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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 7th conference call:  Pam Bennett (Clark); Barb Bloetscher (C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC)); Joe Boggs (Hamilton); Cindy Burskey (Clermont); Erik Draper (Geauga); Dave Dyke (Hamilton); Denise Ellsworth (Summit); Gary Goa (Delaware); Becky McCann (Agricultural Business Enhancement Center (ABE); Bridget Meiring (CWEPPDC); Joe Rimelspach (Plant Pathology); Dave Shetlar (Entomology); Amy Stone (Lucas); Nancy J. Taylor (CWEPPDC); and Curtis Young (Allen).

In This Issue:

1.  WEATHERWATCH 

2.  HORT SHORTS:  GDD (Growing Degree Days); Winter Damage Observations; The Miss Mulching Of America; Vegetable Gardening 101; Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide-OSU Extension Bulletin 940; and Plants Of The Week - Perennial Of The Week (Spring Wildflowers); Woody Plant Of The Week (Star Magnolia); and The Weekly Weed (Whitlow Grass).

3.  BUGBYTES:  Tick Time!; Tent Cats Meow; European Pine Sawfly; Major Boxwood Miners; Time To Monitor For Spruce Spider Mites; Emerald Ash Borer Look-A-Like On The Prowl; and Periodical Cicada Damage Confusion In Southwest Ohio.

4.  DISEASE DIGEST:  Botrytis Blights Transplants; and Clinic Clips.  

5.  TURF TIPS:  Ground Nesting Bees Return.

6.  INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:  Don't Wait For Pine Trees' Fate; IPM Rules; and New Rain Garden Publications Are Now Available. 

7.  COMING ATTRACTIONS: Southwest Ohio Byglive!; and Introducing A New Online Course. 

8.  BYGLOSOPHY

1.  WEATHERWATCH. 

The following weather information summarizes data collected at various OARDC Weather Stations spanning the dates:  January 1-April 7, 2009, with the exception of the soil temperatures which are readings from Wednesday, April 7 at 12:00 pm.

Many BYGLers from the north included snow in their weekly reports.  Although it won't likely hang around long, many are eagerly awaiting warmer temperatures. 

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 65 to 220.  Following is a report of GDD for several locations around Ohio as of April 8, 2009: Painesville, 65; Cleveland, 71; Toledo, 94; Canfield, 80; Lima, 88; Wooster, 108; Coshocton, 127; Columbus, 154; Springfield, 216; Dayton, 216; Cincinnati, 211; Ironton, 208; Portsmouth, 209; and Piketon, 220.

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.

Red maple, full bloom, 75; star magnolia, first bloom, 83; border forsythia, first bloom, 86; eastern tent caterpillar, egg hatch, 92; Manchu cherry, first bloom, 93; northern lights forsythia, full bloom, 94; Norway maple, first bloom, 116; border forsythia, full bloom, 116; chanticleer callery pear, first bloom, 123; sargent cherry, first bloom, 127; larch casebearer, egg hatch, 128; Japanese pieris, full bloom, 129; saucer magnolia, first bloom, 133; common flowering quince, first bloom, 137; Bradford callery pear, first bloom, 142; European pine sawfly, egg hatch, 144; weeping Higan cherry, first bloom, 145; P.J.M. rhododendron, first bloom, 147; chanticleer callery pear, full bloom, 149; Norway maple, full bloom, 149; inkberry leafminer, adult emergence, 150; sargent cherry, full bloom, 151; star magnolia, full bloom, 151; Allegheny serviceberry, first bloom, 153; Manchu cherry, full bloom, 155; spring snow crabapple, first bloom, 155; apple serviceberry, first bloom, 159; spruce spider mite, egg hatch, 162; Bradford callery pear, full bloom, 164; Allegheny serviceberry, full bloom, 169; saucer magnolia, full bloom, 174; P.J.M. rhododendron, full bloom, 178; boxwood psyllid, egg hatch, 179; weeping Higan cherry, full bloom, 179; 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.

