Landscape Message: May 8, 2020

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:

---

Scouting Information by Region

Environmental Data

The following data was collected on or about May 6, 2020. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2020 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 (1-Week Gain)	Time/Date of Readings
	1-Week Gain	2020 Total	Sun	Shade
CAPE	33	47.5	53	47	1.17	3:00 PM 5/6
SOUTHEAST	40.5	63	62	51	1.05	3:00 PM 5/6
NORTH SHORE	37.5	77.5	55	46	0.90	4:00 PM 5/6
EAST	43	96.5	62	55	1.18	5:00 PM 5/6
METRO	32.5	66.5	48	47	1.04	6:00 AM 5/6
CENTRAL	36	69.5	44	39	1.00	7:15 AM 5/6
PIONEER VALLEY	38	57	61	47	1.96	5:00 PM 5/6
BERKSHIRES	26	40.5	45	44	1.49	8:00 AM 5/6
AVERAGE	36	29	49	43	1.16	-
n/a = information not available

Phenology

Indicator Plants - Stages of Flowering (BEGIN, BEGIN/FULL, FULL, FULL/END, END)
PLANT	CAPE	SE	NS	EAST	METRO	CENT	PV	BERK
Syringa vulgaris (common lilac)	*	*	*	Begin	*	*	Begin	*
Rhododendron spp. (early azaleas)	Begin	*	Begin	*	Begin	Begin	Begin	*
Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)	*	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin/Full	Begin
Malus spp. (crabapple)	Begin	Full	Begin	Full	Full	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Begin
Cercis canadensis (redbud)	*	*	*	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin	Begin
Amelanchier spp. (shadbush, serviceberry)	Full	Full/End	Full	Full/End	End	Full	Full	Full
Rhododendron ‘P.J.M.’	Full	End	Full/End	End	Full/End	Full/End	Full/End	Full
* = no activity to report/information not available

Regional Notes

Cape Cod Region (Barnstable)

General Conditions: The average temperature over the period from April 29 – May 6 was 53˚F with a high of 71˚F on May 4 and a low of 34˚F on May 6. The weather has been much improved since May 2 with the last 5 days being ideal for working outside. During the period, just over one inch of precipitation fell on May 1. Topsoil and sub-soil moisture is adequate.

Pests/Problems: Pests to keep an eye out for include Lecanium scale on woody ornamentals. High populations of Lecanium scale are widespread across the Cape. Look for the small (1-1.5mm) reddish brown oval scales on last year’s woody growth. The presence of whitish scale indicates bio control at work, likely an entomopathogenic fungi. Also keep an eye out for fall cankerworm as there were isolated areas of defoliation from fall cankerworm last year on the upper Cape. Cankerworm is very similar to winter moth caterpillars in appearance. Other insects or diseases seen over the period include: white Prunicola scale on lilac, black knot on Prunus, winter burn on boxwood, and bark beetle on eastern red cedar. Weeds in bloom include bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), speedwell (Veronica spp), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), common violet (Viola papilionacea), mouse ear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum) and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate). Rabbits are mowing down perennials. Keep yourself protected from ticks.

Southeast Region (Dighton)

General Conditions: We had some fantastic weather for being outside. There was no ice in the birdbath or frost all week and it was even pleasant working in the rain. One day the temperature got into the seventies. There has been a great deal of bird activity and amphibians such as tree frogs can still be heard calling in the evening. Bumble bees, blowflies, crane flies and cabbage moths were observed. The following are in flower: Cornus florida, Prunus maritima, P. subhirtella, Malus spp., Viburnum carlesii, Chaenomeles, Phlox subulata, Aquilegia spp., Lunaria annua, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Muscari, late tulips, Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis), Trillium grandiflorum, T. cuneatum, Pulmonaria longifolia, and Leucojum vernum.

Pests/Problems: Anthracnose of Viburnum carlesii was observed. The predicted telial horns - bright orange gelatinous fruiting bodies - were seen on rust galls present on Juniperus virginia during warm rain showers. Both crabgrass and hedge bindweed have germinated and have their first set of true leaves. Poison ivy has leafed out. Veronica, Poa annua, chickweed, violets, ground ivy and dandelions are all flowering in turf. Garlic mustard is flowering, as is greater celandine. Hairy bittercress has gone to seed. Ticks continue to be a threat while working outdoors and black flies are biting.

North Shore (Beverly)

General Conditions: Mild spring temperatures continued to persist during this reporting period. Day temperatures were in the low to mid-50s most days except on the first two days of this reporting period when day temperatures reached the mid-60s and climbed up to mid-70s on Sunday May 3, 2020. Night temperatures were mostly in the mid-30s to mid-40s. At Long Hill approximately 0.90 inches of rain fell between 5/1 and 5/4. Most of the rain was received on 5/1. Due to the continued rains, soils are moist, lawns are green and turf is thriving. Multiple plant species are in full bloom and others are beginning to bloom. Woody plants seen in bloom include: mountain Pieris (Pieris floribunda), Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), royal azalea (Rhododendron schlippenbachii), Korean spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii), serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), crabapple (Malus spp.) and Olga Mezitt Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.). Non-woody plants seen in bloom include: tulips (Tulipa spp.), Trillium (Trillium spp.), bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), dollar plant (Lunaria annua), forget me not (Myosotis scorpioides), trout lily (Erythronium americanum), barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) and Vinca vine (Vinca minor).

Pests/Problems: Invasive garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is in full bloom. Other weeds are also thriving due to moist soil conditions. No insect pest activity was reported. However, remember that ticks are very active. Protect yourself with repellent when working outdoors.

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: We received precipitation on 14 of the 30 days in April while never reaching 65˚F the entire month. May has been a welcome change with an increase in daytime temperatures averaging 65.9˚F. The Boston area reached 79.7˚F on May 3, the warmest day since October 2, 2019. We received an overnight low of 36.3˚F on May 6. One major rain event on May 1 and 2 delivered 1.18 inches of precipitation. Our GGDs nearly doubled the first week of May gaining 43 for a total of 96.5 so far in this growing season. Soils are adequately moist and growing conditions are favorable. Some noteworthy plants in bloom include: Chaenomeles japonica (flowering quince), Epimedium, Kerria japonica and Prunus x cistena (purple leaf sand cherry).

