This is the 26th 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 29th conference call:  Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Hamilton); Cindy Burskey (Clermont); Becky McCann (Agriculture Business Enhancement Center); Erik Draper (Geauga); Gary Gao (Delaware); Amy Stone (Lucas); Curtis Young (Hancock); and Randy Zondag (Lake).

In This Issue:

1. WEATHERWATCH.
2. HORT SHORTS:  Rodents Masticate Maples (Squirrels); Late Season Fruit Insects and Diseases; Vegetable Gardening 101 - Late Season Edition; and Plants of the Week:  Annual (Cockscomb), Perennial (Northwind Switch Grass), Woody (Winterberry Holly), and Weed (Poison Ivy 2).
3. GREEN SHORTS:  (None for this week). 
4. CLINIC CLIPS. 
5. BUGBYTES:  European Hornets Damage Lilacs; Home Space Invaders (Clover Mites, Hackberry Nipplegall Psyllids, Boxelder Bugs, Western Conifer Seed Leaffooted Bugs, Attic Flies (a.k.a. Cluster Flies), Face Flies, Elm Leaf Beetles, and Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles); Fall Marks Millions of Millipedes Marching; and Clusters of Crane Flies.
6. DISEASE DIGEST:  Pithy Pumpkin Handles Popping. 
7. TURF TIPS:  Grubs Still Active; and NOW is the Time for Broadleaf Weed Control.
8. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:  Sirex Wood Wasp Found in Ohio. 
9. COMING ATTRACTIONS:  OSU/ONLA Nursery Landscape Research Day; Autumn Discovery Days (Secrest Arboretum); Overwintering School; 2009 Fall Certified Arborist Preparation Course; Why Trees Matter Forum; 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:  January 1-September 30, 2009, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Tuesday, September 30, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

While fall officially arrived last week, nighttime temperatures are cooling quickly with some areas in the state being warned of a possible frost later this week.  Curtis Young's weather report has been like a broken recording much of the BYGL season - dry, dry, and dry.  Joe Boggs reported being on the 3-4 day mowing schedule because of regular rains, while Curtis Young is on the 3-4 week schedule due to the drought conditions.  Areas in the state, sometimes even within the same county, are like night and day when comparing rainfall totals. 

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

2.  HORT SHORTS.

A.  RODENTS MASTICATE MAPLES. 

Erik Draper shared his diagnostic experience when assisting a group of homeowners who were concerned about why the tops of their maple trees were dying.  The intriguing part, which captured Erik's attention, was that the malady seemed to only affect the maples in the development from sugar (Acer saccharum) to silver (A. saccharinum), but not oaks, lindens, etc.  A visit to the site revealed a common symptom, which caused the death of the tops of the trees.  That symptom was the bark of the tree hanging in strips curling up away from the tree.  This symptom always appeared to start on the trunk and was always near a branch crotch attachment.  The strips of bark were anywhere from 3-12" in length.  The final piece of the mystery was that these areas, with no bark present, went all the way around the trunk of the tree.  The remaining top or ends of these branches were flagging and dying. The culprits were SQUIRRELS, which seem to relish the sweet area (vascular cambium) beneath the bark.  At this time of year, the bark "slips" or easily separates from the wood (xylem).  As the squirrels tugged on the bark, to get at the sweetness underneath, it peeled off the tree in long strips.  The sugar fortified the strange "de-barking" squirrel behavior so the squirrels then proceeded to seek their sugar high all over the neighborhood, wherever they could find another maple.

For more information, see:   Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management Info on Tree Squirrels Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management Info on Gray and Fox Squirrel

B.  LATE SEASON FRUIT INSECTS AND DISEASES. 

A home gardener brought in an apple sample that had plum curculio, apple maggot and apple scab damage.  It is too late to control either of these insects or the  disease.  However, home gardeners should collect the fruits that were damaged by insects and diseases and take them out of their "orchard."  This is a good way to minimize pest problems next year.  To effectively manage insects and diseases next year, gardeners will need to follow a spray schedule, starting with a dormant spray, and follow through the entire season with regular cover sprays of insecticides and fungicides.

