March/April 2017 Green Magazine by Texas Nursery & Landscape Association

M ARCH/A PRI L 20 1 7

Weather is Key for Trees STA RTING ON PAG E 1 2

Imported Fire Ant Detection and Management

Damage from Memorial Day flooding of Blanco River in Wimberley, TX

PAGE 6

Using Natural Enemies to Manage Greenhouse Pests PAGE 16 Would it Affect Bees? page 23 Bayou View the National Champ? page 25 Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Update page 27 Many of the trees were uprooted and many that stood strong had their bark scoured off by the water and debris.

CEU Quiz page 36

Official Publication of the

Get What You Need.

Our stores feature an open floor plan, stocked shelves and experts on staff. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sure to quickly get what you came for. Stop by today and see what Ewing is all about.

Estimating your next job is quick and easy online at EwingIrrigation.com.

Create custom lists and assemblies while browsing products. Download or print your custom lists for easy ordering and importing into your estimating software.

M A RC H /AP R I L 2 0 1 7

6 Imported Fire Ant Detection and Management

Imported fire ants continue to be an issue in the Texas Green Industry! Learn about treatment options from the USDA-APHIS! by Anne-Marie Callcott and Richard Johnson; USDA-APHIS

12 Weather is Key for Trees

Trees can be seriously impacted by weather patterns. Paul Johnson shares information on how to help protect and strengthen trees even in tough conditions! by Paul Johnson

16 Using Natural Enemies to Manage Greenhouse Pests

Biological controls can be a safe and effective option for maintaining a healthy greenhouse environment! by Steve Arthurs PhD and Kevin Heinz PhD

23 GreenVi$ion

by Mengmeng Gu, PhD Would It Affect the Bees?

25 Notes from SFA Gardens

by David Creech Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Bayou View’ Is This The National Champ?

27 Bugs & Fuzz

by Erfan Vafaie Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Update

33 36 38 38

New Members CEU Quiz Classified Ads Advertiser Index

25 7730 South IH-35 | Austin, TX 78745-6698 | (512) 280-5182 or (800) 880-0343 fax: (512) 280-3012 | email: info@tnlaonline.org | www.tnlaonline.org

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

Solid coverage for the Green Industry With over 40 years of experience and the endorsement of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve proven that we understand what it takes to protect your green industry business. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make sure you have the insurance coverage needed to face the unique risks of your industry, the best rates available, and an exceptional service team.

Call us at 800-899-3750 or visit us at www.hiallc.com Dallas 972- 512-770 0

Houston 713 -2 92- 570 0

San Antonio 210 - 5 81- 0 420

TNL A Green

The official publication of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association March/April | Vol. 19 No. 2 OFFICERS Chairman of the Board. . . . Chairman-Elect. . . . Immediate Past Chairman. . . . President. . . .

Billy Long, TCLP, San Antonio Bill Carson, Austin Johnette Taylor, Dallas Amy Graham, Austin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Region I. . . . Region II. . . . Region III. . . . Region IV. . . . Region V. . . . Region VI. . . . Region VII. . . . Region VIII. . . . Supplier Director. . . . Landscape Director. . . . Grower Director. . . . Retail Director. . . .

Kevin Grossberndt, San Antonio Jay Williams, League City Herman Vess, TMCNP, Edgewood Jason Craven, Dallas Mike Whisenand, Fort Worth Steven Akers, Slaton Todd Kinney, TMCNP, Donna Jared Pyka, Austin Tim Little, Dallas Scotty Rigsby, TCLP, Midlothian Kevin Norris, Coppell Joshua Bracken, TMCNP, Dallas

A Video Message from Amy Graham, TNLA President

TNL A STAFF President/CEO. . . . Director of Finance. . . . Accounting Assistant. . . . Director, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. . . . Director, Industry Education and Certifications. . . . Administrative Assistant, Strategic Initiatives. . . . Director, TNLA & EXPO Marketing/ Communications . . . Director, Expo Exhibits and Membership. . . . Business Development/Sales Executive. . . . Administrative Assistant, EXPO . . . Office Operations Assistant. . . . Region Field Manager. . . . Communications Specialist. . . . Sales Specialist. . . .

Amy Graham Cheryl Staritz Aimee Luna Jeff Stokes James Theiss, TCLP, TCWSP, Certified Arborist Debra Allen Sarah Riggins ,CEM Amy Prenger, CEM Mike Yelverton , TCNP & TCWSP Trevor Peevey Nancy E. Sollohub Nathan Flint Molly Wallace Mark Studer

MI SSIO N STAT E M E N T

MAGAZINE STAFF

The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association’s mission is to enhance members’ business success through legislative/ regulatory advocacy, education, networking, and promotion of professionalism.

Editor. . . . Molly Wallace Graphic Designer. . . . Marie Leonard Ad Sales. . . . Mark Studer

TNLA Green magazine is a member service of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, and is published bi-monthly. Advertising information is available from TNLA, 7730 South IH 35, Austin, Texas 78745, online at www.tnlaonline.org, or by calling (800) 880-0343. TNLA office hours are weekdays, 8:30AM - 4:30PM CST. © 2017 Texas Nursery & Landscape Association

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN

Imported Fire Ant Detection and Management

Earn CEU credits on page 36

ANNE-MARIE CALLCOTT AND RICHARD JOHNSON; USDA-APHIS

wo species of imported fire ants (IFA) occur in the U.S., the red (Solenopsis invicta) and the black (Solenopsis richteri), but only the red species is known to be in Texas. Red IFA arrived in the United States from South America in the 1930s at the port in Mobile, Alabama and by the late 1950s, IFA began to spread faster and further through human-assisted means

showing up in areas hundreds of miles from the core infestation, including areas of eastern Texas. This led to the USDA APHIS Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine in 1958 (Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, part 301.81). The goal of the quarantine is to prevent the artificial spread of imported fire ants by regulating known pathways for IFA movement in host materials such as nursery stock, grass sod, hay, soil, etc.

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/TRIDUZA STUDIO

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

Both general management practices and quarantine compliance impact the nursery and landscape industries in Texas. Texas is only partially infested with IFA and while the Federal IFA quarantine is applicable to the interstate movement of regulated items/nursery stock from Texas, Texas has an internal quarantine that regulates the movement of regulated items within the state.

Detection of IFA: Detection mature populations through distinct above ground mounds that have hundreds of ants coming running out to defend the colony when disturbed. Visual detection of IFA colonies can be difficult in the first few months of the colony’s life since the above ground structure does not become visible until 3-5 months.

IFA are best found when the air temperature is between 65 and 90°F and there has been a recent rainfall. IFA mounds can be found in open fields, at the base of trees or plants, on the edge of sidewalks, on the sunny facing side of a hill, but are rarely found in heavy forested areas. Most detection is by visual survey looking for mounds or soil disturbance indicative of IFA or by placing bait stations in an area that you suspect IFA. Survey for IFA in a landscaped or sod/turf area by walking through the area looking for signs of mound structure; actual mounds, small piles of dirt piled up (quarter-sized or larger), or soil disturbance in a trail pattern. Poke the soil with a shovel; IFA will “boil” out by the hundreds to defend the colony. In a small colony

Mound about 3-5 months old (USDA photo)

(continued on page 9)

The Texas quarantine map is available on the Texas Department of Agriculture website under the Regulatory Programs tab.

The Federal IFA Quarantine map is available on the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

IFA queen, workers and brood (eggs and larvae) (USDA photo)

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

KEE

PING

T EXAS G REEN

7 9 1 E SI N C

8 TX Locations Round Rock Sales 3219 S. IH 35, Round Rock, TX Round Rock Brush Recycling 3551 Greenlawn Blvd, Round Rock, TX

South Austin Sales 629 Dalton Ln, Austin, TX South Austin Brush Recycling 8807 Hergotz Ln, Austin, TX

Whittlesey Granite Quarries Sienna Pit: 2102 N. Phillips Ranch RD, Granite Shoals, TX Sunset Pit: 2024 CR 122, Marble Falls, TX

Loam Pit 9100 Ramirez Ln, Austin, TX Soil & Compost Production Facility 701 Dalton Ln, Austin, TX

Commercial Sales 512-351-4077 We proudly manufacture our own Mulch, Sand, Gravel, Rock, Topsoil, Compost & More!

