UMass Extension Landscape Message May 6, 2011

"Winter Moth (WM) caterpillars remain feeding on host plant foliage. Oaks began bud-break in much of the state over this past week and WM larvae have been found associated with those buds and foliage in eastern MA. Some areas of Rhode Island have reported as many as 12 caterpillars per bud in some plants within the past 2 weeks. Overall, winter moth is expected to occur in scattered areas at outbreak numbers this year in eastern MA. Once buds have expanded sufficiently a spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Kurstaki) or one that contains Spinosad as the active ingredient should provide the desired levels of control. Pyrethroids also work well at this time but tend to be much harsher on beneficial insects and non-target organisms."

"Lily Leaf Beetle adults are active. Asiatic lily foliage is now appearing and these bright red adult beetles are beginning to cause notching of the foliage. Mating will not occur until sometime in May and then small rows of eggs will begin to appear on the foliage undersides. Inspect soon for the beetles. If treatments are necessary a chemical pesticide, such as a pyrethroid, organo-phosphate, or carbamate, is usually required to obtain desired levels of control. The larvae, which won't appear for a while, are easily treated with a product that contains Spinosad (e.g. Conserve SC)."

From the Southeast Region (Hanson) - General Conditions:

"White grubs are feeding in the root zone and birds (grackles, etc.) are frequent visitors."

Claire (who can't resist a plug for grackles)