All pest management does not need to be done through pesticide sprays.  When planting new or replacement trees, it is very helpful to pest management to plant disease-resistant fruit cultivars to reduce disease problems.  For insect control, there are also mechanical ways to control them.  One good way to reduce fruit damage from insects is by bagging apples when they are 1/2-3/4" in diameter.  Paper or plastic bags both work as well as one can purchase fruit bags intentionally manufactured for bagging fruits on the trees.  For more information, follow this link:  http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef218.asp .  Red sticky sphere traps can be used for apple maggot control.  For more information, follow this link:   http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1007.html . 

OSU Extension carries two very good bulletins on home fruit production.  One of them is OSU Extension Bulletin #940, "Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide."  Gary Gao, the editor of this bulletin, proudly tells everyone that this Extension bulletin is one of the best Extension bulletins.  It was the national winner in the Communications Contest by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.  As of September, 2009, more than 1,900 have been sold from the OSU Extension Media Distribution Office.  It is available for sale for $9.50 from OSU Extension offices throughout Ohio.  Call for availability before stopping by your local Extension office.  Follow this link for a list of phone numbers and addresses:  http://extension.osu.edu/counties.php.

The other good bulletin to have is OSU Extension Bulletin #780, "Controlling Diseases and Insects In Home Fruit Plantings."  This bulletin is also available for sale through local Extension offices in Ohio. 

Wondering what OSU Extension bulletins are available?  Check out the OSU Extension eStore at:  http://estore.osu-extension.org/.  Gardeners can purchase Extension publications online and have them shipped directly to their home. 

For more information, see:

• OSU Extension FactSheet on Apple Maggot and its Control
• OSU Extension FactSheet on Plum Curculio And Its Control

C.  VEGETABLE GARDENING 101 - LATE SEASON EDITION: 

The 2009 growing season for warm season vegetables is coming to an end soon for most gardeners in Ohio.  It is a good idea to harvest tomatoes, peppers, green beans, egg plants, and herbs, such as basil as soon as possible (one never knows when the first frost might hit).  Green tomatoes can be left indoors for ripening.  Keep them near a sunny window.  Gardeners can also put green tomatoes and a couple of apples in a plastic bag.  The ethylene gas that is released from apples will speed up the ripening process of the tomatoes.  

Winter squash and gourds, and cool-season vegetables will still keep going.  The 2009 growing season has not been the best year for vegetable gardens.  Hopefully, next year will be better.  This is the last edition of the Vegetable Gardening 101 in 2009.

For more information, see:

• Purdue University FactSheet on Ripening Tomatoes
• Colorado State University Extension FactSheet on Ripening Tomatoes

