Landscape Message: April 28, 2017

Happy Arbor Day!

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 April 26. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2017 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.

Region/Location	GDD		Soil Temp (°F at 4" depth)		Precipitation (1-Week Gain)	Time/Date of Readings
	1-Week Gain	2017 Total	Sun	Shade
Cape Cod	2.5	61	56	54	1.61	12:00 PM 4/26
Southeast	11	84	56	52	2.20	3:30 PM 4/26
North Shore	5	106	50	47	1.05	9:30 AM 4/27
East	8.5	121	54	51	2.24	4:30 PM 4/26
Metro West	12.5	100	47	45	1.38	5:45 AM 4/26
Central	18	128	48	45	1.26	1:30 PM 4/26
Pioneer Valley	17	94	54	50	1.60	12:00 PM 4/26
Berkshires	13	74	51	49	1.02	9:00 AM 4/26
AVERAGE	11	96	52	49	1.55	-
n/a = information not available

Drought Conditions Update: More positive progress... approximately 26% of Massachusetts is currently under official drought status. Virtually all of the area under drought status is classified as 'Abnormally Dry', which is the lowest classification level.  For more information see http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/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.
Rhododendron spp. (Early Azaleas)	*	Full	Begin	Begin	*	*	*	*
Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)	*	Begin	*	Begin	*	*	Begin	*
Malus spp. (Crabapple)	Begin	Begin	*	Begin	Begin	*	Begin	*
Cercis canadensis (Redbud)	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin/Full	Begin
Amelanchier spp. (Shadbush, Serviceberry)	Begin	Begin/ Full	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Begin	Full	Begin
Pyrus calleryana (Callery Pear)	Begin/Full	Full	Full	*	Full	Full	Full	*
Chaenomeles speciosa (Common Flowering quince)	Begin/Full	Begin/ Full	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin	Full	Begin
Magnolia x soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia)	Full	Full	Full	Begin/Full	Full	Begin	Full	Begin
Rhododendron 'P. J. M.'	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Begin/Full
Prunus serrulata (Japanese Flowering Cherry)	Full	Full	Full/End	Full/End	Full	Full	Full	Full
Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia)	Full/End	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Rhododendron mucronulatum (Korean Rhododendron)	Full/End	Full	Full/End	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia)	Full	Full	Full/End	Full/End	Full/End	*	Full/End	Full
Pieris japonica (Japanese Pieris)	Full/End	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full/End	Full
* = no activity to report/information not available

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions: The average temperature over the last week was 48° F with a low of 42° F on April 23 and a high of 59° F on April 24. A total of 1.61 inches of rain fell over the week with some precipitation on every day except April 23 & 24, the majority occurring on April 25. There was little sunshine during the week as well. Soil moisture is adequate to a slight surplus on heavier soils or compacted soils.

Pests/Problems: The teliohorns of cedar apple rust have appeared on Juniperus virginiana over the last week, releasing spores that will then infect apple. Anthracnose, Collectrium spp., was found causing leaf spot and extensive blight on English Ivy, after recent rainy weather. Winter moth caterpillars are still feeding and remain very small larvae in the buds of apple, blueberry, maple and oak. European roseslug sawfly, Endelomyia aethiops, adults were seen ovipositing on developing rose leaves. Weeds in bloom Whitlow grass (Draba verna), Mouse-ear cress (Arabadopsis thaliana), Bittercress (Caradamine hirsuta), Dandelion, (Taraxacum officinale), Henbit (Lamium spp.), Speedwell (Veronica spp.), Fig buttercup (Ficaria verna), Chickweed (Stellaria media), Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum), Common violet (Viola papilionacea), and Shepard's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris).

Southeast Region (Hanson)

General Conditions: Spring has arrived! Hanson received 2.2 inches of rain and flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs are providing ample color and texture to the landscape. Rain, drizzle and cooler temperatures (40’s), for the most of the past week, have slowed plant development, and many plants that were in bloom last week, remain in bloom. Norway maple, sugar maple, Magnolia soulangiana (Saucer Magnolia), Magnolia stellata, Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’, Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’, Magnolia ‘Wada’s Memory’, Amelanchier sp., Corylopsis sp., Stachyurus praecox, Lindera benzoin (Common Spicebush), Salix sp. (pussy willow), Prunus sp. (cherries - like Cherry 'Hally Jolivette'), Forsythia, PJM Rhododendron, Pieris 'Brouwer's Beauty', Pieris floribunda (Mountain Pieris), Pieris japonica, Spiraea prunifolia ‘Plena’ (Bridlewreath Spirea), Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’, Helleborus foetidus, Helleborus x hybridus, Omphalodes verna, Primula sp., Glaucidium palmatum, Vinca, Pulmonaria, Trillium, Corydalis solida, Anemones, Lamium, Brunnera macrophylla, Sanguinaria canadensis ‘Multiplex’ (Double Bloodroot), daffodils,hyacinths, Muscari botryoides (Grape Hyacinth), Chionodoxa luciliae, Stylophorum diphyllum (Wood Poppy), Phlox subulata, Pachysandra terminalis, Pachysandra procumbens, Petasites japonicus (Japanese butterbur), Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman’s Breeches), Erythronium americanum (Trout Lily), Violets and Tulips are in full bloom. Lonicera fragrantissima (winter honeysuckle) remains in bloom, although it is slowing down; it started blooming in February! Flowering dogwood bracts are expanding and showing color. Chaenomeles speciosa (Common Floweringquince), Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry), Epimedium sp., Dicentra spectabilis and Arisaema (Jack-in-the-pulpit) are beginning to bloom. Lawns are looking green and landscapers have been applying pre-emergence herbicide; mowings are well underway and cleanups continue.

