BYGL BYGL Listing BYGL - April 30, 2009
| BYGL - April 30, 2009 |
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This is the 4th 2009 edition of the Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL). BYGL is developed from a Tuesday morning conference call of Extension Educators, Specialists, and other contributors in Ohio. BYGL is available via email, contact Cheryl Fischnich [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ] to subscribe. Additional Factsheet information on any of these articles may be found through the OSU fact sheet database [ http://plantfacts.osu.edu/ ]. BYGL is a service of OSU Extension and is aided by major support from the ONLA (Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association) [ http://onla.org/ ; http://buckeyegardening.com/ ] to the OSU Extension Nursery, Landscape and Turf Team (ENLTT). Any materials in this newsletter may be reproduced for educational purposes providing the source is credited. BYGL is available online at: [ http://bygl.osu.edu ], a web site sponsored by the Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences (HCS) as part of the "Horticulture in Virtual Perspective." The online version of BYGL has images associated with the articles and links to additional information. Following are the participants in the April 28th conference call: Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Hamilton); Cindy Burskey (Clermont); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Denise Ellsworth (Summit): Gary Gao (Delaware); Tim Malinich (Lorain); Bridget Meiring (CWEPPDC); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Nancy J. Taylor (CWEPPDC); and Curtis Young (Allen). In This Issue:
The following weather information summarizes data collected at various Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) Weather Stations from April 1-29, 2009, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. Weekend temperatures were very summer-like across the Buckeye State. Temperatures topped 80F and were accompanied by windy conditions.
For a link to the OARDC Weather Stations, visit: [ http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/centernet/weather.htm ] A. GROWING DEGREE DAYS (GDD)  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 http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/gdd/ . The range of GDD accumulations in Ohio from north to south is 180 to 380. Following is a report of GDD for several locations around Ohio as of April 29, 2009: Painesville, 180; Cleveland, 188; Toledo, 228; Canfield, 191; Lima, 187; Wooster, 237; Coshocton, 251; Columbus, 303; Springfield, 321; Dayton, 325; Cincinnati, 353; Ironton, 361; Portsmouth, 362; and Piketon, 380. 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. Koreanspice viburnum, first bloom, 185; 'Regent' serviceberry, first bloom, 186; Japanese flowering crabapple, first bloom, 189; eastern redbud, first bloom, 191; gypsy moth, egg hatch, 192; Koreanspice viburnum, full bloom, 205; azalea lace bug, egg hatch, 206; 'Spring Snow' crabapple, full bloom, 209; common flowering quince, full bloom, 214; birch leafminer, adult emergence, 215; 'Coralburst' crabapple, first bloom, 217; elm leafminer, adult emergence, 219; common chokecherry, full bloom, 221; alder leafminer, adult emergence, 224; honeylocust plant bug, egg hatch, 230; sargent crabapple, first bloom, 230; common lilac, first bloom, 234; Ohio buckeye, first bloom, 245; common horsechestnut, first bloom, 251; hawthorn lace bug, adult emergence, 253; hawthorn leafminer, adult emergence, 260; flowering dogwood, first bloom, 263; red buckeye, first bloom, 265; blackhaw viburnum, first bloom, 269; imported willow leaf beetle, adult emergence, 274; sargent crabapple, full bloom, 298; red horsechestnut, first bloom, 304; pine needle scale, egg hatch - 1st generation, 305; cooley spruce gall adelgid, egg hatch, 308; eastern spruce gall adelgid, egg hatch, 308; common lilac, full bloom, 315; pink princess weigela, first bloom, 316; blackhaw viburnum, full bloom, 322; redosier dogwood, first bloom, 323; dwarf fothergilla, full bloom, 325; winter king hawthorn, first bloom, 328; lilac borer, adult emergence, 330; slender Deutzia, first bloom, 338; Japanese kerria, full bloom, 342; common horsechestnut, full bloom, 344; red chokeberry, full bloom, 351; doublefile viburnum, first bloom, 353; Pagoda dogwood, first bloom, 363; 'Java Red' weigela, first bloom, 365; black cherry, first bloom, 368; common sweetshrub, first bloom, 371; lesser peach tree borer, adult emergence, 372; Ohio buckeye, full bloom, 374; holly leafminer, adult emergence, 375; Vanhoutte spirea, full bloom, 406; and euonymus scale (first generation), egg hatch, 406. For more information, see:  B. WILTED PLANTS NEED WATER - NOT!!!
