Lexington, KY 40546
Online at: www.uky.edu/KPN
Number 1227
SOYBEAN
-Late Burndown Control of Marestail in Full-
Season No-Till Soybeans
TOBACCO
-Update on Tobacco Float Bed Diseases
WHEAT
-New Tool for Assessing Fusarium Head Blight
(Head Scab) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) Risk in
Wheat
FRUIT CROPS
-Leaf Wetness Promotes Apple and Grape
Infections
SOYBEAN
Late Burndown Control of Marestail in Full-
Season No-Till Soybeans
By Jim Martin and J.D. Green
Most of the marestail that occurs in Kentucky is
resistant or highly tolerant to glyphosate (see
young marestail on April 24, 2010 in Figure 1).
The use of 2,4-D as a tank mix partner with
glyphosate has been a standard option for
managing glyphosate-resistant marestail (also
known as horseweed) in full-season no-till
soybeans. One drawback with this option is that
it requires 7 to 30 days between application and
soybean planting. Another concern with 2,4-D
ester is the risk of drift to nearby sensitive
plants.
Some alternatives to 2,4-D for burndown control
of marestail include: 1) products containing the
active ingredient saflufenacil or 2) Ignite. These
options do not require a delay in planting of
soybean and generally are not as great of risk of
April 27, 2010
SHADE TREES
-Winter Injury in the Landscape
-Emerald Ash Borer Trapping Begins
-Yellow Poplar Weevils
-Pine Bark Adelgid – Snowy & Showy
LAWN & TURF
-Nematodes and Turfgrasses
PESTS OF HUMANS & ANIMALS
-Black Flies Attack People and Livestock
PESTICIDE NEWS & VIEWS
-Belay 2.13 SC Receives Expanded Use Label
for Fruits and Vegetables
-Tourismo Labeled for Some Fruit Crops
DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS
injuring nearby tobacco or similar crops
compared with 2,4-D.
Products with saflufenacil
Sharpen (saflufenacil) and Optill (saflufenacil +
imazethapyr) are new burndown herbicides
labeled to control marestail up to 6 inches in
height. The maximum recommended rate for
use of Sharpen in soybean is 1 fluid oz/A;
whereas, Optill is recommended at 2 oz/A.
Although the labels of both Sharpen and Optill
recommend using methylated seed oil (MSO) or
crop oil concentrate (COC), there is increasing
evidence that MSO is preferred over COC for
marestail control. The additional cost of using
MSO over COC is probably worth the
investment for managing this weed. In addition
to MSO the use of ammonium sulfate (AMS) or
liquid urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) is also
required with Sharpen or Optill.
Sharpen and Optill are somewhat narrow in the
spectrum of weeds controlled in burndown
treatments; consequently it is likely these
products will be tank mixed with glyphosate or
another herbicide. The current recommended
adjuvant system for tank mixing these products
with glyphosate is MSO plus AMS. MSO is
normally not recommended with glyphosate,
however, there is mounting evidence that
indicates MSO is superior to nonionic surfactant
for marestail control when tank mixing Sharpen
or Optill with glyphosate.
The labels for Sharpen and Optill recommend
against tankmixing or using sequential
applications within 30 days of other PPO
inhibitors such as sulfentrazone (e.g. Authority
products) or flumioxazin (e.g. Valor products),
due to the risk of crop injury. The interaction of
these herbicides may also impact marestail
control. Recent research at University of
Tennessee indicates that tank mixing Sharpen
with Valor limited Sharpen’s ability to control
emerged marestail plants.
Ignite 280 SL
The use of Ignite 280 SL at 29 oz/A is labeled to
control marestail 6 to 12 inches in height.
Thorough spray coverage is important for
marestail control with Ignite, therefore
treatments need to be applied in a minimum of
15 gallons of water per acre. In order to achieve
optimum marestail control, weather conditions
need to be favorable for plant growth. Warm
temperatures, high humidity, and bright sunlight
enhance the weed control with Ignite.
While Ignite is usually effective on managing
marestail, there may be few instances where
large plants are not completely controlled. If
growers commit to using Ignite as a burndown
option, then Ignite should not be used
postemergence ‘in crop’ on Liberty Link
soybean, due to label restrictions.
Figure 1. Young marestail.
TOBACCO
Update on Tobacco Float Bed Diseases
By Kenny Seebold
Above-normal temperatures have prevailed from
the end of March through the first two weeks of
April, and we’ve been pretty dry as well. With
the increased heat, we’d naturally worry a little
about Pythium becoming active on roots of
tobacco, and the risk from bacterial soft rot
(black leg) would be elevated as well. The last
things that we’d think would be a problem
would be target spot and collar rot, yet both
diseases are starting to crop up around various
parts of the state. The appearance of these
diseases more-or-less coincides with the passing
of a cold front around April 16, when we also
saw a little cloudy and rainy weather. With the
cooler temperatures, and rain forecasted through
April 27, we should expect a fair number of
cases of target spot to crop up. An article on
managing target spot was published in the
Kentucky Pest News (No. 1225, April 13, 2010);
this week’s report will focus on the
identification and management of collar rot.
BACKGROUND. Collar rot shows up in float
beds in the spring, when resting structures
(sclerotia) located outside the float system
germinate produce cup-shaped fruiting bodies
called apothecia. Apothecia then produce spores
(ascospores) that are dispersed on wind currents.
When ascospores land on susceptible tissue, they
germinate if sufficient moisture is present. Long
periods of leaf wetness (greater than 16 hours)
are required for this process. Germinated
ascospores produce hyphae (fungal “threads”)
that penetrate tissue and begin the infection
process.
SYMPTOMS. The first symptoms of collar rot
are small, dark green, water-soaked lesions that
appear at the bases of stems. In most cases, this
disease becomes apparent when clusters of
infected transplants collapse, leaving open holes
in the plant canopy (Figure 2). These clusters,
or “foci”, are usually grapefruit-sized (4-6” in
diameter). Stems of affected seedlings generally
show a wet necrosis that is amber-to-brown in
color, beginning at the base of the plant and
extending upward (Figure 3). Signs of the seedlings. Clip seedlings at a low blade speed
causal agent, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, may be with a well-sharpened, high-vacuum mower to
present on symptomatic plants or on debris in ensure complete removal of leaf pieces in the
float trays. These signs include a white, cottony least injurious way possible. Frequent clippings
mycelium (fungal mass), present if humidity is will reduce the amount of tissue that must be
high, and irregularly shaped, black sclerotia removed by the mower and will cause less plant
(Figure 4). Sclerotia resemble seeds or rodent injury and lead to less leaf material left on the
droppings and are the primary survival structure transplants. Clippings and diseased plants
of S. sclerotiorum and are the primary source of should be discarded a minimum of 100 yards
inoculum for outbreaks in subsequent years. from the transplant facility, or buried. Home
gardens should not be planted near transplant
Plants that are 5-7 weeks old are most facilities, and keep a weed-free zone around
susceptible to collar rot. We often see the first float beds. Over 300 species of plants, including
cases shortly after plants are first clipped many weeds, are hosts to S. sclerotiorum,
following a period of disease-favorable weather. making many weeds potential hosts for this
Cool temperatures (60 to 75 ºF), high humidity, pathogen.
and overcast conditions, like those that have
been common in Kentucky for the past week, are
ideal for development of this disease. It’s also
important to note that S. sclerotiorum is an
efficient colonizer of dead plant matter and
weakened or injured tissue, and these are usually
the first to be attacked. The fungus will then
move from these areas to nearby healthy plants
as long as cool temperatures and high humidity
prevail. This is one of the ways that secondary
spread of the collar rot pathogen takes place, Figure 2. Clusters of collar-rot affected transplants
since S. sclerotiorum does not produce airborne collapse, leaving open holes in the plant canopy.
spores on infected tissue. The other way in
which secondary spread can occur is through
dispersal of infected tissue – a possible event
when infected plants are clipped.

