Branching Out IPM Newsletter

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https://hdl.handle.net/1813/60518

Branching Out is an Integrated Pest Management newsletter for Trees and Shrubs produced by faculty and staff in Cornell's Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology section, in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension educators.

Branching Out feature articles contain information on a wide array of the most important pest management issues that plant health care professionals are likely to face in any given year. Each feature, complete with topnotch color illustrations, describes in some detail either an individual pest/pathogen, a group of closely related (by symptoms or hosts) pests/pathogens, plant problems caused by non-infectious agents, or some other important issues.

Materials provided here represent excerpts from complete issues. More information about this publication is available on the Branching Out website.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 43

Viburnum Pests
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2016-04-29)
Common insect pests of viburnums include the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae) and the snowball aphid (Neoceruraphis viburnicola), Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni), the viburnum clearwing borer (Synanthedon viburni) and the lesser viburnum borer (S. fatifera). Common diseases of viburnums include Bacterial Leaf Spot (caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburni), Downy Mildew on Viburnum (caused by the water-mold Plasmopara viburni) and Powdery Mildew (caused by Erysiphe viburni).
Wasted Woodchips? What To Do?
Hudler, George (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2015-06-12)
One big question that overshadows any efforts to use chips as mulch is whether or not those chips?-?if from a diseased tree?-?pose any threat to the health of the trees that are otherwise expected to benefit from the treatment. A limited number of experiments to confirm that chips infested with pathogenic fungi do, in fact, pose a threat to plant health generally support the contention that chips from diseased trees are “safe” if they are properly composted. The diseases have been studied in this context are Verticillium wilt, Armillaria root rot and Phytophthora. The term “proper” composting is discussed. After having looked at what is an admittedly thin amount of reliable data, the conclusion is that it’s probably wise to err on the side of caution with regard to use of fresh waste wood chips.
Consumer ‘Extended Weed Control’ Products: Nothing is Foolproof!
Senesac, Andy (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2016-07-15)
The study evaluated four ready-to-use products available to homeowners that offer postemergence weed control and additional ‘extended control’. In the study these extended control products were applied to the base of four tree and shrub species established for three years in the field. The treatments consisted of an application at the suggested labeled rate and at twice that rate. Results are discussed.
What is Making My Spruce Tree Drop its Needles?
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2013-08-09)
Spruce trees are susceptible to a variety of needle diseases that cause their needles to shed which can severely affect their aesthetic value and the health of the tree. Spruces can become more susceptible to diseases and pests when they become stressed. There are several common diseases found in New York which can cause spruce needles to drop including Rhizosphaera needle cast, Weir’s cushion rust, Stigmina needle blight, and Cytospora canker. Sudden needle drop disease (SNEED) is associated with Setomelanomma holmii. The chart compares and contrasts each disease.
Problematic Privets
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn; Hudler, George (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2012-06-15)
Privet (Ligustrum spp.) is widely used as a landscape hedge and for the most part seems to tolerate life in a wide range of sites. However, there are number of pests that are commonly seen on this host. They include privet thrips, twobanded Japanese weevil and lilac/ash borer. In addition, there are some privet diseases including alternaria leaf spot and anthracnose.
Oyster-Shaped Scales
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2017-04-21)
Some of the more common oyster-shaped scales insects seen in the New York region include Oystershell Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi), Euonymus Scale (Unaspis euonymi) Winged Euonymus Scale (Lepidosaphes yanangicola), Japanese Maple Scale (Lopholeucaspis japonica), and Maskell Scale (Lepidosaphes pallida). Learn to differentiate among and recognize these peculiarly shaped pests based on their appearance and hosts.
New Ornamental Pear Rust in the Neighborhood
Daughtrey, Margery; Hudler, George (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2012-05-18)
One feature that has been in the Callery pear tree’s favor is its relative resistance (immunity?) to insects and diseases; but enthusiasm for that feature may now be dampened by the occurrence of pear trellis rust caused by Gymnosporanium sabinae. The fungus-related to the cedar-apple rust pathogen-has become widespread in western Europe, and has been reported in parts of Canada, the U.S. Pacific Northwest and in recent years, Michigan. Beginning in 2009, unusually colorful (yellow to purple-red) leaf lesions were noted on some ornamental Callery pear in scattered locations in southeastern New York.
Rhododendron Problems: More Than Just Phytophthora
Mills, Jody (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2017-07-21)
Although Phytophthora can be devastating to rhododendrons there are a variety of other problems that are actually more common.Cultural and site-related problems include interveinal chlorosis and desiccation injury. Disease problems include Botryosphaeria Canker and Dieback; and leaf spot diseases caused by Cercospora, Botrytis and other fungi. The most common insect pest of rhododendrons include Rhododendron Gall Midge, Clinodiplosis rhododendri Rhododendron Borer, Synanthedon rhododendri, Black Vine Weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus; Lace Bug, Stephanitis spp.; and Azalea Bark Scale, Eriococcus azalea.
Sudden Oak Death? Time for an update
Hudler, George (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2017-05-19)
