Issue 5 of Home, Yard, and Garden

IN THIS ISSUE:

=================================

Caterpillar Hunter

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=586

The large ground beetle Calosoma has been reported in the Bloomington and Joliet areas of the state. This 1.2-inch long beetle is broadly oval with long black legs and antennae. There are species with purple wing covers and others with bright metallic green wing covers that occur in Illinois. The ones being seen currently have green wing covers.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Black Cutworm

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=587

There have been large flights of black cutworm moths into Illinois for several weeks. This insect overwinters in the southern U.S., flying up into the state in the spring. There are several generations per year in Illinois. Golf course personnel should be on the lookout for black cutworm larval infestations in bentgrass, ryegrass, and fescue. They do not cause damage to Kentucky bluegrass as most larvae are unable to survive on it.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Invasive Species Spotlight: European Gypsy Moth

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=588

The European gypsy moth (EGM), Lymantria dispar, is a non-native moth that can attack up to 500 tree and shrub species. It is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United State. It is also present in the northern part of Illinois.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Modified Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F,  March 1 through May 29)

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=589

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 information in this article to determine what insect pests could be active in their area.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Giant Confusion: Giant Hogweed and Common Look-Alikes

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=590

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive plant from Asia and was likely introduced into the United States due to its use as a spice in foreign dishes.  This exotic, invasive has been identified in a couple of Illinois counties.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Anthracnose on Shade Trees: A Review of the Tolerable, the Bad, and the Ugly

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=591

Anthracnose samples are just beginning to show up at the Clinic this season. Conditions have been favorable this spring for the development of anthracnose on shade trees. Anthracnose is the disease name designated for a group of closely related pathogens which cause a variety of symptoms including leaf blight and deformation and cankers on stems and branches, though symptoms that develop depend on the tree that is infected. The occurrence of anthracnose on shade trees is favored by cool, wet springs. Anthracnose diseases can be hosted by a number of shade trees including sycamore, ash, and maple.

=================================

Issue 5 of the Home, Yard, and Garden Newsletter

Issue no. 5 of the Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter is now available on the Web. Point your browser to:

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu

IN THIS ISSUE:

=================================

Tree and Shrub Borers

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=471

Most borers attack trees that are under stress. Roundheaded beetle borers typically chew niches through the bark to lay their eggs, although flat-headed beetle borers lay their eggs in bark crevices and under loose bark flakes. Moth borers typically lay their eggs in pruning and other wounds. Healthy trees have enough sap flow that borer eggs are flushed out of niches and young borer larvae drown. It is thought that the internal sap pressure in healthy trees squashes soft-bodied borer larvae.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Scouting Watch

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=472

Several borers are susceptible to control at this time throughout the state. Roundheaded appletree borer, flatheaded appletree borer, peachtree borer, and viburnum borers are all susceptible to control.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Maple Blight Mania

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=473

This has been an interesting week at the Plant Clinic, with many samples and calls coming in regarding leaf blights on maple. The symptoms appear as brown to black spots and blotches on leaves, bordered by veins, as well as dark black blister spots and blotches that eventually take over the entire leaf.  Eventually, the leaves will drop from the tree, which can cause the tree's appearance to be very, unsightly, and can be alarming to homeowners.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Modified Growing Degree Days (Base 50°F,  March 1 through May 23)

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=474

Insect development is temperature dependent. Of particular interest this week, degree day accumulations are nearing or have reached levels where we could see the beginning of emerald ash borer adult emergence (450-500 DD). Peak adult emergence usually coincides with the accumulation of 1000 DD, which is still several weeks off.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Is It Giant Hogweed?

http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=475

Giant Hogweed is an invasive, exotic plant that has been found in a couple of locations in Illinois. As the summer season quickly approaches, the inquiries I receive about possible giant hogweed sightings begin to increase. Often, this invasive is confused with a very similar looking cow parsnip.

=================================

Giant Hogweed Identification and Comparison to Cow Parsnip

A very nice video from the Greater Vancouver Invasive Plant Council on the differences between giant hogweed and cow parsnip.

Take measures to prevent spread of invasive species while enjoying nature

by CHRIS YOUNG

GateHouse Media Illinois

Posted May 04, 2013 @ 07:21 PM

When it comes to preventing the spread of invasive species, people who love the outdoors should take steps to be sure they are not part of the problem.

Many invasive species — defined as plants and animals that can cause economic and ecological harm — crowd out native species and can be difficult to control.

Chris Evans, invasive species campaign coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said people need to learn to identify invasive species and help prevent their spread.

“One thing they can do is familiarize themselves with the invasives,” Evans said. “Learn what is in your area.”
One example is Japanese stilt grass, an annual that is a major invader of forests in southern Illinois.
Evans said the plant is making its way northward, probably because seeds are carried on boots, all-terrain vehicles and even horses.

“We re trying to get people to watch for it,” he said.

Officials in Illinois are keeping a close eye on hydrilla, an aquatic plant.

Photo via Wikipedia:

Hydrilla verticillata collection LakeSeminoleFL.jpg

“It’s not here yet,” Evans said. “But it is pretty abundant south and east and is showing up a few places in the Midwest. It can just dominate in a reservoir or aquatic system.”

It was once sold as an aquarium plant, according to www.protectyourwaters.net.

So great is the threat that a task force has been formed to plan a response should hydrilla appear in Illinois.
Like another invasive aquatic plant, Eurasian water milfoil, it spreads by plant fragments that can hitch a ride on boats.