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 - COCKSCOMB (Celosia argenta var.cristata).  This group of cockscomb has outstanding flowers that are really apparent in Ohio gardens at this time.  The unique 'brain-like' flower structure is guaranteed to elicit comments from visitors!  The plants prefer full sun for best flowering and can be found in a variety of bloom colors and plant heights.  It's very easy to grow; seeds can be direct-sown into the garden in the spring.  Taller cultivars should be protected from the wind as the blooms sometimes get top-heavy.  The colors of the blooms vary from shades of red to orange, yellow, purple, and pink.  They also make an excellent cut or dried flower, lasting a long time in an arrangement.
	For more information, see: Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center for Home Gardening Cockscomb information Michigan State University factsheet on cockscomb
	*PERENNIAL - NORTHWIND SWITCH GRASS (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind').  Many varieties of ornamental grasses really begin to show off in the fall and this one is no slacker.  The cultivar 'Northwind' is one of the best vertical forms of switch grass as it stands straight and tall, growing to 4-5'.  It prefers full sun and does quite well in a wide range of soils, including clay.  The foliage is olive-green to bluish-green with flowers emerging in late August.  In September the flower panicles turn a beautiful yellowish color and appear to be hovering over the foliage, moving with the wind.  The total plant height at the end of the season is around 6' tall.  The panicles turn beige in the fall and hold up quite well throughout the winter.  In the early spring, before foliage begins to appear, cut the old growth back to about 6-8".
	For more information, see: Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center for Home Gardening Northwind switchgrass information Michigan State University Fact Sheet on Panicum virgatum
	*WOODY - WINTERBERRY HOLLY (Ilex verticillata).  This deciduous holly is showing its true colors at this time with the red berries standing out amongst the foliage.  It provides an incredibly beautiful sight in the fall garden.  This small spreading shrub loves moisture - hint - it is well-suited for damp areas!  The leaves are green throughout the summer and begin to turn yellow in the fall.  The spectacular feature, however, is the fruit which begins to turn in the fall and lasts well into the winter.  The leaves eventually drop and the clusters of fruit growing along the stems continue to show-off.  The stems are excellent for cut arrangements during the holidays.  Don't forget, as with other hollies, there has to be a male flowering plant near the female flowering plants in order to pollinate the female so it can produce the berries.  There are references available to help select the best pollinators for the cultivar grown.  Outstanding cultivars include 'Winter Red', 'Red Sprite', and the orangish-red berried 'Afterglow'.
	For more information, see: Virginia Tech Tree ID Factsheet on winterberry holly Missouri Botanical Garden Kemper Center for Home Gardening information on winterberry holly
	*THE WEEKLY WEED - POISON IVY "REHASHED" (Rhus radicans or Toxicondendron radicans).  Even though BYGL has already reported on poison ivy this year, BYGLers felt it was important to revisit this plant because of its spectacular fall color that is beginning to show in the northern part of Ohio.  Poison ivy is one of the first plants to change color during the fall and can easily be seen driving down the road because of its brilliant red to rust-orange to yellow hue.  At this time of year we also see the green berries of poison ivy turn white which makes it even more striking. The fact to take note of is that even at this time of year poison ivy's toxicity is no less potent and will continue to be potent throughout the winter.  So proceed with caution!  Burning is a definite "no" and can easily put someone in the hospital.  Always inspect logs before burning and remove poison ivy with a gloved hand.  Typically a poison ivy rash runs its course in 2-3 weeks.  If problems persist, seek help by contacting your family physician for more recommendations. To control poison ivy there are three methods that can be effective in eradicating poison ivy.  They include hand pulling or grubbing; severing the vine and then treating the re-growth with an herbicide; or applying an herbicide to individual leaflets.  Always be sure to follow the directions on the product label.
	For more information, see: Purdue Factsheet on Poison Ivy Missouri Factsheet on Poison Ivy

3.  GREEN SHORTS: 

No report this week.

4.  CLINIC CLIPS.  

5.  BUGBYTES.

A.  EUROPEAN HORNETS DAMAGE LILACS. 

Joe Boggs reported receiving an e-mail message from a BYGL reader in Warren County concerning damage being done to common lilacs by European hornets (Vespa crabro).  Technically, this non-native is the only true hornet found in Ohio.  Bald-faced hornets are grouped with yellowjackets.  Unlike our native yellowjackets and wasps, European hornets can cause significant girdling damage to twigs and branches of trees and shrubs by stripping bark to the white wood.  It is speculated they extract sugar from the consumed phloem tissue.  Joe visited the site and found that the lilacs were the only plants being affected; however, it has been reported that the hornets will also feed on ash, birch, boxwood, dogwood, horse chestnut, rhododendron and viburnum.

