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Ornamentals and Turf |
During the first week of April, we received reports of active imported willow leaf beetle adults in Wake County. We are now seeing egg-laying. The imported willow leaf beetle closely resembles a lady beetle. The adult beetles overwinter outdoors and emerge from their hibernation sites in Spring. They feed for a while before the females begin to lay eggs. Soon larvae hatch and all stages of the beetle can be found. The larvae skeletonize leaves. One reason the beetles seem to come back after treatment with pesticides is pesticides may not kill the eggs so that after treatment additional larvae hatch to carry on the family tradition. Another reason may be the beetles do not all emerge from their hibernating quarters on the same day. Thus, the trees may be reinfested after the pesticide treatment has eliminated the insects from the tree. This beetle can strip a tree of a lot of leaves during a season, but is not likely to kill the tree. Sevin and Orthene are two choices of pesticides if chemical treatment is desired. More than one application may be needed. There is additional information on the biology and control of beetles in Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 24.
Tent caterpillars have been hatching and webbing the crotches of cherry, crabapple, and similar trees. On a daily basis, the caterpillars leave the protection of the tent web to consume leaves. Chemicals may be used, but simple physical destruction of the webs (without the use of fire) is effective. Remember, this is NOT the fall webworm that occurs in late Summer and Fall.
Asian ambrosia beetle activity began about three weeks ago in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Trap catches to date across the state have been light. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 111 contains images of this insect. This note was updated this year to include the most recent information on biology and management of this pest.
Don't worry about Japanese beetles, they are not active yet! Recent research in Kentucky evaluated the role of companion plants on Japanese beetle density and damage to landscape roses. None of the tested plants were effective in reducing beetle levels. The researchers observed that roses interplanted with geraniums actually had higher beetle densities. The research paper is accessible on the web at the following location: http://esa.edoc.com/server-java/Propub/esa/ec-v96n1.contents. The article begins on page 81. Click on Free PDF to download the paper.
Despite the cold winter and the wet spring there is already a lot happening in turfgrass. First, is the emergence of the solitary bees. These bees individually build nest in areas of turfgrass, especially areas that are thin and create small unsightly mounds of soil. The bees are not aggressive and the mounds usually disappear in a few weeks. Insecticide treatments are usually not necessary and are generally ineffective.
Fire ants have also become quite active recently. The Spring mating flights are primed and ready to go which helps spread the infestation on a localized basis. Consider all treatment options and make sure you look at the excellent web site at Texas A&M University. It contains a lot of very good information relative to the development of an effective fire ant management program. Also, frequently check the TurfFiles web site at North Carolina State University. It contains a lot of pertinent information, frequent pest updates, and publications. This web site received over a million hits in 2002.
Finally, watch for cutworms in turfgrass. This is the time of year cutworms get started.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on April 21, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.
