Hudson Valley Horticulture
Cornell Cooperative Extension of the Hudson Valley
~~~Commercial Horticulture Electronic Newsletter~~~

Volume 8, Issue 6-7
June/July 2008
Participating Counties: Orange * Dutchess * Putnam * Rockland * Sullivan * Ulster * Westchester *
Editor: Rosemarie S. Baglia
http://www.cce.cornell.edu

 

In this Issue:



·         Viburnum Leaf Beetle Found In Westchester County!
·         2008 Cornell Floriculture Field Day Registration NOW Open!
·         Register Online 2008 Cornell University Landscape Horticulture Short Course!
·         Twilight Meeting for Christmas Tree Farmers to Focus on Weed Management
·         New York Steps up Action to Halt the Spread of Tree-Killing Beetles & Other Threats to Forests
·         Mustard, Canola Cultivars Able to Enhance Weed Management
·         CleanSweepNY is Coming Back to the Hudson Valley this Fall
·         Regional Updates
o        Orange
o        Putnam
·         2007-2008 Regional Horticulture Calendar of Events
·         Other Professional Horticulture Programs of Interest
 
 
 
 Viburnum Leaf Beetle found in Westchester County!!!


Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Westchester County has received some bad news.  Dr. Paul Weston, woody ornamentals entomologist at Cornell University, reported to CCE horticulture staff that the highly destructive viburnum leaf beetle has been found in Westchester.  This is the first time this invasive pest has been discovered in the county, although it appeared in Dutchess County in 2006 and has been detected in most other upstate New York counties. An observant resident of Hastings-on-Hudson reported the find through the Viburnum Leaf Beetle Citizen Science website, a collaboration between horticulturists and entomologists at Cornell.  Digital photos sent by the observer offered unmistakable proof of identification, said Weston in an email to Rick Harper and Jerry Giordano of the CCE office in Valhalla.  Weston continued: “I haven't heard ... yet ...whether the infested plant (or others nearby) were recently planted; I'm doubtful the beetle could have moved that far so fast given that it's been known to be in Dutchess County for less than two years."  Needless to say, its presence here, though expected, is still disturbing as it signals a potentially devastating pest threat to many species of the much-loved viburnum, particularly many of the native types now growing naturally in the Westchester landscape.

Viburnums vary in their susceptibility to the viburnum leaf beetle, from those that are categorized as "highly susceptible" to those that are nearly immune.  European cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum opulus), American cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum opulus var. americana, previously known as Viburnum trilobum), and arrowood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) are in the "highly susceptible" group.  Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii), doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum), and Siebold viburnum (Viburnum sieboldii) are among the most resistant. Other species have varying degrees of susceptibility to this beetle, which can kill highly susceptible types in the first two to three years after an infestation begins.

Weston’s research group has developed a number of management strategies for viburnum leaf beetle, which are detailed on the Viburnum Leaf Beetle Citizen Science website at www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/ .  Although a variety of effective control measures have been identified, Weston is hoping to develop non-pesticidal control measures using biological control.  Gaylord Desurmont, a graduate student in Dr. Weston’s lab, is beginning preliminary research using tiny wasps from Europe that specifically target viburnum leaf beetle, but progress will likely be slow until additional funding can be secured.  “The reality is that research usually progresses as fast as the amount of funding available will allow,” said Weston. This is perhaps a chance on the part of those willing to contribute additional funding to significantly alter the destructive progress of this pest. Those wishing to take part in funding research toward controlling this insect in an earth-friendly manner should contact Carol J. Burnett, assistant director of Alumni Affairs, 274 Roberts Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. You may also telephone Carol at 607-255-7661 or email her at cjb30@cornell.edu. Contributions should be accompanied by a note designating that the funds are to be used for the support of viburnum leaf beetle research in the Cornell Department of Entomology under the guidance of Ann Hajek.

Follow-up of the discovery of viburnum leaf beetle in Westchester is planned by local CCE staff with assistance from Dr. Weston.  In the meantime, please visit the Citizen Science website to familiarize yourself with details about this insect, its history in the Northeast, and possible management strategies.  The more eyes looking for this "Little Brown Menace," as Weston has referred to it, the better!

Written by Jerry Giordano, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County



2008 Cornell Floriculture Field Day Registration NOW Open!
 
On Tuesday, July 22, 2008, Cornell University will be hosting its annual Field Day event for floriculture businesses.  It will be an occasion for networking, education, inspiration and the sheer enjoyment of floriculture.  This workshop has been submitted for NYSDEC pesticide applicator recertification credits, CNLP, and is approved for ASLA continuing education credits
 (3.25 HSW for the morning session, 2 credits EA & HSW for the afternoon).
