Lexington, KY 40546

Online at: www.uky.edu/KPN

Number 1338
FIELD CROPS - Armyworm Moth Flight Increases in Princeton and Lexington Traps - Seedcorn Maggots and Cool Wet Weather

May 7, 2013
SHADE TREES AND ORNAMENTALS - May Beetle Emergence Underway Some Annoy, Some Eat - Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Update - Honey Bees PEST OF HUMANS AND ANIMALS DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS INSECT TRAP COUNTS

VEGETABLES - Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Lettuce and Tomato TOBACCO - Disease Update for the Week of May 6

FIELD CROPS Armyworm Moth Flight Increases in Princeton and Lexington Traps. By Doug Johnson, Extension Entomologist The capture of armyworm moths in the UK-IPM traps increased significantly in both the Lexington and Princeton traps for the trap week ending Friday May 3rd. See Graphics at: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPMPrinceton/counts/taw/ tawgraph.htm In both cases the increase is large and is probably related to the warm weather over this period. Nevertheless, these captures will just bring us back to about average (Lexington) and a bit above average at Princeton. It is too soon to know if these increases point us to an outbreak population. Even though trap captures have been reduced, and late this year compared to last, we need to remember that these pests are out and about. Just because the trap captures are low and late does not mean that there will not be a problem in some

fields. Corn planting and growth are behind as well, and we are (at this writing Fri 5/3/13) about to enter another wet cool period. This type of weather will once again slow down planting and corn growth, and tends to favor armyworm development. Even though the risk is not above average, there is some risk just the same, and corn and wheat should be scouted for this pest. I have had one report from far west KY that sound like armyworm on struggling 1-2 leaf corn though the diagnosis is not definitive. Just the same, it is best to remain alert for this pest.

Seedcorn Maggots and Cool Wet Weather By Ric Bessin, Entomologist Commercial producers and home gardeners have struggled to get their ground worked and crops planted this the spring and those that did get planted have been slow to grow due to cool soil temperatures. Seedcorn maggot is a pest favored when ground is worked just before planting/transplanting, heavy cover crops, and cool-wet weather. Cool soil temperatures slow

seed germination and plant growth and keep seeds and young plants vulnerable to seedcorn maggot. When stand loss or plant injury due to seedcorn maggot becomes apparent, there are no effective rescue treatments available. Although the seedcorn maggot feeds primarily on decaying organic matter, they will feed on seeds and seedlings of soybean and field corn, but most of this seed is protected with insecticide seed treatments. They also attack a wide range of vegetable crops including beans, peas, cucumber, melon, onion, corn, pepper, potato and other vegetables. Seedcorn maggot eggs are laid just below the soil surface in tilled ground that is high in organic matter. The flies can often be seen running over the soil surface just after cover crops have been turned under. The maggot is yellowish white and about 1/4 inch when mature. The body is legless with a pointed head and a blunt tail. After about 21 days, the larvae pupate in the soil. The brown pupal cases are hard and footballshaped and are found in the soil near the roots. The adult is a dark gray fly with smokey-gray wings, black legs, and three stripes on its back. It resembles a house fly. They overwinter in the soil as pupae. When the soils warms in the spring, adults emerge, mate, then search for suitable host plants for egg laying. While there are 4 to 5 generations per year, it is the first and second that can cause serious damage.

seeds are empty and germination is greatly reduced. Seedlings that do emerge are spindly with few leaves. Occasionally, seedcorn maggots tunnel seedling stems. Attack is most severe when moist, cool spring conditions contribute to delayed, slow germination and emergence. While seedcorn maggots can severely reduce plant populations, there are a number of other factors that can reduce germination. If seedcorn maggots are suspected, carefully dig up the seeds in the row skips and examine them for evidence of seedcorn maggot damage. Damage may range from a few meandering tunnels in the seeds to the entire contents of the seed destroyed. Cotyledons and first leaves of the remaining seedlings may be deformed or spindly. Cutworms, wireworms, and white grubs are other insects that can contribute to stand loss. Management Crops planted early when the weather is cool and wet for long periods of time are potentially at greater risk to damaging infestations. With this insect, planting in well prepared seedbeds, planted sufficiently late for quick germination is one means for preventing injury. Where possible, heavy cover crops should be turned over early (two or more weeks before planting) to render the field less attractive to egg laying seedcorn maggot flies in the spring. Depending on the crop, insecticide treatments at planting, transplant water, or even seed treatments may be available to control these insects. After damage is observed on the crops, rescue treatments are not usually effective. Resetting or replanting of crops may be necessary if stand loss is severe. Occasionally, crops are seeded when soil temperatures are below those for optimal or rapid germination. Shallow planting will increase germination rates and aid in speeding up germination and reduce losses to seedcorn maggots. Under these conditions, higher seeding rates should be considered to offset stand loss.