For more information, see:

• Growing Degree Days and Phenology for Ohio
• Understanding and Using Degree-Days

B. WINTER DAMAGE OBSERVATIONS.  The opening day BYGL's included lively discussions of winter plant damage spotted in Ohio.  Beginning in the deep southern Ohio, where spring seems to be over (not really, just ahead of everyone else), Dave Dyke and Joe Boggs noted that forsythia blooms were all over the plant but appeared somewhat spotty.  In the Springfield area, Pam Bennett noted that forsythia bloom was all over the board, with some in full bloom, some with spotty bloom all over the plant and still others with blooms just at the base, potentially below the snow-line.  In Delaware County, Dave Shetlar noted that most of them seemed to be blooming just at the base.  Curtis Young in Allen County noted that most of theirs were showing blooms just at the base.  Most participants in the northern region of the state noted that forsythias were just beginning to bloom

Other plant winter injury noticed or suspected includes winter desiccation injury to boxwood in many locations and dieback on spiraea and privet in the Clark County area.  Denise Ellsworth also pointed out that gardeners are pushing the envelope using the idea that global warming has led to a shift in plant zones.  Some Ohio gardeners are planting more and more Zone 6 plants in areas that still experience winter temperatures as low as -15F.  As spring continues to progress, BYGLers will keep readers posted on the various winter injury sightings.  

C.  THE MISS MULCHING OF AMERICA.  As temperatures rise, so do the piles and layers of mulch in Ohio landscapes.  Mulch, at the proper depth of 2-3", can have many benefits including the prevention of weed growth, conservation of moisture in the soil, stabilization of soil temperatures, and the addition of organic matter to the soil.  However, a lot of a good thing can be bad. 

The application of heaping mounds of mulch against the tree trunks is often referred to as "volcano mulching."  When mulch is applied in this manner, moisture captured by the mulch can keep the plant's bark in a continued state of wetness.  This can cause the bark to decay, and lead to insects, fungi, and bacteria feeding on the damaged tissue.  Not a good thing!

You probably won't have to look far to see this miss application of mulch.  Let's pull back the mulch and get the word out about how to properly apply mulch.  For more information about mulches, refer to OSU FactSheet HYG 1083, Mulching Landscape Plants.

For more information, see: 

•  OSU FactSheet on Mulching

D.  VEGETABLE GARDENING 101.  BYGLers across the state of Ohio have reported excellent turnout for classes on home vegetable gardening this year.  One good example is "Green Thumbs - Gardener's Fair" in Delaware County.  Gary Gao reported that more than 600 people attended this one-day program, which featured 12 different classes and more than 40 vendors.  A class on seed starting overflowed with attendees.  There were about 325 attendees in the edible landscaping class.

Many mail order seed companies and gardener centers reported significant increases in vegetable seed sales.  Pam Bennett reminded BYGLers that she predicated this trend last year and nobody believed her then.  Gary Gao and the rest of the BYGLers were very impressed.  To meet the demand for information on vegetable gardening, the "Vegetable Gardening 101" will be a regular item in this year's BYGL.  Keep coming back for updates.

One of the most common questions is "How do I start a vegetable garden?"  Some of the common ways are raised bed gardening, container gardening, edible landscaping, and community gardening.  Raised beds should be used where soil drainage is a problem.  The soil should be raised 6-8" above the ground level.  The size of raised bed varies.  However, a good size to start is 4'x8' or 4'x10 to allow easy access from both sides of the raised bed.  Follow this link for more information on raised bed construction: [ http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/mf2134.pdf ].

Another good fact is available at [ http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho‑200.pdf ].

Container gardening is very popular with folks who have limited space.  Select the vegetable cultivars that are designed for containers.  Follow this link: [ http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg‑fact/1000/1647.html ] to the OSU Extension FactSheet, HYG‑1647‑00 "Container Vegetable Gardening."