Pam Bennett, while out and about and enjoying landscape and gardens during the recent warm spell, observed several different species of wilted plants. The first thought many have when seeing a wilted plant is to water. However, this may not always be necessary. In this case, the recent above-normal temperatures, combined with extremely strong winds, were the perfect combination for desiccation to occur. The wilting was most severe on shade-loving perennials that were in full sun due to the fact that overhead trees had not completely leafed out. High temperatures and windy conditions cause leaves to lose moisture faster than the roots can absorb moisture. Consequently, wilting occurs. Typically, during the evening or after sunset, these plants tend to recover. The take-home message is to check wilted plants to actually determine the cause rather than heading for the hose or watering can. C. VEGETABLE GARDENING 101.  When gardeners plant vegetables, they might ask, "Should I use seed or transplant?" Many of the common vegetables can be directly seeded in the garden. Some of the warm-season vegetables that are successfully grown from seeds include beans, cucumbers, squashes and sweet corn. Tomatoes and peppers can also be directly sown in the garden. However, transplants lead to an earlier harvest. Seed packets normally have "days to maturity" listed. Days to maturity is the time it takes for a plant to grow from a seed to its first ripe tomato, pepper, cucumber, etc. Likewise, transplant labels may also have a days to maturity listed. Vegetable transplants should be planted around early to mid-May for most parts of Ohio. Some like to "beat" their neighbor and plant earlier than recommended. However, if frost is predicted protection from the frost will be necessary. Seeds of warm season vegetables should be sown when the soil warms up. Insects, diseases and nuisance wildlife can be a problem in the garden. It is a good idea to grow more than needed to compensate for that potential loss. Vegetable crops require fertilization for high yield and good quality. It is a good idea to have the garden soil tested. Recommended fertilizer should be tilled into the garden soil to the depth of 6". Now is a good time to incorporate the fertilizer in to the garden soil (unless soil is too wet). Typically, a complete fertilizer is needed for most vegetables. However, there are soils that are high in phosphorus and potassium, hence only nitrogen is needed. A soil test is only way to find out what the soil needs. Excess vegetables can also be shared with neighbors or be donated to those that are in need. For additional information on vegetable gardening, please go to: http://ohioline.osu.edu/lines/vegie.html . For more information, see: D. FERTILIZING FRUIT CROPS. Fruit crops need to be fertilized every year since mineral nutrients need to be replenished due to the annual removal of fruits and fallen leaves. It is certainly a good idea to have the soil tested to determine the right fertilizer and the right rate. Fruit trees are generally fertilized with a "complete" fertilizer in spring. Too little fertilizer results in low plant vigor and slower growth. Excessive fertilizer results in too much growth, too little fruit, reduced insect and disease resistance, and even plant death. For example, excessive nitrogen causes apple trees to be much more susceptible to fire blight, which can kill the tree. Refer to the OSU Extension Bulletin #940, "Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide," for more information on fertilizing of tree and small fruit. This bulletin can be ordered from local Extension offices in Ohio. It is only $9.50 plus tax. Please go to http://extension.osu.edu/counties.php for a list of OSU Extension offices. This bulletin is also available for sale at some of the garden centers in Ohio, Natorp's in Cincinnati and Oakland Nurseries in Delaware. The bulletin is available online: http://ohioline.osu.edu/b940/index.html . For more information, see: E. BIRD BRAIN ACTIVITY. Amy Stone reported a repeat-robin visitor at several of her office windows. While the robin prefers pecking at the larger conference room window, he made his way around the entire building leaving a mess behind on each of the sills. Male robins and cardinals are most known for this behavior, although females and other species have