Figure 1. Seedcorn maggots feeding on a young transplant.

Seedcorn maggots damage newly planted seeds by feeding on seed contents. Often the shells of the

VEGETABLES Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Lettuce and Tomato By Kenny Seebold, Extension Plant Pathologist Over the past few weeks, scattered cases of timber rot (or white mold), caused by S. sclerotiorum, have been found on tomatoes around the state. On lettuce, this pathogen can cause white mold (also called drop). Tomatoes (Figs. 2 and 3) and lettuce (Fig. 4) in greenhouses and high tunnels are the most affected, but a these diseases can occur also on field-grown tomatoes and lettuce. Cucurbits are occasionally attacked by S. sclerotiorum, mostly in greenhouses or hightunnels. Managing diseases of vegetables caused by S. sclerotiorum can be difficult when conditions favor the pathogen (cool and damp weather), particularly in the greenhouse. The weather conditions over the past week or so has been very favorable for Sclerotinia, so its likely that well see an increase in diseases caused by this pathogen. Emphasis in the greenhouse should be placed on sound cultural practices (plant spacing, fertility, and ventilation) and sanitation. Remove any plant debris promptly and destroy it, as this material often is colonized by Sclerotinia first and allows the pathogen to become established. Remove affected plants and fruit and bury them or discard in compost or cull piles that are located at least 100 yards from where susceptible crops are being grown. Sclerotia (Fig. 5) produced by S. sclerotiorum can survive the winter easily in cull piles and will generate fruiting bodies the following spring. These fruiting bodies will release spores that can travel short distances, and will infect susceptible crops if encountered. In the case of tomato and lettuce, there are no fungicides labeled specifically for control of Sclerotinia in greenhouses. Fontelis can be applied to tomatoes in greenhouses for control of Botrytis gray mold, and may suppress timber rot. The rate of application for Fontelis on tomato is 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per gallon of spray (applied to 1,360 sq ft). Botran 75W or Fontelis can be applied to cucurbits to manage white mold. Refer to ID-36 (2012-2013 Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers) for rates of Botran. Fontelis may be applied to cucurbits at a rate of

to 1 tablespoon per gallon (sprayed over 1,360 sq ft), and should be alternated with a different fungicide such as copper, mancozeb, or Catamaran (active ingredient = chlorothalonil). In the field, remove and destroy infected plants as described for greenhouses. Additionally, crop rotation can be effective in preventing buildup of inoculum in soil. Deep-turning of crop residues following an outbreak of Sclerotinia will reduce the amount of viable sclerotia that survive over time. Fungicide options are limited on tomato, but lettuce producers can apply Rovral (or Iprodione 50W, etc.), Endura, or Fontelis to manage Sclerotinia diseases. Refer to ID-36 to learn more about use rates, and always refer to product labels for specific use and safety guidelines.

Figure 2. Timber rot on tomato.

Figure 3. Typical timber rot lesion and visible fungal growth on lower stem of a tomato plant.

Figure 4. Drop of lettuce.

Figure 5. Sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

TOBACCO Disease Update for the Week of May 6 Kenny Seebold, Extension Plant Pathologist Cool and rainy weather has been the norm as of late, and this has led to an increase in diseases like target spot and collar rot in float beds around the state. As we move into May, and closer to setting time, the potential for disease development tends to be greater in general, and current weather conditions add to this potential. Outbreaks of disease just before setting time can be challenging and can cause delays in getting to the field, stand losses after setting, and even outbreaks of disease after setting. Careful management of float beds at this point in the season can help prevent serious problems in the coming weeks. Here are a few

quick tips to help keep diseases from getting out of hand. 1. Keep plants well-ventilated. Excessive leaf wetness promotes diseases like target spot, collar rot, and bacterial soft rot. Make sure that side-curtains are lowered and fans are running before temperatures exceed 85F in the greenhouse, and raise water levels in beds so that tray tops are even with side boards to promote good cross ventilation. 2. Keep an eye on bed fertility. High levels of nitrogen promote black leg, while very low levels (below 50 ppm) favor target spot. 3. Maintain a regular fungicide program for leaf disease control. For target spot, plants should be treated on a 5-7 day schedule with a mancozeb fungicide such as Dithane DF, Manzate Pro-Stick, or Penncozeb 75DF at a rate of 0.5 lb/100 gal of spray mixture (1 tsp / gal). After the first or second clipping, the best option would be Quadris applied at a rate of 4 cc per 5 gal of spray solution. The solution should be sprayed onto 1000 sq. ft. of float bead (roughly 400 trays) so as to achieve good leaf coverage and stem rundown. Quadris can be used only once on seedlings in the float system, so growers must switch back to a mancozeb fungicide if additional treatments are required. As air temperatures rise, consider treating with AgriMycin 17 to prevent black leg. The rate is 1 tsp per gallon of spray mix for prevention, and 2 tsp per gallon for suppression after symptoms are found. Use enough spray mixture to get coverage of lower stems and leaves as much as 710 gallons per 400 trays on larger plants. Do not tank-mix AgriMycin and Quadris to avoid injury. 4. Dont forget about Pythium root rot. As float bed water warms, the Pythium risk increases dramatically and the disease can spread very quickly. Terramaster fungicide is the only labeled product for this disease and should be applied around 3 weeks after seeding (when roots first enter float water) at a rate of 1 fl oz/100 gal of bed water. Follow up treatments

