Landscape Message: August 10, 2018

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 August 8, 2018. Total accumulated growing degree days (GDD) represent the heating units above a 50° F baseline temperature collected via our instruments for the 2018 calendar year. This information is intended for use as a guide for monitoring the developmental stages of pests in your location and planning management strategies accordingly.

MA Region/Location	GDD		Soil Temp (°F at 4" depth)		Precipitation (2-Week Gain)	Time/Date of Readings
	2-Week Gain	2018 Total	Sun	Shade
CAPE	384	1632	81	74	2.52	1:00 PM 8/8
SOUTHEAST	391	1753.5	77.5	72.2	2.75	4:30 PM 8/8
NORTH SHORE	380	1758	76	72	0.81	9:00 AM 8/8
EAST	400.5	1940	78	72	2.07	12:30 PM 8/8
METRO	355	1761	74	70	1.85	5:45 AM 8/8
CENTRAL	192	1467	71	68	1.39	7:00 AM 8/8
PIONEER VALLEY	357.5	1887.5	79	73	5.83	10:00 AM 8/8
BERKSHIRES	299	1634	75	70	5.71	8:00 AM 8/8
AVERAGE	345	1729	76	71	2.87	-
n/a = information not available

Drought conditions update: Viewing the map via the link below, dated August 7, shows Massachusetts is experiencing level D0 - 'Abnormally Dry' - in all areas of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The vast majority of Bristol and Plymouth Counties are also labeled D0.  The rest of the state is free of any category of drought.
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Phenology

Indicator Plants - Stages of Flowering (BEGIN, BEGIN/FULL, FULL, FULL/END, END)
PLANT NAME (Botanic/Common)	CAPE	S.E.	N.S.	EAST	METRO W.	CENT.	P.V.	BERK.
Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed)	*	Begin	*	*	*	*	*	*
Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus)	*	Full	*	*	*	*	Begin	*
Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott (Japanese Pagoda tree)	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Full	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Begin
Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet Clethra)	Begin/Full	Full	Begin/Full	Full	Begin/Full	Begin/Full	Full	Begin
Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush)	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	*	Full	Full
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Lythrum salicaria (Loosestrife)	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Hibiscus syriacus (Rose-of-Sharon)	Full	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 two weeks was 76.5°F with a high of 91°F on August 6 and a low of 63°F on July 30. Daytime highs have primarily been in the 80s and nights in the mid 70s, with only a couple of nights dipping lower. The stretch of rather high nighttime lows is unusual for our area. During this 2 week period, 2.5 inches of precipitation fell, primarily from a single rain event (2.06") on August 4. Humidity has remained high for nearly the entire period. Prior to the rain event on August 4 soil conditions were getting very dry. Currently, sub soil moisture is adequate and topsoil moisture is short.

Pests/Problems: Insects or insect damage observed over the last week include some Japanese beetle and oriental beetle, numerous Asiatic beetles (typically seen only at night), sunflower moth (Homoeosoma electellum) on purple coneflower, cinch bug damage to turf, white pine weevil (Pissodes strobe) damage on white pine, ambrosia beetles and damage on holly, bark beetle damage to eastern red cedar, Lecanium scale on oak, Hibiscus sawfly (Atomacera decepta) on hardy Hibiscus, turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus terebrans) on pitch pine, two spotted spider mite on annuals and herbaceous perennials, Andromeda lacebug (Stephanitis takeyai) on Japanese Andromeda, azalea lacebug (Stephanitis pyrioides) on “pjm” Rhododendron, sycamore lacebug (Corythucha ciliate) on sycamore, and daylily leafminer (Ophiomyia kwansonis) damage on daylily. Diseases visible over the last week include leaf spot on Hydrangea, powdery mildew on the usual (Phlox, Monarda, lilac, peony, dogwood), leaf spots (Septoria)) on red twig dogwood, daylily leaf streak on daylily, kabatina blight (possible phomopsis as well) on eastern red cedar, fusarium wilt on mimosa, tar spot on Norway maple, black spot on rose, cedar apple rust on crabapple. Plants such as flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) are showing symptoms of scorch in unirrigated landscapes. Weeds in bloom include: black swallowwort (Cynanchum nigrum), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), prostrate spurge (Euphorbia maculate), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillate), common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum), and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). Rabbits are still abundant.

Southeast Region (Acushnet)

General Conditions: Hot and humid summer weather with lack of rain still troubles the area over the past two weeks. Daytime highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s are still not much relief to the area. The rain we had on August 4th was a welcomed 2.75 inches. Helpful to the situation but more is still needed. Many beautiful plants and trees are in flower in spite of all the heat. Sourwood (Oxydeadrum arboretum), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Hydrangea paniculata (panicle Hydrangea), Smooth Hydrangea (H. arborescens), bigleaf Hydrangea (H. macrophylla), oakleaf Hydrangea (H. quericifolia), while the climbing Hydrangea (H. petiolaris) flowers are starting to fade. Some of the rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) I’ve seen have dropped some blooms due to the heat. The pollinators are enjoying the summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia) and butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii). Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), gayfeather (Liatris spp.), coneflower (Echinacea spp.), black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.), Russian sage (Perovskia atripicifolia), and perennial Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) are all very beautiful right now.