Edible landscaping is use of food plants in constructed landscape.  Vegetables such as Swiss chard, peppers, and tomatoes are quite ornamental while herbs, such as purple ruffle basil, chives, and nasturtium are very attractive.  It is a good idea to hire a landscape designer to help you incorporate the food plants into your landscape.  For more information on this subject see OSU FactSheet HYG‑1255‑02 - Edible Landscaping at: [ http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1255.html ].

Community gardening is another great way to garden.  American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) is located in Columbus, Ohio.  To locate a community garden where you live, you can log onto the ACGA's website at [http://www.communitygarden.org/index.php]

Now is a good time to have your garden soil tested.  Contact your local Extension office for more information.  Cool season vegetables, such as beets, cabbage, lettuce, mustard, peas, rhubarb, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips can be planted now in most parts of Ohio.  Warm-season vegetables, such as beans, eggplants, peppers, squashes and tomatoes should be planted around early to mid May for most parts of Ohio.

For more information, see:

• Kansas State Fact Sheet on Raised Bed Gardening
• OSU Fact Sheet on Container Vegetable Gardening

E.  MIDWEST HOME FRUIT PRODUCTION GUIDE-OSU EXTENSION BULLETIN 940.  Gary Gao proudly reported that the new "Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide" has been selling like hotcakes from OSU Extension offices across the state and the OSU Extension Media Distribution Office.  This bulletin was written by Ron Becker, Maurus Brown, Mike Ellis, Gary Gao, Steve Prochaska, Celeste Welty, and Roger Williams.  It is 148 pages long and has 269 photos and illustrations.  It is easily one of the most comprehensive publications on home fruit production in the Midwest!  This bulletin sells for only $9.50 plus tax, shipping and handling per copy.  Quite a bargain!  Apparently, a lot of people agree with us.  As of April 07, 2009, 1,172 copies of this bulletin have been sold through OSU Extension outlets!

There are several different ways to order this bulletin, which is the OSU Extension bulletin #940.  You can order it from your local Extension office in Ohio.  Follow this link [ http://extension.osu.edu/counties.php ] for phone numbers and contact information.  Call first to make sure this bulletin is in stock at your local Extension office.  Credit card orders can be made through OSU Extension eStore at [ ].  Search the bulletin by typing "B 940."  The eStore is open 24/7.  Large orders or orders with purchase orders are directed to Ohio State University Extension - Media Distribution, at 1114 Chambers Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212; phone: 614‑292‑1607 or fax: 1‑800‑292‑4919.

Too busy to visit an Extension Office and do not want to use a credit card?  Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide can also be ordered from OSU Extension in Delaware County (Phone: 740-833-2030) by mailing a check of $14.00, payable to OSU Extension, to OSU Extension - Delaware County, attn: Cindy, 149 North Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH 43015.  A copy will be mailed to you shortly after the payment has been received.

The authors of the this bulletin are very happy to see that orders have come form many states, which include Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota and West Virginia.  And the list continues to grow!

F.  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
	*PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK.  SPRING WILDFLOWERS.  Ohio has an incredible wealth of spring ephemerals (lasting for a brief time) and great places to see them.  Some spring wildflowers in bloom or still visible in central Ohio include bloodroot, hepatica, Dutchman's breeches, ginger, Virginia bluebells, toad trillium, cut-leaf toothwort, some violets and large flower trillium.  Grab the wildflower identification book, hiking boots and enjoy Ohio's fabulous outdoors in the spring.  One might even find the skunk cabbage in bloom, or more likely, one might smell it!  To learn more about Ohio's nature preserves, go to http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/ click on nature preserves on the left side.
	*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK.  STAR MAGNOLIA (Magnolia stellata).   This is an excellent choice for a vivid splash of white color (that is not snow!) in the spring landscape.  One of the earliest blooming flowering shrubs or multi-trunked trees, it grows to around 15' tall and as wide.  The upright oval growth habit when young becomes spreading and mounding with age, so give it plenty of room in the landscape.  It does well in just about all of Ohio soils and is fairly available in garden centers.  'Royal Star' is a double flowering form.
	*THE WEEKLY WEED.  WHITLOW GRASS (Draba verna L.).  Pam Bennett reminded us that this pesky weed has been showing up in lawns.  Whitlow grass is a common name for several species of plants in the Draba and Erophila genera.  They include such names as Erophila verna, Draba praecox or Erophila spathulata.  As with many members of the Mustard family (Brassicaceae), it can be weedy and/or invasive. Whitlow grass forms a very small prostrate basal rosette (1-2" wide).  From the basal rosette a leafless raceme emerges and grows upright to 6" tall.  The basal foliage is small (1-2" long), pubescent, and can be from green to purple in color.  Flowers occur in a raceme (typical of mustards), with each flower having 4 white petals and are approximately 1/8" across.  When controlling in a lawn, one should use a post-emergent broadleaf weed killer when the plant is small and actively growing.

