CORN Newsletter

2023-20

 

Editor: Sarah Noggle

 

Battle for the Belt: Episode 16

Authors: Taylor Dill, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Lynn Ault, Jenna Moore

Episode 16 of Battle for the Belt is now available:

Read more

 

Potassium in Corn

Authors: Amanda Douridas, CCA, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA, Elizabeth Hawkins, Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA

Much of our early planted corn has exhibited signs of potassium deficiency after going through the May to early June dry spell. This article is a basic reminder of how potassium works in the plant so you can make informed decisions on whether you need to apply more potassium.

Read more

 

LEP Monitoring Network Update #7 – Trap Counts for CEW and ECB (IA & NY)

Authors: Stephanie Pflaum, Rebecca DiScipio, Amy Raudenbush, Suranga Basnagala , Mark Badertscher, Trevor Corboy, Jamie Hampton, Mary Jo Hassen, Clifton Martin, CCA, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

Introduction

Read more

 

Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day returns!

Author: James Jasinski

This year’s Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day – The nation’s premier event for mechanical weeding tools – will take place on Wednesday, September 27, at The Ohio State University, CFAES Wooster campus.

Read more

 

Weather Update: Unsettled Weather Continues

Author: Aaron Wilson

Summary

Read more

 

Dates set for ODA Pesticide Collection across Ohio

Author: Beth Scheckelhoff

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (May 3, 2023) – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will be sponsoring three collection events for farmers wishing to dispose of unwanted pesticides. This year, the collections are happening in Morgan, Putnam, and Miami counties on the following days and locations:

Read more

 

Drainage field day at Ohio State Lima campus farm scheduled for July 25

Author: Nic Baumer

The Ohio State University at Lima will host a Drainage Installation Field Day on the campus farm on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Read more

 

Upcoming Events

 

July 6

 

West Central Ohio Hay Day

 

July 12

 

2023 Weed Science Field Day

 

July 20

 

Climate Smart: Farming with Weather Extremes

 

July 20

 

In-Field and Edge-of-Field Conservation Practice Field Day

 

July 25

 

Drainage field day at Ohio State Lima campus farm scheduled for July 25

 

August 9

 

ODA pesticide collection – Morgan County

 

August 10

 

ODA Pesticide Collection – Putnam County

 

August 22

 

ODA Pesticide Collection – Miami County

 

September 27

 

Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Day

 

About C.O.R.N. Newsletter

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

 

Contributors:

 

Glen Arnold, CCA
Field Specialist, Manure Nutrient Management

 

Mark Badertscher
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

John Barker
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nic Baumer
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Thomas Becker
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Lee Beers, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Rachel Cochran, CCA
Water Quality Extension Associate, Defiance, Van Wert, Paulding Counties

 

Trevor Corboy
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Grant Davis, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amanda Douridas, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nick Eckel
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amber Emmons, CCA
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Alyssa Essman
Visiting Assistant Professor

 

Mike Estadt
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Allen Gahler
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Mike Gastier, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Don Hammersmith
Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jamie Hampton
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jason Hartschuh, CCA
Field Specialist, Dairy & Precision Livestock

 

Elizabeth Hawkins
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Andrew Holden
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Doug Karcher
Chair, Horticulture and Crop Science

 

Dean Kreager
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Courtney Krieger
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Maggie Lewis

 

Laura Lindsey
State Specialist, Soybean and Small Grains

 

Ryan McMichael
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Andy Michel
State Specialist, Entomology

 

Marina Miquilini
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Gigi Neal
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Les Ober, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Osler Ortez
State Specialist, Corn & Emerging Crops

 

Jordan Penrose
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Beth Scheckelhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Matthew Schmerge
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Clint Schroeder
Program Manager

 

Kendra Stahl
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Kyle Verhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Barry Ward
Program Leader

 

Ted Wiseman
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Kayla Wyse
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Curtis Young, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

The information presented here, along with any trade names used, is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is made by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.

