Landscape Message: September 21, 2018

Happy Fall Equinox!

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.

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

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Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about September 19, 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	249	2562	71	65	3.14	5:00 PM 9/19
SOUTHEAST	260	2690.5	69	66.5	3.00	4:30 PM 9/19
NORTH SHORE	221.5	2651	67	66	2.38	9:00 AM 9/19
EAST	266	2879	69	65	3.69	4:00 PM 9/19
METRO	234	2614	67	65	5.60	5:45 AM 9/19
CENTRAL	231.5	2756.8	64	60	4.18	7:00 AM 9/19
PIONEER VALLEY	280.5	2817	72	68	5.99	9:30 AM 9/20
BERKSHIRES	249	2466	70	68	5.13	9:35 AM 9/19
AVERAGE	249	2680	69	65	4.14
n/a = information not available

Drought conditions update: Viewing the map via the link below, dated September 20, shows Massachusetts is experiencing level D0 - 'Abnormally Dry' - throughout Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Half of Bristol and almost all of Plymouth Counties are also labeled D0.  The rest of the state is free of any category of drought.
http://droughtmonitorstaging.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Phenology

Indicator Plants - Stages of Flowering (BEGIN, BEGIN/FULL, FULL, FULL/END, END)
PLANT NAME (Botanic/Common)	CAPE	S.E.	N.S.	EAST	METRO W.	CENT.	P.V.	BERK.
Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-Son Flower)	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	*
Clematis paniculata (Sweet Autumn Clematis)	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed)	Full/End	End	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
* = no activity to report/information not available

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions: The average temperature over the period was 68°F, with a high of 84°F on September 6 and a low of 50°F on September 15. Overall, the period was predominated by highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s. During the period, 3.14 inches of precipitation fell in numerous events. The majority of precipitation occurred on September 6 (0.98”) and September 18 (1.48”). The period was dominated by hazy and cloudy weather. The dry conditions that prevailed in the previous period have abated; topsoil and subsoil conditions are adequate. There have been two weeks of great conditions for those who put down grass seed around Labor Day.

Pests/Problems: Insects or insect damage observed over the last two weeks include: sunflower moth (Homoeosoma electellum) on purple coneflower, tobacco budworm on Petunia, fall armyworm on ornamental grasses, Lecanium scale on oak, two-spotted spidermites on butterfly bush, Japanese maple scale (Lopholeucaspis japonica) on Japanese maple, chilli thrips on Hydrangea, Hibiscus sawfly on Hibiscus, turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus terebrans) on pitch pine, Andromeda lacebug (Stephanitis takeyai) on Japanese Andromeda, azalea lacebug (Stephanitis pyrioides) on azalea, sycamore lacebug (Corythucha ciliata) on sycamore, and daylily leafminer (Ophiomyia kwansonis) damage on daylily. Diseases visible over the last week include: brown patch in turf, leaf spot on Hydrangea, downy mildew on garden Impatiens, foliar nematodes on Japanese Anenomes, powdery mildew on the usual (just about everything), leaf spots (Septoria) on red twig dogwood, daylily leaf streak on daylily, tar spot on Norway maple, leaf blotch of horsechestnut, black spot on rose, and cedar apple rust on crabapple. The following weeds were seen in bloom: purslane (Portulaca oleracea), prostrate spurge (Euphorbia maculata), lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata), beggarticks (Bidens frondosa), copperleaf (Acalypha spp), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), smartweed (Polygonum spp), and horseweed (Conyza canadensis). Deer tick adults are out and about - be vigilant and keep yourself protected by using permethrin treated footwear and clothing. Rabbits are still abundant.

Southeast Region (Acushnet)

General Conditions: The recent storm brought in quite a bit of rain, bringing the total up to 3.00” for this two week period. 1.20 “ was recorded September 18th. Flash flood warnings were issued for our area that afternoon as hurricane Florence passed by. Stress from the summer heat is quite noticeable in the landscape. A great deal of leaf scorch on many types of trees is evident, such as Norway maple (Acer platanoides), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), dogwood (Cornus kousa), Azalea, and Hydrangea. Many perennials and annuals have been burned up with summer’s heat. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are starting to get a bright red glow on the leaves, showing a hint of fall. Fruits, nuts, and ornamental trees are showing interest. I have seen walnuts (Juglans spp.), Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima), apples (Malus spp.), pears (Pyrus spp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar sp.), acorns on oaks (Quercus spp.), Gingko biloba fruits, and bright red drupes on dogwood (Cornus). Lovely harlequin glorybower (Clerodendrum trichomum) have been spotted in flower, along with crape myrtle (Largeistroemia indic) and seven sons flower (Heptacodium miconioides). Sweet autumn Clematis (Clematis paniculata) has beautiful masses of fragrant flowers. A few rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) are still in good color. Our show stopping Hydrangea paniculata are changing into beautiful shades of reds, pinks, and greens - such a sight! The feathery plumes of many ornamental grasses are accenting the landscape now.