Pests/Problems: We received above average precipitation with unusually cool temperatures throughout the entire month of April. Those recent conditions are contributing to an increase in fungal activity. White flies were observed on boxwood. Unwanted vegetation is thriving throughout the landscape. Chick weed, dandelion, Ficaria verna (lesser celandine) and garlic mustard are flowering. The fleshy sprouts of Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) continue to gain in height. Black swallow-wort (Cynanchum nigrum, Vincetoxicum nigrum) has been observed coming up along warm sidewalk fence lines. Pollen count is high.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: All of those April showers are bringing on the May flowers! Total rainfall recorded in this area for the month of April was 5.28”, thereby surpassing the monthly average of 4.16”. For this past week, a high temperature of 79°F was recorded on the 3^rd and a low of 30°F was recorded on the morning of the 6^th which created a thin layer of frost covering my car windows. The landscape is exploding with color! Observed in some stage of bloom this past week were the following woody plants: Amelanchier spp. (shadbush, serviceberry), Cercis canadensis (redbud), Cercis canadensis “Alba” (white flowering redbud), Chaenomeles speciosa (common flowering quince), Cornus florida (dogwood), Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' (Daphne), Kerria japonica (Japanese Kerria), Magnolia soulangeana (saucer Magnolia), M. 'Yellow Lantern’ (yellow lantern Magnolia), Malus spp. (apple, crabapple), Prunus spp. (cherry), including Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' (Japanese flowering cherry), and P. japonica (flowering almond), Rhododendron 'P. J. M.' (PJM Rhododendron), R. spp. (early flowering Rhododendron/azalea), Spirea thunbergii (Thunberg Spirea), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), V. corymbosum (highbush blueberry), Viburnum carlesii (Korean spice Viburnum), V. x burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum) and V. x burkwoodii 'Mohawk' (Mohawk 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 canadense (Canadian ginger), A. europaeum (European ginger), Aurinia saxatilis (basket of gold), Caltha palustris (marsh marigold), Claytonia virginica (Virginia spring beauty), Dicentra canadensis (squirrel corn), D. cucullaria (dutchman's breeches), D. eximia (fringed bleeding heart), D. spectabilis (old fashioned bleeding heart), D. spectabilis ‘Alba’ (white old fashioned bleeding heart), Epimedium x versicolor 'Niveum' (white flowering barrenwort), E. x versicolor 'Roseum' (pink flowering barrenwort), E. versicolor 'Sulphureum' (yellow flowering barrenwort), Gallium odoratum (sweet woodruff), Helleborus niger (Christmas rose), Hyacinthus spp. (Hyacinth), Iris germanica (bearded Iris), Linaria annua (money plant), Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells), Muscari spp. (grape Hyacinth), Myosotis sylvatica (forget-me-not), Narcissus spp. (daffodil), Nepeta spp. (ornamental catmint), Omphalodes verna (blue-eyed Mary), Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Pachysandra), Phlox subulata (moss phlox), Primula spp. (primrose), Pulmonaria longifolia (lungwort), P. rubra (salmon colored lungwort), Sanguinaria canadensis 'Multiplex' (double bloodroot), Stylophorum diphyllum (wood poppy), Tiarella cordifolia (foam flower), Trillium erectum (red flowering Trillium), T. grandiflorum (white flowering Trillium), T. sessile (toadshade Trillium), Tulipa spp. (tulip), Vinca minor (periwinkle), Viola spp. (violet), and Waldsteinia ternata (barren strawberry).

Pests/Problems: Ticks and black flies are actively feeding. Some of our more aggressive and invasive plants are in bloom at this time including two woody plants. Acer platanoides (Norway maple) continues to bloom and can easily be seen because its flowers are a bright yellowish-green. The second is Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry), a shrub that is harder to detect at this time of the year but easier in the late summer and fall with its red fruit and fall color. Also, in bloom is Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard), a biennial herbaceous plant that can easily be detected with its white flowers and is easy to hand pull now before it goes to seed. All three of these invasive plants can be found growing anywhere and everywhere including on roadsides, in woodlands, in wetlands and gardens.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: Overall, it was a lovely weather week. We had a gorgeous weekend with high temperatures well into the 70’s. Cooler than typical temperatures continue to dominate, especially overnight. Precipitation was light, allowing saturated soils to dry out a bit to make gardening work a little easier. We’re moving through the spring bloom season. Daffodils still continue to shine, but early blooming daffodils have definitely gone by. Tulips are coming into full swing, as are many spring ephemerals. Warmer temperatures meant a lot more turfgrass growth. Many healthy lawn areas could have been mowed twice this week. A sampling of what’s in bloom: Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ (yellow Magnolia), Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells), Geum fragarioides (aka Waldsteinia fragarioides - barren strawberry), Vinca minor (Vinca, myrtle, periwinkle), Phlox subulata (moss Phlox), Viburnum x burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum), and Epimedium spp. (barrenwort).

Pests/Problems: Several lawn weeds exploded this week, including dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), and ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea). Deer browse continues to be problematic in the garden and groundhogs have been quite active. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) began flowering this week. Now is the time to easily recognize this invasive plant and remove it. It’s important to bag removed plants and dispose of them as flowers will continue to develop into fruit well after removal.

Pioneer Valley Region (Easthampton)

General Conditions: Spring advanced in a big way over this past reporting period in the Pioneer Valley. April ended with a wave of rain that persisted into the first of May. Overall, nearly 2” of precipitation was recorded over 4/30 & 5/1. The first day of May also finally ushered in seasonably high temperatures, which peaked in the upper 60s to low 70s. To top it all off, we even had our first thunderstorm of the season during the early evening hours. The weekend that followed on 5/2–5/3 was an absolute dream, with plentiful sun and highs in the lower to upper 70s. Plants in the forest and landscape responded quickly to the mild conditions and many are in some stage of bud swell, leaf-out, or flowering at this time. High temperatures have since dipped once again to below-normal territory, with highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Low temperatures followed suit with the mercury dropping to the low 30s on 5/6, with more to come in the long-term forecast. Unfortunately, it appears we’re stuck with this trend for some time ahead. According to NOAA, the jet stream is currently pushing arctic air down from northern Canada, leading to the quickly shifting conditions and cooler-than-average temperatures that may persist into mid-May. This same trend dominated the latter half of April. According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center, temperatures in April of 2020 were 1–5°F below-average in the tri-county region, with the biggest departure from normal taking place in Hampden County. Despite the frequency of storms, precipitation was only slightly above-average across most of the valley, and the western foothills actually experienced slightly below-average rainfall. The upside to the cool temperatures is they help to prolong flowering, as long as we don’t experience a frost. The spring winds have also returned as of late, with gusts >25 mph on 5/4 and 5/5. Turfgrass growth remains strong and some lawns that haven’t yet been mowed are quite long. Soil moisture remains good at this time, especially after the last rain event on 4/30–5/1. However, with the persistent winds, increasing sun intensity and low humidity, surface soils may start to dry out in exposed settings. So carefully monitor soils around recently transplanted trees, shrubs and perennials/annuals to avoid early season drought stress. Soil temperatures in full sun remain just above 60°F but could drop back down in the 50s with the cool nights ahead.

