No. 8/June 11, 2012

Scouting Watch
Japanese beetles are emerging in central Illinois. Fall webworm should be present in the southern half of the state. Cicada killers, sand wasps, and other ground-nesting wasps are becoming noticeable as well.

Ants
Anthills are commonly a problem in golf courses, lawns, and flower beds. They are primarily an aesthetic problem due to their unsightliness. Control of ants is commonly requested by homeowners but rarely warranted. On golf greens, they can hinder play. Some ants build large nests that stick up high enough to impede mowing.

Daylily leaf streak (Aureobasidium microstictum)
Daylilies are a common ornamental plant in Illinois, but when infected with daylily leaf streak, this beautiful plant can be reduced to a withered mess. Daylily leaf streak disease is caused by the fungus Aureobasidium microstictum. It is most widespread under wet and cool conditions.

Bacterial Spot of Stone Fruit
Bacterial Spot of Stone Fruit (Xanthomonas campestris pv. Pruni) is a disease that can infect a number of stone fruits, from peaches and plums to cherries and almonds. It was originally discovered in 1903 on a Japanese Plum tree in Michigan. Since then it has spread to nearly every stone fruit producing country in the world. This disease can affect leaves, branches, and fruits, and is more severe in areas where fruits are grown in light, sandy soils with a warm and humid environment. Prunus species and their cultivars vary widely in susceptibility.