| BYGL 08-07-08 Text |
 |
 |
|
BUCKEYE YARD AND GARDEN LINE 2008-19 8/07/08
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 19th 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/ ] [ 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 5th conference call: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (Entomology/C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Hamilton/Piketon); Cindy Burskey (Clermont); Jim Chatfield (OSU Extension at Wooster/Hort and Crop Science); Bruce Cubberley (OSU/ATI); Erik Draper (Geauga); Gary Gao (Delaware); Dave Goerig (Mahoning); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Davis Sydnor (OSU/Ecosystems Management); Nancy Taylor (CWEPPDC); Curtis Young (Allen); and Randy Zondag (Lake)
In This Issue:
1. WEATHERWATCH. 2. HORT SHORTS: Plants of the Week [Woody- Summersweet Clethra (Cletha alnifolia); Perennial- Hibiscus, Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos); Annual- Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights' (Beta vulgaris var. cicla); Weed- Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)]; Water Weed Workout; 3. BUGBYTES: Biting Flies in Search of Blood; Distorted Coneflowers Re-appear; Blister Beetles Fester; Wheel of Misfortune; Sawfly Chewin' on Mugho; and A Different "EAB" in Ash. 4. DISEASE DIGEST: Powdery Mildew of Vine Crops; Tar Spot of Maple; and The Moist Chamber [Phytophtora Blight (peppers) and Septoria Leaf Spot (tomatoes)]. 5. TURF TIPS: A Good Year for Grubs! and Keep a Sharper Image. 6. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Patch Diseases in Lawns. 7. COMING ATTRACTIONS: BYGLive! in Cincinnati; 41st Annual NGLCO Summer Field Day; Turfgrass Research Field Day; Ohio Lawn Care Outdoor Summer Seminar; Mahoning Valley Plant Diagnostic Workshop; Diagnostic Walkabouts for the Green Industry; AGI Fall Get Together; and Residential Landscaping in 3Ds. 8. BYGLOSOPHY.
1. WEATHERWATCH. Curtis Young described the lawns in Allen County as dry and crispy as the area continues to miss out on the rains. Joe Boggs and Pam Bennett both reported receiving much needed rain in the southeast, while the rain in Erik Draper's area in the northeast continues to fall and grass is still green. Randy Zondag reported seeing a spectacular lighting show on Saturday evening. Unfortunately, not much rain accompanied the Saturday storms. And finally, Dave Shetlar reported receiving 1/2" of rain in the Shetlarscape in Delaware.
The following weather information summarizes year-to-date data collected at various OARDC Weather Stations spanning the dates of January 1-July 31, 2008, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00 p.m.
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. 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: Summersweet clethra (Clethra alnifolia). During walks at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster this week, a number of clethra types were a fragrant, attractive and welcome relief to summer heat. Clethras are an increasingly popular shrub (6-8') with very fragrant, narrow upright flower panicles which freshen entire areas of the summer garden. Clethras have attractive lustrous green leaves and delicate persistent woody fruits that are effective into winter. They thrive in wet sites but tolerate dry soils. Good yellow fall foliage color. There are many cultivars, including 'Hummingbird', a 3-4" dwarf with 6" white flower panicles, 'Ruby Spice' with very ornamental rose pink flowers, and 'Sixteen Candles'.
*PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK. HIBISCUS, ROSE MALLOW (Hibiscus moscheutos). Very few perennials elicit WOW from visitors like this plant that is in full bloom in Ohio gardens. The tropical blooms are quite showy and last for a day; however, new blooms keep appearing all summer and continue until frost. Bloom colors are pink, white, red, and a mix of colors. Flowers can be as large as dinner plates in some varieties. Plants grow around 4-6' tall and sometimes as wide making them great for the back of the perennial border. Plants are slow to grow in the spring and one might think that they are dead; however, be patient, they will grow as they are hardy to zone 5. The major drawback to the hardy hibiscus is that they are very attractive to Japanese beetles; therefore, sprays are a must to have nice blooms. Newer cultivars include: 'Kopper King' (bronze foliage, red and white flowers); 'Lord and Lady Baltimore' (red and pink flowers, respectively), and 'Luna' (red, white, and pink flowers on shorter, compact plants around 3' tall).
