Insect and Disease Identification - CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
211	2110	1130	20%
211	2110	1160	10%
211	2123	1130	10%
211	2123	1160	10%
212	2110	1130	10%
212	2110	1160	20%
212	2123	1130	10%
212	2123	1160	10%

Progress 01/01/88 to 01/01/15

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this project includes farmers, nurserymen, landscapers, pest control operators, extension personnel, other researchers and the general public. Project staff may be invited to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems, and to attend educational meetings that highlight pest and cultural problems, as well as best management practices. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics, and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Staff attended a day long lawn disease training session at UMass with both lab and field components. At the summer meeting of the Connecticut Tree Protective Association staff attended a session on pruning to improve tree structure. At a regional greenhouse conference staff attended sessions on biocontrol of insects, new pesticides licensed for greenhouse use and disease diagnosis. Redding Garden Club members were educated about invasive plants during a talk in March. Windsor high school horticulture job training students were educated about farming in July. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We distributed information about insect pests, plant diseases and weeds to thousands of homeowners, business owners, growers, non-governmental agencies, the media and educators. At the July Christmas Tree Growers Twilight meeting, station scientists educated growers about soil compaction, phytophthora root rot and scale pests of conifers. A report on the evaluation of the herbicide indaziflam was also covered. Field visits were made to Monrovia nursery and some commercial landscapes to better evaluate plant problems. Results were relayed via phone calls and emails. At the Connecticut Tree Protection Association summer meeting, information on insect and disease pests of trees were covered in displays and conversations with attendees. Arborists were educated about the emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle damage, host trees and life cycles. At our annual open house in August, Plant Science Day, the public (1130 attendees) came to visit our research farm and got information from scientists about their research into fertilizers, insects, diseases and other plant health issues. A demonstration on common garden weeds educated the public about these weeds and how best to manage them. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The successful management of arthropod pests, pathogens, weeds and plant health issues in crop production and landscape plantings requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Lab scientists and technicians consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. Reduced or more accurately timed fertilizer applications saved growers significant economic input without reducing harvested crop values. Nearly 25% of soil test results did not require added fertility, resulting in economic and environmental savings. The accurate and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental pesticide exposure, and increased human health. Grower meetings conducted by Valley Laboratory scientists disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers that attended these meetings received recertification credits for their pesticide applicator licenses. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of plant problems and management options has increased, reducing overall use of pesticides and the exposure of people and the environment to these chemicals. This State project provides horticultural information and identification and diagnoses of pest problems for agricultural businesses, landscapers and other property managers, pest control operators and the general public. Insects and other arthropods, plant diseases and weeds constitute the primary pests. In 2014 a total of 5,999 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory, primarily by Dr. Todd Mervosh (35%), Dr. James LaMondia (20%) and Ms. Rose Hiskes (31%). About 54% of the inquiries were from commercial growers, landscapers, pest control operators and other businesses, 46% from the general public / homeowners, governmental, nongovernmental organizations, educational institutions, the media and others. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: plant diseases (28%), insects and other arthropods (27%), weeds (7%), pesticides (11%), general horticultural information (12%), soils and soil fertility (8%), vertebrates (1%), and other inquiries (6%). Many diagnoses were able to be made based on plant responses to weather conditions. North Central Connecticut entered 2014 with a precipitation deficit and December 2013 was warmer than average. January, February and March 2014 reversed that trend and were colder than average with almost 3” above average precipitation. Many broadleaf evergreens and conifers sustained winter damage as foliar desiccation due to numerous sunny days and frozen roots that couldn’t replace lost water. Some cambial death occurred on deciduous and evergreen plants due to below zero temperatures in early January. This damage showed up in April when growing conditions resumed and no growth occurred. There was a January thaw the second full week of the month which was followed by days of extremely cold temperatures. A cool, wet April that included a late snowstorm resulted in red thread disease in many lawns. Fungal leaf spots also developed on many trees and shrubs as new foliage emerged. Vegetables such as tomatoes and cucurbits had many fungal diseases such as Septoria and powdery mildew. Rhizosphaera needlecast was a widespread problem on many species of spruce. Even the normally resistant Norway spruce was affected. Fire blight was a problem on susceptible apple, crabapple, pear and peach trees this spring with temperatures in the 60s during the pink stage of bloom along with rain. Summer pruning was needed to remove inoculum before the fall rains arrived. June was hotter than average and very dry so newly planted crops, landscape and vegetable beds needed irrigation almost daily to thrive. Any white grub treatments applied in June needed sufficient irrigation to get the product down in the soil where the insects feed, so dry conditions resulted in increased damage to turf. July was hotter than average as well but rainfall was average. Anthracnose fruit rot of tomato got started in July as blooms dropped and fruit began to develop. By September, when the damage became obvious it was too late to do anything about it. Like June, September was hot and very dry. Older foliage of hemlocks, arborvitaes and other plants yellowed and dropped early. White grubs reached sufficient size by mid-September to cause large dead patches in many lawns. Spider mites also became a problem in the dry heat. However, October was very warm as well but the fall rains started so that precipitation for the month was only a half inch below average. A killing frost occurred later than normal, on October 31. Potato virus Y was damaging in potato tubers, especially in certain sensitive varieties such as Yukon gold, and spread by aphids resulted in damage to other crops such as tobacco. Unrelated to weather, insects such as carpenter ants, termites, bed bugs, carpet and drugstore beetles were problematic in structures. The emerald ash borer spread to two new counties this year and as a result the entire state is now under a state and federal quarantine limiting the movement of firewood and ash wood products. Delusory parasitosis, the feeling of being fed on by insects, continues to be a severe problem for a few individuals each year. Identification and management information was provided about weeds in lawns such as bent grasses, nutsedge and crabgrass. Invasive plant issues plague many landowners over much of the state, with information on management being given to many clients this past year. A 526 E-permit was received from USDA APHIS PPQ that is good for a three year period. We are now able to receive diagnostic samples of noxious weeds, invertebrates, plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses as well as nematodes from anywhere in the continental United States. A possible new pest of Norway spruce and Douglas fir, the spruce shoot gall midge, Dasyneura abietiperda was brought in by an arborist in Fairfield County. Growing tips are killed by the larvae boring at the base of the current year’s growth. Pesticides used in landscapes and their possible effects on bees are of concern to many of our callers. One suspected case of bee pesticide poisoning was forwarded to the DEEP Pesticide Division.

Publications

Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: McClure, M. S., Cheah, C. A., Cowles, R. S. and Hiskes, R. 2014. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annand. CAES Factsheet. http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/entomology/hemlock_woolly_adelgid_2014.pdf