 

Income Tax Schools at The Ohio State University Summer Update 2023

Summer Income Tax Update Graphic 2023

Income Tax Schools at The Ohio State University Summer Update 2023

Income Tax Schools at The Ohio State University Announces Registration for Summer Income Tax Update

Barry Ward & Jeff Lewis, Income Tax Schools at The Ohio State University®

 

Tax provisions related to new legislation and current enforcement for both individuals and businesses are among the topics to be discussed during the upcoming Summer Income Tax Update offered by Income Tax Schools at The Ohio State University® on August 10th.

 

This Summer Update is designed to help tax preparers learn about federal tax law changes and updates for this year as well as learn more about issues they may encounter when filing individual and small business 2023 tax returns.

 

Webinar Topics:

– Current Enforcement:  What Is New at the IRS.

– Current Tax Developments Including Post Fall Seminar Chapter Cases.

– From 1099-K – New Developments

– New Tax Credits – Electric Vehicles and Residential – Nonresidential Credits.

– Secure 2.0

– Deducting the Ohio Pass Through Entity Taxes for Accrual Clients.

-Farms Purchased or Inherited – Allocating Tax Basis (Purchase Price or Inherited Value) to Fertilizer or Nutrients

-Commercial Activities Tax – Gross Receipts

-Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) – Change in Value for 2023

 

Webinar Agenda for August 10th:

9:00 Webinar room opens

9:20 Welcome and introductions

9:30 Webinar begins

10:50 Break

11:00 Webinar resumes

Noon Lunch break

12:50 Webinar resumes

1:50 Break

2:00 Webinar resumes

2:50 Webinar concludes

CORN Newsletter

 

2023-19

 

Editor: Sarah Noggle

 

What happened with crop yields during 1988 and 2012? A recap

Authors: Osler Ortez, Laura Lindsey, Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA
Read more

 

Battle for the Belt: Episode 15

Authors: Taylor Dill, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Pierce Paul, Joe Davlin, Matt Davis, CCA

Episode 15 of Battle for the Belt is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTgin3qPtoU

Read more

 

Lep Monitoring Network Update #7 – Trap Counts for CEW and ECB (IA & NY)

Authors: Stephanie Pflaum, Rebecca DiScipio, Amy Raudenbush, Suranga Basnagala , Mark Badertscher, Trevor Corboy, Jamie Hampton, Mary Jo Hassen, Clifton Martin, CCA, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

Introduction

Read more

 

Dicamba Deadline Reminder

Author: Alyssa Essman

Crop progress is highly variable this year. Some early planted crops have emerged and have had decent growth following recent rains. Dry weather has delayed the emergence of some later planted crops.

Read more

 

Keep an Eye on the Horizon for Dry Weather Insect Pests

Authors: Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel

While nobody knows what the future holds regarding weather, recent dry conditions have made people think about the potential for drought this summer.  In field crops, certain insect pests tend to be worse under dry conditions – either because hot and/or dry weather favors their

Read more

 

Upcoming Events

 

July 6

 

West Central Ohio Hay Day

 

July 12

 

2023 Weed Science Field Day

 

July 20

 

Climate Smart: Farming with Weather Extremes

 

July 20

 

In-Field and Edge-of-Field Conservation Practice Field Day

 

About C.O.R.N. Newsletter

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

 

Contributors:

 

Glen Arnold, CCA
Field Specialist, Manure Nutrient Management

 

Mark Badertscher
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

John Barker
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nic Baumer
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amanda Bennett
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jocelyn Birt
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Bruce Clevenger, CCA
Field Specialist, Farm Management

 

Grant Davis, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nick Eckel
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amber Emmons, CCA
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Alyssa Essman
Visiting Assistant Professor

 

Mike Gastier, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Don Hammersmith
Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jamie Hampton
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Elizabeth Hawkins
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Stephanie Karhoff, CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Dean Kreager
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Courtney Krieger
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Maggie Lewis

 

Kendall Lovejoy
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

David Marrison
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Clifton Martin, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Ryan McMichael
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Gigi Neal
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Les Ober, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Pierce Paul
State Specialist, Corn and Wheat Diseases

 

Beth Scheckelhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Matthew Schmerge
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Kelley Tilmon
State Specialist, Field Crop Entomology

 

Kyle Verhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Barry Ward
Program Leader

 

Aaron Wilson
Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center

 

Ted Wiseman
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Kayla Wyse
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Curtis Young, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Chris Zoller
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

The information presented here, along with any trade names used, is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is made by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.