As temperatures warm and people head outside, Evans said people should clean their shoes and equipment (including boats) before moving from one site to another.

For landowners who don’t know if they have a problem, Evans suggests a visit to a local University of Illinois Extension or U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service office. Local staff members will be familiar with problem plants in your area.

“If they don’t know the answer to your question, they will know who to ask,” Evans said.
Some of the invaders are in the news frequently — the advance of Asian carp is one familiar example. But carp and plants aren’t the only invaders....read more

Invasive Species Spotlight: Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Giant Hogweed is a recent exotic weed introduced into the Illinois landscape. It can degrade natural landscapes and possesses health risks to people.

This plant is native to the Caucasus Mountains along the border between Europe and Asia. It was exported and used in the 19th century as an ornamental plant in Europe because of its unusual growth and features. Now it is thoroughly established in England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia. In North America it has been found in Ontario, British Columbia, Maine, Maryland New York, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, and recently in Northeastern Illinois in Lake and Cook Counties. This species is now on the Federal List of Noxious Weeds and illegal to propagate, sell, or transport in the US.

Giant Hogweed, also know as Giant Cow-parsley, belongs in the carrot or parsley family (Apiaceae). It has several look-a-likes including Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea), and Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) all common plants found in Illinois. Although many of these plants may look like Giant Hogweed at first glance none of them get to be as large or have its exaggerated characteristics.

This biennial or short lived perennial can grow up to 10 -15 ft tall. It has enormous compound leaves, up to 5 ft wide on the bottom sets, with 3 deeply incised leaflets. Thick stems are from 2 to 4 in thick, hollow and covered in purple blotches and course white hairs. The easiest stage of identification of Giant Hogweed is in its flowering stage. Numerous small white flowers are born in June or July in large flat-topped umbels up to 2½ ft across. After the flowers produce their seeds by late-summer the plant dies back to the thick taproot. Its stem may persist throughout the winter.



It can typically be found growing in rich moist soils of flood plains, streambanks, and roadsides. Colonies can be established quickly that outcompete and displace native plants and cause increased erosion along streambanks.


In addition to being a noxious weed Giant Hogweed can be harmful to humans. Within the plant is a sap containing furocoumarins that when in contact with skin and exposed to ultraviolet rays can lead to severe burning and blistering. It is very important to wear gloves when handling this plant and to also avoid smoke if this plant is being burned nearby.
a href

Thursday's Invasive Threat to Illinois: Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed introduced into North America in the 1900’s. Previous to the positive identification in Illinois, this weed has been found in 14 other states including Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. It is listed as a federal noxious weed and is illegal to bring into the United States or bring across state lines. It has been planted as an ornamental in the United States and may have also been brought into the counry for its fruit which is used as a spice (golmar) in Iranian cooking.

Identification
Giant hogweed is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant which grows to a height between 8 and 15 feet tall. It can have a taproot or fibrous root system. Its stems are hollow, between 2 and 4 inches in diameter, with dark reddish-purple splotches and coarse white hairs. Leaves are compound, lobed, deeply incised and may grow up to 5 feet in width. Flowers appear in mid-May through July. Characteristic of the carrot family, the flower heads are umbrella-shaped, up to 2 ½ feet in diameter across a flat top with numerous small flowers. The plant produces flattened, oval shapes seeds about ⅜ inch long and tan with brown lines.

Giant hogweed is commonly confused with several other plants. Cow parsnip, poison hemlock, and angelica are commonly mistaken for giant hogweed. The two sites listed below offer descriptions and comparisons between giant hogweed and look-a-like plants.

Hogweed Look-Alikes
Giant Hogweed and Similar Species


Environmental and Public Health Hazards
Due to its highly competitive and aggressive nature, giant hogweed is likely to naturalize in many areas where it was first introduced. Plants do well in many habitats can quickly dominate an area.

This plant poses not only an environmental, but also a public health hazard. Its clear, watery sap is capable of causing photodermatitis. The plant sap produces painful, burning blisters or even painless red blotches that may turn purple over time and persist for a year or more. For an adverse reaction to occur, the skin must come in contact with the sap, must be moist (perspiration), and then exposed to sunlight.



Control
Mowing, cutting, or weed whacking are not recommended control strategies due to the plants large perennial roots system and its ability to set new growth. These measures also increase the chance of homeowners coming in contact with the plant’s sap.

Digging up the plants is one of the most effective non-chemical methods of control of giant hogweed. Protective clothing should be worn when working near this plant, including protective eye gear, rubber clothes, long sleeves, and pants. Multiple efforts may be required to completely control hogweed with this method. Cut the plants below the ground and try to remove tap roots to prevent regrowth. Continue to monitor the area for emerging plants.

Applying glyphosate is an option for chemical control. This is a systemic herbicide that is absorbed by the leaves and will move into the root system to prevent regrowth the following year. This is a broadspectrum herbicide, be careful to avoid spraying any desirable plants. The optimum time for application is during the summer months when the plant is green and actively growing. The herbicide will take time to work, so it may take up to a week for symptoms to appear. Repeated applications may be necessary. There are several home-use glyphosate products available. Please follow all label instructions.

For more information and photos

Invasive Species.Org Fact Sheet
Species Profile from InvasiveSpeciesInfo.Gov
Giant Hogweed in Connecticut
Giant Hogweed in Massachusetts

Photos are property of www.invasive.org