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this project includes farmers, nurserymen,landscapers, pest control operators,IPM coordinators, extension personnel, industry advisors,otherresearchers, andthe general public thatsubmit samples for diagnostic analyses. Project staff may beinvited to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems, and to attend educational meetings that highlight pest and cultural problems, as well as best management practices. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics,and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We distributed information aboutinsect pests, plant diseases and weedsto thousands of people. Informational meetings were conducted to disseminate research results and integrated pest management information to growers and landscapers. Forty-five growers attended the annual Christmas Tree Growers Twilight Meeting at the Valley Lab in July 2013. Attendees learned about care of conifer seedlings and young trees, exotic fir species, and control of diseases, insects and weeds in Christmas tree fields. A meeting for nurserymen and landscapers held at the Valley Lab in September drew 35 attendees; Experiment Station scientists demonstrated field research and gave presentations on a wide range of subjects, including management of boxwood blight, scale insects and emerald ash borer, containment of running bamboo in the landscape, and best management practices for irrigation water. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Experiment Station scientists will continue to provide detection and diagnoses of insect, plant disease and weed problems and provide information about pest managment options,horticultural practices and soil fertility. Fact sheets will be prepared on weed management in lawns and landscapes.Site visits will be made to growers' fields to diagnose problems, andpresentations will be given at meetings of grower organizations.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The successful management of arthropod pests, pathogens and weeds incrop production and landscape plantings requires accurate and timely identification of the problem andknowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. Reduced or more accurately timed fertilizer applications saved growers significant economic input without reducing crop values. Nearly 25% of soil tests did not require added fertility, resulting in economic and environmental savings. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety. Grower meetings conducted by Valley Laboratory scientists disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers that attended these meetings received recertification credits for their pesticide applicator licenses. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of problems and management has increased, reducing overall use of pesticides and the exposure of people and the environment to these chemicals. This State project provides horticultural information and identification and diagnoses of pest problems for agricultural businesses, landscapers and other property managers, pest control operators, and the general public. Insects and other arthropods, plant diseases and weeds constitute the primary pests. In 2013 a total of 5,258 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory, primarily by Dr. Todd Mervosh (3,338) and Dr. James LaMondia (1,824). About 51% of the inquiries were from commercial growers, landscapers, pest control operators, etc., 41% from the general public / homeowners, and 8% from governmental or non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, non-profit groups, media and others. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: plant diseases (30%), insects and other arthropods (20%), weeds (9%), pesticides (17%), general horticultural information (12%), soils and soil fertility (8%), mammals, birds and reptiles (1%), and other inquiries (3%). Many diagnoses were based on plant responses to weather conditions. The weather patterns for 2013 in Connecticut were a cool, dry early spring, an excessively rainy period from mid-May through the end of June, very hot, humid weather in late July, then a dry period through the fall. The wet weather conditions in late spring contributed to the prevalence of many plant diseases, including cedar-apple rust on apple and crabapple leaves, powdery mildew and downy mildew on cucurbits and other vegetable crops. Following the heat and humidity in late July, brown patch (Rhizoctonia blight) and Pythium blight caused serious damage to turfgrasses.These diseases seemed to be more prevalent in lawns that had been fertilized with high levels of nitrogen earlier in the growing season. Common arthropod pests included scale insects of trees and shrubs, Oriental beetles as larvae (white grubs) and adults, and spotted-wing drosophila (a non-native fruit fly) that has become a serious pest of fruit crops such as strawberry, blueberry and raspberry. Among human health and structural pests, black-legged (deer) ticks, carpenter ants, carpet beetles and other dermestid beetles were common problems. Emerald ash borer, a major threat to ash trees, has continued to spread since it was discovered for the first time in Connecticut (New Haven County) in 2012. Identification and management information was provided for a wide range of weed problems, including crabgrass, yellow nutsedge and ground-ivy in lawns, and invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed, Oriental bittersweet and mugwort.

Publications

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This State project provides horticultural information and identification and diagnoses of pest problems for agricultural businesses, landscapers and other property managers, pest control operators, and the general public. Insects and other arthropods, plant diseases and weeds constitute the primary pests. A total of 7,074 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory in 2012. The majority were answered by Dr. Todd Mervosh (2,051), Ms. Rose Hiskes (1,530) and Dr. James LaMondia (2,216). About 44% of the inquiries were from commercial growers, landscapers, pest control operators, etc., 53% from the public, and 3% from governmental or non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, or media. Inquiries by subject category were: plant diseases (30%), arthropods (24%), horticultural information (13%), soils and soil fertility (11%), weeds (9.0%), pesticide information (9%), mammals, birds and reptiles (1%), and other inquiries (3%). Many diagnoses were based on plant responses to weather conditions. The principal weather features for 2012 in Connecticut were an unusually warm winter and a hot, dry summer. Warm weather in late winter and early spring caused premature bud break and flowering of many plants. Frosts later in the spring damaged many of these plants and reduced yields of some fruit crops. After the wettest year on record in 2011, cumulative precipitation for 2012 was below normal. Drought stress was a common problem of lawns, landscape plantings and crops that were not irrigated. In general, drier conditions reduced the prevalence of most plant diseases, but several plant pathogens were still problematic. Downy mildews and aphid-transmitted viruses caused losses in tomato and on wrapper tobacco. Bloat nematodes were found in garlic. A wide range of weed problems were diagnosed, including Japanese knotweed, Oriental bittersweet and other invasives. Common arthropod pests included scale insects of trees and shrubs, spider mites and other mites, Oriental beetles and other white grub species. Among human health and structural pests, black-legged (deer) ticks, bed bugs, carpet beetles and ants were common problems. Spotted wing Drosophila, a non-native fruit fly, has quickly become a serious pest of fruits such as blueberry, raspberry and strawberry. Emerald ash borer, a major threat to ash trees, was discovered for the first time in Connecticut (New Haven County) in 2012. We distributed information about these insects and Asian longhorned beetle (not yet found in Connecticut) to hundreds of people. Informational meetings were conducted to disseminate research results and integrated pest management information to growers and landscapers. Thirty-five growers attended the annual Christmas Tree Growers Twilight Meeting at the Valley Lab in July 2012. Attendees learned about care of conifer seedlings and young trees, exotic fir species, and control of diseases, insects and weeds in Christmas tree fields. Hundreds of nursery and landscape professionals attended a summer field day at the Experiment Station's Lockwood Farm at which several Valley Laboratory scientists gave presentations on horticultural and pest management topics. PARTICIPANTS: The principal scientist on this project at the Valley Laboratory is Dr. Todd Mervosh, assisted by Ms. Rose Hiskes. Dr. James LaMondia, Dr. Richard Cowles, Dr. DeWei Li, Ms. Diane Riddle and Ms. Jane Canepa-Morrison also supplied diagnostic services to growers and citizens of the State. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, landscapers, IPM coordinators, extension personnel, industry advisors and other researchers submit samples for diagnostics, invite scientists to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems, and attend educational meetings that highlight pest and cultural problems as well as best management practices. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics, and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
OUTCOMES / IMPACTS: 2012/01 TO 2012/12 The successful management of arthropod pests, pathogens and weeds in nursery production and landscape plantings requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. Reduced or more accurately timed fertilizer applications saved growers significant economic input without reducing crop values. Nearly 25% of soil tests did not require added fertility, resulting in economic and environmental savings. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety. Grower meetings conducted by Valley Laboratory scientists disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers that attended these meetings received recertification credits for their pesticide applicator licenses. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of problems and management has increased, reducing overall use of pesticides and the exposure of people and the environment to these chemicals.

Publications

Mervosh, Todd L. 2012. Common weeds of Connecticut Christmas tree fields. The Real Tree Line 52(1): 16-17, 28.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This State project provides for dissemination of horticultural information and identification and diagnoses of pest problems for agricultural businesses, landscapers and other property managers, pest control operators, and the general public. The primary pests include insects and other arthropods, plant diseases and weeds. A total of 5,345 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory in 2011. The majority of these questions were answered by Dr. Todd Mervosh (1,930), Ms. Rose Hiskes (1,380) and Dr. James LaMondia (1,875). About 54% of the inquiries were from commercial growers, landscapers, pest control operators, etc., 42% from the public / homeowners, and 4% from governmental or non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, media personnel, etc. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: plant diseases (30%), arthropod pests (23%), horticultural information (12%), soils and soil fertility (12%), pesticide information (9%), weeds (7%), mammals, birds and reptiles (2%), and other inquiries (5%). Many diagnoses were based on plant responses to weather conditions. The principal weather feature of 2011 was excessive moisture. Cumulative precipitation for 2011 in Connecticut is the highest ever recorded in this state. Snow in January accumulated to depths of 1 meter. Heavy snows damaged branches on many woody plants. Rainy conditions throughout the year led to greater than normal plant disease problems. Fungal pathogens of plant foliage were prevalent. Fields with poorly drained soils or located along rivers were flooded frequently, contributing to poor crop growth or crop failure. A rare snowstorm in late October caused widespread damage, especially to deciduous trees and shrubs. Common arthropod pests included scale insects of trees and shrubs, various aphid species, Oriental beetle and related white grubs. Among human health and structural pests, black-legged ticks, bed bugs and carpet beetles were common problems. A new fruit fly species (spotted-wing Drosophila) was discovered in Connecticut in 2011 and immediately became a serious pest of small-fruit crops. Asian longhorned beetle and Emerald ash borer are invasive insects that destroy trees. Neither has been found in Connecticut, but both species exist near our borders, thus we distributed identification guides for these insects to hundreds of people. Informational meetings were conducted to disseminate research results and integrated pest management information to growers and landscape professionals. In July 2011, 50 growers attended the annual Christmas Tree Growers Twilight Meeting at the Valley Lab. Attendees learned about exotic fir species, soil nitrogen management, and control of diseases, insects, mites and weeds in conifer fields. Twenty nursery and landscape professionals attended the Valley Lab's annual Nursery and Landscape Research Tour in September 2011. Attendees gained valuable information about management of insect pests, plant pathogens and weeds in nursery production and in landscapes. PARTICIPANTS: The principal scientist on this project at the Valley Laboratory is Dr. Todd Mervosh, assisted by Ms. Rose Hiskes. Dr. James LaMondia, Dr. Richard Cowles, Dr. DeWei Li, Ms. Diane Riddle and Ms. Jane Canepa-Morrison also supplied diagnostic services to growers and citizens of the State. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, landscapers, IPM coordinators, extension personnel, industry advisors and other researchers submit samples for diagnostics, invite scientists to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems, and attend educational meetings that highlight pest and cultural problems as well as best management practices. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics, and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests, pathogens and weeds in nursery production and landscape plantings requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. Reduced or more accurately timed fertilizer applications saved growers significant economic input without reducing crop values. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety. Grower meetings conducted at the Valley Laboratory disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers that attended these meetings received recertification credits for their pesticide applicator licenses. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of problems and management has increased, reducing overall use of pesticides and the exposure of people and the environment to these chemicals.