3.  BUGBYTES.

A.  TICK TIME! 

Ticks have already shown up on dogs and pants legs around Ohio.  The primary ticks encountered by people and their pets are the AMERICAN DOG TICK (Dermacenter variabilis) and the BROWN DOG TICK (Rhipcephalus sanguineus).  Another tick which has been found the last 10 years is the LONE STAR TICK (Amblyomma americanus). Of the three, the American dog tick is encountered the most often.

The American dog tick is most often picked up when walking in fields and woods.  Although rare, they can vector Rocky Mountain spotted fever so should be treated with respect.  If an engorged (swollen) tick is found attached to a person, he/she should identify the tick and keep it alive in a small bottle with a damp tissue for several weeks.  If a fever or rash occurs, the victim should take the live tick to a doctor to send to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) for testing.  Another option is to send the live tick to the CWEPPDC for identification.  The Clinic will send the tick if requested to the ODH.

The brown dog tick likes the warm, dry atmosphere indoors.  An engorged brown dog tick female will drop off a pet inside and lay tiny brown eggs in cracks and crevices.  Once the eggs hatch, the "seed ticks" or larvae, attach themselves to any warm body that passes.  Initially, they are found in groups, but as they look for a host, tick larvae migrate throughout the building.  If found early enough the larvae can be treated before they disperse.  Two generations usually occur in Ohio.  Brown dog ticks are pests in kennels and areas where pets sleep.

To avoid picking up ticks outdoors, keep the lawn mowed and stay on paths when walking in wild areas.  Tuck pants inside socks and/or boots and keep shirts tucked in as well, because ticks crawl upward.  Wear tick repellents when working in woodsy places, and treat dogs with appropriate repellents labeled for their size.

To remove an engorged tick, grasp the body of the tick as near to one's skin as possible with forceps and pull slowly and steadily so that the mouthparts are removed instead of being broken off under the skin.  Wash the area with soap and water immediately after removing it.  If you must remove the tick by hand, make sure to wash your hands and the area where the tick was attached.

For more information, see:

•  OSU FactSheet on Ticks

B. TENT CATS MEOW. 

Joe Boggs reported that the overwintered eggs of EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR MOTH (ETC) (Malacosoma americanum) and FOREST TENT CATERPILLAR MOTH (FTC) (M. disstria) have hatched in southwest Ohio.  ETC eggs hatched in the Boggs-scape on or around March 25, and FTC eggs hatched during the same week.  Larry Hanks (Pampered Properties LLC., Lexington, KY) provided an early warning by noting that ETC eggs hatched in central Kentucky on March 18.FTC will feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees including ash, sweetgum, oak, birch, cherry, aspen, elm, basswood and sugar maple.  Despite its common name, FTC constructs only rudimentary mat‑like silk nests on leaves or bark.  The caterpillars congregate in colonies during early instar stages; however, later instars disperse from the colonies and become solitary feeders. Forest tent caterpillars have short grayish-white hairs and a row of distinct white markings running down their backs.  These markings have been variously described as looking like "foot prints," or as being "keyhole‑shaped."  The markings are flanked by cobalt-blue lines running the length of the caterpillars' bodies.