WWW.989ROCK.COM

We Deliver! Se Habla EspaÃ±ol

TNLAGREEN

Mounds in landscape (USDA photos)

(continued from page 7) that is only a few months old, you may only see 5-50 ants come out when disturbed. IFA routinely move all colony members up and down within the mound based on temperature and moisture. Therefore, in cold (<50°F) or very hot and dry (>90°F and/or no rain for weeks) situations, you may have to dig down 6-12 inches to find any ants, even in a mound that looks freshly worked. Also, in hot, dry conditions, the mound structure may appear flattened and/or crusted over (not worked), but ants may still be present. Detection of IFA in a nursery includes both visual survey for mounds and the use of bait stations in a grid pattern to assist in finding the ants. In visually surveying a container nursery, look at and under the base of the containers for media that has been pulled out of the holes of the container and piled up, look in the top of the container especially at the base of the plants for soil disturbance, and use a shovel to poke in the media. For large containers, hit the side of the container to provoke ants out. Bait stations can be placed in a grid pattern over your survey area or use single lines of bait stations around nursery stock or through a narrow landscaped area. In addition, single bait stations can be placed directly in the top of large containers.

Bait stations can contain an oil (olive, peanut, corn, etc.) soaked cotton ball, or small bit of food. A baiting grid can be large or small depending on your need and estimated age of the ant population being surveyed. Very small, new colonies (those usually too small to detect visually) will only forage within a few feet of their mound, while older, larger colonies (more than a year old) can forage more than 39 feet from their mound. In general, place a trap every 25-50 ft. and leave the traps in place for approximately 1 hour. Place traps when air temperature is 65-90°F. Back at the office/lab, freeze ants or place each sample in alcohol (labeled properly) until identification can be made. Your state inspector or county extension agent can assist with identification.

IFA Management In Landscape vs. Nursery Stock Management of IFA in the landscape and treatment of nursery stock for movement outside the federally regulated IFA area are very different. In the landscape and on personal property, there are chemical and nonchemical methods of IFA management and control based on one’s personal tolerance level for IFA. Home remedies such as boiling water and diesel can kill the plants they contact and be hazardous to the applicator.

Mounds on strawberry plant and in nursery container (USDA photos)

(continued on page 10) M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN

(continued from page 9)

ieces

r of prune

nd get o

#1200 a

or free #4170 f

*valid throughl April 2017

Buy 10 p

Numerous pesticides are labeled for IFA use and work best if applied when ants are active; during late spring, summer (except the hottest, driest time of summer) or early fall. Contact insecticides (liquids, granules, dusts, etc.) which kill the insects through physical contact vary in speed of kill (within hours or weeks) are at their best if applied when temperature is between 50-90Â°F. Contact insecticides can also be short-lived in the environment (days or weeks) or long-lived (months) providing control of IFA that may move into a treated area.

Quality. Precision. Ergonomics. Made to cut. Made in Germany.

www.kbwsupply.com - Exclusive distributor in Texas and Mexico Locations: Donna, TX 800/292-7547 Tyler, TX 888/878-1166 Central Texas 210/509-1723 Allende, Mexico 800/614-3685 (Mexico Only) Atlixco, Mexico 800/614-3685 (Mexico Only)

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

Toxic bait insecticides must be picked up by the worker ants and consumed, therefore ants must be foraging for food when the bait is applied. Baits must be fresh (newly opened or stored only for the season) and are most effective if applied when temperature is between 70-90Â°F and no rain expected. Most toxic baits are a corn grit based carrier with the active ingredient/poison contained in an oil that is absorbed by the carrier. The worker ants suck the oil with the poison off the carrier and share the liquid meal throughout the colony including the queen. Baits work either by actually killing the ants or by interfering with the reproduction cycle of the queen. Both actions are slow, and most baits require 1 to 6+ weeks for colony elimination. The bait carrier degrades rapidly in the environment providing no control for IFA coming into the treated area after the application. A list of products for use in Texas can be found at: fireant.tamu.edu. Always read the label well and follow label instructions; be sure the product is labelled for use on fire ants and for the type of area you are treating.

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

Various application techniques (USDA photos)

One of the most effective treatment strategies in landscape is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two Stepâ&#x20AC;? method. Apply a bait method once or twice a year to the entire area (broadcast). Wait 3-5 days to give the ants time to share the bait poison, then treat with a contact insecticide. Individual mound treatments also can be used alone to treat nuisance mounds in a small area. Management of IFA in nursery systems is different depending on whether you are treating for the Federal IFA quarantine or for general sanitation reasons. For general sanitation, you may use any product labeled for nursery use and fire ants. Broadcasting a bait product twice a year over your entire nursery will greatly help manage IFA. Baits can be broadcast over container stock with a blower type applicator or by aerial application. Various contact insecticides can be used in holding or shipping areas, or other sensitive areas to treat individual mounds or small areas by broadcast treatment. Read labels and use products appropriately. The federal IFA quarantine requires certification of all nursery stock moving interstate outside the regulated area. Information on the quarantine is available on the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website in the Plant Health section.

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

Work with your state plant inspector to comply with the regulations. A guide for nursery growers is available on the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website in the Plant Health section. A USDA-APHIS-approved insecticide must be used in the Federal IFA quarantine; many of the insecticides available for landscape and homeowner use are not approved for use in the Federal quarantine. There is a list of insecticides and available labels on the above USDA-APHIS IFA website. Treatments for containerized nursery stock includes incorporation of granular insecticide into potting media prior to potting, or a drench treatment after potting. Field grown nursery stock must be treated after harvesting into rootballs by dipping or drenching the rootball. Grass sod may be treated with a broadcast treatment of

Drench treating container nursery stock (USDA photo) an approved contact insecticide. Work with your local state plant inspector to ensure compliance with this quarantine, if applicable.

Earn CEU credits on page 36

The best defense against the imported fire ant, regardless of location, is a consistent and routine management program.

Additional References: Scan the QR codes with any mobile device to visit the websites

Extension IFA website

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

USDA Hungry Pests website 11

TNLAGREEN

Weather is Key for Trees BY PAUL JOHNSON

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

’ve heard it said that weather in Texas is one long drought broken by the occasional flood. I’m a transplant to Texas, but after 12 years this seems like an accurate depiction. Let’s save a discussion about climate change for another time, but weather has a huge impact on trees. Anyone that lived through 2011 knows the impact a historic drought can have on trees. Our assessment showed 301 million trees in rural areas and over 5 million trees in communities perished in the first year. We are still seeing issues that harken back to 2011. It can take 5 to 7 years or more to see the full impact of root damage on trees. Since 2011 we’ve dealt with the opposite in many areas which is flooding. There can be too much of a good thing. It’s estimated that 13,800 trees were lost in the 2015 Memorial Day flood. Many of these were large bald cypress, Taxodium distichum, which had the bark scoured from the trunk. We’ve also assessed trees damaged by flooding in the Houston area and in Grand Prairie. Trees need 5 basic items to thrive. Light, Water, Air, Nutrients, and Soil. I talk about this more in the third episode of our Trees Are Key podcast, but our weather can have a huge impact on water and air availability. Drought is pretty obvious – it reduces the availability of water which is vital for most physiological processes in trees, including photosynthesis. The very basis of trees being able to feed themselves.

nutrients, the building blocks, to optimize tree growth. A tree actually has to capture the radiant energy from the sun and change it into a chemical form of energy (glucose, a sugar) that can be transported and stored. Photosynthesis requires inputs of carbon dioxide, from the air, and water and releases glucose (a sugar) and oxygen.