Pests/Problems: The cloudy and mild weather with scattered showers on 5/1 provided ideal conditions for many fungal pathogens to sporulate and infect tender foliage and shoots. But overall, pathogen pressure likely still remains low due to the cold nighttime temperatures. Speaking of low temperatures, the possibility of early May frost threatens to damage flowering parts and/or tender foliage for a range of plants right now. At the time of writing on 5/6, lows in Easthampton bottomed out at 32°F, with more of the same forecasted through 5/13. So if you have tender annuals/perennials or vegetable starts in pots or trays outside, bring them in at night. Black flies are abundant right now, swarming during the morning hours and in shaded settings. Mosquitoes are out as well but are far from reaching their peak annoyance for the season. Tender annuals and perennials are serving as a spring feast for rabbits. Repellents often used for deer work very well in warding them off. The downside is the film these products leave behind, but of course this is preferable to no plant at all. When it comes to deer, continue to use repellents as new growth emerges for highly susceptible plants like yew (Taxus). If deer can be discouraged from certain plants in the summer, they may not return in the winter. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum, syn. Reynoutria japonica, Fallopia japonica) are vigorously growing right now. Like so many other waterways in the valley, the Manhan River in Easthampton is increasingly being choked by groves of knotweed. See the Weed section below in specialist reports for more information on these aggressive invasive plants.

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: The unseasonable weather pattern continued this past week. High temperatures of 69˚F and 75˚F occurred on May 2 and 3, respectively. Since then, temperatures have dropped below normal with the bottom being a hard freeze of 28˚F on the morning of May 6, as recorded at this site in West Stockbridge. With almost 1 ½ inches of rain, soils remain moist, if not saturated. This has made the working of soil a bit difficult. On the other hand, it has benefited the digging and replanting of plant material as well as the planting of nursery stock. The lack of hot weather has prolonged the bloom period of many early bloomers such as star Magnolia, ornamental cherry, and even Forsythia. Overall, the development of woody plants has been slow. However, the cool weather has not slowed growth of grass as it is growing vigorously, often requiring mowing twice per week. With the high moisture content of soil, one should be careful to alter the mowing pattern each time in order to avoid the formation of ruts. This is especially important with heavy mowers, i.e. riding mowers.

Pests/Problems: Deer ticks still abound. Application of repellents is important. DEET may be applied to skin and permethrin to clothing as protection. Read and follow label directions as to use. Wasps, gnats, and mosquitoes are active. Boxwood leaf miner larvae are active and easily detected at this time. Pruning of boxwood, with the removal and disposal of clippings can be done as one means of managing this insect. Volutella blight, caused by the fungus Volutella pachysandra, was observed at one scouting site this week. The severity of the disease will require total removal of the plants.

Regional Scouting Credits

• CAPE COD REGION - Russell Norton, Horticulture and Agriculture Educator with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, reporting from Barnstable.
• SOUTHEAST REGION - Brian McMahon, Arborist, reporting from the Dighton area.
• 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 Boston area.
• METRO WEST REGION – Julie Coop, Forester, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, reporting from Acton.
• CENTRAL REGION - Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture reporting from Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston.
• PIONEER VALLEY REGION - Nick Brazee, Plant Pathologist, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab, temporarily reporting from Easthampton.
• BERKSHIRE REGION - Ron Kujawski, Horticultural Consultant, reporting from Great Barrington.

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

The UMass Plant Diagnostic Lab remains closed at this time to sample submission. Once the lab is allowed to reopen and resume activities, we will share this information immediately.

The fungal pathogen Pseudocercospora kalmiae causes a leaf spot and blotch on mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Plants in shaded and moist settings can suffer serious damage, which results in reduced growth and flowering. On the upside, only Kalmia species are infected by P. kalmiae; other ericaceous plants (Rhododendron!) are not affected by this disease. The close-up image shows the fungal fruiting bodies within the center of the leaf spot. Increasing direct sunlight on the foliage and preventative fungicide applications when new leaves are developing, may help to decrease disease severity.

Reports made to the UMass Cold Spring Orchard indicate apple bud damage from freeze events in late April, specifically from 4/16–4/23. If landscape apples or crabapples appear to have a weak flower set or visible injury, such as blackening to the flowering parts as they develop, it could be the result of freeze injury. But do keep in mind that some older crabapple cultivars don’t reliably flower from year to year. Additionally, other rosaceous hosts or maples that were leafing out at the time could have been damaged.

Now that oaks are leafing out, carefully watch for trees that appear to be very late in developing new growth. During last year’s outbreak of the oak shothole leafminer (Japanagromyza viridula; syn. Agromyza viridula), some of the worst affected oaks seemed to leaf out very late in comparison to surrounding trees. For some oaks, anthracnose co-occurred with the leafminer damage and further information with images can be seen here (https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/news/leaf-damage-to-oaks-caused-by-oak-shothole-leafminer-oak-anthracnose)

While winter-related injuries were thankfully not a major concern this spring, some plants did experience injury, such as boxwood, Rhododendron and Viburnum. It’s critical at this time to prune and discard dead shoots from the canopy as part of a regular sanitation program. Removal of this dead material will limit the spread of opportunistic pathogens and improve overall aesthetics.