 
Discover creative uses of plant material while viewing entries in the 5th Annual Kathy Pufahl Memorial Container Design Competition, or even better submit a container of your own!  Mixed containers will be displayed and judged with all proceeds benefiting Crohn’s Disease research.  To enter the container contest; contact Karen Hall, New York State Flower Industries, at 716-941-3502.
 
You may also be interested in attending a hands-on workshop “IPM In-Depth” for ornamental producers July 21, 2008 from 1:00-5:00 PM on the Cornell Campus.  This workshop has been submitted for NYSDEC pesticide applicator recertification credits.
 
To register for these educational opportunities check out the Cornell website:
http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/  Registration forms have been posted.  For questions and additional information, please call Dolores Higareda at 607-255-1789 or email at dh29@cornell.edu.
 
Submitted by Neil Mattson, Assistant Professor and Floriculture Extension Specialist, Cornell University
 
 
 
Register Online 2008 Cornell University Landscape Horticulture Short Course!
 
Wednesday, July 23 Thursday July 24, 2008
Cornell University Campus, Ithaca NY

The program is for Arborists, Landscape Maintenance Professionals/Designers, and Nursery Operators who wish to receive the latest research information about topics that pertain to the design, establishment, and care of landscapes.  It will consist of classroom instruction and on-site visitations in the Ithaca area. Subject matter will include invasive species (both plants and insects), pest management, identification and discussion of new evergreen species, an update on plant diseases and other issues of current interest.  Speakers will be comprised of Cornell University faculty and staff including Carolyn Klass, Ron Gardner and Drs. Nina Bassuk, Paul Weston, Bernd Blossey, Peter Trowbridge and George Hudler.

Professional Continuing Education Credits will be Awarded.
 
To Register and Book Accommodations Visit:
www.register123.com/event/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x5928965001
 
Registration Deadline is July 11, 2008!!!
 
Written by Paul A. Weston, Cornell University and Rick W. Harper, Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County
 
 
 
Twilight Meeting for Christmas Tree Farmers to Focus on Weed Management

The Hudson Valley Commercial Horticulture Education Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension presents Weed Control in Christmas Tree Plantations. This twilight meeting will be on Wednesday, August 6 at Hurd’s Orchard and Christmas Tree Farm located at 2187 Route 32 in Modena, NY from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The fee is $35 per person if pre-registered by Monday, August 4, and $45 per person after registration deadline. Fee includes light refreshments. Eligible participants will receive 2.5 NYSDEC Pesticide Re-certification Credits Categories 3A, 10 and 25.
 
This hands-on workshop in the field will help growers identify weeds and best management options for their Christmas tree farms. Participants will learn about herbicides, weed barriers, and weed management for new plantings. The guest speaker is Dr. John Ahrens of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Ahrens is well known to many Christmas tree farmers and has served as the Director of the National Christmas Tree Growers Association.
 
For more information or to pre-register contact Teresa Rusinek at 845-340-3990 or Stephanie Mallozzi at 845-677-8223 ex. 104.
 
 

New York Steps up Action to Halt the Spread of Tree-Killing Beetles & Other Threats to Forests
90 Day Emergency Regulation on Movement of Firewood in NYS
Transportation of Untreated Wood Restricted; Campers Help Needed
 
New York
has taken new efforts to stop the influx and spread of tree-killing pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle and Sirex Wood Wasp by restricting the importation, transportation and sale of untreated firewood.

No person shall move Untreated Firewood produced, from trees that are grown in New York State, more than 50 miles from the source of the firewood.

The action closely follows measures imposed by Pennsylvania and other states to stem the proliferation of invasive species that can wipe out trees in forests and neighborhoods.

Many exotic pests can be transported long distances unintentionally via human activity especially the hauling of firewood. To limit this possibility, effective immediately New York will prohibit the importation of out-of-state firewood that has not been treated to eliminate invasive species, fungi and pathogens that can kill millions of trees. The regulations also limit the transportation of untreated firewood within the state to less than 50 miles from the point of origin.

Notably, the regulations do not affect homeowners cutting wood on their own property for use on that same property. They also do not affect firewood being transported through New York for sale and use in another state.

The action to step up protections of forests across New York has attracted widespread support from the forest industry, campground owners, environmental groups and other states.

The purpose of this emergency rule is to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of invasive insects and diseases of trees by preventing untreated firewood from entering New York State and restricting the movement, sale and possession, within the State, of untreated firewood that originates in New York State.

This emergency regulation is in effect for 90 days beginning June 3, 2008.
For more information, please see the frequently asked questions at: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/44008.htmlpage. The complete emergency regulation can be viewed at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2359.html.