MANAGEMENT. There are no fungicides

labeled for control of Sclerotinia collar rot on
tobacco transplants, making this a difficult
disease to manage. Sound management
practices are the only options that a grower can
use to fight collar rot. Adequate ventilation and Figure 3. Stems of collar rot-affected seedlings showing
air circulation are a primary concerns, since wet necrosis that is amber-to-brown in color, beginning
these limit the duration of leaf and stem wetness. at the base of the plant and extending upward.
Growers should manage temperatures to
promote healthy plants and minimize injury.
The latter is important because injured tissues
are more susceptible to S. sclerotiorum. Fertility
should be kept at around 100 ppm (N); excessive
levels of N can lead to a lush, dense canopy that
will take longer to dry and will be more
susceptible to attack by the collar rot pathogen.
Plant debris should not be allowed to build up in
transplant trays or remain in contact with
Figure 4. Collar rot: white, cottony mycelium
(fungal mass) present if humidity is high, and
irregularly shaped, black sclerotia.
 WHEAT

New Tool for Assessing Fusarium Head

Blight (Head Scab) and Deoxynivalenol
(DON) Risk in Wheat
By Don Hershman

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat (Figure 5),

and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation in
harvested grain was a serious problem in 2009,
but each year brings with it new possibilities.
Figure 5. Typical symptoms of Fusarium Head
The weather conditions in Kentucky thus far in Blight.
2010 have not been anything like they were in
2009. As a result, the FHB/DON risk has been
minimal. This could, however, change, Since
wheat is now heading out in much of the state, it
behooves you to pay close attention to the FHB
risk over the next 2-3 weeks.

