Watch for Possible Broadleaf Lawn Herbicide Injury to Trees
Damage to trees due to broadleaf lawn herbicides is a rare event; but when it does occur, it can create a lot of anxiety and customer dissatisfaction. This year, damage has been observed on certain tree species (primarily Norway spruce and white pine) following spring applications of a new herbicide called Imprelis. Pete Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science, recently provided an update on this situation. Here’s a brief summary of his report.
Effects on trees:
First, not all applications of Imprelis result in tree injury. The recently observed injury seems to be related to the soaking spring rains we experienced in April and May. We are not aware of any tree injury following fall applications.
In cases where injury did occur, symptoms to Norway spruce began as yellowing, curling, and browning of the current season’s growth. In some cases, injury does not progress much further than slight curling and browning of new growth; however, in other cases complete dieback is observed. In severe cases, the entire tree turns brown and begins to lose its needles. Trees of all ages have been affected to varying degrees. White pine injury appears as severe twisting and curling followed by needle drop of the new season’s growth. Because of the spiral pattern of the vascular system in many conifers, damage from herbicide uptake may even appear as a spiral on foliage.
What can be done about injured trees?
Since a number of factors can cause symptoms similar to Imprelis injury it’s important to make sure tree injury is a result of herbicide uptake. Call a qualified arborist or bring in samples to your local Penn State Extension office.
In cases where injury is clearly herbicide induced, do not fertilize trees for at least one growing season (excess growth can compound injury). If drought begins to set in, watering to alleviate stress may be useful on trees that received slight to moderate damage. Place a soaker hose on the soil near the trunk of injured Norway spruce trees that have low hanging branches. This allows slow irrigation of the soil directly under the tree, and reduces the risk of additional active ingredient being taken up by the tree. On trees with dieback, pruning should be delayed for up to a year to fully assess the extent of the damage, and to allow for recovery.
Penn State Cooperative Extension will provide updates as more information becomes available. To find the latest updates go to http://extension.psu.edu/ and search on the term Imprelis.
To read Dr. Landschoot’s full article go to http://extension.psu.edu/greenindustry/giec/news/2011/some-observations-on-imprelis-injury-to-trees Or contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Earwigs
There are many superstitions; some are amusing if we give them thought. Like: a rabbits foot will bring good luck, but not if you are the bunny. And who hasn’t thought about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Some superstitions are curious, but most people won’t tempt fate. How many people take an elevator to the thirteenth floor? And who hasn’t seen that famous TV host/cook throw salt over her shoulder when she is in the kitchen prepping a meal?
Superstitions have led to the naming of a common insect found in the garden, and even your house, the earwig. The widespread lore of this bug is that it was thought to crawl into the ear of sleeping people, then bore into the brain. The name Earwig means “ear creature” coming from this superstition.
The most distinguishing physical feature of the earwig is the claw-like forceps on the end of the abdomen. Earwigs use their forceps mainly as protective weapons, but they also use them to capture prey. These pincers are straight on the female, and curved on the male insects.
While they are not brain invaders, they will enter the home by hitching a ride on laundry baskets, cut flowers and plants, newspapers, and fruits and vegetables. They will migrate indoors to find protection from prolonged heat and drought.
Prevention is the best and first line of defense to keep the earwig out of the home. They are attracted to lights, so minimizing the use of exterior lighting, if feasible, is a good way to start. Earwigs need, and are very attracted to, moisture. These scavengers are nocturnal, so they may be hard to notice during the day but are present around foundations, in mulch, under boards, etc. Be sure to eliminate damp, moist conditions around the house, such as under faucets and air conditioning units and around the foundation. Use caulking and weather stripping around doors, windows, pipes and other entry sites. Gravel or ornamental stones can be used to make a dry border, and act as an attractive barrier against earwigs. These steps will serve as an inhibitor to the earwig as well as other pests.
If pesticides are used, please read and follow all the directions. Be certain to choose a product labeled for use on earwigs. For more information on earwigs please contact the Penn State Master Gardner Helpline at 570-963-6842 or email: LackawannaMG@psu.edu to request a copy of our fact sheet on this insect.