CORN Newsletter

2023-18

 

Editor: Sarah Noggle

 

Weather Update: The Skies Opened Up

Author: Aaron Wilson

May 21st through June 10th was quite the dry spell across Ohio, with moderate drought conditions declared across 62% of the state by the

Read more

 

Time to Start Scouting for Potato Leafhoppers in Alfalfa

Authors: Kelley Tilmon, Mark Sulc, Andy Michel

Now is a good time to start scouting for potato leafhopper in alfalfa, as second-cut alfalfa grows.  Potato leafhoppers migrate up from the south in late spring to early summer.  While they may be present in first-cut alfalfa they’re seldom a problem.  But in the second-cut alfalfa nu

Read more

 

Battle for the Belt: Episode 14

Authors: Taylor Dill, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Alexander Lindsey

Episode 14 of Battle for the Belt is now available:

Read more

 

Plot Twist: Time for a New Nozzle List

Author: Abby Welsh

A few years ago, the Ohio State University Pesticide Safety Education Program put together a list of approved sprayer nozzles for applying pesticides.

Read more

 

Lep Monitoring Network Update #6 – Trap Counts for BCW, AMW, and ECB (IA & NY)

Authors: Kylie Harbert, Amy Raudenbush, Suranga Basnagala , Mark Badertscher, Lee Beers, CCA, Trevor Corboy, Dirk Dempsey, Jamie Hampton, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, CCA, James Morris, Beth Scheckelhoff, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon, Stephanie Pflaum

Introduction

Read more

 

OSU Extension Weather Extremes Committee and the State Climate Office of Ohio to Host Climate Smart: Farming with Weather Extremes

Author: Aaron Wilson

Weather is almost always a challenge for agriculture, from too little or too much rain, late season freeze conditions, and severe weather impacts.

Read more

 

West Central Ohio Hay Day 2023

Author: Grant Davis, CCA

Please join Ohio State University Extension and Channel Equipment on July 6th for the West Central Ohio Hay Day, sponsored by the Champaign and Clark County Farm Bureau, and Americas Trusted Insurance Group.

Read more

 

The 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists

Author: Horacio Lopez-Nicora

The countdown is on!

Read more

 

2023 Weed Science Field Day July 12

Author: Alyssa Essman

The 2023 OSU Weed Science Field Day will be held on Wednesday, July 12th at the Western Ag Research Station in South Charleston, OH. Registration will start at 8:30 followed by a field tour.

Read more

 

Upcoming Events

 

June 13

 

2023 Western Ohio Wheat Field Day

 

July 6

 

West Central Ohio Hay Day

 

July 12

 

2023 Weed Science Field Day

 

July 20

 

Climate Smart: Farming with Weather Extremes

 

About C.O.R.N. Newsletter

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

 

Contributors:

 

Glen Arnold, CCA
Field Specialist, Manure Nutrient Management

 

Mark Badertscher
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

John Barker
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nic Baumer
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jocelyn Birt
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Rachel Cochran, CCA
Water Quality Extension Associate, Defiance, Van Wert, Paulding Counties

 

Trevor Corboy
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Grant Davis, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Wayne Dellinger, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amanda Douridas, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Nick Eckel
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Amber Emmons, CCA
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Alyssa Essman
Visiting Assistant Professor

 

Mike Estadt
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Allen Gahler
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Don Hammersmith
Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jamie Hampton
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Jason Hartschuh, CCA
Field Specialist, Dairy & Precision Livestock

