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Landscape Message: November 2, 2018

November 2, 2018
Issue: 
22

UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Massachusetts Green Industry professionals in the management of our collective landscape. Detailed reports from scouts and Extension specialists on growing conditions, pest activity, and cultural practices for the management of woody ornamentals, trees, and turf are regular features. The following issue has been updated to provide timely management information and the latest regional news and environmental data.

The Landscape Message will be updated monthly in November and December. The next message will be available on Dec 7. To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list.

To read individual sections of the message, click on the section headings below to expand the content:


Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about October 31, 2018. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2018 calendar year. This information is intended for use as a guide for monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and planning management strategies accordingly.

MA Region/Location

GDD

Soil Temp
(°F at 4" depth)

Precipitation
(2-Week Gain)

Time/Date of Readings

2-Week Gain

2018 Total

Sun

Shade

CAPE

152.5

2860.5

51

48

4.83

3:00 PM 10/3

SOUTHEAST

143

2986.5

47.5

51

5.65

4:00 PM 10/3

NORTH SHORE

113

2904.5

40

40

2.95

9:00 AM 10/4

EAST

120.5

3147.5

45

42

3.96

4:00 PM 10/3

METRO

107.5

2820.5

42

42

3.74

5:30 AM 10/3

CENTRAL

145.5

2955.5

32

35

4.23

8:00 AM 10/3

PIONEER VALLEY

120

3033.5

47

46

3.81

9:00 AM 10/3

BERKSHIRES

110

2687

47

42

3.54

10:00 AM 10/3

AVERAGE

126.5

2924

44

43

4.09

 

n/a = information not available

Drought conditions update: There is no drought in any part of Massachusetts.
http://droughtmonitorstaging.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions: The average temperature over the period was 52°F with a high of 80°F on October 10 and a low of 29°F on October 22. Depending on where you are on the Cape, you may have had numerous frosts including several hard frosts (Upper Cape) or not quite experienced a frost yet (Lower & Outer Cape); there is always significant variability for the first frost date on the Cape. Almost five inches of rain fell during the period. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions are adequate to excessive. For those with construction projects on the agenda, care should be taken to avoid soil compaction which can be an issue especially when working on wet soils. Fall foliage color has been the best it has been in several years.

Pests/Problems: Insects or damage observed over the period include Lecanium scale, which has been fairly widespread this year on oaks, and resulted in a lot of sooty mold in some areas. A gall wasp, likely the wooly oak gall (Callirhytis lanata), has been abundant, causing fuzzy galls in acorn-like numbers to be observed under oaks which has prompted numerous inquiries. There has also been an increase in brown marmorated stink bug inquiries this year with reports of them as home invaders. The abundance of precipitation has resulted in the build up of many foliar diseases. In many cases, the best method for management of foliar disease is diligent cleanup of diseased leaves which are often the source of overwintering inoculum. The abundance of moisture has also created a banner year for mushrooms and conks. Keep yourself protected from ticks, they are still very active.

Southeast Region (Acushnet)

General Conditions: The temperatures for the month of October ranged from a high of 82 degrees on October 10th to a cold, frosty low of 25 degrees on October 22nd. The recent rains brought 5.65 total inches of rainfall for the month of October. A cold, wet nor’easter on October 27th brought down many leaves and branches with its powerful winds and rain. The landscape is still showing some green, along with an array of beautiful autumn leaves on various species of trees and shrubs. The overall conditions are typical of autumn, with seasonal foliage, cold mornings, chilly winds and early morning frost. Crabapples (Malus), hollies (Ilex), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), beautyberry (Callicarpa) and rosehips (Rose) are showing fall interest. Seed pods from many perennials are dropping as well. Lawns are looking lush and green due to the abundant rainfall, even as cool temperatures and the soil moisture levels are encouraging plants to become dormant for the upcoming winter. Leaves and branches with evidence of blight, fire blight, leaf curl, powdery mildew and other fungi should be cleaned up and disposed of, remembering to clean and sanitize your pruners after each use. Be sure not to contaminate any compost or other areas with the fungal pathogens so as not to re-infect the soil for next season. The annuals are showing the effects of the recent frost from October 22nd and more frost should be expected as the season continues.