Pests/Problems: Fall is a good time for over-seeding and reseeding your lawn. Grubs and cinch bugs have been noticed along with mushrooms and slime mold, sooty mold, leaf miners, leaf spot on American holly (Ilex opaca), black spot on roses, Viburnum beetle on Viburnum, cabbage moths, and cutworms on Verbena bonariensis (pictured). Crickets, squirrels, rabbits, rodents, and turkeys with keats have all been seen and heard wandering around. Although friend, not foe, spiders are most numerous, busy making webs all over. Many webs are in the lawn and some were found on Alberta spruce with wolf spiders just sitting right there (pictured).

North Shore Region (Beverly)

General Conditions: Summer-like temperatures continued into the last days of the previous reporting period. However, this reporting period we experienced cooler temperatures; daytime temperatures were mostly in the mid 60s to low 70s, with only two days reporting temperatures above 80 degrees. We had very comfortable sleeping weather most of the nights, with temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s. Approximately 2.38 inches of rainfall were recorded at Long Hill, with most of it occurring on Tuesday, September 18th (1.35 inches) as a result of hurricane Florence. Woody plants seen in bloom include: butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides), and rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). Herbaceous plants seen in bloom include: New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), autumn joy Sedum (Sedum spp.), Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea), Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida), hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis) and autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Different kinds of annuals are also contributing color in landscapes.

Pests/Problems: Powdery mildew continues to be observed on some lilac varieties and on garden phlox. Anthracnose was observed on beech and peony, leaf blotch on horse chestnut (Aesculus sp.), tar spot on Norway maple, black spot on roses and leaf margin burn on Japanese Stewartia. Aphids were observed on collards and leaf miner on chard. Crabgrass and other weeds such as horseweed (Conyza canadensis), ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) are thriving in the landscape. Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) continues to be in full bloom and is still providing a lot of color (and pollen and nectar for pollinators) along roadsides and in fields. Mosquitoes have slowed down but are still active at dawn and dusk. Ticks are still very active.

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: Early September was hot, humid and wet. High temperatures averaged 76.2°F. We reached 90 degrees on 6 occasions over the previous 2 weeks. We attained a high of 94 degrees when a front of thunderstorms passed through dropping 0.48 inches of precipitation and lowering the temperature into the high 70’s. We reached a low of 54 degrees on the 9th. We received 2.11 inches of precipitation from the 10th to the 13th. On the 18^th, remnants of Florence came through delivering another 1.1 inches of rain and no significant storm damage. Plants in bloom include: Buddleia spp. (butterfly bush), Campsis radicans (trumpet vine), Clematis paniculata (sweet autumn Clematis), Coreopsis spp. (tickseed), Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace), Echinacea purpurea (coneflower), Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye weed), Heptacodium miconioides (seven-son flower), Hibiscus moscheutos (swamp mallow), H. syriacus (rose-of-Sharon), Hosta spp. (Hosta), Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ (‘Endless Summer’ Hydrangea), H. paniculata (panicle Hydrangea), Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage), Phlox paniculata (garden phlox), Physostegia virginiana (obedient plant), Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower), Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan), Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (stonecrop) and Solidago spp. (goldenrod). Colorful fruits are forming on Cormus kousa (kousa dogwood), Magnolia spp. (Magnolia) and Malus spp. (crabpple).

