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  • 8/7/2019 Kentucky Pest News May 3, 2011

    1/12

    Online at:www.uky.edu/KPN

    Number 1266 May 3, 2011

    WATCH FOR

    -ArmywormOutbreak Averted?

    ALFALFA-Soggy Soils Will Favor Root Rots in Alfalfa

    CORN

    -Wet Conditions Create Weed Management

    Challenges in Corn-Does a High Application Rate Prevent

    Fungicide Resistance?

    -Late Planted Corn and Insect Management

    WATCH FOR

    ArmywormOutbreak Averted?By Doug Johnson and Patty Lucas

    Capture of armyworm moths in the UK-IPM

    traps has decreased this past week. Though we

    lost some data from the Princeton location lastweek it appears that the moth flight is in decline.

    Because of the missing data point, it is not

    possible to say with certainty that the population

    will not be of outbreak size this year, though thatcertainly appears to be the case. Just remember

    there is never a zero risk with this insect. If you

    look hard enough you will find them in all small

    grain and most pasture fields every year.

    Nonetheless, generally their numbers are notlarge enough to be of economic importance.

    Additionally, it is difficult to know how theextremely stormy & rainy weather we have

    experienced, is affecting our trap captures. Also,

    cool spring weather seems to favor this insect.

    So, keep a watch on your fields over the next

    several weeks. If we use April 22 as our biofix,

    and apply our degree-day model we find that the

    peak of caterpillar populations should be about

    TOBACCO

    -Watch for Insect Problems in Float Systems

    -Be on the Look out For Bacterial Soft Rot in

    Transplants

    -Tray Drench and/or Transplant Water

    Insecticides for Tobacco

    SHADE TREES & ORNAMENTALS

    -Emerald Ash Borer Update

    -Managing Flowering Crabapple Rust, and

    Powdery Mildew

    DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS

    INSECT TRAP COUNTS

    May 11-12, 2011. Remember there will be

    caterpillars before and after this date; and this

    date is a prediction based on 2011 data throughtoday (5/2/11) and historic data thereafter.

    ALFALFA

    Soggy Soils Will Favor Root Rots in AlfalfaBy Paul Vincelli

    With all the wet weather over the past fourweeks or so, new seedings of alfalfa have been

    exposed to stressful conditions in the root zone.

    Saturated soils favor three important diseases of

    alfalfa: Aphanomyces root rot, Pythium root rot,

    and Phytophthora root rot. All three diseases arecaused by water molds that produce

    swimming spores in soggy soils. It wont besurprising if we diagnose cases of these diseases

    in the next few months.

    In new seedings, plants affected by

    Aphanomyces appear stunted. Leaves are

    yellow, especially the cotyledons or older leaves

    (Figure 1). Leaves may curl up and fall off,sometimes turning red before doing so.

    Lexington, KY 40546

    http://www.uky.edu/KPNhttp://www.uky.edu/KPNhttp://www.uky.edu/KPNhttp://www.uky.edu/KPN
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    Belowground, the small feeder roots appear

    rotted, often light or dark brown in color and/or

    with little structural integrity (Figure 2). This

    can result in poor stand establishment (Figure 3).

    Aphanomyces can cause disease of matureplants as well as seedlings. However, in mature

    plants, Aphanomyces infections are confined tothe feeder roots (Figure 4), so established plants

    rarely die from these infections; they simply are

    stunted, especially in dry weather. Pythium actssimilarly: It can kill seedlings, but only causes

    feeder root rot on established plants.

    Phytophthora root rot can kill alfalfa seedlings

    (Figure 5). However, it can also cause a

    destructive taproot rot that can kill mature

    plants.

    All three diseases are common in Kentuckysoils. Because of this, I recommend substantial

    levels of resistance to Aphanomyces and

    Phytophthora root rots for all spring seedings of

    alfalfa. By "substantial", I mean levels of R

    (resistance) or HR (high resistance). Resistance

    to Pythium is not available commercially,

    although seed treatments help to reduce that

    disease. Sowing alfalfa in well-drained soils

    with minimal compaction also helps reduce the

    risk of all three diseases.