Pests/Problems: Powdery mildew has been noticed on garden Phlox and dogwood. Dogwoods also have leaf scorch. Aphids and spider mites have been seen on annuals and perennials. Japanese beetles have been seen on roses and annuals as well as tar spot on Norway maples. Loosestife is in full bloom along with tansy, goldenrod, Queen Anne’s lace, Joe Pye weed, pokeweed, and bindweed. The vegetation in the wetland areas I visited is very dry. Rabbits and woodchucks are still very busy. Beware of poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes when out and about. Also, if you are picking tomatoes on a hot summer day, keep your eyes open for white cocoons on a sluggish tomato hornworm. The white cocoons are the pupal stage of the parasitic wasp Cotesia congregata. Allow the hornworm pest to remain there supporting the cocoons since it is doomed, has ceased to eat and will provide another generation of beneficial wasps. Pretty cool!!

North Shore Region (Beverly)

General Conditions: This reporting period was hot and very humid with fast, scattered storms on some days. Daytime temperatures were mostly in the low to high 80s with three days reaching temperatures above 90 degrees. Nighttime temperatures were mostly in the mid-60s to low 70s. Approximately 0.81 inches of rainfall were recorded at Long Hill during this two week reporting period. Woody plants seen in bloom include: Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum L. Schott ), bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora), the bee-bee tree or Korean evodia (Tetradium daniellii), sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), silk tree or mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia), Chinese chastetree (Vitex chinensis) butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), and trumpet vine(Campsis radicans). Herbaceous plants seen in bloom include: milkweed (Asclepias spp.), globe thistle (Echinops ritro), garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.), Hostas (Hosta spp.), Sedums (Sedum spp.), Astilbe (Astilbe spp.), summer flowering roses (Rosa spp.), Clematis vines (Clematis paniculata), water lily (Nymphaea odorata) and an assortment of annuals.

Pests/Problems: Observations this period include leaf blotch on peonies, black spot caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae, powdery mildew and anthracnose in flowering dogwood, brown ambrosia aphids (Uroleucon rudbeckiae) on Rudbeckia, cedar apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) on apples and crabapples, and tar spot on Norway maples. Also observed was powdery mildew on lilac and Phlox. Due to the moist soils and high temperatures, weeds are thriving in the landscape. Watch for poison ivy as you walk or work in the woods. Remember also that ticks and mosquitoes are still very active. Protect yourself with insect repellent.

East Region (Boston)

General Conditions: Hot and humid! Over the last two weeks temperatures have soared; we reached over 90°F on seven occasions, five occurring over the last week. So far this year, we have experienced 16 days with temperatures in the 90’s. Highs ranged from 82°F to 94°F, averaging 88°F and lows ranged from 61°F to 76°F averaging 69°F. We received some reprieve in the form of rain, which fell on four occasions totaling 2.05 inches. Unstable air erupted into thunderstorms and lightning and most of the precipitation was received as heavy downpours. July 26 saw 0.85 inches of rain fall over a 30-minute period and on August 4, 0.69 inches of rain fell over a two-hour period. Plants in bloom include Albizia julibrissin (silktree), Andrachne colchica (Caucasian spurge), Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima' (Japanese anemone), Aralia californica (elk clover), Buddleia alternifolia 'Argentea' (fountain butterfly bush), Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding heart vine), C. trichotomum (harlequin glorybower), Eutrochium purpureum (purple Joe-Pye weed), Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke), Heuchera spp. (coral bells), Hibiscus moscheutos (swamp rosemallow), Hosta spp. (plantain lily), Monarda didyma (scarlet beebalm), Physostegia virginiana (obedient plant), Poliothyrsis sinensis (Chinese pearlbloom), Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Goldsturm coneflower), Silphium perfoliatum (cup plant), Solidago spp. (goldenrod), and Tanacetum vulgare (tansy). Chasmanthium latifolium (woodoats) is looking very ornamental in seed.

Pests/Problems: Cicadas can be heard signing at this time. Swallowtail butterflies are abundant throughout the landscape. Japanese beetles have been skeletonizing leaves of swamp rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). Powdery mildew is evident on Phlox, roses, lilac, and dogwood. Weeds in flower include: Acalypha rhomboidea (Virginia copperleaf), A. virginica (Virginia mercury), Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed), and Erigeron annuus (eastern daisy fleabane). Weeds in seed include: Arctium minus (burdock), Circaea lutetiana (enchanter's-nightshade), Cynanchum louiseae (black swallowwort), Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutsedge), Digitaria spp. (crabgrass), Euphorbia maculata (spotted spurge), Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed), Solanum dulcamara (climbing nightshade), and S. nigrum (European black nightshade). It has been a banner year for crabgrasses (Digitaria spp.) as germination and growth has occurred even in established turf.

Metro West (Acton)

General Conditions: Warm, hot, humid days were followed by brief periods of just enough rain so that the grass is still green and requires occasional mowing but not enough to keep our new plantings sufficiently watered. The historical monthly average rainfall for the month of July is 4.07” and 4.37” was recorded. The historical monthly average rainfall for the month of August is 3.72” and as of the 7/28, only 0.94” of rain has been recorded so far this month. As I write this report, we are in the midst of a heat wave. It is the third day in a row with temperatures recorded in the 90s. In my last message, I reported that there were 10 days this summer with temperatures recorded in the 90s and 8 of those days occurred in July. The number has increased to 9 days in July and 4 days in August with temps in the 90s. In some stage of bloom at this time are the following woody plants: Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Buddleia spp. (butterfly bush), Clethra alnifolia (summersweet), Hibiscus syriacus (rose-of-Sharon), Hydrangea arborescens (smooth Hydrangea), H. paniculata (panicle Hydrangea), Potentilla fruiticosa (Potentilla), Rosa 'Knockout' (The Knockout family of roses) and Styphnolobium japonicum (Japanese pagoda tree).Woody vines in bloom are: Campsis radicans (Trumpet Vine) and Clematis spp. (Clematis).