*ANNUAL OF THE WEEK. SWISS CHARD BRIGHT LIGHTS (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). This colorful landscape annual is also an edible garden plant! Colors of the stalks are neon and vibrant in appearance and can be orange, red, yellow, pink, violet, striped, and golden. Foliage is large and glossy and can be red or green. Plants grow around 2' tall and about as wide. It is edible and has a milder chard flavor. It's best grown in full sun but can also show good colors in light shade. This annual can be planted now for a fall crop and to add color to the fall garden.
* WEED OF THE WEEK. VELVETLEAF (Abutilon theophrasti). This plant is a summer annual that reaches 3-8' or more in height. As the name suggests, this plant's leaves are very smooth and velvety to the touch, with heart shaped leaves approximately 2-12" across with pointed tips. The five petaled, yellow flowers are solitary in their leaf axils and flower from June through October. The fruit are rounded with 9-15 segments arranged in a disk, each containing 3-9 egg-shaped, flattened, rough gray-brown seeds.
Velvetleaf is found throughout much of the central U.S. and is commonly listed as a noxious weed. In Ohio, it currently is not listed as noxious, but commonly pops up in fencerows, gardens, cultivated fields, and waste areas. The seeds can be viable for more than 50 years, making total eradication of this weed difficult.
It is easy to control small populations and young plants by hand pulling before flower production. Apply post emergent broadleaf herbicides during active growth from late summer to fall.
B. WATER WEED WORKOUT. Dave Goerig reported a gentleman arrived at the Mahoning County Extension office with a bucket of pond water, full of aquatic weeds, and asking for help. The homeowner explained he had a 1 acre pond on his suburban lot. His goal was to get rid of all the weeds that were growing in it. He wanted his pond to look like the ponds at the golf course where he plays golf. Goerig asked if his pond was used for any other purpose, and the gentleman stated he had stocked it with fish. Aquatic vegetation often reaches nuisance levels in many Ohio ponds during this time of the year.
There are three types of vegetation that grow on, in or near ponds in Ohio. The first type is called Emergent Vegetation. They include; cattail, (Typha spp.), bulrushes, (Scirpus spp.), spikerush, (Eleocharis spp.), arrowhead, (Sagittaria spp.), and local species of woody plants. These plants are found growing along the shoreline, spillway and embankment areas. The general rule of thumb for eradicating emergent plants is to apply an herbicide when the plant is finishing its flowering stage. Contact herbicides labeled for aquatic use are good controls for these types of plants during this time.
Submerged Vegetation is the second type of aquatic vegetation. Submerged vegetation grows below the surface of clear, calm, shallow waters and is usually rooted into the bottom of the pond. Examples of submerged vegetation in Ohio ponds include; coontail, (Ceratophyllum spp), pondweed, (Potamogeton spp), water milfoil (Myriophyllum spp), water weeds, (Elodea), and naiads (Najas spp.) to name a few. Most submerged plant species begin to grow in May, and reach their maximum biomass in July and August. Unfortunately, mid to late summer is not a good time of the year to apply chemical controls for these plants. Contact and systemic herbicides should occur in May or early June. For ponds containing fish, it is generally not recommended the entire pond be treated at one time. Pond owners should strive to minimize the amount of decaying vegetation in the pond during the summer as the chances of a summer fish kill due to oxygen depletion are greatly increased.
The last type of aquatic vegetation seen in Ohio ponds that are very sheltered and have little wind action across the surface are the Floating Plants. This type of plant floats on the surface of the water and extends rootlets out to gather nutrients directly from the water. These plants include; duckweed, (Lemma spp.), and watermeal, (Wolffia spp.). Products containing Diquat dibromide and fluridone will provide some control of these weeds. Always follow the information on the label regarding its application.
Before chemical controls are employed pond owners should consider other mechanical, biological and cultural controls. Some controls could be as simple as installing a nutrient buffer strip or reducing the rate of fertilization on the turfgrass near the pond. Also remember that pond vegetation does provide oxygen and shelter to fish, reptiles and amphibians living in the pond. Finally, emergent vegetation around ones pond provides necessary habitat for predator insects that control the populations of nuisance bugs like mosquitoes.
3. BUGBYTES.
A. BITING FLIES IN SEARCH OF BLOOD. Once again, we have reached the time of year when the biting flies are plentiful, especially the HORSE FLIES (Tabanus spp.) and DEER FLIES (Chrysops spp.). The deer flies range in size from 1/4-1/2" while the horse flies range from 3/8-1 1/8" in length. The really big horse flies can be seen chasing and colliding with cars while driving down the road and at intersections of roads when cars stop for traffic lights and stop signs. And if one happens to enter the cab of the car through an open window, they can cause a lot of excitement in the passengers as the fly clumsily bounces around inside of the car trying to escape. Curtis Young's rear window dash has quite the trophy collection of dead horse fly carcasses of those flies that didn't escape.