Pests/Problems: Wild turkeys have been seen strolling neighborhood yards and are likely to eat any fruits, nuts, berries, seeds, grain, or insects they come across in autumn. Deer have also been noticed wandering around the landscape. Now would be a good time to begin using some form of repellent to keep them away from your property. Squirrels and other rodents are continuing to collect foodstuffs for their winter storage and have been seen crossing roads or running through people’s yards gathering nuts and seeds. Ladybugs and stink bugs are entering homes as temperatures continue to drop. Banded woolybear (Pyrrharctia isabella) have been seen as well; next spring they will resume eating before pupating. The woolybear transforms into a lovely Isabella moth, and this species rarely damages crops, limiting most of its feeding to a wide range of weeds. Adult male winter moths may be seen fluttering around outdoor lights by the end of this month, typically beginning sometime around Thanksgiving (see Insects Section below). We hope this year’s population will be much lower, due to reported successes with the biological control of this non-native pest. For more information, visit: https://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/umass-amherst-entomologists-report-major . Please take precautions when working and cleaning up against deer ticks; they can be hiding amongst the fallen leaves, waiting for a host.

North Shore Region (Beverly)

General Conditions: Average daily temperatures in the first half of October were higher than normal for October. Average daily temperatures were in the mid- to high 60s with a few days of average temperatures in the low 70s. The maximum temperature recorded at Long Hill was 80 degrees Fahrenheit recorded on October 10. During the second half of the month average daily temperatures were quite variable, ranging from a low of 39°F to a high of 58°F. The first frost of the season was experienced on October 18. The lowest temperature recorded was 27 degrees on October 26. The area experienced some days of heavy rains and strong winds. A total of approximately 2.95 inches of rainfall was received at Long Hill in the month of October. The few plants seen in bloom include: redbud hazel (Disanthus cercidifolius), American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Russian Daphne (Daphne x transatlantica), Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida) and Sheffield pink Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflorum). Colorful fruiting plants such as hardy orange (Poncirus trifoliata), beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Wright Viburnum (Viburnum wrightii) and winterberry (Ilex verticillata) are also providing color in the landscape by their fruits.  

Pests/Problems: Because of the nor’easter that came through last week, there is a lot of wood and woody debris on the ground. Ticks are still active and will remain active anytime the temperature is above freezing. Take precautions to protect yourself when raking leaves by using repellents containing DEET and conducting tick checks after working or even hiking outdoors. Mosquito populations are mostly done for the year. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and invasive species such as burning bush (Euonymus alatus) are displaying fall foliage color in the woods.

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: We are at 3147.5 GDDs, having gained 120.5 GDDs over the last 4 weeks. This area last gained GDDs on October 20. We received our first frost on October 19 as temperatures dropped to 29°F, ending the growing season at 188 days. Over the last 4 weeks, high temperatures have ranged from 46°F to 84°F and low temperatures ranged from 25°F to 66°F. We reached a high of 84°F on October 10 and a low of 25°F on October 26. A major rain event occurred on October 11, delivering 0.71 inches. A Nor’easter came through on Saturday October 27, bringing high winds and dropping 1.71 inches of rain. Over the past 4 weeks we received rain on 13 days, totaling 3.96 inches. Colorful fruit is visible throughout the landscape. Hamamelis virginiana (common witch-hazel) is in bloom along with its cultivars including H. v. f. rubescens ‘Mohonk Red’.

Pests/Problems: The nor’easter that passed through on October 27 left the landscape littered with leaves and woody debris. Perennial weeds continue to disperse seed. Bright red fall color from Euonymus alatus (burning bush) and the yellow of Celastrus orbiculatus (oriental bittersweet) can, unfortunately, be seen throughout the woodlands as these noxious invasives crowd out the original native plants that wildlife needs.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: October has been a wild weather month with a multitude of rain events, some heavy at times, strong winds, sleet and fluctuating temperatures.  A low of 23°F was recorded on the 21st and a high of 80°F recorded on the 10th. This area continued to accumulate growing degree-days throughout the month, accumulating a grand total of 107.5! We did experience our first fall frost on the 18th. The average monthly precipitation for October is 4.32” and the total measured for the month this fall was 3.81”. Not much was observed in flower at this time of year with the exception of a few herbaceous perennials including: Aster spp. (New England Aster, New York Aster, smoother Aster, white wood Aster), A. tataricus (Tatarian Aster), Allium thunbergii ‘Ozawa’ (ornamental onion), Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk daisy). Fruits, pomes, and seeds are providing some additional interest in the landscape. Noted were the red fruits of Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley), Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), C. kousa (Kousa dogwood) and Ilex verticilata (winterberry), a variety of colors and sizes of fruit on the Callicarpa dichotoma (beautyberry), Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood), Crataegus spp. (hawthorn), Malus spp. (apple and crabapple), Rosa spp. (rose), Sorbus spp. (mountain ash) and Viburnum spp., seed heads on ornamental grasses (Chasmanthium latifolium) northern sea oats, Miscanthus sp. (maiden grass), Panicum virgatum (switch grass), Pennisetum aloepecuroides (fountain grass), seed capsules on Heptacodium miconioides (seven-son-flower), seed pods on Catalpa sp., Gleditsia triacanthos (honeylocust) and Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky coffeetree), and nuts on Carya spp. (hickory), Juglans spp. (walnut) and Quercus spp. (oak).