can be made at 2-3 week intervals, and are advised for growers using trays that are more than 3 years old. If disease is found before the first Terramaster application, use 1 to 1.4 fl oz/100 gal of float water (higher rate for severe outbreaks). Terramaster cannot be applied later than 5 days before transplanting, and use no more than 3.8 fl oz/100 gal per crop of plants. If Pythium root rot is found on plants just before setting, consider adding Ridomil Gold SL to the transplant water. The recommended rate is 4 fl oz/A in the setter barrel, which can be increased to 8 fl oz/A for black shank suppression. Ridomil Gold SL is the only fungicide labeled for setter-water use (do not use Ultra Flourish, Meta Star 2E, or Ridomil Gold EC in this manner), and growers should use a setter-water volume of at least 200 gal/A to reduce the potential for plant injury. If using Ridomil Gold SL in setter-water for black shank, do so only if a variety with good (7-level or better) resistance is being planted AND disease pressure is low to moderate. In all other cases, make a broadcast application of Ridomil or similar product before planting.

May / June beetles are a group of brown to black beetles with shapes that generally resemble Japanese beetles. There are many species in Kentucky that emerge from the ground over time, often following a substantial rain. The beetles are attracted to lights so large numbers may appear on the sides of structures overnight. This is a temporary annoyance but they will go away.

Figure 7. Stripped leaves of cherry probably feeding by May beetles (Photo from G. Henson).

SHADE TREES AND ORNAMENTALS May Beetle Emergence Underway Some Annoy, Some Eat By Lee Townsend, Entomologist

Several species are leaf feeders; this poses a different problem. These beetles prefer, and may completely strip, the foliage from oaks, birch, elm, hickory, and walnut. Entire leaves may be eaten or petioles may be cut so leaves drop to the ground. They also will feed on ash, fruit trees, hackberry, locust, Lombardy poplar, maple, plum, and willow. Damage often is heaviest on trees next to pastures or large expanses of turf the source of these insects. May / June beetles have 2- to 3-year life cycles. Most of that time is spent as a white grub, feeding on the roots of grasses. The grub stage can damage turf and has caused severe root damage to corn following sod. Sevin (Carbaryl) or pyrethroid insecticides labeled for trees and shrubs can provide some protection from feeding by these insects. Small trees, especially those which are relatively new in a landscape can benefit from treatment. It is impractical to treat large, established trees but they generally can tolerate moderate defoliation.

Figure 6. May beetle.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Update By Lee Townsend, Entomologist

Individual adults live for 3 to 4 weeks but emergence is staggered so a 6 to 8 week flight period is likely. Research indicates that EAB adults can fly about a mile per day but females lay 90% or more of their eggs within 100 yards of their home tree. A lack of hosts will prompt them to disperse.

Figure 8. Known EAB distribution in Kentucky dark green; light green counties in quarantine area but EAB not detected.

The presence of EAB was confirmed recently from samples collected in Carroll County and Whitley County. Carroll County is the original quarantine area but this is the first time the insect was found there. The extent of the damage indicates that the infestation probably has been active for at least two years. The EAB had been detected previously in Tennessee near the Whitley County border. The finding there is probably from that infestation.

Figure 10. Feeding notches of EAB adults.

Larvae should begin to feed by late June or early July and finish by October. The amount of damage inflicted will vary with numbers of larvae and diameter and health of the host tree.

Honey Bees By Lee Townsend, Entomologist

Figure 9. EAB quarantine (white) and detections (red) in Ky and surrounding states.