Publications

Mervosh, Todd L. 2011. Pre-emergence herbicide options for weed control in Christmas tree fields. The Real Tree Line. 51(1), p. 15, 16, 19.

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Much of the crop production in Connecticut occurs in the north-central part of the state, within a convenient distance of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Valley Laboratory in Windsor. This State project provides for the distribution of horticultural information and identification and diagnoses of pest problems for agricultural businesses, landscapers and other property managers, and homeowners. The primary pests include insects and other arthropods, plant diseases, weeds, and animals such as mammals and birds. A total of 6,011 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory in the past year. The majority of these queries were answered by Dr. Todd Mervosh (1,883), Ms. Rose Hiskes (1,274) and Dr. James LaMondia (1,838). About 61% of the requests for information were from the general public / homeowners; the rest of the inquiries were from commercial growers, landscapers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: arthropod pests (25%); plant diseases (10%); general horticultural information (29%); soil fertility and water issues (22%); pesticide use (9%); weed control (3%); and mammals, birds and reptiles (2%). Many diagnoses were centered on plant responses to weather conditions. The principal weather features of 2010 were warmer than normal temperatures every month except December, with an especially hot, dry summer. Drought stress was a common problem, thus irrigation was necessary in many locations for survival and adequate growth of field crops, landscape plantings and turf. Disease problems in woody plants often originated during the excessively wet conditions of 2009. In particular, fungal pathogens of conifer needles were prevalent; common disease problems were Canavirgella needlecast of Eastern white pine and Rhizosphaera needlecast and various rusts of spruces and firs. Common arthropod pests of ornamentals included numerous scale insects, lily leaf beetle, and Oriental beetle and related species (grub and adult stages). Among human health and structural pests, black-legged ticks and bed bugs were troublesome arthropods. Informational meetings were conducted to disseminate research results and integrated pest management information to growers, nursery producers and landscape professionals. In July 2010, over 50 growers and professionals attended the annual Christmas Tree Growers Twilight Meeting at the Valley Laboratory, sponsored by the Experiment Station and the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association. Attendees toured plots and learned about soil fertility and cultural management, groundcover management, and management of conifer pests including diseases, insects, mites and weeds. Nearly 20 nursery and landscape professionals attended the Valley Laboratory's annual Nursery and Landscape Research Tour in September 2010. Attendees toured research plots and heard informative talks regarding production and pest management in nursery production and maintenance of ornamental plants in landscapes. PARTICIPANTS: The principal scientist on this project at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Valley Laboratory is Dr. Todd Mervosh, assisted by Rose Hiskes. Dr. James LaMondia, Dr. Richard Cowles, Dr. DeWei Li, Dr. Carole Cheah, Dr. Hugh Smith, Diane Riddle, Jane Canepa-Morrison and Michelle Salvas of The Valley Laboratory also supplied diagnostic services to growers and citizens of the State. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, landscapers, IPM coordinators, extension personnel, industry advisors and other researchers submit samples for diagnostics, invite scientists to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems and attend educational meetings that highlight current pest and cultural problems as well as best management practices to manage problems. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics, and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The successful management of pests, pathogens and moisture needs of production and landscape woody plants requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. For example, soil cultivation strategies and revised planting timetables improved health and yields of crops. Reduced or more accurately timed fertilizer applications saved growers significant economic input without reducing crop values. Similarly, alternate irrigation strategies and properly draining potting media helped production nurseries grow quality plants in containers with minimal disease and root problems. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety. Grower meetings conducted at the Valley Laboratory disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers that attended these meetings received recertification credits for their pesticide applicator licenses. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of problems and management has increased, reducing pesticide use and human and environmental exposure to pesticides.

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Connecticut River Valley provides much of Connecticut's agricultural crop business. Most major insects and diseases are now recognized and many are controlled by growers with resistant varieties or cultural practices. Disease or insect problems new to Connecticut or previously minor often appear as a threat to production. This State project provides insect and disease problem detection and diagnosis in the field, and information to best manage insect and disease problems. A total of 8,674 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the year. The majority (75%) were answered by Mr. Thomas Rathier (5,604), and Mr. John Winiarski (902) in the inquiry office, and by Drs. LaMondia (11%) and Mervosh (5%). About 61% of the requests were from the general public / homeowners; the remainder was from commercial growers, landscapers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject were as follows: arthropod pests (30%); plant diseases (15%); general horticultural information (20%); soil fertility and water issues (15%); pesticide use (8%); weed control (3%); and mammals, birds and reptiles (2%). Many diagnoses were centered on plant responses to weather. The weather features of 2009 were higher than normal rainfall and cooler than normal temperatures during June and July, resulting in excess soil moisture that limited establishment, health and yields of annual crops, both seeded and transplanted. Root growth of woody plants in production settings and landscapes was limited, especially in poorly drained soils. Resulting soil-borne diseases and root disorders limited yields and overall plant health. The steadily moist conditions promoted fungal and bacterial foliar diseases that also resulted in poor plant health and reduced yields. In particular, late blight (Phytophthora infestans), introduced on tomato transplants, appeared throughout Connecticut for the first time in many decades, killing or significantly reducing yields of commercial and home-grown tomatoes and potatoes. Mild-winter soil temperatures and potato volunteer survival were correlated with an outbreak of aphid-transmitted Poty viruses in cigar wrapper tobacco. Budgetary limitations prompted many commercial growers to take advantage of cost-saving fertilization strategies provided by the Inquiry Office. Informational meetings were conducted to disseminate research results and Integrated Pest Management information to growers, nursery producers and landscape professionals. In July 2009, over 50 growers and professionals attended the annual Christmas Tree Twilight Meeting, at the Valley Laboratory, sponsored by the Experiment Station and the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association. Attendees toured plots and learned about soil fertility and cultural management, groundcover management, and management of conifer pests including diseases, insects, mites and weeds. Over 25 nursery and landscape professionals attended the Valley Laboratory's annual Nursery and Landscape Research Tour in September 2009. Attendees toured research plots and heard informative talks regarding production and maintenance of ornamental plants. PARTICIPANTS: The principal scientist on this project at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Valley Laboratory is Thomas Rathier. John Winiarski, Dr. Todd Mervosh, Dr. James LaMondia, Dr. Richard Cowles, Dr. DeWei Li and Dr. Hugh Smith of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also supplied diagnostic services to growers and citizens of the State. TARGET AUDIENCES: Homeowners, growers, landscapers, IPM coordinators, extension personnel, industry advisors and other researchers submit samples for diagnostics, invite scientists to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems and attend educational meetings that highlight current pest and cultural problems as well as best management practices to manage problems. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics, and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The successful management of pests, pathogens and moisture needs of production and landscape woody plants requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. For example, soil cultivation strategies and revised planting timetables improved health and yields of annual crops. Reduced or more accurately timed fertilizer applications saved growers significant economic input without reducing crop values while protecting groundwater resources from excess fertilizer application. Similarly, alternate irrigation strategies and properly draining potting media helped production nurseries grow quality plants in containers with minimal disease and root problems. Likewise, trees and shrubs in public and private landscapes were able to remain healthy with greater attention to the reduction and redirection of rainwater. The identification of symptoms of excess soil moisture in the diagnostic lab and in the field was instrumental in this effort. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety. Grower meetings conducted at the Valley Lab disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers that attended these meetings received recertification credits for their pesticide applicator licenses. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of problems and management has increased, reducing pesticide use and human and environmental exposure to pesticides.

