensis).
The flowers can be blue to purple and the foliage is green, silvery-green, or yellow; both depend upon the cultivar. The flowers appear late summer and last into the fall and are very attractive to butterflies and bees. 'Longwood Blue' has sky-blue fragrant flowers and grows to around 4' tall. 'Worchester Gold' has golden foliage with light lavender-blue flowers; foliage is aromatic when crushed or brushed with the hand. 'Dark Knight' has deep blue flowers on 2-3' plants. For more information, see:
*WOODY - SASSAFRAS (Sassafras albidum).
The leaves of this tree are quite interesting as there can be 3 different shapes on the same tree. One leaf shape is ovate, another is mitten-shaped, and still another is 3-lobed. The fall color is spectacular on this tree as the leaves turn to combinations of yellow, purple, and red. Scratch the stem of this tree and a spicy-sweet aroma is revealed. Sassafras is an excellent tree for the woods edge or in naturalized areas. For more information, see:
*THE WEEKLY WEED - POKEWEED (Phytolacca americana).
Pokeweed can reach heights of 2-8' with roots in older plants reaching to depths of more than 12". The leaves are alternate on the stem, simple with long leafstalks. The fruit produced in late summer are clusters of green berries that turn purple to black at maturity and contain a profuse amount of red juice. Birds eat the berries and scatter the seeds. This probably accounts for single, isolated plants in areas where pokeweed has never been noticed before. Pokeweed is typically found in rich pasture lands, in recently cleared areas, along fencerows, and in waste places and open spots in woodlands. To control this weed, removal of individual plants is accomplished by removing the crown and a major portion of the associated taproot with gloved hands. Alternatively, spot applications of glyphosate or the products containing 2,4-D or dicamba can provide good control of this weed. Follow pesticide label for directions.
3. GREEN SHORTS.A. GREEN TURF IS GREAT … BUT BEING GREEN AND SAVING GREEN IS TOO. Turf is wonderful for both aesthetic and environmental reasons. Its deep green carpet-like growth enhances other landscape features and imparts a feeling of spaciousness; giving width and depth to landscapes. It also reduces water run-off, improving water quality, and enhancing infiltration to recharge groundwater reserves. Did you know that the 8.5 million grass plants in a healthy 10,000 sq. ft. lawn absorb 6,000 gal. of rainwater or that an average golf course of 150 acres can absorb 12 million gal. of water during a 3" rainfall? However, turf needs to be properly fertilized, especially with nitrogen, to achieve maximum health and provide optimum benefits. The most important fertilizer applications are the two made in the fall. The first is normally made in early September. If you have not made that application, do not despair. The cool, moist conditions experienced across much of Ohio this September has allowed for that application to be extended into late September. The second application should be made later in the fall when the blades of the grass have stopped growing. The big question is … what and how much fertilizer do you apply? The answer to this question can only be provided in one way … getting soil samples analyzed and then applying your fertilizer according to the recommendations provided by the lab. Save some green and be "green". Apply only what is needed according to recommendations, and in a responsible way. For example, the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District has been collecting data from turf soil samples submitted from throughout the county. Of 593 samples submitted this summer, the phosphorous (P) level was below optimum in 13, above optimum in 536, and at optimum in 44! Yet, how many still apply P to their lawns? Care should be taken to apply fertilizer only to the turf areas. Always sweep any fertilizer that ends up on hard surfaces, such as walks and driveways, onto the turf. Otherwise, it can easily be carried into storm sewers and water ways. That is not being "green". For more information on testing soils refer to OSU FactSheet HYG-1132-99, "Soil Testing is an Excellent Investment for Garden Plants and Commercial Crops" http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1132.html . And for more information on fertilizing turf refer to OSU FactSheet HYG-4006, "Fertilization in Lawns" http://ohioline.osu.edu/lines/hygs.html#SOILS . For more information, see:
4. CLINIC CLIPS.Barb Bloetscher (CWEPPDC entomologist) has been busy answering calls regarding yellowjackets in the ground, stumps, and lawn ornaments as well as honeybee colonies in walls of buildings. At this point, beekeepers advise that people wait until February/March to have the bees removed. Call a beekeeper to establish a contact but wait until a warm weekend in early spring to remove them, as presently 40-50,000 bees are in the colony protecting possibly 40 lbs of honey. The chance of getting the bees and honeycomb out and keeping the bees alive over the winter is remote, while by early spring, if the bees even survive, few bees will remain plus they will have eaten most of the stored honey. Stored product pests such as drugstore beetles and Indianmeal moths have been submitted for identification, as well as linden branches with heavy aphid populations. Samples of late blight and early blight on tomatoes were submitted to the plant pathologists at the Farm Science Review this week.