been observed. The bird is actually seeing its own reflection in the window, and interpreting it as a competitor in its territory. In the spring, when birds are establishing territories in preparation for nesting and breeding, there is little tolerance for rival birds in the area. They will fly at the "rival" bird they see in the window, and peck, and peck, and peck some more. The problematic reflection is on the outside surface of the window, so changes made inside are usually useless. Ways to dissuade the bird is to dull, break up or eliminate the reflection on the exterior surface of the window. Some have sprayed the window with glass-wax or fake snow; taped up newspaper, cardboard or similar materials over the window; put up screening; taped streamers along the window; or hung a bird of prey replica. Keep in mind not all techniques work all the time and it may take a combination of the above tactics. Wildlife specialists suggest starting these tactics early for best results.It is important to note that the bird does not usually injure itself seriously while window pecking, but can expend a large amount of energy defending against the nonexistent intruders. Hopefully, the behavior is short-lived, and will disappear when the bird begins nesting and caring for young. However, a few stubborn birds persist throughout the spring and summer. You may go years without a problem before a bird suddenly starts acting "bird-brained." It can stop as suddenly as it began. F. PLANTS OF THE WEEK.
For more information, see:
A. IS THERE A CIP IN YOUR FUTURE? Perhaps the first question is, "What is a CIP?" A CIP is a "contour infiltration planting," a term coined by Dave Dyke in his work with the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati to describe a landscape planting constructed on the contour to capture and infiltrate storm water. Many are familiar with contour plantings used in traditional agriculture for millennia. However, there are some differences between agricultural contour plantings and CIPs. Contour planting is used by agricultural producers to grow row crops on slopes with minimal soil erosion, with storm water capture and infiltration as a secondary benefit/goal. CIPs provides a method for landscapers to easily capture and infiltrate water on a slope to minimize storm water runoff and beautify the landscape. OSU Extension Hamilton County has formed a partnership with several other entities, including Project Evergreen [ http://www.projectevergreen.com/ ] whose mission is "to preserve and enhance green space in our communities for today and future generations," and "Horticulture Magazine," to establish a demonstration CIP in Delhi Township Park, Hamilton County. Look for a feature article on this project in "Horticulture Magazine" this fall. Additional information on CIPs may also be found in "Guidelines for Utilizing Rain Gardens as a Storm Water Management Tool in the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati" that will soon be available online at: [ http://hamilton.osu.edu/ ]. Samples to the CWEPPDC include the following: *A sample of WOOLY APHIDS on alder was received. Although alarming to see the white, fluffy lumps on alder branches, they are fairly harmless and do not require control. *Calls and samples of MAYFLIES, CADDISFLIES and MIDGES were received from homeowners and condominiums located near bodies of water. These harmless insects are short-lived and devoured by birds and bats. *In the landscape, a mushroom was identified as a YELLOW MOREL (Morchella esculenta) in a wooded home lawn. Morel mushrooms are a prized find for any Ohio mushroom hunter. *A yew was diagnosed with EDEMA, which is an abiotic disorder caused by plants growing in waterlogged soil. This can be diagnosed by seeing brown pustules on the underside of the leaves, which are actually plant cells that have exploded due to too excess water in the plant. *A Douglas-fir was diagnosed with SWISS NEEDLE CAST (Phaeocryptopus gaeumanni). *An eastern white pine in the landscape had an abiotic disorder known as WHITE PINE DECLINE which is a cultural problem. White pine decline occurs when a combination of factors such as poor soil drainage, drought stress, and temperature extremes induce the pine towards a subtle decline. A. DANG DANGLING CATERPILLARS.
For more information, see: B. CORRUGATED BIRCH LEAVES.