An exciting new tool can be used to help you

determine the FHB risk and need to spray a
fungicide. This tool is a web-based, disease
forecasting model made available by Penn State
University, The Ohio State University, Kansas
State University, and the U.S. Wheat and Barley
Scab Initiative. This model, utilizes real-time
weather data from numerous National Weather
Service stations within each state. For
Kentucky, weather data included in the disease
model have been significantly “ramped-up” due Figure 6. Kentucky screen for Fusarium Head Blight risk
to the addition of about 50 Kentucky Mesonet Assessment Tool.
weather stations(www.kymesonet.org/).

Go to www.wheatscab.psu.edu/ and click on

“Risk map tool”, then select the state of
Kentucky to see the current FHB risk for
Kentucky (Figure 6). The commentary section at
the bottom of the map is a place where I have
the opportunity to write a brief summary of the
current risk and model output and put them in
proper context to things such as crop stage.
Hopefully, FHB and DON will be minor in the
state and region this year.
FRUIT CROPS
Leaf Wetness Promotes Apple and Grape
Infections
By John Hartman
Kentucky fruit growers, once faced with dry
weather, are now faced with spring rains
providing prolonged leaf wetness periods.
Disease-causing fungi produce microscopic
spores which, in the presence of surface
moisture on susceptible plant parts, will
germinate (like a “seed”) and grow into the plant
and live as a parasite, causing disease. Rainy
spells during the weekend of April 24-25 plus
the early part of this week have provided
sufficient leaf wetness statewide for severe
infections of apple scab, apple cedar rust, and apple scab. Cedar-quince rust, which infects
grape black rot. apple fruits, appears on cedar trees at the same
time as cedar-apple rust and infection
Apple scab. Apple growers can examine tables requirements may be similar.
in the Midwest Tree Fruit Pest Management
Handbook (U.K. Extension Publication ID-93) Table 2. Approximate minimum number of
that spell out how much leaf wetness is needed hours of leaf wetness required for cedar-
to obtain apple scab and cedar-apple rust apple rust infections on leaves of
infections. Table 1 shows data extracted from susceptible cultivars.
ID-93 indicating that at temperatures in the 60's Average Hours (Second
and low 70's F, apple scab infection can occur in Temperature (°F) number represents
as little as 6 hours when leaves are wet. With hours needed for
recent statewide leaf wetness periods lasting at infection if wetness is
least 15 hours, and up to 37 hours in some cases, preceded by a dry
apple scab infections surely occurred on period.)
unprotected susceptible apples and crabapples. 43 8 - 14
Even with temperatures in the 50's extended leaf 46 6 - 12
wetness duration exceeded the minimum hours 50 6 - 12
needed for infection in most Kentucky locations. 54 4-8
58-64 3-7
Table 1. A proposed revision for the 68 to 76 2-6
minimum number of hours of leaf wetness
79+ -
required to produce apple scab infections.a
Based on the data of Aldwinckle, Pearson, and
Average Hours
Seem, Cornell University.
temperature (°F)
34 41
39 28
45 15 Grape black rot. Infections by the black rot
50 11 fungus also depend on leaf wetness. Table 3
54-56 8 presents data extracted from the Midwest Small
61-75 6 Fruit Pest Management Handbook, Ohio State
79 11 University Extension publication Bulletin 861,
a
Data of W. MacHardy and D. Gadoury; and available through the UK Cooperative Extension
A. Stensvand, et al., Cornell University. Service. Note that the grape black rot infections
are favored by warmer temperatures than apple
scab or cedar rust infections.