    As a reminder, the levels ofsusceptibility/resistance to diseases in alfalfa

    are:0-5% resistance Susceptible (S)

    6-14% Low resistance (LR)

    14-30% Moderate resistance

    (MR)

    31-50% Resistance (R)51+% High resistance (HR)

    Figure 1. Stunted discolored alfalfa seedlings affected by

    Aphanomyces root rot. Note healthy seedling laying on its

    side, for comparison.

    Figure 2. Rot of alfalfa feeder roots caused by

    Aphanomyces.

    Figure 3. Alfalfa varieties susceptible (left) and

    resistant (right) to Aphanomyces.

    Figure 4. Feeder root infections by

    Aphanomyces on mature alfalfa.

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    CORN

    Wet Conditions Create Weed Management

    Challenges in CornBy Jim Martin and J.D. Green

    The prolonged wet conditions this spring have

    created additional challenges in regards to weed

    control. The following are possible scenarios

    that corn farmers may encounter and factors to

    consider as we progress through the next severaldays.

    1. Corn Not Planted And Herbicide WasNot Applied:Growers will have flexibility in the

    choice of burndown options; however,

    weeds may be larger than typically

    observed when corn is planted earlier in

    the spring. Glyphosate may be the best

    choice for control of larger emerged

    weeds, but higher rates may be required.

    Whereas, paraquat may be preferredover glyphosate in cases where rapidburndown control of weedy vegetation

    is needed for a more favorable

    environment for corn to emerge. Some

    disadvantages with paraquat are: a) it

    may be more expensive, b) usually

    requires a greater spray volume for best

    results, and c) is limited in its ability to

    control large plants relative to

    glyphosate. The addition of dicamba

    (eg. Clarity, etc.) or 2,4-D with

    glyphosate or paraquat may be

    warranted to aid in control of larger

    broadleaf weeds. A soil-residualherbicide treatment will extend control

    during the early part of the season and

    will limit the need for multiple

    postemergence herbicide treatments.

    However, warm-season weeds are likely

    to emerge quickly and grow rapidly as

    temperatures increase; therefore,

    growers should monitor fields regularly

    and be timely with postemergence

    herbicide treatments when needed for

    managing weed escapes.

    2. Corn Not Planted But PreplantHerbicide Was Applied:A significant portion of soil-residual

    herbicides applied earlier in the spring

    have probably dissipated from the soil

    surface due to the large volume and

    intensity of rains that occurred since the

    treatments were sprayed. The need to

    spray an additional herbicide treatment

    will depend on specific field situations.

    If fields are currently weed-free and do

    not have a history of weed problems,growers may prefer to go ahead and

    plant the field, and then monitor fields

    closely and apply additional herbicide

    treatments as needed in a timely manner.However, if weeds are emerging, then it

    would be prudent to apply a burndown

    treatment that also includes a soil-

    residual herbicide. The maximum

    cumulative rate of the soil-residualherbicide (i.e. amount initially applied

    plus what will be applied) can determine

    the rate and specific herbicide to apply.For example, if the previous amount ofatrazine applied was 1.5 lb ai/A, then an

    additional amount of 1.0 lb ai/A can be

    applied in order to comply with the

    maximum total of 2.5 lb ai/A of atrazine

    allowed per season. When usingpremixed products, consider the

    cumulative level of all active ingredients

    Figure 5. Phytophthora root rot causing death

    of alfalfa seedlings.

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    for determining the rate of a specific

    product.

    In cases where growers plan to switch

    from corn to soybeans, they need toconsider the risk of soybean injury from

    corn herbicides applied earlier in thespring. Soil-applied herbicides

    containing atrazine are a primary

    concern when switching from corn tosoybeans. For additional information

    on this matter consult Corn & Soybean

    News April 2007, Vol 7 Issue 5

    http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CornSoy/cor

    nsoy7_5.htm#3

    3. Corn Emerged But No Herbicide WasApplied:

    Growers who planted Roundup Ready(RR) corn hybrids will have theopportunity to use glyphosate for

    managing emerged weeds after corn has

    also emerged. It may be more difficult

    to salvage fields where corn does nothave the RR herbicide tolerant trait.

    Several cool-season weeds are

    beginning to mature and dieback and

    should not pose a problem; whereas,

    such weeds as Italian ryegrass,marestail, ragweeds will be a challenge

    to control, particularly if nitrogen wasapplied preplant. Applying a soil-

    residual herbicide is a good strategy for

    extending weed control during the early

    part of the season. Many soil-residual

    herbicides can be tank mixed with

    postemergence glyphosate applications

    in RR-corn. Consult the labels of soil-

    residual herbicides for timing relative to

    maximum size or growth stage of corn.

    Do not use liquid fertilizer as a carrier

    for applying herbicide treatments after

    corn has emerged. If initial corn standsare poor, consider a burndown program

    that will control surviving plants and

    then replant. For options to manage

    unwanted corn to replant see UK

    Extension bulletin AGR-6 (page 23)

    http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/

    agr6/02.pdf

    4. Corn Emerged and Herbicide WasApplied:Many comments in scenario 2 may alsobe applicable for this situation. An

    additional soil-residual herbicide that isregistered to be applied over-the-top of

    emerged corn may be warranted in order

    to extend early -season weed control.Corn plants stressed due to saturated soil

    conditions may be prone to herbicide

    injury compared with corn growing in

    normal soil conditions. If corn stands

    are not acceptable, consider a burndown

    program that will control the unwanted

    corn and provide soil-residual control of

    weeds.

    5. Corn Emerged But Field HasScattered Flooded Low Lying Areas

    With No Corn:Assuming that corn stands in the

    majority of the field is acceptable;

    growers may replant the low lying areas.

    Keep in mind corn growth in the

    replanted areas will be delayed relative

    to the remainder of the field. This may

    impact how the areas are managed in

    regards to weed control particularly in

    regards to applying post-emergenceherbicides.

    Does a High Application Rate Prevent

    Fungicide Resistance?By Paul Vincelli

    In the January 25, 2011 issue ofKentucky Pest

    News, I wrote about the risk of fungicideresistance in corn pathogens. In that article, I

    gave reasons why I thought it seems likely to

    develop in corn sooner or later. You can read

    that article at

    http://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology

    /extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.

    pdf.

    http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CornSoy/cornsoy7_5.htm#3http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CornSoy/cornsoy7_5.htm#3http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CornSoy/cornsoy7_5.htm#3http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr6/02.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr6/02.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr6/02.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/extension/KPN%20Site%20Files/pdf/kpn1256.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr6/02.pdfhttp://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr6/02.pdfhttp://www.uky.edu/Ag/CornSoy/cornsoy7_5.htm#3http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CornSoy/cornsoy7_5.htm#3
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    In this short follow-up, I want to address one

    particular aspect of this issue: fungicide

    application rate. Some agricultural professionals

    believe that using the high-labeled rate of a

    fungicide will basically prevent the occurrenceof fungicide resistance. On the surface, it seems

    logical: Use the high labeled dose, and let nospores survive, and that will prevent the

    development of resistance.

    The flaw in this thinking is this: Mutant spores

    that are highly resistant to a fungicide will

    survive the high-labeled rate.

    There are two kinds of fungicide resistance:

    quantitative and qualitative.

    In quantitative resistance, resistant spores are

    less sensitive than the wild-type spores, but theystill can be poisoned by the fungicide at high

    doses. In these cases, higher doses do indeed

    slow down the buildup of resistance populations.

    In qualitative resistance, resistant spores are

    insensitive to normal field rates of the fungicide.

    In fact, sometimes these resistant spores can

    actually causemore disease when the fungicide

    is applied (a phenomenon called hormesis). In

    cases of qualitative resistance, full-labeled rates

    of fungicide do nothing to slow the buildup of

    fungicide resistance, and in fact, they actuallymay speed it up somewhat.

    The fungicide products used on corn in

    Kentucky all are based on strobilurin fungicides

    (also called QoI fungicides). This family of

    fungicides includes Headline, Quadris, and

    Evito, as well as premixes that contain a

    strobilurin, such as Quilt, Stratego, Avaris,

    and Headline AMP. Resistance to strobilurin

    fungicides almost always falls into the category

    of qualitative resistance. What this means is that

    producers cannot slow down the development ofresistance by using high labeled application

    rates.

    Late Planted Corn and Insect ManagementBy Ric Bessin

    Many growers are finding themselves sin a late

    planting or replanting situation with corn due to

    the prolonged rain patterns over a substantial

    portion of the state. While delayed planting does

    affect corn production in many ways, it does

    affect the risk to attack by some insect pests.

    Several above ground pests will pose a greaterrisk to late planted corn as the corn will likely be

    in vulnerable stages when high pest populations

    are present. This includes resident pests like

    European corn borer and southwestern corn

    borer, and migratory mid-season pests like corn

    earworm and fall armyworm.

    Fortunately most corn planted in Kentucky has

    some protection to insect pests with common Bt

    traits. The most common Bt traits will provide

    protection against both corn borer pests, theEuropean and southwestern. Corn planted afterMay 5th in western Kentucky is a greater risk to

    economic losses by corn borers, and as planting

    dates fall closer to June 1st

    the yield advantageof Bt corn may approach 20 bushels per acre in

    the western areas of the state.

    Figure 6. Corn earworm feeding on field corn.

    Figure 7. Fall armyworm and the frass plug it

    produces while feeding in the whorl.

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    Recently registered Bt traits and stacked traitsincluding SmartStax, VT2 Pro, Intrasect, and

    Agrisure Viptera also provide improved control

    of additional secondary pests including corn

    earworm and fall armyworm. These insects areprimarily pests of late planted corn, read that as

    planted after May 15th. Corn planted before thisdate has relatively less risk to both these pests.

    Studies have found that corn earworm can

    reduce both grain yield and quality, yield by as

    much as 6 to 9 bushels on late planted corn. Itcan also increase bird damage, sap beetle

    damage, and be one of several contributing

    factors with aflotoxin contamination. In the past

    it has not been practical or economical to controlcorn earworm with insecticide applications, so

    these new Bt technologies provide opportunities

    to effectively control a pest that we havent

    controlled in the past.

    The past two years we have seen large

    populations of both of these pests move into

    Kentucky by midsummer, too late to attack most

    corn except late-planted fields. Generally, large

    populations in states to our south can be a

    predictor of later problems for us in Kentucky. It

    is still too early to predict what will happen in

    Late June and July.

    One positive outcome of late planting is that we

    will be planting into warmer soils which canhelp to reduce stand losses to wireworms.

    Wireworms can cause more damage to seeds and

    seedlings growing slowly in cool soils. Late

    plating promotes rapid growth and provides less

    time for wireworm attack of small seedlings.

    TOBACCO

    Watch for Insect Problems in Float SystemsBy Lee Townsend

    Frequent close inspections of float trays can help

    to catch insect pest problems early and to

    minimize seedling losses. Variegated cutworms

    are the greatest concern and some damage has

    been reported. Cutworms found during the week

    of 25 April were in the 0.75 inch range, just big

    enough to cause visible damage. Rounded holesin leaves lying on or near the media surface and

    cut stems are signs of cutworm feeding. They

    can totally consume very small seedlings.

    Variegated cutworms generally hide in the

    media when not feeding but may be caught up

    on plants during periods of low light. Small

    cutworms are light brown to black with a single

    row of light spots along the center of the back.

    As they grow, the caterpillars turn light gray and

    the spots become less distinct.

    Figure 8. Variegated cutworm damage on small

    seedlings.

    Figure 9. Small cutworm.

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    Variegated cutworms feed for about 3 weeks,reaching a length of just over 1-1/2 inches when

    full-grown. Most of the feeding is done during

    the last few days of their development and many

    plants can be destroyed in infested trays.

    Variegated cutworm moths begin to fly in Marchand lay clusters of about 60 eggs on small

    plants. Consequently, cutworm damage usually

    occurs in distinct hotspots and is often nearside curtains where moths can get enter.

    Orthene, or other acephate products, can be used

    for cutworm control in float systems. Spray

    areas where damage is being seen and buffers

    around them because the cutworms will spread

    outward as they feed and grow.

    Wet media and surface algal growth are major

    factors that contribute to problems with fungusgnats and shore flies in greenhouses and float

    systems. Adults are the noticeable stage but the

    larvae can damage small plants by chewing on

    leaves or damaging developing roots.

    Its easy to overlook a few gnats that appear first

    but with a short generation time, populations can

    build quickly. Yellow sticky cards, available

    through greenhouse suppliers, provide an early

    detection system.

    Orthene (acephate) sprays will kill adults andreduce their numbers but it is difficult to

    eliminate the flies because the larvae are down

    in the algae or under the protective cover of the

    leaves. Preventive control is based on keeping

    media from getting too wet and eliminating asmany standing ground puddles as possible.

    Fungus gnats are small (1/8") black flies with

    comparatively long legs and antennae, tiny

    heads, and one pair of clear wings. Females lay

    tiny ribbons of tiny yellowish white eggs in the

    growing media that hatch within 4 days. The

    clear larvae are legless and have black heads.

    Larvae feed for about 14 days and pupate nearthe surface of the medium. Adults live only

    about a week. Under greenhouse conditions,about 20-25 days are required to complete a

    generation.

    Shore flies also are small gnats with short

    antennae, red eyes, and heavier, darker bodies. A

    pair of smoky wings with several clear spots can

    be seen when looking closely at the insect. They

    are good fliers and can be seen resting on most

    any surface in the greenhouse.

    Tray Drench and/or Transplant Water

    Insecticides for TobaccoBy Lee Townsend

    The table below summarizes options for tobacco

    insect pest control available as tray drench and

    /or transplant water applications. The insecticide

    common name, brand names, and insecticide

    mode of action group number appear in the first

    column.

    Pest lists may vary on labels of different brands

    containing the same active ingredient. Higher

    rates may be needed for some pests. Tray

    drench / transplant water applications provide an

    efficient way of applying preventive controls for

    key pests. Pest levels may be high enough in

    some fields to cause damage even if preventivetreatments are used. Therefore, it is important to

    check fields to see if supplemental control is

    needed. Many products have a range of rates.

    Normally, high rates provide better control

    under heavy infestation pressure and for longerperiods of time.

    For example, tray drench / transplant water

    applications may not provide effective cutwormor wireworm control if pest pressure is high. The

    insecticide is present in a small area around the

    plant and the insect may cause significant

    damage before there is an effect. Prospects for

    Figure 10. Yellow sticky cards with

    fungus gnats and shore flies.

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    cutworm damage are greatest in fields wherethere is a significant flush of weed growth in late

    winter or early spring, especially if transplanting

    is delayed by wet field conditions. Wireworm

    injury can be anticipated in tobacco fields thathave had a significant bluegrass component for

    several years prior to tobacco. In theseinstances, preplant incorporated insecticide

    applications are likely to provide better

    protection of transplants.

    Tray drench and transplant water insecticide

    options for tobacco.

    Check the label for specific instructions andprecautions. Insecticides applied as drenches to

    trays of transplants should be watered

    immediately after treatment so the insecticide

    does not dry on the foliage. The insecticidemust get into the root ball to be taken up by theplant. In general, flowable and dry formulations

    require agitation to keep the formulation from

    settling in the tank.