On birch, the females move in the spring to newly expanding leaves where they feed, mature and give birth to a new crop of aphids. Aphid numbers expand quickly with each succeeding generation contributing to an ever-expanding aphid population. The feeding damage on birch causes the expanding leaves to pucker and bulge length-wise producing the characteristic leaf corrugations. The aphids cover themselves in a waxy, white, flocculent material and live on the underside of the leaves within the corrugations. The affected leaves will usually turn yellow and may prematurely fall off of the tree. Eventually, the aphids on birch produce winged females that fly to witchhazel. They lay eggs on the bark that will hatch into "stem mothers" the following spring. The stem mothers feed on newly expanding buds and inject chemicals that cause the buds to form a hollow, spiny, globular gall around their progeny. The winged aphids arising from the witchhazel galls fly back to birch. Damage to both plant hosts is usually not severe enough to warrant treatment, particularly on witchhazel where the galls have little impact on plant health. Frequently, numerous predators destroy aphid populations on the birch leaves. However, if heavy infestations on birch occur on highly visible plants, aphid populations can be reduced with a fall soil drench application of imidacloprid, or a spring topical application of acephate or insecticidal soap. For more information, see: C. BUZZING BUMBLING BEETLES.  Several BYGLers noted that recent warm temperatures brought the familiar "bzzzzzzz...thud!" sound made by MAY/JUNE BEETLES bouncing off walls, doors, windows, startled homeowners, etc., as they fly around porch lights at night. There are five species of beetles in the genus Phyllophaga in Ohio that share the general common name of May or June Beetles. The 1/2-1" long adults are slightly oblong, and reddish-brown to black in color. Their obnoxious evening behavior often causes them to be dismissed as nuisance pests.  In most cases, this is true. Although adults of most of these species feed at night on flowers, or tree and shrub foliage, they seldom cause significant damage. However, large numbers of these beetles occasionally produce noticeable leaf damage, and their nocturnal life-style makes them a deceptive defoliator. In 2000, conspicuous defoliation of oaks and maples caused by these beetles was reported in central Ohio and in some areas of Kentucky. In a few cases, the damage literally occurred overnight. The defoliation involved the removal of all of the leaf tissue with the exception of the main veins. Since the beetles are night feeders, casual observers were left in the dark trying to explain the damage. Although damage may appear severe, the beetles only fly for a few weeks, leaving plenty of time for defoliated trees to produce new leaves. Larvae of these beetles are white grubs, with feeding habits similar to masked chafer and Japanese beetle grubs, but they prefer pasture grasses. Hence, damage to trees most often occurs near pastures. Likewise, significant May/June beetle grub populations are seldom found beneath older lawns, but are sometimes observed where new homes occupy ground which was recently in pasture. Larvae require anywhere from 1 to 5 years to complete their development, depending upon the species. For more information, see: D. DROOPY BUCKEYES.  Curtis Young and Joe Boggs reported that droopy leaves caused by the depredations of first generation BUCKEYE PETIOLE BORERS (Proteoteras aesculana) are becoming evident on buckeye trees in western and southern Ohio, respectively. Larvae of this tiny moth bore into leaf petioles causing new leaves to droop, shrivel, and turn dark green to black. Symptoms may superficially resemble frost or freeze damage. Look for a slight swelling and a small hole in the petioles of affected leaves. Small quantities of sawdust-like frass (insect excrement) may hang from the hole. Damage by this borer may appear conspicuous; however, the insect seldom causes significant leaf loss, so no chemical control recommendations are currently available. Hand-picking and destroying infested leaves when symptoms first appear will reduce the number of moths available for producing a second generation. Unfortunately, it appears that the first generation has already completed its development in southern Ohio; Joe could find no larvae within the mined petioles. Populations can be reduced for next year by vigilant owners of infested buckeyes acting quickly to destroy leaves later this season that contain second generation larvae. E. REIGNING MAGGOTS. Several people have reported “tiny worms” falling from their oak trees. These tiny maggot-like larvae are the immature