Inspecting Plants for Damage After a Winter Storm
Introduction During the winter months, frigid temperatures and heavy winds can combine to produce fierce storms. Winter storms can feature abundant precipitation – often in…
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Insect Profiles: Oak Leaf Gall Mite (Pyemotes herfsi)
Introduction Oak leaf gall mite (Pyemotes herfsi), also known as itch mite, is an ectoparasitic insect in the genus Pyemotes. It is a secondary invader…
Tree Diseases: Hypoxylon Canker of Oaks (Hypoxylon atropunctatum)
Introduction Hypoxylon canker of oaks is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen, Hypoxylon atropunctatum. The fungus infects weakened, injured, and dying wood on oak…
Insect Profiles: Spruce Spider Mite (Oligonychus ununguis)
Introduction Spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) is a small pest that infests numerous conifers. The insect is native to North America. It is one of…
Tree Diseases: Honey Fungus (Armillaria)
Introduction Honey fungus, or Armillaria, comprises a genus of parasitic fungi that infect a variety of plants. It is one of the most destructive fungal…
Insect Profiles: Knopper Gall Wasp (Andricus quercuscalicis)
Introduction Knopper gall wasp (Andricus quercuscalicis) is a gall wasp species that infests two types of oak trees: common oak, and turkey oak. The word…
Insect Profiles: Magnolia Scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum)
Introduction Magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum) is an insect that feeds exclusively on magnolia plants. It is one of the largest scale insects in the United…
Physiological Disorders of Trees: Fertilizer Burn
During the growing season, one of the most common horticultural practices is the fertilization of plants. While fertilizer accelerates the growth of many plants, it…
Tree Diseases: Brittle Cinder (Kretzchmaria deusta)
Introduction Kretzchmaria deusta, also referred to as brittle cinder, and previously known by the scientific name Ustulina vulgaris, is a fungus and plant pathogen that…
Insect Profiles: Viburnum Leaf Beetles (Pyrrhalta viburni)
Viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburniI) is an insect that feeds on the foliage of viburnum plants. The beetle is native to Europe and Asia. It…
Insect Profiles: Cottonwood Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela scripta)
Introduction Cottonwood leaf beetle (Chrysomela scripta) is a significant defoliator of aspen, cottonwood, poplar, and willow. The insect is a native pest that occurs throughout…
Insect Profiles: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys)
Introduction Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), often abbreviated to BMSB, and sometimes referred to as a stink bug, is a true bug in the…
Root Diseases: Phytophthora Root Rot
Introduction Phytophthora root rot is one of the most significant root diseases of woody ornamentals, and herbaceous plants. It is caused by a multitude of…
Tree Diseases: Black Knot (Apiosporina morbosa)
Black knot (Apiosporina morbosa) is a fungal disease that infects over 25 species of Prunus. It is caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa. Outbreaks of…
Insect Profiles: Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)
Introduction Whitefly is a small insect that infests a diverse array of plants. More than 1,500 species of whitefly have been discovered worldwide. Whiteflies comprise…
Insect Profiles: Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum)
Introduction Western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) is a significant defoliator of broadleaved trees and shrubs. It is one of the most frequently observed and widely…
Plant Disorders: Leaf Scorch
Introduction Leaf scorch is a physiological disorder of plants. It can affect most plants if the weather conditions are favorable. Extreme temperatures, heavy winds, periods…
Insect Profiles: Elm Leaf Beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola)
Introduction Elm leaf beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola) is a significant nuisance of elm trees. It is a member of the family Chrysomelidae. Elm leaf beetle is…
Tree Diseases: Black Spot of Rose
Introduction Black spot of rose is one of the most widespread plant diseases around the world. The disease is caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae.…
Tree Diseases: Black Rot of Apple Trees
Introduction Black rot of apple, also called frogeye leaf spot, is a fungal disease that infects the fruit, leaves, and bark of various hardwood trees,…