    Tobacco flea beetles overwinter as adults in

    protected places around tobacco fields.

    Although the winter of 2010-11 was long and

    cold, it is likely that the snow cover helped to

    protect these insects. Flea beetles are active

    early and will be most problematic on theearliest-set fields. A preventive flea beetle

    treatment should be a very good investment for

    these fields. Some products labeled for

    preventive aphid and flea beetle control require ahigher use rate for aphids than for flea beetles.

    Be on the Look out for Bacterial Soft Rot on

    TransplantsBy Kenny Seebold

    The tremendous amount of rain that has fallen

    over much of Kentucky during the past month,

    along with extended periods of cool and overcast

    weather, is really starting to push outbreaks of

    diseases in tobacco float beds. In fact, weve

    gotten quite a few reports of target spot,

    Sclerotinia collar rot, and Pythium root rot (see

    previous issues ofKentucky Pest News for more

    information). Our temperatures are bound to

    increase over the next couple of weeks, and I am

    beginning to worry about bacterial soft rot, or

    blackleg, showing up on tobacco seedlings in the

    coming weeks. Lets take a closer look at

    blackleg, the conditions that drive this disease,

    and steps to take for best control of the problem.

    Insecticide

    (Group #)

    Flea

    beetle

    Aphid Wire

    worm

    Cut

    worm

    Budworm

    Hornworm

    Acephate

    (1b)

    (Orthene,etc)

    X - - X -

    Bifenthrin

    (3)

    (Brigade/C

    apture)

    Larva

    e only

    - X X -

    Chlothianid

    in (4a)

    (Belay)

    Imidaclopri

    d

    (Admire,

    Widow,

    etc.Thiometho

    xam

    (Platinum)

    X X - - -

    chlorantran

    iliprole

    (28)

    Coragen

    - - - - X

    Figure 11. Flea beetle damage on

    tobacco.

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    BACKGROUND. Warm, humid conditions in

    the float bed are the ideal environment for

    Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora and other

    bacterial species that cause blackleg. Initially,

    organic matter in trays, or wounded tissues, arecolonized by the blackleg pathogen. Debris and

    leaf tissue infected byErwinia appear necroticand slimy (Figure 12). Systemic infections,

    which arise whenErwinia moves from debris or

    wounded tissues into healthy plants, result indarkening of the stem that tends to move up one

    side of the seedling primarily, hence the name

    blackleg (Figure 13). Affected areas of the

    stem may also show splitting, and in advanced

    stages, seedlings will collapse. Under favorable

    conditions, blackleg will spread rapidly, causing

    significant loss of useable transplants in as few

    as 1-2 days (Figure 14).The bacteria that cause blackleg are essentially

    parasites of wounded or stressed tissue, and are

    plentiful in soil and on leaf surfaces. Because

    the pathogens are always present, development

    of disease is dependent on a favorable

    environment and plentiful food (in the form of

    plant debris or wounded/stressed tissue).

    Factors that may lead to outbreaks of blackleginclude: high nitrogen levels (> 150 ppm),

    warm temperatures (>75 F), high humidity,

    long periods of leaf wetness, and plant injury

    (stress and wounding). The latter occurs

    routinely during clipping and can lead to rapidspread of bacterial soft rot if carried out when

    plants are wet.

    MANAGEMENT. Cultural practices are the

    most important ways to prevent of bacterial

    diseases. Provide adequate ventilation to

    shorten the length of time that foliage stays wet

    this may be the most important of all

    management practices to reduce the incidence of

    blackleg. Most outbreaks we see in Kentucky

    are associated with warm temperatures and

    excessive moisture on float plants. Avoid over-

    fertilizing, a practice referred to as pushing

    seedlings, as this leads to dense, lush growth thatis more susceptible to disease and takes longer

    to dry. Clip and handle plants only after they

    have been allowed to dry properly. Leaf debris

    left behind after clipping can serve as a starting

    point for the pathogens that cause blackleg and

    should be removed promptly. Along with

    maintaining good airflow in the float system,

    Figure 12. Early symptoms of blackleg include soft-

    rotting of lower leaves and leaf material; a foul odor

    can often be detected even before symptoms can

    been seen.