Female horse and deer flies require blood meals to be able to produce eggs to initiate the next generation, thus they search for large mammals from which to obtain their blood. When she finds a host, she uses her sharp mandibles to slash a wound in the skin and laps up the blood. The bite is extremely painful. Horse flies are adept at locating warm-blooded animals, including people near swimming pools, streams, ponds, marshy areas and in the woods. According to Missouri University entomologists, the flies apparently are sensitive to parts of the electromagnetic spectrum--their sight may be like "thermal vision" cameras used to detect heat leaks in houses. They are also attracted to large moving objects which give off heat, like cars and trucks and more savory targets such as cows, horses, deer and humans.
Is there anything that can be done to deter these critters from biting? Not much! Suggestions include: avoid areas where horse flies (and deer flies) are most active; since the horse flies are active during the day, stay inside during daylight hours (this is not very practical when we have so many activities outside during the day to attend); stay alert while outside because unlike most other flies, the horse fly's flight is nearly silent, and they are known for landing stealthily on exposed skin then delivering a painful bite (those of us with bald heads are exceptionally vulnerable to attack from behind); wear light colored clothing (less attractive than dark colors) when outdoors to help reduce the annoyance from biting flies; in extreme cases, hats with mesh face and neck veils and neckerchiefs may add some protection; and use an insect repellent containing DEET. A unique device is the Tred-not Deer Fly Patch, which is a non-chemical sticky patch for controlling horse and deer flies. Some testers have reported good results from these odorless, non-chemical, adhesive patches. The patches are 3" wide by 6" long, and are worn on the back of a baseball cap to trap and hold biting deer flies. This might be the salvation for us baldies!
B. DISTORTED CONEFLOWERS RE-APPEAR. Joe Boggs reported the handiwork of an eriophyid mite, which affects Echinacea flowers, is becoming very apparent on coneflowers in southwest Ohio. The mites live inside the developing flower buds and suck nutrients from the base of the flowers. As a result, green to reddish-green elongated rosette-like tufts of stunted and distorted flower parts will sprout from the tops or sides of the cones of coneflowers. Not only is the damage unsightly, it can also seriously reduce seed production.
Little appears to be known about this mite. It is a yet-to-be identified eriophyid, and lacks a scientific name as well as an approved common name. The mite is commonly referred to as the "CONEFLOWER ROSETTE MITE" because of its host plant and the family name for these mites (Eriophyidae). However, the mite's minimal taxonomic condition will no doubt eventually change since it is becoming a common problem on coneflowers in perennial gardens and naturalized areas in Ohio and elsewhere in the U.S.
In past years, Dave Shetlar has observed thousands of these mites leaving rosettes to crawl to the tips of the distorted mass after a rain event. This behavior is common to eriophyid mites and allows them to be picked-up by the wind to be blown ("ballooned") to other coneflowers. Pollinators probably also provide lifts to new horizons.
Management options currently focus on sanitation. The mites are probably out of the effective reach of miticides since they live deep inside the rosettes. Affected flower heads should be removed and destroyed throughout the season at the first sign of the rosettes. Additionally, plants that have had infested flower heads during the growing season should be cut to the ground in the fall. The cut plant tissue as well as debris beneath the plants should be raked and destroyed. There is anecdotal evidence that a consistent sanitation program will significantly reduce mite infestations.
C. BLISTER BEETLES FESTER. Joe Boggs reported that while investigating the aforementioned coneflower rosette mites, he came across a pack of swarming MARGINED BLISTER BEETLES (Epicauta pestifera) consuming coneflower leaves in southwest Ohio. The blood of blister beetles contains cantharidin, a chemical that can cause serious blistering of the skin, hence the common name. This chemical can also be toxic to people and animals if ingested. Oddly, cantharidin is extracted from a European blister beetle to produce "Spanish Fly."
Blister beetles range in size from 3/4 - 1 1/4" long. They have long legs and narrow, elongated soft bodies. Their heads appear almost bulbous because they are much wider than the pronotum ("neck"). The beetle's flexible front wings often fail to extend to the tip of the abdomen. Margined blister beetles are so named because the margins of their black wings are bounded by gray edges. The body of the striped blister beetle (E. vittata) has black and orangish-yellow stripes, and the body of the black blister beetle (E. pennsylvanica) is … black.
