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May 31, 2007
Volume 15, No. 1

Christmas Tree and Landscape Pest Management Newsletter

Editor:
Paul Heller, Professor of Entomology, PSU

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

*Turfgrass Insect Update – 2006 In Review, 2007 Update, & Preventive Grub Comments!
*NE-1025 Annual Bluegrass Pest Survey!!
*New Turfgrass Insecticide Registered For Use In PA?
*Christmas Tree Scouting Reports Continue!!!

TURFGRASS INSECT UPDATE – 2006 In Review & SPR 2007!!

ANNUAL BLUEGRASS WEEVIL (ABW): This insect is a major concern to golf course superintendents who have high levels of annual bluegrass present on golf course greens, collars, and fairways.  ABW can cause major damage to the latter areas.  Fortunately synchronous phenological plant indicators can assist golf course superintendents in determining when adult weevils start to move from their overwintering sites in the spring (full bloom of forsythia) and when most adults have moved out into fairways, tees, and greens (full bloom of redbud and flowering dogwood).  I received an email from a golf course located in SE PA on May 25 indicating that they were observing late instar ABW larvae and feeding damage on their Poa fairways!

The NE -1025 regional research project currently is developing a best management plan for this significant weevil pest.  Superintendents are encouraged to participate in an on-line survey to assist the project in development of a Best Management Practices manual for annual bluegrass weevil and anthracnose.  Please review comments listed under NE-1025 Annual Bluegrass Pest Survey which includes the web site for superintendents to complete the survey.

ANTS: A number of calls were received on Lasius neoniger or the ‘nuisance’ ant.  In most instances these ants were only causing minor damage.  However in the past they have created problems on golf courses since their mounds interfere with mowing and putting!  You can also acquire additional information on this insect by referring to a TURFGRASS TRENDS article titled How To Control Mound-Building Ants, August 1, 2003, by Dr. R. Chris Williamson (U Wisconsin).

BLUEGRASS AND HUNTING BILLBUGS: Billbugs continue to cause major damage to home lawns and athletic field turfgrass.  Over the past five years we’ve observed hunting billbug more frequently in infested lawns.  I would place billbugs at the top of the list as a major pest of home lawns complicated by the number one pest of home lawns scarab white grubs (e.g., Japanese beetle and northern masked chafer.  Bluegrass billbug usually overwinters as an adult and you may be interested in a growing degree model for bluegrass billbug developed by Dr. David Shetlar (The Ohio State University).  You can access specific information on the latter model by going to the Ohioline billbug web site at http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2502.html 

CICADA KILLER WASPS (CKW): These insects were very active in 2006.  Numerous calls were received regarding this wasp.  CKW can become a nuisance since they dig in home lawns and on golf courses.  Adult wasps usually prefer to dig their burrows in sandy, bare, well drained soil exposed to full sunlight.  Adults feed on flower nectar, while the immature larvae feed primarily on cicadas that the adults bring into the burrow.  These insects overwinter as larvae in the soil then pupate in June and early July finally emerging as adult wasps in mid June through early July.  CKW usually ignores people.  However, please be careful since an adult female can give a painful sting.  Remember that mating males can be aggressive and more easily disturbed.  You can access a considerable amount of information on CKW by referring to Professor Chuck Holliday's (Lafayette College, Easton, PA) Cicada Killer Page web site located at http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/cicadakillerhome.html

CHINCH BUG: Chinch bug activity in 2006 was late and heavy populations of hairy chinch bugs were not observed until early October.  Periods of wet weather may have negatively impacted chinch populations especially if Beauveria bassiana was present which could have negatively impacted earlier chinch bug populations.

GROUND NESTING BEES: We’ve received reports in 2006 and 2007 on nuisance problems associated with ground nesting bees.  These insects also may be referred to as flower-loving bees since they feed by collecting nectar and pollen from many flowers in gardens and meadows.  Adult bees often are covered with yellow and black hairs.  On May 4, 2007 we visited a golf course in central Pennsylvania and observed adult bees emerging from holes located on a golf course rough which was exposed to full sun and had minimum vegetation present.  Nest entrances often are hidden by mud.  Bee populations were heavy and no doubt will continue to increase at the latter site.  The burrows were close together.  These insects usually prefer sandy soil that has bare surfaces but may tolerate sparse vegetation.

LEPIDOPTEROUS TURFGRASS PEST SPECIES: Armyworms, black cutworms, and sod webworms were active in 2006 but we did not receive many calls on these pest.  However, in the past these species have caused major damage to residential and recreational turfgrass.  No calls were receive in reference to cranberry girdler (=subterranean sod webworm) in 2006.

