No. 16/September 14, 2009
Scouting Watch
White grubs and magnolia scale are discussed.
Pine Engraver
We have had several reports this summer of bark beetle damage to Eastern white pine. This is apparently caused by the pine engraver, Ips pini.
Moles
Moles can be destructive pests in lawns, gardens, nurseries, parks, golf courses, and cemeteries. During their burrowing activities, they produce mounds and ridges that disfigure lawns and sometimes dislodge plants or injure roots.
Crabapple Scab Update
Crabapple scab has been more severe in Illinois this year than in any year in the last two decades. This disease has caused severe and early defoliation of most crabapples in the state.
Brown Spot Needle Blight on Scotch Pine
The Plant Clinic at the University of Illinois has received several samples of Scotch pines infected with brown spot in recent weeks. The disease is caused by a fungus called Scirrhia acicola; imperfect stage is Mycosphaerella dearnessii.
Pine Wilt Suspects Easy to Spot
Pine wilt is a disease caused by the pinewood nematode. Infected trees are currently very easy to spot. This vascular disease causes mature pines to die within a season.