Working for You, Fall 2023

Fall 2023

PEST, DISEASE AND OTHER HORTICULTURE NUISANCES IN TEXAS From Wood Boring Beetles to Rose Rosette Disease, Learn How to Expertly Identify and Prevent Damage

plus

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

THREE QUESTIONS TO GET KNOW YOUR TEAM

Contents

Fall 2023

EMERALD ASH BORER

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10

Emerald Ash Borer in Texas

Insect Predictions

Unmasking the Menace

By Molly Keck

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ROSE ROSETTE DISEASE

What Mite Be Your Rose Problem?

Thwarting Tiny Troublemakers

Rose Rosette Disease

Thrips in Ornamental Plants

By Christina Reid

By Rafia Khan

Wood Boring Beetles

By Demian Gomes

16 Upcoming Events

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Mark your calendars. TNLA has an exciting 2024 in store.

WFY Leadership Talk

22

Three Questions To Get To Know Your Team

By Courtney Ramsey

WOOD BORING BEETLES

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ON THE COVER: AI-generated Wood Borer Beetle tnlaonline.org

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TNLA

Fall 2023 Working for You is the official publication of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA).

Content is provided by TNLA, members of TNLA, and vetted contributors.

715 Discovery Blvd. Suite 109, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 280-5182 tnlaonline.org | nurserylandscapeexpo.org

WE HAVE A RECORD OF CULTIVATING SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES! For over 80 years, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) has established the most trusted methods of doing business. TNLA strives to be the foremost resource providing the framework, essential tools and foresight for members’ success and serves as the authority on issues impacting the Texas green industry today. Our mission is to enhance members’ business success through legislative/regulatory advocacy, education, networking, and promotion of professionalism. TNLA members represent the breadth of the green industry in Texas including landscape professionals (design/installation), grounds maintenance, growers, re-wholesalers, retail garden centers, irrigation professionals, hardgood suppliers, municipalities, and more. © 2023 Texas Nursery & Landscape Association. All Working for You publication photography and images are courtesy of TNLA, except where additional sources are noted.

DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board................................................................................................................... Rachelle Kemp, TCLP, TMCNP, Waco Chairman-Elect.................................................................................................................................. Bobby Eichholz, ASLA San Antonio Immediate Past Chairman............................................................................................................................................Kevin Grossberndt President/CEO.............................................................................................................................................................Amy Graham, Austin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Region I.....................................Mike Lininger, San Antonio Region II............................................ Mark Rainey, Bay City Region III.............................................................Nigel Clark Region IV............................Craig Duttarer, TCLP, Carrollton Region V............................................... Jackie Smith, Santo Region VI.......................................... James Berry, Lubbock Region VII..........................................Gerry Bower, Weslaco Region VIII.............................................Brad Seever, Austin

Supplier Director................................. Mark Manny, Crosby Grower Director........ George Shackelford, West Columbia Landscape Director......Kyle Cahill, TCLP, TCWSP, Houston Retail Director.........................Joey Lenderman, Richmond Irrigation Director..................................Devin Guinn, Dallas At-Large Director............Estela Garcia-Perez, San Antonio At-Large Director.................Robbie Abillama, Summerville At-Large Director...........John Leifester, TCLP, San Antonio

TNLA STAFF

President/CEO ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Amy Graham, Austin Director of Finance ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Cheryl Staritz Director, of Legislative Affairs �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Corey Perry Director, TNLA & Expo Sales ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Amy Prenger, CEM Director, Industry Education & Certifications ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Sarah Riggins, CEM Marketing & Membership Manager ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Kim Cabrera Event Operations Manager ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Trevor Peevey EXPO & Events Manager ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Aimee Pledger Executive Assistant & Office Manager ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Shenai Lillie Lautenschlaeger Membership & Certification Coordinator ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Aliza Smith Sales Specialist ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Monika Morrow Database Admin Assistant ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Braden Smith

TNLA EDITORIAL TEAM

Amy Graham �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� President/CEO & Editor in Chief Kim Cabrera �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Membership & Marketing Manager & Managing Editor Andrea Exter �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Art Direction & Copyeditor Chellie Thompson ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Advertising Sales

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TNLA Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOV 9

DEC 15 / FEB 7

Region 1 Meeting

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Landscape Challenge

SAN ANTONIO, TX Peterson Brothers 1630 Creekview Dr., San Antonio, TX 78219 5-8 p.m.