Hanson has recorded 357 GDD at base 40

Pests/Problems: Winter moth caterpillars completed hatch around April 27^th in Hanson. The cold, wet rainy weather in the last days of April, slowed insect as well as plant development. Winter moth caterpillars were found in the expanding buds of apple and Japanese maple. Oak buds have not fully expanded. Still too early to say definitively, but winter moth caterpillar numbers may really be down this year. Stay tuned. In the meantime, continue to monitor for winter moth caterpillars on susceptible trees like oak, maples, birch, crabapple, apple, American beech, etc. and manage as needed. (See Tawny Simisky’s Insect section of the Landscape Message).

Gypsy moth eggs have not hatched in Hanson although, Amelanchier (shadbush) is in bloom and gypsy moth hatch often coincides with that. However, Dr. Elkinton’s staff reports that gypsy moth hatch has begun in Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, MA. Monitor crabapples, apples and cherries for the small tents of eastern tent caterpillars and remove and destroy if found. The caterpillars can also be managed with insecticides, but physically removing and destroying the tents and caterpillars when they are small is very easy to do. So far in Hanson, lily leaf beetles have not yet made their appearance and the lily foliage is quite prominent and looks terrific. Usually, I see the beetles and damage to the lilies before this. Continue to monitor lilies for lily leaf beetle and manage early if found. This is another insect that may cause significant damage if left unchecked.

Monitor hard-needled pines, like Mugo pine, for European pine sawfly larvae which can do severe damage to pines, if not managed early. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) does not work on sawfly larvae. Also continue to monitor spruce, fir, hemlock, arborvitae, etc. for spruce spider mite. Monitor hemlocks for hemlock woolly adelgid, and manage if found. Also continue to monitor hemlocks for elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa). Several people have commented on the number of black flies, which are active and biting now. The following insects are active: aphids, snowball aphids on viburnum, deer ticks, dog ticks, wasps, carpenter bees, bumblebees, ants, honeybees, solitary bee, boxelder bugs and slugs. The following weeds are in bloom: Ranunculus ficaria, dandelion, veronica, ground ivy, violet, and chickweed. Bittercress is ending bloom and setting seed. All the rain last week encouraged the iridescent, bright, orange, jelly-like galls of cedar-apple rust (Gymnosporangium) to form on Eastern red cedar. These galls often elicit comments from clients. Deer continue to browse hosta, tulips, etc. and using scent repellents now and throughout the season, along with fencing, etc. may help.

North Shore Region (Beverly)

General Conditions: This was a seasonably cool period with overcast skies on most days and rain showers on some days. Temperatures were in the 40s during the night and 50s during the day. We gained only 5 growing degree days during this reporting period, and approximately 1.05 inches of rain were received at Long Hill. Spring cleanup is taking place on many landscapes and the soils are moist and suitable for planting. Woody plants that continue to bloom include: Border Forsythia (Forsythia intermedia), Weeping Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) and Giraldi Forsythia (Forsythia giraldiana), Beatrix Farrand forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia ‘Beatrix Farrand’), Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), Weeping Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella), Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica), Mountain Pieris (Pieris floribunda), Sargent Cherry (Prunus sargentii), Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata), Winter hazel (Corylopsis winterthur), Korean Rhododendron (Rhododendron mucronulatum), Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) and Leatherwood (Dirca palustris). Other woody plants seen in bloom include: Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), Loebner magnolia (Magnolia loebneri), Magnolia cylindrica andBurkwood viburnum (Viburnum burkwoodii). Large fothergilla (Fothergilla major) and early blooming lilacs (Syringa sp.) are also starting to bloom. Spring flowering herbaceous plants seen in full bloom include: Daffodils (Narcissus spp.), Bloodroot (Sanguianaria canadensis), Crocus (Crocus spp.), Japanese wood poppy (Glaucidium palmatum), Pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens), Vinca vine (Vinca minor), Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) and tulips (Tulipa sp).

Pests/Problems: Orange galls of cedar apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) with gelatinous telial horns were observed on juniper. These galls are releasing spores that will infect nearby crabapple and apple trees. Because of the moist soil some weeds are thriving. Some of the weeds starting to bloom or seen in bloom include: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Fig buttercup (Ranunculus ficaria), Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum). Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is also in full bloom.