NATIVE CRANE FLY: Native crane fly larvae were observed damaging home lawns at several PA locations in 2006 (Berks, Bucks, and York counties).  Although we have not identified European crane fly (an invasive pest species) in PA, Ms. Karen Bernhard (Penn State Cooperative Extension, Program Assistant) did have Dr. Jon Gelhaus (Associate Curator of Entomology) at The Academy of Natural Sciences identify 2006 adult crane fly samples collected by Ms. Nancy Bosold (Penn State Cooperative Extension, Educator and Regional Turfgrass Specialist).  They were identified as a native species, Tipula paterifer.  To date native crane fly samples have been observed by Nancy Bosold and Scott Guiser (Penn State Cooperative Extension, Educator) (the latter comments are based on emails received from Scott & Nancy).  Plus, a former student called me regarding a major outbreak of native crane fly larvae on a residential lawn (York County) in 2006 (April) which had significant damage. Mr. Greg Hoover (Penn State Entomology, Senior Extension Associate) identified samples from the York County site as a native species.  Our program is developing a fact sheet on native crane fly.  I will list a Carnegie Museum of Natural History web site titled THE CRANE FLIES (DIPTERA: TIPULIDAE) OF PA which has excellent information on Pennsylvania crane fly species.  Here is the web address: http://iz.carnegiemnh.org/cranefly/tipulinae.htm

SCARAB WHITE GRUBS: Scarab white grubs remained the number one pest for home lawns based on calls received in 2006.  The primary grub species that caused damage were Japanese beetle and northern masked chafer.  Japanese beetle grub populations appear to be increasing and in numerous instances we observed mixed populations of both species present in infested lawns.  A third grub species, Asiatic garden beetle, has started to be present more often than has occurred in the past.  All three insects produce one generation each year and can be controlled with either a preventive application of a registered insecticide or a curative application of a registered insecticide to reduce grubs.  Green June beetle grubs were also observed in 2006 and the latter grubs damaged turfgrass by their mechanical burrowing activities.  Adult May and June beetles have been actively flying since early May (2007) in central Pennsylvania and are still being collected in our black light trap as of May 25.  Third instar Japanese beetle, northern masked chafer, and Asiatic garden beetles were collected from infested turfgrass during the week of May 11, 2007.

Grub Control Comments – Preventive Application: We no longer rely on calendar date applications to apply registered preventive white grub control measures.  Instead we rely on sampling or historical records to determine when an insect is present.  Currently our program utilizes a black light trap to determine adult flight of northern masked chafer, Asiatic garden beetle, and related adult beetles which are active at night.  We utilize pheromone traps to determine adult activity of Japanese beetle, while a commercial formulation of a synthetic pheromone is now available to monitor adult Oriental beetles.   The latter pheromone is available through Great Lakes IPM (=url at http://www.greatlakesipm.com/ then click on Other Pheromone Lures).  In reference to preventive grub control for lawns, a number of products are registered which contain either an insect growth regulator (i.e, active ingredient halofenozide) or a neonicotinoid insecticide (e.g., active ingredient imidacloprid).  Based on adult trap catches of northern masked chafer in 2005 from central PA, ‘preventive’ applications could have been applied from mid-June through mid-July since we know that northern masked chafer egg hatch occurs approximately 14-21 days after egg lay.  However, it is important to remember that this information is based on data collected from central Pennsylvania at University Park, PA.  You would have to adjust your treatment schedule based on what happened in your specific ‘geographical’ region.  Likewise adult flight may vary on an annual basis because of changing weather conditions.  Properly timing an application of a registered preventive grub control formulation is very critical.  Please note that all products should be irrigated in after treatment according to each specific label’s directions.  Japanese beetle adult emergence was very close to northern masked chafer emergence in 2005.  Thus, timing a ‘preventive’ application for control of Japanese beetle grubs would be very similar to the northern masked chafer application timing.  Japanese beetle eggs usually hatch ca. 14 days after being laid.

Prior to purchasing or applying any product be sure to read the label and follow all label directions regarding timing your application, use sites, watering in your material instructions, etc.  Lets review several formulations registered for lawns as follows:

1. Bayer Advanced™  Season Long Grub Control Ready-to-Spread Granules: Label states: “For best results, apply this product before grubs hatch.”  Where To Use – Lawns.  White grub species listed on label: larvae of Asiatic garden beetle, black turfgrass ataenius, chafers, Japanese beetle, May or June beetle, Oriental beetle.  Refer to Bayer Advanced Lawn™ web site at: http://www.bayeradvanced.com/productFamily/outdoor-pest-control.html to access the label.  Read and follow all label directions prior to making an application of this product.  (Active ingredient – imidacloprid)