Publications

Rathier, Tom. 2009. Cultural and Pest Management Update. Real Tree Line 48(3):6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2009. Cultural and Pest Management Update. Real Tree Line 48(4):6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2009. Cultural and Pest Management Update. Real Tree Line 49(1):6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2009. Cultural and Pest Management Update. Real Tree Line 49(2):6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2009. New tricks for old dogs. A brief history of plasticulture use for Connecticut Tobacco (abstract). Proceedings 35th National Agricultural Plastics Congress.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Connecticut Valley provides the major portion of Connecticut's agricultural crop business. Most major insects and diseases are now recognized by growers and many are controlled with resistant varieties or specific cultural practices. Frequently, a disease or insect problem new to Connecticut or previously very minor may appear as a threat to production efficiency. This State project provides for detection of insect and disease problems in the field, provides diagnosis of known insects and diseases, and provides identification and treatment of new insect and disease problems that may appear. A total of 7,952 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. The majority of these queries (70%) were answered by both Mr. Thomas Rathier (4,832), and Mr. John Winiarski (838) in the inquiry office, and by Drs. LaMondia, and Mervosh. About 68% of the requests for information were from the public sector; the remainder was from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: arthropod pests (33%); plant diseases (10%); general horticultural information (28%); soil fertility and water issues (16%); pesticide use (8%); weed control (3%); and mammals, birds and reptiles (2%). Many diagnoses were centered on plant responses to weather conditions. The main weather features in 2008 were record breaking amounts of precipitation and moderate temperatures resulting in significant soil moisture excesses that limited establishment and ultimate health and yields of annual crops, both seeded and transplanted. Root growth of woody plants in production settings and landscapes was limited, especially in soils known to have drainage limitations. Resulting soil-borne diseases and other root disorders limited yields and overall plant health. Additionally, frequently moist conditions promoted fungal and bacterial foliar diseases that also resulted in poor plant health and reduced yields. Informational meetings were conducted to disseminate research results and Integrated Pest Management information to growers, nursery producers and landscape professionals. These meetings included: In July 2008, over 50 growers and professionals attended the annual Christmas Tree Twilight Meeting, at the Valley Laboratory, sponsored by the Experiment Station and the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association. Attendees toured plots and learned about soil fertility and cultural management, disease management, cover management, insect and mite management, and weed management. Over 60 nursery and landscape professionals attended the Valley Laboratory's annual Nursery and Landscape Research Tour in September 2008. Attendees toured research plots and heard informative talks regarding production and maintenance of ornamental plants. PARTICIPANTS: The chief scientist on this project at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is Thomas Rathier. John Winiarski, Dr. Todd Mervosh, and Dr. James LaMondia of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also supplied diagnostic services to growers and citizens of the State. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, IPM coordinators, extension personnel, industry advisors and other researchers submit samples for diagnostics, invite scientists to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems and attend educational meetings that highlight current pest and cultural problems as well as best management practices to manage problems. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics, and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The successful management of pests, pathogens and moisture needs of production and landscape woody plants requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. For example, soil cultivation strategies and revised planting timetables improved health and yields of annual crops. Similarly, alternate irrigation strategies and properly draining potting media helped production container nurseries grow quality plants with minimal disease and root problems. Likewise, trees and shrubs in public and private landscapes were able to remain healthy with greater attention to the reduction and redirection of rainwater. The identification of symptoms of excess soil moisture in the diagnostic lab and in the field was instrumental in this effort. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety. Grower meetings conducted at the Valley Lab disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers received pesticide recertification credit for attending. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of problems and management has increased, reducing pesticide use and human and environmental exposure to pesticides.

Publications

Rathier, Tom. 2008. Cultural and Pest Management Update. Real Tree Line 48(1):6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2008. Cultural and Pest Management Update. Real Tree Line 48(2):6-7.
Rathier, Tom and Merwin Brown. 2008. Improvement in leaf quality of shade grown tobacco with supplemental soluble N applications under plasticulture. Proceedings 34th National Agricultural Plastics Congress.

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Connecticut Valley provides the major portion of Connecticut's agricultural crop business. Most major insects and diseases are now recognized by growers and many are controlled with resistant varieties or specific cultural practices. Frequently, a disease or insect problem new to Connecticut or previously very minor may appear as a threat to production efficiency. This State project provides for detection of insect and disease problems in the field, provides diagnosis of known insects and diseases, and provides identification and treatment of new insect and disease problems that may appear. A total of 9,096 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. The majority of these queries (70%) were answered by Mr. Thomas Rathier (5,456), assisted by Mr. John Winiarski (910) in the inquiry office, and by Drs. LaMondia (17%), and Mervosh (5%). About 68% of the requests for information were from the public sector; the remainder was from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: arthropod pests (25%); plant diseases (10%); general horticultural information (29%); soil fertility and water issues (22%); pesticide use (9%); weed control (3%); and mammals, birds and reptiles (2%). Many diagnoses were centered on plant responses to weather conditions. Milder than normal conditions in the previous and early winter extended well into January 2007 when severe cold persisted for 3-4 weeks. This resulted in desiccation and freeze injuries to woody plants in production and landscape settings. The following growing season was defined by significant, progressive drought conditions that extended well into Fall 2007. These two conditions caused significant stress to woody plants and their root systems and many trees and shrubs in nursery production and in parks, golf courses and commercial landscapes became at serious risk. Many trees weakened by previous droughts succumbed to vascular wilts such as Verticillium and Dutch elm disease and various borers. Informational meetings were conducted to disseminate research results and Integrated Pest Management information to growers, nursery producers and landscape professionals. These meetings included: In July 2007, over 70 growers and professionals attended the annual Christmas Tree Twilight Meeting, at the Valley Laboratory, sponsored by the Experiment Station and the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association. Attendees toured plots and learned about soil fertility and cultural management, disease management, cover management, insect and mite management, and Weed management. Over 60 nursery and landscape professionals attended the Valley Laboratory's annual Nursery and Landscape Research Tour in September 2007. Attendees toured research plots and heard informative talks regarding production and maintenance of ornamental plants. PARTICIPANTS: The principle scientist on this project at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is Thomas Rathier. John Winiarski, Dr. Todd Mervosh, and Dr. James LaMondia of The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also supplied diagnostic services to growers and citizens of the State. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers, IPM coordinators, extension personnel, industry advisors and other researchers submit samples for diagnostics, invite scientists to visit farms to assist in identification and diagnosis of problems and attend educational meetings that highlight current pest and cultural problems as well as best management practices to manage problems. This knowledge reduces economic crop losses due to pests, reduces costs associated with diagnostics, and reduces human and environmental exposure to pesticides.

Impacts
The successful management of pests, pathogens and moisture needs of production and landscape woody plants requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. For example, proper timing of alternate irrigation strategies and moisture conserving potting media helped production container nurseries conserve water supplies while still growing quality plants. Likewise, trees and shrubs in public and private landscapes were able to remain healthy with greater attention to water needs and use of sustainable irrigation strategies. The identification of drought symptoms in the diagnostic lab and in the field was instrumental in this effort. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety. Grower meetings conducted at the Valley Lab disseminated information to stakeholders that increased awareness of critical pest and cultural conditions, updated them on current management techniques and educated them about integrated pest management. Growers received pesticide recertification credit for attending. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of problems and management has increased, reducing pesticide use and human and environmental exposure to pesticides.

