No. 12/July 17, 2009

Scouting Watch
Bagworms, green june beetles, and emerald ash borer parasitic wasps are discussed.

Japanese Beetle
Japanese beetle adults are out throughout the state. They are very numerous in areas of southern Illinois. However, there appears to be only about one-quarter to one-third as many beetles as is usual in central and northern Illinois.

White Grubs
The consistent rainfall that we have been receiving across Illinois this year is reducing the need for white grub control efforts.

Witchhazel Blight
Witchhazel blight is caused by a fungus, Phyllosticta hamamelidis. The fungus causes brown lesions bordered by darker brown margins.

Ash Yellows
Ash yellows is a disease that may cause trees to look like they are infested with Emerald ash borers (or other borers).

Root Rot of Herbaceous Plants
Root rots of herbaceous plants are caused by fungi that live in the soil. Sometimes the fungi are brought to your garden on plants or soil you place there. In other cases the fungus may have been present but inactive as long as plants were vigorously growing.

Controlling Kudzu (or at least slowing it down a little)
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata or P. montana) is a perennial, trifoliate vine that is native to Asia. It was promoted widely in the 1930's for erosion control, fodder for livestock, and shade.

Invasive Species Spotlight--Asian Longhorned Beetle
The Asian longhorned beetle is an exotic pest that threatens a number of hardwood trees in North America. It is believed that this insect arrived in North America in wooden packing material from China.