Kentucky Pest News mailings would normally switch to First Class mail at this time of the year. In compliance with a recent administrative decision prompted by postage costs, all departmental mailings with numbers of 200 or greater must be sent using Bulk Rate postage. With 1,300 subscribers, this will affect the KPN. Much of the information in this free newsletter is perishable and delays in bulk mail delivery may make recommendations or information in the articles obsolete by the time they are received.
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Most readers who work with perennial ryegrass are aware of the emergence of gray leaf spot in the past decade as one of the most destructive turfgrass diseases known. Those of you with experience against gray leaf spot know how rapid and destructive the disease can be.
Fungicides remain our first line of defense against gray leaf spot, because all commercial varieties are susceptible and cultural practices can provide only limited control under high disease pressure. Because of the high cost of fungicides, many turf managers are interested in ways to use these important products more wisely and economically. My opinion is that at this time, there is no better way to optimize the use of fungicides than to scout your own swards for the disease and to microscopically verify the presence of the causal fungus in diseased tissues. Experienced turfgrass pathologists agree that microscopic verification is important because it is often not possible to positively identify this disease based on symptoms alone.
Proper scouting can help you decide:
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service will hold a workshop for turf managers and other interested professionals on microscopic identification of gray leaf spot of perennial ryegrass. Details are as follows:
Date & Time: June 20, 2001, from 1:00-5:00
Location: The University of Kentucky campus in Lexington
Cost: $900, Registration must be received by
Monday, May 7
While the cost may seem high at first glance, registrants
will actually be getting a lot for their money. Each
registrant will receive a high-quality compound binocular
light microscope (40-1000X magnifications, with halogen
illumination and high contrast lenses), which you will
learn to use during the workshop. In addition, each
registrant will receive dissecting kits, lense cleaning
supplies and other laboratory materials, a notebook
including color images, a 2X desk magnifier with built-in
illumination, and a field magnifying glass.
Learning Objective: As a result of this workshop, you will be able to detect Pyricularia grisea (the causal fungus of gray leaf spot) in diseased turfgrass tissue. This skill will provide the foundation for a scouting and monitoring program for gray leaf spot.
If interested in attending, please contact Pat Yancey
at
pyancey@pop.uky.edu
pyancey@pop.uky.edu for a registration form.
Registration is limited in order to provide a high-
quality learning experience for those who attend.
Interested Kentuckians should act soon, since out-
of-state registrants will be accepted on April 20.
Registration and payment must be received by
Monday, May 7.
Frankfort, KY If it sounds too good to be true, chances are, it is. That's according to officials in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture who say several vendors usually appear across the Bluegrass State about this time every year, selling ineffective chemicals at cut-rate prices.
"Each spring, we in the Department receive many complaints from home gardeners, farmers, and others who purchase cheap but ineffective chemicals over the telephone or on the Internet," said Billy Ray Smith, Commissioner of Agriculture. "The sellers of these products usually claim they're comparable to well- known national brands, and for some folks, the cheaper prices are hard to resist."
Pressure tactics are frequently used by sellers of such chemicals. "If the seller tells you to buy his product now or the deal will be gone forever, that's a strong indication that his product is no good," said John McCauley, Director of the Division of Pesticide Regulation.
The KDA's Ken Franks works with licensed pesticide retailers throughout Kentucky and says if you are considering buying a chemical product over the phone or on the Internet, you should ask the seller several questions.
--Ask for the products' EPA registration number.
--Call the KDA to ensure the product is registered for
use in Kentucky.
--Ask for the product's active ingredients and record
the percentages of each.
--Ask how many square feet or acres the product will
cover.
--Request complete directions for use of the product.
--Ask for the company's name, address, and
telephone number.
--Compare the product to a similar one offered by
your local retailer.
--Ask if the seller has a license to sell in Kentucky and
ask for his name and license number.
--Keep a record of all of this information.
"You should never buy a product that requires cash upon delivery," Franks said. "Sometimes these vendors will send you the product whether you ordered it or not, so be careful about who you talk with."
For additional information contact Ken Franks at (502) 564-7274 or
ken.franks@kyagr.com.
On April 4, the Kentucky Blue Mold Warning
System issued its first status report (a Blue Mold
Advisory) for the 2001 crop season. The full report
is available on the website at:
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/kpn/kyblue/kyblue.htm.
The following is a modified version of that same report, plus an advisory for western Missouri.
Active Sources: As is normal for this time of year,
blue mold has become established and remains
active in the southern US. However, it may be
developing a little faster than normal this year, in
that it is further north than is typical for early April.
The disease has been active all winter in central
America, Mexico, and the Carribean. Currently, it is
active in the following areas of the US: on the wild
tobacco in Texas, where it can usually be found by
early February; in tobacco plant beds and fields in
northern Florida (Alachua and Columbia Counties)
where it was confirmed on March 21, which is also
usual timing for the southeast; and, in eastern North
Carolina (northeast of Raleigh), which is early for
the disease to be active that far north.
Preventive fungicide spray programs should be in place at all tobacco transplant productions sites - greenhouses, float beds, plant beds, and distribution/holding sites. Remember that Ferbam can be use on small seedlings, while Dithane may cause injury if applied to plants with leaves smaller than dime-size. See issue 908 of Kentucky Pest News (March 12, 2001) for more specifics on chemical options for disease control in tobacco transplant production.
Blue mold is also a threat to the transplants of ornamental tobaccos (usually known as flowering tobacco or Nicotiana) and it needs to be controlled on the ornamental tobaccos to prevent direct damage to the ornamental as well as to reduce the disease potential for commercial tobaccos. The mancozeb- containing fungicide Pentathlon DF (marketed by Griffin) is labeled (nationally Section 3 label) for the control of fungal diseases on ornamental tobaccos growing in the greenhouse, nursery, or field at the rate of 1.5 to 3 teaspoons/gallon. Although the label only cites control of Alternaria, this fungicide should provide about the same level of control of downy mildew in ornamental tobacco seedlings as in commercial tobacco, based on our experience with other formulations of mancozeb. The low end of the rate range is essentially the same rate of mancozeb being used on commercial tobacco transplants. Be sure to consult the Pentathion DF label for specific instructions concerning phytotoxicity to ornamental tobaccos.
With active blue mold in the south, the risk of introducing blue mold on southern transplants of tobacco and ornamental tobacco is also increasing. With the sharp increase in heating fuel costs, there is increased interest in southern transplants for economic reasons, and transplants are currently moving from several states to all regions of Kentucky.
Missouri: On April 6, the North American Blue Mold Forecast System advised that conditions were appropriate to warrant a moderate risk for introducing blue mold inoculum from the wild tobacco in Texas to western Missouri.
For the latest blue mold status, check the KY Blue Mold Warning System.
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/kpn/kyblue/kyblue.htm
Preplant applications of products containing 2,4-D
or dicamba are sometimes needed for certain
problem weeds in both corn and soybeans, however
these can cause crop injury. Waiting the
recommended interval between application and
planting is critical to limiting crop injury associated
with these treatments. Early-season symptoms
caused by these herbicides include abnormal shoot
and root growth and sometimes plant death.
Corn: The safest time for using 2,4-D is usually during the period from 7 to 14 days prior to planting until 3 to 5 days after planting and before corn emerges. Some 2,4-D products are not approved for preplant applications.
The risk of early-season corn injury from dicamba tends to be less relative to 2,4-D. Products containing dicamba (e.g. Banvel, Clarity, or Marksman) may injure corn if seed is planted less than 1.5 inches below the surface or the seed furrow is open. In cases where corn seed may be exposed to dicamba, delay applications until corn plants have emerged.
Soybeans: Growers should be aware that soybeans are very sensitive to growth regulator herbicides and that there is risk of getting crop injury from using them in preplant applications. Because of the sensitivity of soybeans to growth regulator herbicides, the waiting period between application and planting is usually greater for this crop than for corn. The length of waiting period will depend on a number factors including rate and formulation of herbicide.
Ester formulations of 2,4-D are usually preferred because of the less restrictive waiting periods relative to those associated with amine formulations. Some 2,4-D products are not labeled for preplant applications to soybeans.
