No. 7/June 6, 2011
Emerald Ash Borer Detection
Emerald ash borer adults are likely to emerge within the next week or two in Illinois. In previous years, adults have started emerging in Chenoa, IL around June 8. Adults would be likely to start emerging in Illinois north of I-80 around mid-June.
Emerald Ash Borer and Damage
Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic, invasive insect in North America that attacks and kills healthy ash trees. All ashes in the genus Fraxinus are attacked, including green, white, blue, and black ash.
Bagworm
Bagworm eggs are hatching in southern Illinois and will soon be hatching in central and northern Illinois. Due to the ballooning of young larvae, it is most effective to wait for a couple of weeks after egg hatch to apply larval control sprays.
Ryegrass -- the Unexpected Weed
Homeowners tend to be impatient. They want a green lawn and they want it done yesterday. There's no shortage of seed mixes on the market and marketing campaigns for that magazine perfect lawn. But the time you spend doing a little homework before you buy grass seed is certainly time well spent.
New University of Illinois Plant Clinic Web Site and Podcasts
The new University of Illinois Plant Clinic web site was recently launched. This web site will provide a history of the Plant Clinic, a list of services offered by the Plant Clinic, help with sample submission, easy access to plant data forms, directions to the Plant Clinic, and staff contact information.
Fireblight ... It's Back!
Fire blight is showing up across Illinois. We have been diagnosing it on Callery pear. But, fire blight can affect apples, pears, crabapples, and ornamental pears (yes, Callery pear). You might also see infection on other rosaceous hosts, such as cotoneaster, hawthorn, quince, firethorn, and mountain-ash.