Cedar-apple rust. Table 2, also extracted from
ID-93, shows leaf wetness needed to obtain
cedar-apple rust infections. The first number
listed is for situations where the cedar-apple rust
inoculum (orange, swollen galls bearing
teliospores with basidiospores on cedar trees) is
available at the start of the rain. If inoculum is
not already present (dry period prior to the rain),
the second number incorporates the added
wetness hours needed for infection. Infection is
unlikely at temperatures below 43°F if inoculum
is not already present. Temperatures favorable
for cedar rust infections are similar to those for
For both apple and grape, infections can occur
on any green tissue exposed to the fungal spores
during wet periods. Fruit growers are urged to
take note of the weather and take needed action
to prevent primary infections from becoming
established during these moist periods. Fruit
disease management suggestions are available at
County Extension Offices statewide.

Table 3. Grape Black Rot. Leaf Wetness
Duration-Temperature Combinations
Necessary for Grape Foliar Infection by
Black Rot.
Temperature ºF Minimum Leaf
Wetness Duration
(Hr) for Light
Infection
50 24
55 12
60 9 and late frosts in spring. This is why just
65 8 knowing the lowest temperature of the winter
70 7 may not provide enough information for
75 7
80 6
85 9 which plant tissues were vulnerable at the time
90 12
Data represent a compilation from several
experiments with the cultivars Concord,
Catawba, Aurora, and Baco noir.
SHADE TREES
Winter Injury in the Landscape
By Bill Fountain, Extension Horticulturist
and Julie Beale, Plant Diagnostician
The last frost and the arrival of spring let us put
winter behind us, at least in our minds.
Unfortunately for individuals managing
landscapes and diagnosing plant problems, it is
the onset of the visible symptoms of winter
injury. The visual effects of winter injury can be
evident into summer. Over the long term, winter
related stress can increase susceptibility to
disease and insect attack. Most of the injury we
see is the result of either chilling (low
temperature) injury or desiccation.
Chilling Injury
Development of winter hardiness is not an off
and on process like switching on a light. The
development of cold hardiness is a complicated
process that increases and decreases slowly as
the season’s progress. Hardiness begins to
develop as growth slows and stops, finally
culminating in mid winter. It then gradually
decreases until growth begins in earnest. The
often referenced USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
Mapping system refers to a best case scenario of
what a plant can tolerate in mid winter without
significant injury or death. However, plants do
not remain uniformly hardy throughout the
winter. A plant hardy to -20F in January can be
killed by a light frost after the start of spring
growth. In fact, most of our chilling injury
occurs as a result of sudden cold snaps in fall
diagnosis.
Symptoms of chilling injury vary depending on
of exposure. In succulent tissues, such as leaves
and stems, water freezing in the cells forms
crystals that expand, rupturing cell walls. Cell
contents leak out of the cell, giving leaves and
stems a water-soaked appearance. Tissues
damaged in this way will not recover. If the
damaged tissues can be cut back to a healthy
bud, the plant will produce new shoots.
Flower buds are often slightly less hardy than
vegetative buds and may be killed, leaving only
the buds that develop into leaves and stems.
Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) is a common
landscape plant that seems to “forget” to flower
after severe winters with extremely low
temperatures, usually -15F or lower. The flower
buds are killed during these extremely cold
periods, but the plant is still able to produce new
vegetative growth with the arrival of spring.
Although poor spring flowering is a
disappointment to gardeners, flowering every
year is not essential to the plant’s survival the
way that vegetative growth is.
The cambium is a thin layer of cells just below
the bark that divides to form new phloem cells
(downward conduction of sugars) to the outside
and new xylem cells (upward conduction of
water and mineral elements) to the inside. These
cambium cells begin to divide and grow long
before we see new leaves and shoots in early
spring. During unseasonably warm periods, the
cambium can become active only to freeze with
a sudden drop in temperature. When this occurs
on the trunk it is called “sunscald,” though it is
really caused by freezing after the sun has
warmed these cells. It appears first as a thin
vertical crack in the bark and is often on the
south or southwest side of the trunk (Figures 7
& 8). It occurs more commonly on young trees
than old ones. Species with thin bark are
particularly susceptible, including red maple
(Acer rubrum), magnolia (Magnolia spp.),
apple/crabapple (Malus spp.) and linden (Tilia
spp.). Sunscald may result in the sloughing off
of bark, but it is imperative to resist the urge to
peel off the bark, as this only aggravates the
damage. Binding the loose bark has not proven
beneficial nor has painting the wound. The best
recommendation is to install plants with large
root balls, water during dry periods in winter and
provide optimum growing conditions for the
species. Should this type of damage occur,
recovery is more rapid in healthy, vigorous
plants than in those under stress. Keeping
irrigation water off the wound will also help to
reduce the potential for decay.
The least hardy part of any plant is its roots.
Roots normally are protected from extremes of
temperature and drought by soil. Plants growing
in containers or sitting on the surface as balled
and burlapped plants are subject to root injury
from exposure to the frigid air temperatures of
winter. Low temperatures may kill the roots
without damaging the more hardy stems and
buds above ground. When the plant does not
leaf out in spring, scraping the stem and buds
reveals green, moist tissues. Often there is
enough moisture in the stems to allow the buds
to “pop” as the weather warms but not enough to
allow shoots to elongate or leaves to develop.
Without live roots to absorb moisture the shoots
and buds soon desiccate and die. There is no
treatment for plants that have lost their entire
root systems from exposure to low temperatures;
prevention is the only cure.
further compounded in evergreens when they are
exposed to direct winter sun. The sun warms the
foliage while the soil and stems remain frozen,
preventing the absorption and upward movement
of water to replace what has been lost from the
warmed leaf. This often does not become
evident until early to mid spring when the plant
takes on a tan or brown appearance. If the leaf
turns brown but the buds remain alive and green,
the plant is generally able to recover. Boxwoods
(Buxus spp.), cherrylaurel (Prunus
laurocerasus), rhododendron and evergreen
azalea (Rhododendron spp.) are plants that often
experience this type of damage.
Winter injury appears in many different forms
and can often be the initiating stress that results
in disease or insect attack. Matching the
appropriate plant to the site, proper mulching in
fall and other cultural techniques to reduce stress
help give the plant the optimum chance to thrive.
Figure 7. Sunscald injury
to the trunk as it first
becomes noticeable.
Figure 8. Old sunscald
injury with the
development of decay
and borer attack.