When applying ester formulations of 2,4-D, delay planting soybeans 7 days for rates up to 0.5 lb ai/A and 30 days for rates greater than 0.5 lb ai/A up to 1 lb ai/A. Consult the product label for specific rates. Soybeans should be planted at least 1.5 to 2 inches deep. The planter press wheels should be adjusted to ensure that soybean seed are completely covered with soil.
Clarity is a dicamba formulation that is registered for preplant applications in soybeans. Following application of Clarity and a minimum accumulation of 1 inch of rainfall, a waiting interval of 14 days is required for rates of 4 to 8 fluid ounces per acre and 28 days for 16 fluid ounces.
How to interpret and use the results of SCN soil
analyses:
SCN analysis results can help you determine your production options for a specific field. The number of SCN eggs per " cup of soil, as determined for from SCN analyses, is a fairly reliable indicator of the potential impact of SCN on soybean yield. The table below indicates a percentage range of soybean yield loss at various SCN egg populations.
| SCN eggs per 1/2 cup of soil | Potential yield loss of a SCN- Susceptible variety* |
| 0 | 0% |
| 1 - 500 | 0-5% |
| 501 - 1000 | 5-15% |
| 1000 - 3000 | 15-20% |
| 3001 - 5000 | 20-40% |
| 5000+ | 25-60% |
*Note: A greater yield loss potential is associated with crops being impacted by other stresses, such as other pests, drought, herbicide injury, etc. Healthy crops are capable of compensating for some SCN damage; thus, the lower yield loss potential at the same SCN population. Below are management options for fields with SCN infestations. In all cases where SCN is detected, steps should be taken to initiate a site-specific management program. This necessarily includes periodically testing soil for SCN to make sure that SCN populations are responding favorably and predictably to the management practices being used.
Resistant varieties:
SCN-resistant soybean varieties are an extremely important tool in SCN management. In most situations, planting resistant soybean varieties will limit yield loss due to SCN and decrease SCN populations. Although some of the first SCN resistant varieties lagged behind susceptible varieties in yield, newer SCN resistant varieties do not suffer the same yield penalty.
Most SCN populations in Kentucky will be effectively managed by planting varieties that possess resistance to SCN races 3 and 14. There are a large number of public and private varieties in this category. If SCN populations are not lower following a year of SCN race 3,14-resistant soybeans, or if crop yields are not as great as expected, then the combination of SCN-resistant variety and SCN field population may be a poor match. Also, some race 3,14 SCN-resistant varieties are better at reducing SCN populations or yield better than others. Consult the 2000 Kentucky Soybean Performance Report (available at your county Extension office) to determine if another resistant variety might be more suitable for your farm. A race 1,3 resistant variety may perform well if a race 3,14 resistant variety did not perform as expected. In any event, most all resistant varieties will out-yield a SCN-susceptible variety if SCN populations exceed the damage threshold (500 eggs/1/2 cup soil), even if SCN reproduction occurs. Extremely high SCN levels (10,000 eggs+) may reduce yields even in resistant varieties, albeit not nearly as bad as with a susceptible variety. In those situations it is recommended that you plant a non-host crop prior to planting a SCN resistant variety to reduce SCN to a more acceptable level.
Crop rotation:
Crop rotation using non-host crops, SCN-resistant varieties, and SCN-susceptible varieties is the basis for an effective SCN management program. Planting a non-host crop, such as corn, alfalfa or forage grasses, will reduce SCN populations by 50- 80%, depending upon the starting SCN population and the soil conditions during the season. A four- year rotation scheme incorporating non-hosts, SCN- resistant and -susceptible soybean varieties can effectively manage SCN populations, avoid race shifting, and reduce soybean yield loss.
Planting a SCN-susceptible soybean, periodically, will reduce the potential for race shifts to occur in fields. This is desirable because a race shift may result in currently-available resistant varieties being less effective. Rotating a non-host crop with a resistant soybean, every other year, is not recommended in Kentucky. Research has shown that a SCN race shift will occur about the third time a resistant variety (which incorporates the same source of SCN resistance) is grown when rotated with corn. Alternating sources of resistance each time soybean is grown, may be an acceptable tactic, but this GREATLY limits your variety selection options since almost all SCN resistant varieties adaptable to Kentucky have the same source of resistance - PI88788. For these reason, we recommend the following crop sequence in Kentucky:
Suggested Crop Rotation
Year 0 -- identification of SCN
Year 1 -- non-host crop
Year 2 -- adapted resistant soybean variety
Year 3 -- non-host crop
Year 4 -- susceptible variety if soil analysis shows
that SCN population is below threshold level,
otherwise plant a resistant variety, but not the same
one as planted in year 2.
We have many years of data and a considerable amount of experience to show that the above rotation is acceptable in most situations and is sustainable over the long term. However, as described in last week's Ky Pest News, there are some situations that prohibit the planting of a susceptible variety in year 4. To protect against this situation, soil should always be sampled for SCN analysis before planting a SCN-susceptible soybean variety. If the population is still high by year 4, a resistant variety may again be needed to further reduce the population. In this situation, do not plant the same resistant variety as was planted in year 2 of the crop sequence. In fact, it is preferred that if a resistant variety is still needed in year 4, select a variety which represents a different source of SCN resistance than was used in year 2. This information is generally available through seed dealers and the Cooperative Extension Service.
Cultural Practices:
Providing a plant with the best possible growing conditions will reduce stress and yield loss due to SCN. Maintain optimum soil fertility to optimize plant growth and development, and control weeds and other pests to reduce overall plant stress. Planting no-till, doublecrop soybean behind wheat will result in lower SCN numbers by season's end when a SCN-susceptible variety is grown. In this case it is the wheat residue that is the key factor. Some research suggests that long-term no tillage in a field will ultimately limit the level of SCN increase compared to where fields are tilled. However, tillage in itself does not impact SCN in the short term except where doublecropping is being practiced. In that case, no-tillage allows the maximum amount of crop residue to remain on the soil suface and this in some way limits SCN build-up during the course of a season. However, doublecropping IS NOT a replacement for SCN resistant varieties when preplant SCN densities are above damage threshold. The main value of the so-called "wheat residue effect" is in the long term management of SCN populations. In other words, the less a SCN population goes up when a SCN-susceptible variety is grown, the less time will be required to return SCN levels to sub-threshold using non-hosts and resistant varieties.
Nematicides:
Nematicides provide early-season protection against yield loss, but they significantly increase the cost of crop production. Final SCN populations are often as high as if a nematicide had not been used. In addition, yields of SCN-susceptible soybeans treated with nematicides are not superior to yields of resistant varieties when an adapted resistant variety is planted. Thus, nematicides are only recommended when a producer cannot rotate to a non-host crop or when SCN populations can not be controlled with available resistant varieties. Nematicides are a "last resort" SCN management activity.
Preplant applications of products containing 2,4-D
or dicamba are sometimes needed for certain
problem weeds in both corn and soybeans, however
these can cause crop injury. Waiting the
recommended interval between application and
planting is critical to limiting crop injury associated
with these treatments. Early-season symptoms
caused by these herbicides include abnormal shoot
and root growth and sometimes plant death.
Corn: The safest time for using 2,4-D is usually during the period from 7 to 14 days prior to planting until 3 to 5 days after planting and before corn emerges. Some 2,4-D products are not approved for preplant applications.
The risk of early-season corn injury from dicamba tends to be less relative to 2,4-D. Products containing dicamba (e.g. Banvel, Clarity, or Marksman) may injure corn if seed is planted less than 1.5 inches below the surface or the seed furrow is open. In cases where corn seed may be exposed to dicamba, delay applications until corn plants have emerged.
Soybeans: Growers should be aware that soybeans are very sensitive to growth regulator herbicides and that there is risk of getting crop injury from using them in preplant applications. Because of the sensitivity of soybeans to growth regulator herbicides, the waiting period between application and planting is usually greater for this crop than for corn. The length of waiting period will depend on a number factors including rate and formulation of herbicide.
Ester formulations of 2,4-D are usually preferred because of the less restrictive waiting periods relative to those associated with amine formulations. Some 2,4-D products are not labeled for preplant applications to soybeans.