Even though you can buy ‘tree food’, you can’t actually feed a tree. All you can do is fertilize to provide more

The tree must then be able to release that chemical energy through respiration. Respiration

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

can be considered the opposite of photosynthesis and requires inputs of sugar and oxygen and releases a useable form of energy and carbon dioxide. Lucky for us, trees lock up more carbon than they release and cause a net increase in oxygen in the atmosphere. Droughts and floods interrupt this natural process. The first drought impact is obvious – a lack of water, one of the basic building blocks. That lack of water

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

(continued on page 14)

TNLAGREEN

(continued from page 13) also affects the availability of carbon dioxide in the leaves which increases the negative impact on the tree. As water availability decreases the tree ‘wilts’ and the little opening in the leaves, the stomata, close to conserve moisture. Gas exchange is another function of those little opening. Carbon dioxide can’t get into the leaves when they are closed. No carbon dioxide means no photosynthesis which means no energy to grow. High temperatures, which often accompany drought, makes it even worse. As temperature increases trees use more energy. High night-time temperatures are even worse because the tree never gets a chance to rest and can run out of energy. Floods can have multiple negative impacts like physical damage, as we saw along the Blanco River, and saturated soils. Soils, ideally, are a mixture of solids and voids. The solids include sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. The voids are where you can find water and air. During a flood the voids are completely filled with water and there is no air available. This is tough on our trees because of respiration. Respiration requires an input of oxygen for efficient release of energy. No air, no oxygen which results in less energy released. Flooding can kill tree roots because they can’t release the energy they need to function and grow. This low oxygen, or anaerobic, condition can result in an unpleasant odor. You can also get a mottled gray coloring to the soil. Some trees, like bald cypress, have adapted to growing in low oxygen soils and tolerate occasional flooding. Soil compaction can create similar stress in trees.

There is a great article “Understanding Tree Responses to Stress Complexes” by Dan Herms in the December 2016 Arborist News magazine from the International Society of Arboriculture. You have to be a member to read the article, but they have an audio version that is available to everyone. This is a great article because it explains why common recommendations like fertilizing and irrigating trees may increase the likelihood that trees will succumb to stress. “Trees are programmed to respond to increased availability of nutrients, water, and light by increasing their growth rate. Trees are capable of extremely rapid growth when nutrients and water are plentiful, and if given the opportunity, will overindulge, growing

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

so quickly as to be physiologically out of balance with their environment… Because fertilization stimulates shoot growth to a greater degree than root growth, fertilization can simultaneously increase a tree’s water demands while decreasing its ability to acquire water during drought. Consequently, fertilized trees that are not irrigated may be especially susceptible to drought stress. Indeed, a number of studies have shown fertilization to decrease the tolerance of trees to drought stress.” Common results to stress are decreased vigor and resilience. In Texas, we saw an increase in hypoxylon canker and wood borers on drought stressed trees. We are often asked what can we do for drought and flood and species selection is key to success. The old adage “Right Tree, Right Place” is true. Have a low area that

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

is likely to flood? Don’t plant a bigtooth maple, Acer grandidentatum, because they don’t tolerate wet soils. Have a natural area that you can’t irrigate? Don’t plant a water oak, Quercus nigra, because they need more water than a live oak, Quercus virginiana. This is tough when a customer calls you for help and the tree has been there for decades or centuries, but development can change water flows and cause saturated or droughty soils in new areas. Ultimately, water is the answer to drought, but you have to balance out the availability of water (and its cost) with the alternative which may be tree removal due to death. A couple hundred dollars of water may stave off the need for a removal that can cost thousands of dollars. Efficient and effective application of that water is important. Knowing where and how to apply water to maximize the impact on tree health requires an understanding of tree biology and proper irrigation design. Check out our podcasts on drought and watering trees for more on these topics.

The only thing worse than drought or flood is alternating periods of drought and flood. Drought can kill roots near the surface of the soil and flooding can kill deeper roots because deeper soils stay saturated longer. We’ve seen several flash droughts the last two years. Flash drought is the sudden onset of high temperatures and decreases in soil moisture. Decrease irrigation during weeks with plentiful rainfall to avoid saturated soils and increase irrigation as the temperature increases and rainfall decreases. Weather is key to tree health and trees are key to happier, healthier, safer communities. We’ve barely touched on the topic of temperature and this year has shown that we still need to be prepared to help trees after a cold snap.

Paul Johnson is the Urban and Community Forestry Program Leader at the Texas A&M Forest Service. He is an International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist MW-0495BM.

Paul is host of the popular #TreesAreKey podcast from Texas A&M Forest Service. This free, weekly podcast helps professionals and amateurs alike understand more about trees and the people that care for them.

Additional References: texasforestservice.tamu.edu/TexasDrought-RuralAreas2011/ soundcloud.com/treesarekey/keys-to-tree-growth isa-arbor.com/education/onlineLearning/podcastDetail.aspx?ID=30 Arborist News December 2016 pages 12-18

You can access Trees Are Key from iTunes, Google Play, or www.treesarekey.com.

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

soundcloud.com/treesarekey/keys-to-trees-surviving-drought soundcloud.com/treesarekey/keys-to-watering-trees

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN

Using Natural Enemies to Manage Greenhouse Pests BY STEVE ARTHURS AND KEVIN HEINZ

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GOODMOOD PHOTO

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

sing natural enemies ‘good bugs’ as alternatives to chemical pesticides (a form of biological control) has several advantages to growers. These include lack of exposure of workers to chemicals, lack of restricted entry periods associated with chemical sprays, and favorability with retailers and consumers concerned about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. However increased costs, real or perceived unreliability, and a lack of awareness of this technology has prevented most growers from adopting natural enemies as a routine practice. However, the natural enemy industry has come a long way in recent years, and using ‘good bugs’ makes’ sense in many cases. There are now dozens of different natural enemies commercially that are produced to manage plant feeding insects and mites in greenhouses (Table 1). Some are produced in the United States while others are routinely imported from Europe or Canada. In some regions, complete greenhouses insect pest management programs are now developed around the use of biological controls. In many Canadian and European greenhouses, aphids, thrips, whiteflies and mites are widely controlled using predatory insects, mites and nematodes. Various trade names are used with these

natural enemies. Quality control has also improved greatly in recent years. The Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers is a professional association that represents the biological pest management industry. The ANBP maintains a website http://anbp. org/index.php that list of approved members and products that are produced according to a code of ethics regarding quality.

or vermiculite (figure 1). The mites can be sprinkled in the crop in localized areas or applied using a fan or other technique to blow them over a wide area. Most companies also supply mites in a ‘slow release sachet.’ The sachet contains prey (food) for the predators that keeps them alive while they escape from a hole in the sachet over a 2 or 3-week period. The sachets are hung directly on the crop.

Types of Natural Enemies

Predatory insects. Predatory insects

Several categories of natural enemies are used in greenhouses. These include ‘predators’ such as ladybugs, which consume the pest, and parasitic wasps, which develop inside the pest killing it. A third category includes pesticides that are based on lethal pathogens of insects (microbial insecticides). Microbial insecticides are a type of biopesticide, which are based on biologically derived materials including as plants extracts. Biopesticides are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. Several products based on beneficial nematodes (small roundworms that are natural parasites of insects) are also registered to control several greenhouse pests.

used in greenhouses and interiorscapes include ladybeetles such as Cryptolaemus and Delphastus, bugs such as Orius pirate bugs, and midges such as Aphidoletes or Feltiella. These predators are shipped in containers containing several dozens to several thousand adult insects that are able to fly and disperse in the crop. Sometimes the pupal stage from which adults emerge is shipped. Lacewings such as Chrysoperla spp. (generalist predator of aphids and thrips) can be purchased as eggs, larvae or even adults, giving a range of potential application strategies.