Pests/Problems: Rain, rain, go away, come again another day. I bet that I wasn’t the only one to say that. There were seventeen days this month where some degree of precipitation was recorded! Soils are well saturated. There is much leafy and woody debris on the ground from the nor’easter of this past week.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: The story this fall has been rain, rain, and more rain. It’s also been unseasonably cold after a delayed first frost. Fall color has been strong this year. Maples are still holding onto colorful foliage; ash have been bare for a week or more. Pin oaks, black gum, hickory and sourwood are all about at peak color this week. Deer browse has continued, even on typically deer resistant shrubs. We’re certainly nearing the end of the flowering season. Trees, shrubs, perennials and vines still in bloom include: Aster tataricus (Tatarian aster), Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), Colchicum ‘Water Lily’ (autumn crocus) and Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety' (monk’s hood). Also notable is the bright fruit of Ilex verticillata (winterberry) and Malus ‘Donald Wyman.’

Pests/Problems: Nothing substantial at this time.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)

General Conditions: The autumn season marches on as we reach the penultimate edition of this season’s Landscape Message in the Pioneer Valley. The month of October started out with abnormally warm temperatures, as noted by the Northeast Regional Climate Center ( http://www.nrcc.cornell.edu/services/blog/2018/10/16/index.html ). Specifically, temperatures from October 1–15 throughout much of western Mass were 6–8°F above normal. The valley got another good soaking rain on 10/11 with accumulations >1.5″ in many locations. Then, in a rapid reversal, conditions got chilly in a hurry during the second half of October. From October 17-24, temperatures were 4–6°F below normal with morning frosts a frequent occurrence in the valley bottoms. Additionally, after the 10/11 rain event we didn’t receive any significant rainfall until 10/27. After the very wet late summer and early fall, this felt like a long time between big rain events. With the low humidity and gusty autumn winds, surface soils were actually drying out towards the end of that two week “dry spell”. Thankfully, the rain on 10/27 provided a good soaking, which in conjunction with the forecasted rain, should take us well into November without any irrigation needs. The concern at this time of year is mostly focused on recently transplanted conifers. Too often, their watering needs are forgotten or ignored once the heat of summer fades. But those green needles are still working during mild fall days and supplemental water is needed through October (and possibly November). Soils are cooling off as daylight continues to wane yet soil temperatures are still hovering the middle-40s. Overall, soils have been in good shape for transplanting trees and shrubs, although the fall winds in the valley always make it difficult to keep trees upright once they’re transplanted. Leaf color was a bit uneven this year in the Connecticut Valley. Some trees were their normal, glorious selves while others simply didn’t change color and are dropping green leaves. Skunks, squirrels, chipmunks and voles are busy digging, chewing, tunneling, scratching and generally causing a giant nuisance in the landscape as they prepare for winter.

Pests/Problems: After another year of severe apple scab and Marssonina leaf blotch outbreaks on apple and crabapple, thorough cleanup of fallen leaves should be performed to at least try to reduce overwintering inoculum. That being said, because these trees and fungi are so common in the landscape, even thorough inoculum removal is usually not enough to reduce disease pressure. The root and butt rot pathogen Grifola frondosa (hen of the woods) was plentiful this autumn season, appearing at the base of many oaks in the area during the first half of October. When clusters of mushrooms are present at the base of infected trees (see photo below), extensive decay in the lower trunk is not guaranteed. The more common and cryptic decay pathogen, Armillaria, was bountiful in forest settings on dead trees but rarely appears on living trees suffering from decay in managed landscapes. Tubakia leaf blotch continued to be a problem for oaks throughout much of October, despite the fact that many trees were going dormant for the season. Due to marcescence (incomplete leaf abscission), these diseased leaves will be retained in the canopy through the winter months for many oaks. Once they’re finally shed next spring, these leaves will be present on site to initiate new infections on developing leaves.

