Kansas State University

search

K-State Turf and Landscape Blog

Category: Diagnostics

Pine Problems in Kansas

Posted on by Teresa Roberts

By Judy O’Mara, Diagnostician, K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab

It was pretty cold in mid-January 2024, the low temps in January sent me to the K-State Mesonet (https://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/) to take a closer look at the weather patterns during that time period. The Mesonet is a collection of weather stations across Kansas that can be used in a variety of ways but my favorite is to take a look BACK in TIME at the historical weather patterns. The temperature dropped pretty low on Jan 14th (-10.5F) and Jan 15th (-10.6F) in Manhattan, KS. Brrr.

In any given year, it is not uncommon to see extreme weather patterns impact plant growth and health. Winter damage to pine trees frequently shows up on the north or northwest side of the tree, although it can hit the top of the tree as well. Winter damage can hit multiple trees or can show up on scattered trees within a planting. The outer needles tend to be scorched with the inner needle growth remaining green. The more exposed foliage is more susceptible to desiccating winter winds. Winter damage on pine trees can be confused with some common Kansas pine diseases such as pine wilt, Diplodia pine tip blight and Dothistroma needle blight.  One tip that can help to differentiate between these problems is the TIMING of the damage. Pine trees generally enter the winter looking good and then get hit by low temperatures and/or desiccating winds sometime between December-February. A look at the K-State Mesonet can help pinpoint the weather event that caused the damage.

Winter damage can look pretty dramatic but it is best to wait until early to mid-May to assess recovery potential. Even though the pine needles are scorched, the dormant buds frequently escape damage and push out new growth in the spring. The damaged needles eventually shed and the overall appearance of the tree will gradually improve. Another quick way to check recovery potential is to pop off a few buds at the end of the branch and see if they are still green inside.

Winter damage can be confused with some common Kansas pine diseases. For help sorting out these problems reach out to your local county extension office. The K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab can also provide assistance.  https://www.plantpath.k-state.edu/extension/plant-disease-diagnostic-lab/

Entomology Department Insect Diagnostics

Posted on by Teresa Roberts

By Anthony Zukoff, Extension Associate, Entomology

The Entomology Department’s Insect Diagnostics service continues to accept digital identification requests.  Our extension specialists’ areas of expertise include home and structural pests, horticultural and garden pests, pests of medical and veterinary importance, agricultural pests as well as general “what’s this bug?” requests.  Members of the public seeking assistance identifying an insect or insect related problems can access the Insect Diagnostics ID Request Form online.

After providing observation information such as location and date of the sighting, followed by answering a set of questions intended to help with the identification process, one can then upload up to 3 photos and submit the form.  The inquiry is then forwarded on to one of the entomology extension specialists.  Within a few days, usually less than two, the identity of the insect along with appropriate life history information and/or control measures is then sent to the client by email or phone.

The online submission process takes only a few minutes and can be accessed with desktop computers and mobile devices. If you need insect identification assistance, submit a request at https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/diagnostician/.  Any questions about the program can be submitted to Insect Diagnostics Program Coordinator, Anthony Zukoff at azukoff@ksu.edu.