 

Elizabeth Hawkins
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Andrew Holden
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Stephanie Karhoff, CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Dean Kreager
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Courtney Krieger
Water Quality Extension Associate

 

Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems

 

Laura Lindsey
State Specialist, Soybean and Small Grains

 

Horacio Lopez-Nicora
State Specialist, Soybean Pathology

 

Kendall Lovejoy
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Clifton Martin, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Ryan McMichael
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Marina Miquilini
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Gigi Neal
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Sarah Noggle
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Les Ober, CCA
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Beth Scheckelhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Matthew Schmerge
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Clint Schroeder
Program Manager

 

Kendra Stahl
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Kelley Tilmon
State Specialist, Field Crop Entomology

 

Kyle Verhoff
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

Barry Ward
Program Leader

 

Aaron Wilson
Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center

 

Ted Wiseman
Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 

The information presented here, along with any trade names used, is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is made by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.

BYGL Weekly News for June 5, 2023

BYGL Weekly News for June 5, 2023

 

The following articles were compiled during the last 7 days by members of the Buckeye Environmental Horticulture Team to benefit those who are managing a commercial nursery, garden center, or landscape business or someone who just wants to keep their yard looking good all summer.  Access the BYGL website for additional information on other seasonal topics at: http://bygl.osu.edu

 

To receive immediate email notifications when articles are published by the BYGL writers. Send an email to bygl-alert@lists.osu.edu using the phrase “Subscribe to BYGL ALERTS” in the subject line.   To unsubscribe, please email bygl@osu.edu using the phrase “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

 

For more pictures and information, click on the article titles.  To contact the authors, click on their names.

 

 

Drought Stress on Turf is Underway

Authors Amy Stone

Published on June 5, 2023

 

 

Tyler Carr, Ph.D., Turfgrass Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor, recently shared some important information about turfgrass and drought stress. The information includes what you can do, and what’s ahead.

 

Check out this informative post: https://buckeyeturf.osu.edu/news/drought-stress-underway

 

More Information

Drought Stress Underway

https://buckeyeturf.osu.edu/news/drought-stress-underway

 

 

 

Sticky, Dripping Tuliptrees

Authors Joe Boggs

Published on June 3, 2023

 

 

2023 is shaping up to be “The Year of the Aphid.”  At least, in southwest Ohio.  I’ve already posted BYGL Alerts on aphids titled, Sticky, Dripping European Beech, and Sticky, Dripping Oaks.  This Alert will be the third in the “Sticky, Dripping” series.

 

I visited tuliptrees (Liriodendron tulipifera (family Magnoliaceae)) earlier this week in a municipal park in southwest Ohio with leaves so sticky they were like fly paper.  The trees had one of the highest populations that I’ve ever seen of our native Tuliptree Aphid (Illinoia liriodendri).

 

Why are there so many aphids this season?  First, most species of aphids found on deciduous trees are “cool-season” insects.  For several reasons, they do best in the spring and fall.  We certainly had a long, cool spring.

 

Second, heavy, driving rains are the enemy of aphids.  They get washed off and have a hard time climbing back up their woody Mt. Everest.  Heavy rains may also wash away honeydew deposits.  While we had relatively abundant rainfall this spring, we did not have many storms that packed high winds to produce driving rain.

 

Third, aphids have a very high “reproductive potential” meaning that aphids are very good at making more aphids.  For example, tuliptree aphids that develop in the spring are parthenogenetic meaning the females don’t need to be fertilized by males.  Also, the females give birth to live young.  So, they don’t need to take time to mate, and no time is lost with eggs hatching.

 

Finally, a long, cool spring also slows the development of the “3-Ps”:  Predators, Parasitoids, and Pathogens.  These natural regulators help keep aphids in check.  Of course, this is changing rapidly.  It was easy to find predators on the hunt for the tuliptree aphids.