Pests/Problems: A total 3.9” of precipitation fell over the past 2 weeks spread out over several occasions leaving the soils moist. Many leaf diseases continue to thrive. Early leaf drop can be observed throughout the landscape. Phytolacca americana (pokeweed) continues to flower and fruit. Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) and Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed) are full bloom.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: The cooler temperatures have arrived but not without a day or two of hot summer weather thrown into these first couple of weeks of September to remind us that summer is not over yet. However, soon enough will be the arrival of the fall equinox on September 22nd. September’s average rainfall is 3.77” and a total of 5.6” has been recorded for the month so far. 2.96” of that is a result of hurricane Florence. In some stage of bloom at this time are the following woody plants: Buddleia spp. (butterfly bush), Heptacodium miconioides (seven-son flower), Hibiscus syriacus (rose-of-Sharon), and Potentilla fruiticosa (Potentilla). Woody vines in bloom are Campsis radicans (trumpet vine) and Clematis paniculata (sweet autumn Clematis). Contributing even more color and interest to the landscape are some flowering herbaceous plants including: Aster spp. (New England Aster, New York Aster, smoother Aster, white wood Aster), Boltonia asteroides (Bolton’s Aster), Chasmanthium latifolium (northern sea oats), Chelone lyonii (pink turtlehead), Echinacea purpurea (coneflower and its many cultivars), Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye weed), Hibiscus moscheutos (swamp mallow), Hosta spp. (plantain lily), Kirengeshoma palmata (yellow wax bells), Leucanthemum sp. (Shasta daisy), Liatris spicata (spike gayfeather), Miscanthus spp. (maiden grass), Panicum virgatum (switch grass), Patrinia gibbosa (Patrinia), Pennisetum aloepecuroides (fountain grass), Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage), Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox), P. paniculata (garden Phlox), Physostegia virginiana (obedient plant), Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' (black-eyed Susan), Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, S. ‘Rosy Glow’ (stonecrop), and Solidago spp. (goldenrod). Adding even more color and interest to the landscape are the fruit on Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley), Cornus spp. (dogwood), Crataegus (hawthorn), Malus spp. (crabapple), and Viburnum.

Pests/Problems: Tuesday’s heavy rain brought on by hurricane Florence, that fell on the 18th, caused much erosion and channeling. Fortunately, the damage was not too severe in this area.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: The weather has brought significant rain over the last few weeks. Tuesday the 18th saw tropical like downpours bringing the total precipitation for the reporting period to 4.18”. This has created very saturated soil conditions. Trees, shrubs and vines in bloom include: Calluna vulgaris spp. and cvs. (heather), Caryopteris x clandonensis (bluebeard), Clerodendron trichotomum (harlequin glorybower), Heptacodium miconioides (seven-sons-flower) Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ ("Endless Summer" Hydrangea), H. paniculata (panicle Hydrangea), H. quercifolia (oak-leaf Hydrangea), H. serrata ‘Bluebird’ (mountain Hydrangea) and Clematis cvs. [Clematis vines, in particular - C. heracleifolia var. davidiana (tube Clematis), C. ‘Rooguchi’, and C. terniflora (sweet autumn Clematis)]. Perennials and bulbs in bloom: Ageratina altissima ‘Chocolate’ (white snakeroot), Anemone japonica ‘Pamina’ and ‘Robustissima’ (Japanese Anemone), Anemonopsis macrophylla (false Anemone), Aster divaricatus (white wood Aster), Ionactis linariifolia (flax-leaf stiff-Aster), Echinacea spp. and cvs. (coneflower), Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye weed), Geranium ‘Gerwat’ (Geranium Rozanne), Indigofera amblyantha (Chinese indigo), Kniphofia ‘Jade Green’ (red hot poker plant), Phlox paniculata (garden Phlox), Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ (brown-eyed Susan), Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' (cut-leaf coneflower), R. subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ (sweet coneflower), Solidago spp. and cvs. (goldenrod), Stenanthium gramineum (eastern featherbells), Vernonia noveboracensis (ironweed), and Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s root). Ornamental grasses: Chasmanthium latifolium (northern sea oats) , Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (feather reed grass), Miscanthus cvs, Panicum virgatum and cvs. (switchgrass), and Pennisetum orientale ‘Karley Rose’ (Oriental fountain grass).

Pests/Problems:  White-tailed bucks are starting to cause damage to smaller trees and shrubs during the process of rubbing the velvet off their antlers. This can cause significant damage to the bark of trees and in some cases broken branches unless the plants are suitably protected. Insects: Magnolia scale on Magnolia spp. and cvs. (Magnolia) - adult females are very visible at this time. Diseases: powdery mildew noted on Paeonia spp. (peonies), Syringa spp. (lilacs), Phlox spp.(garden phlox), and Monarda spp.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)

General Conditions: Well, it’s not dry anymore in the Pioneer Valley. After a roughly three week stretch from late August through early September with no rain and searing hot temperatures, soils had dried and there were concerns about another autumn drought. For now, we can put those fears aside as the tri-county region received between 5.5–6.5″ over a nine-day period (9/10 to 9/18) from two major rain events. The most recent storm, the remnants of Hurricane Florence that swept through New England on 9/18, dumped up to and over 2.5″ in the valley. Soils are wet and with the forecasted lower temperatures, they should stay that way through the end of the month. Conditions over this past reporting period were a mix of warm and humid coupled with seasonable temperatures as the slow descent toward the winter solstice hits the autumnal equinox on 9/22. Daylight continues to vanish at a rapid rate, especially in the evening. Some early fall color is visible on red and sugar maple but for the most part, the landscape remains verdant given the wet growing season and recent rainfall.