Publications

Rathier, Tom. 2007. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 47(1) pp. 6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2007. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 47(2) pp.6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2007. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 47(3) pp. 6-8.
Rathier, Tom. 2007. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 47(4) pp. 6-8.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
A total of 8,517 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory. About 60% of the requests for information were from the public sector; the remainder was from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: arthropod pests (21%); plant diseases (10%); general horticultural information (26%); soil fertility and water issues (26%); pesticide use (10%); weed control (4%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (1%). The 2006 growing season was defined by weather conditions. A cool, moist spring lasted through the entire month of June and was followed by a comparatively short (4 week) droughty period. The fall and early winter was very mild with regular precipitation. Moisture stress was a universal concern for all plants grown or maintained commercially or in home landscapes. Most annual field and vegetable crops were delayed in establishment and overall less productive. Excessive soil moisture during October 2005 and throughout 2006 may have limited root activity and overall plant health. Foliar disease pressure on nursery and landscape ornamentals and Christmas trees was intense during the moist spring but less of a problem as the summer progressed. Fungal leaf spots, blights, anthracnose, needlecasts and rusts were widely observed. Leaf spots were the biggest problem during the spring for commercial, public and residential turf but root and crown diseases were of greater concern from late summer through the fall. Diseases of row crops, tree and small fruits and tobacco followed a similar pattern with foliar disorders such as scabs, anthracnose, and rusts earlier and root or crown problems later. Tobacco crops experienced significant curing problems during the wet conditions in October. Arthropod pests were numerous on most crops with early moisture providing good starting conditions for many. Hemlock woolly adelgid, elongate hemlock scale, white pine weevil, gypsy moth, bagworms, spruce spider mites, hemlock rust mites, bark beetles, European sawflies, tip moths and pine shoot moths were the common conifer pests observed. Lace bugs, arborvitae leafminers, gypsy moth, eastern tent caterpillar and other caterpillars, sawflies, Japanese beetles, hibiscus sawflies, two spotted spider mites, various scale insects and aphids were identified on broadleaf woody plants. White grubs were a very serious problem on commercial and home turf. Tobacco budworm, aphids, two-spotted spider mites, hornworms, fruitworms, eriophyid mites and spider mites were common arthropods on row and fruit crops. Structural pests and arthropods that bother humans were numerous although drought conditions limited mosquito, tick and wasp populations. Carpenter ants, termites, carpet beetles, cigarette beetles, larder beetles, centipedes, millipedes, carpenter bees, spiders and mice were common structural pest problems. Common food pests included confused flour beetles, sawtoothed grain beetles, pea and bean weevils and Indian meal moths. Human bed bugs remained a significant problem in 2006, reflecting the nationwide trend.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests and plant diseases requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. For example, greenhouse grown transplant losses from black root rot declined from high to low levels over the last two years due to cultural changes in production practices, despite cool wet weather conducive to disease. The identification of plant parasitic nematodes in ornamental planting stock prevented infestation of clean fields and use of soil fumigation as a control tactic. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety.

Publications

Rathier, Tom. 2006. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 46(4) pp. 6-7.
Rathier, Tom and Merwin Brown 2006. Plasticulture strategies to improve timing of N availability to shade grown tobacco (abstract). 33rd National Agricultural Plastics Congress.
Rathier, Tom. 2006. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 46(1) pp. 6-8. Rathier, Tom. 2006. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 46(2) pp.6-7.
Rathier, Tom. 2006. Cultural and Pest Management Update. The Real Tree Line: 46(3) pp. 6-7.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
A total of 8,229 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory. About 60% of the requests for information were from the public sector; the remainder was from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: arthropod pests (19%); plant diseases (10%); general horticultural information (29%); soil fertility and water issues (25%); pesticide use (10%); weed control (4%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (1%). The 2005 growing season was defined by weather conditions. A moist spring was followed by the most significant drought in the last several years, lasting from June through mid-October. Record hot temperatures prevailed throughout the summer. Nearly 16 inches of rain fell in a 10 day span in October. The remaining Fall was comparatively mild. Moisture stress was a universal concern for all plants grown or maintained commercially or in home landscapes. Drought conditions limited root growth and function and anything not irrigated and/or mulched appropriately failed or was severly influenced. Excessive soil moisture during October and afterward may also have limited root activity. Foliar disease pressure on nursery and landscape ornamentals and Christmas trees was intense during the moist spring but less of a problem as the summer progressed. Fungal leaf spots, blights, anthracnose, needlecasts and rusts were widely observed. Leaf spots were the biggest problem during the spring for commercial, public and residential turf but root and crown diseases were of greater concern from late summer through the fall. Diseases of row crops, tree and small fruits and tobacco followed a similar pattern with foliar disorders such as scabs, anthracnose, and rusts earlier and root or crown problems later. Tobacco crops experienced significant curing problems during the wet conditions in October. Arthropod pests were numerous on most crops with early moisture providing good starting conditions for many. Hemlock woolly adelgid, elongate hemlock scale, white pine weevil, gypsy moth, bagworms, spruce spider mites, hemlock rust mites, bark beetles, European sawflies, tip moths and pine shoot moths were the common conifer pests observed. Lace bugs, arborvitae leafminers, gypsy moth and other caterpillars, sawflies, Japanese beetles, hibiscus sawflies, two spotted spider mites, various scale insects and aphids were identified on broadlef woody plants. White grubs were a very serious problem on commercial and residential turf. Tobacco budworm, aphids, two spotted spider mites, hornworms, fruitworms, eriophyid mites and spider mites were common arthropods on row and fruit crops. Structural pests and arthropods that bother humans were numerous although drought conditions limited mosquito, tick and wasp populations. Carpenter ants, termites, carpet beetles, cigarette beetles, larder beetles, centipedes, millipedes, carpenter bees, spiders and mice were common structural pest problems. Common food pests included confused flour beetles, sawtoothed grain beetles, pea and bean weevils and Indian meal moths. Identifications of common bed bugs rose dramatically in 2005, reflecting a nationwide trend.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests and plant diseases requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. For example, blue mold losses have declined from over 30 percent in 1997 to less than 5% of the shade tobacco crop in 2004 and negligible losses in 2005. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety.

Publications

Rathier, Thomas M. 2005. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 45(1). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2005. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 45(2). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2005. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 45(3). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2005. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 45(4). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2005. What you should know about soil physical characteristics. 45(4). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2005. What you should know about soil physical characteristics. 3(3). Evergreen Bulletin, Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Abbey, Timothy and Rathier, Thomas M. 2005. Effects of mycorrhizal fungi, biostimulants and water absorbing polymers on the growth and survival of four landscape species. 23(2). Journal of Environmental Horticulture

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
A total of 9,200 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory. About 60% were from the public; 40% from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject were: arthropods (19%); plant diseases (10%); general information (29%); soil fertility and water (25%); pesticides (10%); weeds (4%); animals (2%); and others (1%). Hemlock woolly adelgid was the leading arthropod inquiry in landscapes. Other arthropods of note were elongate hemlock scale, white pine weevil, gypsy moth, fall webworm and late spruce spider mites on conifers. Hard pines were infested with European sawflies, tip moths and pine shoot moths. Pear leaf blister mites were widespread in early 2004. Leafhoppers, lace bugs, arborvitae leafminers were plentiful and defoliation by caterpillars and sawflies was observed on deciduous and evergreen plants. Insects that bother humans were of concern to homeowners, especially mosquitoes. Wasps, especially German yellow jackets and solitary ground bees were numerous. Fewer ticks were submitted for identification and spirochete analysis. Structural pests included carpenter ants, termites, black and varied carpet beetles, cigarette beetles, larder beetles acorn weevils and spiders. Casual invaders included Asian lady beetles, squash bugs, western conifer seed bugs, boxelder bugs, clover mites, assorted beetles in food, Indian meal moths, centipedes and millipedes. Several cases of bed bugs were identified. Many inquiries in spring 2004 concerned periodical cicadas. Diseases were plentiful in 2004, especially foliar disorders such as leaf spots, blights and anthracnose. Cedar apple rust and other rusts were common on crabapples, hawthorn and shadbush. Stress related cankers were reported on trees, especially ornamental cherries, maples and beeches. Many homeowners inquired about lichens and algae on tree bark. Home lawns experienced few drought related problems. Disease pressure was high on high maintenance lawns, especially summer patch, Pythium and red thread. White grub injury was less obvious as conditions were less stressful. The Valley Lab maintained the Connecticut River Valley Blue Mold Web Site to keep growers current with blue mold and management options. Losses to blue mold were minimal. Scientists visited 350 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, poultry operations, residential properties, parks and forests during 2004 to diagnose complex problems firsthand. Cool, wet conditions in 2004 resulted in poor root systems and yield in row and forage crops and reduced size in field grown nursery, woody landscape plants and Christmas trees. Winter injury and desiccation problems were widespread on woody and herbaceous plants, especially rhododendrons, azaleas, laurels and andromedas. Anthracnose was common on sycamore, birch, maple and ash. Growers and landscapers had logistical problems such as inability to dig field-grown plants and field plant transplants. Greenhouse growers saw high levels of Pythium root diseases and foliar diseases, especially Botrytis.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests and plant diseases requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. For example, blue mold losses have declined from over 30 percent in 1997 to less than 5% of the shade tobacco crop in 2004. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings to commercial growers and homeowners, reduced human and environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety.

