No. 12/September 30, 2019
Whiteflies
In recent weeks, you may have noticed a cloud of tiny white specks emerge from plants in your yard. These tiny insects are whiteflies. While they have the word “fly” in their name, they are actually more closely related with aphids, scales and mealybugs. Like aphids and scales, they suck fluids from plants with straw-like mouthparts and produce sugary, liquid droppings called honeydew. In large populations, they can become pests of vegetables, ornamentals and greenhouses.
White Snakeroot
White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) is a perennial plant in bloom now in central Illinois. It prefers shaded areas and can be found in woodlands, pastures, roadsides, streambeds, and waste places. It can form dense stands.
Norway Maple Leaf Scorch
Over the last two weeks, I have received several reports of Norway maples with scorched leaves and extensive defoliation. The maroon to purple-leaved cultivars seem to be especially affected, with nearly every tree that I’ve observed in Champaign and Vermilion counties showing these symptoms. The University of Illinois Plant Clinic exampled a few samples, but was unable to identify any pathogens that would be associated with scorching and defoliation. We suspect the symptoms are related to prolonged, abnormally dry conditions affecting parts of the state.
Household Hazardous Material Collection Events Scheduled for Fall 2019
Fall can be an excellent time for cleaning up your chemical storage area. Now is the time to get rid of any old or unwanted pesticides while this growing season’s use is still fresh in your mind. The household hazardous material collection schedule has been released to the public. More information can be found below. Here are a few options you have for disposing of your old or unwanted pesticides: