| BYGL 07-10-08 Text |
 |
 |
|
BUCKEYE YARD AND GARDEN LINE 2008-15 From: Pam Bennett, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Boggs, Cindy Burskey, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Gary Gao, David Goerig, Tim Malinich, Becky McCann, Amy Stone, and Curtis Young. This is the 15th 2008 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/ ] and [ 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 July 8th conference call: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (Entomology/C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Hamilton/Piketon); Jim Chatfield (OSU Extension Center at Wooster/ Hort and Crop Science); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Gary Gao (Delaware); David Goerig (Mahoning); Tim Malinich (Lorain); Joe Rimelspach (Plant Pathology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Curtis Young (Allen); and Randy Zondag (Lake). In This Issue:
1. WEATHERWATCH. The following weather information summarizes data collected at various OARDC Weather Stations spanning the dates: July 1- July 9, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Wednesday, July 9 at 6:05 p.m.
For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, visit: [ http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm ] 2. HORT SHORTS.
A. GDD (GROWING DEGREE DAYS). GDD is a measure of the daily maximum and minimum temperature and directly relates to growth and development of plants and insects. The GDD of any zip code location in Ohio is estimated using the GDD of ten OARDC weather stations and available on the web at the site below. The range of GDD accumulations in Ohio from north to south is 1,155 to 1,530. Following is a report of GDD for several locations around Ohio as of the end of the day of July 8, 2008: Painesville, 1,155; Cleveland, 1,186; Toledo, 1,268; Canfield, 1,170; Lima, 1,199; Wooster, 1,213; Coshocton, 1,282; Columbus, 1,420; Springfield, 1,372; Dayton, 1,381; Cincinnati, 1,462; Ironton, 1,479; Portsmouth, 1,484; and Piketon, 1,530. To put these GDD accumulations into perspective, the following is an abbreviated listing of plant and insect species with their respective phenological event and average GDD accumulations at which these events occur. Due to variations in weather, temperature, humidity, etc., these events may occur a few days earlier or later than predicted by the average GDD. By looking at a city, town, or village near you from the above list, or visiting the above web site, you can see what could be taking place in the landscape around you. June bride littleleaf linden, full bloom, 1,115; bottlebrush buckeye, first bloom, 1,158; Ural falsespirea, first bloom, 1,170; panicled goldenraintree, full bloom, 1,251; rose-of-sharon, first bloom, 1,347; pine needle scale, egg hatch - 2nd generation, 1,349; mimosa webworm, egg hatch - 2nd generation, 1,920; euonymus scale, egg hatch - 2nd generation, 1,923; magnolia scale, egg hatch, 1,938; and banded ash clearwing borer, adult emergence, 2,195. This will be the last reporting of GDD for this year. Most locations for which GDD is being reported have accumulated enough GDD's to have exceeded most of the pests and flowering plants that are included in the phenology table. Reporting of GDD will return in next year's BYGL. Thanks for following along! B. 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 ].
*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. SOURWOOD or SORREL TREE (Oxydendrum arboretum). Sourwood is in the Ericaceae family and is a native tree to areas where moist, organic, well- drained soils occur in hardiness zones 5 - 8. It has a slow rate of growth, but will reach 20' to 40' in height and spread up to 25' in width. The upright, pyramidal shape is covered in white pendulous racemes that bloom in mid-summer at the ends of the shoots. The foliage is a simple dark green leaf during the growing season. As fall progresses, they turn yellow, crimson, and purple. This tree is an outstanding selection as a lawn specimen tree for areas around the state that possess somewhat acidic soils. *PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK. LILIES (Lilium spp.). One can't miss the heady fragrance permeating Ohio gardens at this time, especially if a 'Stargazer' is present! Asiatic, oriental, and other lilies are in full bloom at this time and the majority of them are fragrant. Plants grow from 2-6' tall with strap-like foliage along the stems. There are a wide variety of bloom colors including reds, scarlets, oranges, whites, pinks, purples, and blends depending upon the type and cultivar. Once lilies finish blooming, cut the blooms and about 4-5" of the foliage off and let them grow the rest of the season. Once they begin to turn yellow, cut them back to about 6" from the ground. All varieties prefer well-drained soil and full sun, with some protection for the bulb and roots; light mulching or the canopy from other plants takes care of this. The 'Tiny' series is commonly used for pot production, but should be considered for the garden. This short, 18" tall plant has loads of blooms on sturdy stems that blend into the garden after bloom time. 'Tiny Bee' is a bright yellow and 'Tiny Hope' has wonderful, bold maroon-reddish blooms.