Desiccation
While moving air does not make plants colder Figure 9. Winter drying
than the actual temperature—the way “wind of broadleaf evergreen
chill” makes us feel colder--it can increase the foliage (Ilex sp.).
rate of water loss from the plant, particularly in
broadleaf evergreens (Figure 9). Water loss is
Emerald Ash Borer Trapping Begins The traps are about 2-feet-long and baited with
By Lee Townsend an attractant to lure the borers if they are already
present in the area. The traps are harmless to
Those who humans, animals, and trees. They do not contain
live or toxic material and will not cause new
travel in infestations to develop.
Kentucky
this The emerald ash borer is a small, dark green
summer metallic beetle that attacks all species of ash
probably trees. Adult borers feed on a tree's leaves during
will see May and June. The larvae burrow into the tree to
Figure 10. Counties in blue show 2010 purple feed under the bark from July thru October,
trapping area. prisms destroying the tree's ability to transport water
hanging at and nutrients. This can cause loss of the entire
least 10 feet above the ground in ash trees. canopy and ultimately kill the tree within a year
These prisms are traps for the emerald ash borer, or two.
a destructive insect that was found in Kentucky
during the summer of 2009. If emerald ash borer infestation is suspected,
contact the USDA-APHIS Emerald Ash Borer
hotline at 866-322-4512 or the Kentucky Office
About 6,000 traps of the State Entomologist at 859-257-5838.
are being installed Information on the status of this insect in
as part of an Kentucky is available at
emerald ash borer http://pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/EAB/welcome.html
survey funded by
the U.S.
Department of
Agriculture Yellow Poplar Weevils
Animal Plant By Lee Townsend
Health Inspection
Service, and U.S. Yellow poplar
Figure 11. Purple pyramid trap Forest Service. weevils, also
for emerald ash borer.
The Office of the known as sassafras
State and magnolia
Entomologist is overseeing the installation of the weevils, are small
traps. dark snout beetles
that feed on yellow
Traps are placed in a grid pattern about 1.5 to 2 poplar, sassafras,
miles apart along the leading edge of the and magnolia buds
quarantine area established after the insect was and leaves. Every
discovered in the state in last year. The Figure 12. The long snout on
few years they are
the yellow poplar weevil causes
quarantine applies to an area in north central it to be mistaken for a tick. abundant enough
Kentucky roughly between Louisville, to attract attention.
Lexington, and Covington and Greenup County.
Traps also will be placed at rest areas, Damage from this insect comes in two forms.
campgrounds, state parks and other tourist Adults chew holes in buds and leaves that
attractions across the state. They will be resemble curved rice grains. The legless larval
collected and examined for the insect in August, stage lives as a miner in the leaves of poplar and
after the flight period has ended. sassafras. Combined feeding by adults and
larvae can cause significant leaf loss. While
injured leaves are unsightly, the damage
probably does not harm the health of established
trees. Aesthetic damage to landscape trees in the
form of browned or scorched-looking leaves and
premature leaf drop may be considered
unacceptable.
Austrian, and other species, primarily in home
landscapes, parks, or nurseries. Needles on
heavily infested trees may turn yellow; small
trees may be stunted or killed by this insect or
other stresses that affect vigor.