European hornets were first found in the United States in New York State around 1840.  Since that time, it has spread to most states east of the Mississippi and a few states to the west.  The hornets are impressively large, measuring 1-1 1/4" in length.  Their black and yellow markings on their abdomen make them look like yellowjackets on steroids; however, their head and thorax have distinct chestnut colored markings.  Yellowjackets have black and yellow markings on the head and thorax.  European hornets construct paper nests similar to bald-faced hornets.  They prefer to nest in hollow trees, but will occasionally nest in the walls of homes.  Like bald-faced hornets and yellowjackets, only the queens produced this season will survive the winter.  They will soon leave the nests to seek protected overwintering sites.  Old nests are not re-used.

The hornets are reputed to be highly aggressive; however, Joe observed just the opposite.  He was able take close-up images and move branches with hornets on them without being stung or even charged by the hornets.  Still, landscapers should be cautious around these large stinging insects.  Like wasps and yellowjackets, they are capable of stinging repeatedly.  The hornets also commonly fly at night and may be attracted to porch lights or lights shining through windows.  They have been known to repeatedly charge windows at night inducing panic in homeowners.  Activity by the hornets will soon subside for the season.  While the hornets may occasionally cause harm to plants, it is becoming too late in the season to justify applying control measures.

For more information, see:

• Penn State Entomology Fact Sheet
• NC State Entomology Fact Sheet

B.  HOME SPACE INVADERS.

	Several BYGLers reported that with "fall in air," a number of fall arthropod home invaders are poised to make their way into Ohio homes.  Indeed, some are already knocking at the door!  These home-crashers include:  CLOVER MITES (Bryobia praetiosa); HACKBERRY NIPPLEGALL PSYLLIDS (Pachypsylla celtidismamma); BOXELDER BUGS (Boisea trivittatus); WESTERN CONIFER SEED LEAFFOOTED BUGS (Leptoglassus occidentalis); ATTIC FLIES (a.k.a. CLUSTER FLIES) (Pollenia rudis); FACE FLIES (Musca autumnalis); ELM LEAF BEETLES (Xanthogaleruca luteola); and the most notorious of all, MULTICOLORED ASIAN LADY BEETLES (Harmonia axyridis). Joe Boggs reported receiving a phone call concerning adult western conifer seed leaffooted bugs congregating around window screens on a home in southwest Ohio.  The 1/2-3/4" long brown colored bugs spend evening hours buzzing around porch lights and occasionally they find their way into homes.  Although adults have unusually long sucking mouthparts, they are not a threat to homeowners.  The bugs are named for the flat, leaf or web‑like structures found near the end of the hind legs.  In Ohio, these insects prefer to feed on the cones of Scotch, pitch, and red pines, as well as Colorado and blue spruce.  Homes near high concentrations of conifers trees may be more likely to experience a visit from these footloose nomads.
	Joe also reported that he is getting calls from besieged homeowners waging swatting battles against hackberry gall psyllids.  These gnat-like insects are usually the first to arrive in the fall, no doubt hoping to catch a few Buckeye games on the big screen!  The tiny, dark brownish-red psyllids arise from galls formed earlier in the season on hackberry leaves.  The psyllids look like miniature cicadas and hundreds may collect on and around window screens, possibly attracted by lights from within the home or by heat radiating from the home.  Large numbers of buzz-bombing psyllids can be very annoying, and they may occasionally bite! The best way to deal with these home invaders is to prevent them from gaining entry in the first place.  Find and seal-off entry points such as cracks around windows, doors, or utility pipes. Poorly attached home siding and rips in window screens provide an open invitation.  Check homes for unprotected vents, such as bathroom and kitchen vents, or unscreened attic vents.  Also, while in the attic, look for openings around soffits.  Hackberry psyllids may require more drastic (and expensive) measures since the tiny insects can pass through "standard-size" mesh screens.  Homes located near large numbers of hackberry trees may need to have standard screens replaced with smaller mesh screens.
	Once inside the home, the best method to manage the offending invader is to "Hooverize'em."  Swatting or otherwise smashing the invader could cause more damage than leaving them alone since fluids inside their bodies can leave permanent stains on the surface.  Thus, the vacuum cleaner is the preferred method for giving the invader the bums rush.  However, make certain the vacuum cleaner is a "by-pass" type, meaning refuse is not passed through an impeller.  Otherwise, you will create a horrifying bug-blender. For more information, see: Penn State Fact Sheet NC State Entomology Fact Sheet