Submitted by Stephanie D. Mallozzi, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

 

Mustard, Canola Cultivars Able to Enhance Weed Management


A new study has found that cultivars can contribute significantly to enhanced integrated weed management with reduced herbicide use in oilseed-based cropping systems. The study is published in the latest issue of Weed Technology.

Weeds are perceived by many farmers as being the greatest cause of yield loss in agricultural crops. The increasing cost of herbicides in intensive crop production systems and herbicide resistance in weeds has renewed interest in exploiting crop competitiveness to manage weeds. Variation in competitive ability against weeds exists not only among crop species but also among cultivars within species. Researchers attribute increased competitive ability among cultivars to early seedling emergence, seedling vigor, rapid root growth and rate of leaf expansion, early root and shoot biomass accumulation and canopy closure, and plant height.

The present study was conducted from 2003 to 2006 at four sites across semiarid prairie ecoregions in western Canada to investigate the weed-suppression ability of canola and mustard cultivars. Four open-pollinated canola cultivars, four hybrid canola cultivars, two canola-quality mustard cultivars, two oriental mustard cultivars, and two yellow mustard cultivars were grown in competition with indigenous weed communities. Yellow mustard was best able to suppress weed growth.

The results of this study highlight the wide range in weed suppressive ability of canola and mustard cultivars. Differences in weed-competitive ability among crop types, such as yellow mustard and canola-quality mustard, tended to be greater than differences among cultivars within a crop type. Cultivars introduced in the future that emerge quickly after germination, are tall, and have rapid early-season biomass accumulation might best be able to suppress weed growth and interference.

To read the entire study, visit www.allenpress.com/pdf/i0890-037X-22-1-182.pdf
[Weed Suppression by Canola and Mustard Cultivars; Weed Technology], 2008; Vol. 22 (1):182-185
 
Submitted by Lucy Joyce, Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County
 
 
 
CleanSweepNY is Coming Back to the Hudson Valley this Fall

CleanSweepNY is a term used by state and local governments to describe in one word any effort to remove cancelled, unwanted, unusable, or otherwise obsolete pesticides from holders who may have originally purchased these products during the course of agricultural or non-agricultural business activities. CleanSweepNY has also included the removal of mercury manometers and triple rinsed metal or rigid plastic drums, pails, jugs, or bottles that formerly held crop protection and other pesticide products. School chemicals are also accepted at CleanSweepNY collection events and are safely and properly disposed of.

Preregistration is necessary and registration form packets will be mailed to those wishing to participate.

CleanSweepNY collection events do not target the general public since home and garden pesticides are accepted in Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collections. Commercially applied or larger quantities of pesticides are usually excluded from local HHW collections. In New York State this fact has created a backlog of demand for safe, legal, and affordable disposal of obsolete pesticide products.

CleanSweepNY will be held the week of November 2nd in three locations in the Hudson Valley.
 
For specific dates and more detailed information visit
www.cleansweepny.org/index.cfm

Submitted by Stephanie D. Mallozzi, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County
 
 
 
 
2008 Regional Updates

Orange
County
This past month we have been seeing a variety of pests and diseases here in Orange County.  INSV (Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus) has been identified in some greenhouse plants, Anthracnose is prevalent on Sycamore, Oak, and Maple trees, and widespread damage on Forsythia due to Pseudomonas Blight (Pseudomonas syringae) associated with ice nucleation injury.
In our county diagnostic lab we have also seen Four Lined Plant Bug, Leaf Spot on Rudbeckia, numerous Japanese Beetle adults, and Lace bug, and have had many calls on Gypsy Moth. 

Submitted by Rose Baglia, Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County 


Putnam
County
Spruce Spider Mites, Oligonychus ununguis

Spruces, including dwarf Alberta spruces, have been coming into the lab with severe infestations of spruce spider mites.  In particular, the dwarf Alberta spruces are heavily damaged, with large portions of the foliage bronzing out and dropping off.  Homeowners and professionals alike often mistake this damage for environmental causes, such as spray drift or drought stress.  Spruce spider mites also attack Arborvitae, Dawn redwood, Hemlock, Juniper, Larch, Pine, and Cryptomeria.  Spruce Spider Mites are primarily considered cool weather pests, building up populations during early spring, though damage is not often noted until early or mid summer.  A simple tap test -holding a piece of white paper under a branch, tapping the branch and observing the paper to see who starts crawling - will help you scout for this mite.

If damaging populations are present, refer to the 2008 Pest Management Guide for Commercial Production and Maintenance of Trees and Pests (found electronically at
http://ipmguidelines.org/treesandshrubs/content/CH02/default5.asp)
Note that we have missed the earlier windows for control, and are now looking at a late-August through Mid-September control window.
