May 19, 2021 Issue, Page 4 of 28

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4 May 19, 2021 Agriculture rodents. plants free of bagworms. This is not due to the Garden tips for May Inspect for damage and insects and spray for borers when necessary. occurrence of multiple generations. Rather, not all eggs will hatch at the same time in some Staking Trees: Stake young trees sparing- Garden tips continued from May 12. root. years and there may be migration of larvae ly and briefly when possible. Stake when top- Handling Trees before Planting: Avoiding heavy or planted in windswept areas. Always between host plants. In most years, treatment Selecting Evergreen Trees for the unnecessary damage and stress to trees prior allow for sway. Too tight or prolonged stak- in early June will catch most of the emerging Landscape to planting will ensure better success. ing results in an overall weaker tree. Remove larvae and provide good, season‐long con- “Evergreen” refers to plants that normally Keep root-ball moist. stakes after one growing season or as soon as trol. The larger, older larvae can be controlled retain most of their foliage through the winter. Handle tree by the container, not by the tree is sufficiently rooted. When evergreen trees are mentioned, the trunk. with products containing acephate (Orthene), Bagworms pines, plants belonging to the genus Pinus with Preparing the Hole and Planting the Tree: Bagworms can be a real nuisance on many carbaryl (Sevin), bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, and needle-like leaves often are thought of, but Preparing the planting hole properly before plants. In Oklahoma, the most common hosts lambda‐cyhalothrin. there are other types of evergreen plants such planting is very critical. When working with are eastern redcedar, other junipers, and arbor- Dothistroma Needle Blight of Pine as junipers with scale- or awl-like leaves and heavy clay or sandy soils, organic matter such vitae. Other hosts sometimes damaged include Dothistroma needle blight is a serious dis- cherrylaurel with broad leaves. as composted manure, etc., can improve soil pines, spruce, bald cypress, maple, boxelder, Even though evergreen trees retain their properties. ease of pine trees in Oklahoma that causes pre- sycamore, willow, black locust, oaks, and roses. foliage year-round, they do not retain all their Add soil amendments to entire planting The bagworm has been recorded on 128 differ- mature needle drop. The disease affects both leaves indefinitely. For example, southern area prior to digging the hole. Do not apply ent plant species in various parts of the United landscape plantings and pines in windbreaks. magnolia, a broadleaf evergreen, and loblolly amendments to backfill only. States. Austrian (Pinus nigra) and ponderosa (P. pon- pine, a needle-leaf evergreen, usually drop Dig planting hole 2-3 times the diameter of Symptoms: Bagworm larvae damage their derosa) pines are highly susceptible while Scots leaves that are three years old each year. These tree’s rootball and no deeper than the root ball hosts by feeding on the foliage. Heavy infesta- older leaves are the innermost ones toward the itself. or Scotch (P. sylvestris) pine is resistant to this tions can completely defoliate small plants. main trunk. Younger leaves, further out on the Plant trees at original grade OR plant trees Defoliation usually kills hosts such as redcedar disease. When Dothistroma needle blight is branch, are retained until they are three years 1-3” above grade if soil is poorly drained. and other junipers. Broadleaf hosts are not left uncontrolled, trees may be weakened and old. This annual browning and drop of inner- Do not put crushed stone or gravel in bot- killed but are weakened and become more eventually killed. most, older needles can cause concern, but it is tom of hole! susceptible to borers and diseases. Symptoms: Although needles are infected a natural process. Remove all bags, containers, strings and Life Cycle: The overwintered eggs (in the in the spring, the symptoms do not develop Evergreen trees lend year-round interest, wires. Burlap of B&B trees may be left on to year-old female bags) begin to hatch in late color, and texture to the landscape. They can decay but be sure to lay burlap back away from until the fall. Early symptoms consist of yellow April or early May and the young larvae begin help define your garden space by providing trunk and cover with soil. Synthetic burlap is to feed and construct bags immediately. The and tan spots that may be bordered by a water- structure, which can serve as the backdrop for used by some growers and should be removed. first evidence of an infestation is normally soaked band. As the spots enlarge, the tips