Millipedes are Myriapods within the Phylum Arthropoda but not in the Class Insecta as they have many legs and multiple body segments with two pairs of legs per segment.  They have short antennae and short legs which are attached beneath the body.  As they walk, their legs ripple as each pair of legs moves synchronously along.  They are usually 1/2-1 1/4" long, and dark brown or grayish in body color, depending upon the species.  A diagnostic tip is that they curl into a tightly coiled circle when disturbed.

During the growing season, millipedes are rarely encountered because of their nocturnal habits precludes them from being spotted.  They munch mostly on dying and dead plant matter and dead insects.  During daylight hours, they hide under mulch and similar cool, moist, organic material, however in the fall as the temperature cools, they become active and search for a warmer place to overwinter where they can find suitable organic matter to eat.  During the process of migration, several hundred to thousands of millipedes will crawl en masse toward objects searching for a suitable moist, protected crevice for the winter.  In the spring, the millipedes return to the soil and the females lay eggs in pockets of the soil.  Some species will lay between 20-300 eggs which hatch a few weeks later.  Depending upon the species, the immatures may reach adulthood that fall or the following year, while others take 4-5 years to mature!

To keep these marauders out of buildings, keep mulch and other organic debris at least 6-8" away from the foundation and keep the foundation dry.  Vines or items stacked against the building are great habitats for millipedes as well as their cousins the centipedes and other arthropods.  Seal and caulk around window, vents and conduits in the wall to keep them out.  Millipedes are not harmful to people, pets or furnishings and quickly die indoors due to the lack of humidity and available moisture.  Handle the multilegged critters with care though, as they can emit a foul smelling odor if disturbed.  No treatment indoors is necessary, however in severe cases, an outside perimeter spray can subdue large populations which are getting inside.

• University of Georgia factsheet on Millipedes
• OSU FactSheet on Millipedes

D.  CLUSTERS OF CRANE FLIES. 

Curtis Young reported high levels of adult crane fly activity in northwestern Ohio.  Curtis was a little surprised to see so many crane flies after such a dry, dry summer in his area of NW Ohio (as reported in Weather Watch).  Although Curtis should know better after having spent several summers surveying for exotic species of crane flies, and also having reviewed the literature on their life cycles.  A quick reminder of the crane fly's life cycle explains how these observations can be.  There are several native species of crane flies in Ohio.  Some species emerge as adults in the spring and others in the fall.  Those that emerge in the fall, mate in the fall, lay eggs and die.  The eggs hatch into larvae called leatherjackets that begin feeding in the fall, overwinter as partially developed larvae, return to feeding in the spring, then enter into a prepupal quiescent state to spend the summer.  Late in the summer the larvae pupate.  Thus springtime soil moisture could possibly be the more critical condition for their survival and the dryness of the summer may have limited impact on the quiescent larvae.

Crane flies look like extra large mosquitoes.  Fortunately, they do not possess the mouth parts to bite or suck blood.  Most species of crane fly larvae feed on organic materials in the soil and thatch layer, especially in moist to wet areas in the yard.  There are some species that feed directly on living grass plants (blades and crowns) that are of concern.  These are the European crane flies (Tipula palodusa), however they have not yet been identified as existing in Ohio.  However, they are not that far away having been discovered in parts of western New York.

