Volume 5, No.3, May 8, 1998
Nancy Cook and Todd Schongalla, Westchester County CCE
Well, once again, weather seems to be the chief topic of interest and discussion in the Hudson Valley this spring. After an extremely warm winter with almost no snow (had it not been for that last storm in March we would have had the winter with the least amount of snow on record) we have now had a few weeks of ups and downs which have the plants and people wondering which end is up. After four days of summer like temperatures, in the mid to high 80's in Westchester, we had a period of the winter's coldest temperatures. Many complained of totally fried bulbs, daffodils in the lower parts of the region, crocus in the northern reaches. All the flowering woody plants got pushed along and then either stalled or passed quickly. Buds on some woodies broke before dormant sprays could be applied, and large numbers of insects appeared in a matter of a day or two. We even had reports of Cedar Apple rust on Juniper weeks ahead of schedule. Just after the extremely hot weather, we received many calls about Pachysandra problems. The samples we saw all showed extensive symptoms of scorch. We are all wondering what all this erratic weather will mean in terms of insect and disease problems this spring and summer. We are receiving calls on arborvitae leafminer in record numbers this year.
Here in Westchester, Todd Schongalla and the NY State Turf and Landscape Association are finishing up the Certified Landscape Technician program for this spring. NYSTLA has been designed by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America as the official CLT test administrator in NY, and the test will be given for the second time April 25. A six week series of training sessions was held this spring to help applicants to prepare for the exam, and the sessions focused on topics such as irrigation basics, occupational safety and first aid, plan reading and math for contractors, pesticides and fertilizers, soils, planting and pruning and turf management. The test itself consists of two parts, a written exam and a practical test of landscape knowledge and skills. The successful applicant receives the Certified Landscape Technician designation. CLT is a national testing program with over 6000 CLT's now certified in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces. The CLT designation allows the public to identify qualified landscape technicians.
This year the Horticulture Program of the Hudson Valley conducted a series of training sessions for garden center employees. Approximately 50 people took three 1/2 day classes in basic horticulture techniques and practices, and completed homework assignments and tests. It is very encouraging to see nursery and garden center owners investing in their employees in this way. Everyone benefits from this sort of educational program.
Walt Nelson, Chemung County Cooperative Extension
Wow! The growing season is out of the starting gate and well into the first turn. Landscape managers that relied on the calendar for starting their season's work were behind from the start this year. Growing degree information available elsewhere in this newsletter (and several other sources) is an invaluable resource for pest management decision making.
Most South Central New observers agree that the past winter was mild and certainly deficient in snow cover. With that in mind, I would have expected good survival of marginally hardy plants. The indicator plants I use as a measure of winter severity are in a small collection of bamboo. These plants did not fair well. Thinking back I believe the fluctuating temperatures are the cause of the dieback I observe now. I learn several lessons from this observation include selecting plants suitable for the site. My location is really not appropriate for growing the bamboo I have. Winter injury is caused by a combination of elements. Absolute temperature and when it occurs is only one element. Drying winter wind, what ever the temperatures, desiccate foliage and kill plants holding winter foliage. The condition of the plants as they enter the winter also spells life or death for some plants. Healthy plants are survivors.
I believe the stress of an open winter is the underlying cause of the large number pachysandra leaf blight (Volutella) infections and euonymus scale infestations observed now on this ground cover. Proper site selection is key to this disease's management. Too much sun stresses the plant and encourages the disease. Dense plant stands and poor air circulation also foster leaf blight development.
I firmly believe regular scouting would prevent the level of scale infestation I have seen on both pachysandra and euonymus this year. Early identification and spot treatment would clean up the plants before heavy populations cover the plants. Although there are effective chemical management strategies, a good scouting program would preclude wide applications of these materials.
Plantation and landscape Douglas-fir had early sightings of Cooley spruce gall adelgid. We saw them in time for the early treatment window. For those who may have missed them until now, there may be time if you have accumulated less than 200 GDD. Otherwise, treatment is delayed until later in the summer.
While out with Master Gardener volunteers March 16 we found an unidentified looper hanging from his silk in an ornamental crab. We did learn there are loopers that overwinter as larvae. This one certainly had a while to wait for young edible foliage.
The same plantings of juniper again show symptoms of Kabatina infection this spring. This naked eye look alike to Phomopsis infects mature growth. A diagnostic lab can discern the difference between the two diseases. The bad news about Kabatina is chemical management not reported, to my knowledge. I prune out diseased branches. I rely on when and where on the plant I see one of these diseases in making a diagnosis for treatment. Infection of new growth during the growing season is likely caused by Phomopsis. Observation of dead foliage this time of the year, that entered the winter with no obvious signs of disease is probably infected with Kabatina.
Scouting does not cost; it pays dividends!
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