other plants. This structure is the secret to a If roots are excessive and circling inner a small bag, about 1/4-inch long, standing of the needles will die while the needle bases beautiful winter garden. Evergreen trees are walls of pot, shave about ¼ to ½ inch off all almost on end. As larvae grow, silk and frag- remain green. The dead portion of the needle versatile and can be used as specimens, hedges, edges of root ball. Inspect for girdling roots ments of the host plant foliage are added to privacy screens or windbreaks. They also can and remove if possible. may break off leaving a blunted tip. Needles the bag until it reaches 1 1/2 or 2 inches long. be used for sound-reducing purposes, wildlife When larvae are mature, they fasten the bag to may be prematurely shed or cast from the tree, shelters and shade. Backfilling the Planting Hole: Fill in the a plant stem with silk. Pupation occurs in the especially needles on lower branches. Winter Because there are so many evergreen trees planting hole (backfill) with native soil and bag in August and males emerge in late August desiccation injury causes symptoms similar to for use in landscaping, carefully select plants tamp lightly. Soil amendments are not neces- and September. They engage in a mating flight Dothistroma needle blight. However, needles appropriate for your needs. Selection should sary and may result in further complications in search of the wingless females still inside damaged by winter desiccation will show be based on several different factors such as such as root rots. their bags. After mating the female lays several intended purpose, environmental conditions, Fertilizing: A new tree has a very limited hundred white eggs inside her old pupal case, browning of tips to roughly the same point on and maintenance requirements. capacity for utilizing fertilizer until it starts to drops from the bag, and dies. There is one gen- the needle. The amount of tip browning caused The intended purpose should influence establish itself. Do not overfertilize the new eration per year. by Dothistroma needle blight is variable. selection of plants with appropriate shape, size tree. If fertilizer is needed based on a soil test: Description: Adult males are small, clear Disease Cycle: In late winter, fruiting struc- and other physical characteristics. Consider the Incorporate fertilizer into entire bed area. winged moths with a black, hairy body and tures are visible as small, erumpent black dots size of mature trees and where they are to be Do not dump fertilizer into bottom of a wingspread of about 1 inch. Adult females used. Trees that grow tall, such as the loblolly planting hole. along the blighted needles. Fruiting struc- are wingless, have no functional legs, eyes, pine, are suitable for larger buildings and Watering the New Tree: Apply at least or antennae, and are almost maggot-like in tures mature in mid to late spring and conidia spaces. They tend to dominate or hide one-sto- one inch of water weekly during the growing appearance. The female’s body is soft, yellow- (spores) are spread by rain splash through the ry buildings. For attractive and proper balance season. Water should not stand longer than 20 ish white, and practically naked except for a growing season (May to October). Although with one-story buildings, choose trees more in minutes. In some soil types, surrounding soil circle of woolly hairs at the posterior end of infections occur throughout the growing scale with the may be moist while the root-ball itself is dry. the abdomen. Mature larvae have a dark brown building size. Careful consideration of ma- Be sure to occasionally check the root-ball for season, symptoms are not evident until fall. abdomen, and the head and thorax are white, ture size will reduce the need for pruning. adequate moisture. spotted with black. They are about 1 inch long. Two seasons are required for the pathogen to Environmental conditions also should influ- Mulching the New Tree: New trees Both larvae and adult females are found in complete its lifecycle. ence the selection of plants. Site characteristics should be mulched using an organic mulch silken bags on the host plants. Management: Fallen needles should be such as sunny or shady, wet or dry, exposure 1-2” deep; keep mulch at least 1-2” away from removed from the ground and discarded in the to winter winds or pollution are important. trunk of tree. Benefits of mulching to create a Cultural control: Infestations can be re- trash to reduce inoculum (pathogen propa- Plants selected should be tolerant of existing weed and turf-free area about 5-6’ in diameter duced by handpicking bags (and overwintering conditions and be cold and heat hardy in the include: eggs within bags) during