    Figure 13. Blackened, water-soaked lesions on the lower

    stems of affected plants are typical of later-stage

    blackleg.

    Figure 14. In severe cases of blackleg, large numbers of

    plants can be lost in a matter of a few days.

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    keeping as much leaf debris out of the beds as

    possible is a key to holding blackleg in check.

    Chemical options for control of blackleg are

    limited. Agricultural streptomycin can be usedin outdoor plant beds to suppress bacterial

    diseases, but is not specifically labeled for use intransplant facilities. However, because the use

    of agricultural streptomycin is not expressly

    prohibited in transplant production, EPA rulesallow its use in the float system. Streptomycin

    provides only moderate suppression of blackleg,

    though, and growers who choose to apply the

    material in the greenhouse must accept all

    liability. Apply 3-5 gallons of a 100-200 ppm

    solution of streptomycin to 1000 sq. feet of float

    bed. This use rate translates to 0.5-1 lb per 100

    gallons of water, or 1-2 teaspoons per gallon.

    Apply streptomycin before symptoms appear forbest results, using the lowest rate. Use the 200-

    ppm rate immediately after the appearance of

    symptoms of blackleg. Some plant injury may

    be observed when applying the higher rate.

    Refer to the product label and the 2011-2012

    Kentucky-Tennessee Tobacco Production

    Guide (ID-160) for more information. The

    guide can be found online at

    www.uky.edu/Ag/TobaccoProd/pubs/id160.pdf.

    SHADE TREES & ORNAMENTALS

    Emerald Ash Borer UpdateBy Lee Townsend

    The degree day model predicts the beginning of

    EAB emergence next week (5 May) in central

    Kentucky; it should reach its peak in about 2

    weeks. Individual beetles live for about 3 weeks

    so adults could be around from mid-May

    through early July. Adults will feed on ashfoliage high in the crown for several days before

    mating and laying eggs. Suspected infested ash

    trees outside of the EAB quarantine area (atriangular are bounded by Lexington

    Louisville Covington and the Body Greenup

    county area should be reported to the Office of

    the State Entomologist (859) 257-5838. Insects

    suspected of being emerald ash borers can be

    taken to your local cooperative extension service

    office.

    Severe storms over the past several days have

    knocked down a number of the purple EAB

    traps. The surveyors will be checking andrehanging downed traps so it is best to leavethem where they can found and re-set.

    Managing Flowering Crabapple Rust, and

    Powdery MildewBy John Hartman

    Kentucky flowering crabapples are enjoyed fortheir profuse flowers and for their attractive

    foliage and fruit. Experienced growers and

    homeowners are well aware that springtime isalso the time of year that many of the important

    diseases of flowering crabapple are most active.

    Many flowering crabapples are made unsightly

    or are severely injured by one or more of four

    common diseasesapple scab and fire blight

    (discussed in Kentucky Pest News earlier this

    spring), cedar-apple/-quince rust, and powdery

    mildew. Cedar rust symptoms appear later inspring and summer and despite being unsightly,

    are generally not life-threatening crabapple

    diseases. Powdery mildew is also unsightly and

    could weaken a crabapple making it more

    vulnerable to other diseases or environmental

    stresses.

    Managing cedar-apple rust (Figure 15) and

    cedar-quince rust (Figure 16) caused by the

    fungi Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae

    and G. clavipes:

    Eliminate eastern red cedar trees andsusceptible junipers within 1/4 mile ofsusceptible crabapples to provide almost

    complete control. Maintaining a

    distance of 500 feet between cedars and

    crabapples can provide good control.