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

Insects

In the News:

• Asian Giant Hornet (aka “Murder Hornet”): Vespa mandarinia is receiving a lot of attention in the media recently. It is important to note that this insect has not been found in Massachusetts. The Asian giant hornet is the world’s largest hornet (1.5-2 inch long body, 1.5-3 inch wing span). It was first found in British Columbia in the fall of 2019 and the state of Washington in the US shortly thereafter in December 2019. These hornets have a preference to feed their young the larvae and pupae of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera). They can attack and destroy honeybee hives and are noted for clipping the heads off honeybee workers. While the Asian giant hornet can sting repeatedly and has an impressively large stinger (1/4 inch), it is not aggressive toward people, pets, or large animals. Like our own yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets, the Asian giant hornet does not show aggression unless it feels threatened. Because this insect prefers honeybees, it is likely that beekeepers will be the first to notice the Asian giant hornet if it is introduced into a new area. One of our beautiful native creatures, the cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus) is one of the most likely wasps to be confused with the Asian giant hornet. Cicada killer wasps, while also impressive in size, will leave you alone if you return the favor. For more information about this insect and a comparison of common look-a-likes, visit this excellent update from Joe Boggs, Ohio State University Extension: https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1544 . More information from the Washington State Department of Agriculture can be found here: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets

Worried that you may have seen or found an Asian giant hornet in Massachusetts? Report it to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources here: https://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/asiangianthornet.html

Insects and Other Arthropods of Public Health Concern:

• Deer Tick/Blacklegged Tick: Check out the archived FREE TickTalk with TickReport webinars available here:https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/education-events/webinars . Previous webinars including information about deer ticks and associated diseases, ticks and personal protection, and updates from the Laboratory of Medical Zoology are archived at the link above.

The next live webinar will be held on May 13, 2020: “Ticks & Red Meat Allergies: The Latest Science”. Join TickReport, Dr. Stephen Rich, and Dr. Scott Commins as they explore the science behind red meat allergies caused by tick bites. Special guest Dr. Scott Commins, a leading physician and research scientist in the field of alpha-gal red meat allergies, will discuss this interesting phenomenon with Dr. Rich.

Ixodes scapularis adults have been active all winter, as they typically are from October through May, and “quest” or search for hosts at any point when daytime temperatures are above freezing. Deer tick nymphs (immatures) are also active, and may be encountered at this time, through August. Nymphs will have already taken a blood meal, and therefore can be infected with disease causing pathogens. It is important to protect yourself against ticks and be especially vigilant for tiny, difficult to see nymphs. 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 on springtime cleanup and planting should be aware that there is the potential to encounter deer ticks. The deer tick or blacklegged tick can transmit Lyme disease, human babesiosis, human anaplasmosis, and other diseases. 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 blue “Order a TickReport” button. Results are typically available within 3 business days, or less. By the time you make an appointment with your physician following the tick attachment, you may have the results back from TickReport to bring to your physician to aid in a conversation about risk.

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.

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, 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 .

• White Spotted Pine Sawyer (WSPS): Monochamus scutellatus adults can emerge in late May throughout July, depending on local temperatures. This is a native insect in Massachusetts and is usually not a pest. Larvae develop in weakened or recently dead conifers, particularly eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). However, the white spotted pine sawyer looks very similar to the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, ALB. ALB adults do not emerge in Massachusetts until July and August. Beginning in July, look for the key difference between WSPS and ALB adults, which is a white spot in the top center of the wing covers (the scutellum) on the back of the beetle. White spotted pine sawyer will have this white spot, whereas Asian longhorned beetle will not. Both insects can have other white spots on the rest of their wing covers; however, the difference in the color of the scutellum is a key characteristic. See the Asian longhorned beetle entry above for more information about that non-native insect.
• Bagworm: Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis is a native species of moth whose larvae construct bag-like coverings over themselves with host plant leaves and twigs. This insect overwinters in the egg stage, within the bags of deceased females from last season. Eggs may hatch and young larvae are observed feeding around mid-June, or roughly between 600-900 GDD’s. Now is the time to scout for and remove and destroy overwintering bags. In certain areas across MA in 2019, increased populations of bagworms were observed and reported. More information can be found here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/bagworm

 