Shade tree and ornamental insecticides such as

carbaryl (Sevin), or products containing one of
the pyrethroids - cyfluthrin, permethrin, or
cyhalothrin may be used to reduce damage to the
foliage and subsequent mining. Treat when adult
feeding damage is seen on about 10% of the
branches and repeat as necessary. Weevils arrive Figure 13 & 14. Pine bark adelgid infestation (A. Sears
at trees over an extended period; treating at the photos).
very first sign of damage may be premature and
These sap feeding insects occur on the smooth
require an additional application in a few days.
bark of trunks and limbs. Heavy infestations
While the damage may be unsightly, the injury
look like a covering of whitewash. While some
to large, established trees in landscapes or
can be found at the bases of needles or on
wooded areas probably will not harm the tree.
terminal buds, these insects feed only on bark.
Females overwinter and lay their eggs in the
Adults pass the winter in leaf litter. They feed
spring. The adelgids reproduce repeatedly so
from late April into early May. Before bud break
there are several generations each year.
the weevils attack the swelling buds leaving
Practices that promote tree health can aid the
their distinctive feeding marks. As the leaves
tree in dealing with the insect. A variety if
unfold and enlarge, they, too, are fed upon. Eggs
natural enemies, including fly maggots and lady
are placed in the midrib on the underside of the
beetles provide natural control. Horticulture oil
leaves, sometimes breaking the midrib. Newly-
can be applied during the winter months;
hatched larvae move from the midrib into the
insecticidal soap can be used against crawlers in
leaf. The mined portion of the leaf turns brown
the spring if needed.
and takes on a scorched appearance. When ready
to pupate, the larvae move to an inflated portion
of the mine and spin a spherical silk cocoon.
Duration of the different life stages varies with
LAWN & TURF
environmental conditions. New adults begin to
emerge from leaves during the second week of
Nematodes and Turfgrasses
June and feed on the foliage. By mid-July the
By Paul Vincelli
adults have disappeared to their hiding places in
leaf litter and will remain inactive until spring.
Interest among golf course superintendents in
There is one generation of this insect each year.
nematodes--tiny roundworms that attack
turfgrass roots—has been growing in the past
couple of years. This article reviews some of
Pine Bark Adelgid – Snowy & Showy
the important points regarding turf nematodes.
By Lee Townsend
Should I be concerned about nematodes?
Snow on white pine bark isn’t completely out of
Probably not in most turfgrass settings. Parasitic
the question in Kentucky but usually it is due to
nematodes can be commonly found in turfgrass
an insect – the pine bark adelgid - rather than
soils, but in most situations (lawns, most athletic
frozen precipitation. Pine bark adelgids are
fields, most fairways), their numbers are so low
small, dark, aphid-like insects that are covered
that they don’t warrant concern. Nematodes
with a cottony wax secretion. They are most
commonly are a greater threat in high-sand soils,
common on white pine but can infest Scots,
and most Kentucky soils are silt loams or
heavier. However, on high-sand soils (many
golf greens, certain tees and athletic fields), we
sometimes do find high levels of nematodes that
“raise flags”.
It is possible that nematodes are increasing in
importance in turfgrass management, for several
reasons:
1. High-sand content root zones have
become common in golf greens and
certain other management settings.
2. The very low mowing heights that have
become industry standards on golf
greens allow all root-infecting
organisms to be more destructive than
they would be otherwise.
3. Newer insecticides are more selective
than in previous decades. In the past,
applications for insect control probably
also provided some nematode
suppression.
4. Global warming increases the risk of
wintertime survival of nematodes. (FYI,
many members of the general public
think that the possibility of global
warming is controversial among
scientists. It’s not, at least not among
professionally active scientists. And
what about the cold winter we just
experienced? Well, keep in mind that
the phenomenon is called “global
warming”, not “Kentucky warming”.
Weather varies across the globe, but
look at global temperatures.)
Which kinds of nematodes attack turfgrasses?
Nematodes can be characterized as ectoparasitic
or endoparasitic. Ectoparasites are those that
feed while
physically
outside the root
(Figure 15).
Endoparasitic
nematodes
burrow into the
plant in order
Figure 15. Ectoparasitic nematode to feed (Figure
feeding on root hair. Note the 16). The
spear-like stylet it uses to pierce the endoparasites
plant cell (Ann MacGuidwin, Univ.
Wisconsin photo).
are commonly difficult to control, since they
spend most of their time protected within the
root
.
Figure 16. Endoparasitic nematod (the swollen
body is stained red) feeding on the vascular
cylinder of a root and expelling eggs outside the
root (Ann MacGuidwin, Univ. Wisconsin photo).
The most important genera of turf-attacking
nematodes in our region include:
• Sting nematode (genus name
Belonolaimus). This highly destructive
ectoparasite, native to regions further
southeast, has reportedly been found
recently in cold-winter states including
Kentucky, Kansas, and southern Illinois.
It typically needs soils with 80+% sand
to reach damaging populations. As an
ectoparasite, it can be easily treated with
nematicides.
• Lance nematode (genus name
Hoplolaimus). This nematode is a
migratory endoparasite, which means it
tears up roots internally as it pushes
through and feeds. As an endoparasite,
it is difficult to control with nematicides.
• Root knot nematode (genus name
Meloidogyne). This endoparasite
(pictured in Figure 16) produces tiny
galls on roots (Figure 17).
• Ring nematode (genus name