Publications

Rathier, Thomas M. 2004. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 44(1). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2004. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 44(2). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2004. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 44(3). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2004. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 44(4). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
A total of 9,212 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. About 60% were from the public sector; 40% was from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: arthropod pests (19%); plant diseases (10%); general horticultural information (29%); soil fertility and water issues (25%); pesticide use (10%); weed control (4%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (1%). Hemlock woolly adelgid was the single most asked about pest. During spring, 2003, we answered fewer inquiries as a result of adelgid winter mortality. The cool, wet spring assisted hemlocks ability to recover vigor while pressure from the adelgid was reduced. Concern among growers over the blue mold epidemic in the Connecticut River Valley during 2002 and 2003 spawned a large number of inquiries. The Valley Laboratory maintained the Blue Mold Information Line and the Connecticut River Valley Blue Mold Web Site kept growers current with the progress of the disease in North America, and management options. Scientists visited 367 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, poultry operations, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to diagnose complex problems firsthand. Very wet conditions throughout 2003 resulted in poor root systems and yield reductions in row and forage crops and reduced sizes in field grown nursery plants, woody landscape plants and Christmas trees. Many established trees required substantial pruning or removal from drought stress in 2002 followed by excessive moisture in 2003. Many weakened trees succumbed to vascular wilts such as Verticillium and Dutch elm disease and insects such as hemlock woolly adelgid and various borers. Winter injury and other desiccation problems were wide spread on woody and herbaceous plants, especially rhododendrons, azaleas, laurels and andromedas. Anthracnose on sycamore, birch, maple and ash were very common throughout spring, 2003. Growers and landscapers had many logistical problems such as inability to dig field-grown plants and plant transplants in the field. Greenhouse growers experienced a prolonged, dark, cool spring that saw reduced growth and high levels of root diseases such as Pythium and foliar diseases, especially Botrytis blight. In June, cooler air and soil temperatures were coupled with heavy rains to limit early development of annual and woody crops. Many growers were unable to harvest more than the first cut of hay and a much smaller silage crop. Arthropods of human concern included greater numbers of ticks submitted for identification. All black-legged ticks were forwarded to the lab in New Haven for spirochete analysis. Wasps, especially German yellow jackets, were bothersome to many. Among arthropods found inside structures, carpenter ants, termites, black and varied carpet beetles, cigarette beetles and spiders received the most attention. Also noted were multicolored Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs, clover mites, assorted food-infesting beetles, Indian meal moths centipedes and millipedes. Most homeowners chose baiting and/or sanitation management rather than pesticide use.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests and plant diseases requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere. The correct and timely identification of pests of agricultural and human health significance has resulted in economic savings, reduced environmental exposure to pesticides, and increased human safety.

Publications

Rathier, Thomas M. 2003. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 43(1). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2003. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 43(2). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2002. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 42(3) Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2002. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 42(4). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
A total of 9,401 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. About 59% were from the public sector; the remainder was from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: arthropod pests (37%); plant diseases (18%); general horticultural information (18%); soil fertility and water issues (13%); pesticide use (4%); weed control (3%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (5%). Hemlock woolly adelgid (2,113 inquiries) was by far the single most asked about pest and continued to be a major concern among arborists, forest managers, and property owners. Continuing concern among tobacco growers over the blue mold epidemic in the Connecticut River Valley during 2001 and 2002 spawned 1,327 inquiries. The Valley Laboratory maintained the Blue Mold Information Line and the Connecticut River Valley Blue Mold Web Site kept tobacco growers current with the progress of the disease in North America, and the potential exposure and management options in the Valley. Scientists visited 389 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, poultry operations, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to diagnose the more complex problems firsthand. Drought throughout the summer and fall of 2001 resulted in yield reductions in row and forage crops and reduced sizes in field grown nursery plants, woody landscape plants and Christmas trees. Many large established trees required substantial pruning or even removal from drought related stress. Many weakened trees succumbed to vascular wilts such as Verticillium and Dutch elm disease and insects such as hemlock woolly adelgid and various borers. The dry, mild fall and winter kept many woody plants from hardening off for the winter. The lack of a significant snow cover further prevented them from being adequately moistened and many experienced winter injuries such as dieback and foliar desiccation. The mild conditions persisted into spring, 2002, especially with 3-4 days of temperatures over 90F in late April and many plants broke bud early. The early bud break was accompanied by earlier emergence and development of arthropods such as aphids and spider mites, which were seen in record numbers on a wide variety of deciduous shrubs and conifers. May 2002 was highlighted by several significant frosts that affected a wide variety of woody ornamentals along with considerable losses in tree fruits and small fruits. As the season progressed into June, cooler air and soil temperatures were coupled with heavy rains to limit early development of annual and woody crops. Growers of woody and herbaceous plants in containers outdoors experienced a difficult season as the lack of regular rainfall and hot temperatures stressed irrigation pond volumes and plants equally. Forage crops did not grow well with many growers unable to harvest more than the first cut of hay and a much smaller silage crop. Many growers experienced significant losses of forage crops to a heavy infestation of armyworms, the first since 1937.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests and plant diseases requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere.

Publications

Rathier, Thomas M. 2001. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 41(3). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2001. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 41(4). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2002. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 42(1). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2002. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 42(2). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
A total of 9,743 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. About 56% of the requests for information were from the public sector; the remainder were from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were as follows: arthropod pests (40%); plant diseases (21%); general horticultural information (15%); soil fertility and water issues (13%); weed control (5%); pesticide use (2%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (2%). Hemlock woolly adelgid, the single most asked about pest, accounted for 2,056 inquiries (57% of the total for arthropods). The continuing blue mold epidemic in the Connecticut River Valley spawned 1,525 inquiries by tobacco growers. The Valley Laboratory maintained The Blue Mold Information Line and the Connecticut River Valley Blue Mold Web Site to keep tobacco growers current with the progress of the disease in North America, and the potential exposure and management options in the Valley. Scientists visited 355 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, poultry operations, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to diagnose the more complex problems firsthand. Many diagnoses were centered on plant responses to weather conditions. While the summer and fall of 2000 were regularly moist, many woody landscape plants, field grown nursery plants and Christmas trees continued to show effects of the 1998 and 1999 droughts. Drought conditions recurred from early April until mid May, 2001. This period included a stretch of 4 days over 90 F followed shortly by freezing temperatures for two straight nights. The hot temperatures forced new growth to expand faster than ordinary and the frost conditions injured many new shoots and flowers, especially on drought stressed plants. Golf courses and turf farms generally experienced good growing conditions throughout the cool, moist summer although diseases were more common. Forage crops grew well but many growers experienced harvesting problems due to the lack of sufficient post cut drying time. Likewise, silage corn was delayed in reaching appropriate moisture content for harvest, delaying that event further into the autumn. Small fruit harvests were adequate during the 2000 season, but frequent rainfalls promoted more disease, which required more stringent attention to fungicide scheduling. Cooler, darker conditions also resulted in delayed ripening of the berry crops and less sweet crops in general. Frosts in mid-May, 2001 reduced yield. Tree fruit experienced similar conditions and results in 2000 and the 2001 frosts devastated many apple and pear orchards, but sparing peaches in most cases. Vegetable growers experienced modest harvests in 2000 as many diseases played significant roles. Of particular concern were bacterial spot and speck diseases on peppers and tomatoes. Ripening was delayed for many crops including corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and pumpkins.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests and plant diseases requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of the current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere.

Publications

Rathier, Thomas M. 2000. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 40(3). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2000. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 40(4). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Rathier, Thomas M. 2001. Cultural and Pest Management Update. 41(1). Real Tree Line, Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
A total of 8,623 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. About 49% of the these were from the public sector; the remainder were from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: arthropod pests (39%); fertilizers, plant diseases (17%); general horticulture (16%); soil and water (14%); weed control (6%); pesticide use (4%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (2%). Scientists visited 439 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, poultry operations, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to diagnose problems firsthand. Hemlock woolly adelgid, the single most asked about pest, accounted for 2,047 inquiries (61% of the total for arthropods), nearly 18% more than last year. Epidemics of blue mold and brown spot in the Connecticut River Valley spawned 976 inquiries from concerned tobacco growers. Valley Laboratory scientists applied for and obtained Section 18 registration for emergency fungicide use against blue mold of tobacco and initiated and maintained a tobacco hotline and the Connecticut River Valley Blue Mold Web Site to keep tobacco growers current with the progress of these diseases and management options in the Valley. Weather extremes significantly impacted commercial agriculture, forest trees, and ornamentals in commercial and private landscapes during 1999-2000. Hot, drought conditions in the spring, 1999 persisted throughout the growing season and well into fall, 1999 putting annual and perennial crops in serious jeopardy. While some rainfall occurred in late fall, the warm conditions persisted well into winter preventing many plants from reaching true dormancy. When temperatures fell abruptly to sub-zero (F) levels in mid January 2000, significant winter injuries occurred to woody plant shoots and roots. A cooler and wetter than ordinary spring and summer during 2000 has further complicated woody plant recovery and made establishment of annual crops very difficult.