ETC prefers to feed on trees in the family Rosaceae, particularly those in the genus Prunus, such as cherries.  They also occasionally feed on ash, birch, maple and oaks.  The caterpillars are also covered in short, grayish-white hairs; however, they have a distinct, unbroken white stripe down their backs.  Unlike FTC, ETC is an accomplished and prolific tent-maker producing highly visible silk nests in the forks of branches.  Joe noted that tents are currently very small and difficult to spot.  Both of these general defoliating caterpillars are capable of causing serious stress to their host trees.  Leaves lost to caterpillar feeding this spring must be replaced using energy stored from last season.  Small ETC nests and congregated FTC colonies can be eliminated digitally using five-fingered "smash and/or smear" techniques.  Less hands-on methods include applications of the naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), applied to early instar stages, as well as standard insecticides labeled for general caterpillars.  The tiny cats may only meow now, but they will roar later in the season!

For more information, see:

• USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet on Forest Tent Caterpillar
• University of Kentucky ENTFACT Sheet on Eastern Tent Caterpillar

C.  EUROPEAN PINE SAWFLY. 

Joe also reported that overwintered European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) eggs began hatching in southwest Ohio this past week.  The first instar larvae are too small to consume entire needles.  They feed along the edges of needles producing clusters of curled, straw-colored needles on Scotch, mugo, red, jack, Table Mountain and Swiss mountain pine.  White and Austrian pines are occasional hosts.  

The sawfly larvae are caterpillar-like in appearance, and have bulbous, shiny-black head capsules.   They feed in colonies which may include 10-20 larvae.  First instars are mostly grayish-green, which makes them difficult to detect among the needles.  Later instars develop faint grayish-white longitudinal stripes.  As the larvae grow, they eventually consume entire needles.  All larval instars feed in groups or colonies, and can rapidly defoliate branches.  There is one generation per year, so damage in Ohio is usually confined to last year's needles.

Most insecticides labeled for use on pines will control this sawfly.  This includes soil drench applications of imidacloprid (e.g., Merit); however, the applications must be made in the fall.  As with all sawflies, larvae will not be killed using products based on the naturally occurring bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).  An alternative approach to controlling localized populations is to simply knock the colonies onto the ground...and dispatch them using the "sawfly two-step dance."

For more information, see:

• University of Kentucky ENTFACT Sheet on Pine Sawflies
• Kansas State Fact Sheet on European Pine Sawfly

D.  MAJOR BOXWOOD MINERS. 

Adult leafminers superficially resemble miniature mosquitoes; however, they have bright orange abdomens.  Winter is spent as 3rd instar larvae (maggots) inside blister mines.  In the spring, the larvae resume feeding and they develop through a 4th instar stage.  During this time, mines expand rapidly, and damage becomes evident.  Pupation typically occurs by mid-April.  Adults emerge from late April through early May to initiate the next generation by mating and laying eggs.  The adults insert their eggs between the upper and lower leaf surfaces.  Larvae hatching from these eggs feed and grow into the 3rd instar overwintering stage.

There are two control options for this leafminer involving applications of neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid (e.g., Merit); clothianidin (e.g., Arena or Aloft); and thiamethoxam (e.g., Meridian).  An application this spring when new leaves are around 1/4" long will prevent damage during the upcoming season by killing 1st instar larvae.  An application of imidacloprid made in October will kill the 3rd and 4th instar larvae next spring.  The fall application does not prevent damage from 1st and 2nd instar leafminer larvae.  However, it will carry the added benefit of controlling BOXWOOD PSYLLID (Psylla buxi) before these aphid relatives produce their characteristic leaf-cupping damage.

For more information, see:

• University of Tennessee Fact Sheet on Boxwood Leafminer
• NC State Insect Note on Boxwood Leafminer

E.  TIME TO MONITOR FOR SPRUCE SPIDER MITES. 

Hosts include spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas-fir, true firs, and sometimes other conifers.  The mites feed by rupturing individual cells of the host's foliage, producing characteristic tiny yellow spots, or "stippling."  As the stippling coalesces, foliage becomes bleached and eventually bronze-colored.  Inner foliage is generally affected first.