Predatory mites. Predatory mites are widely used to control spider mites and thrips. These tiny predators come in bottles (delivering between 2000 and 50,000 mites) and containing a carrier material, such as wood chips

Parasitic wasps. These tiny wasps, primarily used for aphid, whitefly and leafminer control, are often supplied in small bottles or cards that can be hung at regular intervals directly on the crop. The cards contain parasitoid pupae which emerge over several days (continued on page 18)

Increased costs, real or perceived unreliability and a lack of awareness of this technology has prevented most growers from adopting natural enemies as a routine practice. M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN

(continued from page 17) or weeks, and release adult wasps which actively search for pests. Microbial insecticides. In general, microbial insecticides can be sprayed like other pesticides. However, exception apply, for example beneficial nematodes should be applied in high volume and filters and other restrictions should be removed from equipment. Additionally, environmental conditions inside the crop may be more important when compared with chemical pesticides. For example, high humidity may be needed to encourage fungalbased insecticides, such as Beauveria bassiana, to germinate on the pest.

Transitioning to Biological Controls Growers using natural enemies for the first time should educate themselves on how they are used. Is necessary to understand that these products are often specific to certain pests and sometime pest stages in different crops. You need the right material for the job. This requires monitoring to evaluate what pest species are present, identifying the appropriate biological control agents for that crop, and timing releases, appropriately. Sometimes repeated or routine releases make sense, especially for high value crops. Since biological controls take time to work (for example insect parasitoids take several days to find and kill their host) they should be used when the pest population is low. Products can often be used in combination when there is more than one pest problem. Most companies provide information regarding release rates and other strategies for their products. 18

Since biological controls are living organisms and may have a short life expectancy, it is a good idea to check quality on arrival. Temperature extremes and long shipping and storage times can adversely affect natural enemy quality. Customers should open packages immediately to detect any potential problems prior to use. Parasitoids and predators should generally be introduced into the crop as soon as possible after receipt. A useful quality control guide for biocontrol products produced by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Canada is available online on the Vineland Research website. In our experience, many growers may look to alternatives when they experience problems with chemical insect and mite spray control programs. For example, issues including poor application technique and pesticide resistance can lead to pest control failures with chemical pesticides. However, natural enemies are susceptible to many pesticides, and therefore should not be released in a crop still containing toxic residues. When several different pests are present and some must be managed with pesticides, it is necessary to determine their compatibility with any natural enemies that are released. Some companies provide detailed compatibility guides for this purpose; e.g. koppert.com/ side-effects/ or biobestgroup.com/en/ side-effect-manual.

Conclusions Advancements in the mechanization of rearing operations, large-scale release technology, and the discovery of new natural enemies have created a global market for insect natural enemies. This industry will likely increase in size as pests develop resistance to chemical

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

insecticides, legislation concerning worker protection and food safety is enforced and consumers avoid perceived contamination on their produce. Growers should educate themselves on the biological control options available and carefully weigh the benefits. Remember, applying to the wrong crop, exposing to pesticide residues or using the wrong natural enemy will result in unsatisfactory results. Monitoring the crop is necessary to observe that pest control is working properly. Most biological control companies provide customer service to ensure that their products are used appropriately. Additional information can be obtained through University extension services, crop consultants and reputable internet sources.

Dr. Steven Arthurs is a Research Scientist at Texas A&M University specializing in insect pest management. He has worked widely with growers and landscapers interested in adopting biological pest control strategies. Dr. Kevin M. Heinz is a professor of Entomology at Texas A&M University with over 30 years of experience working on IPM solutions for arthropod pests of floricultural and ornamental plants.Â He has written more than 240 scholarly work on the subject and his work has been widely recognized by his peers and the industry as exemplified by receipt of the Â Society of American Floristsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Alex Laurie Award for lifetime achievement in research and education in 2005.

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

TA B LE 1.

Types of natural enemies used to control insect and mite pests in greenhouses and interiorscapes in North America P EST

TYPE

Aphids

Predatory insects Parasitic wasps Microbial insecticides

Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Zelus renardii, Micromus variegatus, Sympherobius barberi Aphelinus abdominalis, Aphidius colemani, A. ervi, A. matricariae Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea a.k.a Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Lecanicillium (=Verticillium) lecanii

Caterpillars (eggs and larvae)

Parasitic nematodes Predatory insects Parasitic wasps Microbial insecticides

Steinernema carpocapsae Orius insidiosus, Chrysoperla spp., Sympherobius barberi Trichogramma brassicae Bacillus thuringiensis (aizawai and kurstaki), Nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV), Saccharopolyspora spinosa

Fungus gnats

Parasitic nematodes Predatory mites Predatory insects Microbial insecticides

Steinernema feltiae Stratiolaelaps scimitus (aka Hypoaspis miles) Dalotia coriaria (aka Atheta coriaria) Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)

Leafminers

Parasitic wasps Microbial insecticides

Dacnusa sibirica, Diglyphus isaea Saccharopolyspora spinosa

Mealybugs

Predatory insects Parasitic wasps

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Micromus variegatus, Sympherobius barberi Metaphycus spp., Anagyrus pseudococci

Mites

Predatory mites Predatory insects

Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus fallacis, Galendromus occidentalis, Mesoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus persimilis Feltiella acarisuga

Scales

Predatory insects Parasitic wasps

Cybocephalus nipponicus Aphytis melinus, Metaphycus spp.

Thrips

Predatory mites Predatory insects Microbial insecticides

Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii Dalotia coriaria (aka Atheta coriaria), Orius insidiosus Saccharopolyspora spinose, Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea a.k.a Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Steinernema feltiae

Parasitic nematodes Whiteflies

Predatory insects Predatory mites Parasitic wasps Microbial insecticides

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

Delphastus catalinae, D. pusillus, Zelus renardii, Dicyphus hesperus, Micromus variegatus, Sympherobius barberi Amblyseius swirskii Encarsia formosa, Eretmocerus eremicus, E. mundus Isaria fumosorosea

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

Lawn & Garden Water Smart Tax Holiday Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 27 ‐ Monday, May 29 The Lawn & Garden Water Smart Tax Holiday was created in 2016 to encourage water responsibility in Texas. During Memorial Day Weekend, retail centers can sell certain water saving products, ranging from plants to mulch to irrigation systems and much more, tax free! For detailed information, please visit tnlaonline.org!

Scan this QR Code with any mobile device to visit the Lawn & Garden Water Smart Tax Holiday information page on TNLA Online.

TNLAGREEN

G R E E NV I$ IO N

Would It Affect Bees? BY DR. MENGMENG GU

“W

ould it affect bees?” I get a lot of questions like this from pollinator-conscious people in the audience when I talk about crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) control. As you know pollinators like honeybees and bumblebees contribute a lot to our agriculture. We probably would not have almonds without honeybees. We have seen effective control from soil-applied insecticides in the neonicotinoid family such as imidocloprid and dinotefuran. Unfortunately chemicals with less environmental impact such as horticultural oil haven’t shown good control in our replicated trials. It could be the time or method of application.