The adults of most species are plant feeders and may be found consuming leaves or flowers on plants in the families Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae (formerly Compositae), Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae), and Solanaceae. The larvae are specialized predators. Some feed on grasshopper eggs while others feed in the nests of solitary bees where they consume bee eggs, larvae, and food stored in the nest. Blister beetle adults may emerge en mass and produce rapid plant damage. Fortunately, their visits are usually very short lived, lasting only a week or two. They can be easily controlled if necessary by using a gloved hand to knock them into a bucket of soapy water (to be carefully disposed!), or by using an insecticide labeled for the host plant.
D. WHEEL OF MISFORTUNE. BYGLers reported that WHEEL BUGS (Arilus cristatus) are lurking among the leaves of trees and shrubs in Ohio in search of prey. Although caterpillars and sawfly larvae are favored table fare of this impressively large predator, they will not turn their beaks up at other arthropod meat morsels. Indeed, they will even nail the probing fingers of uniformed gardeners!
These bugs belong to the hemipteran family Reduviidae which is represented in North America by over 160 different species. Members of this family are collectively known as assassin bugs, or ambush bugs. Both names describe how the bugs make a living; they are stealthy hunters. Wheel bugs get their very descriptive common name from a peculiar morphological feature that rises from the top of the bug's thorax. The structure looks like half of a cog-wheel, with the gear teeth clearly visible. Wheel bugs are big, measuring over 1 1/4" long, and their color varies from light gray to bluish-gray to grayish-brown.
As with all predatory bugs, wheel bugs are equipped with piercing-sucking mouthparts that are used to inject paralyzing and pre-digestive enzymes into their prey. They then suck the essence-of-insect from their hapless victims. While these are beneficial insects, they should not be handled. All members of the family are capable of delivering a painful bite to people. The pain of a bug bite has been described by those who have suffered the wheel of misfortune as being equal to or more powerful than a hornet sting, and the wounds may take over a week to heal.
E. SAWFLY CHEWIN' ON MUGHO. Jim Chatfield reported observing a sawfly population devouring the needles off of a mugho pine in the Ohio State University's Secrest Arboretum in Wooster. After some describing and discussion, the identification of the sawfly was narrowed to one of two species. Barb Bloetscher finalized the identification of the culprit when she asked, "Does it have a red or black head?" The sawfly was described as being mostly yellowish-white in color with rows of black dots down the length of the body. This could describe either the REDHEADED PINE SAWFLY (Neodiprion lecontei) or the WHITE PINE SAWFLY (Neodiprion pinetum). The identification key was the head color of the sawfly. The sawfly with an orange-red head with two black spots is the redheaded pine sawfly, if the sawfly has a solid black head it would be the white pine sawfly. The sawflies observed by Jim were in fact, the redheaded pine sawflies.
The redheaded pine sawfly can be especially damaging because it has at least two generations a year and will feed extensively on old and new needles and can completely defoliate small to medium sized trees. This level of defoliation can quickly lead to the death of the pine. Redheaded pine sawflies prefer two and three needled pines including: Scotch, jack, shortleaf, loblolly, slash, red and mugho. In Ohio, the first generation of larvae is found in May through early-June and the second generation is found in July, August and September.
Control of the redheaded pine sawfly can be accomplished by several means. Biological control agents are functional in natural stands of pines but are not adequate in most urban areas, Christmas tree plantations or ornamental nurseries. Because the larvae feed gregariously, infested branches with the colonies can be clipped off and destroyed. Numerous colonies or colonies to high to be clipped off are best managed with a general insecticide spray. See OSU Extension Bulletin 504, "Insect and Mite Control on Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceous Perennials" for a listing of currently registered insecticides.