 

The handiwork of small wasps in the genus Aphidius (family Braconidae) was also on display.  The wasps use their tiny ovipositors (ovi = egg) to insert a single egg inside aphids.  The wasp larva consumes the aphid’s innards leaving behind a puffy, dry, husk referred to as an “aphid mummy.”  A hole in the mummy indicates a new wasp has emerged.  There were only a few mummies; however, this could soon change.

 

Other Sources of Sticky, Dripping Liquid on Tuliptrees

Our native Tuliptree Scale (Toumeyella liriodendri), which is a type of “soft scale”, may also appear on tuliptrees as well as magnolias.  It’s a reminder that tuliptrees and magnolias are family relatives.  There’s also the possibility that tuliptrees are infested with Calico Scale (Eulecanium cerasorum).  This non-native soft scale has a broad host range including tuliptrees.

 

Aphids and soft scales feed the same way.  They insert their piercing-sucking mouthparts into phloem vessels to tap plant sap.  They withdraw carbohydrates which provide energy and extract amino acids which are building blocks for proteins.  However, the sap only contains trace amounts of amino acids compared to huge amounts of dissolved carbohydrates.

 

This means they must process a large amount of sap to extract the small amount of amino acids.  They discharge the excess sugar-rich liquid from their anus in the form of a sticky, sugar fluid called “honeydew” which is actually a nice name for scale or aphid diarrhea.

 

The honeydew drips onto the leaves and stems of the host plant as well as understory plants.  It commonly attracts a plethora of freeloading sugar-sippers including bees, wasps, flies, and ants.

 

The honeydew on leaves and stems may eventually become colonized by black sooty molds.  Although the molds do not harm plants; they’re not pathogenic, heavy leaf coverage on small plants could interfere with photosynthesis.  The blackened leaves also reduce the aesthetic appeal of heavily infested trees.

 

Tuliptree scale produces periodical outbreaks in Ohio with the last one occurring in 2012.  However, this scale has been an annual no-show ever since.  This does not appear to be an outbreak year unless readers report that they’re seeing high populations.

 

Although tuliptrees in southwest Ohio have finished blooming, it’s important to keep in mind in the spring that the flowers may be another source of sticky, dripping liquid.  The flowers are a well-known bountiful source of nectar for honeybees and other pollinators.  However, the primitive flowers do not yield their sugary bribe to pollinators in the same way as more advanced flowers.

 

The nectar simply pools in the base of the cup-like flowers.  It’s not unusual for the nectar to seep between the 6 upturned petals to drip onto the 3 downward-hanging sepals that act like a nectar sluice directing it onto leaves and branches.  The clear, sweet, sticky liquid is a dead ringer for honeydew.  A word of caution based on personal experience.  Tipping over the flowers may release a voluminous flow of nectar to ruin your day.

 

An Unusual Observation:  Crystallized Honeydew

On a final note, while taking pictures in the park of tuliptree aphids, I came across burr oaks with heavy deposits of honeydew on the leaves from Myzocallis oak aphids.  These aphids don’t infest tuliptrees and tuliptree aphids don’t infest oaks.

 

Our rainfall has all but ceased in southwest Ohio, and temperatures are more August-like than June-like.  The environmental conditions have caused the honeydew to crystallize as shown in the images below.  The pattern reminded me of salt crystals that form at the edge of evaporation ponds.  The crystallization may have hampered the colonization of the honeydew by black sooty molds.

 

This honeydew crystallization is something I’ve never observed with aphids or soft scales.  However, I did observe it last season with spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Cincinnati during a late-season “mini-drought.”

 

 

 

Ohio’s “Bagworm Season” Starts Now

Authors Joe Boggs

Published on June 1, 2023

 

 

Overwintered Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) eggs are hatching in southwest Ohio meaning the “bagworm season” is now underway.  Look closely at trees and shrubs festooned with last season’s bag abodes.