For more information, see:

• Crane Fly Pest of the Pacific Northwest
• Cornell University News Service Article on Crane Flies

6.  DISEASE DIGEST.

A.  PITHY PUMPKIN HANDLES POPPING.  

Pumpkin growers often ask if they really need to worry about trying to control POWDERY MILDEW (PM), pathogen Podosphaera xanthii, late in the growing season.  Their thought is that the disease will actually help collapse the foliage so that the pumpkins will color better in the field.  This is not true regarding the pumpkins coloring and in fact, the rapid collapse of the foliage covering the fruit can be very detrimental.  The rapid exposure of the tender pumpkin fruit to intense sunlight and heat may cause them to sunburn and breakdown internally.  Because the rind did not harden off sufficiently, this will lead to the many post-harvest problems, including rots caused by fungi and soft rots caused by bacteria.

The real problem that arises from not sufficiently controlling PM on pumpkin is that this fungus will infect leaf petioles, stems and although rarely, the fruit may also become infected.  When stems (also called handles) of the fruit are infected with PM, instead if being green, they will turn brown, dry up and become pithy and very brittle.  The appearance and integrity of the "handles" on pumpkins is a big factor by which buyers will raise or lower the value of the crop.  Therefore, the best approach to great pumpkins is to continue with the fungicides for PM control, right up until harvest.  It is recommended to scout the leaves for the first signs or colonies of the PM fungus.  Once these first fungi are found, then fungicides should be applied until the pumpkins are harvested.

For more information, see:

• Ohio State University FactSheet Powdery Mildew on Vine Crops
• MANAGING POWDERY MILDEW IN PUMPKINS- Cornell University

7.  TURF TIPS.

A.  GRUBS STILL ACTIVE.

Dave Shetlar reported that grubs are still active under the thatch and that while the masked chafer grubs are in the third instar, many Japanese beetle larvae are still in their second instar.  This means that although they will descend below the freezing level soon for the winter, they will return to the thatch zone next spring to finish eating and developing.  Therefore their emergence as an adult may be delayed again as it has been the last few years.

Check areas that are prone to grub damage, and tend to wilt easily.  Peel the turfgrass and look for the white "C" shaped grubs.  Typically if 20 or more are found per square foot, treatment is recommended, however if the turfgrass receives adequate irrigation the remainder of the fall, the turfgrass may be kept alive "hydroponically" without treating for grubs.  In many cases, the skunks and raccoons will "tell" where the grub infestations are.  To prevent these nighttime hunters from tearing up the turfgrass, apply Milorganite or a similar composted sewage sludge which repels them.

Plan to dethatch or core aerate turfgrass in which the thatch is 1/2" thick or greater.  Dense thatch not only attracts these scarab beetles but also prevents deep root growth and diminishes the effectiveness of fertilizers and pesticides.  Dense thatch also becomes hydroponic so that water runs off instead of penetrating, causing localized dry spots.

At this time of year, Dylox (trichlorfon) and Arena (chlothianidin) are the only products available that will control the grubs.  Water the products well to make sure that the product reaches the grubs.  The thicker the thatch, the more difficult it will be to flush the insecticide to the grubs' range.  Refer to Dr. Shetlar's September 14 (Vol. 18) P.E.S.T. Newsletter for more information.

For more information, see:

• OSU "Management of Turfgrass Pests"
• OSU HYG FactSheet "Masked Chafers
• OSU HYG FactSheet "Japanese Beetle

B.  NOW IS THE TIME FOR BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL.  It is nearly impossible to get 100% weed control in your lawn, however by combining cultural methods and an application of broadleaf herbicide in the fall, you should be able to significantly minimize the number of broadleaf weeds in your lawn.  Most broadleaf weeds are prolific seed producers, and these seeds can disperse into your lawn from miles away.  Additionally, seeds of broadleaf weeds occur naturally in all soils, and can persist for 30 or more years.  By controlling broadleaf weeds, turfgrasses develop a dense, uniform cover that resists further weed invasion, reduces mowing requirements and improves the appearance of a property. 

Fall is the best time to control perennial broadleaf weeds.  Going into winter these weeds are storing energy reserves in stems and roots. Thus the herbicide will enter the plant and travel to these plant parts with the food reserves, helping to give a complete kill of the weed.  