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: Temperatures have been below normal over the past week with lows ranging from 37° F to 45° F, averaging 42° F, while highs have ranged from 45° F to 70° F, averaging 56° F. We gained 8.5 GDDs bringing us up to 121 GDDs for this calendar year. Precipitation fell during five of the seven days accounting for 2.24 inches of rain (up until 4:30 PM on the 26^th). Despite the welcomed precipitation, days have been gray and dreary. The landscape has become significantly greener, as many large deciduous canopy trees are leafing out. Lilacs continue to develop and several have started to bloom. The landscape is filled with colour with many plants in full bloom, including: Amelanchier arborea (downy serviceberry), Amelanchier canadensis (shadblow serviceberry), Anemone ranunculoides (yellow wood anemone), Corydalis solida (spring corydalis), Corylopsis glabrescens (fragrant winterhazel), Corylopsis sinensis (Chinese winterhazel), Lamprocapnos spectabilis (bleeding heart), Lindera angustifolia (Oriental spicebush), Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush), many magnolia [M. cylindrica (cylindrical magnolia), M. x loebneri (Loebner's magnolia), cultivars M. 'Elizabeth', M. 'Galaxy', M. 'Waterlily', and M. ‘White Pearl’], Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape), Mahonia japonica (Japanese mahonia), Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge), Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge), Prunus sargentii (Sargent cherry), Rhododendron dauricum (Dahurian rhododendron), Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac), Ribes fasciculatum var. chinense (Chinese winterberry currant), Spiraea prunifolia (bridalwreath spirea), early blooming lilacs [Syringa oblata (early lilac), S. oblata ssp. dilatata (Korean early lilac), S. x diversifolia (varileaf lilac), and S. x hyacinthiflora (hyacinth lilac)], Vinca minor (common periwinkle), Viola sororia (common blue violet), Viburnum farreri (fragrant viburnum), Viburnum furcatum (forked viburnum), Viburnum lantanoides (hobblebush), and Xanthorhiza simplicissima (yellowroot), and Zanthoxylum americanum (common pricklyash).

Pests/Problems: Winter moth continues to develop and feed on young leaves of deciduous trees. Cedar-apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) galls are visible on Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) continues to develop, as flower buds are visible on two-year old plants; seedlings continue to grow, as the first set of true leaves are noticeable. Weeds in bloom include: Cardamine hirsuta (hairy bittercress), Draba verna (shadflower), Ficaria verna (pilewort), Glechoma hederacea (ground ivy), Lamium amplexicaule (henbit), Lamium purpureum (red dead-nettle), Stellaria media (common chickweed), and Taraxacum sp. (dandelion). Weeds continuing to develop include: Arctium minus (common burdock), Chelidonium majus (greater celandine), Cynanchum louiseae (black swallow-wort), Impatiens capensis (jewelweed), Rumex obtusifolius (bitter dock), and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle). Allergy sufferers have had a reprieve this week due to the abundance of rain.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: Happy Arbor Day! It sure feels like spring with the cool, windy and rainy weather. Precipitation has been recorded for this area on five of the past seven days, bringing our total rainfall recorded for this month to 5.23”, thereby surpassing the April monthly average of 4.16”! It is raining outside as I write so there will be even more precipitation to record. Since, the last report, there has been a gain of 12.5 growing degree-days. Lawns are greening up and growing especially with this rain; leaves and flower buds are expanding; and day length is increasing by 2 or so minutes daily and will be at 13 hours and 57 minutes come May 1^st. The landscape is full with color and in some stage of bloom at this time are the following woody plants: Amelanchier spp. (Shadbush, Serviceberry), Cercis canadensis (Redbud), Chaenomeles speciosa (Common Flowering Quince), Forsythia spp., Lindera benzoin (Common Spicebush), Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia), Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill', (Merrill Magnolia), M. x soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia), Pieris japonica (Japanese Pieris), Prunus spp. (Cherry), Pyrus spp. (Pear), Rhododendron 'P. J. M.' (PJM Rhododendron), Spirea thunbergii (Thunberg Spirea), Syringa spp. (early flowering lilacs) Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry), V. corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry), and Viburnum x burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum). Contributing even more color and interest to the landscape are some flowering herbaceous plants and spring ephemerals including: Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone), Asarum europaeum (European Ginger), Aurinia saxatilis (Basket of Gold), Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold), Chionodoxa luciliae (Glory of the Snow), Claytonia virginica (Virginia Spring Beauty), Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn), D. cucullaria (Dutchman's Breeches), D. eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart), Epimedium versicolor 'Sulphureum' (Yellow Flowering Barrenwort), Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose), Hepatica spp. (Liver Leaf), Hyacinthus spp. (Hyacinth), Lunaria annua (money Plant), Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells), Muscari sp. (Grape Hyacinth), Narcissus spp. (Daffodil), Omphalodes verna (Blue-eyed Mary), Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny Spurge), P. terminalis (Japanese Pachysandra), Primula spp. (Primrose), Pulmonaria longifolia (Lungwort), P. rubra (Salmon colored Lungwort), Puschkinia libanotica (Striped Squill), Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot), S. canadensis 'Multiplex' (Double Bloodroot), Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill), Trillium erectum (Red Flowering Trillium), T. sessile (Toadshade), Tulipa spp. (Tulip), Vinca minor (Periwinkle) and Viola spp. (Violet).

