Issue no. 3 of the Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter is now available

IN THIS ISSUE:

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Bridalwreath Spirea and Insect Management

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=569

Bridal wreath spirea, or Vanhoutte spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei), is blooming in throughout the state. This is a major phenology plant in Don Orton's book Coincide. With phenology, stages of plant development (usually bloom time) are used to predict stages in pest development. This method is more accurate than using calendar dates because the plant is exposed to the same climatic conditions as the insect.

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Hydrangea Leaftier

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=570

Hydrangea leaftier, Olethreutes ferriferana, has been noticeable in central Illinois and is present in other areas of the state. Damage appears as two to four cupped leaves tied together with silk at the end of a branch. An attacked plant will typically have ten to twenty of these cupped leaf sets. Pulling the leaves apart reveals a slender greenish caterpillar up to one-half inch long with a blackish head.

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Euonymus Caterpillar

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=571

Euonymus caterpillars are numerous in northeastern Illinois. This insect rarely occurs in Illinois south of Kankakee or west of Rockford. Its main host in Illinois is European euonymus, Euonymus europaea. It is listed as also attacking spreading euonymus, E. kiautschovicus, and winged euonymus, E. alatus; but I have not received reports of it feeding on those hosts. European euonymus is a slender, large shrub to small tree.

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Azalea Sawfly

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=572

There are three sawfly species that commonly attack azaleas, two in the spring and one in the summer. We are apparently currently seeing Amauronematus azaleae. There is one generation per year with the adults emerging to lay eggs on expanding leaves in the spring. The larvae are feeding at this time in central Illinois and apparently prefer mollis hybrid azaleas, which are deciduous. Nearby evergreen azaleas are not attacked.

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Dealing with Tree Seedlings in the Lawn and Landscape

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=573

The maples are currently on a mission to reforest the Earth.  The ash, cherry, and mulberry trees are often on the same mission. What can you do?

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Modified Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F,  March 1 through May 15)

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=574

Insect development is temperature dependent. We can use degree days to help predict insect emergence and activity. Home, Yard, and Garden readers can use the links below with the degree day accumulations above to determine what insect pests could be active in their area.

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Emerald Ash Borer Emergence Approaching

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=575

Historically, as we approach the Memorial Day weekend, we begin to be aware of the possibility of emerald ash borer (EAB) emergence.  Emerald ash borer emergence is predicted to begin when the accumulation of degree days reach 450—500. Several areas of the state have reached or are closing in on that threshold.

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Illinois Invasive Plant Phenology Report

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=576

Several invasive plant experts from around the state have started a new series or reports focusing on the phenology of invasive plants in Illinois. The intent of these reports is to provide an update on the development of invasive plants across the state of Illinois – what plants are in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, or senescing in different areas of the state.

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Impatiens Downy Mildew

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=577

Impatiens Downy Mildew (IDM) continues to threaten one of the most popular shade-tolerant bedding plants used in American landscapes. At one point, impatiens was the number one bedding plant sold in the United States. However, as a result of IDM, many growers have opted to cut back on the number of impatiens grown or avoid them all together.

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Basil Downy Mildew in 2014

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=578

A sample of basil from Wisconsin was diagnosed with downy mildew last week at the University of Illinois Plant Clinic. Basil downy mildew was a serious problem last year and, depending on the weather, we may be seeing more of it in 2014. This pathogen affects both homeowners growing a few basil plants for fresh harvest, and the producers who cultivate commercial basil in Illinois.

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USDA Empowers Citizens with the Knowledge to Prevent Invasive Pests

Contact:
Greg Rosenthal (301) 851-4054
Gregory.J.Rosenthal@aphis.usda.gov
Suzanne Bond (301) 851-4070
Suzanne.M.Bond@aphis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2014—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today proclaimed April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. Each year during April, USDA amplifies its public outreach about the risks that invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds pose to America's crops and forests—and how the public can prevent their spread. These non-native, destructive species can seriously harm the economy, environment, or even human health.

“Invasive species threaten the health and profitability of U.S. agriculture and forestry, and the many jobs these sectors support,” said Kevin Shea, Administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). “To protect that crucial value, USDA and its partners work hard every day to keep invasive pests and diseases out of the United States and to control those that may slip in. This April, we’re asking all Americans to be our partners in this critical work.”

Invasive plant pests and diseases can jeopardize entire industries such as U.S. citrus or hardwood timber. For just one disease— huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening), in one state, Florida—the losses are alarming: more than $4.5 billion in lost citrus production from the 2006/07 to 2010/11 production seasons. One invasive pest, the emerald ash borer beetle, has destroyed tens of millions of American ash trees in our forests and communities. Scientists have estimated the cost of all invasive species to all economic sectors to be approximately $120 billion yearly.