stage of the GALL MIDGE (Contarinina spp.), Family Cecidomyiidae. The flies emerge in early spring and lay clusters of eggs in the flower bracts of oaks, mainly pin oaks. As the oval, 1/16" long white-beige-yellowish larvae develop, they feed on the pollen then the unfurling leaves. After a few weeks, they begin to flip and land on the ground to pupate, usually en masse. They may be seen on the sidewalk crawling onto the soil, looking like tiny wriggling worms. The following spring, they emerge as adults, mate, and continue the cycle. The alarm arises from the numbers (hundreds sometimes!) which land at one time, especially when the little maggots are crawling all over the hood of one’s automobile. Fortunately, neither the larvae nor adults injure the trees or people. For more information, see: F. HONEY BEE UPDATE. At this time, most beekeepers have determined the reason for hive loss and have ordered new queens or packages of bees as necessary. Unlike the last two years, colony loss this winter in Ohio was due to starvation and freezing temperatures instead of COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER (CCD). During prolonged periods of extremely cold temperatures the bee clusters were unable to move onto areas of frames that contained honey, and died on the empty portions of the frames. Based on anecdotal information, central Ohio lost 60-90% of their bees while the northeastern areas lost 50-70%. Southwestern Ohio beekeepers who had only a few hives lost all or most of theirs. Swarm calls have already begun however, allowing beekeepers to capture new colonies. These need to be combined with an established colony or re-queened, since the swarm usually contains an old queen. If a swarm is discovered, please do not kill them and call a beekeeper! A list of beekeepers who collect swarms can be found by contacting the local Extension office, the library or by finding a beekeeping club. Go to the Ohio State Honey Bee Lab website [ http://www.honeybeelab.com ] and click on "External Links" and "Ohio Beekeeping Associations" for additional contacts. For more information, see: G. CARPENTER BEES NOT SO BORING.
Each spring, the newly emerged males and females begin the characteristic behavior that, if not understood, seems terrifying. While the females are busily collecting pollen and nectar wads to shove into the tunnels they chew for their progeny, the males buzz back and forth around the area the tunnels guarding their territory from other males. The males may appear to be menacing, however since they are males, they are unable to sting and are not interested in creatures other than male and female carpenter bees. As they move around a person's head they are not trying to sting or intimidate, instead they are trying to determine how to maneuver around this new, moving object! Although carpenter bees are excellent pollinators, the females can cause extensive damage to exposed horizontal boards that are made of pine or cedar. The best strategy is to paint these boards with at least two coats of an acrylic paint. Plug the tunnels with steel wool and caulk then paint the wooden surface. This should be done BEFORE the bees return to the tunnels produced in past years, to extend the tunnels even more. For more information, see: A. CONTROLLING FRUIT DISEASES.  Gary Gao talked to a few home gardeners who had questions about controlling fruit tree diseases. Now is the time to start a regular fruit tree spray schedule, if quality fruit is desired. For example, apple scab in apples and black rot in grapes need to be controlled through regular spraying of fungicides. Most of the fungicides on the market are protectants, which need to be applied before diseases occur. Very few fungicides have curative action. OSU Extension Bulletin #940, "Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide," is a very handy reference for diagnosing fruit diseases. Gardeners can also find disease-resistant fruit cultivars.  Growing those fruit cultivars will definitely lessen the need for fungicide sprays. Gardeners are encouraged to check out the OSU Extension Bulletin #780, "Controlling Insects and Diseases in Home Fruit Plantings" for a list spray schedules, labeled pesticides and cultural practices of fruit pest management online at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/b780/index.html . This bulletin can also be ordered from OSU Extension offices throughout Ohio. Call first to confirm availability. For more information, see: A. TURF WHEATIES? Joe Boggs reported receiving a sample of WINTER WHEAT sprouting in turfgrass in southwest Ohio. The turfgrass had been seeded in the fall and covered with wheat straw that contained viable wheat seed. Unfortunately, this not a