F. A DIFFERENT "EAB" IN ASH. Davis Sydnor reported examining an ash tree dying from the top down, but instead of finding emerald ash borer in the tree, it was infested with EASTERN ASH BARK BEETLES (Hylesinus spp.). One or more species of ash bark beetles are found in any given region of the United States. They attack and breed in weakened, storm-damaged, dying, and recently dead, standing trees as well as freshly felled trees and stacks of new firewood. Logs over a year old and those without bark do not support ash bark beetle attacks. Reports of ash bark beetle infestations are usually associated with firewood stored in homes. Given enough time, larvae developing under the bark finish their development and masses of adult beetles emerge from the logs. Hundreds of beetles may emerge from a stack of firewood then fly to nearby windows. Adult beetles are slightly elongate, cylindrical, and 2.0 to 3.4 mm long. Dense areas of light and dark-colored scales produce mixed bands or spots. Larvae are legless grubs with a white, slightly curved body and a light-brown head. Control of the ash bark beetle is not usually needed. Prevention of indoor problems with ash bark beetles can be accomplished by not storing firewood indoors for extended periods of time.
4. DISEASE DIGEST.
A. POWDERY MILDEW OF VINE CROPS. Several BYGLers reported that they saw powdery mildew in vine crops. Powdery mildew can be a serious problem on foliage and stems of cucumbers, melons, squash, pumpkins, and ornamental gourds. Typically, small patches of fine, white threads develop on surfaces of infected leaf blades in late July on most vine crops in Ohio. These patches grow together and eventually cover stems and foliage with white, powdery masses of spores. In severe infections, leaves will yellow and die. Petioles, stems and, rarely, fruit will also become infected. Early death of leaves can decrease the total amount of fruits formed as well as reduce fruit size. Loss of foliage hastens maturity of fruit and increases sunburning. Stems infected with Powdery Mildew become brown. This can spoil the appearance of the "handles" on pumpkins which lowers value of the fruit.
Powdery mildew fungi thrive under conditions of high relative humidity, warm temperatures, low light, high fertility, and succulent plant growth. Unlike bacteria and many fungi, free moisture on leaf surfaces actually inhibits infection by these pathogens, although very high relative humidity is required for spore germination. Powdery mildew fungi grow only on living host plants. They survive the winter as dormant mycelium on perennial plants or as spores in thick‑walled fruiting structures. Powdery Mildew spores can be blown into Ohio in the spring from warmer southern areas. Mature foliage is most readily infected; very young leaves are nearly immune.
Control measures include selecting resistant cultivars of cucumbers and muskmelons, and pumpkin varieties, when available; using cultural practices that avoid excessive succulence, overcrowding, shading, overwatering or excess fertilization especially with nitrogen; avoiding making new planting of vine crops in the vicinity of older plantings, especially if mildew is already present, and making regular applications of fungicides starting around late July to early August, if powdery mildew is confirmed. Fungicide recommendations for commercial growers are available in the OSU Extension Bulletin 672,"Ohio Vegetable Production Guide".
B. TAR SPOT OF MAPLE. There are several species of the fungus Rhytisma that cause tar spots on a number of maple species. The most common maple tar spot (Rhytisma acerina; R. americanum) in Ohio is on Norway maple and is easy to find on Norway maples now, especially on plants growing in sheltered areas with limited air movement. Ohio earns the honor of the first description of tar spot of Norway maple in the U.S. in the 1940's, but throughout the northeastern U.S. this disease becomes periodically very evident, resulting in concern that it is a major problem. Typically, though, its severity in an area booms and busts and is not a significant health problem on Norway maples.
C. THE MOIST CHAMBER. BYGLers also ran into a few other diseases this week, including:
* Nancy Taylor reported receiving samples of PHYTOPHTHORA BLIGHT on peppers and SEPTORIA LEAF SPOT on tomatoes. Phytophthora blight, a highly destructive disease of peppers and cucurbits, has increased in importance in recent years in Ohio and eastern states. It can become a serious problem during periods of heavy rainfall; the pathogen can spread rapidly through the crop, resulting in severe losses within a short time. Septoria leaf spot is a disease of the foliage and stems. It does not affect fruit directly. However, the disease causes rapid defoliation when weather is warm and moist.
5. TURF TIPS.
A. A GOOD YEAR FOR GRUBS! Dave Shetlar announced with confidence that based upon the current climatic conditions, this season is proving to be a good year for grubs, namely grubs of the masked chafer and Japanese beetle. Warm temperatures and adequate rainfall will enable the grubs to develop to the point that they can overwinter successfully, and hopefully emerge next June-July as adults. He has also noticed that grubs were in various stages of development a few months ago signifying that the adults will continue to skeletonize their favorite plants (linden, grapes, roses, and raspberries, etc.) several more weeks, as the "late bloomers" finally emerge as adults.