RVSP Deadline is Nov. 6 RSVP to kirt.faulkner@kbwsupply.com

NOV 14

SAN ANTONIO, TX We are conducting the Landscape Challenge for students on Feb. 7, 2023 in San Antonio during the Rodeo. Deadline to submit projects is Dec. 15, 2023. Entry fee is $75 with a minimum of four and a maximum of six students required. Visit www.sarodeo.com for more information.

Region II Meeting HOUSTON, TX Plants for All Seasons 21328 TX-249, Houston, TX 77070 5:30-8 p.m.

RSVP Deadline is Nov. 10 RSVP to brandi@ferguson-alliance.com

Region V Meeting RHOME, TX Guaranteed Hydromulch 6554 TX-114, Rhome, TX 76078 6-9 p.m.

RSVP Deadline is Nov. 14.

RSVP to tnlaregion5@gmail.com

JAN 8-10 2024 Lone Star Hort Foru GRAPEVINE, TX Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center With an array of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn from renowned experts, the TNLA Lone Star Horticultural Forum a leading event for horticulture professionals and enthusiasts.

Register online at tnlaonline.org.

NOV 16

AUG 14-16

Region III Meeting

Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2024

LINDALE, TX Tour at Trees USA 15338 FM 849 Lindale, TX 75771 4:30 p.m. Tour 5:30 p.m. Dinner RSVP Deadline is Nov. 13.

RSVP to to carrie.morrow@kbwsupply.com

SAN ANTONIO, TX Save the date! nurserylandscapeexpo.org

CONNECT tnlaonline.org STAY IN SYNC facebook.com/TNLAonline

GET INSPIRED instagram.com/tnlaonline

NETWORK linkedin.com/company/texas-nursery-and-landscape-association 6

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EMERALD ASH BORER IN TEXAS

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UNMASKING THE MENACE Identifying, Managing, and Preventing the Devastation

By Demian Gomez, Regional Forest Health Coordinator. Texas A&M Forest Service

Adult Emerald Ash Borer Photo courtesy of author.

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nvasive species are a major threat to biodiversity and economies around the world.

The increasing international trade has led to an unprecedented movement and establishment of invasive species in the last decades. Many species of wood borers have been transported in pallets and other wood packaging materials, facilitating their establishment in new areas. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive wood-boring pest of ash trees that has killed millions of trees across the country. Native to Asia, this insect has had a devastating impact on trees in urban settings as well as natural forests. It was discovered in 2002 in Michigan, and since then, it has spread throughout the Eastern and Central United States. Despite quarantine regulations initially established, EAB kept spreading both naturally and through human movement of firewood to distant areas, including Colorado and Oregon. Not only is ash being eliminated as a component of American forests, but its impacts are creating cascading effects on arthropod and bird communities that depend on this resource.

Millions of ash trees occur across Texas and all species can be attacked.

In addition to ecological and economic impacts, driven primarily by tree removals and treatments, EAB is causing negative effects to urban communities; trees not only add thousands of dollars to property values but also decrease cooling costs, reduce levels of airborne pollutants, and provide myriad human health benefits.

Trees attacked by EAB show specific symptoms and signs of

EAB is known to occur in a 15-mile radius. Moreover, the movement of ash products, such as firewood, from areas where EAB has been reported to other counties, is a major risk. The movement of firewood allows EAB to reach new areas and create new populations. attack. Canopy dieback and thinning of foliage is observed as a result of the flat, white larvae feeding under the bark of the tree. Attacks usually start in the canopy. Bark splitting and woodpeckers feeding on these larvae are also common. Under the bark, S-shaped galleries created by the beetles can be seen, and when the adults leave the trees to find a new host, a D-shaped exit hole is created (Figure 2). Other species of wood borers will commonly occur in ash trees; however, their exit holes will be rounded, and the galleries will have a different pattern.

Adult beetles fly in April-June in Texas, and you can see them mating and laying eggs on warm, sunny afternoons. They typically disperse short distances, but females are strong flyers and can fly up to 6 miles. EAB has a very characteristic bright, metallic, emerald green color with some coppery or reddish reflections, and it is half an inch long (Figure 1). Both healthy and unhealthy ash trees are susceptible to EAB attack and have no natural resistance to the exotic insect. The larvae will feed under the bark until the weather gets too cold in the fall.

