No. 11/September 9, 2021
Fall Armyworm in Turfgrass
Large populations of fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda) are being seen throughout the eastern US. This species has a broad host range including corn, wheat, soybeans, vegetables, and fruit trees in agricultural areas; trees, shrubs and flowers in landscapes; and bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, fescues and ryegrass in turfgrass areas.
Common Purslane – Common in Late Summer
Common purslane is typically a late-germinating summer annual broadleaf weed. I’ve seen much of it growing happily recently. I think common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is interesting in that some curse its appearance in their garden while others embrace it. Again, we are reminded that a weed is only a weed if it is unwanted where it is growing. The primary redeeming quality to purslane is that it is edible and recipes abound online. Ironically, one weed book I have calls it a "good weed." Notably, there are several cultivated, flowering, ornamental types of Portulaca that should not be confused with this weedy common type.
Wetwood and Slime Flux
A tree that is oozing a foul-smelling fluid is likely to alarm anyone concerned about their tree's health. Add in discoloration and a slimy texture, and it is easy to understand their distress. Fortunately, the symptoms associated with wetwood and slime flux appear worse than they actually are.