2. Scotts® GrubEx® Season-Long Grub Killer: Scotts™ web site Product Guide states, “When to Apply: GrubEx® works best when applied before grubs hatch or when they are newly hatched.”  WhereTo Use: Lawns.  White grub larvae listed on product guide web site for GrubEx™: larvae of Japanese beetle, Northern and Southern masked chafers, May/June beetle, black turfgrass ataenius, green June beetle, European chafer, Oriental beetle.  Scotts™ web site at: http://www.scotts.com/index.cfm/event/ProductGuide.product/documentId/62b2e360ef76e367a5cc3dc7a5998748. Read and follow all label directions prior to making an application of this product. (Active ingredient – imidacloprid)

3. Spectracide™ Grub Stop™ Once & Done™: Label States: “Make applications prior to egg hatch or when larvae are small and actively feeding (late spring through mid-summer.”  Please note that timing is dependent upon the respective white grub species you have present and its life cycle. Where To Use: Refer to product label for specific use sites.  White grub larvae listed on label: Japanese beetle, Northern masked chafer, May/June beetle, black turfgrass ataenius, green June beetle, European chafer, Oriental beetle.  Spectracide™ web site at http://www.spectracide.com/ProductCategories/OutdoorInsecticide/GrubStopOnceDone/ProductLabels/default.htm  Read and follow all label directions prior to making an application of this product.  (Active ingredient – halofenozide)

Please note that curative grub control will be discussed in a future newsletter.  Let’s answer two additional questions regarding grub control.

Q1. Where can I obtain information on milky disease?
A1. You can obtain information on this biorational control strategy by going to the St. Garbriel Lab web site at http://www.milkyspore.com/ . 

Q2. Where can I obtain information on insect parasitic nematodes for ‘curative’ control of white grub species?
A2. Ohio State/OARDC has developed an excellent web site on Insect Parasitic Nematodes.  I will list their web site which lists suppliers of insect parasitic nematodes at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/nematodes/nematode_suppliers.htm .  Likewise I will list the Ohio State/OARDC web site that specifically discusses the use of these organisms for management turfgrass pests at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/nematodes/turfgrass_pest_management.htm . 

Once again read the label and follow all label recommendations prior to applying any registered control measure!

*NE-1025 Annual Bluegrass Pest Survey!!
The NE -1025 regional research project currently is developing a management plan for anthracnose and annual bluegrass weevil.  Superintendents are encouraged to participate in an on-line survey to assist the project in development of a Best Management Practices manual for both pests.  You can complete the survey titled NE – 1025 Annual Bluegrass Pest Survey by going to http://www.turf.uconn.edu/ne1025.htm.  For background information about the project, visit: http://www.nimss.umd.edu/homepages/home.cfm?trackID=7316 .  The estimated time to complete the survey is 5 to 10 minutes.  Thanks for your help!

*New Turfgrass Insecticide Registered For Use In PA?
I received notification from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that formulations of Syngenta’s™ Meridian™ insecticide are now labeled for use on turfgrass in Pennsylvania.  Please refer to each respective label for specific information on how to use the new products including application sites, application timing, pests listed on individual labels, dosage rates, restrictions, etc.

1. What is the Active Ingredient in Meridian™: thiamethoxam.

2. What formulations are available: Meridian™ 25WG Insecticide (EPA Registration No. 100-943; PA Registration No. - 2007009064) and Meridian™ 0.33G Insecticide (EPA Registration No. 100-961; PA Registration No. 2007009155)

To acquire additional information on this new insecticide you can visit the Syngenta™ web site at http://www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com/to/ or Pennsylvania County Extension colleagues can refer to NPIRS.

*Christmas Tree Scouting Reports Continue!!! 
Ms. Sandy Gardosik, PA DEPT OF AG entomologist, once again is providing timely valuable scouting information to Pennsylvania Christmas tree growers on insect and mite activity for 2007.  You can access her weekly scouting reports on the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Homepage at http://ctrees.cas.psu.edu/Default.html

Pennsylvania Christmas tree growers who encountered elongate hemlock scale problems in the past have been updated on this armored scale by Ms. Sandy Gardosik (PA Department of Agriculture Entomologist) at various meetings and most recently by Dr. R. Cowles (University of CT) at the 2007 Penn State Christmas Tree Management Short Course.  Penn State Department of Entomology's three year research project on elongate hemlock scale provided valuable efficacy data which resulted in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in 2006 approving a "Special Local Need" registration for Micro Flo™ Products (Arysta™ LifeScience) Dimethoate 4E, EPA Reg. No. 51036-110 24 (c) Registration, PA-06-0001, For Use on Christmas Trees for select insects (refer to SLN label) for distribution and use only within the state of Pennsylvania.  To acquire a copy of the current 24(c) SLN label proceed to the Micro Flo™ Products (Arysta™ LifeScience) web site at  http://www.cdms.net/LabelsMsds/LMDefault.aspx?pd=4318&t= and click on
24 (c) Registration, PA-06-0001 For Use on Christmas Trees to download a current label.  If you have questions on this SLN label then I would contact your local Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Office.