Contributing even more color and interest to the landscape are some flowering herbaceous plants including: Achillea millefoliumn (yarrow), Alcea rosea (hollyhocks), Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed), A. tuberosa (butterfly weed), Astilbe spp. (false Spirea), Campanula persicifolia (peach-leafed bell flower), C. takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ (bellflower), Cichorium intybus (chicory), Coreopsis spp. (tickseed), C. verticillata (threadleaf Coreopsis), Boltonia asteroides (Bolton’s aster), Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace), Echinacea purpurea (coneflower), Geranium sanguineum (cranesbill Geranium), Hemerocallis fulva (orange daylily), H. 'Stella D'Oro', (daylily), H. spp. (daylily), Hosta spp. (plantain lily), Lavendula angustifolia (lavender), Leucanthemum spp. (Shasta daisy), Liatris spicata (spike gayfeather), Lilium spp. (lily), Lychnis coronaria (rose campion), Lysimachia clethroides (gooseneck loosestrife), Lythrum salicaria (loosestrife), Monarda didyma (bee-balm), Nepeta spp. (ornamental catmint), Patrinia gibbosa (Patrinia), Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage), Phlox carolina (Carolina Phlox), P. paniculata (garden Phlox), Physostegia virginiana (obedient plant), Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower), Rudbeckia fulgida var. Sullivantii 'Goldsturm' (black-eyed Susan), Senna marilandica (wild Senna), Solidago spp. (goldenrod), Tradescantia spp. (spiderwort), Verbena hastata (American blue vervain), and Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s root).

Pests/Problems: Observed in the landscape these past two weeks were leaf blotch on Aesculus spp. (horsechestnut), cedar apple rust on Amelanchier spp. (serviceberry) and Crataegus spp. (hawthorn). Also noted was powdery mildew on Cornus florida (dogwood), Monarda spp. (bee-balm), Phlox spp., and Syringa vulgaris (lilac). As of July 31^st, the U.S. Drought Monitor lifted the moderate drought status for this area. Setting seed and quite visible is Ailanthus altissima (tree of Heaven). Look for it growing along roadsides and in parking lots and medians.

Central Region (Boylston)

General Conditions: Hot and humid conditions for the central part of the state persist, with the last several days of the reporting period being over 90 degrees, officially making it a heat wave. Receiving 1.39” of rain over the last two weeks helped to bring some needed rain. Most of the precipitation occurred in downpours however, and didn’t have a chance to really soak in. The warmer temperatures of the last week has brought on drought stress symptoms in plants not receiving supplemental irrigation, such as scorched leaf margins and even some leaf drop. Trees, shrubs and vines in bloom include: Calluna vulgaris spp. and cvs. (heather), Clethra alnifolia (summersweet), Hibiscus syriacus cvs. (rose of Sharon), Styphnolobium japonicum (Japanese pagoda tree), Hydrangea aspera (rough-leaved Hydrangea), H. macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ (Endless Summer Hydrangea), H. paniculata (panicle Hydrangea), H. quercifolia (oak-leaf Hydrangea), H. serrata ‘Bluebird’ (mountain Hydrangea) and Clematis cvs (Clematis vines). The following herbaceous perennials and bulbs are in bloom: Achillea spp. and cvs. (yarrow, in bloom but winding down), Echinacea spp. and cvs. (coneflower), Eupatorium purpureum (Joe pye weed), Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Becky’ (shasta daisy), Liatris spicata (gayfeather), Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ (brown-eyed Susan), Rudbeckia maxima, (giant coneflower), R. subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ (sweet coneflower), and Senna marilandica (wild senna).

Pests/Problems: On Magnolia spp. and cvs. (Magnolia), Magnolia scale adult females are very visible at this time. Dogwood sawfly have been noted on grey dogwood, Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ and Cornus sericea ‘Bud’s Yellow’. Budworms are on flowering perennials and annuals. Cedar-apple rust is on Malus (crabapple and apples). Powdery mildew was noted on Syringa spp. (lilacs), Phlox (garden Phlox), and Monarda spp. and cvs.(bee-balm).

Pioneer Valley Region (Amherst)

General Conditions: You know it’s August in the Pioneer Valley when you wake up to dense morning fog along the Connecticut River. August has started in the same manner that July ended, with heat, high humidity and scattered showers and thunderstorms. In Springfield, the high temperature was ≥90°F on 13/31 (42%) days in July. Our seventh month of the year was also a particularly wet month in the tri-county region, with >7” of rain recorded. Many weather stations recorded at least four rain events with >1″ of precipitation. Additionally, western sections of Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties saw even higher amounts, receiving over twice the average amount for July, which is just over 4”. So, despite the heat and humidity, much of the landscape remains verdant and lush at this time. Exceptions are common, however, with declining and stressed trees and shrubs exhibiting scorched leaf margins, premature leaf shedding and canopy dieback. Soil temperatures are still high but soil moisture remains good at this time. This doesn’t mean, however, that newly transplanted trees and shrubs can be forgotten. Ensure the immediate root zone around the trunk has adequate moisture given the high transpiration loss from the heat and humidity. The frequent rain and wind, coupled with the strong growing season, has resulted in bending and flopping of many plants in the landscape. For example, panicle hydrangea, young American elms, Joe Pye weed, Queen Anne’s lace and sunflowers, just to name a few. Due to the abundance of rainfall over the past several weeks, slime molds, artillery fungi and bird’s nest fungi are very common right now on bark mulch. These fungi are saprophytic and do not harm plants. Artillery fungi are especially common in fresh mulch and create an annoyance when they project their black-colored, sticky spore mass onto siding and parked cars. Mushrooms produced by mycorrhizal fungi are also abundant at the base of trees in both landscape and forest settings.

