Lexington, KY 40546

Online at: www.uky.edu/KPN

Number 1239 July 20, 2010
ALFALFA LAWN & TURF
-Blister Beetles Active -Cicada Killers
-Early Activity of Gray Leaf Spot of Perennial
CORN Ryegrass
-“Dalmatian Corn” -Other Wasps Patrol Some Lawns

TOBACCO LIVESTOCK
-Disease Update -Face Fly Control – A Difficult Task

VEGETABLES DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS

-Selecting the Correct Insecticide Use Rate
INSECT TRAP COUNTS
SHADE TREES & ORNAMENTALS
-Tulip Poplar Leaves Yellowing
-Bacterial Leaf Scorch Symptoms Appearing
Early

ALFALFA Problems with blister beetles in hay can be

Blister Beetles Active
By Ric Bessin
Clusters of
blister
beetles are
out and
feeding on
Figure 1. Margined blister beetles. the flowers
and foliage of a wide range of plants. They are
most active in the morning and late afternoon,
often moving to shelter during the hottest part of
the day. Blister beetles will drop off the plant or
fly away if disturbed. When abundant, these
insects can quickly defoliate plants but there
they have another dimension. Their common
name comes from the caustic defensive chemical
that is released when they are disturbed,
damaged, or crushed. This poses a potential
problem in alfalfa hay for horses. Blister beetle
problems are very rare in Kentucky hay but are
such as serious threat to horses that they must be
considered in cuttings made between July and
early September.
avoided in several ways: 1) eliminate or reduce
blooming weeds and alfalfa thru timely cutting
and mowing around fields. Infestations tend to
occur along field margins with beetles moving in
from adjacent areas. 2) Before harvest, check
any areas of the fields that have blooming plants.
Blister beetles occur in groups so they should be
easy to find. 3) If beetles are present, do not
crimp or condition hay as it is cut. This allows
the insects to fly from the field as the hay cures.
Crushed beetles remain in the hay and are toxic.
Striped, margined, and black blister beetles can
be found in Kentucky. The striped blister beetle
has a yellow-orange head and body with three
long black stripes running along each wing
cover. It will feed on many different vegetables
but seems to prefer the fruits of solanaceous
plants. They also are foliage feeders with big
appetites. Striped blister beetles form large
mobile feeding masses so they can descend on
an area and cause a lot of damage in a short
time. Other species include the black blister
beetle and the margined blister beetle. The latter
has a black body with thin gray stripes along the
wing covers and a gray abdomen. These two
species frequently feed on flowers, the black
blister beetle can be found on alfalfa flowers.
More information is available in Blister beetles
in alfalfa (Entfact 102),
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef10
2.asp.
CORN
“Dalmatian Corn”
By Paul Vincelli
On a trip through western Kentucky, I visited
fields with spotting on the stalks (Figure 2). In
one case, the grower creatively referred to the
crop as “Dalmatian Corn”. In this field and
others, two problems were observed:
gray leaf spot fungus. Consequently, infections
by the gray leaf spot fungus on the leaf sheath
are large and oval-shaped. These lesions are
mostly tan, with a thin darker-colored border,
which helps to distinguish them from purple leaf
sheath. The presence of leaf sheath infections of
gray leaf spot shouldn’t be cause for alarm,
although they sometimes develop to a high
enough level that they can cause blighting of the
leaf blade, shutting down photosynthesis in that
blade. A few hybrids seem especially
susceptible to infections on the leaf sheaths—
although they may show few lesions on the leaf
blade, they may be damaged by aggressive
development of these larger lesions on the leaf
sheaths.

Purple Leaf Sheath: This develops when weak

fungal parasites grow in the moist environment
underneath the leaf sheath. These weak
parasites include yeasts and filamentous fungi
that otherwise cause very little problem on corn
plants. However, in this moist, protected
environment, they begin growing on the
nutrients of old pollen grains that are washed
underneath the leaf sheath, and then eventually
they start attacking the leaf sheath. These
infections result in a spot on the leaf sheath that
may be purple, dark brown, or black. Typically,
these lesions are darker and more developed on
the inner surface of the sheath than the outer,
which makes sense since they begin infecting on
the inner sheath. While these infections raise
some concern, they normally do not result in
yield loss or reduced stalk quality.