These tunnels disrupt the ability of the tree to transport nutrients and water, eventually girdling branches and the trunk.

QUIZ

Without proper proactive measures, mortality can be 100% in heavily infested areas, so early detection could improve chances of managing the pest. Infected tree removal and preventive systemic insecticides are some of the common management strategies. Systemic injections with emamectin benzoate can protect ash trees for up to 2-3 years. Injections are recommended when EAB is known to occur in a 15-mile radius. Moreover, the movement of ash products, such as firewood, from areas where EAB has been reported to other counties, is a major risk. The movement of firewood allows EAB to reach new areas and create new populations. This is why it is always recommended to buy and use firewood locally, to reduce the likelihood of moving EAB or other invasive pests.

The beetle was first detected in Texas in 2016 in Harrison County in northeast Texas. Since then, EAB has been recorded in thirteen more counties in north and northeastern Texas (Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Marion, Morris, Parker, Rusk, Tarrant, Titus and Wise). Since 2018, the Texas A&M Forest Service has deployed nearly 500 traps across the state to track the spread of the beetle. These traps allow for early detection of new infestations that will enable rapid implementation of measures

D-shaped exit hole of adult EAB. Photo courtesy of author.

and therefore slow the spread.

Purple sticky prism traps are hung in the canopy of ash trees during the spring, baited with a lure that smells like ash leaves. Monitoring signs and symptoms and protecting high value ash trees with insecticide are great options in urban settings. Because EAB is spreading across Texas, property owners and municipalities need to be proactive about creating a plan for addressing this threat, rather than react to a potentially overwhelming numbers of dying, dead, and often hazardous trees.

Dr. Demian Gomez is the regional forest health coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service. His work focuses on early detection, management, and regional initiatives to deal with forest pests, in the context of climate change and invasive species.

EMERALD ASH BORER

Think you know your stuff about the Emerald Ash Borer invasion in Texas? Test your knowledge and learn more about this tree-killing menace in our article quiz!

Take the quiz now for a chance to earn 1 TNLA CEU and become an EAB expert. Simply Scan the QR code to the right to get started!

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INSECT PREDICTIONS WOOD BORING BEETLES

By Molly Keck, Senior Program Specialist – Integrated Pest Management, Department of Entomology, IPM Program, Texas A&M AgriLife

W

hile it is incredibly difficult to predict which insects will make an appearance in any given season, it largely depends on when rain appears and when it doesn’t. Resources, like food, must be available at the perfect time for the perfect life stage of an insect. BUT I do think I can make an accurate prediction that we will (continue) to see wood boring insects emerging from trees this 10

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Wood boring beetles bore into tree branches, twigs, and trunks. When a tree experiences physical damage or some type of stress, beetles are attracted to the tree and lay their eggs in or on the wood and the larvae feed within the tree. year and into the next. Wood boring beetles evoke panic and fear in many people, after all trees are a huge and sentimental part of your landscape!

The good news is wood boring beetles are rarely going to kill a tree. The bad news is their presence may mean

the tree is already dying.

Wood boring beetles bore into tree branches, twigs, and trunks.

When a tree experiences physical damage or some type of stress, beetles are attracted to the tree and lay

their eggs in or on the wood and the larvae feed within the tree. With very few exceptions (such as the Emerald Ash Borer), they are opportunistic and will not attack healthy trees. They also will not kill a tree by themselves. They are attracted to sick, dying, stressed, or wounded trees and are a symptom of a greater issue.

Roundheaded beetles, in the family Cerambycidae, and flatheaded borers, in the family Buprestidae, are the most common borers found in trees throughout Texas. There are many species of both roundheaded and flatheaded borers with a variety of sizes, lengths, and colors.

Roundheaded borers are also called longhorn beetles and as adults have extremely long antennae, as long or longer than the length of their body. Flatheaded borers are also called metallic wood boring beetles, although not all species are metallic.

Roundheaded borer larvae have a rounder shaped head and produce a round(ish) gallery in the wood and round(ish) exit hole. Flatheaded borer larvae have exaggeratedly flat heads and produce a very oval gallery and exit hole. As adults they are boat or bullet shaped and often have a metallic sheen. Their antennae are much smaller and sometimes not even noticeable.

The females lay their eggs in or on the tree or directly into a wound and the larvae hatch from the eggs, burrow through the tree, and feed.