Pests/Problems: Much like in 2017, apple scab is wreaking havoc on certain apple and crabapples in the landscape. For trees in shaded settings, significant leaf loss has taken place. Both crabapples and apples can require annual to biennial pruning to remove interior canopy suckers. If a branch or shoot is not receiving any direct sunlight, consider its removal from the canopy. Part of the “problem” is that 2018 has been a great growing season for these trees in the valley, so there has been tremendous growth, providing ample leaf material for Venturia to attack. After the tar spot epidemic on Norway maple in 2017, it will be interesting to compare disease severity in 2018. The large, highly conspicuous black leaf spots form when small spots expand and coalesce on infected leaves (see photos below). For many infected trees, tar spot is becoming more visible at this time and will continue to become more prominent throughout the month. Continue to scout for wood-rotting fungi at the base of hardwoods and conifers. The mossy cap polypore (Oxyporus populinus), which causes a root and butt rot, was recently found fruiting at the base of a sugar maple on the UMass campus. A golden yellow polypore produced by the brown cubical rot pathogen, Phaeolus schweinitzii (velvet top fungus), was also found at the base of an eastern white pine with an open cavity. Feeding by Japanese, Oriental and Asiatic Garden beetles continues to be a problem on landscape trees, shrubs and non-woody perennials and annuals. Wasp and hornet nests are at full capacity at this time. Avoid tackling nest removal during the day and wait until the nighttime hours when the nest and occupants can be removed without incident. Mosquito populations are back on the rise but still are not as bad as they were earlier in the season.

 

Berkshire Region (Great Barrington)

General Conditions: Hot, humid, and stormy might be an understatement for the past two weeks. Working outdoors in the heat and humidity was not easy and required awareness of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. With forecasts for continuation of these conditions, this is a good time to review the symptoms and the precautions one needs to take. The rains often were brief but torrential and in some locations accompanied by frequent lightning and strong gusts of wind. Some localized flooding and washouts with soil erosion occurred. With 5.71 inches of rain, it is obvious that soil moisture levels are high except in areas with coarse or sandy soils which dried rather quickly in the sun and high temperatures. Likewise, plants in containers required frequent water under these often extreme conditions. Nevertheless, landscapes appear lush and colorful. Mid-season perennials are putting on a great show, such as these classics: Thalictrum rochebruneanum (meadow rue), Alcea rosea (hollyhock), Echinops ritro (globe thistle), Rudbeckia hirta (black eyed Susan), Astilbe, Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta daisy), and Anemone x hybrida (Japanese Anemone). Turfgrass is growing rapidly again except where low mowing (scalping) is a habit, a bad habit. Some turfgrass which went dormant during the dry stretch in May, June, and early July has not recovered with the rain, and brown patches remain on these lawns, perhaps in some cases due to grub infestations (see below).

Pests/Problems: Weather conditions favored development of plant diseases, especially foliar diseases. Anthracnose on maple, leaf spots on many shrub and tree species, tar spot on Norway maple, and powdery mildew are particularly common. Cytospora canker was found on some first year plantings of larch (Larix). There has also been a report of cucumber mosaic virus on a large saucer Magnolia, though that has not yet been confirmed. Skunks are ripping up many lawns, especially where brown patches exist, an indication of the presence of grubs. Japanese beetles are still around but seemingly more so in vegetable and fruit gardens. Magnolia scale has been particularly troublesome this year and few trees, regardless of Magnolia species or cultivar, have escaped infestation. Tuliptree scale, in many ways similar to Magnolia scale, has also appeared. These scale insects are still in the adult stage but the crawlers should be appearing within a few weeks and would be susceptible to management via horticultural oil sprays. Bowlegged aphid on Korean fir is present but not as severe as last year. Other pests observed by or reported to this scout include dogwood sawfly larvae defoliating gray dogwood, Jose scale on an apple tree, and mimosa webworm on thornless honey locust. With all the rain, mushrooms have been popping up in lawns. Though disturbing to some people, they are not of any concern as far as damage to turf and can simply be raked out.

Regional Scouting Credits

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

Woody Ornamentals

Diseases

Recent pests and pathogens of interest seen in the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab:

Fruit rot and shoot tip blight of apple (Malus domestica) caused by Colletotrichum. Tree is approximately 12-years-old and has been present at the site for eight years. Over the past several years, once the tree sets fruit it quickly shrivels and rots. There were fly larvae in the rotted fruit but they were secondary colonizers and no primary fruit insects were suspected. Colletotrichum is very dynamic, attacking a wide array of aboveground plant parts, but nearly always causes some type of foliar injury. On this tree, however, only the shoot tip blight and fruit rot were present. Drip irrigation is provided but overhead lawn sprinklers may also be wetting the canopy. This fungal pathogen has been very problematic on winterberry (Ilex verticillata) grown for commercial production in recent years.