Dr. Mengmeng Gu, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

My answer to the bee questions is “that depends”. Keep in mind that insecticides are designed to kill insects and bees are one kind of insects. Pull up the label of Safari (dinotefuran; valent.com/ Data/Labels/2014-SAF-0001%20Safari%20-%20 form%201510-E.pdf) available from Valent, and you will see bee signs all over it. It says specifically on Page 2 that “(t)his product can kill bees and other insect pollinators”. Crapemyrtle plants provide

ample pollens, a major protein source for bees, during their flowering time in summer, when not a whole lot other trees or shrubs are flowering. So foliar spray of neonicotinoids when crapemyrtles are flowering CAN and WILL affect bees, and the label says “(d)o not apply this product to blooming, pollen-shedding or nectar-producing parts of plants if bees may forage on the plants during this time period, unless the application is made in response to a public health emergency declared by appropriate state or federal authorities. Do not apply Safari® 20 SG Insecticide while bees are foraging. Do not apply Safari 20 SG Insecticide to plants that are flowering. Only apply after all flower petals have fallen off”, as “(t)his product is toxic to bees exposed to residue for more than 38 hours following treatment.” So of course we will follow the label, the law, and not apply to the flowers–that’s about 3 months during the summer for crapemyrtles, but what about pollens? Systemic insecticides such as Safari, being systemic, could be taken up by plant roots and translocated throughout the plant, possibly including pollen. The speed of translocation varies from one day for small herbaceous plants in containers to weeks for big landscape trees. Imidacloprid was detected in pollens of sunflower plants grown from imidacloprid-treated seeds, but no imidacloprid was detected in pollen or nectar in sunflowers planted in soils containing imidacloprid from earlier treatments. What about crapemyrtles? At this point, we don’t know if these neonicotinoids soil-applied to control the crapemyrtle bark scale are translocated to pollens, how fast if they do, or how long they stay. Finding answers to these questions needs grant dollars, a lot, to support the research. What about non-neonics? Will they kill bees? Cypermethrin, for example, “is known to have a deterrent effect on foraging bees for a short period of time after spraying. Risk to (continued on page 24)

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN (continued from page 23) bees is reduced by spraying in early morning and late evening while bees are not foraging” (nufarm.com/ assets/23088/1/ASTOUND_DUO_ label_191012.pdf). So it is not as bad as the neonoics. Phew! Wait, does it kill scales? No! Cypermethrin applied alone killed scale-devouring beneficial beetles, and thus increased scale population! Carbaryl (the active

ingredient in Sevin) has similar beetlekilling scale-boosting effects. What’s my option if I don’t want to apply neonics? Folks have told me that orange oil alone or in combination with neem oil has worked and we have yet to put these treatments in our replicated trials. The control method for the scale with the least environmental impact is probably pressure-washing the trunks or washing with brush, just simple physical

removal of the scale, unless you know something better–would love to hear from you. A big thank-you to Dr. Mike Merchant and Erfan Vafaie at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, who are doing great work advancing our knowledge on controlling CMBS on our multi-state CMBS team.

Your Landscaping Essential

Always ahead in science and value. 24

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

N OTES FRO M SFA G A R DE NS

Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Bayou View’ Is This The National Champ? BY DAVID CREECH

ne thing that happens when you get older is you come to appreciate old trees, specimens that have stood the test of time. Prior to the 1950s, the only crapemyrtles grown in the USA were primarily Lagerstroemia indica. Crapemyrtles are in the genus Lagerstroemia in the Lythraceae and while there are over fifty species in the genus, only two species make up most of our flowering varieties. The second species, L. fauriei, made a very late entry into the USA. In the 1950’s, John Creech of the US National Arboretum made his way to Japan looking for new and interesting plants. We are very distant kin. He sent back seed in 1956 from the Japanese crepe myrtle, Lagerstroemia fauriei, a species that had never been grown in the USA before. Five of these seedlings were planted at North Carolina State

Dr. Dave Creech is Professor Emeritus and a Regents Professor of Horticulture in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas dcreech@sfasu.edu

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

University on a spot that later became the JC Raulston Arboretum. They are magnificent. One of those seedlings exhibited an attractive upright form with interesting exfoliating bark and it was later named ‘Fantasy’. Another tree there was named ‘Townhouse’. They remain in the trade to this day. While the two trees at North Carolina State University have received fame, fortune and their photographs have dressed the pages of national magazines, there’s one other L. fauriei that deserves attention. It’s a plant along a bayou in Shreveport, Louisiana. Its history goes back to the 1950s, a seedling that Sherwood Akin grew from a seed he received from the National Arboretum. Sherwood has long passed on and exactly how he got a seed is still a matter of conjecture. I knew Sherwood well when he had a nursery near Sibley, Louisiana. He was certainly the plantsman and swore he could root a fence post. He communicated with folks all over the USA and every day he was on a mission to find a new plant for culture. I remember him saying he got the plant from the National Arboretum. It was planted in the mid to late 1950s. Akins nursery still exists there on King’s Highway and the tree can be seen from afar. Foster Cook is now the owner and years ago I suggested we propagate the plant and distribute it and he said sure. I asked if he would give it a name. He thought about it a bit and came up with a really nice name, ‘Bayou View’. Perfect. How big is the tree? Well, the circumference tapes over 100” at breast height and I’m unsure of the height. It’s up there. Is it the National Champ? My Eastern brethren rarely mention the tree - gravitating to praise the lofty fellows at the USNA and at the JCR Arboretum. ‘Bayou’ View doesn’t mind being ignored. With its feet in the bayou, I’m sure it’s still growing. Over the years, I’ve visited the tree many times. I’ve (continued on page 26)

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN

Since 1945

for GROWERS, LANDSCAPERS & GARDEN CENTERS

our Y t o G e We’v tilizer ! Fer Earth Safe Organic

(continued from page 25)

Fertilizer Components

taken friends Richard Olsen, the current Director of the US National Arboretum, and Todd Lasseigne, Director of the Tulsa Botanical Gardens to the tree. They come away amazed. While we’ve distributed the plant far and wide and still get requests for the clone, it’s still not available in the trade. Allen Owings, LSU, Hammond, and I are trying to change that.

(19 items)

(Huge Selection)

C : 90 M : 33 Y : 98 K : 26 | R:0 G:104 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188 C : 0 M :50 Y :98 K : 0 | R:247 G:148 B:30

C : 90 M : 33 Y : 98 K : 26 | R:0 G:104 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188 C : 0 M :50 Y :98 K : 0 | R:247 G:148 B:30

Root Activator

(Organic - All Natural)

Vitazyme

(Bio-Stimulant)

Plant Specific Fertilizers Custom Fertilizers Micro-Nutrient Packages Grower Mixes Vital Earth Soils Custom Mixes Available Through Your Favorite Distributor 706 E. Broadway • P.O. Box 1148 Gladewater, TX 75647 903•845•2163 C : 90 M : 33 Y : 98 K : 26 | R:0 G:104 B:56 C : 90 M : 33 Y : 98 K : 26 | R:0 G:104 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188 C : 0 M :50 Y :98 K : 0 | R:247 G:148 B:30

C : 90 M : 33 Y : 98 K : 26 | R:0 G:104 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188 C : 0 M :50 Y :98 K : 0 | R:247 G:148 B:30

C : 90 M : 33 Y : 98 K : 26 | R:0 G:104 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188

C : 90 : 33 : 98 | R:0G:148 G:104B:30 B:56 0 MM:50 YY :98 K :K0: 26 | R:247

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188

0 MM:50 YY :98 K :K0: 26 | R:247 C : 90 : 33 : 98 | R:0G:148 G:104B:30 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188

0 MM:50 YY :98 K :K0: 26 | R:247 C : 90 : 33 : 98 | R:0G:148 G:104B:30 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188

C :: 90 0 MM:50 YY :98 K :K0: 26 | R:247 C : 33 : 98 | R:0G:148 G:104B:30 B:56

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188

C : 90 : 33 : 98 | R:0G:148 G:104B:30 B:56 0 MM:50 YY :98 K :K0: 26 | R:247

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188 C : 0 M :50 Y :98 K : 0 | R:247 G:148 B:30

1•800•245•7645

Crapemyrtles typify the Deep South. Native to Southeast Asia, crapemyrtles were introduced to the United States more than 200 years ago. Records from Mount Vernon indicate in 1779 that seeds of crapemyrtles made their way to the George Washington plantation. Many 100-year-old and older specimens still dot historic landscapes and abandoned properties from the Atlantic Ocean to Texas. Lagerstroemia faurei is different. It’s been an immigrant in

the USA for only 60 years. What these remarkable trees will look like in the future is difficult to say but in China, Japan and Korea we know of trees four hundred years old and older still making their mark, a testimony to their tenacity and durability. For woody plant enthusiasts, we invite you to mark your calendar for the third “Wild about Woodies” event at SFA Gardens on Friday June 30, 2017. We will have four fine speakers representing our region to introduce nurserymen and landscapers to the best of the best woody plants for Texas. We have incredible collection of woody plants at SFA Gardens. Many are fine specimens of the commodities that make our industry great but there are literally hundreds of rarely encountered species and varieties that deserve their day in the sun. Like SFA Gardens on Facebook for further details! Until next time, let’s keep planting.

www.carlpool.com

A Division of Vital Earth Resources, Inc.