When applying ester formulations of 2,4-D, delay planting soybeans 7 days for rates up to 0.5 lb ai/A and 30 days for rates greater than 0.5 lb ai/A up to 1 lb ai/A. Consult the product label for specific rates. Soybeans should be planted at least 1.5 to 2 inches deep. The planter press wheels should be adjusted to ensure that soybean seed are completely covered with soil.
Clarity is a dicamba formulation that is registered for preplant applications in soybeans. Following application of Clarity and a minimum accumulation of 1 inch of rainfall, a waiting interval of 14 days is required for rates of 4 to 8 fluid ounces per acre and 28 days for 16 fluid ounces.
Selecting a crop variety with adequate levels of disease resistance is, along with crop rotation, the foundation of a disease management program for field crops. While it is not possible to obtain an alfalfa variety with adequate levels of resistance to all the diseases that attack our crop, it is possible to greatly reduce the impact of a number of diseases simply by selecting the appropriate variety.
For Kentucky producers, there is a very simple rule of thumb relative to disease resistance: Select high- yielding varieties with an R or HR rating to Aphanomyces root rot. Let me explain.
First, start by identifying the high-yielding, adapted varieties. Examine the alfalfa variety test report produced annually by the UK Department of Agronomy, available through UK Extension Agents for Agriculture. That publication nicely summarizes variety tests conducted over the entire state over several years. This report is important in two ways:
Once you have identified the top-yielding, adapted varieties, select those with at least an R or HR rating to Aphanomyces root rot. Recall that alfalfa varieties are scored for disease resistance as follows.
Research by UK forage scientists and Extension agents has shown that alfalfa varieties with an R or HR rating are needed should an outbreak of Aphanomyces root rot occur. We have learned in recent years just how common this problem can be in Kentucky, particularly in spring seedings.
But what about the other diseases we sometimes talk about: Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt? Yes, we still recommend resistance to all of these. In particular, Phytophthora root rot is a very important disease on many farms where alfalfa is being produced. Anthracnose is still a potential threat, in my opinion, even though almost no destructive outbreaks have been seen in Kentucky since the drought of 1988.
Fortunately, selecting a variety with adequate levels of resistance to all these diseases is really very simple. If you select a variety with an R or HR rating to Aphanomyces root rot, it will already have adequate levels of resistance to these other diseases, since Aphanomyces resistance is the latest development in alfalfa disease resistance. Varieties resistant to Aphanomyces already have resistance to these other diseases.
If the variety you are considering has resistance to Race 2 of Aphanomyces, this could be a plus. Aphanomyces Race 2 can attack and cause disease on the "first generation" of Aphanomyces-resistant varieties, which were selected for resistance to Race 1. Most of the varieties currently available are Race 1-resistant only. Recent research in Iowa and Wisconsin suggests that Aphanomyces Race 2 is common in those states. Race 2 has been detected in several locations in Kentucky, so resistance to Race 2 could be important on some farms. However, thus far, I have only documented one case in Kentucky of Aphanomyces root rot on a Race 1-resistant variety, so I believe that Race 1 resistance should continue to be useful on many farms. Cases of stand establishment failures with Race 1-resistant alfalfa should, of course, be sent to the UK Diagnostic Labs for evaluation.
Recent unseasonably warm weather has triggered alarms relating to fire blight disease. As was explained in Kentucky Pest News last week, when susceptible trees are in bloom, warm weather favorable to buildup of the pathogen combined with occasional rain will initiate primary infections. Although fire blight is a concern mainly to apple and pear growers, especially those with orchards having infections in recent years, fire blight can also be devastating to flowering crabapples and flowering pears.
Pears and flowering pears are in full bloom throughout Kentucky and flowering crabapples are or soon will be in bloom as well. Given the continued warm weather, apples could also be in flower by the end of the week. By using the Maryblyt computer program, some apple growers have perhaps already determined that based on weather forecasts, fire blight infections in Kentucky could occur as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, April 10. On Tuesday, and for the rest of the week, all that is needed to initiate infection is a little rain -- thundershowers are forecast intermittently throughout the period.