Branch tip dieback and needle blight of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) caused by Diplodia sapinea, Cyclaneusma minus and Septorioides strobi. Two large and mature trees in a landscape setting that were planted too close together are exhibiting shoot tip blight and a serious blight of older needles in the canopy. Diplodia alone is enough to cause the observed injury but the trees are also suffering from needle infections by two additional fungi, Cyclaneusma and Septorioides. The former is common on Scots pine but mostly causes problems to tightly-sheared Christmas trees. The latter is associated with eastern white pine needle blight but this year has been located on a number of hard pines in the landscape.

Leaf spotting and premature leaf shedding of Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) caused by cedar-hawthorn rust (Gymnosporangium globosum). A row of 12 trees that are approximately 20-years-old line the driveway of an ocean front property. Soils at the site are often wet thanks to regular lawn irrigation. In late June to early July, significant leaf shedding took place with the arborist estimating 25-35% of the foliage lost. Cedar-hawthorn rust is similar to cedar-apple rust in that large leaf spots develop on the foliage of various rosaceous hosts. On pear, the spots are reddish-brown to black and when present on the petiole, as they were here, the disease can result in significant leaf shedding. Since eastern redcedar is very common in coastal environments in New England, ample inoculum was likely present to initiate the outbreak.

Fir-blueberry rust, caused by Pucciniastrum goeppertianum, of white fir (Abies concolor). Many trees, approximately seven to ten-years-old, growing at a Christmas tree farm in full sun with no supplemental irrigation surrounded by mixed conifer and hardwood forest. Fir-blueberry rust primarily attacks the current season’s needles and results in needle yellowing/browning and premature shedding. White masses of fungal tissue develop in the underside of infected needles to disperse yellow-colored spores. In mid- to late summer, the spores produced on fir infect blueberry, resulting in tufted witches’ brooms and deformed growth on this alternate host. The grower noted many wild blueberries in the surrounding forest at the property. The needle loss rendered the trees unsalable and they were to be pulled and burned.

Botryosphaeria canker and transplant shock of Japanese holly (Ilex crenata). Two-year-old plant that was transplanted in late June into a foundation planting bed. Soils are compacted and heavy and water is provided by hand when needed. Leaves began browning and shedding until the entire plant was dead. Botryosphaeria is a common stem cankering pathogen on Ilex in the landscape.

Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) and black spot (Gnomonia ulmea) of American elm (Ulmus americana). Tree is 47” in diameter and based on historical photos and records, is estimated to be between 125- and 150-years-old. Upper canopy flagging was observed and when branches were excised, vascular staining as present. In addition to DED, black spot anthracnose was also common in the canopy. The leaf yellowing from anthracnose can mimic DED, making it difficult to know which branches are infected by Ophiostoma without close inspection. In addition to pruning, the tree received a therapeutic injection with Alamo.

Branch cankering of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) caused by Asterosporium asterospermum. Tree is approximately 80-years-old and exhibited branch cankering on a lower limb this season that was not observed in previous years. Infection by Asterosporium results in a very conspicuous dusty coating of black-colored spores over cracked, splitting and sloughing bark. Underlying vascular tissue is also stained, which stands out in contrast to the white wood of beech. Believed to be a secondary agent, little is really known about the fungus. It appears to be an important contributor to canopy dieback when other stresses are present, such as drought, Phytophthora canker and coral-spot canker.

Heat scorch of Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia). Tree is ten-years-old and has been present at the site for only two years. The site is close to the ocean and is shaded but there is no supplemental irrigation or mulch ring. Marginal leaf browning is very common for Stewartia, especially young trees that are recently transplanted. With age, the trees appear to adapt to the heat of summer in the region.

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:

• Asian Longhorned Beetle: (Anoplophora glabripennis, ALB) Look for signs of an ALB infestation which include perfectly round exit holes (about the size of a dime), shallow oval or round scars in the bark where a female has chewed an egg site, or sawdust-like frass (excrement) on the ground nearby host trees or caught in between branches. Be advised that other (native) insects may create perfectly round exit holes or sawdust-like frass, which can be confused with signs of ALB activity. The regulated area for Asian longhorned beetle is 110 miles² encompassing Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and parts of Holden and Auburn. If you believe you have seen damage caused by this insect, such as exit holes or egg sites, on susceptible host trees like maple, or believe you have captured or taken a photo of an adult insect, please call the Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program office in Worcester, MA at 508-852-8090 or toll free at 1-866-702-9938.