Grifola frondosa (hen of the woods) at the base of a red oak (Quercus rubra) on the UMass campus.

 

 

 

 

 

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: Brown is the dominant color in the landscape as dormancy is the current physiological status of ornamental plants. Yet, deciduous trees still display plenty of fall foliage color, but it is not as vivid as in most years. Frequent rainfall is probably a contributing factor. Though few rain events were torrential, the frequency of rainy days have left soils constantly moist and, in cases of soils with high clay content, saturated. In the latter case, it was not unusual to see ruts in turf where cars or trucks were driven. Even riding mowers left ruts on some lawns. Rainfall, as measured at the Pittsfield Airport, is currently 5 inches above normal for the year. However, prior to mid-July, total rainfall was about 7 inches below normal. Temperatures at this monitoring site in early October were well above normal, topping off at 80°F on the 10th. Two days later, a dramatic shift occurred and temperatures have been consistently below normal. A scattered light frost occurred on October 17th and was followed the next day with a widespread killing frost as the overnight low dropped to 27°F. The low temperature for the month occurred on the 31st with a reading of 25°F. With the exception of a few asters, the season for herbaceous perennials has come to an end. However, ornamental grasses continue to provide much interest and color in the landscape. Turfgrass remains lush though growth has slowed. The cutting height for turfgrass should be reduced to 2 inches at this time.

Pests/Problems: All is quiet on the state’s western front as far as pests are concerned. Most insects are now of the home invader category. Western conifer seedbug, multi-colored lady beetle, and boxelder bug are among the more common invaders. Mice also are frequent invaders. The very high squirrel population has resulted in much damage, mostly in home vegetable gardens. Deer are browsing in open fields but can be expected to browse on the more succulent shrubbery in managed landscapes as vegetation elsewhere become less palatable. Application of repellents to valued shrubbery should begin soon. Once deer begin browsing in a particular landscape they tend to return to the same site. With the frequency of rain causing plant diseases through the latter part of the summer, it is imperative to remove and dispose of infected plant debris.

Regional Scouting Credits

  • CAPE COD REGION - Russell Norton, Horticulture and Agriculture Educator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, reporting from Barnstable.
  • SOUTHEAST REGION - Jacqueline Hoyle, MCH, reporting from Acushnet.
  • NORTH SHORE REGION - Geoffrey Njue, Green Industry Specialist, UMass Extension, reporting from the Long Hill Reservation, Beverly.
  • EAST REGION - Kit Ganshaw & Sue Pfeiffer, Horticulturists, reporting from the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain.
  • METRO WEST REGION - Julie Coop, Forester, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, reporting from Acton.
  • CENTRAL REGION  - Dawn Davies, Interim Horticulture Manager, reporting from Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston.
  • PIONEER VALLEY REGION - Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, reporting from UMass Amherst.
  • BERKSHIRE REGION - Ron Kujawski, Horticultural Consultant, reporting from Great Barrington.

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Recent pests and pathogens of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab (https://ag.umass.edu/services/plant-diagnostics-laboratory):

Boxwood blight, caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata, on boxwood (Buxus sempervirens, B. sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ and B. sempervirens ‘Vardar Valley’). Infected shrubs range in age from 3-years-old to nearly 40-years-old at several sites in eastern Massachusetts, coastal Rhode Island, and northwestern and southern Connecticut. At some of the sites, the outbreaks developed on boxwoods transplanted earlier this year, which is the most common pattern of disease development. However, at other sites, it’s suspected that latent infections from previous years went unnoticed until major symptoms developed this season. At one site, pruning shears harboring the pathogen are suspected to have introduced the disease. The abundant rainfall from mid-July through October has led to high levels of spore production and dispersal. There have been reports of large landscapes with hundreds of infected boxwoods. Calonectria is able to attack all above-ground plant parts, but does not infect the roots. It can, however, produce a resting structure that allows it to survive and overwinter in dead plant parts (e.g. leaves and stems) that both remain in the canopy and have fallen to the ground. Spores are then produced from these resting structures and are blown or splashed onto nearby, healthy plants. In many cases, it’s recommended to remove infected plants and all nearby organic matter that could be harboring inoculum. For mature plants where intervention is desired, extensive pruning of blighted material and the use of a combination contact and systemic fungicide is recommended.