 

Bagworms are moth larvae (caterpillars) that develop within silk bags festooned with pieces of their host plants.  They never leave their bags throughout the 7 stages (instars) of their larval development.  The caterpillars attach their bags to their plant hosts with a small stand of silk and extend their bodies a short distance out of the bag to feed.

 

Bagworm populations were on a rising trajectory from year to year in Ohio throughout the late 2010s peaking in 2020.  However, the caterpillars were almost a no-show in 2021 as well as last year.

 

Of course, there continued to be isolated pockets with damaging populations throughout Ohio in 2021 and 2022, but widespread populations were confined to the northern part of the state.  Thomas Dehaas (OSU Extension, Erie County (Sandusky)) reported on several occasions that bagworms were a continual problem in the counties bordering Lake Erie.

 

However, bagworms have a history of “now you see me, now you don’t, now you see brown shrubs!”  Thus, successful management to avoid plant damage must focus on early detection regardless of what happened last season.

 

Bagworm Behavior and Detection

It is a common misconception that bagworms only eat evergreens.  Indeed, they are frequently called “evergreen bagworms” in many southern states although “bagworm” is the Entomological Society of America’s approved common name for the species.  However, the caterpillars may be found feeding on over 125 species of evergreen and deciduous woody plants in 45 plant families.

 

It’s important to pay close attention to deciduous trees and shrubs as well as evergreens.  Overlooking deciduous trees and shrubs during bagworm inspections allow infested plants to become reservoirs for infestations to spread to neighboring host plants, sometimes from deciduous hosts to evergreens.

 

The 1st instar caterpillars of this native moth are very small with their bags measuring around 1/8″ in length.  1st instar bags are constructed with pieces of tan to reddish-brown sawdust-like frass (excrement) stuck to the outside of silk and look like “dunce caps.”

 

As the bagworm caterpillars mature, they begin weaving more and more host plant debris into the silk which provides structural stability as well as camouflage.  This behavior makes bagworms one of the sneakiest general defoliators found in Ohio landscapes.  Heavy infestations are commonly overlooked until the caterpillars have produced substantial feeding injury.

 

The overwintered eggs hatch within the female bags from last season.  A percentage of the 1st instar caterpillars will crawl from the old bags and produce a strand of silk to catch the wind and “balloon” the tiny caterpillars to new locations.  This behavior is one of the reasons bagworms often appear on hosts that were not infested last season.  However, heavy rain and high winds quickly destroy the delicate silk strands.

 

Although bagworm caterpillars may waft in on the wind to establish new bagworm beachheads, looking closely at trees and shrubs with last season’s bags is a good way to detect this season’s crop of bagworms.  A single female can produce 500 – 1000 eggs meaning that populations can climb rapidly.  Just a few “founding” females from last season can spawn damaging numbers of caterpillars this season.

 

The “founder effect” with bagworms often translates into hotspots.  These can be seen both within infested plants as well as between infested plants.

 

Management

Stopping bagworms from producing noticeable damage may include both passive and active approaches to management.  A passive approach is to design landscapes that have a diverse range of flowering plants.  But more on that later.

 

An active approach is to closely inspect susceptible trees and shrubs and apply properly timed insecticides.  However, this approach can be problematic.

 

There’s a general rule with using insecticides that the bigger they are, the harder they are to kill.  This is certainly true with bagworms.  The smaller early-instar caterpillars are easier to kill compared to the larger later-instar caterpillars.

 

However, bagworm eggs may hatch over an extended period and eggs on the south side of an infested plant usually hatch earlier than those that are shaded on the north side.  This creates asynchronous development with bagworms meaning it’s common for a wide range of instars to be present at the same time.  This is illustrated in the image below and must be taken into account in planning management strategies.

 

For example, early instar bagworms are highly susceptible to the naturally occurring biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) (e.g., Dipel, Thuricide, etc.).  Caterpillars are much less susceptible once bags surpass 2/3″ in length.  It’s appealing to use Btk products because they do not kill bio-allies such as predators and parasitoids that help provide natural control of bagworm populations.