Based on accumulated and forecasted degree days (base 50F) predicted EAB emergence for 2013 for selected sites appears below. Early to late bloom of black locust appears to be a good phonological indicator of borer emergence. Location Initial Peak emergence Covington 14 May 26 May Lexington 11 May 24 May Louisville 6 May 19 May

Figure 11. Foraging honey bee.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

released a comprehensive scientific report on honey bee health: http://www.usda.gov/documents/ReportHoneyBee Health.pdf. The report states that multiple factors play a role in honey bee colony declines, including parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure. Key findings include: Parasites and Disease Present Risks to Honey Bees The parasitic Varroa mite is recognized as the major factor underlying colony loss in the U.S. and other countries. There is widespread resistance to the chemicals beekeepers use to control mites within the hive. New virus species have been found in the U.S. and several of these have been associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Increased Genetic Diversity is Needed U.S. honeybee colonies need increased genetic diversity. Genetic variation improves bees thermoregulation (the ability to keep body temperature steady even if the surrounding environment is different), disease resistance and worker productivity. Honey bee breeding should emphasize traits such as hygienic behavior that confer improved resistance to Varroa mites and diseases (such as American foulbrood). Poor Nutrition Among Honey Bee Colonies Nutrition has a major impact on individual bee and colony longevity. A nutrition-poor diet can make bees more susceptible to harm from disease and parasites. Bees need better forage and a variety of plants to support colony health. Federal and state partners should consider actions affecting land management to maximize available nutritional forage to promote and enhance good bee health and to protect bees by keeping them away from pesticide-treated fields. There is a Need for Improved Collaboration and Information Sharing Best Management Practices associated with bees and pesticide use exist, but are not widely or systematically followed by members of the cropproducing industry. There is a need for informed and coordinated communication between growers

and beekeepers and effective collaboration between stakeholders on practices to protect bees from pesticides. Beekeepers emphasized the need for accurate and timely bee kill incident reporting, monitoring, and enforcement. Additional Research is Needed to Determine Risks Presented by Pesticides The most pressing pesticide research questions relate to determining actual pesticide exposures and effects of pesticides to bees in the field and the potential for impacts on bee health and productivity of whole honey bee colonies. Those involved in developing the report include USDA's Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Agricultural Research Services (ARS), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Resource Conversation Service (NRCS) as well as the EPA and Pennsylvania State University. The report will provide important input to the Colony Collapse Disorder Steering Committee, led by the USDA, EPA and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). An estimated one-third of all food and beverages are made possible by pollination, mainly by honey bees. In the United States, pollination contributes to crop production worth $20-30 billion in agricultural production annually. A decline in managed bee colonies puts great pressure on the sectors of agriculture reliant on commercial pollination services. This is evident from reports of shortages of bees available for the pollination of many crops. The Colony Collapse Steering Committee was formed in response to a sudden and widespread disappearance of adult honey bees from beehives, which first occurred in 2006. The Committee will consider the report's recommendations and update the CCD Action Plan which will outline major priorities to be addressed in the next 5-10 years and serve as a reference document for policy makers, legislators and the public and will help coordinate the federal strategy in response to honey bee losses.

PEST OF HUMANS AND ANIMALS American Dog Tick By Lee Townsend, Entomologist

should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth. Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents. It remains protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and remains protective for up to 70 washings. Other repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be found at http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.

Figure 12. Engorged American dog tick.

DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY HIGHLIGHTS By Julie Beale and Brenda Kennedy Agronomic samples diagnosed in the PDDL in the past week have included barley yellow dwarf virus on wheat; and Pythium root rot on tobacco transplants. On fruit and vegetable samples, we have diagnosed anthracnose and Botrytis fruit rot on strawberry; leaf curl on peach; black knot on plum; Pythium root rot on tomato. On ornamentals and turf, we have seen bacterial soft rot on iris; Botryosphaeria dieback on rhododendron; and Rhizosphaera and Stigmina needlecasts on spruce.

The American dog tick occurs throughout Kentucky and is active from late April through August. Adults feed on dogs, larger animals, and humans; the immature stages take their blood meal from mice and other small mammals. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the frequency of reported cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is highest among males, Native Americans, and people at least 40 years old. Individuals with frequent exposure to dogs and who reside near wooded areas or areas with high grass may be at increased risk of infection. Children under 10 years old, people with a compromised immune system, and people with delayed treatment are at an increased risk of fatal outcome from RMSF. The American dog tick is a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Three to 5 cases are diagnosed in Kentucky each year. It is easy for people and dogs to pick up ticks during the summer months. Avoid overgrown brushy areas as much as possible. Use repellents or clothing treatment wisely and protect pets, as well. After being in areas where ticks occur, or are expected, examine yourself and pets carefully and remove any that are found. Ticks infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever have to feed for several hours before they transmit the pathogen so examination and detection is very important. Use repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on the exposed skin for protection that lasts up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents

2013 INSECT TRAP COUNTS April 26 May 3 Location Princeton, KY 11 144 0 Lexington, KY

Black cutworm 0 Armyworm 420 European Corn 1 Borer Corn earworm 4 1 Graphs of insect trap counts for the 2013 season are available on the IPM web site at -

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPM/ipm.htm.
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