Pests/Problems: Many landscape oaks, especially red oak, are exhibiting severe cases of Tubakia leaf blotch right now. The symptoms are highly variable but often include dark-colored, circular spots among large, irregular blotches of necrotic leaf tissue. However, as a late season disease of oaks in this region, only minor growth losses and poor fall color (for some trees) should be expected. Black spot anthracnose of elm continues to be very prominent this year as well, leading to yellowing and early leaf drop. Early leaf shedding continues on apple and crabapple due to apple scab and marssonina leaf blotch. Some mature apple and crabapple trees in heavily shaded settings have no remaining foliage at this time. Entomosporium leaf spot is common on pear and hawthorn, blighting foliage and causing early leaf shed. It’s a good time to start thinking about applications of deer and rabbit repellents on trees and shrubs highly susceptible to browsing damage, such as arborvitae and yew. Skunk damage to lawns is picking up again and vole tunneling is becoming more abundant as well. Meadow voles chew the bark at the base of small diameter trees and shrubs, girdling plants in some cases. Ragweed continues its banner year and appears to be present along nearly every roadway in the valley at this time. While the heavy rains this season likely helped some struggling eastern hemlocks, many are still exhibiting decline symptoms due to previous droughts and extreme cold temperatures during the winter. Compacted, dry soils and competition from turf grasses and surrounding plantings are also a problem.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: The two week monitoring period was a wet one, highlighted by 4 rain events equaling 5.13 inches of rain. The first event was a thunderstorm on 9/6, apparently localized. According to a Weather Service report in Albany the storm originated just 22 miles west of the Massachusetts state line and raced through the central and southern areas of Berkshire County. Though total rainfall was only 0.92 inches, the storm consisted of frequent lightning and high winds resulting in many downed trees which blocked roads and brought down power lines, causing some power outages. An all-day rain on 9/10 dropped 1.20 inches; another rainfall on 9/12 deposited 0.84 inches; and the remnant of hurricane Florence brought intermittent heavy rain events on 9/18. Total rainfall to date is now almost 7 inches above normal. Soils are currently saturated, as they have been for much of the past two weeks. Daytime high temperatures reached 89°F on 9/5 and 88°F on 9/6, 16 and 15 degrees above normal respectively. On 9/16, a high of 86°F was 17 degrees above normal for the date. For the most part, the 2-week period was hot and very humid.

Pests/Problems: Plant pest pressures are low at this time. Magnolia scale crawlers are settling. Mosquitoes and wasps are abundant. The dominant issue currently is the premature leaf drop on many tree species due to several foliar diseases. As mentioned in the previous report, apple scab and cedar-apple rust have left many apple and crabapple trees devoid of foliage or nearly so. Leaf drop has also been a common occurrence on hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Ohio buckeye and horse chestnut (Aesculus spp.), amur corktree (Phellodendron amurense), cherry (Prunus spp.), and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Also, there is a noticeable color change occurring in the forest landscape with foliage of many trees already showing symptoms of senescence, a bit premature for this time of year.

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:

Tubakia leaf blotch on pin oak (Quercus palustris), shingle oak (Q. imbricaria) and red oak (Q. rubra). Trees range in age from 10 to over 100-years-old and reside in various landscape settings scattered from eastern New York, throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Symptoms of infection range from scattered, circular leaf spots that have coalesced to create large, necrotic blotches and a complete foliar blight. Additional stresses are present in most cases, including transplant shock, drought stress, and lawn mower injury, among others. The abundant rainfall this growing season has helped facilitate widespread disease outbreaks throughout the region. However, by itself, Tubakia is not considered a serious pathogen of oak in the northeast.