• Balsam Twig Aphid: Mindarus abietinus overwinters as a silvery colored egg on host plant twigs. Eggs hatch just prior to budbreak and nymphs feed for a period of time on the undersides of last season’s needles before molting into a wingless stem mother. Stem mothers move to buds just as they open and give “live birth” to second generation nymphs. These second generation nymphs are the most damaging, feeding on new needles as they elongate, causing distortion and stunting. Excessive amounts of honeydew may be produced and cause needles to stick together. Foliar applications, if needed, may be made between 30-100 GDD’s, base 50°F on warm days before budcaps loosen. Inspect the twigs, near the base of needles of Balsam fir, Fraser fir, and other true firs for overwintering eggs and soon the needles for feeding nymphs. This insect may be most problematic in Christmas tree production. In landscapes, many natural enemies can provide adequate management of this insect.
• Boxwood Leafminer: Monarthropalpus flavus partly grown fly larvae overwinter in the leaves of susceptible boxwood. Yellowish mines may be noticeable on the undersides of leaves. This insect grows rapidly in the spring, transforming into an orange-colored pupa. After pupation, adults will emerge and white colored pupal cases may hang down from the underside of leaves where adults have emerged. Adults may be observed swarming hosts between 300-650 GDD’s, or roughly the end of May through June. Most cultivars of Buxus sempervirens and B. microphylla are thought to be susceptible. If installing new boxwoods this spring, resistant cultivars such as ‘Vardar Valley’ and ‘Winter Gem’ are good choices at sites where this insect has been a problem.
• Boxwood Mite: Eurytetranychus buxi overwinter as tiny eggs on boxwood leaves and hatch mid-spring. These mites are tiny (about the size of a period) and difficult to detect. Feeding may cause plants to appear off-color. If management is deemed necessary, the timing for treatment may be between 245-600 GDD’s or roughly the beginning of May.
• Boxwood Psyllid: Psylla buxi feeding can cause cupping of susceptible boxwood leaves. Leaf symptoms/damage may remain on plants for up to two years. English boxwood may be less severely impacted by this pest. Eggs overwinter, buried in budscales, and hatch around budbreak of boxwood. Eggs may hatch around 80 GDD’s. Foliar applications may be made between 290-440 GDD’s. However, the damage caused by this insect is mostly aesthetic. Therefore, no management may be necessary.
• Cankerworms: Alsophila pometaria (fall cankerworm) and Paleacrita vernata (spring cankerworm) are often confused for winter moth (Operophtera brumata). Cankerworm populations in eastern MA, particularly on areas of Cape Cod, were confused for winter moth in 2019. Spring cankerworm adults were active in February and March, and fall cankerworm adults are active in late November into early December. During these times, both species lay eggs. These native insects most commonly utilize elm, apple, oak, linden, and beech. Eggs of both species hatch as soon as buds begin to open in the spring. Caterpillars occur in mixed populations and are often noticeable by mid-May in MA. Young larvae will feed on buds and unfolding leaves. There are two color forms (green and dark) for caterpillars of both species. Like winter moth, they will drop to the soil to pupate. This usually occurs in June. Fall cankerworm larvae have three pairs of prolegs (one of which is small so it is sometimes referred to as ½) and spring cankerworm have two pairs. (Winter moth caterpillars also have 2 pairs of prolegs.) If populations are large and damage is noticeable on hosts, reduced risk insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki or spinosad may target larvae between 148-290 GDD’s.
• Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid: Adelges cooleyi is a native insect that has a complex life cycle. It has at least five different morphological forms, and requires 2 years and two hosts to complete its normal life cycle. Galls (pineapple shaped/cone-like and at the tips of twigs) are produced on Colorado blue spruce, Engelmann, Sitka, and Oriental spruce and cause needle injury (yellow spots and distortion) to Douglas-fir. Immature females overwinter on spruce near twig terminals. In the early spring, females mature into stem mothers and lay hundreds of eggs on lateral terminals. Upon egg hatch, nymphs migrate to new spring growth and feed at the base of growing needles. Immatures can be targeted on spruce between 22-81 GDD’s (mid-late April). On Douglas-fir, dormant oil applications should be made immediately before budbreak to avoid phytotoxicity. Follow all label instructions.
• Dogwood Borer: Synanthedon scitula is a species of clearwing moth whose larvae bore not only into dogwood (Cornus), but hosts also include flowering cherry, chestnut, apple, mountain ash, hickory, pecan, willow, birch, bayberry, oak, hazel, myrtle, and others. Kousa dogwood appear to be resistant to this species. Signs include the sloughing of loose bark, brown frass, particularly near bark cracks and wounds, dead branches, and adventitious growth. The timing of adult emergence can be expected when dogwood flower petals are dropping and weigela begins to bloom. Adult moth flights continue from then until September. Emergence in some hosts (ex. apple) appears to be delayed, but this differs depending upon the location in this insect’s range. Eggs are laid singly, or in small groups, on smooth and rough bark. Female moths preferentially lay eggs near wounded bark. After hatch, larvae wander until they find a suitable entrance point into the bark. This includes wounds, scars, or branch crotches. This insect may also be found in twig galls caused by other insects or fungi. Larvae feed on phloem and cambium. Fully grown larvae are white with a light brown head and approx. ½ inch long. Pheromone traps and lures are useful for determining the timing of adult moth emergence and subsequent management.
• Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid: Adelges abietis is a pest of Norway spruce primarily, but occasionally damages other spruce species such as Colorado blue, white, and red spruce. This adelgid overwinters as a partially grown female, often referred to as a stem mother. This overwintering individual matures around bud break and lay 100-200 eggs. The eastern spruce gall adelgid may be targeted for management between 22-170 GDD’s, base 50°F (mid-April to early-May). This insect is non-native, and was introduced into the United States from Europe before 1900. Galls are small, sometimes pineapple shaped/variable, but produced on the basal portion of the shoots, such that the twig extends beyond the gall. Twig dieback may occur.
• Eastern Tent Caterpillar: Malacosoma americanum eggs overwinter on host plant twigs. Egg hatch typically occurs when wild cherry leaves begin to unfold and young caterpillars may emerge by late-April through the first two weeks in May (90-190 GDD’s). Susceptible hosts include cherry and crabapple. Other host plants whose leaves are fed upon by this native insect can include apple, ash, birch, willow, maple, oak, poplar, and witch-hazel. Prune off and remove egg masses from ornamental host plants by early spring. Eastern tent caterpillars are native to Massachusetts and have many associated natural enemies (parasites and predators) that help regulate populations. Unless these caterpillars are actively defoliating specimen trees in a landscaped setting, we can coexist with this particular herbivore native to our forests.
• Elongate Hemlock Scale: Fiorinia externa is found on eastern, Carolina, and Japanese hemlock, as well as yew, spruce, and fir. The elongate hemlock scale may overwinter in various life stages, and overlap of many developmental stages at any given time can be observed throughout much of the season. Dormant oil applications for this pest can occur according to label instructions in April, roughly between 7-120 GDD’s. Treatments for the crawler, or mobile, stage of this insect may be made in late May through mid-June, or between 360-700 GDD’s, base 50°F. Nitrogen fertilizer applications may make elongate hemlock scale infestations worse.
• Emerald Ash Borer: (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) Since the New Year, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has confirmed at least 18 new community detections of emerald ash borer in Massachusetts. While the cities and towns with recent detections of EAB are too numerous to list here, they are in areas of Essex, Franklin, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester counties. It is worthwhile to note that this was the first detection of EAB in Franklin County. A map of these locations and others previously known across the state may be found here: https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/emerald-ash-borer .

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 has been reported in cultivated olive (Olea europaea). 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 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 .