Impacts
The successful management of arthropod pests and plant diseases requires accurate and timely identification of the problem and the knowledge of current management tools that are available and appropriate. Valley Laboratory scientists consistently provide these valuable services to citizens of Connecticut and elsewhere.

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
During the past year, 8,730 inquiries were answered by Valley Laboratory personnel. About 51% of these were from the public sector; the remainder were from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: arthropod pests (36%); fertilizers, soils and water issues (13%); general horticultural information (18%); plant diseases (18%); weed control (9%); pesticide use (3%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (1%). Hemlock woolly adelgid, by far the single most asked about pest, accounted for 1,743 inquiries (55% of the total for arthropods), nearly twice as many as last year. Continuing concern among tobacco growers over the blue mold epidemic in the Connecticut River Valley spawned 1,147 inquiries. We initiated and maintained a blue mold information line and a Connecticut River Valley Blue Mold Web Site to keep tobacco growers current with the progress of the disease in North America, and the potential exposure and management options. Drought caused the greatest problems for agriculture during the period. Christmas tree growers experienced substantial losses to young trees planted in production areas that were nearly impossible to irrigate. Premature loss of older needles, reduced growth, minor nutrient deficiencies, and increased susceptibility to insect pests and diseases were other consequences of drought. Needle casts such as Rhizosphaera on Colorado blue spruce and Rhabdocline on Douglas fir were quite prevalent. Spruce spider mite, spruce gall adelgids, white pine weevil and pales weevil were common arthropod pests of weakened Christmas trees. Turf farms, golf courses, commercial landscapes and dairy farms also experienced drought related problems. Production nurseries were hard hit, especially those producing field-grown stock. Yields of tree fruits and blueberries were greatly reduced on farms that were unable to intensively manage water supplies. Tobacco acreage in Connecticut reached a 20-year high despite the threat of blue mold. The dry conditions substantially slowed the disease's progress. The same weather related problems that plagued commercial agriculture were evident in home landscapes where drought killed or severely weakened many woody and herbaceous plants and lawns.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
CRIS Report: Hatch 802 - M.S. McClure and T.M. Rathier (Progress) CONH00802 During the past year, 7,206 inquiries were answered by personnel at the Valley Laboratory. About 54% of these inquiries were from the public sector; the remainder were from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: insect pests (33%); fertilizers, soils and water issues (13%); general horticultural information (18%); plant diseases (20%); weed control (9%); pesticide use (3%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%); and others (2%). Scientists also visited 156 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to diagnose the more complex problems. Hemlock woolly adelgid was the most asked about pest (950 inquiries) and continued to be a major concern among arborists, forest managers, and property owners. Concern among tobacco growers over the blue mold epidemic in the Connecticut River Valley during 1997 spawned 810 inquiries. We maintained a blue mold information line to keep tobacco growers current with the progress of the disease in North America. Weather caused numerous agricultural problems during the year. Droughts in 1997 during May and June, and September and October, combined with exceptionally humid and wet conditions during July and August were stressful on root systems. Christmas trees were especially hard hit. Turf farms, golf courses and dairy farms had difficulty establishing new grasses because of the droughts. The rainy summer also encouraged diseases among established grasses. Commercial landscapes experienced the after effects of drought with turf losses and large tree declines. Many trees and shrubs that were injured by the previous winter's ice storms developed fungal cankers that weakened and often killed them. The two droughts and poor weather conditions during flowering combined to reduce yields in fruit and vegetable crops. Populations of spider mites and Eriophyid mites were high on both conifers and deciduous plants. White Prunicola scale was common on Prunus species and euonymus scale was widespread. Elongate hemlock scale populations have increased in the Hartford area. Pear thrips injuries were found on some maples in Spring, 1998. Anthracnose infections were prevalent on many deciduous trees, especially maples, oaks and sycamores. Other diseases observed on ornamentals included fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew and verticillium wilt, especially on drought stressed maples. Home vegetable and flower garden problems were dominated by Septoria leaf spot and early blight on tomatoes and slugs on virtually everything. Other problems included aphids, four-lined plant bugs and cucumber wilt. Western conifer seed bugs overwintering in homes were problematic in 1997 but not in 1998, suggesting that a population crash occurred during the summer of 1997.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
During the past year, 7,843 inquiries (9% more than last year) were answered by personnel at the Valley Laboratory concerning arthropod pests, plant diseases, control of weeds, soil fertility, and general horticulture. Citizens either visited scientists and brought specimens for identification or submitted samples by mail and called for results. About 63% of the requests for information were from the public sector; the remainder were from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: insect pests (31%); general horticultural information (21%); fertilizers, soils and water issues (18%); plant diseases (15%); weed control (9%); pesticide use (3%); mammals, birds and reptiles (2%) and others (1%). Scientists also visited 188 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to observe problems first hand. They also conducted 935 in depth tests at the request of citizens to diagnose the more complex problems. Many of the plant problems during 1997 were the result of extremes in weather. The cool, moist summer of 1996 was followed by a mild but somewhat destructive winter, and then by a very dry spring in 1997. These conditions were favorable for the invasion of lawns by fungi and mosses. Two ice storms during the 1996-97 winter were problematic for trees and shrubs, especially pines, spruces, and arborvitae which often were uprooted, split, or severely bent. Broadleaf evergreens, including rhododendrons, azaleas and laurels, suffered substantial damage also, particularly those growing nearest to buildings where snow sliding off roofs intensified injuries. Flowering shrubs that were not snow damaged had brilliant displays of flowers in spring due to mild temperatures and adequate moisture during winter. The hemlock woolly adelgid expanded its distribution into 158 of Connecticut's 169 towns and prompted 818 inquiries (34% of the total for insects) from arborists, forest managers, and property owners. Pests in and around the home were numerous and varied. Carpenter bees often damaged unpainted wood surfaces and foraging carpenter ants frequently invaded homes. Other insects that commonly invaded homes in large numbers in the fall were the multicolored Asian ladybird beetle and the western conifer seed bug. This large, dark brown, sinister-looking bug convinced many citizens that they had cockroaches or assassin bugs to contend with. Many home exteriors were plagued with spore cases of the artillery fungus again in 1997. This fungus which thrives on decaying hard-wood mulches, propels its spore cases outwards 6-12 feet usually toward brighter areas such as a light colored building or car. The spore cases are sticky at first, but then harden and remain strongly adhered to the surface they strike.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
Numerous inquiries have been received by personnel at the Valley Laboratory concerning arthropod pests, plant diseases, control of weeds, soil fertility, and general horticulture. Citizens visit scientists and bring specimens for identification or submit samples by mail and call for results. During the past year, there were 7,216 inquiries. About 65% of the requests for information were from the public sector; the remainder were from commercial growers and pest control operators. Inquiries by subject category were: insect pests (37%); fertilizers, soils and water issues (18%); general horticultural information (16%); plant diseases (14%); weed control (7%); pesticide use (3%); mammals, birds and reptiles (3%) and others (2%). Hemlock woolly adelgid was the most asked about insect pest during the past year; total of 1,115 inquiries (43% of the total for insects) was answered. The hemlock woolly adelgid expanded its distribution into 156 of Connecticut's 169 towns. Indian meal moths and carpenter ants topped the list of insects found in the home. Scientists visited 155 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to diagnose the more complex problems first hand.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
During 1995, 7,741 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory as follows: insects (36%); general horticultural (16%); fertilizers, soil and water (16%); plant diseases (14%); weed control (10%); pesticide use (3%); birds, mammals and reptiles (2%); and others (3%). The hemlock woolly adelgid expanded its distribution into 155 of Connecticut's 169 towns and was the subject of 1,228 inquiries. Many hemlocks were also attacked in the spring by hemlock eriophyid mites which caused the previous year's needles to bronze and eventually fall off. High numbers of spittlebugs were also reported on hemlock, as well as on pine, this spring. Scientists at visited 152 commercial fields, greenhouses, golf courses, Christmas tree farms, residential properties, parks and forests during the past year to diagnose the more complex problems first hand. A total of 633 non-routine tests were performed during the year to diagnose and solve a variety of unusual nematode, plant disease and insect problems. Indian meal moths, carpenter ants, carpet beetles and ticks were common complaints. Drought stress accounted for many problems observed in home landscapes. Injuries by white grubs was heavy in all turf areas. Chipmunks occurred in record numbers this spring. The honeylocust plant bug, the birch leaf miner, the eastern tent caterpillar, and the arborvitae leaf miner were abundant and the gypsy moth occurred over an exceptionally wide area but in low density.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
A total of 7,297 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. Inquiries by subject category were: insect pests (34%); general horticulture (19%); fertilizers, soils and water (17%); plant diseases (14%); weed control (11%); others (5%). The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand) expanded its distribution into147 of Connecticut's 169 towns and was the subject of 973 inquiries. Other common arthropod problems included eriophyid and spider mites and various species of plant bugs. The gouty vein midge, which makes galls along the veins of maple leaves and distorts growth, was the topic of numerous visits and phone calls during spring. Common homeowner pests included Indian meal moth , carpenter ants, clover mites, ticks, millipedes and an unusually high number of treehoppers. Drought conditions during 1993 predisposed ornamental plants and turf to a variety of insect and disease problems during 1994. Requests for information on basic gardening and landscaping increased again this year. Scientists at the Valley Laboratory visited 118 properties during the year to diagnose difficult problems first hand. In addition to the thousands of plant samples that were processed in the inquiry office, 114 other samples were examined by specialists for densities of plant pathenogenic nematodes and for pesticide effectiveness against hemlock woolly adelgid.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.

Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
A total of 7,363 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. This was a 14% increase over last year's effort and represents the seventh consecutive year that the number of inquiries has increased over the previous year. Requests for information by subject category were as follows: insect pests (32%); plant diseases (20%); general horticulture (20%); fertilizers, soil and water (13%); weed control (11%); others (4%). The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, again was the single most frequently named pest. This insect accounted for 725 or nearly 10% of the total inquiries answered. Winter injury to landscape plants dominated the inquiries during the spring; inquiries about foliar diseases of vegetables, in particular tomatoes, squash and pumpkins were prevalent during the growing season. The Indian meal moth, a pantry pest, and carpenter ants were the most common indoor problems. Media attention of a possible bite to a Connecticut citizen by a brown recluse spider prompted a number of inquiries about spiders. Valley Laboratory scientists visited 157 commercial fields, greenhouses, Christmas tree farms, residential properties, parks and forests to diagnose the more complex problems first hand. More than 200 plant samples were examined for plant pathogenic nematodes and for pesticide effectiveness.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

MCCLURE, M.S. 1993. America's 10 most wanted nursery pests: The white-tailed deer. American Nurseryman 177 (9):31.

Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

Outputs
A total of 6,484 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. Thus, for the sixth consecutive year the number of inquiries answered has increased over the previous year's effort. The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand again was the single most frequently named pest and accounted for 846 or 13% of the total inquiries answered. Homeowners brought 68% of the total inquiries made and the commercial sector brought the bulk of the remaining 32%. Insect problems accounted for 37% of the total inquiries to lead the list. The remainder were requests for information on general horticulture (19%); plant disease problems (17%), weed control (15%), and soils and fertilizers (10%). Pantry pests including Indian meal moths, carpenter ants and boxelder bugs were common indoor insect problems. Yellow jacket inquiries dominated outdoor insect pests. Black vine weevil injury, aggravated by drought conditions resulted in loss of many established woody plants. Fire blight on crabapples, Volutella blight on pachysandra, and early blight on tomatoes were common throughout the summer. Valley Laboratory scientists visited 229 commercial fields, greenhouses, Christmas tree farms, residential properties, parks and forests to diagnose the more complex problems first hand. More than 200 samples from growers were examined for plant pathogenic nematodes.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

No publications reported this period.

Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91

Outputs
A total of 6,352 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. This represents a 5% increase over last year's effort. The hemlock woolly adelgid was by far the single most frequently named pest and accounted for 812 or 13% of the total inquiries answered. Carpet beetles, Indian meal moths and carpenter ants were among the more common indoor insect pests. Japanese beetle grubs were active in turf throughout the region and joined aphids and spider mites as significant pests in commercial nurseries as well. Anthracnose fruit rot was observed in Connecticut for the first time and joined Phytophthora castorum (crown rot) as important diseases in strawberry fields. Phytophthora root and crown rot and spider mites have been especially damaging in commercial nurseries, home plantings and in Christmas tree plantations of Fraser fir. Crown gall was common among nursery crops as was root knot nematode problems in perennial flowers. Nearly 200 samples from growers were examined for plant pathenogenic nematodes. Although the green peach aphid is still a serious threat to our tobacco industry growers are altering their control program with smaller lightweight equipment which can be easily moved to sites of early aphid outbreaks. This emphasis on early detection and more mobile equipment has been more effective than large scale-wait-until-the-populations-explode practices of a few years ago.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

MCCLURE, M.S. 1991. Pesticides will protect ornamentals from hemlock woolly adelgid. Frontiers Plant Sci. 44(1):2-3.
MCCLURE, M.S. 1991. Control of hemlock woolly adelgid. Yankee Nursery Quarterly. 1(1):1-3.
MCCLURE, M.S. (in press). Effects of implanted and injected pesticides and fertilizers on the survival of Adelges tsugae (Homoptera: Adelgidae) and on the growth of Tsuga canadensis. J. Econ. Entomol.

Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90

Outputs
A total of 6,083 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. This represents a 10% increase over last years effort and a 45% increase over the number of inquiries handled just two years ago. Weather related problems accounted for the majority of the inquiries. A great deal of winter injury occurred in landscape plantings of woody ornamentals. Early sustained near zero temperatures in December resulted in widespread dieback of twigs and desiccation of evergreen foliage. Most winter injury was only superficial, however, because the soil temperatures remained warm preventing serious root injury. The excessively wet spring accounted for an unusually high number of problems with pathogenic fungi. Insect questions were predominant and comprised about 37% of the total. One third of these involved hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae. Carpenter ants and Indian meal moth inquiries were also prevalent. Although the gypsy moth was often in the news, only 50 inquiries on this insect were received during the year. Tobacco growers were troubled again by the green peach aphid and believe that this was due to the lack of a good insecticide for controlling this pest. The aphid problem among shade tobacco growers is probably due at least in part to the lack of adequate spray coverage. The remainder of the inquiries were shared equally among weed control problems, plant diseases, and general horticultural information.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.

Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89

Outputs
A total of 5,511 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year, an increase of 24% over last years effort. Nearly 64% of these inquiries came from homeowners; the remainder were from commercial growers and pesticide applicators and from federal, state and local officials. More than half of all inquiries involved insects and for the second consecutive year hemlock woolly adelgid. Adelges tsugae, dominated with 886 inquires. The unusual weather conditions, drought and heat in the summer of 1988 and the prolonged wet weather of the spring of 1989, caused most of the other problems. Pear thrips on maple was not nearly as bad this year as last year, but Japanese beetle grubs increased sharply in 1988, in spite of dry conditions. Tick inquiries and requests to differentiate the deer tick from the less worrysome species were a priority. Mosquito calls increased after the large adult emergence following the heavy spring rains. Carpenter ants remained the number one household insect problem. Tobacco growers' major problems were the green peach aphid on shade tobacco and leaf damage to broadleaf from the heat and drought. Christmas tree growers were troubled by the Cooley spruce gall adelgid and the eastern spruce gall adelgid. Spruce spider mites were also abundant on fraser fir. Problems among nurserymen were black vine weevil, various species of Phyllophaga grubs and spider mites.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.

Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88

Outputs
A total of 4,437 inquiries were answered at the Valley Laboratory during the past year. About 90% of these concerned ornamental trees and shrubs and nursery stock, the remainder involved crops and food. The single problem which generated the most inquiries (>1000) was the hemlock woolly adelgid, Akelges tsugae. Studies revealed a much more complex life cycle for this insect than was known previously, including a winged stage that migrates to spruce. Experiments determined that control of this adelgid was possible using any one of a number of foliar sprays, but thorough coverage with pesticide was essential. Another problem which spawned many inquiries was the plight of the sugar maples in New England. The maple problem was a complex one that involved several contributing factors including a severe late season frost, Anthracnose and other fungi, pear thrips and the European aphid. Spider mites and eriophyid mites were the most seious pests of nursery stock and Christmas trees. Carpenter ants, Indian meal moths and ticks were the most common problems among homeowners. Boxelder bugs were a nuisance to properties along the upper Connecticut River. More than 200 commercial fields, nurseries, residential properties, parks and forests were examined first hand to diagnose these more complex problems. Experiments determined the efficacy of late and early season applications of insecticidal oil for control of Fletcher scale on Taxus.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.