Leaf and stem blight, caused by Pestalotiopsis, on fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’). A mass planting that is approximately eight to ten-years-old and resides in a landscape setting with a mix of full sun for some plants and shade for others. Supplemental water is provided via overhead watering. Due to the range of site conditions, some plants are receiving too much water. Leaf and stem blight developed in August and has developed on various plants in the group at the same time in previous years. Pestalotiopsis is a known endophyte and disease development is favored by overhead watering, which provides the necessary moisture on plant surfaces to produce and disseminate spores that invade nearby, healthy tissues.

Verticillium wilt on smoketree (Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’) and tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Trees on separate properties with leaf yellowing and branch dieback that developed this summer. The smoketree is 17-years-old and has been present at the site for 15 years. A sudden wilt and dieback appeared in mid-August. Tree resides in a full sun garden bed surrounded by a circular driveway but is provided with supplemental water via drip irrigation. Vascular staining was present in the submitted stems and branches. The tulip poplar is 10-years-old and was transplanted in early August of this year. Leaf yellowing and premature shedding developed soon after transplanting. A Norway maple had previously occupied the planting site. There was no vascular staining present in the submitted stems but the fungus was successfully cultured from the xylem.

Phomopsis canker on European larch (Larix decidua). Very old arboretum tree that was planted in the late 1800s. The tree shed all of its needles starting in the lower canopy and progressing upwards since the early summer. Symptoms of stem/branch dieback and premature needle shedding were present in previous years. The tree resides in heavy clay soils near a historic building with full sun and no irrigation.

Boxwood blight, caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata, on common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’). Boxwoods were transplanted in early June and by early July were exhibiting symptoms of boxwood blight, which include stem cankering, leaf yellowing/browning and rapid canopy dieback. The site is characterized by full sun and shade with drip irrigation. Immediate removal and disposal was recommended. While the boxwood blight pathogen does not infect roots, it can persist as resting structures within infected leaves and stems. Therefore, all aboveground tissue that has fallen to the ground at the site must be removed to eradicate the pathogen prior to replanting boxwoods.

Foliar blight on Manchurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) caused by Entomosporium mespili. Tree is approximately 30-years-old and is one of several Manchurian pears growing in an arboretum. Each year, the trees are almost completely defoliated despite good air circulation and sunlight. Small leaf spots slowly develop over the summer and coalesce to produce large blotches (see photo). The fungus attacks both the foliage and fruit and by mid to late summer, it’s common to find infected pears with very few remaining leaves. While the fungus does not kill trees, early leaf shedding in combination with other stresses can significant impact overall tree health.

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

Insects

Natural enemies are still at work in our landscapes:

• Assassin Bugs: (Zelus luridus) The eggs and nymphs of the assassin bug species Zelus luridus were seen on shagbark hickory foliage and the trunk of a Norway maple on 9/19/2018 in Amherst, MA. Assassin bugs are Hemipterans (true bugs, cicadas, hoppers, aphids, etc.) in the family Reduviidae (assassin bugs). These fairly large insects can hunt relatively large prey, such as adult insects and certain larvae, including some that we consider to be pests. In the case of Zelus luridus, nymphs are pale green in color with reddish-orange markings on their abdomens. Adults are green in color with brown to dark brown wings. The eggs of Zelus luridus are deposited in clusters by the female assassin bug. Eggs are brown in color and barrel-shaped. Egg masses seen on 9/19/18 had already hatched, as evidenced by the uncapped tops of the eggs. Assassin bugs of this particular species wait quietly on plants and capture prey that wanders by with long front legs coated in a sticky substance. Older Zelus spp. assassin bugs can produce this sticky substance with specialized glands that coat special hairs on their front arms; in some species, newly hatched nymphs do not yet have these capabilities, so they make use of sticky fluid left behind on the egg from which they hatched. Captured prey are then fed upon with piercing-sucking mouthparts.

• Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetle: (Chilocorus stigma) is a native insect that is typically found associated with trees. This species occurs in most of the United States, with the exception of west of the Sierra Nevada. Adults are shiny and black with a red dot in the center of each elytron (schlerotized wing cover) and are on average 3.75-5.00 mm. in length. Larvae are dark gray or black in color with spiny projections. Eggs are only approximately 1 mm. in length, orange, and laid singly or in groups. There are typically two generations per year in the northern part of the United States and it is the adult stage which overwinters, hidden in sheltered areas. Adults become active in early springtime (April – May) and mating and egg laying occurs over the following roughly three weeks. Larvae emerge in May and pupate shortly thereafter. A second generation follows with larvae again in July and August and adults of the second generation overwinter. This lady beetle species is a predator of several scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs, including the pine needle scale and beech bark scale.