The following two fact sheets are provided for insect and symptom identification as well as insight into the mite's life cycle.  However, pesticides mentioned in these fact sheets may not be registered for use in New York State.  Please refer to your 2008 IPM guidelines.
www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/Web/204SpruceSpiderMite.pdf
www.ppath.cornell.edu/trees/SprSpMite.html
www.nysipm.cornell.edu/ornamentals/Spruce_spider_mite.asp

Submitted by Jennifer Stengle, Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County


Cornell Cooperative Extension
2007-2008 Horticulture Programs for Professionals

 
Cornell Cooperative Extension of the Hudson Valley provides educational programs that can help you improve your skills in horticulture, pest management and business management.  Updated brochures with specific information about each program will be mailed to you beforehand only if you are on your county's Cooperative Extension mailing list.  If you wish to get on your county mailing list, have questions or need further information about these programs, contact your local Cooperative Extension office listed below.  Pesticide Recertification Credits will be awarded at programs marked * pending NYS DEC approval. In addition, ISA, SAF, and NYS licensed landscape architect continuing education credits (CEU’s) may be available for certain programs.  Please contact the facilitating educator for more information on specific programs.  All dates subject to change.
 
*Christmas Tree Twilight Meeting
August 6 2008, 1-5 PM Herds Orchard and Christmas Tree Farm, Modena, NY
Contact: Stephanie Mallozzi (845) 677-8223 x104, Teresa Rusinek (845) 340-3990
This is a hands-on, in the field program focusing on professional Christmas tree weed management issues.

 
 
Other Professional Horticulture Programs of Interest

 
IPM In-Depth*
July 21, 1-5 PM, Cornell Campus, Ithaca, NY
This hands-on program will focus on pest management.
Register by contacting Elizabeth Lamb at 607-254-8800 or eml38@cornell.edu.
 
Floriculture Field Day*

July 22, 2008, Cornell Campus, Ithaca, NY
5th Annual Kathy Pufahl Memorial Container Design Competition
To register for the program or for other program information contact Dolores Higareda at 607-255-1789 or at
dh29@cornell.edu.  To enter the container contest; contact Karen Hall, New York State Flower Industries, at 716-941-3502.  To register online visit www.greenhouse.cornell.edu.
 
Landscape Horticulture 2008 Short Course*
Cornell campus on July 23-24, 2008 (starting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 7/23 and concluding at noon on Thursday, 7/24 The cost of the full course is $125; Day 1 only is $95 and Day 2 only is $60.  Recertification credits will be offered for NYS DEC Pesticide recertification credits; ISA, CNLP, and ASLA Professional Continuing Education Credits will also be awarded.  For more information contact Paul Westin at 607-255-0165 (Voice) or email paw23@cornell.edu or Nina Bassuk at 607-255-4586 or nlb2@cornell.edu.  To register online, please go to the following website: www.register123.com/event/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x5928965001 ).
 
NYS Releaf Conference
July 25-26, 2008 at the Cornell Campus, Ithaca, NY.
  For more information call 315-826-5743 or visit nysurbanforestrycouncil.com. 
 
Certified Landscape Technician Training
Contact: NYSTLA at (914) 993-9455 or visit www.nystla.com.

An optional national testing program to recognize proficiency of qualified landscape professionals.
 
Certified Nursery Professional Training Program
Contact: In Dutchess, Putnam & Westchester: Scott Olivieri, (914) 682-4224; In Orange, Rockland & Ulster: Mark Masseo (845) 658-9148
By passing this exam you can earn the title Certified Nursery Professional (CNP).  Contact your New York State Nursery and Landscape Association, listed above, for more details.
 
 
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension County Commercial Horticulture Educators
Dutchess: Stephanie Mallozzi, sdm10@cornell.edu, 845-677-8223 x 104
Orange: Rosemarie Baglia, rsb22@cornell.edu, 845-344-1234
Putnam: Diane Olsen, dko3@cornell.edu, or Jennifer Stengle, jjs95@cornell.edu, 845-278-6738
Rockland: Donna Cooke, dmc72@cornell.edu, or Paul Trader, pwt2@cornell.edu, 845-429-7085
Ulster: Teresa Rusinek, tr28@cornell.edu, 845-340-3990
Westchester: Rick Harper, rwh26@cornell.edu, 914-946-3005
Sullivan: Marianna Quartararo, mdq2@cornell.edu, 845-292-6180 x 112
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mention of trade names and commercial products is for educational purposes; no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied.
Pesticide recommendations are for informational purposes only and manufacturers' recommendations change.  Read the manufacturers' instructions carefully before use.  Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University assume no responsibility for the use of any pesticide or chemicals.
Some of the links provided are not maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University are not responsible for information on these websites.  They are included for information purposes only and no endorsement by Cornell Cooperative Extension or Cornell University is implied.
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