 

However, Btk products have two limitations.  The active ingredient must be consumed to kill caterpillars and the products have relatively short residual activity.  Thus, timing is critical; products should not be applied before the eggs hatch.  Even with proper timing, two or more applications may be required to cover the extended egg hatch.  Of course, once bags exceed 2/3″ in length, standard insecticides will need to be used to suppress heavy infestations.

 

Bagworms may also be managed with topical insecticides.  However, those selected should have a minimal impact on the natural enemies of bagworms.  There are at least 11 species of parasitoid wasps that have been found to attack bagworms.  Baldfaced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are also a known nemesis of bagworms.  Thus, so-called “bio-rational” insecticides are a good choice.

 

Biological Control by Connecting-the-Dots:  It’s well documented that a wide range of enemies of insect pests are fueled by nectar.  They are pollinators as well as predators or parasitoids.  Thus, an effective long-term insecticide-free bagworm pest management strategy is to simply plant flowering plants that provide nectar.

 

Common bagworms are commonly targeted by an array of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens (the 3-Ps).  I’ve observed bagworm bags ripped open by baldfaced hornets to extract the caterpillar meat morsels inside.  I’ve also commonly observed these wasps visiting flowers.  They are pollinators and predators.

 

A scientific paper published in 1976 showed that the parasitoid wasp, Itoplectis conquisitor (family Ichneumonidae) accounted for almost 76% of the parasitism observed on common bagworms in the study.  This parasitoid wasp commonly visits flowers to sip nectar.  It’s a pollinator and a parasitoid.

 

A study published in 2005 showed parasitism rates of I. conquisitor exceeded 70% in bagworm-infested plants that were next to a central flower bed, but less than 40% in infested plants with flower beds further away.  In other words, if you plant them, they will come.

 

Selected Scientific Literature

Davis, D.R., 1964. Bagworm moths of the western hemisphere (Lepidoptera: Psychidae). Bulletin of the United States National Museum.

 

Sheppard, R.F. and Stairs, G.R., 1976. Factor Affecting the Survival of Larval and Pupal Stages of the Bagworm, Thyridopteryx Ephemeraeformis (Lepidoptera: Psychidae). The Canadian Entomologist108(5), pp.469-473.

 

Ellis, J.A., Walter, A.D., Tooker, J.F., Ginzel, M.D., Reagel, P.F., Lacey, E.S., Bennett, A.B., Grossman, E.M. and Hanks, L.M., 2005. Conservation biological control in urban landscapes: manipulating parasitoids of bagworm (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) with flowering forbs. Biological Control34(1), pp.99-107.

 

Moore, R.G. and Hanks, L.M., 2004. Aerial dispersal and host plant selection by neonate Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Lepidoptera: Psychidae). Ecological Entomology29(3), pp.327-335.

 

Rhainds, M., Régniere, J., Lynch, H.J. and Fagan, W.F., 2013. Overwintering survival of bagworms, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Lepidoptera: Psychidae): influence of temperature and egg cluster weight. The Canadian Entomologist145(1), pp.77-81.

 

 

 

 

Turfgrass Team Times, 05.26.2023

Authors Amy Stone

Published on May 30, 2023

 

 

Check out the most recent video or podcast of the OSU’s Tuurfgrass Team Times in preperation of higher temperatures and drier conditions.

 

Experts contributing to this week’s resource include Pamela Sherratt; Dr. Dominic Petrella; Tyler Van Landingham; Dr. David Gardner; Dr. Tyler Carr; and Dr. Ed Nangle.

 

Topics include water managment and leaf appearance in cross-section over the growing season; turfgrass research plots across Ohio; weed management; wetting agents; and the no mow may trial continues.

 

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/bdyzaXQOUnM

 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turf-team-times/id1676677368?i=1000614628557

 

 

 

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

 

Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information: [ http://go.osu.edu/cfaesdiversity ].

Any materials in this newsletter may be reproduced for educational purposes providing the source is credited.