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

• 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.

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, or believe you have captured or taken a photo of an adult insect, 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 females, following a blood meal, can lay a single egg mass (up to 1500 – 2000 eggs) in mid-late May, and then the female deer tick perishes. Larvae emerge from the eggs later in the summer. Larvae are tiny and six-legged. Prior to feeding, they are not known to be able to transmit disease. After feeding, the larvae drop from their host and molt, re-emerging the following spring as nymphs. Nymphs (from last year’s overwintering cohort) are active from May-August. Nymphs are eight-legged and about the size of the head of a pin. These tiny nymphs typically attach to small mammal hosts; however, they will readily feed on people and pets. Nymphs are capable of carrying Lyme disease, human Babesiosis, human Anaplasmosis, and deer tick virus. For images of all deer tick life stages, along with an outline of the diseases they carry, visit: http://www.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. 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 .

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 red “Test A Tick” 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.

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.

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 begin to 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.

• Fall Webworm: Hyphantria cunea is native to North America and Mexico. It is now considered a world-wide pest, as it has spread throughout much of Europe and Asia. (For example, it was introduced accidentally into Hungary from North America in the 1940’s.) Hosts include nearly all shade, fruit, and ornamental trees except conifers. In the USA, at least 88 species of trees are hosts for these insects, while in Europe at least 230 species are impacted. In the past history of this pest, it was once thought that the fall webworm was a two-species complex. It is now thought that H. cunea has two color morphs – one black headed and one red headed. These two color forms differ not only in the coloration of the caterpillars and the adults, but also in their behaviors. Caterpillars may go through at least 11 molts, each stage occurring within a silken web they produce over the host. When alarmed, all caterpillars in the group will move in unison in jerking motions that may be a mechanism for self-defense. Depending upon the location and climate, 1-4 generations of fall webworm can occur per year. Fall webworm adult moths lay eggs on the underside of the leaves of host plants in the spring. These eggs hatch in late June or July depending on climate. Fall webworm caterpillars were reported for 2018 previously in the Pioneer Valley Region report and expanding webs were seen the week of 7/4/18 in Chesterfield, MA.Young larvae feed together in groups on the undersides of leaves, first skeletonizing the leaf and then enveloping other leaves and eventually entire branches within their webs. Webs are typically found on the terminal ends of branches. All caterpillar activity occurs within this tent, which becomes filled with leaf fragments, cast skins, and frass. Fully grown larvae then wander from the webs and pupate in protected areas such as the leaf litter where they will remain for the winter. Adult fall webworm moths emerge the following spring/early summer to start the cycle over again. 50+ species of parasites and 36+ species of predators are known to attack fall webworm in North America. Fall webworms typically do not cause extensive damage to their hosts. Nests may be an aesthetic issue for some. If in reach, small fall webworm webs may be pruned out of trees and shrubs and destroyed. Do not set fire to H. cunea webs when they are still attached to the host plant.

• Gypsy Moth: Lymantria dispar adult activity is at an end for the 2018 season. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has released preliminary numbers for the total acres defoliated by gypsy moth caterpillars in 2018. MA DCR officials estimate that approximately 161,000 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.

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 .

• Hickory Tussock Moth: Lophocampa caryae is native to southern Canada and the northeastern United States. There is one generation per year. Overwintering occurs as a pupa inside a fuzzy, oval shaped cocoon. Adult moths emerge approximately in May and their presence can continue into July. Females will lay clusters of 100+ eggs together on the underside of leaves. Females of this species can fly, however they have been called weak fliers due to their large size. When first hatched from their eggs, the young caterpillars will feed gregariously in a group, eventually dispersing and heading out on their own to forage. Caterpillar maturity can take up to three months and color changes occur during this time. These caterpillars are essentially white with some black markings and a black head capsule. They are very hairy, and should not be handled with bare hands as many can have skin irritations or rashes (dermatitis) as a result of interacting with hickory tussock moth hairs. By late September, the caterpillars will create their oval, fuzzy cocoons hidden in the leaf litter where they will again overwinter. Hosts whose leaves are fed upon by these caterpillars include but are not limited to hickory, walnut, butternut, linden, apple, basswood, birch, elm, black locust, and aspen. Maple and oak have also been reportedly fed upon by this insect. Several wasp species are parasitoids of hickory tussock moth caterpillars.