*ANNUAL OF THE WEEK. COLEUS (Solenostemum spp.). Cultivars of these colorful foliage plants have exploded in the past several years; in fact, there are so many cultivars that it becomes difficult to select one for the garden! Cultivar heights range from around 8"-3' and the spread is about 1'-4'. There are cut-leaf, large leaf, variegated leaf, and many other variations of foliage on this plant. The color scheme for the varieties is huge. Most of the newer cultivars tolerate full sun as well as full shade, making them an all-around plant to use in the garden. They can also be used in containers, fillers for the perennial garden, as well as bedding plants. When selecting the cultivar, check to see the height and size of the plant. Some can be very overwhelming in small containers! Popular cultivars include: 'Twist-n-Twirl', 'Kiwi Fern', 'Dipt in Wine', 'Coleusaurus Kiwi', 'Religious Radish', 'Kong', 'Fishnet Stockings', and many, many more. *WEED OF THE WEEK. YELLOW NUTSEDGE (Cyperus esculentus L.). Now is the time of the year that many homeowners start to notice … and battle … this very visible weed in turf. The color, texture, and a rapid rate of vertical elongation, which often results in a pronounced protrusion above the canopy of the desirable grasses, all contribute to its aesthetic incompatibility with the desirable lawn turfgrasses. Combined, these distractions make lawns unattractive during mid to late summer periods. Yellow nutsedge thrives under warm, wet conditions and can often be found in low, damp areas of lawns. This weed is often most problematic during summers with above normal rainfall. Management and environmental factors, including improper mowing, nutrient deficiencies, insect damage, drought stress, etc., which stress or reduce the density or competitive ability of the desirable turfgrasses, will often lead to increased populations of yellow nutsedge. For further information on this weed, refer to OSU FactSheet HYG-4-10-96, "Yellow Nutsedge Control In Home Lawn", [ http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/4000/4010.html ], and/or Nutsedge Management Guidelines, UC - IPM [ www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7432.html ] .
3. BUGBYTES.
A. LATE-ARRIVING JAPANESE BEETLES ON THE RISE. BYGLers discussed the highly variable nature of this season's emergence of JAPANESE BEETLES (Popilla japonica) in Ohio. Western and central Ohio are generally experiencing relatively low to moderate beetle populations while localized areas in southern and northern parts of the state are seeing huge numbers. The emergence seemed delayed in southern Ohio with beetles eventually arriving en masse. Joe Boggs reported that the pace of the emergence in his part of the state switched from a trickle to a deluge over the 4th of July weekend.
In a "virtual report," Dave Shetlar speculated that the delay in this season's beetle emergence followed by a sudden appearance of huge numbers of late-arriving beetles may be related to the effects of last year's drought. Eggs deposited late in the season when rains became more frequent stood a better chance of survival. Thus, grubs appeared late in the season and an inordinate number of grubs spent the winter in the 2nd instar stage rather than in the more normal 3rd instar stage. The delay carried over to this season producing the deluge of late-arriving adults.
Many general use insecticides are effective in controlling adult Japanese beetles. Applications must be repeated according to label directions while beetles are on-the-wing to protect newly emerged plant growth. Japanese beetle bag traps are occasionally used to monitor for beetles; however, they should be positioned well-away from susceptible landscape plants. Research has shown that the traps attract more beetles than they can catch, so the traps may enhance the number of beetles coming to nearby landscape plants.
Where populations are low, beetles can be managed using the highly effective "pluck and drown" control method, or the more satisfying "pluck and stomp" method. A gloved hand makes plucking the beetles from plants more tolerable, and soapy water in a bucket enhances beetle drowning. The stomping method is self-explanatory.
B. PHONES ARE HUMMING WITH MOSQUITO CALLS! Joe Boggs reported that calls to Extension offices from homeowners concerning mosquito problems are on the increase in southern Ohio. Many of the more common mosquito species currently plaguing homeowners are poor flyers, so prevention begins at home. Mosquito larvae, or "wigglers," require some form of moisture to survive. Even temporary standing water will serve the purpose. Stagnate pools of water in ditches is an obvious mosquito generator. Less obvious are clogged gutters, tire swings, potted plant trays, outdoor toys, etc. Mosquito breeding sites will be revealed by a slow, close inspection around homes.
