Tufted flower parts that rise rosette-like from coneflower cones are symptoms of an eriophyid mite (family Eriophyidae) that has yet to be taxonomically categorized, so it has no scientific name or approved common name. However, the mite is generally referred to as the Coneflower Rosette Mite based on the damage that it causes to coneflowers.

White pine weevil (Pissodes strobi) larval feeding damage is now becoming very evident in southern Ohio. This means that localized weevil populations may be reduced by removing and destroying infested conifer terminals.

2022 Ohio Maple Bootcamp was held June 22-24, 2022. It was a great opportunity for beginning producers to learn all about making and marketing maple syrup.

This past week, the Kissing Bug Triatoma sanguisuga was identified from images sent to OSU Entomology from a resident in Warren County and to OSU Extension, Butler County, from a resident in that county. This kissing bug was given the approved common name of Bloodsucking Conenose by the Entomological Society of America (ESA).

This is the time of year that is both disappointing and exhilarating for any fruit grower because of the phenomenon called “June drop”.  It is disappointing because of what you thought would be your best apple crop and your dreams of apple crisps and pies galore… suddenly begins to drop off the tree.  But it’s okay because as a fruit grower, you know that most fruit trees will produce many more blooms than are actually needed by the tree to produce a full fruit load.

 

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The bizarre-looking Ash Inflorescence (flower) Galls produced by the eriophyid mite, Aceria fraxiniflora (Syn. Eriophyes fraxiniflora) (family Eriophyidae) are gracing ash trees in Ohio. The growths consist of variably sized clusters of distorted flower parts.

The distinctive-looking eriophyid mite bladder galls produced by the so-called Poison Ivy Leaf Gall Mite on Eastern Poison Ivy are now apparent. The irregular, wart-like, light green to reddish-green galls arise from the upper surfaces of the leaflets. Heavily galled leaves may be twisted and deformed.

Check out the latest Turfgrass Team Times. Full of important turf related information you will not want to miss.

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L., family Apiaceae (previously Umbelliferae)) is in full bloom in Ohio with recent hot temperatures accelerating seed development, particularly in the southern part of the state. This means it’s too late to reduce the seed bank of this highly dangerous non-native invasive weed by targeting flowering plants with herbicides.

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is in full flower in much of Ohio with some plants showing signs of senescence in the southern part of the state meaning flowers are mature and seeds will soon follow. This means it’s too late to reduce the seed bank by targeting flowering plants with herbicides or mowing.