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

• Asiatic Garden Beetle: Maladera castanea adults are active and are typically most abundant in July and August. These rusty-red colored beetles are bullet-shaped and active at night. They are often attracted to porch lights. They feed on a number of ornamental plants, defoliating leaves by giving the edges a ragged appearance and also feeding on blossoms. Butterfly bush, rose, dahlia, aster, and chrysanthemum can be favored hosts. When levels of damage reach a management threshold, pyrethroid- based insecticides may be necessary. Read and follow label instructions and avoid harming non-target organisms. Certain neem oil products are also labelled for use against adult beetles. Observe label instructions to minimize the potential for leaf injury.
• Deer Tick/Blacklegged Tick: Ixodes scapularis adult females, following a blood meal, can lay a single egg mass (up to 1500 – 2000 eggs) in mid-late May, then the female deer tick perishes. Larvae emerge from the eggs later in the summer. Larvae are tiny and six-legged. Prior to feeding, they are not known to be able to transmit disease. After feeding, the larvae drop from their host and molt, re-emerging the following spring as nymphs. Nymphs (from last year’s overwintering cohort) are active from May-August. Nymphs are eight-legged and about the size of the head of a pin. These tiny nymphs typically attach to small mammal hosts; however, they will readily feed on people and pets. Nymphs are capable of carrying Lyme disease, human Babesiosis, human Anaplasmosis, and deer tick virus. For images of all deer tick life stages, along with an outline of the diseases they carry, visit: http://www.tickencounter.org/tick_identification/deer_tick

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

Have you just removed an attached tick from yourself or a loved one with a pair of tweezers? If so, consider sending the tick to the UMass Laboratory of Medical Zoology to be tested for disease causing pathogens. To submit a tick to be tested, visit: https://www.tickreport.com/  and click on the red “Test A Tick” button. Results are typically available within 3 business days, or less. By the time you make an appointment with your physician following the tick attachment, you may have the results back from TickReport to bring to your physician to aid in a conversation about risk.

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

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

• Emerald Ash Borer: (Agrilus planipennis, EAB) This wood-boring beetle readily attacks ash (Fraxinus spp.) including white, green, and black ash, has also been found developing in white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) and most recently, has been reported in cultivated olive (Olea europaea). Signs of an EAB infested tree may include D-shaped exit holes in the bark (from adult emergence), “blonding” or lighter coloration of the ash bark from woodpecker feeding (chipping away of the bark as they search for larvae beneath), and serpentine galleries visible through splits in the bark, from larval feeding beneath. Positive identification of an EAB-infested tree may not be possible with these signs individually on their own. For further information about this insect, please visit: https://ag.umass.edu/fact-sheets/emerald-ash-borer  If you believe you have located EAB-infested ash trees, particularly in an area of Massachusetts not identified on the map provided, please report here: http://massnrc.org/pests/pestreports.htm
• Fall Home-Invading Insects: Various insects, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, seedbugs, and stink bugs will begin to seek overwintering shelters in warm places, such as homes, throughout the next couple of months. While such invaders do not cause any measurable structural damage, they can become a nuisance, especially when they are present in large numbers. While the invasion has not yet begun, if you are not willing to share your home with such insects, now should be the time to repair torn window screens, repair gaps around windows and doors, and seal any other gaps through which they might enter the home.
• Fall Webworm: Hyphantria cunea is native to North America and Mexico. It is now considered a world-wide pest, as it has spread throughout much of Europe and Asia. (For example, it was introduced accidentally into Hungary from North America in the 1940’s.) Hosts include nearly all shade, fruit, and ornamental trees except conifers. In the USA, at least 88 species of trees are hosts for these insects, while in Europe at least 230 species are impacted. In the past history of this pest, it was once thought that the fall webworm was a two-species complex. It is now thought that H. cunea has two color morphs – one black headed and one red headed. These two color forms differ not only in the coloration of the caterpillars and the adults, but also in their behaviors. Caterpillars may go through at least 11 molts, each stage occurring within a silken web they produce over the host. When alarmed, all caterpillars in the group will move in unison in jerking motions that may be a mechanism for self-defense. Depending upon the location and climate, 1-4 generations of fall webworm can occur per year. Fall webworm adult moths lay eggs on the underside of the leaves of host plants in the spring. These eggs hatch in late June or July depending on climate.

Fall webworm caterpillars were reported for 2018 previously in the Pioneer Valley Region report and expanding webs were seen the week of 7/4/18 in Chesterfield, MA. Young larvae feed together in groups on the undersides of leaves, first skeletonizing the leaf and then enveloping other leaves and eventually entire branches within their webs. Webs are typically found on the terminal ends of branches. All caterpillar activity occurs within this tent, which becomes filled with leaf fragments, cast skins, and frass. Fully grown larvae then wander from the webs and pupate in protected areas such as the leaf litter where they will remain for the winter. Adult fall webworm moths emerge the following spring/early summer to start the cycle over again. 50+ species of parasites and 36+ species of predators are known to attack fall webworm in North America. Fall webworms typically do not cause extensive damage to their hosts. Nests may be an aesthetic issue for some. If in reach, small fall webworm webs may be pruned out of trees and shrubs and destroyed. Do not set fire to H. cunea webs when they are still attached to the host plant.