Root and butt rot of River’s Purple European beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’) caused by Kretzschmaria deusta. This enormous, gnarled and well-loved tree resides in the Durfee Tree Garden, within the Waugh Arboretum at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Based on its last measurement in 2017, the tree is 80” in diameter and 105’ tall with a crown spread of 100’. It’s unknown when the tree was planted but is suspected of dating to the late 1800s. As is the case with many landscape beech trees, the trunk is scarred by numerous engravings, mostly initials. The bark on the lower canopy branches is also worn smooth from climbing by students. The appressed, grey when fresh, becoming black and crustose fruiting bodies of K. deusta are present on the north side of the trunk along with sloughing bark. Sonic and electrical resistance tomography scanning of the lower trunk at a height of ~50” from the soil line shows that almost 65% of the tree’s cross section is decaying with a large cavity developing in the center. Armillaria may also be to blame for the butt rot, given that a large (41” dbh) and adjacent horsechestnut has extensive decay in the lower trunk due to the actions of the honey fungus. A main canopy leader in the beech is dead and fruiting bodies of the varnish conk, Ganoderma sessile, have been present on it at a height of ~25’ for several years now. Finally, lower canopy branches are declining from infections by the beech canker fungus, Asterosporium. Despite all this, the tree remains in fair to good overall condition and will likely persist for many more years, slowly arcing downward towards death.

Canopy dieback of Norway spruce (Picea abies) due to infestations of the Norway spruce gall midge (Piceacecis abietiperda), spruce bud scale (Physokermes piceae), spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) and stem cankering from Phomopsis. Hedge of mature Norway spruce trees, over 50-years-old, with browning needles and thinning canopies. Two of the oldest trees have girdling roots with excess soil and mulch at the base. Soils are compacted and construction injury in the past is likely to have had some role in the canopy dieback.

Report by Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, UMass Amherst.

Insects

  • Pollinators and Neonicotinoids: The following fact sheet contains information regarding the impact of neonicotinoid insecticide active ingredients, which are labelled for use against insect pests of trees and shrubs, primarily on honeybees (Apis mellifera). (Some native bees are also discussed.) Additional reasons for honeybee decline are also explored in this document, along with steps professionals can take to support Massachusetts pollinators. For more information, visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/tree-shrub-insecticide-active-ingredients-alternatives-to-neonicotinoids

Woody ornamental insect and non-insect arthropod pests to consider, a selected few:

  • Spotted lanternfly fourth (final) instar nymph (immature). Note the color change to red and black with white spots. Photo courtesy of Gregory Hoover. Spotted lanternfly egg masses (left and top of photo) with a gypsy moth egg mass (right). Photo courtesy of Gregory Hoover. Spotted lanternfly first instar nymph (immature). Note that the nymph is black with white spots. This coloration persists through the third instar. Photo courtesy of Gregory Hoover. Spotted lanternfly adult at rest. Note the wings are held roof-like over the back of the insect. Photo courtesy of Gregory HooverSpotted Lanternfly: (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is not known to occur in Massachusetts. If you believe you have found any life stage of this insect in MA, please report it here: http://massnrc.org/pests/pestreports.htm . This insect is a member of the Order Hemiptera (true bugs, cicadas, hoppers, aphids, and others) and the Family Fulgoridae, also known as planthoppers. This insect is a non-native species first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania and confirmed on September 22, 2014. Until November 2017, this invasive insect was only known to Pennsylvania. It has now been reported from Delaware (Nov. 20, 2017), New York (Nov. 29, 2017, Sept. 11, 2018, and Oct. 19, 2018), Virginia (Jan. 10, 2018), New Jersey (July 17, 2018), Connecticut (Oct. 22, 2018), and Maryland (Oct. 25, 2018).

Since the last Landscape Message, the spotted lanternfly has been newly reported in an additional location in New York on October 19, 2018, and for the first time in both Connecticut (October 22, 2018) and Maryland (October 25, 2018). On October 19, 2018 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the finding of a single live and several dead adult spotted lanternflies in Suffolk County, New York from a shipment originating from within the PA spotted lanternfly quarantine. A survey of the area was conducted and no additional insects or established populations were detected. For more information regarding this most recent detection in New York, visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/bulletins/2159249 . On October 22, 2018 the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station announced the finding of spotted lanternfly in Farmington, CT. A single, dead adult was detected at a private residence in that location. The insect appears to have been a hitch hiker likely transported in a vehicle from PA, and no other insects were found upon a visit to the property. Additional survey in that area is planned at this time. For more information regarding the detection in Farmington, CT, visit: https://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/publications/press_releases/2018/caes_press_release_spotted_lanternfly_ct_october_22_2018.pdf . On October 25, 2018 the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced the confirmation of a single adult spotted lanternfly found in a trap in the southeast corner of Cecil County Maryland near the border of Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Maryland Department of Agriculture does not believe this find is indicative of an established population in the state. For more information regarding the detection in Maryland, visit: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2018/10/25/first-spotted-lanternfly-confirmed-in-maryland/ .