Gray Leaf Spot Lesions on Leaf Sheaths:

Readers commonly recognize the typical Figure 2. Symptoms of purple leaf sheath and gray leaf
“match-stick” lesions of gray leaf spot that spot lesions on the leaf sheath (Kenny Perry, Graves Co
develop when infections occur on leaf blades Agent photo).
(Figure 3). The sides of the lesions are usually
straight because the growth of this fungus can be
impeded when it runs into a veinlet in the leaf.
Apparently, the leaf veinlet acts like a wall,
preventing growth of the gray leaf spot fungus
except parallel to the leaf veins. However, leaf
sheaths are more fleshy than leaf blades, so the
veinlets in sheaths do not impede growth of the

Figure 3. Typical "match-stick" lesions of gray leaf

spot on corn leaf blades.

TOBACCO
Disease Update
By Kenny Seebold
Blue mold continues to be an issue in CT, NC,
and PA as of July 19, with new reports coming
in from western NC during this past week.
Current forecasts from North Carolina State
University indicate a low threat to KY and
surrounding areas from the known sources of
disease. This information can be accessed at
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/bluemold/ and
then selecting ‘Current Forecast’. It seems that
blue mold is beginning to creep westward, and
may eventually reach the Commonwealth.
Growers should scout crops regularly, even
though we face little risk from blue mold at the
moment, and be prepared to act if the disease is
found.
For recommendations on the control of tobacco
diseases, please consult past issues of the
Kentucky Pest News, or the Kentucky-
Tennessee Tobacco Production Guide (ID-160),
available at
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id160/id160.
pdf.
VEGETABLES
Selecting the Correct Insecticide Use Rate
By Ric Bessin
Some pesticide labels list only a single
application rate per acre which makes rate
selection simple. However, many insecticide
and other pesticide labels provide a wide range
in application rates with the maximum rate as
much as three times the low rate. We can never
exceed the maximum rate listed on the label, but
that still leaves an important decision to be
made. So what should one consider when
selecting an insecticide use rate?
Some insecticide labels provide some guidance
and state that the low rates should be used on
small plants or when pest populations are
relatively low. High rates should be used when
pest populations are large or when plants are
large. Both of these considerations are very
important, but I think there are a few other
things that also need to be considered.
Stage of the pest needs to be considered as well.
Small, newly hatched larvae are usually easy to
control requiring a lower dose than larger larvae.
So when an insecticide can be timed to target
newly hatched larvae, then a lower rate can be
used. This can be useful when a pest population
has relatively synchronized egg laying. Squash
bug and fall armyworm are examples of two
pests where the larger nymphs or larvae can be
much more difficult to control than the little
ones. Because both population size and stage
are critically important when deciding on
insecticide use rates, it is necessary to scout
fields regularly. Catching an infestation at its
inception can save you cost by allowing you to
use lower insecticide rates!
As soon as we apply an insecticide the residues
begin to weather and break down as a result or
sunlight, rain, temperature, and volitalization.
Using a higher initial rate can increase the
effective period of activity. When longer
residual activity is needed, selecting a rate closer
to the maximum labeled rate can be used. A
good example of this is with imidacloprid use at
planting for cucumber beetle control with
cucurbits. Higher rates can extend the period of
protection. On the other hand, if only a short
period of control is needed, say when the crop is
close to harvest, then a lower labeled rate can be
used. Be sure to follow the minimum days to
harvest (PHI) indicated on the label for these pre
harvest applications.
Finally, another consideration is the maximum
use rate per season. Most vegetable insecticides
list a maximum total use rate for the entire
season. A producer may need to adjust the rate
of the individual applications so that they can
use multiple applications and stay below the
seasonal use limits.