With stakes this high, public awareness and action become key elements in protecting America’s agricultural and natural resources. APHIS created its Hungry Pests public outreach program to empower Americans with the knowledge they need to leave these “hungry pests” behind. For instance, invasive pests can hitchhike in and on the things we move and pack, such as firewood, plants, fruits and vegetables, outdoor furniture and agricultural products ordered online.

So this April, APHIS is asking Americans to visit HungryPests.com to learn what invasive plant pests and diseases are in their state or threaten it. Get information about damaging pests that USDA and its partners are combatting right now, especially tree-killing pests that are are beginning to emerge this spring and into the summer. Be on the lookout for the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, which starve trees to death by boring into them and eating their insides. Keep an eye out for the gypsy moth, whose hungry caterpillars can strip trees and bushes bare. Not all tree threats are insects; sudden oak death disease, caused by a fungus-like organism, can kill many types of trees as well as many landscape plants, such as camellias and rhododendrons.

Most importantly, learn the “Seven Ways to Leave Hungry Pests Behind,” such as buying firewood where you burn it, or only moving treated firewood if you must bring it with you. Such simple actions could save a forest or an entire industry from devastation by invasive species. Individual citizens play a vital role. This month, be on the lookout for videos, articles and social media buzz on invasive species and how to stop their spread. Start by joining the conversation on the Hungry Pests Facebook Page.

For its part, APHIS has numerous partners at the federal, state, county and local levels, and at universities and nongovernmental organizations. Through its many safeguarding activities abroad, on the border and across the country, APHIS helps to ensure a diverse natural ecosystem and an abundant and healthy food supply for all Americans. Please join us in the effort to protect these vital resources.

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Note to Reporters: USDA news releases, program announcements and media advisories are available on the Internet and through Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds. Go to the APHIS news release page at www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom and click on the RSS feed link.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write:
USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call
(800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Invasive Plant Fact Sheets for Homeowners

The Northeast Illinois Invasive Plant Partnership has added some new invasive plant fact sheets. New factsheets on Asian bittersweet, Callery pear, Japanese barberry, Norway maple, wild chervil, and burning bush can be found on their website.

Northwest Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team

Here’s a great article from Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation on the Northwest Illinois Invasive Species Strike Team.

“In February of 2013 the Northwest Illinois Strike Team (NWST) began controlling and monitoring of invasive plant species in State designated nature preserves, natural areas, and lands adjacent to natural areas in six northwest Illinois counties…”

You can find the full article and a link to the detailed annual report at:

http://illinoisisam.blogspot.com/2014/03/forest-health-programs-of-us-forest.html

[MIPN] Invasive Plants in Trade Webinar Series kicks off with talk on Callery pear

The Midwest Invasive Plant Network is starting a new webinar series on Invasive Plants in Trade.  The goal is to provide opportunities for information exchange and discussion about the issues related to ornamental plants becoming invasive in natural areas.  We encourage participants from green industry and from conservation or natural resource backgrounds to join in these free webinars to learn and share. 

The first webinar in the series will be a talk by Dr. Theresa Culley, professor at the University of Cincinnati, sharing her work on the spread and ecological impacts of Callery pear in Ohio.  

Please join on April 15 from 2:00-3:00 Eastern/1:00-2:00 Central.  No registration is required.

To join the webinar on April 15, follow the link below and make sure the volume is turned on for your computer’s speakers.

Meeting Name:  Invasive Plants in Trade: Callery Pear
Summary: Theresa Culley, University of Cincinnati will share the latest research on the spread and ecological impacts of Callery Pear in Ohio.
Invited By: Katherine M Howe (howek@purdue.edu)
When:  04/15/2014 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Time Zone:  (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada)

To join the meeting:
https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/callerypear/

North American Invasive Plant Short Course Hosting Webinars

Once again, the North American Invasive Plant Short Course will be hosting webinars.

The series kicks off with Matt Chew from Arizona State University on February 6^th with a webinar where he will discuss the importance of accurately describing plants and whether we should really be calling them invasive species. 

Complete information, along with the full list of dates and topics can be found on their website.

 

Invasive Plant Symposium Talks Now Available Online

Midwest Invasive Plant Network is pleased to announce that many of the talks given at theMIPN/OIPC Invasive Plant Symposium last December are now available to view on our website.  We had a variety of great sessions that included

 ·         New Tools and Technology for Invasive Species Reporting and Information Sharing

·         Strategies for Outreach on Invasive Ornamental Plants

·         Invasive Plant Management

·         Assessing Invasiveness of Invasive Plants

·         Asian Bush Honeysuckle: Recent Advances in Research and Control

See our Proceedings/Presentations page for links to presentations that may interest you.