C : 50 M : 0 Y : 99 K : 0 | R:141 G:198 B:63

C : 85 M :50 Y : 0 K : 0 | R:28 G:117 B:188

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

B U G S & FU ZZ

Update on Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: Spread, Monitoring and Management BY ERFAN VAFAIE

rapemyrtles have been cultivated in the USA for over 175 years and are now considered the most valuable flowering tree in the US at $66 million in wholesale value in 2014 alone (Census of Horticultural Specialties, 2014). Crapemyrtle sales will likely increases, as new cultivars (e.g. purple-maroon leaf Black Diamond®, dwarf Razzle Dazzle®, purple-flowered ‘Purple Magic’, weeping and cold hardy cultivars) are continuously being developed to meet consumer needs.

Erfan Vafaie is Extension Program Specialist (IPM) at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension erfan.vafaie@ag.tamu. edu, 903-834-6191

Crapemyrtles have become popular due to minimal maintenance requirements in the landscape and very few insect pests or plant pathogens that cause problems. However,

since around 2004, a new exotic pest called the crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, for the fancy pants Latin readers) has become much more prolific in the landscape and even in some nurseries. The crapemyrtle bark scale is now found in eleven States across the USA (Figure 1).

The Bark Scale A tree infested with the crapemyrtle bark scale will have white spots on the bark that look like short-grain rice, but taste nothing like it (tasting of bark scale is not advised). The white spots are actually egg sacs (females) or pupae (males), whereas the younger stages (known as (continued on page 28)

FIGURE 1. Current distribution of crapemyrtle bark scale in the USA reported to EDDMaps.org by year. More information on crapemyrtle bark scale can be found at eddmaps.org/cmbs. M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN (continued from page 27) nymphs) are very small and hard to see with the naked eye. These scale insects feed on the tree by sucking plant juices and excreting a sugarysolution, known as honeydew (tasting of honeydew is also not advised). A heavy infestation of crapemyrtle bark scale results in branches covered in white spots, prolific sticky honeydew and sooty mold on branches, leaves, and surfaces below the tree (Figure

2A). The bark scale is considered an aesthetic problem in the landscape and one potentially impacting sale of potted stock – but crapemyrtle bark scale is not considered a major lethal pest. Female egg sacs are larger and more round than male pupae and preliminary work suggest that an egg sac can hold more than 200 eggs (Figure 1B). Adult male pupae are more ovoid and are protective cases for males metamorphosing from flightless nymphs to winged adults (Figure 2B).

Safety and Dividends Go Together Like Seed and Soil. Texas Mutual wants to put more green in your business—that’s why we provide group and individual dividends to companies that keep their people safe. Plus, as a member of the Texas Green Industry Safety Group, you may receive a greater discount on your workers’ comp premium. We’re helping our policyholder owners be safer and stronger and we think you'll find it very rewarding. To see how safety can grow your dividend, contact your agent or Becky Walker at (972) 512-7770 or info@tgiwcgroup.com.

The small nymphs can be seen under magnification, either under a hand lens or microscope, and are considered the most vulnerable stage to insecticides, since they do not have the protective waxy layer and are actively feeding during this life stage (Figure 2C).

Monitoring Managing crapemyrtle bark scale requires some knowledge of insect phenology; the changes in the insect population over a given season. Given that the most vulnerable life stage is crapemyrtle bark scale nymphs, insecticide applications should be timed accordingly. Current monitoring strategies involve wrapping double-sided sticky tape around crapemyrtle branches, and replacing weekly to check for changes in crapemyrtle bark scale activity. When crapemyrtle bark scale first emerge from their eggs, they crawl around (known as crawlers) before settling for a good place to feed – the double-sided sticky tape catches this stage and is an indicator of egg emergence and potentially forecasts increase in crapemyrtle bark scale populations. In this most recent year, collaborators from University of Arkansas, Louisiana State University, Sam Houston State University, and Texas A&M monitoring crapemyrtle bark scale populations throughout the last two years. Data from 2016 was consistent with 2015, demonstrating that crapemyrtle bark scale populations tend to increase towards a peak from mid-April to the beginning of May in Texas (Figure 3). Good management practice involves targeting the first crapemyrtle bark scale peak to knock out populations season-long.

Management

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

The key to effective management of crapemyrtle bark scale is good monitoring. Although our data from two years has demonstrated that crapemyrtle bark scale populations begin to increase in mid-April to

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN beginning of May (Figure 3), this trend may not hold true in all locations or for all years. I encourage using doublesided sticky tape on a few branches (around breast-height) on a few select trees and check the tapes under a hand lens or microscope (if available) weekly to determine when nymphs are present.

Your Allies: Natural Enemies Several naturally occurring predatory insects have been seen eating the crapemyrtle bark scale. More specifically, natural enemies appear to include mostly ladybird beetles, such as Harmonia axyridis, Scymnus sp., Hyperaspis lateralis, and Chilocorus cacti (Figure 4). Some of the species of ladybird beetles have larval stages that resemble mealybugs or crapemyrtle bark scale adults. If you see furry insects that look like mealybugs (Figure 4C), but are moving rapidly or appear to be gorging on a mid-afternoon crapemyrtle bark scale snack, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good chance you have some beneficial insects managing your crapemyrtle bark scale populations.

FIGURE 2. Heavy infestations of crapemyrtle bark scale appear as white-covered bark (A). Adult females/egg sacs appear more round and larger than male pupae (B). Crapemyrtle bark scale nymphs are hard to see with the naked eye and are considered more vulnerable to insecticides, as they have not yet secreted their waxy protective coating and are actively feeding (C).

Dr. Mike Merchant, at the Dallas Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center, demonstrated that the ladybird beetles are effectively suppressing the crapemyrtle bark scale populations in the landscape, however, suppression may not be sufficient to stop the aesthetic impact of the crapemyrtle bark scale. Landscapers may consider refraining from insecticidal sprays when natural enemies are abundant (Figure 4D) to encourage increases in natural enemy populations.

The Big Guns: Insecticides Always be sure to read the insecticide label and do not apply foliar insecticides when trees are in bloom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; read labels related to hazards to bees, as crapemyrtles are frequented by pollinators when in bloom as a source

FIGURE 3. Weekly changes in average crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) crawler populations for an entire year (2016) in Tyler (TX), Hunstville (TX), College Station (TX), Little Rock (AR), Houma (LA), and Shreveport (LA). In Texas, populations of crapemyrtle bark scale all appear to increase towards their first peak in mid-April to beginning of May, which is consistent with data for Texas in 2015 (not shown here).

(continued on page 31)

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

In-Store.

On-Site.

Online.

Horizon’s got you covered from the ground up.