A "beating tray" is the most effective tool for discovering and assessing spruce spider mite populations.  This tool can be a purchased piece of equipment, or simply a stick and an 8.5" x 11" tablet of white paper.  Hold the white target beneath the conifer foliage and strike the foliage several times with a stick or rod causing the mites to drop onto the white target.  Next, tilt and lightly tap the collection paper or tray to allow plant debris to fall off.

Look closely for small, slow-moving dots, not much bigger than the period at the end of this sentence.  These are the spider mites.  The faster moving dots are likely to be predaceous mites; the good guys that feed on the spider mites.  A finger can be used to "mash and smear" the mites to further distinguish the good mites from the bad.  Greenish-brown streaks are "pate de spider mite."

Effective management efforts include washing (syringing) mites from the foliage using a heavy stream of water, applications of soaps and oils, or applications of traditional miticides.  Syringing will conserve predaceous mites, but may be difficult on large trees or large numbers of trees.  Soaps and oils are also kind to predators, but oils will wash away the blue color on Colorado blue spruce.  Certain miticides such as spiromesifen (e.g., Judo), hexythiazox (e.g., Hexygon, Savey), and bifenzate (e.g., Floramite), as well as a few others, have low impacts on beneficials.

For more information, see:

• OSU FactSheet on Spruce Spider Mite
• University of Kentucky ENTFACT Sheet on Spider Mites on Landscape Plants

F.  EMERALD ASH BORER LOOK-A-LIKE ON THE PROWL. 

As the common name implies, the six-spotted green tiger beetle has white spots that are arranged along the trailing edge of the wing covers, three per side.  However, the spots are small and sometimes obscured by the highly reflective light bouncing off their shiny green bodies.  The beetles have elongated bodies with the thorax about half the width of the front wings and abdomen.  They have long legs and their protruding black eyes make them look like their wearing dark goggles.  As with all tiger beetles (family Cicindelidae), this is a ferocious predator and it sports powerful sickle-shaped mandibles that are used to grab and dispatch hapless arthropod prey.  Keep your eyes pealed for these tigers prowling woodland trails!

For more information, see:

• US Geological Survey Web Page on Tiger Beetles of the US
• University of Minnesota article on Six-spotted Tiger Beetle

G.  PERIODICAL CICADA DAMAGE CONFUSION IN SOUTHWEST OHIO.  Many questions are still coming in about what kind of insect or disease has caused the tell-tale "flagging" found on many tree and shrub branches.  Periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) are sucking insects, about 1 1/2" long which cause this type of damage commonly seen in our landscapes after broods emerge and begin their egg laying ritual.  This damage causes twigs to split, wither, and die, causing a symptom called "flagging."  Flagging is especially serious on young plants (four years or younger) because more of the branches are of the preferred size for oviposition, 1/4-1/2" in diameter.

Brood XIV emerged last year in southwest Ohio and there are still many signs left behind, but unfortunately there are no control methods for getting rid of cicada eggs more than three weeks past emergence.  The best practice is to prune to improve the overall look and strength of the tree or shrub.

4.  DISEASE DIGEST.

A.  BOTRYTIS BLIGHTS TRANSPLANTS.  Erik Draper reported that during this time of year, the overcast and humid conditions favor development of the fungal disease Botrytis cinerea.  This gray mold can infect all vegetable transplants resulting in a "blight" or irregular brown spotting of leaves and cankers on succulent stems.  This same Botrytis afflicts a very wide range of floral crops, producing the familiar and characteristic gray masses of powdery spores.  In an attempt to retain heat and reduce costs, many growers during daylight hours close down the vents on their hoop huts or greenhouses.  This results in skyrocketing levels of relative humidity, which is of course, the perfect conditions favoring disease development.  Particular fungicides can help to modify this production problem, but the best approach is to manage and reduce the levels of relative humidity.