Mesocriconema). High populations of
this ectoparasite are usually needed for
turf damage to occur, but a few
Kentucky golf greens have been found
with damaging levels. Creeping
bentgrass is a major host.
 • Stubby root nematode (genus name
Trichodorus). This ectoparasite feeds
on root tips, resulting in a distorted root
system. Creeping bentgrass and
bermudagrass are common turfgrass
hosts.
Figure 17. Galls on turfgrass roots caused by the
root knot nematode (Alan Windham, Univ.
Tennessee photo).
What does nematode damage look like?
Most of the time, nematodes feeding on
turfgrass roots results in diffuse, irregular areas
of yellowed, wilting, thinning turf. In other
words, aboveground symptoms are not
distinctive. If the attack is severe enough, it can
result in death of turfgrass—again, usually in
diffuse patches rather than distinctive patterns
(Figure 18).
Nematode damage usually appears as diffuse,
irregular areas because the nematode
populations themselves are very patchy in the
soil. Some parts of the green can have very high
counts, other parts very low counts.
Among turfgrass nematodes, the root knot
nematode is the only exception to the rule of
damage being in diffuse, irregular areas. Attack
by this nematode has often been associated with
roughly circular patches of yellowish turf
(Figure 19).
Figure 18. Severe
damage from the sting
nematode on a golf
green (Alan Windham,
Univ. Tennessee photo).
Figure 19. Circular
patches of yellowing
creeping bentgrass
caused by the root knot
nematode (Billy Crow,
Univ. Florida photo).
How can I find out if nematodes are causing
problems?
Simple: Sample the soil and have it tested.
That’s really the only way to know. Some
guidelines for sampling soil:
• Don’t sample using a cup-cutter: it
won’t give the most accurate counts.
• Using a soil probe, collect 16-20 soil
cores, 3-4-inches-deep per green.
• If damage is visible, sample from
margins of affected area (sick grass, not
dead grass)
• If no damage is visible, sample in an
arbitrary zig-zag.
• Leave the turfgrass plug in place. That
allows the nematologist to check for
endoparasites.
• Combine cores into plastic bag (one
sample per green) and seal. If using a
ziplock bag, tape it shut so it doesn’t
break open in shipment.
• Label bags with permanent marker.
• The sample must be protected from heat,
direct sunlight, and drying.
Samples can be submitted to several
laboratories, including the following:
1. University of Florida Nematode Assay
Laboratory
(http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sr011). The UF
lab is collaborating with us to survey
nematodes in golf greens this year, so
we encourage submission of samples to
this lab in 2010, in order to have as
representative a database as possible.
2. Purdue University Nematology
Laboratory
(http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/nemat
ology/index.html)
3. Mississippi State University
(http://msucares.com/pubs/misc/m1230.
pdf)
Management of nematodes
Nematode control isn’t as simple nowadays as it
was in years past. Many nematicides have been
removed from the market, because of risks to the
environment or human health. There are
alternative nematode control products on the
market, but golf course superintendents should
exercise healthy skepticism about their efficacy.
Almost all of these products haven’t been
independently tested or, if they have, they have
performed poorly.
Keep in mind the following agronomic
considerations regarding nematodes:
• If you find nematodes on a problem
green, they may not be the primary
stress.
• Nematode activity on roots becomes
more damaging to the grass with lower
mowing heights.
• If nematodes produce shallow roots on
the grass, manage fertility and irrigation
accordingly.
PESTS OF HUMANS & ANIMALS
Black Flies Attack People and Livestock
By Lee Townsend
Black flies or buffalo gnats belong to a family of
small biting flies that develop in riffles or
flowing water of river and streams. Black flies
have been a chronic problem along the
Tradewater River in Webster County over the
past few years and an unusual nuisance in areas
of Adair, Logan, and Warren counties this
spring.
Black flies
spend the
winter as larvae
attached to
submerged
rocks and
snags. There is
a synchronized
emergence of
Figure 20. Black fly - about 1/16 adults as the
inch long with humpbacked body
water
and banded legs.
temperature
rises in the
spring. This can result in a large emergence of
hungry adults that will fly off in search of a
blood meal.
These small humpbacked flies have blade-like
mouthparts similar to a horse fly. They slice the
skin and feed on blood that pools up at the
wound. Clouds of these flies can attack horses
and cattle near flowing water. The intense
feeding period lasts about 3 weeks before the
flies disappear.
Fly wipes or sprays for horses and cattle can
provide some relief. A thick coating of
petroleum jelly can deter feeding in horse’s ears
but must be re-applied every few days. An open
barn or shed provides a hiding place from these
day-feeding flies. The nuisance species in
Kentucky will swarm around the faces of people
but apparently do not bite. Repellents may give
some relief but there are no good control
measures for the adults.
In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the southern
buffalo gnat was a serious pest of livestock
along some western Kentucky waterways.
Smoke from smudge fires was one of the few
ways to provide some relief for horses, mules,
and cattle that were tormented by these day-
flying blood feeders. Animals could at least
stand in the smoke to escape bites. They still are
quite a nuisance. The nuisance and annoyance
occurs early in the year and then diminishes.
PESTICIDE NEWS & VIEWS
treated area and down gradient aquatic habitat.
It is labeled for grapes (7 day PHI), pome fruit
(14 day PHI – apple, pear), and stone fruit (14
day PHI – peach, plum, cherry). This premix
controls Lepidopteran and Homopteran pests.