The pupal stage takes place inside the tree and the subsequent adult will chew its way out, forming an exit hole. This lifecycle can take up to a year, or more, to complete. The most visible sign of wood boring beetles are the exit holes, but it is also often the end of the infestation and not much can be done.

Holes in trees may also be caused

by Sapsucker birds. Wood boring beetle exit holes can be found throughout the trunk region, but they will be in a random pattern. Sapsuckers make many holes that are gener-

Flatheaded borer exit holes.

Photo courtesy of author.

Roundheaded borer exit holes.

Photo courtesy of author.

ally in a line vertically and/or horizontally. Insects are rarely symmetrical or patterned in their damage.

When exit holes are found, you must think back over the past year or two to what that tree may have experienced. Were there situations in which the tree was physically damaged? Wildlife can cause damage – porcupines, squirrels, deer rubbing antlers, even feral cats scratching.

Humans usually cause the most damage to trees by hitting the trunk with the weeder or banging into it with the mower. Think about other environmental stressors - drought,

extreme heat, sunburn, overwatering or underwatering?

When a tree experiences extreme stress, such as from the extended drought, intense heat and sunburn of 2022 and 2023, the boring beetles will exploit that resource. Dying trees are also extremely attractive to wood boring beetles. Consider how old the tree is versus its species. Some trees do live centuries, but many in our landscape are fast growing and short lived. Maybe the borers were attracted to a tree that was at the end of its natural life. Bottom line, when wood boring beetles are found, they are a

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Given the lifecycle of boring beetles, you can expect that Spring and Summer of 2024 you will be seeing exit holes from emerging wood boring beetle adults that were laid on the trees in 2022 or 2023 and have taken the full year to complete their lifecycle. you will be seeing exit holes from emerging wood boring beetle adults that were laid on the trees in 2022 or 2023 and have taken the full year to complete their lifecycle.

Red Oak Borers – roundheaded bores or longhorned beetle. Photo courtesy of author.

symptom of a greater issue, NOT the reason for the tree’s decline.

This year our trees were put to the limits. Coming off a drought in 2022, early spring 2023 provided much needed rain. That rain encouraged our younger trees to grow, and grow they did! But as soon as the rain stopped, it really stopped. Those growing trees experienced an extreme shock if we were not watering them or weaning them off the water they were gifted. Given the lifecycle of boring beetles, you can expect that Spring and Summer of 2024

QUIZ

Treating because you see exit holes really isn’t effective—the lifecycle has ended, they are leaving.

Those not in the adult stage yet are pupa and pupa do not feed. Spraying trunks of trees may kill some adult emerging, but it doesn’t fix the root of the issue.

When replacing dead or dying trees, make sure you choose the best varieties for the area. Choose good quality trees and plant them properly.

If you have questions about what trees are best for your area, utilize the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Tree Selector at texastreeplanting.tamu.edu.

Ensure that you have trees with a good balance. Often trees have a huge canopy but small root system.

We also fail to break up the root ball when planting. Planting too deep is another source of stress, be sure to expose the flare roots. These are things to also ask or check for yourself. While they may not be fixable

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If old trees die, don’t leave them in the landscape because this can encourage borers to stick around.

Most borers prefer dead wood and it isn’t uncommon to find them in firewood. If firewood becomes infested, it can still be used, but you might consider storing less of it or using it quicker. Firewood and dead trees will not cause boring insects to attack healthy trees, but if you have sick trees around, they could be attracted to those.

The best solution is not pest control, but cultural control and prevention. Trees with wood boring damage from exit holes are giving you a sign that they need some help. Moving forward, baby the trees and take good care of them. Get them healthy and happy and borers will not be as attracted to them. Water properly, fertilize when it’s time, prune properly, and avoid stress and damage to trees. These practices on currently healthy trees are also important to preventing insect damage and disease.

Molly Keck is a board certified entomologist specializing in urban/ industry entomology.

She has been working for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service since 2005. As a program specialist in IPM, Molly provides adult and youth educational programs and CEU courses. Molly provides master gardener and master naturalists trainings and educational seminars to the public on entomology and pest management.

She also researches urban and landscape pests.

Wood Boring Beetles

Ready to put your entomology skills to the test?

Take our ‘Insect Predictions: Wood Boring Beetles’ quiz and become the ultimate beetle whisperer!