Superstitions have led to the naming of a common insect found in the garden, and even your house, the earwig. The widespread lore of this bug is that it was thought to crawl into the ear of sleeping people, then bore into the brain. The name Earwig means “ear creature” coming from this superstition.
The most distinguishing physical feature of the earwig is the claw-like forceps on the end of the abdomen. Earwigs use their forceps mainly as protective weapons, but they also use them to capture prey. These pincers are straight on the female, and curved on the male insects.
While they are not brain invaders, they will enter the home by hitching a ride on laundry baskets, cut flowers and plants, newspapers, and fruits and vegetables. They will migrate indoors to find protection from prolonged heat and drought.
Prevention is the best and first line of defense to keep the earwig out of the home. They are attracted to lights, so minimizing the use of exterior lighting, if feasible, is a good way to start. Earwigs need, and are very attracted to, moisture. These scavengers are nocturnal, so they may be hard to notice during the day but are present around foundations, in mulch, under boards, etc. Be sure to eliminate damp, moist conditions around the house, such as under faucets and air conditioning units and around the foundation. Use caulking and weather stripping around doors, windows, pipes and other entry sites. Gravel or ornamental stones can be used to make a dry border, and act as an attractive barrier against earwigs. These steps will serve as an inhibitor to the earwig as well as other pests.
If pesticides are used, please read and follow all the directions. Be certain to choose a product labeled for use on earwigs. For more information on earwigs please contact the Penn State Master Gardner Helpline at 570-963-6842 or email: LackawannaMG@psu.edu to request a copy of our fact sheet on this insect.
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Pollinator Friendly Gardens
Bees and other pollinators are hard workers, and that one-in-three bites of the food we eat is a direct result of their efforts?!
Pollinating insects play a vital role in Pennsylvania agriculture, and George Greig, Secretary of the PA Department of Agriculture, helped break ground on a pollinator –friendly garden at PDA’s headquarters in Harrisburg in celebration of ‘Pollinator Week’ June 20-26. The garden, which will be planted near an existing water retention garden, will be a habitat for pollinators like bees, beetles, flies, moths and butterflies.
Farmers depend on the work of these insects to pollinate 80 percent of the world’s crops, valued at more than $76 million each year in PA. In recent years, pollinator populations have declined for a number of reasons, from the loss of suitable habitat to pathogens and pesticides.
Pennsylvanians can and should play a role in pollinator protection by becoming backyard or small-scale beekeepers, planting pollinator-friendly gardens or increasing the use of native plants in gardenscapes. With your help, pollinators can continue to set fruit and produce seeds for the future!
Find out how you can help bees and other pollinators thrive by certifying your garden as pollinator friendly. To learn more about this program run by Penn State Master Gardeners visit our website at http://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/public-outreach/cert/Cert-steps-main Or contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu And look for updates on local efforts as they ramp up later this year.
Pollinating insects play a vital role in Pennsylvania agriculture, and George Greig, Secretary of the PA Department of Agriculture, helped break ground on a pollinator –friendly garden at PDA’s headquarters in Harrisburg in celebration of ‘Pollinator Week’ June 20-26. The garden, which will be planted near an existing water retention garden, will be a habitat for pollinators like bees, beetles, flies, moths and butterflies.
Farmers depend on the work of these insects to pollinate 80 percent of the world’s crops, valued at more than $76 million each year in PA. In recent years, pollinator populations have declined for a number of reasons, from the loss of suitable habitat to pathogens and pesticides.
Pennsylvanians can and should play a role in pollinator protection by becoming backyard or small-scale beekeepers, planting pollinator-friendly gardens or increasing the use of native plants in gardenscapes. With your help, pollinators can continue to set fruit and produce seeds for the future!
Find out how you can help bees and other pollinators thrive by certifying your garden as pollinator friendly. To learn more about this program run by Penn State Master Gardeners visit our website at http://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/public-outreach/cert/Cert-steps-main Or contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu And look for updates on local efforts as they ramp up later this year.
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
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