Belay 2.13 SC Receives Expanded Use Label

for Fruits and Vegetables DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS
By Ric Bessin By Julie Beale and Paul Bachi

Valent just announced that the EPA has Recent samples in the PDDL have included
approved an expanded label for its insecticide nitrogen deficiency on wheat; Sclerotinia collar
Belay 2.13 SC to include additional uses on rot, target spot, cold injury and nitrogen
fruits and vegetables. Belay is a general-use, deficiency on tobacco transplants; leaf curl on
neonicotinoid insecticide with the active peach; black knot on cherry; growth regulator
ingredient clothianadin and has a ‘Caution’ injury, cold injury and sunscald on tomato
signal word and a 12 hour reentry interval (REI). transplants.
It is now labeled for soil and foliar applications
on brassica leafy vegetables (21 day PHI - On ornamentals we have seen rust on hollyhock;
cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, Phytophthora root rot on arborvitae; Phomopsis
mustard greens, turnip greens), cucurbit gall on forsythia; and winter injury on holly,
vegetables (21 day PHI - melons, squash magnolia and juniper.
pumpkins), fruiting vegetables (21 day PHI -
tomato, pepper, eggplant), leafy vegetables (21
day PHI - lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, parsley),
tuberous and corm vegetables (14 day PHI -
potato, sweet potato), and grape (0/30 day PHI).
It is label for foliar applications on peach (21
day PHI), pome fruit (7 day PHI - apple, pear),
and tree nuts (21 day PHI). Soil applications are
restricted to at planting for many of these crops.
It target control of sucking insects (including
aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, stink bugs,
thrips, scale) and some chewing insects
(including Colorado potato beetle, flea beetles,
Japanese beetle, grape berry moth, plum
curculio, Oriental fruit moth).

Tourismo Labeled for Some Fruit Crops

By Ric Bessin

Ninchino American has labeled the insecticide

Tourismo for several fruit crops that are grown
in Kentucky. Tourismo is a general-use, premix
insecticide that contains the active ingredients
flubeniamide and buprofezin and bears the
signal word ‘Caution’ with a 12 hour reentry
interval. Tourismo does require a 15-foot buffer
strip or permanent vegetation between the