For those who are watching their precious ornamentals and fruits disappear, several insecticides are available for use. The key is to treat the plant leaves thoroughly so that when the beetles feed, they ingest enough insecticide to be fatal. Not all plants need to be treated, nor should the flowers themselves be sprayed to protect the bees.
Keep in mind that just because the beetles are eating the foliage in a landscape doesn't necessarily mean that the turfgrass will be overrun with grubs. Japanese beetles lay eggs in green turfgrass which will insure their offspring's success. Peel the turfgrass in areas which wilt quickly to look for the white "C" shaped grubs. Typically if 20 or more are found per ft2, treatment is often recommended, however if the turfgrass receives adequate irrigation or rainfall the remainder of the summer, the grubs may or may not require treatment.
Fortunately, several grub insecticides are available which can be used as late as September! Merit (imidacloprid), Acelepryn (chlorantraniliprole) at the higher rate, and Arena (clothianidin) have shown efficacy when treated in early September, if applied according to label directions. Dylox (Proxol) is still available as well.
B. KEEP A SHARPER IMAGE. Lawns are looking rather rough now, brown, thin and rather straggly. Several tips can help to keep the lawn looking its best. Keep the MOWER BLADE SHARP! A sharp cut will prevent fungi from growing into the leaves which leads to leaf diseases and dieback, plus an even cut appears more smooth from a distance. Make sure that the blade is balanced so that it does not strafe the turfgrass, forming brown circles and arcs. Mow the turfgrass at 2-3" frequently enough so that only 1/3 of the leaf blade is removed at any time to avoid scalping which browns the blade tips.
Avoid mowing the turfgrass when it is bluish or wilting, as mowing, or even foot traffic can damage the crowns of wilted turf, causing brown patches. If mowing is necessary, mow in the morning when the moisture content in the blades is greater, or irrigate the area so that 1-2" collects in a rain gauge or can buried slightly into the ground.
Irrigate the lawn when necessary to keep the crowns alive. Remember that during periods of prolonged dryness, turfgrass can be irrigated every 10-14 days, applying 2" each time to prevent the turfgrass crowns and roots from being killed. If the turfgrass is irrigated deeply and infrequently as a rule, the roots delve deeper into the soil and will withstand heat and drought better. Naturally seeded areas should be watered enough to keep the soil within the root zone of the seedlings moist.
6. INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.
A. PATCH DISEASES IN LAWNS. Joe Rimelspach informed BYGLers that there are two diseases that may have similar symptom patterns in lawns. These are SUMMER PATCH (Magnaporthe poae) and NECROTIC RING SPOT (Ophiosphaerella korrae). Past research in Ohio identified necrotic ring spot as the more common of these two in Kentucky bluegrass lawns. The main difference is the time of year these diseases become active and invade the roots and crowns of plants. Necrotic ring spot initially develops in cooler periods of the spring and fall (60F–mid-70F) and summer patch infection develops at higher temperatures of (mid-70F–mid-80F). Both fungi compromise the function of the root system, so under heat and drought conditions the symptoms are the most severe.
7. COMING ATTRACTIONS.
A. BYGLIVE! IN CINCINNATI. The 5th 2008 BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About in Cincinnati will be held on Monday, August 11, at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, 45220 [entrance off Dury Ave]. Participants will walk-about from 12:00-3:00 p.m. with our hosts Steve Foltz (Director of Horticulture), Brian Jorg (Horticulture Manager), and others looking at plants, plant pests, plant diseases, animals (e.g. Joe Boggs), and other points of considerable interest.
Don't miss this hands-on training for Green Industry professionals. A point of particular interest will be viewing the annual plants trial and demonstration gardens jointly sponsored by: OSU Extension, Hamilton County; the Cincinnati Flower Growers Association; and the Zoo. For more information on the Walk-About, contact Joe Boggs at: 513-946-8993.
B. 41ST ANNUAL NGLCO SUMMER FIELD DAY will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., August 12, 2008 at Herman Losely and Son Nursery, Perry, Ohio. This year's event includes a tour of over 850 acres of unique and specimen-grade stock, a tour of the Red Mill Farm propagation facility, and a trade show with over 160 exhibitors located in a relaxed setting. Past field days have had over 900 attendees. Pre-registration is due by August 1. The Annual Summer Dinner and Casino night will be held the prior evening, August 11. More information and registration materials can be found at [ http://nglco.com/fieldday.htm ].