Since botrytis gray mold depends upon water to germinate and infect plant surfaces, modifying a few cultural practices can do wonders to decrease being overrun by "Big Bad Botrytis."  Merely increasing air circulation, by using fans to move stagnant air and reducing relative humidity by slightly opening vents and continuing to heat, forces the moisture saturated air out of the structure.  In turn, lower levels of relative humidity prevent water from condensing on the surface of the plant, which reduces the occurrence of gray mold.  Also if watering is absolutely necessary, do it early in the day to ensure that the plants are dry by evening.  A good rule of thumb is if the moisture is felt on the face and fogs up glasses as a greenhouse is entered, then the humidity is too high.

For more information, see:

• OSU Extension FactSheet on Botrytis Gray Mold
• Cornell Universtiy Fact Sheet on Botrytis Gray Mold

B.  CLINIC CLIPS.  Recent samples in the C.W.E.P.P.D.C. include:

A greenhouse tomato with a bronzed coloration and disfigured leaves was diagnosed to have a complex of arthropods: tomato russet mites, thrips and aphids.  A Douglas fir was diagnosed with Swiss needle cast caused by Phaeocryptopus gaeumanni.  Rooted plugs of juniper were tested for Phytophthora root rot.  Dying roots were cultured and tested positive.  Roughstalk bluegrass (Poa trivialis) was identified in a home lawn.  Diagnostic features of roughtstalk bluegrass are the long, stemmy stolons and yellow-green leaf blade, versus the blue-green color of Kentucky bluegrass.  A cup fungus (Peziza spp.) found growing in a building, was associated with a moisture problem which has since been corrected.  They continue to check soil samples from agronomic fields for soybean cyst nematode; recent samples tested positive with trace-low egg counts.

5.  TURF TIPS.

A.  GROUND NESTING BEES RETURN. 

Ground nesting bees become active in late March in Ohio when the adults emerge, mate and enlarge their tunnels for the next generation.  While the females are busily digging their several inch deep burrows, the males buzz back and forth around the entrance chasing other males and possible predators.  Don't worry though, although they may appear menacing, one can sit in the middle of these mounds and not be stung.

If the bees are in a playground or area where bees are not tolerated, instead of applying an insecticide, place landscape fabric, sod or a tarp on the area for a month or so until their activity subsides.  Plant a ground cover or alter the landscape so that the soil is not loose.  Bees will not dig in dense turfgrass or ground cover as they prefer thin areas through which to access the soil.

For more information, see:

• Iowa State Hort and Pest Newsletter article on Mining Bees
• OSU FactSheet on ground-nesting bees and wasps

6.  INDUSTRY INSIGHTS.

A.  DON'T WAIT FOR PINE TREES' FATE. 

It is not too late for Christmas tree growers to treat pines, spruces and firs for the white pine weevil, but time is pining away.  The top whorls should be sprayed with dimethoate or bifenthrin (e.g., Onyx Pro) as soon as possible, then again in two weeks.  Unfortunately, homeowners do not have access to these products and need to resort to drenching the base of the trees with imidacloprid (e.g., Merit).  Since it takes 30 days for the product to circulate through the tree, it may be too late to prevent damage as the adults will have already laid the eggs in the leader.  Damage may be reduced however, if not prevented.  Another option is to have an arborist spray the leaders with dinotefuran (e.g., Safari), which again will not stop oviposition but may reduce larval chewing damage.

 For more information, see:

B.  IPM RULES.  BYGLers discussed new developments in rules pertaining to IPM programs.  The following excerpt from Dave Shetlar's P.E.S.T. Newsletter (30 March 2009, Vol. 18, No. 2) provides a helpful overview of the new developments.

"I had several questions about my comments on ODH [Ohio Department of Health] and ODA [Ohio Department of Agriculture] rules which are being developed primarily for School IPM, but will affect any non-agricultural IPM program.

Will I need a special IPM license?  Or, will this be a new ODA pesticide category.  Currently, the answer from ODA is "no" to both questions.  In fact, ODA has been trying over the last few years to eliminate or combine categories to make administration and update training easier to accomplish.  Any company or applicator selling or claiming that they are using an "IPM Program" may be asked to document that they have followed the general rules that ODA is proposing.  That is:

* Determine needs, priorities and measures to be taken.