Once it gains entry into the tree, the fire blight bacterium, Erwinia amylovora is a virulent pathogen, however, it also grows as a saprophyte content to grow benignly on most any surface of the tree including the flowers. By tomorrow, there will have been enough continuous warm weather for buildup of high levels of the pathogen on the tree surfaces. With high levels of bacteria and open flowers, some rain, or even a heavy dew is all that is needed to wash the bacteria from the flower surfaces to the open nectaries at the base of the flower, thus providing entry for the bacteria. Mild temperatures expected for the week will provide ideal conditions for the internalized bacteria to wreak havoc on the infected trees.
Will there be much fire blight this year? To get fire blight infections, we need susceptible trees (which we have), favorable weather (which we would have with just a little rain), and presence of the bacteria. Is Erwinia amylovora likely to be on the trees now? During the past 5 years, records from the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory indicate that fire blight was diagnosed every year, with high levels in 1999, moderate levels in 1996 and 2000, and low levels in 1997 and 1998. Thus, it appears that there is enough surface inoculum present for fire blight levels to go from low to high in just one year. The variable seems to be weather. Where there is rain this week on trees in bloom, expect fire blight symptoms to appear in the following weeks. Pears and flowering pears, now in bloom, are at greatest risk for infection, but flowering crabapples and perhaps eventually apples will also be at risk. Fruit growers and landscape managers must be alert to fire blight potentials this year, and are advised to take preventive action where appropriate.
Recent unseasonably warm weather has triggered alarms relating to fire blight disease. As was explained in Kentucky Pest News last week, when susceptible trees are in bloom, warm weather favorable to buildup of the pathogen combined with occasional rain will initiate primary infections. Although fire blight is a concern mainly to apple and pear growers, especially those with orchards having infections in recent years, fire blight can also be devastating to flowering crabapples and flowering pears.
Pears and flowering pears are in full bloom throughout Kentucky and flowering crabapples are or soon will be in bloom as well. Given the continued warm weather, apples could also be in flower by the end of the week. By using the Maryblyt computer program, some apple growers have perhaps already determined that based on weather forecasts, fire blight infections in Kentucky could occur as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, April 10. On Tuesday, and for the rest of the week, all that is needed to initiate infection is a little rain -- thundershowers are forecast intermittently throughout the period.
Once it gains entry into the tree, the fire blight bacterium, Erwinia amylovora is a virulent pathogen, however, it also grows as a saprophyte content to grow benignly on most any surface of the tree including the flowers. By tomorrow, there will have been enough continuous warm weather for buildup of high levels of the pathogen on the tree surfaces. With high levels of bacteria and open flowers, some rain, or even a heavy dew is all that is needed to wash the bacteria from the flower surfaces to the open nectaries at the base of the flower, thus providing entry for the bacteria. Mild temperatures expected for the week will provide ideal conditions for the internalized bacteria to wreak havoc on the infected trees.
Will there be much fire blight this year? To get fire blight infections, we need susceptible trees (which we have), favorable weather (which we would have with just a little rain), and presence of the bacteria. Is Erwinia amylovora likely to be on the trees now? During the past 5 years, records from the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory indicate that fire blight was diagnosed every year, with high levels in 1999, moderate levels in 1996 and 2000, and low levels in 1997 and 1998. Thus, it appears that there is enough surface inoculum present for fire blight levels to go from low to high in just one year. The variable seems to be weather. Where there is rain this week on trees in bloom, expect fire blight symptoms to appear in the following weeks. Pears and flowering pears, now in bloom, are at greatest risk for infection, but flowering crabapples and perhaps eventually apples will also be at risk. Fruit growers and landscape managers must be alert to fire blight potentials this year, and are advised to take preventive action where appropriate.
Despite their role in nature, birds may become pests when they nest or roost around structures. In recent weeks, clients have been experiencing a host of problems stemming from birds nesting on their premises.
Significance as Pests - Pigeons, starlings and sparrows cause millions of dollars in damage by defacing buildings, sidewalks and cars with their droppings. Gutters, downspouts and air vents may become stopped up by nesting materials, and the feathers, filth, and carcasses can lead to secondary pest problems by attracting carpet beetles, mealworms and other scavenger insects. Birds nesting around buildings may also pose a health hazard to people and farm animals. Mites, lice and bedbugs can invade living areas and bite humans after the nestlings leave or a bird dies. Birds can also transmit salmonellosis (food poisoning), and cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis systemic fungal infections acquired by inhaling airborne spores which grow in bird droppings.