Pests/Problems: For the first time this season, I observed Winter Moth caterpillars feeding on Malus sp. (Crabapple) foliage. Also I have seen Eastern Tent Caterpillars on Malus sp. (Crabapple). Ticks are active so continue to monitor yourself and others for these parasites. Wear light color clothes to make the job easier on you. Continuing to flourish everywhere in the landscape is the basal foliage of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard). Other weeds seen in bloom but without the invasive tendency of the previous one mentioned are: Draba verna (Spring Whitlow Grass), Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy) and Lamium purpureum (Purple Deadnettle), Stellaria media (Common Chickweed), and Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion).

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: The classic New England spring weather - with pleasant days intermingled with cool rainy days - has kept many plants in bloom and continued to advance others. Daffodils (Narcissus cultivars) are at their peak, and hybrid tulips are beginning to show color. Among the many plants now in bloom are Sargent’s Cherry (Prunus sargentii), Prunus ‘Hally Jolivette’, Rhododendron mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’, Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Winter hazel (Corylopsis pauciflora and C. spicata), Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’, Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’), Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Helleborus x hybridum, H. foetidus, Tulipa turkestanica, Erica cultivars, Mertensia virginica, Claytonia virginica, Twinleaf (Jeffersonia dubia, Jeffersonia diphylla), Mayflower (Epigaea repens), Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii), Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica), Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum), Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis cultivars), Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata), Liverleaf (Hepatica americana), Windflower (Anemone blanda), Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia), Mukdenia rossii, Iberis sempervirens, Andromeda (Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’), Mountain Andromeda (Pieris floribunda), Drumstick Primrose (Primula denticulata), Flowering Shad (Amelanchier canadensis) and Forsythia x intermedia.

Pests/Problems: Eastern Tent Caterpillars are active. Blossom loss on Loebneri Magnolias is now evident, with only scattered flowers throughout the emerging foliage. This was likely due to low temperatures in early March after some plants and buds had begun to advance.

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)

General Conditions: There’s been a regular exchange of rain and sun during this past reporting period in the Pioneer Valley. The above-average rainfall this April has provided the soil with plentiful moisture as trees and shrubs are flushing new growth. Let’s hope the trend continues into May, as conditions in both 2015 and 2016 were dry at this time. Winds in the valley have been much quieter over the past week and with the tradeoff of sun and rain, perennials, trees and shrubs are quickly developing and turfgrasses are steadily growing. Conditions have been cool to mild, with high temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid 70s. Low temperatures have also oscillated, ranging from the middle 30s to low 50s. However, there have been no reports of frost in low-lying regions of the valley. Conditions have been nearly ideal for planting, so continue efforts to install trees and shrubs during this time to minimize the shock of transplant with the cloud cover and moist soils. Soil temperatures have held steadily in the low 50s for two weeks now since the spike in early April when they increased 10°F in one week. The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to show improvement for the valley and the Commonwealth in general (http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA). While still very early, this growing season has been very good for most landscape plants.

Pests/Problems: Oaks are beginning to flush new growth and there will be particular attention paid to trees in eastern Hampden and Hampshire counties this season as the advancing front of the gypsy moth outbreak pushes west. As reported in the Insects section, gypsy moth egg hatch has begun in eastern Hampshire County. The heavy rainfall on Friday, 4/21 and persistent cloud cover with occasional misting/sprinkling on Saturday, 4/22 has likely initiated the development of many anthracnose and foliar blight fungi. Temperatures were cooler than what is preferred by these fungi, but still well within the range for spore germination and spread. While the rain is welcome and needed, we may experience an increased incidence of foliar diseases compared to the previous two years as the spring season continues.

The cedar-apple rust fungus, Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae,was observed sporulating on Juniperus. The gelatinous, orange-colored masses of spores produced from small “cedar apples” disseminate spores to primarily infect species of Malus, especially crabapple in landscape settings. We will soon be entering the time period to treat for needle cast caused by Rhizosphaera. Blue, white and Oriental spruce can be particularly susceptible, but many species of true fir can also suffer significant damage when predisposing stress like drought and spider mite infestation have weakened them. Infections of older needles are likely taking place now with the abundant rainfall wetting the interior portions of the canopy. Rhizosphaera spores can linger for weeks on dry needles until moisture and temperature are in range for germination and growth.

Scout true fir and hemlock needles for the elongate hemlock scale. We will soon be entering the time period for treatment of this increasingly destructive and exotic pest. Applications of appropriate insecticides should be made when new needles are flushing. For balsam fir, bud break will be taking place soon.

White pines continue to look terrible throughout the valley and the entire region. It is still not entirely clear which stresses, and there are many, are responsible for needle tip blight, premature needle shedding and canopy dieback.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: Over the last week (April 19 – 26) overall weather has been a little cooler than normal but warm enough to advance plant development. The growing degree day total is about the same as it was last year at this time. Rainfall, though not heavy at any particular time, was spread out over the week, amounting to a little over an inch up to 9 AM this morning. Total precipitation for the year, as measured in Pittsfield, is at the normal level, a contrast to last year when total rainfall was already about 2.75 inches below normal. Soils are moist but not saturated and are workable. Outdoor seeding and planting are taking place in home gardens and landscapes. The number of plant species now in bloom are many. Among these Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ , Daphne mezereum, Vinca minor, Pachysandra terminalis, Epimedium spp., Pulmonaria saccharata, Petasites japonicas, Anemone blanda, and Sanguinaria canadensis.