The spotted lanternfly is considered native to China, India, and Vietnam. It has been introduced as a non-native insect to South Korea and Japan, prior to its detection in the United States. In South Korea, it is considered invasive and a pest of grapes and peaches. The spotted lanternfly has been reported to have been found on over 70 species of plants, including the following: tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) (preferred host), apple (Malus spp.), plum, cherry, peach, apricot (Prunus spp.), grape (Vitis spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), white ash (Fraxinus americana), willow (Salix spp.), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), American linden (Tilia americana), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), big-toothed aspen (Populus grandidentata), black birch (Betula lenta), black cherry (Prunus serotina), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), black walnut (Juglans nigra), dogwood (Cornus spp.), Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus), maple (Acer spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), and paper birch (Betula papyrifera).

The adults and immatures of this species damage host plants by feeding on sap from stems, leaves, and the trunks of trees. In the springtime in Pennsylvania (late April - mid-May), nymphs (immatures) are found on smaller plants and vines and new growth of trees and shrubs. Third and fourth instar nymphs migrate to the tree of heaven and are observed feeding on trunks and branches. Trees may be found with sap weeping from the wounds caused by the insect’s feeding. The sugary secretions (excrement) created by this insect may coat the host plant, later leading to the growth of sooty mold. Insects such as wasps, hornets, bees, and ants may also be attracted to the sugary waste created by the lanternflies, or sap weeping from open wounds in the host plant. Host plants have been described as giving off a fermented odor when this insect is present.

Adults are present by the middle of July in Pennsylvania and begin laying eggs by late September and continue laying eggs through late November and even early December in that state. Adults may be found on the trunks of trees such as the tree of heaven or other host plants growing in close proximity to them. Egg masses of this insect are gray in color and look similar to gypsy moth egg masses.

Host plants, bricks, stone, lawn furniture, recreational vehicles, and other smooth surfaces can be inspected for egg masses. Egg masses laid on outdoor residential items such as those listed above may pose the greatest threat for spreading this insect via human aided movement. Adults and nymphs also readily hitch-hike in vehicles and transport associated with commerce.

For more information about the spotted lanternfly, visit this fact sheet: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/spotted-lanternfly .

  • Gypsy Moth: Lymantria dispar adult activity is at an end for the 2018 season. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has released their final numbers for the total acres defoliated by gypsy moth caterpillars in 2018. MA DCR officials estimate that approximately 159,705 acres were defoliated by gypsy moth in 2018. This pales in comparison to the over 923,000 acres of defoliation due to gypsy moth estimated in 2017. (We can thank Entomophaga maimaiga for the population decrease between last year and the beginning of this year.) A map of the locations of this defoliation is now available here: https://www.mass.gov/guides/gypsy-moth-in-massachusetts courtesy of the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation. Multiple reports of tree mortality due to the defoliation from gypsy moth during the extent of this outbreak (some communities have had defoliation since 2015/2016-present) have come in to UMass Extension. MA DCR now estimates there was 23,602 acres of oak mortality across Massachusetts in 2018, much of which may be attributed to gypsy moth defoliation and an influx of secondary pest organisms attacking weakened trees (Ex. pathogens such as armillaria root rot and native beetles such as the Buprestidae, or jewel/wood-boring beetles).

One worrisome note is that Entomophaga maimaiga does not seem to have been as active in the gypsy moth caterpillar population in 2018 as it was in 2017. This allowed many healthy adult moths to mate and females to lay egg masses that will overwinter and provide us with a population of caterpillars in 2019. More information can be found in the August issue of Hort Notes, which is available here under “Trouble Maker of the Month”: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/newsletters/hort-notes/hort-notes-2018-vol-298 .

  • Asian Longhorned Beetle: (Anoplophora glabripennis, ALB) Look for signs of an ALB infestation which include perfectly round exit holes (about the size of a dime), shallow oval or round scars in the bark where a female has chewed an egg site, or sawdust-like frass (excrement) on the ground nearby host trees or caught in between branches. Be advised that other, native insects may create perfectly round exit holes or sawdust-like frass, which can be confused with signs of ALB activity. Now that leaves are falling from the trees, some of these signs of ALB activity may be more easily viewed.