Answer correctly, and you could earn 1 TNLA CEU!

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issues, they can answer the question of what is stressing the tree.

Start the quiz now: Scan the QR code below and let’s see if you can outsmart these wood-boring insects!

Call or Email Rich Kling today for a FREE analysis!

407-883-2246

Rich@MerchantOwl.com

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WHAT MITE BE YOUR ROSE PROBLEM?

By Christina Reid, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Lubbock CEA-Horticulture

R

ose Rosette Disease (RRD) is an incurable, devastating disease affecting roses across the state and nation.

Even though it has been reported since the 1940s, only in the last 12 years has it been researched and proven to be caused by the Rose Rosette Virus (RRV). With all the potential ailments that can affect roses, how do you know when it’s RRD? Throughout this article, I will discuss RRD symptoms and other conditions that mimic these symptoms often causing confusion for landscape professionals and homeowners alike.

RRD OR NOT? It’s important to begin with the knowledge that RRD only attacks the genus Rosa. Here are the typical symptoms of RRD that can be visually diagnosed: • Thickened and elongated shoots and stems (Figure 1); • Red, new growth that does not disappear as growth matures (Figure 2); • Leaf/flower deformation; • Witches broom; • Excessive thorniness (Figure 2); and • Inflorescence (Figure 3).

In the beginning stages of RRD, infected plants may develop elongated stems with reddened foliage.

Unfortunately, the latter characteristic is also very common in new growth with many rose cultivars. The red growth can only be considered 16

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a symptom if this foliage does not gradually turn green as it matures.

Note that this reddening is not a consistent symptom.

Aster yellows phytoplasma can also cause witches broom growths on infected plants.

Several of the symptoms of RRD resemble herbicide drift injury, especially that of Glyphosate, the

active ingredient in Round-up®. The commonly used broadleaf herbicide 2, 4-D can also cause leaf distortion in roses. The only symptoms that may not be present with such poisoning are excessive thorniness and red pigmentation. Herbicide injury symptoms should disappear in the following year unless the plants are re-injured by drift. Nutrient deficiency may also resemble RRD injury, but

Eriophyid mites are microscopic mites that are three to four times smaller than even an average spider mite. They are so small that they can be transported by wind and the clothing/tools of landscape workers.

Phyllocoptes fructiphilus. Left: Male. Right: Female.

Photo courtesy of author.

FIGURE 1: Comparison of healthy stem (left) and infected stem with thickened stem and excessive thorns (right).

FIGURE 2: Note excessive thorn and red new growth.

FIGURE 3: Inflorescence. Photos courtesy of author.

will typically affect the whole plant.

stand-alone leaf deformation could have several causes.

ed plants are removed, they could potentially infect newly transplanted healthy plants.

Confused yet? You are not alone.

To properly diagnose RRD without involving a plant pathology laboratory, one should have multiple symptoms present on the plant over time. A combination of excessive thorniness, thickened and elongated stems, and witches brooms would be enough for a positive ID; whereas a

HOW DOES RRD SPREAD? The most common way this disease is transmitted is by the eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus. It can also be transmitted via grafting but is not sap-transmissible. The RRV virus is not soil-borne, but if infected root pieces remain in the soil after infect

Eriophyid mites are microscopic mites that are three to four times smaller than even an average spider mite. They are so small that they can be transported by wind and the clothing/tools of landscape workers.

Proper plant spacing also plays a vital

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Wise management practices can assist in keeping your roses RRD free. Currently, until RRD-resistant rose varieties are discovered, the best management practices for controlling the RRD focus on excluding the virus or preventing its spread by managing the movement and population size of the mite vector. role in the spread of this disease. If plants are too close, it is very easy for these mites to blow around from plant to plant quickly infecting mass rose plantings. They transmit the disease by feeding on infected wild (such as multiflora rose) or cultivated rose plants and are carried to healthy plants, where they feed again and introduce the virus. Once on a plant, the mite does not migrate and tends to hide out in buds, on open flowers and sepals, or at the base of shoots, leaf axils, and leaf scars during the winter.

The virus makes its debut on emerging foliage in the spring, otherwise being inactive during the winter months. If RRD is of major concern, landscape management machinery usage that shoot air and debris, like leaf blowers, should be kept to a minimum.

THERE IS HOPE IN CONTROL All is not doom and gloom, as wise management practices can assist in keeping your roses RRD free.