rare occurrence and the unexpected winter wheat may be mistaken for a more serious grassy weed such as QUACKGRASS. BYGLers noted that for unknown reasons, the problem of wheat infesting newly seeded lawns seems to be more common in recent years. The light green wheat plants grow more rapidly in the spring than turfgrass, and wheat has thick blades and multiple coarse stems that do not blend with the lawn. The thick stems remain evident after mowing further reducing lawn aesthetics. Winter wheat behaves as a winter annual weed in lawns. The plants will eventually die and turn brown during the season and lawns that are heavily infested may become weed-infested when open areas left by the dead wheat are invaded by weed plants. Cases of mistaken identity can lead to inappropriate weed management decisions. Grassy weed identification in turfgrass is not an easy task, and the appearance of wheat in a lawn is something most turf managers do not expect to see. Wheat has large, "clasping" auricles. These are appendage-like structures that grow from the base of the blade where blade meets the grass stem. Clasping auricles means these structures appear to wrap around, or clasp, the stem. Wheat is most often mistaken for quackgrass which also has clasping auricles, thick blades, and coarse stems. However, quackgrass is a perennial grassy weed that produces thick rhizomes; an important distinguishing feature. There are no herbicides that selectively kill the wheat plants without killing surrounding turfgrass plants. The best management option for lightly infested lawns is to do nothing since the wheat will die this season. In a heavily wheat-infested area, mow low (less than 1/2") then over-seed the area using a slice-seeder (a.k.a. slit-seeder). Of course, the earlier the wheat is correctly identified in the spring, the sooner re-seeding can be accomplished. B. ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF MOWING.  BYGLers in southern Ohio noted that they are now mowing twice a week to keep up with rapidly growing cool-season turfgrass; t'is the season. Their report prompted a discussion of a common myth regarding mowing height and frequency; "If you cut your lawn short, you won't need to mow as often." Lowering the mowing height has little impact on the overall aesthetics that drive mowing decisions. Grass blades grow from the "crown" that rests on the soil surface, so grass plants grow from the bottom up. Thus, the growth rate of grass blades has little to do with the length of the blades. The judgment that a lawn "needs mowing" is generally based on an appearance of uneven growth, not on a measurement of blade length. Since grass plants grow at more or less the same rate regardless of blade length, a short-cut lawn develops an uneven appearance as quickly as a long-cut lawn. Cool-season grasses, which include Kentucky bluegrass, turf-type tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass, grow best during the spring and fall. Indeed, the growth rate of a properly fertilized cool-season turfgrass lawn may require twice-a-week mowing in order to follow the "1/3 rule:" no more than 1/3 of the blade should be removed during mowing. The 1/3 rule is based on reducing turfgrass stress associated with "carbohydrate partitioning." If grass plants lack a continuous supply of carbohydrates sufficient to support normal plant functions, the plants shift carbohydrates away from root growth to support re-growth of the blades, the carbohydrate source. Lowering the mowing height reduces leaf area for photosynthesis, which ultimately results in a reduction in root growth. To maximize root growth, the recommended mowing height for cool-season grasses is around 3" with no more than 1" of the grass blades being removed during mowing. Of course, continually stressing turfgrass plants may eventually make the myth come true ... after the turf plants die! C. SEEDLINGS NEED MOISTURE. Several lawn managers who seeded this spring have reported poor development of turfgrass seedlings. This may be due to insufficient quantities, or irregular frequency of rainfall/irrigation. Turfgrass seed requires a good rainfall to initiate germination, then a regular frequency of moisture from that point on to continue development. As the roots begin to develop, the soil needs to be moist at the depth of the roots. Naturally at first, the roots barely penetrate the soil, so a light irrigation is sufficient, but as the roots descend, the soil moisture needs to be the same depth as the root length. Once the lawn has been mowed twice, irrigation should be reduced to allow the roots to grow deeper into the soil. Frequent watering keeps the roots near the surface, which leads to root death when soil temperatures