When selecting a herbicide, accurate identification of weeds is the first step to successful weed control.  If you only have a few weeds in your lawn, simply spot-apply a herbicide rather than applying to the entire lawn. Apply just enough to wet the leaf and do not apply to the point that the herbicide is dripping off the leaf.  Apply herbicide to actively growing, preferably young weeds.  Do not apply broadleaf herbicides when the soil moisture is low, not only is effectiveness reduced but damage to the turfgrass could result.  Herbicides should be applied on a calm, clear day when the air temperature is between 50 F and 85 F (warmer air temperature increases the chances of turf damage).  If rain falls within 24 hours, consider reapplying the weed control if no results are obvious after 10 days.  Do not apply to new turfgrass seedlings until after the grass has been mowed at least three times.  Delay seeding a bare spot caused by the removal of weeds until after a good soaking rain or irrigation.  Delay applying a broadleaf herbicide to newly sodded areas for 4-6 weeks.  Delay mowing the treated area for at least 3 days before and after the treatment.  Whenever herbicides are used, container labels should ALWAYS be read and followed carefully.

8.  INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.

A.  SIREX WOOD WASP FOUND IN OHIO.  The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently discovered the Sirex wood wasp (Sirex noctillo) in a monitoring trap in Lake County, in northeast Ohio.  This foreign wood boring pest will attack both Scotch and Austrian pines.  The adult stage of this insect can fly up to 50 miles in a single year.

While there is not a federal quarantine in place in Ohio, North Carolina has imposed an exterior quarantine for this pest.  This quarantine will only affect growers and shippers that are sending regulated articles to North Carolina. 

For more information, see:

• USDA Pest Alert for the Sirex Wood Wasp

9.  COMING ATTRACTIONS.

A.  OSU/ONLA NURSERY LANDSCAPE RESEARCH DAY.  On October 5, 2009, OSU and ONLA will host an open house research day to high light the research that is currently being conducted at OSU to support the nursery and landscape industry here in Ohio.  The meeting will be held in the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio.  To register for the event, please fax or mail your  R.S.V.P. and payment to Denise Johnson, 256D Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Ct., Columbus, Ohio 43210 or Fax: 614-292-3505, E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and Phone: 614-247-4353.  The program starts at 10:45 a.m. and will finish by 4:00 p.m.  Cost including lunch is $20.00.  Speakers will include: Hanna Mathers, Dan Herms, Randy Zondag, Dan Struve, Erdal Ozkan, Denis Lewandowski, and many others.

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.  2009 FALL CERTIFIED ARBORIST PREPARATION COURSE.  The OSU Extension Agricultural Business Enhancement (ABE) Center, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Ohio Chapter International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) are partnering to present the next Certified Arborist Preparation Course to be held October 15 through December 3, 2009 at the ABE Center in Bowling Green, Ohio.  

This 7-week course is designed to provide a comprehensive education on arboriculture as well as prepare individuals for the ISA Certified Arborist Exam. Classes will meet Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.  

Course topics include: Tree Biology; Pruning; Soil & Water Relations/Fertilization; Diagnosis & Treatment; Tree Selection, Installation, & Establishment; Safe Work Practices, Lightning Protection, Cabling/Bracing and Knots & Ropes; andRisk Management & Urban Forestry Basics.  Each class will also have a Tree ID component.

Registration fee is $175.  Registration fee includes the programs and a copy of the ISA Arborists' Certification Study Guide.  The fee does NOT include the certification exam.  Seating is limited to 25 people; preference will be in order of postmarked registrations. For Registration form go to the following web site:  http://www.ohiochapterisa.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=SY%2f3ZIjU1zs%3d&tabid=36 .

E.  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 .

F.  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:  

"A woodland in fall color is awesome as a forest fire, in magnitude at least, but a single tree is like a dancing tongue of flame to warm the heart." - Hal Borland