• Euonymus Scale: Unaspis euonymi is an armored scale that can be found on euonymus, holly, bittersweet, and pachysandra. This insect can cause yellow spotting on leaves, dieback, and distorted bark. Dormant oil applications can be made between 35-120 GDD’s or roughly from mid-April to early-May. For crawlers, early June timing is suggested between 533-820 GDD’s. (Eggs begin to hatch in early June.)
• European Pine Sawfly: Neodiprion sertifer overwinters in the egg stage. Eggs are laid by females the previous season by cutting slits in needles using their ovipositors and depositing 6-8 eggs in each of 10-12 needles. Egg hatch occurs from late-April to mid-May and caterpillars become active roughly 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. It is also found on white, Austrian, ponderosa, shortleaf, and pitch pine when planted near the aforementioned species. This dark colored caterpillar feeds in tight groups and small numbers can be pruned or plucked out of host plants and destroyed. 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.
• Fletcher Scale: Parthenolecanium fletcheri is a soft scale pest of yew, juniper, and arborvitae. Feeding scales, especially on yew, result in honeydew and sooty mold, needle yellowing, and at times, premature needle drop. There is one generation per year. Overwintered second instar nymphs can be targeted between 38-148 GDD’s, base 50°F. Nymphs develop and adult females lay eggs (on average 500-600) in May that hatch by June. Dead females conceal egg masses beneath. Crawlers migrate short distances to branches and may be concentrated on certain branches of a particular plant.
• Forest Tent Caterpillar: Malacosoma disstria egg hatch occurs between 192-363 GDD’s, base 50°F, by mid-late May and caterpillars may be active for at least 5-6 weeks following. Susceptible hosts whose leaves are fed on by this insect include oak, birch, ash, maple, elm, poplar, and basswood. This native insect has many natural enemies, including some very effective pathogens that typically regulate populations. However, outbreaks of this insect can occur on occasion.

 

 

• Gypsy Moth: (Lymantria dispar) thanks to the gypsy moth caterpillar killing fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga, the recent outbreak of gypsy moth in Massachusetts has come to an end! Most locations in Massachusetts will not see damaging or even noticeable populations of this insect in 2020. However, that does not mean the occasional egg mass won’t be seen in certain areas of the state. Egg hatch was observed and reported with photo evidence in Shelburne Falls, MA on 5/4/2020. Shadbush (Amelanchier spp.) was reported as in full bloom at the same time in that area.

Gypsy moth has been in Massachusetts since the 1860's. This invasive insect from Europe often goes unnoticed, thanks to population regulation provided by the entomopathogenic fungus, E. maimaiga, as well as a NPV virus specific to gypsy moth caterpillars. (And to a lesser extent many other organisms, including other insects, small mammals, and birds who feed on gypsy moth.) However, if environmental conditions do not favor the life cycle of the fungus, outbreaks of gypsy moth caterpillars are possible. (Such as most recently from 2015-2018, with a peak in the gypsy moth population in 2017 in Massachusetts.)

Missing gypsy moth already? Check out Episode 1 of InsectXaminer to reminisce about the 2015-2018 outbreak of this insect: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/education-events/insectxaminer

• Hemlock Looper: Two species of geometrid moths in the genus Lambdina are native insects capable of defoliating eastern hemlock, balsam fir, and white spruce. Adult moths lay their eggs on the trunk and limbs of hosts in September and October, and eggs will hatch by late May or early June. (L. fiscellaria caterpillars may be active between 448-707 GDD’s.) Monitor susceptible hosts for small, inch-worm like caterpillars. Where populations are low, no management is necessary. Hemlock loopers have several effective natural enemies.
• Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Adelges tsugae is present on eastern and Carolina hemlock. The overwintering hemlock woolly adelgid generation (sistens) is present through mid-spring and produces the spring generation (progrediens) which will be present from early spring through mid-summer. HWA, unlike many other insects, does most of its feeding over the winter. Eggs may be found in woolly masses at the base of hemlock needles beginning in mid-March. Each woolly mass is created by a female who may then lay 50-300 eggs. Eggs hatch and crawlers may be found from mid-March through mid-July. Infested trees may be treated with foliar sprays in late April to early May, using Japanese quince as a phenological indicator. Systemic applications may be made in the spring and fall, or when soil conditions are favorable for translocation to foliage. Nitrogen fertilizer applications may make hemlock woolly adelgid infestations worse.
• Honeylocust Plant Bug: Diaphnocoris chlorionis feeding results in tiny yellowish-brownish spots on leaves, leaf distortion, and in some cases, defoliation. (There are at least 7 species of plant bugs that feed on honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos.) There is one generation per year. Immatures and adults feed on foliage and light to moderately damaged foliage may persist throughout the growing season. Honeylocust plant bugs overwinter as eggs laid just beneath the bark surface of 2 and 3 year old twigs. Eggs hatch just after vegetative bugs of the host begin to open. Young nymphs crawl to the opening leaflets and begin feeding and the most significant damage occurs at that time, when the insect is hidden from view. Nymphs develop into adults around May-July. This insect can be targeted between 58-246 GDD’s, base 50°F.
• Imported Willow Leaf Beetle: Plagiodera versicolora adult beetles overwinter near susceptible hosts. Adult beetles will chew holes and notches in the leaves of willow once they become available. Females lay yellow eggs in clusters on the undersides of leaves. Larvae are slug-like and bluish-green in color. They will feed in clusters and skeletonize the leaves. Most plants can tolerate the feeding from this insect, and foliage will appear brown. Repeated yearly feeding can be an issue, in which case management of the young larvae may be necessary. Take care with treatment in areas near water.

 

• Lecanium Scales (Oak): Parthenolecanium quercifex overwinters as a second instar nymph on oak twigs. Females will begin feeding and mature in the spring, from mid-April to early May and eggs may be laid between late May and into June. Eggs hatch in June or early July and crawlers migrate to host plant leaves where they spend the summer and migrate as second instars back to host plant twigs in the fall. Mid-April to early-May (35-145 GDD’s) for dormant oil applications.
• Lilac Borer: Podosesia syringae is a clearwing moth pest of lilac, privet, fringetree, and ash. (It is also known as the ash borer, not to be confused with the emerald ash borer.) Adults mimic paper wasps. Larvae are wood-boring, and signs and symptoms include branch dieback, holes, and occasionally, sawdust-like frass accumulated on bark. Larvae bore into stems, trunks, and branches, chewing an irregularly shaped entrance hole. Peak adult moth flights may occur in the northern portion of this insect’s range in June and is usually over by August 1^st. Pheromone traps can be used to time adult emergence. Adult females lay flattened, oval, and tan eggs that are deposited singly or in clusters on bark crevices, ridges, and sometimes smooth bark; but usually laid in or near wounds in the bark. On average, 395 eggs are laid by each female. After hatch, larvae chew into the bark and feed laterally and then vertically in phloem tissue. Larvae overwinter in tunnels in the final instar and resume feeding in the spring. Adults emerge through a round exit hole (4-5 mm. in diameter). This insectmay be targeted between 200-299 GDD’s, base 50°F.
• Lily Leaf Beetle: Lilioceris lilii adults overwinter in sheltered places. As soon as susceptible hosts such as Lilium spp. (Turk’s cap, tiger, Easter, Asiatic, and Oriental lilies) and Fritillaria spp. break through the ground, the adult lily leaf beetles are known to feed on the new foliage. (Note: daylilies are not hosts.) Typically, in May, mating will occur and each female will begin to lay 250-450 eggs in neat rows on the underside of the foliage. If there are only a few plants in the garden, hand picking and destroying overwintering adults can help reduce local garden-level populations at this time. For more information about this insect, visit the newly updated fact sheet: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/lily-leaf-beetle .

