Leafmining Flies

Leafminers are so named because they tunnel between the upper and lower epidermis to feed on the leaf mesophyll. Leafmining is a lifestyle with no connection to taxonomy. This Alert focuses on two leafminers belonging to the insect order Diptera (flies).
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Authors
Joe Boggs

Shady Sawflies

Dusky Birch Sawfly and Spiny Oak Sawfly larvae are appearing on their namesake hosts in southwest Ohio. They seldom cause significant injury to the overall health of their host trees; however, both can produce noticeable damage, drawing the attention of horticulture professionals and home gardeners.
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Authors
Joe Boggs

Caterpillars and Wasps: “Connecting the Dots”

Participants in the OGIA/OSU Extension Diagnostic Walkabout held this past Monday in Cincinnati Parks’ T. M. Berry International Friendship Park observed the handiwork of our native Hydrangea Leaftier Moth caterpillars. The moth’s caterpillars appear to feed exclusively on our native Smooth Hydrangea, as well as varieties and cultivars.
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Authors
Joe Boggs

Roseslugged Roses

“Bleached” leaves are appearing on landscape roses in southwest Ohio. Unfortunately, I only need to walk to the end of my driveway to see the damage on ‘Knock Out’ roses.
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Authors
Joe Boggs

April in Review: What Came Through the Clinic Doors

April was an active month at the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, with a wide range of plant health issues observed across ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers. Conifer samples were especially common, alongside recurring pest issues on boxwood. We also diagnosed several fungal and bacterial diseases in fruit and vegetable crops, as well as mite and bacterial problems in cut flowers.
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Authors
Francesca Rotondo