Currently, until RRD-resistant rose varieties are discovered, the best management practices for controlling the RRD focus on excluding the virus or preventing its spread by managing the movement and population size of the mite vector.

When purchasing new roses, carefully inspect plants for signs and symptoms of RRD. Any plant displaying symptoms of infection should be removed and disposed of immedi-

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RRD symptoms on Multiflora Rose blooms and leaves.

Photo by Joe Boggs, OSU Extension©, courtesy of author.

Comparison of infected stem with leaf deformation, red growth, inflorescence, and shoot elongation (left) and healthy stem (right). Photo courtesy of author.

ately into a closed bag, including its roots. Pruning can be used to remove the eriophyid mite, which tends to hide near buds and leaf scars.

“Dead-heading” roses throughout the season may prove effective but will be more effective with the subsequent application of horticultural oils to control any remaining mites. A leaf blower is not recommended for removing such debris, as it may blow mites onto healthy plants; instead, debris should be removed by hand, placed in a sealed bag, and disposed

of off-site. It is also recommended that you wait one to two months after removing infected plants before transplanting healthy ones.

All wild multiflora rose plants in the vicinity of rose gardens or nurseries should be removed. Cultivated roses should not be planted on hilltops or downwind of any known multiflora rose growth. Rose plants should also be well-spaced so that stems and leaves do not touch each other, which helps prevent eriophyid mite

movement from plant to plant. Mixed plantings (roses with non-rose plants) are preferable to monocultures (all roses) and help protect against complete pathogen wipe outs in landscapes.

Maintain health and vigor of rose plants by watering during periods of drought, testing soils, and applying fertilizer as needed, as well as controlling other diseases and insect pests.

Miticides can be utilized to help control the eriophyid mite. Some miticides that are registered for controlling eriophyid mites include: • Avid®; • Talstar® (bifentrhin);

QUIZ

• Sevin® (carbaryl); • Thionex and Phaser (endosulfan); and • Petroleum-based horticultural oils (avoid applying during hightemperature periods).

are required.EEMS Grant For more information on RRD and to follow updates on research, please visit www.roserosette.org.

Christina Reid has been with Texas A&M

It is strongly recommended that you use these chemicals according to label instructions, and exercise caution when applying, to prevent poisoning and drift.

Predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) show promise for controlling eriophyid mite populations and developing RRD- and/or mite-resistant varieties of rose, but further studies

AgriLife Extension Lubbock CEA-Horticulture since 2018. She has worked as a horticulture educator with Oklahoma State University Extension, as well as with a variety of nursery and landscape companies.

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19

THWARTING TINY TROUBLEMAKERS

THRIPS

in Ornamental Plants

By Dr. Rafia Khan, Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Overton Research and Extension Center

O

rnamental products, as part of the horticulture industry, provide valuable benefits and services to people and the environment such as reducing the air temperature while filtering, increasing aesthetics, bringing employment opportunities, earning revenues, etc. However, these ornamental plants are often infested by native and invasive herbaceous insect pests which reduces their aesthetic and market value. Thrips are one of the serious groups of herbivorous insect pests to grow ornamentals and greenhouse crops.

Thrips are small, slender-bodied, elongated insects (ca. 1.0 mm long, 0.01 mm wide) under the insect order Thysanoptera. Though the order includes almost 7,700 species, only a few of them are economically important. Morphologically, thrips 20

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have asymmetrical mouthparts with only the left mandible functional, and generally 10 abdominal segments. Thrips are ‘fringe-wing” insects as both of their wings are long and narrow with a fringe of long hairs. They have filiform antennae with seven to eight segments.

Their life cycle and biology are species-specific. However, most of the thrips share some general pattern.

The life cycle of these holometabo-

Thrips can affect a wide variety of commodities because of their small size, high reproduction, cryptic behavior, and oviposition inside the plant tissue. lous insects consists of an egg, two active larval instars, two quiescent

non-feeding pupal (prepupa and pupa) stages, and an adult stage.

Females use their saw-like ovipositor to deposit their eggs within the plant tissue. Thrips can complete their life cycle from egg to adult within 20 days. Both larvae and adults prefer concealed habitats like flowers, buds, and close plant canopies exploiting similar ecological niches though their spatial distribution may vary within plants. Larvae can do more injury to crops because of their low mobility, and gregarious feeding habits. Thrips drop down from their hosts at their pre-pupal stage and remain in the ground as pupa until emerging as an adult.