Want to learn more about lily leaf beetle’s life cycle and learn to recognize adults, larvae, and eggs? Take 3 minutes to watch Episode 2 of InsectXaminer, here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/education-events/insectxaminer .

• Magnolia Scale: Neolecanium cornuparvum overwinters as first instar nymphs which are elliptical, and dark slate gray in color and can usually be found on the undersides of 1 and 2 year old twigs. Nymphs may molt by late April or May and again by early June at which time the scales may be purple in color. Eventually nymphs secrete a white powdery layer of wax over their bodies. Dormant oils can be applied between 7-35 GDD’s targeting the overwintering nymphs. Avoid applications to opening buds or blooms.
• Pine Bark Adelgid: Pineus strobi overwinters as an immature which begins feeding during the first days of warm weather in the spring and begins secreting white wax over itself, which can eventually coat the entire trunk of infested trees. Egg laying may begin in April. This insect can be found on the trunk, branches, twigs, and the base of needles on new shoots. Spruce is a secondary host but this adelgid can repeatedly reproduce itself on pine. Wash off bark with a strong jet of water. If necessary, dormant oil applications can be made in mid-late April between 22-58 GDDs. Hosts include eastern white, Scots, and Austrian pines. This insect does little damage to healthy trees and can often be tolerated.
• Snowball Aphid: Neoceruraphis viburnicola eggs overwinter on viburnum twigs and buds. Eggs hatch and this aphid becomes active on certain species of viburnum roughly between 148-298 GDD’s or around redbud bloom. This insect is particularly noticeable on V. opulus, V. prunifolium, and V. acerifolia. Stem mothers, appearing blueish-white, can be found in curled up and distorted foliage. Damage caused by this insect pest is mostly aesthetic.
• Spotted Lanternfly: (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is not known to occur in Massachusetts landscapes (no established populations are known in MA at this time). However, due to the great ability of this insect to hitchhike using human-aided movement, it is important that we remain vigilant in Massachusetts and report any suspicious findings. Spotted lanternfly reports can be sent here:https://massnrc.org/pests/slfreport.aspx

For a map of known, established populations of SLF as well as detections outside of these areas where individual finds of spotted lanternfly have occurred (but no infestations are present), visit: https://nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly/ This map depicts an individual find of spotted lanternfly at a private residence in Boston, MA that was reported by the MA Department of Agricultural Resources on February 21, 2019. More information about this detection in Boston, where no established infestation was found, is provided here: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-agricultural-officials-urge-residents-to-check-plants-for-spotted-lanternfly

This insect is a member of the Order Hemiptera (true bugs, cicadas, hoppers, aphids, and others) and the Family Fulgoridae, also known as planthoppers. The spotted lanternfly is a non-native species first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania and confirmed on September 22, 2014.

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 in some ways 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 .

• Spruce Bud Scale: Physokermes piceae is a pest of Alberta and Norway spruce, among others. Immatures overwinter on the undersides of spruce needles, dormant until late March. By April, females may move to twigs to complete the rest of their development. Dormant oil applications may be made between 22-121 GDDs. Follow all label instructions, as oil may remove the bluish color from certain conifers. Mature scales are reddish brown, globular, 3 mm. in diameter, and found in clusters of 3-8 at the base of new twig growth. They closely resemble buds and are often overlooked. Crawlers are present around June.
• Spruce Spider Mite: Oligonychus ununguis is a cool-season mite that becomes active in the spring from tiny eggs that have overwintered on host plants. Hosts include spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas-fir, and occasionally other conifers. This particular species becomes active in the spring and can feed, develop, and reproduce through roughly June. When hot, dry summer conditions begin, this spider mite will enter a summer-time dormant period (aestivation) until cooler temperatures return in the fall. This particular mite may prefer older needles to newer ones for food. When damaging spruce spider mite populations are known from last season, dormant oil applications can be made (when temperatures are appropriate according to label instructions) between 7-121 GDD’s, base 50°F (April). Magnification is required to view spruce spider mite eggs. Tapping host plant branches over white paper may be a useful tool when scouting for spider mite presence. (View with a hand lens.) Spider mite damage may appear on host plant needles as yellow stippling and occasionally fine silk webbing is visible.
• 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 overwinters as eggs laid in capped pits on the newest growth of susceptible viburnum branches. Scout for overwintered eggs and prune out and destroy before they hatch. Egg hatch occurs in late-April to early-May as temperatures warm and foliage becomes available. Monitor for larvae in mid-May (80-120 GDD’s). 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. 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/ .
• White Pine Weevil: Pissodes strobi adults overwinter in sheltered locations in the leaf litter and become active very early in the spring, when daytime temperatures reach 50°F and before the bloom of forsythia (between 7-58 GDDs). Hosts include eastern white pine, Norway spruce, scotch, pitch, and red pine, blue spruce, and white spruce are also susceptible to white pine weevil damage. Adults will begin feeding on bark 7-10 inches below dormant terminal buds. Females will deposit eggs in terminal growth bark, and developing larvae will feed in leaders until they mature in July when pupation occurs in pupal chambers made of wood chips. Management in nurseries or Christmas tree production may be necessary. Target adults between 7-58 GDD’s.
• Winter Moth: (Operophtera brumata) data since 2017 has indicated that the winter moth population in eastern Massachusetts has been on the decline while the percent of winter moth pupae parasitized by Cyzenis albicans has increased! This is excellent news, as it is data supporting the evidence that winter moth populations have decreased while the parasitic fly, C. albicans, has become established at many locations in New England. Dr. Joseph Elkinton’s laboratory at UMass Amherst has released this biological control of winter moth since 2005 and conducted the rigorous sampling required to determine where the insect has established and what its impact on the winter moth population has been at multiple sites in eastern MA. More information about the Elkinton Lab’s research and the biological control of winter moth can be found here: https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHAAST-2018-03_Biology_Control_Winter-Moth.pdf

The take-home point? Do not worry about winter moth this spring! In fact, management of this insect in landscaped settings likely will not be necessary in most locations. In recent years, it is worth-while to note that some areas on the Cape and other locations in eastern MA have reported noticeable cankerworm populations in the spring, which are often confused for winter moth. Read more about cankerworms in the spring scouting list below.