A review of the history of Sudden Oak Death, caused by Phytophthora ramorum and updates of the disease.
Is Oak Wilt really a threat to New York State landscapes and forests?
Snover-Clift, Karen; Rosenthal, Emma (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2016-05-27)
An overview of the history of oak wilt in New York; signs and symptoms; and reporting suspect samples.
Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula): A new invasive pest in Pennsylvania
Gilrein, Dan (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2015-04-17)
In 2014 the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received a report of a new pest on trees in Berks County (east of Reading), identified quickly as spotted lanternfly (SLF). Native to southeast Asia, it has been introduced to South Korea where it is reported a serious pest of grapes and damaging to ornamental trees. Description, life cycle, hosts, distribution, detection and surveys of spotted lanternfly are covered.
Late Summer Pests at the Entomology Diagnostic Lab
Gilrein, Dan (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2017-09-01)
Discussion of trial results for pesticide treatments of cottony hydrangea scale; skeletonized leaves on trees and shrubs caused by jumping bush cricket (Orocharis saltator); damage and treatment of leafminers in boxwood and arborvitae; and complaints of fall webworms in hardwoods.
A New York State Oak Wilt Project: a few discoveries made and lessons learned
Snover-Clift, Karen (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2017-06-02)
This article reviews the work involved in a recently completed Specialty Crop Block Grant project focusing on surveying for the oak wilt pathogen (with our NYS Department of Environmental Conservation [NYSDEC] collaborators) and improving the Cornell University, Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic’s (PDDC) diagnostic procedures to include adding a molecular technique. The PDDC staff identified the fungus that causes the oak wilt disease for the first time in 2008 in a small neighborhood in Schenectady County, New York.
Matters of Scale: Wax and Azalea Bark Scales
Gilrein, Dan (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2015-05-29)
Wax scale (Ceroplastes ceriferus), also known as Indian wax scale, is a non-native pest established in the southeastern U.S. but now being found as far north as Long Island and Westchester County where it seems to be surviving winters with some regularity, both outdoors and especially under cover in nurseries. Azalea bark scale (Acanthococcus [Eriococcus] azaleae) is another exotic species probably established in much of the US. It overwinters regularly in the northeastern US and has been present for many years in NY. Descriptions, life cycles, hosts, and management of Indian wax scale and azalea scale are covered.
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, A Pest We CAN Manage!
Whitmore, Mark (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2014-05-30)
Cold temperatures have been documented as responsible for killing significant numbers of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and have been thought to be regulating its march northward in New England. However, research indicates cold tolerance is a genetically linked trait so progeny of the survivors will also be cold tolerant. Data suggests HWA populations in colder areas are indeed becoming more cold tolerant than those in warmer locations. Given that the winter’s cold weather wasn’t enough to eliminate all the hemlock woolly adelgids, what options do we have to control this pest? There are two pesticides currently being used for HWA in New York, Imidacloprid and Dinotefuran.
Horsechestnut Leaf Problems
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn; Hudler, George (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2013-05-31)
Horsechesnut (Aesculus spp.) are threatened by pests and pathogens that are likely to cause premature leaf dieback and abscission including horsechestnut leafminer, horsechestnut leaf blotch, horsechestnut leaf scorch an horsechestnut powdery mildew.
Hawthorn Diseases and Insects
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2017-06-16)
Hawthorns are deciduous trees in the apple family that are often used in the landscape because of their attractive clusters of white or pink spring flowers, dark green leaves, appealing shape and size (usually between 15 to 30 feet tall), and bright red berries that attract birds in fall and winter. They are susceptible to several diseases including fire blight and several types of rust and they are troubled with a variety of insect pests including lacebugs, leafminers and roundheaded appletree borers. If planting a hawthorn tree look for disease and insect resistant varieties.
What We Can Do To Save New York’s Hemlocks
Whitmore, Mark (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2015-05-15)
Hemlocks in New York are currently threatened by the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae. Distribution, insecticide treatment, biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid in New York are covered. The New York State Hemlock Initiative (NYSHI) was created organize the state-wide efforts of multiple agencies, volunteers, and other stakeholder groups to save our hemlocks.
The Gall of Those Midges!
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2013-05-17)
Midges are small fly-like insects in the Cecidomyiidae family of flies (order Diptera) that are likely to be noticed only by the most astute of observers. A gall is the result of a reaction by a plant to irritation. There is a gall midge causing distal terminal dieback on Norway spruce (later identified as Norway spruce shoot gall midge). Other gall midges mentioned in the article include the balsam gall midge, the Douglas-fir needle midge, the honeylocust pod gall midge, and the maple eye spot gall midge.
Gypsy Moth? Still Making Headlines
Dailey O'Brien, Dawn (Cornell University Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, 2016-05-13)
The purpose of this article was to alert readers to predictions of high gypsy moth populations in parts of the Northeast in 2016 and to watch for Asian gypsy moths. Two natural controls of gypsy moths - the gypsy moth nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and in the last several decades by the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga - are covered. Other less prominent biological controls include are mentioned as well.

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