This Week's Observations
Diagnostic Issues
- Canaan Fir Tip Blight. The diagnostic lab received Canaan fir samples showing tip dieback with Phomopsis/Diaporthe spores identified. The fungus is likely opportunistic, triggered by environmental stress (rain → drought cycles, cold, transplant stress). Stress likely predisposed seedlings, but is not considered a major threat to mature trees.
- Box Tree Moth Misidentification. A boxwood sample with suspected box tree moth damage was evaluated, and symptoms suggest winter injury or Volutella dieback. Visit this 2023 BYGL alert for a refresher on differing diagnostic features of Volutella and BTM: https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2198
- Phytoplasma Diagnostics & Vector Biology. The team discussed phytoplasma detection and vector competence. Phytoplasmas are not culturable, but DNA persists even after the organism dies. Question of how long insects remain infectious and how phytoplasmas move through insect tissues. Phytoplasmas actively move through insect gut epithelium into salivary glands, not just via contaminated stylets - a process that can take 3-4 weeks.
Plant Phenology & GDD Tracking
The OSU Phenology Calendar is up and running. Visit: https://weather.cfaes.osu.edu/gdd/ to see the growing degree days (GDD) in your zip code and monitor plant and insect development this spring.
Weather Impacts Across Ohio
Multiple members reported extreme weather, including high winds (70–85 mph), downed trees, dust storms, and icy roads over the past weekend. Temps reported as low as 18F for 3/17/26. Many early spring bloomers (forsythia, magnolia, daffodils) were likely damaged by the sudden freeze.
Contributing Buckeye Environmental Horticulture Team Members:
For more information on each team member, visit: https://beht.osu.edu/people. Additional contact information for each member can be found on their county website by visiting: countyname.osu.edu (ie. pike.osu.edu).
- Amanda Perkins, Pike County
- Beth Scheckelhoff, Putnam County
- Carri Jagger, Morrow County
- Curtis Young, Van Wert County
- Dr. Dave “BugDoc” Shetler, Professor Emeritus
- Eric Draper, Geauga County
- Francesca Rotondo, Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
- Joe Boggs, Hamilton County
- Pam Bennett, Clark County
- Savannah Ballweg, Preble County
- Thomas DeHaas, Erie County