Scan here to visit us online or stop in to your local Texas Horizon store. Austinê............ 512.282.2331 Bedfordê ......... 817.545.7756 Corpus Christi ... 844.804.1501 Dallasê². ........ 972.466.1600 Frisco................ 972.712.5000 Ft. Worth .......... 817.335.2601 Houstonê.........713.934.9500

Richardson ....... 972.680.0007 Round Rockê... 512.255.1990 San Antonio ..... 210.408.9090 Spring ............... 281.681.0600 HorizonOnline.com shop online at 247.HorizonOnline.com

ê= Service Center on site ²=Outdoor Living Showroom

ORGANIX COMPOSTING NOW OPEN IN HUTCHINS 2600 Post Oak Road

•

Hutchins, TX 75141

COMPETITIVE PRICES NO WAIT TIME CERTIFIED SCALES ONSITE CHEAPER THAN LANDFILL RATES

Accepting Green Waste & Food Waste Selling USCC STA, TXDOT & OMRI Certified Compost, Topsoil and Mulch Delivery available in Dallas/Fort Worth area

Council US Composting

972-225-3664 ORGANIXRECYCLING.COM

Seal of Testing Assurance

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

FIGURE 4. Main ladybird beetles seen feeding on crapemyrtle bark scale. Hyperaspis lateralis Mulsant (A), Chilochorus cacti L. (B), Scymnus sp. or Hyperaspis sp. (C) and an image of several ladybird beetle pupae near a high infestation of crapemyrtle bark scale (D). Photo Credits: Dr. Mike Merchant (A & B), Erfan Vafaie (C & D). (continued from page 29) of pollen. To date, the most effective insecticides based on our trials have been soil drenches of imidacloprid or dinotefuran early in the season or a contact spray of bifenthrin applied to the bark twice in a two-week interval during the initial increase in scale populations (Figure 5). According to our trial, imidacloprid and dinotefuran applied at label rate for soil drench took about 6 weeks (42 days) from time of application to demonstrate control of crapemyrtle bark scale on 8 foot crapemyrtles, and provided season-long control. Bifenthrin applied during crapemyrtle bark scale crawler increase (mid-April to beginning of May) resulted in cessation of the increase of crapemyrtle bark scale populations, however, populations resumed (albeit, suppressed) later in the season. Horticultural oil + azadirachtin and acephate did not demonstrate any ability to reduce crapemyrtle bark scale populations as compared to a wateronly spray treatment (Figure 5).

Summary • Crapemyrtle bark scale is a pest of crapemyrtles that was first introduced into the continental USA before 2004 and is now found in over 11 states in the USA (Figure 1).

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

FIGURE 5. Efficacy of five different insecticidal treatments on average crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) populations. Contact insecticides (acephate, horticultural oil + azadirachtin, and bifenthrin) where applied twice in a two-week interval, whereas imidacloprid and dinotefuran were applied once as a soil drench. Trees treated with bifenthrin (orange) had highly suppressed crapemyrtle bark scale populations in May, whereas imidacloprid and dinotefuran (two shades of purple) both demonstrated strong crapemyrtle bark scale suppression after 6 weeks of application and provided season-long control (May 31, 2016).

• Infested crapemyrtles have white spots on them, sticky honeydew and black sooty mold covering leaves and bark (Figure 2A). • Natural enemies of crapemyrtle bark scale include a few species of ladybird beetles that play a role in suppressing crapemyrtle bark scale in the landscape (Figure 4).

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

• Current insecticidal control recommendations involve soil drench of imidacloprid or dinotefuran early in the season, when crapemyrtles first start taking up water/nutrients, and/ or a bark application of bifenthrin when crawler populations start to increase (around mid-April to beginning of May) (Figure 5).

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

What will a TNLA Award do for you? When you nominate someone (or yourself!) for a TNLA Award you open doors for them! Individuals who receive a TNLA Award get more than just recognition, they get opportunities! Opportunities to network, opportunities to serve, opportunities to learn! TNLA is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Young Leader & Summit Awards! Nominations are due by May 15, 2017! Take a minute to complete a nomination form and send it in you won't regret it!

Visit tnlaonline.org/award-winners.html for nomination materials!

TNLAGREEN

Welcome!

NE W ME MB E R S

TNLA would like to welcome its new members. If you would like to become a member, or if you have anyquestions or concerns about your current membership, please contact us at 800.880.0343. Visit www.tnlaonline.org to learn about the benefits of becoming a part of TNLA.

REGION 1 Government

Laci Buller-Powell 1407 Epsilon Pasadena, TX 77504

Justin Krobot San Antonio River Authority 12206 Stable Fork Dr San Antonio, TX 78249

Taylor Cannon 15231 Cabots Landing Dr. Houston, TX 77084

REGION 2

REGION 4

Landscape

Picture This Landscape Gary Jones 2600 South Shore Blvd. Suite 300 League City, TX 77573 www.picturethislandscape.com

FiveSTAR Landscape Scott Chester 2425 West Loop South, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77027 www.houstonfivestar.com Turf Plus Management C.W. McKay 13905 Huffmeister Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 www.turfplusmgt.com

Landscape

Elements Group Mia McCraw 3600 Bee Cave Rd., Ste. 201 Austin, TX 78746 www.elementsgp.com

Paul Winski Texas A & M AgriLife Extension 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Houston, TX 77084 Houston Community College Jhadeesh C. Robbins 14250 Kimberley Lane, #242 Houston, TX 77079

Supplier

Benary Seed of North America Melissa Main 5283 Los Robles Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.benary.com Netafim USA Maureen Nassie 5470 E. Home Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 www.netafimusa.com

Government

Featherock, Inc. Olivia Nicholson 20219 Bahama St. Chatsworth, CA 91311 www.featherock.com Dutchman Industries, Inc. Dawn-Marie Robitaille 3735 Sideline 16 North Brougham, ON Canada

Grower

Barry’s Wholesale Nursery, LLC D’Ann Plauche PO Box 390 Grand Coteau, LA 70541

REGION 5 Landscape

Alliance Landscape Company Tony Gile 13825 Aviator Way, Suite 200 Fort Worth, TX 76177 www.alliancetexas.com

New TNLA Certified Professionals TMCNP Sandra Holmes-Schwedler, North Havens Gardens Christopher Pyle, North Haven Gardens

Retail

Government

Betrock Information Systems, Inc. Christy Savage 7770 Davie Road Ext. Hollywood, FL 33024 www.plantsearch.com

REGION 6

Llamas Landscape Co. Daniel Llamas 6605 Tadlock Ln Houston, TX 77085

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

Abescape Group Abraham Herrera PO Box 1728 Leander, TX 78646 www.abescape.com

Landscape - Branch

SPSD, Inc. Larson Statham 1108 107th St. Arlington, TX 76011 www.spsd.com

B & A Materials Travis Peterson PO Box 130876 Spring, TX 77393

Gregory Winfree 17179 Quail Park Dr. Missouri City, TX 77489

Rainwater Landscaping Services Lane Rainwater 1302 13th St Plano, TX 75074

REGION 9

International Leadership of Texas Schools Gary Chaffin 400 Farr Altom Combine, TX 75159

Grow and Company Kyle Cahill 6403 Schuler St. Houston, TX 7707 www.growandcotexas.com

Student

Landscape

REGION 8

Jeremiah Davis, Calloway’s Nursery

Eastside Discount Nursery Steve Zimmerly 8423 N. Loop Dr. El Paso, TX 79907

TCNP Susan Stansbery, SSC Service Solutions

Landscape

Abescape Landscaping Abraham Herrera 1440 Coronel Dr. El Paso, TX 79928 www.abescape.com

Jon Weible, Town of Addison

TCWSP Jonathan Chandler, North Texas Tollway Authority

REGION 7

Tanner Bates, Designscapes

Government

Mark VanNess Texas A&M University – Kingsville Citrus Center 312 N. International Blvd. Weslaco, TX 78599

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

Jazz Hands

â&#x201E;˘

Loropetalum

Our new varieties have outstanding form, flowers and foliage. Available in a range of sizes from petite 10-12â&#x20AC;? tall Mini to the supersized blooms of Jazz Hands Bold

Loropetalum, these new varieties will delight you with rich, non-fading color. Contact Amy Howard,

616-223-3365

100c / 0m / 81y / 66k

www.springmeadownursery.com

45c / 15m / 90y / 20

800-633-8859 ext.1105

TNLA-March-April-Jazz Hands.indd 1

1/16/17 1:32 PM

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

Next Issue: The May/June issue of TNLA Green Magazine will feature the TNLA Year In Review and explore the newest business solutions to help you to manage growth more efficiently! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn about what TNLA has done for your business, and the Texas Green Industry, as well as how to use technology to meet the demands of clients!

