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Ornamentals and Turf |
The four year phase-out has finally phased out. EPA just announced the issuance of an immediate cancellation order " ... as requested by registrants, of all outdoor non-agricultural end-use products containing diazinon ... Any distribution, sale, or use of the products subject to this cancellation order is only permitted in accordance with the terms of the existing stocks provisions of this cancellation order ..." Effective "immediately". EPA OPPTS OPP Contact: Stephanie Plummer, Special Review and Reregistration Division at: telephone: 703-305-0076; e-mail: Plummer.Stephanie@EPA.gov. EPA August 11 Federal Register.
Stop sale is December 31, 2004. Use of existing stocks will be permitted.
Boxelder bugs may still be seen this Fall. 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. When boxelder bugs annoy people year after year it is usually because they have a female boxelder tree nearby. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 40 provides additional information on boxelder bugs. If desired, any insecticide should be directed onto the bugs to kill them, not onto the tree or non-infested parts of the house.
There once were some bugs named boxelder,
Who sometimes sought homes for a shelter.
The black and red masses
Didn't bite or pass gasses,
They ate seeds of Acer that dwelt near.
Fall armyworms continue to be a major concern over much of the state. The problem is most likely going to become more serious through the rest of August and all the way through September. Watch for them especially in areas that have security lights at night, new sod, new springs, or any new plantings. A soapy water flush is the best way to detect them early, before they d a lot of damage.
Several publications on fall armyworms and more information can be found on the web at: http://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu. We hope to include video footage that illustrates how to soap flush the worms to the surface. Fall armyworms are more difficult to control than caterpillars such as cutworms and best control is obtained when the worms are still small. Therefore using the soapy water flush at the first sign of possible damage or the presence of a lot of birds in turf (often a sure sign of caterpillars) is very important. Damage often begins along the edge of the turf area.
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 August 23, 2004 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.