rise and rainfall diminishes during the summer. For more information, see: D. BRONZE CUTWORMS STILL FOUND. Dave Shetlar reported that he ran a sweepnet through his lawn and caught some bronze cutworm caterpillars (Nephelodes minians) last week. These bronze-brown striped caterpillars overwinter in tunnels in turfgrass, under the cover of snow. Although they usually don't cause serious damage, they can leave pockmarks of "mown" turfgrass in early spring. Another caterpillar that shows up in February is the ORANGE UNDERWING CATERPILLAR, sometimes called the winter cutworm (Noctua pronuba). A fairly new caterpillar in Ohio, this brown and tan striped caterpillar has been reported in Michigan the last few years and the large, showy moth has been seen at black lights. The caterpillars are often reported crawling across driveways on overcast days during a warm week in late winter. Although they too can eat turfgrass, damage is often overlooked or misdiagnosed by unsuspecting people.For more information, see: A. SPRING GARDEN CENTER SALES SUNNY ACROSS STATE. Garden center operators across the state are glowing with a radiance that can only be provided by the warmth of a new love, the birth of a new baby or strong spring sales. At this time BYGLers can only report that the smiles they encounter when interacting with their garden center clientele is due to having an abundance of customers and being able to serve them. A garden center in southwest Ohio reported that sales were comparable to the past 2 years but far behind their record sales in 2006, with herbs and vegetable plants doing especially well. B. NEW GARDENERS PRESENT NEW CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY. BYGLers have reported that a lot of novice gardeners have been attending Extension classes. Garden center proprietors also report that a lot of new gardeners have been patronizing their establishments. These businesses feel that the new interest in gardening is due to a combination of folks wanting to save money and because they are staying home, rather than spending money on vacations. This new interest in gardening, of course, offers businesses the opportunity to grow and secure a new generation of customers. It also offers a challenge. Many of those new to gardening have an extremely limited knowledge of even the fundamentals of gardening. All benefit if every effort is made to make the endeavors of these new gardeners successful and rewarding. That means providing the education and information required and the best plants possible for their situation. C. THE BACKPOCKET GARDENER.
For more information, see: A. WOOD PACKING MATERIALS WORKSHOPS. Anyone who makes pallets or exports using packing materials such as pallets, crates or dunnage should attend this program. The Phytosanitation & Exporting with Wood Packing Materials Workshops cover ISPM 15 and how it may impact a company. The Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. will offer the program in 14 cities across the Midwest. In Ohio, the programs that remain are in Chillicothe on May 4 and Sugar Creek on May 5, 2009. For a brochure or additional information, contact Amy Stone at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 419-578-6783. B. PLANT DIAGNOSTIC ACADEMY (PDA). Check out this intensive 3-day training program consisting of a hands-on approach to learning or refining plant diagnostic skills. These skills include learning key plant identification characteristics, discovering the process to properly diagnose plant problems, identifying woody plant diseases, detecting insect and mite problems, and determining how plants respond to cultural and environmental problems. Diagnostic walks and hundreds of plant samples will be used to help participants identify plant problem symptoms. Teaching will also focus on developing effective strategies for managing plant problems. This experiential program will be held on May 19, 20 and 21, 2009, at the Cox Arboretum and Gardens Metropark in Dayton, Ohio. Registration deadline is May 12, 2009, and classroom space is limited. Registration fee is $250 which includes all meals, snacks and class materials. The PDA is hosted by the OSU ENLTT and the OSU Woodland Stewards Team. OSU Extension instructors include Dave Apsley, Joe Boggs, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper and Kathy Smith. For more information contact Kathy Smith at 614-688-3136 or visit the Ohio Woodland Stewards website at [ http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu ] and look under "Workshops."
"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity." - Lindley Karstens
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.
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