LIFE IS BET TER IN COLOR Let us take care of all your printing needs MAGAZINES CATALOGS POSTCARDS CALENDARS & BROCHURES

495 4 Space Center Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218 210. 804 .0390 | w w w.shweiki.com

For more information, please visit nurserylandscapeexpo.org M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN

CE U Q U IZ Questions are worth 10 points each; must score a 70 or higher to gain 1 CEU towards your TNLA Certification. We encourage you to return the completed quiz by June 1, 2017. Generously sponsored by E. Curtis Tabor, TMCNP

4. When using a bait insecticide for IFA control, baits must be _______ and are most effective if applied when temperature is between _______ FÂ° and no rain is expected. a. fresh; 60-80 b. wet; 60-80 c. fresh; 70-90 d. wet; 70-90

In the first few months of IFA infestation, visual detection can be difficult since the above ground structure does not become visible until _______ months. a. 1-3 b. 3-5 c. 5-8 d. 8-11

Most IFA baits require _______ for colony elimination. a. 1-6 days b. 4-8 days c. 1-6 weeks d. 4-8 weeks

The best defense against imported fire ant is a(n) _______ management program. a. extensive and often expensive b. blow and go c. consistent and routine d. intensive and annual

2. Texas is _______ infested with IFA. a. b. c. d.

fully mostly partially slightly

3. Imported Fire Ants are best found

when the air temperature is between _______ degrees FÂ°. a. 55-75 b. 60-80 c. 65-90 d. 70-95

Both _______ management practices and _______ compliance impact the nursery and landscape industries in Texas. a. best; label b. general; quarantine c. extensive; employee d. state; federal

Imported Fire Ant mounds can be found in open fields, at the base of trees or plants, on the edge of sidewalks, on the sunny facing side of a hill, but are rarely found in _______ areas. a. nursery production b. retail nursery c. hydric d. heavy forested

Imported Fire Ants routinely move all colony members up and down within the mound based on _______. a. site usage b. IFA Management practices c. temperature and moisture d. moisture

10. For visual detection of IFA in a large nursery container, _______ the container to provoke ants out. a. move b. hit the side of c. heavily water d. scrape the top of

Return the Completed Quiz to: James Theiss | Texas Nursery & Landscape Association | 7730 South IH-35 | Austin, TX 78745 Email: james@tnlaonline.org | Fax: 512.280.3012 NAME: ________________________________________________________

CERTIFICATION TYPE:

TCNP

TMCNP

TCLP

TCLA

TCWSP

COMPANY: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE: __________________________________ EMAIL: ___________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE RETAIN A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

TNLAGREEN

CA L E NDA R O F E VE N TS

March

WAT E R M A N A G E M E N T S O L U T I O N S

03/22/2017 TNLA Board of Directors Meeting & Tour

PRODUCT GUIDE

Includes all you need for the ultimate water management systems: Driplines, Valves, Sprinklers, Controllers, Injectors, Sensors, Tubing and much more. APOLLO DISC FILTER Reaching for the Stars

April

mini-wobbler

Greenhouse & Nursery Systems

04/01/2017 Grow Texas Scholarship Application Deadline

• For misting, humidifying, fogging and sprinkling

04/22/2017 Earth Day

Bridgeless Micro Sprinkler

May

(100 micron fog)

• Bridgeless design - no dripping • Flat trajectory • High distribution uniformity

05/01/2017 TNLA E&R Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline

Container Systems Self-flushing

• For ponds, canals and rivers • 50 to 3,500 GPM and up • Automatic and pre-assembled • Compact - fits in 14’ x 6’ area or less • Quick backflush

Twist Weight Assemblies

05/27-29/17 Lawn & Garden Water Smart Tax Holiday

• On/Off feature • Highly versatile

Spray Stakes

• Unique oval pattern • Multiple flow rates

To see the most up to date event information please visit the Events Calendar on tnlaonline.org!

PC and non PC

3804-D Woodbury Drive • Austin, TX 78704 www.submatic-usa.com 512.440.7744 • Fax 512.440.7793

I N ME MO RY DeForrest, De as many in the Green Inudstry knew him, was a longtime TNLA Member who was active in TNLA Region IV. He was a vibrant personality and worked in the Green Industry in Dallas, Texas throughout his life. He was born in Dallas , grew up in Dallas, and passed away in Dallas peacefully in his sleep on January 9, 2017. De started his in sales at Nortex working with the Pinkus family and from there went on to manage several wholesale nurseries in Lewisville, Texas for many years (Jenco/McGinnis/John Deere, Skinners, and Shemins). As mentioned by one of his colleagues, Suzanne Ouren, he had a “true interest to help educate and share his plant passion with others (and his love of playing the keyboards).” De will be missed by many in the Texas Green Industry.

Come by or Call Today 8455 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77037

(281) 4050950

We Support TNLA M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

TNLAGREEN

Classified Ads

A DV E RT I SE R S INDE X For media kit and advertising information, email advertising@tnlaonline.org

For the latest job listings visit our online opportunities.

Gardener Hermann Park Conservancy: The McGovern Centennial Gardens (MCG) in Hermann Park is a unique display garden and destination, free to the public, open daily, and available for special events on occasion. It is a place of beauty designed to stimulate learning and a love of gardens in an urban setting. The Gardener will join a dedicated staff responsible for the daily operation of the garden, to ensure the highest standards of landscape displays, and to implement environmentally responsible maintenance practices. Please email resume to jcurtis@hermannpark.org.

Sales Texas Disposable Systems is seeking experienced and established sales professional. The New Sales Representative is responsible for the creation of new commercial and community accounts to maximize profitable sales growth. Requires 10 years of sales experience within a “big box” or multi-unit retail operation and a valid driver’s license. Apply at www.texasdisposal.com/careers. 512-421-7624

Ewing Irrigation 2 www.ewing1.com

Organix Recycling 30 www.organixrecycling.com

Granite Trucking, Inc. 38 www.granitetrucking.com

Shweiki Media 35 www.shweiki.com

Groundworks Texas 40 www.datepalm.com

Spring Meadow Nursery 34 www.springmeadownursery.com

Hayes Truck Group 37 www.hayestruckgroup.com

Submatic Technologies 37 www.submatic-usa.com

Horizon Irrigation 30 www.horizononline.com

SUPERthrive 24 www.superthrive.com

Hotchkiss Insurance Agency www.hiallc.com

KBW Supply 10 www.kbwsupply.com Living Earth Technology Co. www.livingearth.net OHP, Inc. 39 www.ohp.com

Texas Mutual 28 www.texasmutual.com The Thompson Group 20, 21 at Classic Chevrolet www.classicfleet.com Vital Earth 26 www.vitalearth.com Whittlesey Landscape www.989rock.com

To place a Classified Ad in TNLA GREEN Magazine or online, please contact Mark Studer at mark@tnlaonline.org (512) 579-3866

W W W.T N L A O N L I N E . O R G

T E X A S N U R S E RY & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 7

Triathlon

#triathlon_ba @OHPSolutions ohp.com (800) 356-4647

Bactericide and Fungicide Approved for organic and non-organic production Foliar and drench applications

INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES MITICIDES PGRS HERBICIDES

ohp.com

Triathlon_BA_Ad_2015.indd 1

1/26/17 10:37 AM