In landscape settings in eastern Massachusetts, it is best to wait until the leaves of susceptible hosts completely unfold and monitor for feeding caterpillars, prior to treatment, especially since populations in Massachusetts continue to be so low in many locations. Be sure that management of this insect is necessary by monitoring for damaging populations before making applications in landscape settings. For more information about the life cycle and management of winter moth, please visit thisfact sheet: Winter Moth Identification and Management ( https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/winter-moth-identification-management ).

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 this fact sheet: Winter Moth in Massachusetts: History and Biological Control ( https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/winter-moth-in-massachusetts-history-biological-control ).

• Woolly Elm Aphid: Eriosoma americanum females lay a single egg in the cracks and crevices of elm bark, where the egg overwinters. Eggs hatch on elm in the spring as leaves are unfolding. Aphids may be active from 121-246 GDD’s, base 50°F on elm. A young, wingless female hatched from the egg feeds on the underside of leaf tissue. This female aphid matures and gives birth to 200 young, all females, without mating. These aphids feed, and the elm leaf curls around them and protects them. By the end of June, winged migrants mature and find serviceberry hosts. Another set of females is produced. These new females crawl to and begin feeding on the roots of serviceberry. Multiple generations occur on the roots of serviceberry through the summer.

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 blue Order a TickReport button for more information.

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

Weeds

• Wild garlic, Allium vineale, is visible in turf and landscape settings now. Wild garlic is also called field garlic. Other common names include crow garlic, stag's garlic, and, on rare occasions, wild chives. Visit  https://extension.umass.edu/landscape/weeds/allium-vineale to see images and identification characteristics. Wild onion, Allium canadense, is a closely related species and is less common in New England. Managing this species in turf and landscapes is often unnecessarily difficult for turf and landscape professionals, as herbicide control can be very effective. Like garden onions, wild garlic has a very waxy leaf. What causes people problems is that this wax results in a large amount of some herbicide spray applications running off the leaf with little or no plant uptake occurring. However, when growing in turf, a broadleaf turf herbicide will control wild garlic. In the landscape, a directed-spray treatment of glyphosate will be effective. To overcome the “waxy-leaf-herbicide-runs-off” problem, it is best to step on the plant prior to treatment. Stepping on the plant will lay it horizontally and less herbicide spray will run off the leaves. Stepping on the plant results in some mild wax disturbance which will also aid in herbicide absorption.
• Treat garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, now. Applications at this time of year will control second year plants before they go to seed as well as first year seedlings. Look for seedlings at this time as these seedlings will be next year’s flowering plants.
• Landscape mulch should be the first defense against weeds in landscape beds. Mulching can be done now at the beginning of the season before summer annual weeds germinate. Small winter annual weeds can be smothered with mulch. Freshly mulched landscape beds will not immediately require a preemergence herbicide application because the fresh mulch should supply adequate summer annual weed control in the short term. Preemergence herbicide applications should be considered on mulched areas that have not been freshly mulched or can be applied later in the season in those areas that were freshly mulched this spring. Preemergence herbicides should be applied on top of landscape mulches, not underneath them. Compost is not recommended as a mulching material.
• Inspect areas of landscape where new trees or shrubs, especially those that were field grown, have been planted in the 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. Perennial weeds can be spot treated with glyphosate products.
• Treat winter annual and perennial weeds in ornamental beds with glyphosate (Roundup Pro^TM or equivalent) and glufosinate (Finale^TM). These applications are easier if done now before woody ornamentals leaf-out. The new growth of herbaceous perennial ornamentals can be very susceptible to spray drift, so exercise extreme caution. Non-chemical products containing clove oil, citric acid, acetic acid or orange extract can be used on small winter annuals but not on large winter annuals or perennials. Remember these organic/non-chemical products do not translocate and will not control established perennial weeds, but will control young winter annual weeds. Many winter annuals are just beginning to flower and have not set seed and should be controlled now. For more information about non-selective herbicides, visit https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/newsletters/hort-notes/hort-notes-2020-vol-312.
• Common landscape winter annual weeds being observed now are:

mouse-ear cress - Arabidopsis thaliana

thymeleaf sandwort - Arenaria serpyllifolia

downy brome - Bromus tectorum

shepherd's-purse - Capsella bursa-pastoris

bittercress - Cardamine hirsuta

sticky chickweed - Cerastium viscosum

horseweed - Conyza canadensis

spring whitlowgrass - Draba verna

henbit - Lamium amplexicaule

red deadnettle - Lamium purpureum

field pepperweed - Lepidium campestre

Virginia pepperweed - Lepidium virginicum

pineappleweed - Matricaria matricarioides

annual bluegrass - Poa annua

knawel - Scleranthus annuus

common chickweed - Stellaria media

field pennycress - Thlaspi arvense

corn speedwell - Veronica arvensis

purslane speedwell - Veronica peregrina

• Japanese knotweed, (Polygonum cuspidatum, aka Reynoutria japonica, Fallopia japonica), has begun to emerge from rhizomes. Do not attempt to control this weed at this time as herbicide applications are not effective. Repeat cutting or mowing can be used as a non-chemical strategy and, if that is the control strategy selected, then cutting and mowing should begin now. Repeat cutting or mowing should be done as regrowth reaches 4 to 6 inches.

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

---

Additional Resources

To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, join our email list by emailing your request to eweeks@umext.umass.edu with Subscribe Greeninfo in the subject line, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For a complete listing of upcoming events, see our upcoming educational events https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/upcoming-events

For commercial growers of greenhouse crops and flowers - Check out UMass Extension's Greenhouse Update website

For professional turf managers - Check out Turf Management Updates

For home gardeners and garden retailers - Check out our 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 at 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 . No samples are being accepted at this time.

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. No samples are being accepted at this time.

Ticks are active any time that temperatures are above freezing! 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