Many thrips species are polyphagous, causing injury by feeding and oviposition on plant foliage, leaving the plant with retarded growth and less yield or aesthetic value.

Thrips that inhabit flowers feed on

Besides their direct or cosmetic plant injury, thrips are the vectors of microbial pathogens through mechanical transmission. Thrips are known to transmit pollen-borne viruses in the genera Ilavirus, carmovirus, Sobemovirus, and Machlomovirus. Most importantly, thrips transmit a plantborne virus, Tospovirus, involving a more intimate biological relationship between the vector and virus. various parts of the flower limiting the growth of the flower and bud resulting in deformed fruit. Thrips can affect a wide variety of commodities because of their small size, high reproduction, cryptic behavior, and oviposition inside the plant tissue.

The feeding habit of thrips is dependent on species. Most species feed on fully expanded leaves, young tissue in the bud, flowers, and/or small fruit. With their piercing-sucking mouthparts, thrips puncture the epidermal (outer) layer of the plant tissue and draw the cell contents.

Their feeding injury resulted in stippling, discolored flecking, and silvering/bronzing on the leaf surface. Following up with this feeding damage, infested leaves may have necrosis, chlorosis, or abscission. The feeding damage on the underside of the leaf is often accompanied by small black/ brownish specks of frass (excrement). The continuous feeding injury leads to the failure of the flower bud opening, a deformed, streaked, or discolored flower. Besides their direct or cosmetic plant injury, thrips are the vectors of microbial pathogens through mechanical transmission. Thrips are known to transmit pollen-borne viruses in the genera Ilavirus, carmovirus, Sobemovirus,

QUIZ

and Machlomovirus. Most importantly, thrips transmit a plant-borne virus, Tospovirus, involving a more intimate biological relationship between the vector and virus.

Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) are important thrips pests in Texas nursery and greenhouse crops. Western flower thrips are considered one of the most important thrips species as a pest for agricultural and ornamental crops. This species is native to the south-western area of the United States. The extensive international trade of horticultural products like cuttings, seedlings, and potted plants makes them easier to spread. The adults primarily feed on floral parts such as petals and pollen, causing discoloration and scarring of leaves and malformation of the flower buds. This polyphagous species can also feed on foliage, resulting in ‘Halo spotting’, silvering, deformity, and brown bumps, and fruits can be dimpled. This thrips species has been reported to transmit Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus (CSNV), Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), and Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV). Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips

dorsalis) have recently invaded Texas.

Originally, they came from Southeast Asia. Now they are widely distributed throughout most of the world including India, Japan, most of Africa, much of the Caribbean, and South America They appeared quickly becoming established in the United States after their first detection in Florida in 1991 and then in Southeast Texas in 2005.

Because of their polyphagous nature and wide range of host plants, they are likely established in many landscapes from Florida to Texas. This insect has the potential to become a widespread pest throughout the Southern and Pacific U.S. Rafia A. Khan, Ph.D. is an assistant professor and extension specialist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension center, Overton. She provides leadership, applied research, and programming on commercial ornamental nursery crops, and residential ornamental and turfgrass integrated pest management.

Thrips in Ornamental Plants

Are you ready to become a Thrips Terminator and safeguard your ornamental plants’ beauty and value? Take our quiz on ‘Thrips in Ornamental Plants’ and learn how to protect your green

treasures! Score high, and you could earn 1 TNLA CEU! Ready to save your plants? Take the quiz now: Scan QR Code. Let’s beat those thrips together!

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21

TNLA Leadership Talk

THREE QUESTIONS

To Get To Know Your Team

By Courtney Ramsey

Get an exclusive preview from one of our distinguished Guest Speakers at the upcoming Lone Star Hort Forum!

A

s a new leader, one of my biggest mistakes was prioritizing results over relationships.

As an individual contributor, results were everything.

I loved being the team’s superhero who was capable of delivering anything my leader threw at me. Saving the day was part of my identity.

Write custom training program from scratch? Sure!

Create a presentation for you to deliver to the board of directors? Okay!

Facilitate a training program for the entire corporate office? I got this!

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Once I was promoted to leading a team, my job shifted from tactical to strategic. Instead of personally delivering results and deliverables, I had to deliver them through others.

Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that until it was almost too late. I tried to continue doing it all AND lead a team… and I failed miserably.

building relationships. “Get in, get the job done, and go home” was my philosophy. It worked for me for a long time… until it didn’t. (That was a bad day. I’ll save that story for later.)

Here’s the embarrassing part. I really didn’t WANT to develop relationships or give up the glory. I was pretty happy being the superhero and tried to keep it that way. Can you relate?

It’s actually easier than it appears.

Getting to know your team members begins with asking three basic questions. Let’s take a look!

I’ll also let you in on a secret. I can be a bit socially awkward. For me, driving results is a lot easier than

If you’ve been more focused on results than relationships, now’s a good time to begin anew, especially if you lead a team. But where do you start?

What’s the best way for me to show appreciation for all you do?

Numerous studies show that today’s workforce wants recognition and

appreciation--and they want it often.

There’s no one “best way” to to do it.

It depends on the receiver.

When it voicing appreciation, some people may want a high five while others may want a thank you note. Some want you to thank them in front of everyone on the team, but others would rather you thank them in private.

If you’re giving a gift or the like, some might prefer a plaque to display while others just want an extra halfday off.

Ask this question to find out what they prefer, and then be sure to use that information when you want to show appreciation.

When I need to give you feedback for improvement, what’s the best way to do it?

“Feedback” is one of those words that affects people in different ways.

Just hearing the word can cause anxiety for some. For others, it can be a welcomed conversation. Some of us prefer to receive it daily, while others prefer it on a less frequent basis.

Knowing your team and what they prefer will help you communicate more effectively. It will also help you provide them with the feedback they deserve.

Though a lot goes into giving constructive feedback, it generally consists of naming the behavior that needs improvement, providing the impact or importance of that behavior, and two-way conversation around why it’s happening and what can be done better in the future.

Throughout the discussion, remember to be as specific as you can.

Avoid statements like, “You need to develop a stronger work ethic” or “You’re too aggressive.” What does a “stronger work ethic” or “too aggressive” look like? I bet our definitions would differ if we compared them!

Instead, get specific on what you

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO IN YOUR CAREER? You can use the information you gather to create employee development opportunities. observed and what you want to see in the future. If you aren’t clearly stating your expectations, they can’t meet them!

Knowing the person’s feedback preferences up front will also help you be timely in delivering constructive feedback. I often find that too many leaders avoid giving feedback out of fear. They hope things will get better on their own, but that rarely ever happens. Many are scared of making things worse. When you take the time to give feedback properly, this too rarely happens.

Side note: Remember to give positive reinforcement feedback too!

People need to hear when they’re doing something right. Be specific about what they did well, let them know the positive impact it had, and ask them to continue doing it in the future.

Create a habit of providing feedback daily. People want to know how they’re doing every day, not just when they complete a major project.

Where do you want to go in your career? How can I help you get there?

Have you ever had a leader who believed in you and your ability to move up? Remember how good that felt? By asking this question, you get the information you need to be that leader for your team.

I recommend having “career conversations” at least twice a year.

Ask questions about what they want to accomplish in their career, what they like to do, and how you can help them get achieve their goals. Be their champion and inform them of

opportunities within the company.

Yes, it’s hard to lose good talent, but having members of your team get promoted is one of the clearest signs that you’re a strong leader.

Another bonus of this question?

You can use the information you gather to create employee development opportunities. Think about what they need to learn, and consider what you can delegate or assign to help them learn new skills, get exposure to the right people, etc.

Know it’s going to take time.

Becoming a great leader is not an easy task. It takes time, patience and an understanding of the people you are leading. The best leaders build relationships with their team to get the best out of their employees.

Some companies know that leadership development programs are critical to helping new managers learn these skills as they begin leading teams.

Others hope for the best and assume new leaders will figure it out when the time comes. (Spoiler alert.

That rarely works.)

If you work for the latter, know that you’re not alone and there’s hope. Start with the basics. Prioritize building relationships with your team, peers, and leaders. When you get to know them, the rest falls into place…I promise!

With a focus on relationship-building and communication, Courtney Ramsey helps leaders quit hitting snooze on the things that drive employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement.

Courtney received her MBA and BBA from Texas A&M University and was part of the adjunct faculty at SMU’s Cox School of Business. She’s a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) with the Society of Human Resource Management and Certified Training Professional (CPTD) with the Association for Talent Development.

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23

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