• Gypsy Moth: Lymantia dispar adult activity is at an end for the 2018 season. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has released preliminary numbers for the total acres defoliated by gypsy moth caterpillars in 2018. MA DCR officials estimate that approximately 161,000 acres were defoliated in Massachusetts by gypsy moth in 2018. This pales in comparison to the over 923,000 acres of defoliation due to gypsy moth estimated in 2017. (We can thank Entomophaga maimaiga for the population decrease between last year and the beginning of this year.) The acreage number for 2018 is a rough estimate at this time, as state officials are still working on confirming that gypsy moth was responsible for the defoliation they saw from the air, by visiting these locations on the ground to determine that gypsy moth caterpillars were the cause of the defoliation seen. Once final numbers and a map of the 2018 defoliation becomes available, this information will be highlighted in the Landscape Message. One worrisome note is that Entomophaga maimaiga does not seem to have been as active in the gypsy moth population in 2018 as it was in 2017. This allowed many healthy adult moths to mate and females to lay egg masses that will overwinter and provide us with a population of caterpillars in 2019. More information can be found in the upcoming August issue of Hort Notes, which will be available here: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/newsletters-updates/hort-notes
• Hickory Tussock Moth: Lophocampa caryae is native to southern Canada and the northeastern United States. There is one generation per year. Overwintering occurs as a pupa inside a fuzzy, oval shaped cocoon. Adult moths emerge approximately in May and their presence can continue into July. Females will lay clusters of 100+ eggs together on the underside of leaves. Females of this species can fly, however they have been called weak fliers due to their large size. When first hatched from their eggs, the young caterpillars will feed gregariously in a group, eventually dispersing and heading out on their own to forage. Caterpillar maturity can take up to three months and color changes occur during this time. These caterpillars are essentially white with some black markings and a black head capsule. They are very hairy, and should not be handled with bare hands as many people can have skin irritations or rashes (dermatitis) as a result of interacting with hickory tussock moth hairs. By late September, the caterpillars will create their oval, fuzzy cocoons hidden in the leaf litter where they will again overwinter. Hosts whose leaves are fed upon by these caterpillars include but are not limited to: hickory, walnut, butternut, linden, apple, basswood, birch, elm, black locust, and aspen. Maple and oak have also been reportedly fed upon by this insect. Several wasp species are parasitoids of hickory tussock moth caterpillars.
• Lace Bugs: Corythucha spp. and Stephanitis spp. lace bugs are active. Corythucha spp. utilize many hosts such as hawthorn, cotoneaster, Amelanchier, quince, Pyracantha, various oaks, birch, maple, mountain ash, sycamore, hackberry, elm, walnut, butternut, basswood, etc. Corythucha spp. adult lace bugs were seen feeding on bur oak on 6/13/2018 in Amherst, MA. Many adult lace bugs were seen on leaf undersides, along with groups of tiny, black eggs. These groups of lace bug eggs were seen on nearly every leaf examined within reach on this tree. Egg are so small, they may look like fungal spores without magnification. Corythucha spp. adult and nymphal lace bugs were seen feeding on sycamore on 7/9/18 in Amherst, MA. The species that is most commonly found on sycamore is Corythucha ciliata, or the sycamore lace bug. This insect is found throughout the United States and parts of Canada. This lace bug, like most, can be found feeding on leaf undersides, initially causing a white stippling that can sometimes progress to chlorotic or bronzed foliage and may (when severe) lead to premature leaf drop.

Stephanitis spp. lace bugs are active. Yellow stippling on leaf surfaces, black colored tar-like spots on leaf undersides, and lace bug nymphs (immatures) were seen on leaf undersides on 5/30/18, 6/7/18, and 6/13/18 in Amherst, MA on Rhododendron spp. foliage. Stephanitis spp. lacebugs such as S. pyriodes can cause severe injury to azalea foliage. S. rhododendri can be common on Rhododendron and mountain laurel. S. takeyai has been found developing on Japanese Andromeda, Leucothoe, Styrax, and willow. Stephanitis spp. lace bug activity should be monitored through September. Before populations become too large, treat with a summer rate horticultural oil spray as needed. Be sure to target the undersides of the foliage in order to get proper coverage of the insects. Fall or early spring soil treatment with imidacloprid has been effective, but be aware of the implications this may have on pollinators attracted to these flowering plants when making management decisions. Certain azalea and Andromeda cultivars may be less preferred by lace bugs.

• Spotted Lanternfly: (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is not known to occur in Massachusetts. This insect is a member of the Order Hemiptera (true bugs, cicadas, hoppers, aphids, and others) and the Family Fulgoridae, also known as planthoppers. This insect is a non-native species first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania and confirmed on September 22, 2014. Until November 2017, this invasive insect was only known to Pennsylvania. It has now been reported from Delaware (November 20, 2017), New York (November 29, 2017), and most recently in Virginia (January 10, 2018). The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced the finding of a single female spotted lanternfly in New Castle County in the Wilmington, Delaware area. At this time, officials in Delaware note that it is unclear if this individual was an accidental hitchhiker, or evidence of an established population in the state. For more information about the find in Delaware, visit: https://news.delaware.gov/2017/11/20/spotted-lanternfly-confirmed-delaware/  The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets reported on November 29, 2017 the finding of a single dead individual spotted lanternfly in the state from earlier in the month. A single dead specimen was confirmed at a facility in Delaware County, New York, which is located south-west of Albany. The NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets states that this dead individual may have come in on an interstate shipment. For more information about the find in New York, visit: https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AD/release.asp?ReleaseID=3637  Most recently, Virginia Cooperative Extension announced the finding of a spotted lanternfly population in Frederick County, Virginia, on January 10, 2018. It was noted that at the location in Virginia, numerous adult lanternflies and egg masses were discovered, in addition to more at another site approximately 400 yards away. For more information about the find in Virginia, visit: https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/spotted-lanternfly.html

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

The adults and immatures of this species damage host plants by feeding on sap from stems, leaves, and the trunks of trees. In the springtime in Pennsylvania (late April - mid-May) nymphs (immatures) are found on smaller plants and vines and new growth of trees and shrubs. Third and fourth instar nymphs migrate to the tree of heaven and are observed feeding on trunks and branches. Trees may be found with sap weeping from the wounds caused by the insect’s feeding. The sugary secretions (excrement) created by this insect may coat the host plant, later leading to the growth of sooty mold. Insects such as wasps, hornets, bees, and ants may also be attracted to the sugary waste created by the lanternflies, or sap weeping from open wounds in the host plant. Host plants have been described as giving off a fermented odor when this insect is present. Adults are present by the middle of July in Pennsylvania and begin laying eggs by late September and continue laying eggs through late November and even early December in that state. Adults may be found on the trunks of trees such as the tree of heaven or other host plants growing in close proximity to them. Egg masses of this insect are gray in color and look similar to gypsy moth egg masses.

