—by Eva Zurek
http://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/diagnostician/recent-samples.html
Month: April 2015
And Still Talking About Ash Trees – Brownheaded Ash Sawflies
—by Dr. Bob Bauernfeind
Based on reports posted by Department of Entomology Diagnostician regarding her having received specimens of adult brownheaded ash sawfly, I went out to a site where ash trees have been heavily infested the past couple of years. And, they are back. Though from a distance all appears normal, upon closer look, “pinhole feeding” is underway. By enlarging the image, the still-wee-larvae responsible for the “nibble holes” can be easily seen.
To treat or no-to-treat becomes an individual’s decision. Should trees become defoliated, they will rapidly recover, producing a flush of new foliage.
Update on the status of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Kansas
—by Dr. Bob Bauernfeind
The KDA has recently issued a brief news release on the 2015 deployment of traps for the detection of Emerald ash borers in Kansas. This is a cooperative effort between two regulatory agencies: Federal United States Department of Agriculture APHIS-PPQ, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Protection and weed Control.
The majority of traps will be the familiar purple prism traps. Additionally in 2015, Lindgren Funnel Traps (LFTs — inserted image, left side of above map) will also be used —- those traps will be green-in-color as opposed to the pictured black LFT.
Within Kansas: Emerald ash borers have been documented in 3 (currently quarantined) counties: Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Johnson. EAB are relatively restricted within those contiguous counties.
Ash/Lilac Borers (ALB)
—by Dr. Bob Bauernfeind
In last week’s edition of the Kansas Insect Newsletter, Dr. Cloyd presented information on Ash/Lilac borers including the use of pheromone traps to determine the onset of current-season ALB moth activities. Coincidentally on the date that the newsletter went out (April 16), I recorded first-of-the-year catches (in the Manhattan area). The latest catch was April 21.
It would appear that temperatures regulate moth activities as seen on the following table:
Sad note: Yesterday, April 14, 67 oF —- 0 ALB, 1 house wren
Now is the ideal time to initiate insecticide applications for controlling ash/lilac borer. As suggested by Dr. Cloyd, “Insecticides containing the active ingredients, permethrin or bifenthrin may be applied to the bark at least up to six feet from the base…….”. Also, treat larger limbs within reach.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar (ETC) and European Pine Sawfly (EPS) Update
—by Dr. Bob Bauernfeind
While recent cool temperatures have had people wondering when warmer temperatures will prevail, both ETC and EPS have thrived —– not surprising because these are cool-season insects.
Currently, Eastern Tent Caterpillar “tents” are of sufficient size that they can be easily detected. If people object to the presence of webbing and caterpillars, and if within hands-reach, the easiest remedy is to use your fingers to “rake-out” the web. Preferably do this during daylight hours when most (if not all) caterpillars are “resting” within. Do not fret if several caterpillars fall to the ground —- individually, the few escapees are of no concern. If a person is skittish about touching web masses (and the caterpillars and frass within), that portion of the branch can be pruned and disposed of.
European pine sawflies require a different approach because it is impractical to prune out each infested terminal. Fortunately, EPS are highly susceptible to insecticides. There are numerous products registered for use in Kansas against EPS. Horticultural oils and soaps are very effective against the “soft-bodied” larvae. A single thorough application will eliminate EPS larvae. But do so NOW before they become thoroughly destructive.