A number of larvacidal products are available for controlling mosquitoes where permanent pools of water are part of the landscape, such as aquatic gardens. The products are based on two naturally occurring bacteria: either Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) (e.g. Vectobac, Aquabac, Mosquito Dunks, etc.), or B. spaericus (e.g. VectoLex). These products can be highly effective; however, users must read and follow label directions for maximum effect.
The search continues for the most fool-proof, ever-lasting method to fend off mosquitoes, but BYGL readers are urged not to hold their breath for a miraculous answer. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide exhaled by large animals (e.g. people). Dark clothing, as well as certain floral scents in lotions and soaps, serve as "eat here" signs to mosquitoes.
Insect repellents may provide some relief from mosquito bites. Products containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) (e.g. Deep Woods Off!, Repel Sportsman Max, Backwoods Cutter, etc.) have long been effectively used to repel mosquitoes. In recent years, two new compounds have been added to the repellent arsenal. Picaridin (e.g. Cutter Advanced) and oil of lemon eucalyptus (e.g. Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, etc.) are now widely available. Remember that insect repellents are not fool-proof or ever-lasting; however, they can provide some protection and relief from buzzing blood-suckers.
For more information on mosquito management, see OSU Extension Bulletin 641, "Mosquito Pest Management," available through Extension offices or on the web at: [ http://ohioline.osu.edu/b641/index.html ]
C. ENDLESS CICADAS? Barb Bloetscher and Joe Boggs reported that the buzzing of ANNUAL DOG-DAY CICADAS (Tibicen spp.) is being heard in central and southern Ohio, respectively. Joe noted the singing has generated calls from concerned homeowners in the southern part of the state who were under siege by 17-YEAR PERIODICAL CICADAS (Magicicada spp.) throughout most of June. The callers have been asking if the new buzzing means cicada madness will be never-ending! Of course, Joe assured the callers the periodical scourge has ended. Southern Ohio is simply trading a big buzz for a small buzz.
Annual cicadas develop underground just like their periodical cousins. Although it takes 2-3 years for them to complete their development, some adults emerge every year due to overlapping generations. The emergence occurs during the "dog-days" of summer, thus the alternate common name. The cicada males sing to attract females, just like periodical cicadas; however, annual cicadas never emerge in apocalyptic numbers. Their songs are heard as mild, sporadic buzzing in landscapes and woodlots rather than the thunderous synchronous chorus that produces 17-year cicada madness.
D. EARWIGS CHEWING ON BLOSSOMS. Curtis Young reported that EUROPEAN EARWIGS (Forficula auricularia) are damaging blossoms in his home landscape. The primary target of the earwigs seems to be petunia blossoms. The earwigs chew on the soft tissue of the blossoms resulting in a premature senescence taking away from their aesthetic value. The European earwigs have been exploding in population over the past several years. Environmental conditions have been very favorable for the earwig's reproductive success. Earwigs require moist, cool places and are found in damp crawl spaces, flower gardens near the home, in mulches, in compost piles, in trash, under boards, and in wood piles just to name a few of the places that they turn up. They feed on mosses, lichens, algae, fungi, insects, spiders, and mites - both dead and alive. Some earwigs are predators, feeding on aphids and others feed on living plants, becoming pests in greenhouses and on certain crops such as vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, forages, and field plants.
Management of earwigs can be accomplished with insecticides and environmental manipulation. One of the first steps in reducing earwig populations is to reduce moisture around landscapes where the earwigs could breed. Make sure excess water is eliminated from around the home. Clean gutters and downspouts to remove rainwater from around the foundation bedding areas. Condensation form air-conditioners should be drained properly as well. Be careful with the quantities of mulch that are applied to bedding areas that could provide living quarters for the earwigs. Perimeter insecticide treatments around foundations and bedding plant areas will reduce earwig populations as well. Insecticides such as acephate (Orthene), carbaryl (Sevin) and permethrin are effective against earwigs. Read and follow insecticide label directions as written for best results.