fall, winter, or spring gules). This is a method of sanitation and it Oklahoma climate. Reduced plant competition for water and before eggs hatch. Eggs remain viable within helps lower disease severity the next season. Finally, consider how much maintenance nutrients. bags so be sure to destroy bags upon removal Sanitation is not completely effective since the plant will require and any possible disad- Even soil temperature and moisture. by crushing or burning them. When larvae some needles may remain attached to branch- vantages including susceptibility to attack by Pruning the New Tree: Avoid overprun- become active, bagworms can still be removed es. Fungicides can be applied for preventative disease and insect pests, soft or brittle wood ing new trees. Leave lower limbs intact if by hand if the numbers are small and the af- that is easily damaged by wind and ice, fruits possible. Remove injured or diseased branches fected host plants are small enough to reach control of Dothistroma needle blight. New and seeds that are large, messy or otherwise only. Overpruning may result in sunscald and the canopy. Again, take care to destroy the bags needles are resistant but become susceptible obnoxious and abundant shedding of twigs and overall depressed growth. once they are removed. by mid-summer. Older needles are susceptible small branches. Plants that may exhibit these Trunk Protective Materials: Protec- Biological control: There are several natu- throughout the growing season. A copper types of characteristics can still be used but tive wraps can provide physical protection rally occurring parasitic wasps and predatory containing fungicide can be applied once the should be carefully placed. against equipment, animals, insects, people, insects that attack bagworms. The activity of new needles are fully expanded (usually mid- For more information and a comprehensive list herbicides, etc. Protective wraps also provide these natural enemies apparently explains the of suggested evergreen species for Oklahoma see our protection by modifying temperatures and fluctuation in bagworm populations observed May). A second application seven to ten days fact sheet HLA-6463 Selecting Evergreen Trees. bark moisture for thin-barked trees such as from year to year. later may be helpful especially if weather is Planting Trees ash, birch, linden, and maple. Chemical control: Chemical controls are cool or rainy. Generally, fungicide applications To ensure successful tree establishment, If misused however, damage may occur most effective if applied early when larvae are not needed in the summer, since hot and the following planting techniques and methods in the form of trunk girdling or constriction, are small. In Oklahoma, it is normally a good dry conditions are unfavorable for the disease. should be used. insects, diseases, and excessive moisture. practice to make applications of insecticide by When to Plant: The best time to plant most Protective wraps may not be necessary at early June. Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Thorough coverage is essential and hiring a trees is spring or fall; however, many trees planting time. Use based on type of protection a bacterial insecticide, is reported to provide tree care professional to treat large trees is can be planted any time if handled properly. needed. good control of bagworms. Also effective are advised. If the disease is severe, several years Plants installed during the growing season are Wrap loosely from base up to first branch products that contain the active ingredient of meticulous treatment may be required to susceptible to high transpiration rates leading by overlapping for shingle affect. Spinosad, another microbial agent. These in- control Dothistroma needle blight. to desiccation of plant tissues. Do not use plastic twine. secticides must be ingested by the caterpillars Early fall - best time for container - grown Plastic guards should fit loosely and include to achieve kill, so be patient as it will take some CONTACT: Greg Hartman| Beckham County and balled & burlapped (B&B) trees. holes or slits. time to see results. Repeat applications may be OSU Extension Center | Mid-February through mid-April - bare- Plastic lasts longer and is quite resistant to needed later in the summer to keep susceptible (580) 928-2139 | [email protected] OKFB offers tips for preparing your business this summer Ways to maximize your business during the summer slow season OKLAHOMA – Most businesses deal with make the most of a slow season. to intrigue your current and future customers season, these are great ways to keep you and slow and peak seasons throughout the year. Invest in Your Employees. 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