Host plants, bricks, stone, lawn furniture, recreational vehicles, and other smooth surfaces can be inspected for egg masses. Egg masses laid on outdoor residential items such as those listed above may pose the greatest threat for spreading this insect via human aided movement. For more information about the spotted lanternfly, visit this fact sheet: https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/spotted-lanternfly

• Tuliptree Aphid: Illinoia liriodendri is a species of aphid associated with the tuliptree wherever it is grown. (They may at times also feed on magnolia, according to reports.) The tuliptree aphid was seen feeding on the undersides of leaves on 7/9/18 in Amherst, MA. Depending upon local temperatures, these aphids may be present from mid-June through early fall. Large populations can develop by late summer. Some leaves, especially those in the outer canopy, may brown and drop from infested trees prematurely. The most significant impact these aphids can have is typically the resulting honeydew, or sugary excrement, which may be present in excessive amounts and coat leaves and branches, leading to sooty mold growth. This honeydew may also make a mess of anything beneath the tree. Wingless adults are approximately 1/8 inch in length, oval, and can range in color from pale green to yellow. There are several generations per year. This is a native insect. If management is deemed necessary, select options that will preserve natural enemies, as ladybeetles and other beneficial insects are often associated with the tuliptree aphid.
• Twolined Chestnut Borer: Agrilus bilineatus is a native jewel beetle (also known as a flatheaded borer) in the Family Buprestidae. This insect is in the same genus as the invasive emerald ash borer. The twolined chestnut borer is native to Massachusetts, much of New England, and the eastern United States. This species has one generation per year and adults are typically active from April – August, depending upon location and temperature. Adults will conduct some maturation feeding on oak prior to mating. Females will lay clusters of tiny eggs in the cracks and crevices of bark. Larvae hatch from the eggs in 1-2 weeks and burrow through the bark into the cambium, where they feed in a similar manner to the emerald ash borer, creating meandering galleries as they feed. (The galleries of the twolined chestnut borer can be straight in very stressed trees.) Larvae typically mature August through October and burrow to the outer bark where they create a chamber in which they overwinter. Pupation occurs the following spring and adults emerge through D-shaped exit holes that are approximately 1/5 inch wide. In the northern extent of this insect’s range, they can take 2 years to complete their life cycle. Larvae of this insect have been recorded from eastern white oak, common post oak, burr oak, scarlet oak, northern red oak, and eastern black oak. Adults have been recorded on fir and pin oak. In the case of an individual adult twolined chestnut borer observed on 6/7/18 in Amherst, MA, it was lingering on an elm leaf. There are oaks nearby, so this could just be happenstance as the insect searches for a suitable host.These insects are attracted to stressed host plants and typically become a secondary factor in the decline of the tree.
• Two-Spotted Spider Mite: Tetranychus urticae is a “warm-season” mite that loves hot and dry weather, which may favor the quick reproduction and build-up of this pest. Management should seek to preserve beneficial predatory mites. Monitor susceptible hosts (elm, maple, redbud, ash, black locust, tuliptree, and many deciduous shrubs) for increasing numbers of these mites until mid-August. Mites will be found on the undersides of leaves and cause stippling of the foliage.
• Viburnum Leaf Beetle: Pyrrhalta viburni is a beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is native to Europe, but was found in Massachusetts in 2004. Viburnum leaf beetle egg hatch was observed in Boston, MA on 5/4/2018. By early to mid-June, Viburnum leaf beetle larvae will crawl down the host plant, enter the soil surface, and pupate. This typically occurs when the larvae are just under ½ inch in length. After pupation, by early-July, adult beetleswill emerge from the soil and begin feeding on Viburnum foliageagain prior to mating and laying eggs. Viburnum leaf beetle adults are currently very active in Amherst, MA (observed on 8/6/18), spending their days mating and feeding. Adult females are laying the eggs that will overwinter in pits chewed in host plant stems (toward the terminals) and covered with a cap of chewed bark. This beetle feeds exclusively on many different species of Viburnum, which includes, but is not limited to, susceptible plants such as V. dentatum, V. nudum, V. opulus, V. propinquum, and V. rafinesquianum. Larvae, where they are present, may be treated with a product containing spinosad. Some Viburnum have been observed to have varying levels of resistance to this insect, including but not limited to V. bodnantense, V. carlesii, V. davidii, V. plicatum, V. rhytidophyllum, V. setigerum, and V. sieboldii. More information about Viburnum leaf beetle may be found at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/

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

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

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

Plant of the Week

Blooming now and covered with pollinators!  "Silphium perfoliatum, the cup plant or cup-plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to eastern and central North America." from Wikipedia

Bridgit Litchfield reporting for Mandy Bayer

---

Additional Resources

To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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

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 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