E. CHOKED-UP LEAF TIER. Curtis Young reported that agricultural extension educators were finding an unusual caterpillar feeding in soybeans. The caterpillar has a green body, a dark brown head capsule with orange eye spots and a constricted neck between the head capsule and body. Early instar caterpillars live in folded leaf shelters tied together with silk. The older caterpillars pull several leaves together to make their shelters. The caterpillars are the offspring of the SILVER-SPOTTED SKIPPER (Epargyreus clarus). Although the caterpillars were found in soybean fields, it can also be found on many woody legumes including black locust (Robinia pseudacacia), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), false indigo (Amorpha spp.) wisteria (Wisteria spp.), and other herbaceous legumes such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.).
The adult skipper is one of the most common lepidopterans in Ohio. Skippers (family Hesperiidae) are unusual lepidopterans having characteristics of both moths and butterflies. Their bodies are robust and furry like a moth, however they fly during the day and hold their wings like a butterfly. A distinct characteristic of the skippers is their antennae are filamentous with a hooked club at the terminal end. The silver-spotted skipper has brown-black wings. The forewing has transparent gold spots. The hindwing is lobed with a metallic silver band on the underside for which the skipper is named. When this skipper flies, it makes a lot of noise, almost a clattering sound.
Although this insect is very common, its damage seldom becomes serious enough to be considered a pest.
4. TURF TIPS.
A. BROWN PATCH APPEARS. Joe Rimelspach reported that brown patch caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani has started to appear on tall fescue in southern and central Ohio. During long periods of hot, wet, and humid conditions, brown patch can develop rapidly so that large blighted areas can occur within 24 - 48 hours. Turfgrass usually recovers from light attacks in 2 - 3 weeks with cooler temperatures and/or dry conditions.
Symptoms of brown patch vary greatly depending upon turf species, mowing height, soil, and environmental conditions. In high cut lawns, affected areas appear as large irregularly shaped circles 2 - 3' in diameter, or as a general thinning of turfgrass. Leaf lesions are irregularly shaped with grayish-brown tissue bounded by dark brown margins. Dollar spot produces similar leaf symptoms; however the lesions are usually tan in color and become hourglass-shaped as they expand across the width of the blade. The brown patch fungus occasionally produces white mycelium growth in the turfgrass canopy that may be mistaken for the mycelium of dollar spot or pythium blight.
Brown patch can be managed culturally by employing good water management practices and by avoiding over-applications of nitrogen, particularly during warm, wet weather. Keeping foliage dry and enhancing soil drainage are the most important practices to reduce disease pressure. Irrigation should only be used during the early morning hours if possible. This allows moisture in the canopy to evaporate before high afternoon temperatures that support disease development occur. Maintaining a proper mowing schedule will also enhance drying of the foliage by improving light penetration and air circulation.
All cool-season turfgrass species are susceptible to brown patch; however, Kentucky bluegrass is generally less susceptible than ryegrasses or tall fescues. Moderately resistant cultivars of perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue are available. Over-seeding with cultivars that have some resistance to brown patch should be considered for lawns with a consistent history of the disease. Check the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) for information on cultivar susceptibility by visiting the following web address: [ http://www.ntep.org/ ].
B. CICADA KILLERS ON THE LOOSE! Joe Boggs reported that he is receiving phone calls concerning cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus) cruising lawns and bare areas in landscapes in southwest Ohio. One caller reported that squadrons of low-flying wasps spoiled long-planned outdoor holiday activities by chasing their entire extended family back into their home! Unfortunately, the caller and her family were unaware that most of the "chasing" was being done by male wasps. It was a ruse since male wasps lack stingers.
As their common name implies, these giant wasps are the nemesis of ANNUAL DOG-DAY CICADAS (Tibicen spp.). Indeed, an abrupt halt in the staccato "singing" of a cicada, often punctuated by a high-pitched screech, usually means a cicada killer has committed an insecticidal act. It is no accident that the arrival of the wasps coincides with the arrival of the dog-day cicadas.
The wasps range in size from 1 1/8" - 1 5/8" long. Their black bodies are marked with yellow to white patches on the first three abdominal (rear part) segments. The head, thorax, and legs are rusty red and the wings russet-yellow. As with all hymenoptera (wasps, bees, etc.), only the females possess stingers (ovipositors); however, they are not aggressive. The females spend their time digging and provisioning burrows with paralyzed cicada-prey. The males spend their time establishing and defending territories that encompass females. They will aggressively buzz any transgressor who dares to enter their territory; including people.