5. BUGBYTES. A. STINGING PROTECTORS OF OAK BULLET GALLS.
B. PIOUS INSECTS OF THE WEEDS AND SHRUBS.
There are only a few species that exist in Ohio and the most common species are the CAROLINA MANTID (Stagmomantis carolina), a native species, the EUROPEAN MANTID (Mantis religiosa), an introduced species, and the CHINESE MANTID (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis), also an introduced species. The Carolina mantid is the smallest of the three and the Chinese mantid is the largest. Mantids are plentiful and are not endangered species nor are they protected by Ohio or federal law.
Mantids are highly touted as biological control agents; however there are usually not enough of them in one particular area to keep damaging insect populations in check. Additionally, mantids do not discriminate between destructive insects and beneficial insects. They can, in some instances, be quite destructive themselves. For instance, if they are around a beehive, they may have a real feast on honeybees going in and out of the hive. The females have been known to be rather ruthless toward their mates and consume their mate right after mating or while still in the act, but this does not necessarily happen all the time. For more information, see:
C. SHE IS ONE "UGLY BETTY!"
The adult females are more bizarre then the males. Female bagworm adults normally never see the light of day, and normally no one sees the adult female including the adult male bagworm. The adult female bagworm does not metamorph into a moth-like looking insect, instead she remains worm-like. She has a small head with no apparent mouth parts, no antennae, and three pairs of very short thoraxic legs (probably non-functional). Her body is creamy-white with only a few areas that are sclerotized (colored and hardened) and a band of tan colored hairs around her body toward the end of her abdomen. Her abdomen terminates in an ovipositor (egg laying structure) used for depositing and packing her eggs into her pupal case which is her main function in life. She is not a pretty site to see! As mentioned above, normally the female bagworm never leaves her bag, but Curtis has discovered that when bags are removed from a host plant and stored in a sealable plastic bag, adult female bagworms will exit their bags before laying eggs. This could be the result of their bodies being in the wrong orientation, lying on their sides rather than hanging upside-down or they could be looking for their "Barneys" wandering why they have not answered their mates' chemical calls. Ultimately, we have reached the point in the bagworm's life cycle when mating occurs and soon the overwintering eggs will have been laid snug inside of their mother's old bag, inside of their mother's old pupal case, packed in beside their brothers' and sisters' eggs, and insulated with scales and hairs off of their mother's body ready for a long winter's sleep . . . For more information, see:
D. MOSQUITOES ARE BACK! Several BYGLers reported bloodthirsty mosquitoes spoiling their evening activities the last few days and wondered, "Why so late?" Dave Shetlar explained that THE TREE-HOLE species of MOSQUITOES were able to finish their life cycle after the soaking rain much of Ohio experienced two weeks ago. Indeed the "floodwater" or "tree-hole" species of mosquito lay eggs singly out of the water in places which would fill with water and stay wet for several weeks, as opposed to the "standing water" species which hatch in 24-48 hours and may finish development in 10 days. This is a survival mechanism which allows the eggs to hatch and the larvae to finish development before the water dries. Many of these species will survive the winter as eggs then hatch early the following spring as the snow melts. The tree-hole species include several troublesome mosquitoes that can vector disease such as EASTERN TREEHOLE MOSQUITO (Aedes triseriatus) which breed in tires, cans, and tree holes and BANDED SPRING MOSQUITO (A. canadensis). While the second species is a secondary vector, the eastern treehole mosquito is the primary vector of LaCrosse encephalitis. Other tree-hole mosquitoes include FLOODWATER MOSQUITO (A. trivittata) and VEXANS MOSQUITO (A. vexans) which is a common Ohio evening pest. They will fly 5-15 miles from the source of their development and live about 2 months. They are primary vectors of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. To avoid being bitten by these nighttime marauders, spray your clothes with DEET or a similar insect repellent, or burn citronella candles in a safe location. Avoid wearing sweet or flowery scented shampoos and colognes, and wear light colored clothing. If the mosquitoes are really bothersome, consider retreating indoors. For more information, see:
6. DISEASE DIGEST.A. SPOTS ON TULIPTREE LEAVES. In late summer, it is not uncommon for a few to numerous leaves on the tuliptree (Lirodendron tulipifera) (a.k.a. the yellow poplar and/or tulip poplar) to prematurely turn yellow and drop. This unexplained disorder, apparently induced by extended periods of hot, dry, weather in combination with various site stress factors. An added symptom that frequently accompanies the leaf yellowing is the appearance of circular, black spots between the veins of the yellowing leaves. The black spots are often mistaken for a fungal leaf spot disease, yet there is no fungal agent in the spots. Though alarming in appearance, the problem does not affect tree vigor or health. Some of the spots on the yellowed leaves could have also been caused by an early season gall former, TULIPTREE LEAF SPOT GALL MIDGE (Resseliella liriodendri). The galls of the midge persist as brown spots on leaves until autumn, each gall produced by one orange-colored larva. The best management for stressed tuliptrees is to thoroughly water during dry periods and fertilize appropriately. The most beneficial method of watering is to apply an amount equal to 2" of rainfall every 2 or 3 weeks. For more information, see:
7. TURF TIPS.A. FALL CORING (taken from "TurfNotes", Karl Danneberger, OSU Dept. Horticulture and Crop Sciences). Autumn cultivation season has started for some with much of the coring targeted around Labor Day. Of the golf course management practices, CORE CULTIVATION (AERIFICATION) is probably the most noticeable to golfers, and the least appreciated. The disruption to play is quite obvious but the benefits, although not as visual are just as important. Aggressive coring practices are normally done during periods of active turfgrass growth in the spring and fall. Factors involved in the type of coring to be done (hollow versus solid, tine diameter and depth, degree of disruption to the turf) are dependent on the desired long-term outcomes. Listed below are some of the outcomes from. Timing Scheduling autumn coring is often times the most challenging part of the process. From an agronomic perspective coring should be done when the turf is actively growing and the likelihood for environmental stress is low. The "ideal" period would be when the average soil temperature is in the mid 60's. If coring is done when soil temperatures are high, injury may occur to the plant. If it is done too late temperatures are cool and turf recovery is slow. Soil Physical Properties On compacted soils, research has shown that hollow tine coring (HTC) decreases the soil bulk density, and increases air porosity and hydraulic conductivity. The soil strength is decreased with HTC, which may or may not be a desired characteristic. Solid tine coring (STC) is often a desired practice because it causes less disruption to the turf surface, however, STC is not as effective as HTC with regard to the previously mentioned soil physical properties. HTC decreases the soil bulk density to a greater extent than STC while air porosity is 19 to 21% greater with HTC than STC. Regarding soil macropores, HTC produces a greater percentage of these pores than STC. Hydraulic conductivity is also lower with STC when compared to HTC, while soil strength is greater with STC. Impact on Root Growth Root length and mass is probably enhanced over time by coring. In the short-term however, root and shoot growth is injured with coring. The drier the soil conditions at time of coring, the greater the likelihood root and damage will occur. Increased root growth from coring in the autumn will not be observed until late fall or more likely the following spring. When coring, especially if the turfgrass plants are still suffering from residual summer stress, make sure soil moisture levels are adequate (close to field capacity) and soil temperatures are not high. Cultivation Pan Layer A potential problem with continual coring is the development of a cultivation pan layer. This layer is a thin zone of soil compaction that occurs immediately below the coring depth. Studies have demonstrated that compaction occurs around a hollow tine core hole. Compaction along the edges of the coring hole is transient but at the bottom of the core a pan layer can develop. This layer is less likely to occur when coring under dry soil conditions, but the disadvantage as mentioned previously it the potential for increased root injury. I think it is important to stagger the depth of coring to break or reduce the potential for the development of this layer. Thatch Coring and removing the core results is no permanent reduction to thatch, however the incorporation of the cores can reduce thatch through dilution of the layers. In general, coring in combination with other management practices like topdressing, and aggressive vertical cutting will help in thatch management. Conclusion Coring is an important management practice to increase drainage and root growth as well as correct placement of pesticides. The effectiveness of this practice is dependent upon the cultivation techniques used and a clear focus of the desired end result. For more information, see:
8. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.A. MIGHT RAIN GARDENS BE A LANDSCAPE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY? Rain gardens have been a significant landscape feature in Maplewood, MN, since 1996. Over 500 residential rain gardens have been established in the town of approximately 30,000. In addition, whole new residential developments, such as Legacy Village, and commercial developments have installed very, very intense green storm water management systems. Due, in large part, to the generosity of the Urban Forestry Institute, Dave Dyke and many other members of the Why Trees Matter (WTM) team (and Extension, Nursery, Landscape, Turf Team) were able to go to Minneapolis, in July to present a WTM program. On the return trip, Dave, Joe Boggs, and Curtis Young were able to visit Maplewood to study its storm water management program. Dave and Joe will be presenting a PowerPoint presentation on that program at the next regular meeting of the Cincinnati Area Professional Green Infrastructure Network (CAPGIN) on September 30 in the Treetops Room at the Cincinnati Zoo from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in keeping with their mission of making green storm water management systems a viable storm water management strategy and a significant business opportunity for growers and those in the landscape industry. For more information on the meeting and CAPGIN please go to http://hamilton.osu.edu/landscape-stormwater-management. All commercial growers, landscape professionals, and storm water management professionals are invited and encouraged to attend. For more information, see:
9. COMING ATTRACTIONS.A. PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING OFFERED. A Trained Serviceperson and New Applicator Commercial School is planned for September 30, 2009. This session will be taught at the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. For additional information on this school, and other educational opportunities, check out the Pesticide Education website at http://pested.osu.edu . B. AUTUMN DISCOVERY DAYS. Secrest Arboretum will host its 7th annual Autumn Discovery Day from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2009. A tree and shrub sale highlights the program, with proceeds going to help support the facility. Admission is free and open to the public. You can find the arboretum at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), 1680 Madison Avenue in Wooster, Ohio. Call 330-263-3761 or go to http://secrest.osu.edu/ for more information. C. OVERWINTERING SCHOOL for nurseries and landscapers will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Willoway Nurseries, 4534 Center Rd., Avon, OH. This FREE class runs from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Come and enjoy an early evening program on caring for your carryover nursery stock. Topics covered will be the ins-and-outs of overwintering, and rodent pest control. The class is approved for ONLA and ISA credit. Pesticide recertification credit (1/2 hour, private category 5) is available for a fee payable at the door. To R.S.V.P. or for more information contact Tim Malinich at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or see the flyer at: http://lorain.osu.edu/horticulture/commhort/programs . D. WHY TREES MATTER FORUM. Registration is now open for the 4th annual "Why Trees Matter Forum." This year's forum will be held in Wooster at Fisher Auditorium on Thursday, October 22nd. We are excited to welcome Joe R. McBride, University of California, Berkeley as our keynote speaker. Dr. McBride is Professor of Urban Forestry in the Department of Landscape Architecture, University of California, Berkeley. His research in urban forestry has focused on the reduction of air pollution by trees in urban areas, the relationship between urban forest characteristics and the characteristics of the biomes in which cities occur, history of the reconstruction of urban forests following bombing during World War II, the transition of natural forests to urban forests in California, and tree selection for California in the face of global climate change. McBride is a member of the Society of American Foresters and International Society of Arboriculture. His presentation for the forum is titled, "Trees Do Matter" and will focus on the importance of the urban forest to children. John Lloyd of Rainbow Tree Care will also join us to talk about the Urban Forestry Institute, Minnetonka, MN and its connection to Ohio State University. For a copy of the registration flier which features a full list of speakers and events for the forum please visit our website at: http://treesmatter.osu.edu or contact Lynn Vogel at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . E. DATES SET FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION CONFERENCES. The following dates have been set for recertification conferences this winter. Mark your calendars now!
10. BYGLOSOPHY"I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers." - Claude Monet
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| Last Updated on Thursday, 24 September 2009 20:35 |