Pests/Problems: The “be cautious” story continues to be about deer ticks. The ticks are in or about to be in the nymph stage, making them particularly difficult to see. It is bites from deer ticks nymphs which are most likely to result in Lyme disease and other tick-related diseases. Now is the time to follow all of the recommended precautions when working in tick prone areas, which is just about anywhere outdoors.

Insect activity remains low but lily leaf beetle adults have been reported. The adults have been seen moving about over ground surfaces where lilies have not yet emerged. They have been biding their time before the first lily shoots emerge by mating. Animal browsing seems to have picked up a bit during the past week. This is especially true for rabbits, who have taken to nibbling on the tender shoots of emerging herbaceous perennials. There is still no sign nor reports of emergence of Eastern tent caterpillar. Carpenter bees, wasps, fungus gnats, and ants are prominent. Weir’s cushion rust (Chrysomyxa weirii) – also called spruce needle rust - can be seen on last year’s needles of spruce.

Regional Scouting Credits

• CAPE COD REGION - Russell Norton, Horticulture and Agriculture Educator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, reporting from Barnstable.
• SOUTHEAST REGION - Deborah Swanson, UMass Extension Horticulturist for Plymouth County - Retired, reporting from Hanson.
• 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  -  Joann Vieira, Superintendent of Horticulture, reporting from the 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:

Winter injury, infestation of the boxwood leafminer (Monarthropalpus flavus) and leaf and stem blight caused by Volutella buxi on Baby Gem boxwood (Buxus microphylla ′Baby Gem′). Large, formal garden with numerous boxwoods that were planted nine years. Approximately three years ago, symptoms of canopy dieback and decline began to appear in scattered sections. The setting is sunny and drip irrigation is provided but the plants are sheared to maintain appearance for a formal garden. Leaves on the shoot tips were bronze to pale green in color, which is very typical of winter injury on boxwood. A minor to moderate infestation of leafminer was also observed along with the (seemingly) omnipresent fungal pathogen, Volutella. If the injured shoot tips are not pruned out, Volutella will readily colonize these weakened plant parts.

Severe infestation of the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) and needle cast caused by Rhizosphaera on Norway spruce (Picea abies). Tree is roughly 70-years-old and has recently exhibited a significant drop of needles on interior canopy branches. In previous years, the tree has appeared relatively healthy suggesting a large buildup of the spider mite population in 2016. Norway spruce is highly resistant to Rhizosphaera but when weakened, the fungus can cause widespread disease on this species.

Cedar-apple rust, caused by Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginiane, on blue haven juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ′Blue Haven’). Tree is approximately 8- to 10-years-old and has been present at the site for only one year. The setting is mostly full sun with some morning shade and hand-watering is performed on a regular basis. A large number of galls are present on small shoots in the canopy and the rain last week (4/21) initiated spore production and spread. Numerous, orange-colored masses of spores are now present and two mature crabapples within 35’ of the juniper will undoubtedly become infected. New growth is currently flushing and Phosphorous acid (Agri-Fos with Pentra-Bark) will be applied soon, as a lower bole drench, to combat the disease, as the tree is also harboring cedar-quince rust, caused by Gymnosporangium clavipes.

Winter burn coupled with a marginal leaf blight caused by Phyllosticta and Pestalotiopsis on rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). Shrub is 30-years-old and recently, sections of the canopy have become brown. The plant resides in full sun and receives some supplemental water through nearby lawn irrigation. Both fungal pathogens are opportunistic on evergreen shrubs and can readily colonize plant parts injured by cold weather.

Branch dieback, needle browning and premature needle shedding on Emerald Green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ′Smargd′) caused by drought, spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis), juniper scale (Carulaspis juniperi) and needle and shoot blight from Pestalotiopsis and Phyllosticta. There were 25 trees on the property (17-years-old), planted in a screening row 14 years ago. Last year, several trees died as a result of the drought stress, insect infestations and fungal pathogens. The spider mite infestation was severe on the submitted needles. When both fungal pathogens are present on Thuja, they can combine forces to cause considerable canopy dieback.

Infestation of the pine needle scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae) and needle cast caused by Septorioides strobi on eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Tree is 15-years-old and was transplanted at the site two years ago (8” diameter at time of planting). Site conditions are described as half shade, planted on a steep slope with drip irrigation. Needle tips on last year’s growth are brown, like so many other white pines in the region. The scale infestation was not severe and the symptoms are likely a combination of transplant shock and needle blight.

Bacterial shot hole on cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) caused by Pseudomonas syringae (see figure). At first glance, the damage appears to be the result of insect feeding but upon closer inspection it’s clear the damage is the result of disease. As the spots and small blotches are developing, host defenses stop the progression of the bacterium and create an abscission zone around the necrotic tissue. Over time, it falls away, creating the shot hole appearance.

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

Insects

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

New Pollinator Protection Resource Online: The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has developed a Massachusetts Pollinator Protection Plan. It is a set of voluntary guidelines that discuss best management practices for stakeholders seeking to promote the health of the European honeybee and other pollinators. This document includes information for beekeepers, pesticide applicators, land managers and farmers, nurseries and landscapers, and homeowners and gardeners. Please locate the MA Pollinator Protection Plan for more information here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/agr/farmproducts/apiary/pollinator-plan.pdf.