The regulated area for Asian longhorned beetle is 110 miles2 encompassing Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and parts of Holden and Auburn. If you believe you have seen damage caused by this insect, such as exit holes or egg sites, on susceptible host trees like maple, please call the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program office in Worcester, MA at 508-852-8090 or toll free at 1-866-702-9938.

To report an Asian longhorned beetle find online or compare it to common insect look-alikes, visit: http://massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pests-diseases/alb/report .

  • Deer Tick/Blacklegged Tick: (Ixodes scapularis) Adult male and female deer ticks are active. Adult deer ticks may be primarily active from October-May, at any time day-time temperatures are above freezing. Keep in mind that deer ticks take 2 years to complete their life cycle. Adult deer ticks prefer to overwinter on larger hosts (such as deer) and may be found “questing” or searching for an appropriate host on low growing plants. Adult female deer ticks will readily feed on people and pets, and are known to transmit Lyme disease, human babesiosis, human anaplasmosis, and deer tick virus. The seasonal activity of the deer tick is outlined here: https://tickencounter.org/tick_identification/deer_tick .

Anyone working in the yard and garden should be aware that there is the potential to encounter deer ticks, even during fall cleanup when temperatures are cooler. Preventative activities, such as daily tick checks, wearing appropriate clothing, and permethrin treatments for clothing (according to label instructions) can aid in reducing the risk that a tick will become attached to your body. If a tick cannot attach and feed, it will not transmit disease. For more information about personal protective measures, visit: http://www.tickencounter.org/prevention/protect_yourself .

It is important to note that the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology has reported that approximately 34-42% of the 14,053 deer ticks they have tested from Massachusetts since 1/1/2006-10/3/2018 have tested positive for Borrelia spp.and Borrelia burgdorferi senu lato, the spirochete bacteria responsible for causing Lyme disease. This data can be searched and viewed here: https://www.tickreport.com/stats .

Have you just removed an attached tick from yourself or a loved one with a pair of tweezers? If so, consider sending the tick to the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology to be tested for disease causing pathogens. To submit a tick to be tested, visit: https://www.tickreport.com/ and click on the blue “Order a TickReport” button. Results are typically available within 3 business days, or less. By the time you make an appointment with your physician following the tick attachment, you may have the results back from TickReport to bring to your physician to aid in a conversation about risk. Watch Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Larry Dapsis, Entomologist and Tick Project Coordinator, explain how to submit a sample to the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology here:https://bit.ly/2IAGPIY .

The UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology does not give medical advice, nor are the results of their tests diagnostic of human disease. Transmission of a pathogen from the tick to you is dependent upon how long the tick had been feeding, and each pathogen has its own transmission time. TickReport is an excellent measure of exposure risk for the tick (or ticks) that you send in to be tested. Feel free to print out and share your TickReport with your healthcare provider.

You can also follow TickReport on Twitter @TickReport for timely updates from the Laboratory of Medical Zoology, including the latest tick and tick-borne disease related research.

  • Emerald Ash Borer: (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) This wood-boring beetle readily attacks ash (Fraxinus spp.) including white, green, and black ash and has also been found developing in white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) and most recently, has been reported in cultivated olive (Olea europaea). Signs of an EAB infested tree may include D-shaped exit holes in the bark (from adult emergence), “blonding” or lighter coloration of the ash bark from woodpecker feeding (chipping away of the bark as they search for larvae beneath), and serpentine galleries visible through splits in the bark, from larval feeding beneath. Positive identification of an EAB-infested tree may not be possible with these signs individually on their own.

Since the last Landscape Message, new detections of emerald ash borer have been confirmed by the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation in new communities in Berkshire, Worcester, and Middlesex Counties. For an updated map of these newest finds, visit: https://www.mass.gov/guides/emerald-ash-borer-in-massachusetts .

For further information about this insect, please visit: https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/emerald-ash-borer . If you believe you have located EAB-infested ash trees, particularly in an area of Massachusetts not identified on the map provided, please report here: http://massnrc.org/pests/pestreports.htm .