SHADE TREES & ORNAMENTALS
Tulip Poplar Leaves Yellowing
By John Hartman
The Kentucky state tree, tulip poplar
(Liriodendron tulipifera) a.k.a. yellow poplar
and tulip tree, is often planted in Kentucky
landscapes. In recent weeks, interior leaves of
tulip trees in central Kentucky have been turning
yellow (Figure 4) and dropping from the tree
(Figure 5). This phenomenon occurs here most
years following periods of hot, dry weather,
often in late summer, but well before normal
autumn leaf drop. Tulip poplars are said to
prefer a deep, rich, moist soil but a tree often
adapts to temporarily dry soils with summer leaf
yellowing and drop.
Figure 4.
Physiological
yellowing of tulip
poplar leaves.
Figure 5. Dried up fallen leaves at the
base of a tulip poplar tree in mid-July.
Periodic dry spells with high temperatures have
occurred in Lexington this spring and summer
according to weather records from the airport
and the Mesonet site at the U.K. Horticultural
Research Farm. Depending on weather station
location, the 3-week period from June 16 - July
8 was dry (only 0.6 inches of rain) and daily
temperatures were very warm (daily highs often
in the 90's). Also, during the more than 2 weeks
from May 23 - June 8 less than 0.1 inch of rain
was recorded, but temperatures were more
moderate. Thus, weather conditions very likely
have favored the physiological leaf yellowing of
tulip poplar being seen now.
Bacterial Leaf Scorch Symptoms Appearing
Early
By John Hartman
Bacterial leaf scorch symptoms appeared last
week on several tree species in central Kentucky
landscapes (Figures 6-9). Typically, chronically
infected trees start the season with green leaves
which become scorched in early August or late
July. Early symptom development before mid
July this year is unusual and likely the result of
recent hot, dry weather.
Figure 6. Bur oak leaves with scorch symptoms.
Figure 7. Chronic bacterial leaf scorch over
many years has caused decline and dead
limbs in this bur oak. What few leaves that
are left are scorched or fallen.
 sting unless provoked and the females normally
do not defend their burrows. The males, while
incapable of stinging, sometimes dive-bomb
passers-by, or hover menacingly nearby.

Figure 11. Cicada, they prey of the

Figure 8. Sugar maple with
bacterial leaf scorch symptoms.
Figure 9. Bacterial leaf scorch symptoms on
Ginkgo leaves.
cicada killer wasp (A. Kinney photo).
Insecticide treatment may be warranted where
the soil burrows become unsightly, or the wasps
are digging in a high-traffic area such as along a
sidewalk, playground, or sand trap on a golf
course. Individual burrows can be effectively
sprayed or dusted with most lawn & garden
insecticides (Sevin, Bayer Advanced Lawn &
Garden Multi-Insect Killer, Spectracide
Triazicide Soil & Turf Insect Killer, etc.), or a
wasp & hornet aerosol. Multiple nests may need
to be treated with a broadcast application to the
ground surface, using a pump up or hose-end
sprayer.