• Gypsy Moth: Lymantria dispar overwintered egg masses laid by female moths in 2016 can be seen at this time and egg hatch is just beginning in some locations of the state. Gypsy moth egg hatch was observed in Massachusetts on 4/26/17 at a location in Belchertown and on 4/27/17 at a location in Hingham. As of 4/26/17, scouts monitoring egg masses at locations in Acton, Boston, Boylston, Cape Cod, and Hanson report that hatch has not yet occurred in those areas. For more information about gypsy moth egg hatch, please visit: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/news/gypsy-moth-egg-hatch-has-begun-in-massachusetts. At this point in time, it is too early to treat individual, landscape ornamental and shade trees using the active ingredient Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki) for gypsy moth. These applications should be made when very young caterpillars (roughly ¼-¾ inch in length) are actively feeding on host plant leaves, as it must be ingested to be effective. Gypsy moth caterpillars are tiny and resting on top of their egg masses at this time, at locations where egg hatch has begun. Btk would not be effective on these very newly hatched caterpillars as they are not yet feeding.

Egg masses are “fuzzy” or hairy and brownish-tan in color. Each egg mass can hold up to 500-1000 eggs. Gypsy moth egg hatch typically occurs between 90-100 growing degree-days, using a base of 50°F, average temperatures, and a March 1^st start date. This is usually around the first week in May in Massachusetts, but variations in temperature may lead to early egg hatch in the last week in April as has been observed this year in certain areas. This can also coincide with serviceberry (Amelanchier) bloom. Amelanchier bloom has begun or is in full activity in certain portions of the state.

These masses may be found on host plant trunks and branches such as oak (favored), maple, birch, poplar, and many others, but are also laid on inanimate objects including the surfaces of homes, outdoor furniture, camping equipment, firewood piles, etc. This may make the accidental movement of gypsy moth egg masses possible. (Note: winter moth and gypsy moth share some common host plants. Therefore, where populations of these two insects overlap in Massachusetts, the same tree may be defoliated by winter moth and then again by gypsy moth following in the same season.) After egg hatch occurs, groups of tiny gypsy moth caterpillars may remain on their egg mass (as seen in the photos included in the above link) just before crawling to the canopy of their host plant, where they can disperse using a technique known as “ballooning”. Ballooning occurs when very young caterpillars spin a silken thread and catch the wind to blow onto a new host plant once the thread breaks. This method of dispersal can lead to host plants becoming defoliated that previously did not have egg masses directly on them, however egg masses may be present on nearby oaks, for example, and provide a local population of caterpillars.

Patchy areas across mostly central and eastern Massachusetts experienced elevated populations of gypsy moth and significant amounts of defoliation in 2016 (see the Insects section of the archived 2016 Landscape Messages between April 29 and July 29). The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation aerially mapped approximately 350,000 acres of defoliation across Massachusetts last year, attributed to gypsy moth. State officials warn the public about another year of defoliation from gypsy moth as predicted for 2017: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/pr-2017/another-year-of-defoliation-from-gypsy-moth-in-2017.html. That web page also links to a map of the 2016 defoliation from gypsy moth, which may provide a reference regarding areas that may be impacted by this insect again in 2017. To prepare for this insect, now is a great time to scout the landscape and count the number of gypsy moth egg masses present not only on valuable landscape specimens that are hosts for this insect, but on nearby forested hosts such as oak which might provide sources of ballooning caterpillars. At this time, check to see if a few of the egg masses have begun to hatch. Tiny, hairy caterpillars may be seen resting on top of the mass. Egg mass counts can help us make decisions regarding whether or not to manage for this insect. Some individuals also use this opportunity to scrape egg masses into a container of soapy water, although this is time consuming and some egg masses will be missed. Once eggs have completely hatched, scraping them into a container of soapy water is no longer effective (the caterpillars have left the eggs).

We can hope for elevated rainfall in the months of May and June, which helps facilitate the successful infection of younger gypsy moth caterpillars with the insect-killing fungus Entomophaga maimaiga. This fungus overwinters in the soil litter in tough, protected asexual resting spores, which can survive in this state for years. Having lacked much precipitation most recently during the springs of 2015 and 2016, it is thought that our current expanding populations of gypsy moth are at least in part a result of a lack of infection in the caterpillar population by this fungus. Hopefully Massachusetts will see more normal rainfall amounts this season. Only time will tell.

We can also hope areas in Massachusetts that do not have large numbers of gypsy moth egg masses present at this time and did not experience much gypsy moth defoliation last year (areas such as most of Berkshire County) will be mostly spared in 2017 in comparison to those areas who suffered last year in central and eastern Massachusetts. At this time, monitoring susceptible hosts for hatching gypsy moth egg masses and educating and reminding ourselves about this invasive insect that has a long history in the state is the best way to plan for management this season. For more information about gypsy moth, please visit: http://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/gypsy-moth and return to the Landscape Message for timely updates about this pest and others throughout the season. An excellent article written by Dr. Joseph Elkinton and Jeff Boettner of the University of Massachusetts about the 2016 outbreak and the history of this insect in Massachusetts may be found here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/publications/gypsy-moth-outbreak-of-2016.html .