• Spotted Lanternfly: (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is not known to occur in Massachusetts. 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 and Sept. 11, 2018), Virginia (Jan. 10, 2018), and New Jersey (July 17, 2018).

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced the finding of a single female spotted lanternfly in New Castle County in the Wilmington, Delaware area. At that time, officials in Delaware noted that it was unclear if this individual was an accidental hitchhiker, or evidence of an established population in the state. For more information about the find in Delaware, visit: https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AD/release.asp?ReleaseID=3637. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets reported on November 29, 2017 the finding of a single dead individual spotted lanternfly in the state from earlier in the month. A single dead specimen was confirmed at a facility in Delaware County, New York, which is located south-west of Albany. The NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets states that this dead individual may have come in on an interstate shipment. For more information about the find in New York, visit: https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AD/release.asp?ReleaseID=3637. Additionally, on September 11, 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the finding of a single adult insect in a vehicle in Albany County, New York as well as a single adult spotted lanternfly on private property in Yates County. For more information about the latest New York findings, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/114646.html . Virginia Cooperative Extension has announced the finding of a spotted lanternfly population in Frederick County, Virginia, on January 10, 2018. It was noted that the location in Virginia revealed numerous adult lanternflies and egg masses at one location, in addition to more at another site approximately 400 yards away. For more information about the find in Virginia, visit: https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/spotted-lanternfly.html. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture announced the finding of spotted lanternfly on tree of heaven in Warren County, New Jersey on July 17, 2018 and have since confirmed that this pest has been detected in three New Jersey counties, including Mercer and Hunterdon County. For more information about the latest detections in New Jersey, visit: https://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/news/press/2018/approved/press180823.html .

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 from 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.

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

• Viburnum Leaf Beetle: Pyrrhalta viburni is a beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is native to Europe, but was found in Massachusetts in 2004. Viburnum leaf beetle egg hatch was observed in Boston, MA on 5/4/2018. By early to mid-June, viburnum leaf beetle larvae crawl down the host plant, enter the soil surface, and pupate. This typically occurs when the larvae are just under ½ inch in length. After pupation, by early-July, adult beetleswill emerge from the soil and begin feeding on viburnum foliageagain prior to mating and laying eggs. Viburnum leaf beetle adults were very active in Amherst, MA, (observed on 8/6/18) spending their days mating and feeding. Adult females are laying the eggs that will overwinter in pits chewed in host plant stems (toward the terminals) and covered with a cap of chewed bark.This beetle feeds exclusively on many different species of viburnum, which includes, but is not limited to, susceptible plants such as V. dentatum, V. nudum, V. opulus, V. propinquum, and V. rafinesquianum. Larvae, where they are present, may be treated with a product containing spinosad. Some viburnum have been observed to have varying levels of resistance to this insect, including but not limited to V. bodnantense, V. carlesii, V. davidii, V. plicatum, V. rhytidophyllum, V. setigerum, and V. sieboldii. More information about viburnum leaf beetle may be found at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/ .

• Yellowjackets: (Vespula spp. and Dolichovespula spp.) Often times, when we think that we have been “stung by a bee” the true culprit is some type of yellowjacket. Yellowjackets frequently interact with humans at the end of the summer due to a shift in their foraging behaviors. Early in the season, they can act as beneficial insects as they are predators of many pest insects such as caterpillars. These protein resources can be useful to them when rearing their young. Later in the season, they may switch to foods high in carbohydrates or sugars, including nectar and honeydew, but also some of our favorite items to pack during outdoor picnics or cookouts (soda and other sugary treats).

Unlike European honeybees (Apis mellifera), yellowjackets are capable of stinging multiple times (multiple stings from a single individual). This includes aerial yellowjackets such as the baldfaced hornet and other species in the genus Dolichovespula spp. European honeybees (the workers) can only sting once due to the fact that they have a barbed stinger/ovipositor. This causes the ovipositor to become stuck in the skin, tearing this structure free from the abdomen of the honeybee, thus killing the honeybee. Honeybees are often not aggressive and only attack when otherwise threatened. This may not be the case for yellowjackets.

Be on the lookout for their nests, and avoid. Baldfaced hornets and other aerial yellowjackets make aerial nests that are nearly completely covered with a papery shell (except for an opening for entrance/exit of the nest). These can be found in trees and shrubs located up off the ground. Some yellowjackets will also create subterranean nests or nest in cavities of trees, decayed stumps, or associated with buildings. If nests are in areas where these insects are unlikely to interact with humans, they can be left alone. These nests are not used again the following season, and by the first couple of hard frosts, all individuals will be gone. However, if they are close to homes/doorways, walkways, benches, etc. (high traffic areas) management may be necessary, especially if the homeowner/individuals using the property are allergic to stings.