As a deterrent to future nesting, clients should be

advised to eliminate bare-ground areas. Cicada
killers generally do not prefer burrowing into
well-managed turf, gravel, pebbles or mulch. In
situations such as playgrounds, camping areas,
LAWN & TURF
or commercial landscapes, these materials may
be substituted for sand or bare soil. Another
Cicada Killers
option is to wait and do nothing because in a
By Lee Townsend
matter of weeks the adults will die and there is a
chance the problem will not reoccur next year.
Cicada killers are flying about and burrowing
into lawns,
gardens and
play areas,
Early Activity of Gray Leaf Spot of Perennial
prompting
Ryegrass
many calls
By Paul Vincelli
from
homeowners.
Figure 10. Cicada killer wasp.
Gray leaf spot of perennial ryegrass was
Despite their
detected last week on fairways in Louisville.
menacing
The superintendent reports a level of disease
appearance (up to 2 inches long with rusty red
activity that normally he doesn’t see until mid-
head/thorax, amber-yellow wings, and black and
to late-August. Given warm, humid conditions
yellow striped abdomen), the wasps seldom
that are currently prevalent, golf course
superintendents should scout for gray leaf spot
activity and consider starting a fungicide
program soon. This can be a fast-moving and
highly destructive disease. Fungicide options
are described in the Extension publication,
“Efficacy of Fungicides for Controlling Gray
Leaf Spot of Perennial Ryegrass”, available
online at
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology
/ext_files/PPFShtml/PPFS-OR-T-3.pdf.
Other Wasps Patrol Some Lawns
By Lee Townsend
Hundreds of
bluewinged wasps
(Scolia dubia)
buzzing lazily over
expanses of turf can
be a troubling site
except that these
distinctive insects
Figure 12. Scolia wasp - natural are working hard to
enemy of turf white grubs. parasitize as many
white grubs as
possible. While packing a stinger, these solitary
hunters pose no threat. They are following their
own agenda, a tireless search for grubs (green
June beetles, May beetles, etc.) down in the soil
feeding on grass roots.
This wasp has a black head, thorax and wings.
The front of the abdomen is black, the back is
dark orange with two distinct yellow bars.
Cruising females will occasionally enter the soil
in search of white grubs, which serve as food for
the wasp larva. They can be very abundant in
turf where white grubs are numerous; however,
the wasps are not aggressive, they are not
defending a nest as would social wasps such as
yellowjackets and hornets. There is no need for
control.
Velvet ants are
solitary wasps
that can be found
crawling
purposefully
Figure 13. Velvet ant with part of
stinger exposed.
across the ground from mid- to late summer.
Like the Scolia wasp, they are interested in
finding prey – larvae of beetles and some other
insects that live in the soil. However, the name
“cow killer” attests to the potency of the sting
they can give if disturbed. Their red and black
markings are not an accident. There is no nest
and only a few in any specific area so there is
nothing to treat or eliminate. It’s best to leave
them alone to go about their business.
LIVESTOCK
Face Fly Control – A Difficult Task
By Lee Townsend
Face flies are hard to control, even under the
best of circumstances. They spend very little
time on animals and then visits are mostly
limited to the face and head- areas that are hard
to treat. Forced use dust bags provide the best
chance for effective control if animals have to
go under them daily for water or mineral. This
application method has the advantage of getting
an insecticide on the area that face flies visit on
a regular basis. Even then, control may be less
than ideal. Consider supplementing a pasture fly
control program with these devices if face fly
numbers are above what you would like to see.
DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS
By Julie Beale and Paul Bachi
Recent agronomic samples in the PDDL have
included potassium deficiency on corn;
Rhizcotonia root rot on soybean; black shank,
Fusarium wilt, target spot, frogeye leaf spot,
angular leaf spot, alfalfa mosaic virus and
potassium deficiency on tobacco.
On fruit, nut and vegetable samples, we have
diagnosed crown gall and leaf blight
(Pseudocercospora) on grape; Phytophthora root
rot on blackberry and raspberry; Phyllosticta leaf
spot, crown gall and Phytophthora root rot on
blueberry; cedar-apple rust, frogeye leaf spot
and white rot on apple; brown rot and scab on
peach; black knot on plum; Mycosphaerella leaf
spot on walnut; Rhizoctonia root/stem rot, ashy
stem blight, Fusarium stem rot and Cercospora
leaf spot on bean; crazy top on sweet corn;
southern blight on pepper; early blight, southern
blight, Septoria leaf spot, tomato spotted wilt
virus, blossom end rot, catfacing and magnesium
deficiency on tomato; anthracnose on
watermelon.

On ornamentals and turf, we have seen

anthracnose on phlox; bacterial leaf spot on ivy;
Cercospora leaf spot on ginger, hollyhock and
hydrangea; Pythium root rot, Rhizoctonia root
rot and iron deficiency on chrysanthemum;
anthracnose on filbert and maple; black spot and
rosette disease on rose; Rhizosphaera needlecast
on spruce; anthracnose, take-all patch and
copper spot on bentgrass.

INSECT TRAP COUNTS

July 9-16

Location Princeton, Lexington,

KY KY
Black cutworm 16 31
Armyworm 63 527
Corn earworm 14 29
European corn 2 1
borer
Southwestern 20 0
corn borer
Fall armyworm 15 0

Graphs of insect trap counts for the 2010 season are

available on the IPM web site at -
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPM/ipm.htm.
View trap counts for Fulton County, Kentucky at -
http://ces.ca.uky.edu/fulton/InsectTraps