• Winter Moth: Operophtera brumata. For more information about the life cycle and management of winter moth, please visit this newly updated (March, 2017) fact sheet: Winter Moth Identification and Management (https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/winter-moth-identification-management).

Winter moth egg hatch is complete in the areas of eastern Massachusetts that suffer from this defoliating caterpillar. Tiny caterpillars are now feeding within the newly expanding and developing foliage of their host plants. Please see the Regional Reports above for local information regarding this insect.

For individuals managing winter moth in ornamental plants, depending on the active ingredient being used, waiting until host plant leaves open completely may be important for management, particularly if Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (Btk) is the active ingredient of choice. Btk must be ingested by actively feeding, young caterpillars to be effective. Applying Btk to partially open buds for winter moth management will not have the desired effect. Spinosad is also effective through ingestion and contact on winter moth (including older caterpillars) once ornamental plant leaves have fully expanded, however it should not be applied to plants in flower as it is toxic to pollinators until it has dried (which can take 1-3 hours depending upon local environmental conditions). The Elkinton Lab has reported that the number of pupating winter moth in 2016 (at their study sites) was much lower than what has been observed in previous years. Reports from Hanson, MA indicate fewer winter moth eggs were present on monitored trees than in previous years. Hopefully this will translate into fewer caterpillars at least for some areas in Massachusetts this year, however one should not expect them (or the damage they cause) to completely disappear in 2017.

Winter moth is a non-native insect that was identified in Massachusetts for the first time in 2003 following persistent reports of defoliation in eastern areas of the state such as Cape Anne and on the North Shore near Cohasset, Hingham, and Rockland on the South Shore in the late 1990’s. For more detailed information about the history of this insect pest in North America and Massachusetts, please visit the newly updated (March, 2017) fact sheet: Winter Moth in Massachusetts: History and Biological Control (https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/winter-moth-in-massachusetts-history-biological-control ).

This fact sheet also includes updates regarding the progress of the work of Dr. Joseph Elkinton’s laboratory group at the University of Massachusetts and their efforts towards the biological control of winter moth using Cyzenis albicans, a tachinid fly. The fly parasitizes the caterpillars of winter moth specifically. In other areas, such as Nova Scotia where winter moth was also problematic, this fly used for biological control has been successful in reducing winter moth to a non-pest. C. albicans has been released across 41 sites in Massachusetts and has been established in at least 17 of those sites as evidenced through the recovery of flies in winter moth in subsequent years. In one site in Wellesley, these flies have been observed to be spreading from the initial release location and their populations have increased alongside an observed decrease in the winter moth population there. For more information, please visit the above mentioned fact sheet.

• Balsam Twig Aphid: Mindarus abietinus is active between 30-120 GDD’s, base 50°F. Inspect the needles of fir for “stem mothers” that will soon be reproducing. Young aphid feeding will lead to distorted foliage. Excessive amounts of honeydew are produced and cause needles to stick together. Monitor for the presence of reproducing females and treat with an oil application as weather permits.

• Eastern Tent Caterpillar: Malacosoma americanum eggs have hatched and tiny, newly hatched caterpillars are forming their tents as they feed on tender, new plant foliage. Egg masses of Malacosoma americanum vary from those of Malacosoma disstria, the forest tent caterpillar, as they have a rounded edge whereas M. disstria egg masses have square edges. Scout for, remove, and destroy the small, newly forming eastern tent caterpillar tents in the crotches of branches on susceptible hosts such as cherry and crabapple. If the tents and the tiny caterpillars within are found early enough, this is a great way of removing these insects without the use of chemicals. Other host plants impacted by this native insect can include apple, ash, birch, willow, maple, oak, poplar, and witch-hazel.

• European Pine Sawfly: Neodiprion sertifer caterpillar will be active soon, between 78-220 GDD, base 50°F. The primary host in MA is Mugo pine but it can be found on Scots, red, jack, and Japanese red pine, but is also found on white, Austrian, ponderosa, shortleaf, and pitch pine when near the aforementioned species. This dark colored caterpillar feeds in tight groups and small numbers can be pruned away and destroyed. Larger numbers can be treated with an insecticidal soap spray when the caterpillars are still small. Spinosad products can be used whenever the caterpillars are actively feeding, usually by mid-May and when caterpillars are still small. Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki is not effective against sawflies.

• Forest Tent Caterpillar: Malacosoma disstria egg hatch will occur between 192-400 GDD’s, base 50°F. Scout for and prune out or otherwise remove any reachable forest tent caterpillar egg masses, which can hold 100’s of eggs, on susceptible hosts such as oak, birch, ash, maple, elm, poplar, and basswood at this time. Once these egg masses hatch, these native caterpillars can defoliate their host plants.

• Lily Leaf Beetle: Lilioceris lilii should be monitored for at this time. Management can be achieved by hand-picking and removing adults and larvae. Adult activity of this beetle has been reported in Berkshire County (see Regional Report above). Some chemical management options are available for this insect, but if caught early mechanical management may be effective.