C. TURFGRASS RESEARCH FIELD DAY. This yearly event will be Wednesday, August 13 at the OSU Turfgrass Research & Education Facility, 2551 Carmack Rd., Columbus, Ohio. The information packed day is for golf course superintendents, grounds and athletic field managers, lawn care operators, sod producers, landscape professionals, and others interested in obtaining the latest research results on turfgrass related studies.
Topics include: Fungicide timing and efficacy; Dollar Spot/Fertility; Bentgrass in the Shade; Insecticide Update; and Putting Green Hydrology. Lawn and sports turf topics include: Low Input Sustainable Turfgrass; Plant Growth Regulators; Fertilizers and PGR's; Crabgrass and Broadleaf Weed Control; Urban Landscape Ecology, and Insect Updates.
The afternoon seminars include: Ornamental Insect and Mite Management; Weed Control, and a Turfgrass Disease Diagnostics Walk. For more information and registration materials call OTF at (888) 683-3445 or visit the following website: [ http://www.ohioturfgrass.org/ohio-turfgrass-foundation-research-and-education-facility.php ]
D. OHIO LAWN CARE OUTDOOR SUMMER SEMINAR. This event will be held on Thursday, August 14th at the OSU Turfgrass Research & Education Facility. This session is for landscapers, lawncare managers, and others who care for high cut turfgrass. For more information, please call 800-510-5296 or see [ http://www.ohiolawncare.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&Itemid=41&func=shcatev1&categid=1 ].
E. MAHONING VALLEY PLANT DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP. Spend an afternoon sharpening your insect and ornamental plant disease diagnostic skills with members of the OSU's ENLT Team on August 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The program will be held at the MillCreek MetroPark's McMahon Hall, 7574 Columbiana- Canfield Road (St. Rt. 46), Canfield , Ohio. Samples of the latest plant pests will be studied and analyzed. Learn from the folks who bring you the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL) newsletter. Spend a few hours now in order to save you time later. $10.00 per person registration fee includes handouts and light refreshments. RSVP before August 11, 2008 to Mahoning Extension, 490 S. Broad Street. Canfield, Ohio 44406 or call 330-533-5538.
F. DIAGNOSTIC WALKABOUTS FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY will be held in the Cleveland area 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., August 28 and September 18. Both classes will be at Sunset Memorial Park, Columbia Rd., N. Olmsted, Ohio. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited to 30 per class. Pesticide credits are available for CORE, 6A and 8. Information and registration materials will be available at [ http://lorain.osu.edu/horticulture/ ]
G. AGI FALL GET TOGETHER. Willoway Nurseries, Inc. is the location for the Associated Green Industries Fall Get Together, September 10 in Avon, Ohio. Tours and dinner will precede the evenings keynote speaker, John Lloyd, from Rainbow Tree Care. John will cover Plant Health Care: Getting to the Root of the Problem. Information and registration materials will be available at [ http://lorain.osu.edu/horticulture/ ].
H. RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING IN 3Ds. “Residential Landscaping in 3Ds,” a one-day program that focuses on landscape design and plant selection, is scheduled for September 30, 2008 in Delaware, Ohio. Our speakers include Melissa Hoover, owner of Melissa Hoover Landscape Design [ http://mhlandscapedesign.com ] in Lancaster, Ohio; Jennifer Schneller, Landscape Architect of Melissa Hoover Landscape Design, LTD., Lancaster, Ohio; Dr. Gary Gao, Extension Educator and Associate Professor, OSU Extension ‑ Delaware County; Dr. Kelley Dimke, Ohio Master Gardener, Dublin, Ohio.
Continuing education credits are offered for Ohio Certified Nursery Technicians and Ohio Master Gardeners. There is a registration fee $40 per person. The fee includes this all‑day program, handouts, breaks, lunch and a certificate of completion. A program flyer can be obtained by calling OSU Extension in Delaware County at 740-833-2030, or by emailing Cindy Kaelber at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or log on to the web at [ http://delaware.osu.edu/horticulture]. The registration deadline is September 27, 2008. Space is limited. Registration will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Late or on‑site registration is subject to a $5.00 late fee.
8. BYGLOSOPHY. "Home grown tomatoes, home grown tomatoes, What would life be like without homegrown tomatoes? Only two things that money can't buy… That's true love and home grown tomatoes." - John Denver, Home Grown Tomatoes
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, 22 August 2008 17:20 ) |
