I’ve posted several Alerts over the years about the ancient cyanobacterium, Nostoc commune (Nc) and always cautioned that the mucilaginous mass can be as slippery as ice. I now have face-to-turf experience. Thankfully, the only thing hurt was my pride.

This nocturnal beetle prefers sandy soil to lay eggs. Introduced from eastern Asia around the 1920s, the asiatic garden beetle (AGB) is well established in the northeastern United States, and on the move to southern states.

Check out today's Turfgrass Team Times. Lots of great turf related updates from OSU Specialists.

This Alert is based on a site visit that I made yesterday and centers on the common misconception that bagworms only feed on evergreens. Although bagworms are frequently called "evergreen bagworms" in many southern states, the caterpillars may feed on over 125 species of evergreen and deciduous woody plants in 45 plant families.

A healthy lawn needs 3 things: proper moisture, good nutrition, and proper cultural practices. To start off, many areas have seen abnormally dry conditions. But it depends on where you stand…literally.

Check out the latest links to a couple new Turfgrass Team Times!

Mimosa Webworm nests are causing honeylocusts to appear burnt orange in central Ohio. Honeylocust is considered an alternate host of this non-native moth in much of the U.S.; however, it’s the primary host in Ohio where mimosa trees (a.k.a. silk trees) are somewhat rare.

The spined oak borer is a longhorned beetle native to the eastern parts of the United States, including Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Horismenus is an Eulophid parasitoid wasp found along with spined oak borer. The relationship between the spined oak borer and Horismenus, represents a classic example of biological control in nature, where one species helps regulate the population of another.

This longhorn beetle is the only species reported in its genus, but widespread in the eastern United States.

You may notice your sidewalk turning black this time of year. What’s happening? Time to look up.