News

Managing Diplodia tip blight

Published on April 28, 2021
Diplodia tip blight can kill the current year’s growth of trees of any age. Time fungicide applications to protect new growth from bud break through full candle elongation.
How to identify and manage common ragweed in Christmas tree production – Part 1

Published on April 28, 2021
Identifying common ragweed early in Christmas tree production can help growers develop an effective weed control plan.
Lymantria dispar populations are high: What conifer growers need to know

Published on April 16, 2021
There were extremely high populations of Lymantria dispar, formerly gypsy moth, during 2020 and we anticipate elevated populations this year. Scout and treat spruce, fir and Douglas fir for gypsy moths.
Bands from Weir’s cushion rust visible on infected spruce needles

Published on April 15, 2021
Yellow spots or bands are visible on infected Serbian and Colorado blue spruce needles. Weir’s cushion rust can cause discoloration and pre-mature needle loss.
Target stem mothers to control balsam twig aphids in Christmas trees

Published on April 9, 2021
Targeting the stem mothers is the key to preventing curling and distortion of new growth caused by balsam twig aphid.
Cooley and eastern spruce gall adelgids: Small pests that equal big problems

Published on April 9, 2021
These tiny insects are difficult to find but can easily be identified by the shoot galls they cause. If galls were abundant last year and an insecticide is needed, it can be applied in spring when the overwintering immature females are still exposed.
Prepare your scouting plan for your Christmas trees

Published on March 31, 2021
Spring has sprung and it is time to start scouting your Christmas trees and prepare your integrated pest management (IPM) plan for the year.
Changes in the nursery and Christmas tree inspection programs

Published on March 26, 2021
Changes in the pine shoot beetle federal quarantine and improvements to the MDARD inspection program that may affect nursery and Christmas tree growers.
Getting ready for those early insects in Christmas tree and nursery fields

Published on March 18, 2021
It’s never too early to begin scouting your trees and fields for early season pests, such as Zimmerman pine moth and white pine weevil.
Dr. Debalina Saha enjoys conducting applied research and interacting with her students

Published on February 8, 2021
Dr. Saha was hired as an Assistant Professor in July 2019 to help the ornamental (nursery, greenhouse, landscape) industry with weed control issues.