Stephen J. Toth, Jr. and Thomas A. Melton, editors
Volume 18, Number 7, May 30, 2003

Ornamentals and Turf

From: Stephen B. Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Like a scene from Yasgur's farm (Woodstock), masses of boxelder bugs gather, but not for reasons of peace, love and music. Boxelder bugs feed on the seeds of boxelder trees and to a lesser extent on the seeds of maples and ash trees. Sometimes these bugs can become abundant. However, when boxelder bugs annoy people year after year it is usually because they have a female boxelder tree in the yard or nearby. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 40 provides additional information on boxelder bugs. Boxelder bugs are a more frequent complaint later in the season, but it is not uncommon to receive complaints at this time of year. If desired, any pesticide should be directed onto the bugs to kill them, not onto the tree or non-infested parts of the house.

From: Christine A. Casey, Extension Entomologist

The federal Food Quality Protection Act continues to impact ornamental plant production. As you may know, the pyrethroid insecticides are scheduled for review this year. In an effort to avoid federal restricted-use labeling for Astro (permethrin), the registrant has deleted references to field- and container-grown nursery stock, nurseries, Christmas trees, and pine tree plantations/orchards on its new label. It is still labeled for greenhouse use. There has been much discussion among the ornamentals entomologists as to what this means, since the label still includes trees and shrubs but nurseries have been removed from the site list. The feeling is that it is up to the interpretation of each state's regulatory agency. I am checking with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (the pesticide regulatory agency in the state) for their interpretation.

So where do things stand now?

1. Any Astro product with the old label can still be used in nurseries.

2. Permethrin is still available for homeowner purchase.

3. What are other borer control options? Pretty limited. For Asian ambrosia beetle, other tested products are not as effective. Talstar will be a viable substitute in many cases. Merit (imidacloprid) is not effective against many borers (including ambrosia beetles and clearwing borers). Use of Merit is further complicated by the fact that the time required for uptake means it must be applied in advance of a problem.

4. There are new materials in development, but the registration dates and efficacy of these materials are unknown.

Those of you who have heard me speak about borer management know I have mentioned the idea of more comprehensive borer management as pesticides become more restricted. While we do not have all the answers for all borers, we do know that maintaining tree vigor is important. Avoid or reduce mechanical and physical injury to trees and root systems. Also, control foliar insects and mites to ensure minimal impact on photosynthesis.

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 June 2, 2003 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.