    If cedar-tree or juniper removal is notpossible, remove galls from infected

    cedar trees near crabapple plantings

    http://www.uky.edu/Ag/TobaccoProd/pubs/id160.pdfhttp://www.uky.edu/Ag/TobaccoProd/pubs/id160.pdfhttp://www.uky.edu/Ag/TobaccoProd/pubs/id160.pdf
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    before the galls produce the orange

    spore horns in early spring.

    If necessary, apply fungicides tocrabapples three times at 10-day

    intervals, starting about the time color

    shows in the blossom buds. Effective

    fungicides include chlorothalonil,fenarimol, myclobutanil, propiconazole,

    triadimefon, or mancozeb.

    Consider using resistant varieties infuture plantings if cedar-apple rust has

    been a serious problem. Cedar rust-

    resistant crabapples: Adams,M.

    baccata Jackii, Beverly, Candied

    Apple, Centurion, Dolgo, Hopa,

    Indian Magic, Liset, Mary Potter,

    Molton Lava, Professor Sprenger,

    Red Baron, Red Jade, Red

    Splendor, Robiinson, Royalty,Ruby Luster,M. sargentii, Selkirk,

    Sentinel, Silver Moon,M.

    tschonoskii, Velvet pillar, Winter

    Gold,M. yunnanensis var vechii,M.

    zumi Calocarpa. Trees resistant to

    cedar-apple rust are not necessarily

    resistant to cedar-quince rust.

    Where the disease seldom occurs or fewleaves are infected, no control is

    necessary.

    Managing powdery mildew (Figure 17) causedby the fungus, Podosphaera leucotricha:

    Crabapple powdery mildew is normallynot serious enough to warrant control

    measures except on the most susceptible

    cultivars.

    Prune out diseased shoots during thenormal pruning period for flowering

    crabapples.

    Apply fungicides at weekly or biweeklyintervals beginning at bud break until

    shoots have completed elongation.

    Effective fungicides includemyclobutanil propiconazole,

    thiophanate-methyl, and triadimefon.

    Mildew-resistant varieties should beconsidered in moist, shaded locations.

    Most cultivars are resistant or

    moderately resistant. Susceptible

    cultivars include Adams, Molton

    Lava, andM. yunnanensis var. veichii.

    Figure 15. Cedar apple rust causes orange-

    colored spots on infected leaves. Here, the

    underside of the leaf reveals the mid-

    summer aecial structures which produce

    spores to infect nearby cedars and junipers.

    Figure 16. Cedar-quince rust can infect new crabapple

    shoots in spring, resulting in a swollen and distorted

    branch tip.

    Figure 17. Powdery mildew

    deforms and creates a whitish

    cast on crabapple leaves.

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    DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTSBy Julie Beale and Paul Bachi

    Samples this week have included Pythium root

    rot, target spot and nitrogen deficiency in

    tobacco transplants; cane blight on blackberry;

    anthracnose on grape; leaf curl on peach andnectarine; Botrytis blight and black root rot on

    annual vinca, as well as black root rot on

    petunia; and Sclerotinia leaf blight ongreenhouse tomato.

    From landscapes, we have seen Botrytis twig

    blight on arborvitae; Rhizoctonia root rot on

    azalea; black root rot on holly; Phytophthoraroot rot on juniper and pine; Dothistroma needle

    blight on pine; rose rosette and Botrytis blight

    on rose; and winter drying/injury on various

    landscape shrubs.

    INSECT TRAP COUNTSApril 22-29

    Graphs of insect trap counts for the 2011 season areavailable on the IPM web site at -http://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPM/ipm.htm.View trap counts for Fulton County, Kentucky at -

    http://ces.ca.uky.edu/fulton/InsectTraps

    Note: Trade names are used to simplify the

    information presented in this newsletter. No

    endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is

    intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products

    that are not named.

    Location Princeton,

    KY

    Lexington,

    KY

    Black cutworm 23 0

    Armyworm 96 479

    Corn earworm 1 12European cornborer

    0 0

    Southwestern

    corn borer

    0 0

    Fall armyworm 0 0