The females prefer to dig their brood burrows in sandy, bare, well-drained soil that is exposed to full sunlight. Although the wasps are considered solitary, they all practice the same nesting behavior. Thus, it is not unusual for there to be numerous burrows, and wasps, in relatively small sandy patches. Cultural practices that promote a thick growth of turf usually eliminate a cicada killer infestation in one or two seasons. Since these are beneficial insects, chemical control should be reserved for severe infestations located in close proximity to human activity. Following label directions, a dusting with carbaryl (e.g. Sevin), or a powdered formulation of a pyrethroid, around the burrows is normally effective in killing the wasps.
5. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.
A. THE OSU C.WAYNE ELLETT PLANT AND PEST DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC (CWE-PPDC) UPDATE. As those of us and those of you who use the PPDC know, the reality check and professional expertise of Nancy Taylor, Barb Bloetscher, Joe Rimelspach and other OSU faculty and staff consultants to PPDC provide is indispensable.
Is the dieback on a Japanese maple really Verticillium wilt? The CWEPPDC checks by doing a fungal culture. Is Hosta Virus X causing the foliar symptoms in a nursery’s hosta production? Nancy may suggest a specific test and involve Dennis Lewandowski’s lab. What insect is causing havoc in a landscape, pantry, or public gathering? Barb Bloetscher to the rescue. Is this pest new to our area? CWEPPDC is linked to a national network of clinics that monitor these and other things related to our industry.
Recently, we have heard a variety of rumors relative to the CWEPPDC - even that it is closing. As Mark Twain once said: The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated. Let’s be definitive: the CWEPPDC has not, is not, and is in no danger of closing. We suspect that a source of misunderstanding was when the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) announced that due to their current financial planning process, they decided for 2008 to not fund their member service to ONLA members of the cost of basic sample analysis at OSU’s CWEPPDC. They plan to review this in the future, but it is important to stress relative to the CWEPPDC - all is well regarding the continuation of all services to the green industry and the public.
6. COMING ATTRACTIONS.
A. BYGLIVE! IN CINCINNATI. The 4th monthly BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About for 2008 will be held Monday, July 14, from 12:00 - 3:00 pm. at Glenwood Gardens (Hamilton County Park District), 10623 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn, 45215. This monthly hands-on training for green industry professionals focuses on diagnosing plant pest, disease, and physiological problems. ISA Certified Arborist CEUs will be available. Participants will meet in the parking lot furthest from the entrance to the Gardens. For more information, contact Joe Boggs at 513-946-8993.
B. NORTHWEST OHIO GREEN INDUSTRY SUMMER SESSION. Remember to save the date for the 11th annual Northwest Ohio Green Industry Summer Session on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. The event will be held at Owens Community College. Speakers will include: Bill Hendricks; Dr. Dave Shetlar; Joe Boggs; Dr. Curtis Young; Dr. Laura Deeter; Joanne Kick-Raack; Joe Rimelspach; and Walter Williams. Continuing education credits will be earned for ONLA certified technicians, ISA recertification, OLA, and Master Gardener recertification. Contact Becky McCann at 419-354-6916, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
C. FOUNDRY SAND IN SOIL APPLICATIONS FORUM. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Ohio State University, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), American Foundry Society, and Foundry Industry Recycling Starts Today are sponsoring a workshop on sustainable soil manufacturing July 23-24 at OSU's Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio.
This workshop will present information on the use of spent foundry sands as ingredients in manufactured soils. Foundry sands have excellent physical properties that are needed by many commercial soil blenders. Whether used to create general landscaping soils, nursery and horticultural soils, turf growth media, or biorentention soils, foundry sands present opportunities to achieve sustainability goals by reusing materials that might otherwise be discarded. Additional information about the forum, including registration details can be found on the following website: [ http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/foundry/forum.htm ]
D. 41ST ANNUAL NGLCO SUMMER FIELD DAY. This year's event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., August 12, 2008 at Herman Losely and Son Nursery in Perry Ohio. This year's event includes a tour of over 850 acres of unique and specimen-grade stock, a tour the Red Mill Farm propagation facility, and a trade show with over 160 exhibitors and 900 attendees in a relaxed setting. Pre-registration is due by August 1. The Annual Summer Dinner and Casino night will be the prior evening, August 11. More information and registration materials can be found at [ http://nglco.com/fieldday.htm ].
7. BYGLOSOPHY. "The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now". ~ Unknown
Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.
OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity, or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran's status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension, TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated ( Friday, 11 July 2008 01:00 ) |