  • Fall Home-Invading Insects: Various insects, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, seedbugs, and stink bugs will seek overwintering shelters in warm places, such as homes, throughout the next couple of months. (Ladybugs have already started entering homes in Hampshire County in small numbers, observed the week of 9/3/2018.) While such invaders do not cause any measurable structural damage, they can become a nuisance especially when they are present in large numbers. If you are not willing to share your home with such insects, repair torn window screens, repair gaps around windows and doors, and sure up any other gaps through which they might enter the home. Otherwise, as these insects enter the home, they can be collected and removed. (If using a vacuum cleaner to do this, be sure to empty the vacuum immediately thereafter. Insects at room temperature may begin to smell badly.)
  • Winter Moth: Operophtera brumata adult emergence generally occurs around mid-November, particularly around the Thanksgiving Holiday in eastern Massachusetts. Male winter moths have wings and are able to fly. They are light colored moths with a band of black marks extending across the tip of the wings. Adult female winter moths have greatly reduced wings (and are sometimes said to be wingless) and are incapable of flying. No management options are recommended or effective against the adult moth stage of this pest. For example, although some may attempt to apply bands of sticky material around trees they anticipate to be impacted by this insect, while they may capture some of the female winter moths as they crawl up the trunk to lay their eggs, this will not be 100% effective, as moths invariably make their way beyond the band. Adult winter moths do not feed. Females will lay the eggs that will hatch next spring. The winter moth population is at an all-time low in eastern MA, so hopefully residents in those locations will see fewer adult moths this year. For more information, visit: https://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/umass-amherst-entomologists-report-major .

Concerned that you may have found an invasive insect or suspicious damage caused by one? Need to report a pest sighting? If so, please visit the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project: http://massnrc.org/pests/pestreports.htm .

A note about Tick Awareness: deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis), the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) are all found throughout Massachusetts. Each can carry their own complement of diseases. Anyone working in tick habitats (wood-line areas, forested areas, and landscaped areas with ground cover) should check themselves regularly for ticks while practicing preventative measures. Have a tick and need it tested? Visit the web page of the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology (https://www.tickreport.com/) and click on the red Test a Tick button for more information.

Reported by Tawny Simisky, Extension Entomologist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program

Plant of the Week

Hamamelis virginiana, American witch-hazel  

American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) also known as common witch-hazel is native to Eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida. It is hardy in zones 3 to 8.

Hamamelis virginiana is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with crooked, spreading branches. It typically grows to 15-20 feet tall and wide, but can reach 30 feet tall. The 3-6” leaves are alternate, broadly ovate, and have large wavy teeth on the margins. Leaves have a dark green upper surface and pale green lower surface. Fall color is beautiful shades of yellow. The fragrant flowers have four, bright yellow ribbon like petals and appear in clusters along the branches in late fall.  Generally, American witch-hazel is the last woody plant to flower in the season, providing the only sign of color when other trees have dropped their leaves. The fruits are greenish seed capsules that mature to light brown and split open in fall of the following year.

American witch-hazel grows best in moist well-drained soil but tolerates heavy clay soils. It performs best in full sun or part shade. Flower performance is best in full sun. Hamamelis virginiana is very suitable for naturalized areas and can be used in shrub borders or in woodland gardens

American witch-hazel has no serious disease or insect problem but may occasionally develop galls on the bottom of the leaves caused by leaf gall aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis). The galls are cone-shaped leading to these aphids being also referred to as “witch-hazel cone gall aphids”. The galls are unsightly, but they are usually not a significant problem. Witch-hazel tends to develop galls on the bottom of the leaves if planted near birch trees, which are the alternative host for the gall aphid.

American witch-hazel flowerAmerican witch-hazel leaves American witch-hazel fall color Galls on American witch-hazel

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geoffrey Njue, UMass Extension Floriculture Program


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Diagnostic Services

A UMass Laboratory Diagnoses Landscape and Turf Problems - The UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab is available to serve commercial landscape contractors, turf managers, arborists, nurseries and other green industry professionals. It provides woody plant and turf disease analysis, woody plant and turf insect identification, turfgrass identification, weed identification, and offers a report of pest management strategies that are research based, economically sound and environmentally appropriate for the situation. Accurate diagnosis for a turf or landscape problem can often eliminate or reduce the need for pesticide use. For sampling procedures, detailed submission instructions and a list of fees, see Plant Diagnostics Laboratory

Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing - The University of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is located on the campus of The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Testing services are available to all. The function of the Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is to provide test results and recommendations that lead to the wise and economical use of soils and soil amendments. For complete information, visit the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory web site. Alternatively, call the lab at (413) 545-2311.

Ticks are active at this time! Remember to take appropriate precautions when working and playing outdoors, and conduct daily tick checks. UMass tests ticks for the presence of Lyme disease and other disease pathogens. Learn more