* Establish a strategy, schedule, and specific recommendations for site monitoring and assessment.

* Evaluate results and go back through all 4 steps again.

Is there an IPM manual or web site where I can get information necessary to fulfill the ODA proposed rules?  Again, the answer is no!  I don't see an immediate need to document non-agricultural IPM programs until ODA finishes their rule making, post it, get stake-holder input and finalize the rules!  However, in the mean time, we have received regional IPM funding that we will use to develop a web presence and forms that will be useful no matter how the final rules from ODA and ODH look!  Stay tuned!"

NOTE:  Dave's P.E.S.T. Newsletter is an outstanding companion to the BYGL with greater depth given to insect and industry issues.  The newsletter is distributed by the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA).  You can sign-up by calling the ONLA at: 1-800-825-5062.

C.  NEW RAIN GARDEN PUBLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.  Two outstanding new rain garden publications have been produced by OSU Extension, Hamilton County, in collaboration with the U.S. EPA, the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Hamilton County Storm Water District, and others.  These publications, Rain Garden Guidelines for Southwest Ohio -  a Practical Handbook for Home Gardeners and GUIDELINES FOR UTILIZING RAIN GARDENS AS A STORM WATER MANAGEMENT TOOL IN THE METROPOLITAN SEWER DISTRICT OF GREATER CINCINNATI (MSD) - STEPS TO GETTING OFF THE STORMWATER "GRID" (targeted to professionals) can be viewed at [ http://hamilton.osu.edu/ ] and [ http://www.hcswcd.org/ ].  The working edition of the latter publication was accepted by the U.S. EPA in the fall of 2008, which is tantamount to its endorsement. 

The Hamilton County Storm Water District provided funding to print 10,000 hard copies of the home gardener handbook.  They are available free of charge for Hamilton County residents at the offices of OSU Extension, Hamilton County, and the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District.  They can be purchased by non-county residents through OSU Extension, Hamilton County, for $7.50 each, which includes tax and postage.  Contact Kim Martini at 513-946-8989 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

7.  COMING ATTRACTIONS.

A.  SOUTHWEST OHIO BYGLIVE!  The first 2009 Southwest Ohio BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-About will be held this coming Monday, April 13, at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum from 12:00-3:00 p.m.  This monthly hands-on training series for green industry professionals focuses on diagnosing plant pest, disease and physiological problems.  ISA Certified Arborist CEU's will be available.

There is a one-time registration fee of $50.00 that covers participation in all six of the Southwest Ohio BYGLive! Diagnostic Walk-Abouts.  For more information on program registration and for a complete listing of dates and locations for the entire series, visit the following website:  [  http://hamilton.osu.edu/Horticulture/the-2009-southwest-ohio-byglive-diagnostic-walk-about  ] or contact Joe Boggs at 513-946-8993.

Directions to the meeting location are as follows:  enter Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum through the main gate entrance off Spring Grove Avenue; drive through the underpass located straight ahead; turn right at the first intersection; turn left at the first "Y" in the road; and travel approx. 100 yards to the meeting parking/gathering point on your right.

B.  INTRODUCING A NEW ONLINE COURSE.  The OSU Department of Plant Pathology is pleased to announce the first online course for OSU, "Sick Plant in a Hungry World."  This 10 week course has modules with topics ranging from basic concepts in plant disease to prehistoric man and plant diseases and from the Irish Potato Famine to bioterrrism.  It's self-paced so you can take it anytime and anywhere.  This particular course is designed for Master Gardener volunteers but anyone interested in plants, history, and contemporary global issues will find it intriguing and exciting.  For details about registering, contact Sarah Ellis at [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ] or online at [ http://plantpath.osu.edu/extension ].  This non-credit course is $35.00; however, there is also an opportunity to take the course for OSU credit or for continuing education. 

8.  BYGLOSOPHY.    

"There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling." - Mirabel Osler

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.