Bird mites- These bloodsucking ectoparasites normally live on the birds or in their nests, but will sometimes migrate into buildings when a bird dies or abandons the area. People become aware of the problem when they are attacked by mites searching for an alternate food source. This can be quite distressing as it was, last week, for a family whose newborn infant became infested when mites dispersed from a nest located in the wall-mounted air conditioner in the child's room. The bites cause itching and irritation, but do not result in disease. Bird mites are tiny but usually can be seen with the naked eye. They are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence and appear as slow-moving specs.
Bird mites can survive several days without a host. Unless corrective measures are taken, the occupants will probably continue to be bitten. The first step in controlling bird mites is to remove the birds and their nests. Nests typically will be found in attics, around eaves, window ledges, and rafters, or in gutters or chimneys. Wear gloves when handling dead birds, and a respirator when removing nest materials to avoid inhaling fungal spores and other potential disease-producing organisms associated with the droppings.
After nests are removed, the nest location (and adjacent areas) should be sprayed with an insecticide such as those labeled for flea control. Permethrin and carbaryl are examples of effective active ingredients. A vacuum cleaner or cloth moistened with alcohol or dilute ammonia solution can be used to eliminate mites crawling on walls, floors and other indoor surfaces. Laundering (hot or warm cycle) will kill any mites crawling on clothing or bedding.
Bird Management - The most effective way to avoid problems with pest birds around buildings is to deny them nesting and roosting sites. The best time to do this is before nests are well established. Vents and other small openings should be sealed with 1/4-inch hardware cloth or similar exclusion materials. Attic vents may need to be screened or netted on the exterior to prevent sparrows from nesting between the louvers. Nesting or roosting on ledges, eaves, window sills and other surfaces can be deterred by installing tightly strung, parallel strands of wire just above the surface of the ledge. Roosting can also be discouraged by changing the angle of the ledge to 45 degrees or more with sheet metal or wood boards. "Porcupine" wires (Nixalite , Cat Claw ), coils (Bird Barrier ), repellent gels, or netting are effective, provided they are correctly installed. Homeowners can purchase bird exclusion materials at hardware or farm supply stores, or may want to call a professional pest control firm.
Before installation, remove nests and droppings to avoid problems with scavenger insects and potential disease pathogens. Gloves and a respirator (dust masks are insufficient) should be worn to avoid inhaling fungal and bacterial spores. Lightly moistening droppings and nesting materials with water before removal reduces the tendency for spores to become airborne.
Fake owls, snakes, balloons, and other visual repellents usually fail because birds soon become acclimated to these objects and ignore them. If these devices are tried, reposition them periodically or vary the pattern. Repeated disruption of nest- building activities, such as with loud sounds or the spray from a water hose, can be effective but require persistence. Such efforts should ideally begin before the birds have formed a strong attachment to the site. If frightening efforts are to be successful, they must continue for several days, and may need to be repeated if the birds decide to rebuild. Toxic baits or shooting of birds should be avoided and in many areas is illegal. Large or complicated bird jobs may require the expertise of a professional pest control or nuisance wildlife firm.
Finally, any leftover bird seed from winter feeding should be stored in tight-fitting containers. Unsealed bags of seed left in the garage or basement are prime targets for meal moths, mice and other pests.
Samples in the Diagnostic Lab for the past week included numerous greenhouse samples: Pythium root rot on tobacco float plants; Pythium root rot and Rhizoctonia damping-off on pepper transplants; powdery mildew on greenhouse tomatoes; and Pythium root rot on African violet, geranium and petunia.
We have also seen crown gall and shothole borer on grape; winter injury on ivy, holly and magnolia; necrotic ringspot on Kentucky bluegrass; Rhizosphaera needlecast on spruce; black root rot on holly; and Phytophthora root rot on holly and taxus.
| UKREC-Princeton, KY, March 16 - April 6, 2001 | |
| Black Cutworm | 0 |
Lee Townsend
Extension Entomologist