Attempts to remove yellowjacket or baldfaced hornet nests should be made at night, or at least very early or very late in the day when temperatures are still cool, activity by the yellowjackets is likely to be low, and the individuals are likely to still be contained (largely) within the nest. Note that although the insects may not be terribly active, any disturbance to the nest/colony will change that. Wear protective clothing (long sleeves and pants tight around wrists and ankles and close-toed shoes or boots, at minimum). Many insecticides are labelled for use against yellowjackets and baldfaced hornets, including products that can be shot into the opening of the nest from many feet away. Note that agitated yellowjackets may leave the nest, looking for the source of aggravation (you), and will be ready to sting. Use extreme caution, and individuals who are allergic to stings should not attempt this. Hire a professional. Again, if the nest is in a location where interaction with people is unlikely, consider leaving it alone until a few hard frosts have hit, at which time the nest can be removed if desired.

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

Weeds

Japanese knotweed: The message below from two weeks ago outlines strategies for controlling Japanese knotweed. When in flower, Japanese knotweed receives pollinator visits including bees. Your customers are sometimes concerned about the use of an herbicide (glyphosate) applied during the flowering period. While there is a lack of hard evidence that bees are impacted by glyphosate, another option to quell your customers’ fears and concerns would be to delay herbicide application until after flowering has ended. Post emergence applications of glyphosate can be made through the first half of October.

Japanese knotweed is in flower and now is the time to manage this invasive plant. Use a 2% spray solution of glyphosate sprayed to the initiation of spray drip. Japanese knotweed often grows near water and in these locations a glyphosate formulation that is labelled for these areas will need to be used. These areas may also need approval of the Conservation Commission as they may fall under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act. Do not use herbicide formulations that contain diquat (Reward) or tank-mixed pelargonic acid (Scythe) with the glyphosate. Diquat and pelargonic acid are contact herbicides and have the potential to decrease the efficacy of the systemic glyphosate. In areas near water, a formulation of glyphosate that is labeled for these areas should be used. Non-chemical products containing clove oil, citric acid, acetic acid or orange extract will not effectively control Japanese knotweed.

Poison ivy can be treated during the month of September. Glyphosate or triclopyr are the best herbicides for poison ivy control. Contact (Scythe, Reward) or the non-chemical/organic herbicide products will provide “burndown” activity only and will not adequately control poison ivy.

At this point in the season, summer annual weeds have become large. Many weeds have become very large and just spraying them will result in unsightly dead vegetation, so hand weeding may be necessary. However, spot spraying with a non-selective herbicide is usually a better strategy than hand-weeding because it does not break the mulch barrier. A determination on a site-by-site basis may need to be made. Inspect areas of the landscape where new trees or shrubs, especially those that were field grown, have been planted early this season or last year. Look for perennial weeds that may be growing from the root ball. Canada thistle, mugwort, quackgrass, bindweed and horsenettle are some of the possible culprits. These weeds can be spot treated with glyphosate.

Many landscape trees commonly produce vegetative suckers at their truck base. Suckers are commonly seen on crabapples, pear, plum, linden, maple and sometimes oak. Honeylocust will also produce vegetative sprouts along the entire length of their truck. It these suckers or sprouts are not controlled, the landscape will be a contender for the “shabby landscape award”. Pruning is effective but very time consuming. Another option would be used the product Scythe that contains pelargonic acid to remove these vegetative suckers and sprouts when they are very small. Very small means less than one inch in length or smaller. Pelargonic acid is a contact herbicide. If Scythe is applied to small suckers and sprouts, the product will desiccate them and physical removal will not be required. Larger growth will first need to be physically removed and then Scythe can be used as a maintenance program. Products that contain glyphosate should not be used, as glyphosate is a translocated (systemic) herbicide.

Report by Randy Prostak, Weed Specialist, UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program

Plant of the Week

Looking for a long-blooming, drought tolerant annual that butterflies and hummingbirds love?  The five foot tall, gorgeous Mexican sunflower 'Torch' (Tithonia rotundifolia) is a winner whose seeds you will want to save each year.

Bridgit Litchfield reporting for Mandy Bayer

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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