The University of Rhode Island Biological Control Lab is researching ways to find a natural method to combat these beetles. Small parasitic insects have been established in lily plots in Cumberland, RI and Wellesley, MA in hopes that these insects will disperse naturally to reduce the effects of the lily leaf beetle. If you have larvae in your yard (or a customer’s yard), please send to URI, following the instructions on the URI Biocontrol Lab website: http://web.uri.edu/biocontrol/home/lily-leaf-beetle-larval-collections-2016-mailing-instructions/

• Viburnum Leaf Beetle: Pyrrhalta viburni is a beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is native to Europe, but was found in Massachusetts in 2004. This beetle feeds exclusively on many different species of viburnum. This insect overwinters in the twigs of the host plant as eggs, which hatch soon after bud break. Inspect susceptible plants (including but not limited to viburnum such as V. dentatum, V. nudum, V. opulus, V. propinquum, and V. rafinesquianum) for over-wintering eggs on stems toward branch tips. Inspect branches for egg laying sites created by female viburnum leaf beetles last season. These will appear as small holes approximately 1 mm. in diameter that have been capped with a lid made of chewed bark and excrement, which may appear raised above the surface of the twig. Removal and destruction of infested stems, if small in number, can help reduce populations of this insect pest. If management this way is not possible, larvae may be treated with a product containing spinosad once they appear soon after bud break. 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/.

• Chilli Thrips: *A non-native insect has been confirmed in Massachusetts for the first time.* The non-native, exotic chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) has been recently confirmed from two samples of damaged Hydrangea spp. foliage from two residential landscapes located in Barnstable County, MA submitted to the UMass Plant Diagnostics Laboratory. At this time, this pest has not been confirmed in nurseries or greenhouses in Massachusetts or on any other host plants. Due to the limited number of samples, the significance of chilli thrips in Massachusetts is not yet known. This species of thrips is a significant global pest of economically important ornamental, vegetable, and fruit crops in southern and eastern Asia, Oceania, and parts of Africa. It was first determined to be established in the United States in 2005 in Florida, although previous interceptions of this pest were detected. It is reportedly a pest of over 100 host plants belonging to over 40 plant families, including, but not limited to, pepper, strawberry, blueberry, cotton, rose, peanut, Japanese privet, Rhododendron spp., Viburnum spp., eggplant, grapes, melon, tobacco, and tomato. For more information, please visit this Chilli Thrips Fact Sheet (https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/chilli-thrips) available on the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program web page.

• 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. These particular signs of damage from the beetle may be more visible at this time of year, when host trees such as maples are leafless. 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, please call the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program office in Worcester, MA at 508-852-8090 or toll free at 1-866-702-9938. Adult insects of this species will not be present at this time of year.

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.

• Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): Agrilus planipennis readily attacks ash (Fraxinus spp.) including white, green, and black ash and has also been found developing in white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus). Adult insects of this species will not be present at this time of year. Signs of an EAB infested tree may include (at this time) D-shaped exit holes in the bark (from adult emergence in previous years), “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 a map of the known locations of emerald ash borer in the state, as well as 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 follow the instructions below.

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 (www.tickdiseases.org) and click on the red Test a Tick button for more information.

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

Management Practices

Plant of the week: Amelanchier canadensis; Shadblow serviceberry

Native to woodland margins, swamps and bogs of eastern North America, Amelanchier canadensis is a multi-stemmed small tree or large shrub growing 6-20’. The 5-petaled, slightly fragrant white flowers emerge in late April to early May before leaf emergence. Flower petals are more obovate than other Amelanchier species. Flowers are in 2-3” long upright racemes. Young leaves are tomentose on the underside and mature to a medium to dark green. Leaves have fine serrations and a rounded base. Fall color can be variable from gold to orange to red. The edible berries change from green to red to a dark purple-blue-black as they mature. The bark is gray-silver and striped, while young stems are glabrous. Shadblow serviceberry is a great choice for around ponds and streams and is well suited to woodland, naturalized, or native gardens. Plants grow best in full sun to part shade and can tolerate a fairly wide range of soils. Root suckers need to be maintained for a more tree-like form. Shadblow serviceberry is a great choice for providing multiple seasons of interest in the landscape.

Report by Mandy Bayer, Extension Assistant Professor of Sustainable Landscape Horticulture, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture

Other Relevant News/Pest Alerts

Attention Landscape Professionals: Are you planning to test lots of soil this year? Are you looking for a break? The UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab has what you need.

Our Prepaid Soil Test Kits (http://bit.ly/2qcuQKN) come in bundles of 50, and include numbered order forms and corresponding zip-lock baggies, plus a return mailer for your use. Kits are sold at a 10% discount which means you get convenience and affordability all wrapped up in one.

Just fill out the order form, and send it to the lab with your check made out to the University of Massachusetts (UMass). For more information, visit our website at http://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory. Prepaid Soil Test Kits are listed on the Ordering Information & Forms page, under Soil Forms.

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Additional Resources

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For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our Upcoming Educational Events page.

For commercial growers of greenhouse crops and flowers - Check out the New England Greenhouse Update website

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For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out home lawn and garden resources. UMass Extension also has a Twitter feed that provides timely, daily gardening tips, sunrise and sunset times to home gardeners, see https://twitter.com/UMassGardenClip

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