This Week's Observations
Pest Identification
Several insect specimens found in homes were presented for identification, including:
- A small (1–2 mm) strawberry root weevil. These are "accidental invaders" that do not burrow into wood or reproduce inside homes, but do feed on a wide range of weeds outdoors. Read more at this MSU link for Strawberry root wevil.
- A mysterious larva that could not be properly identified due to missing body parts - highlighting the need for complete, intact samples for proper diagnosis! The OSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic provides guidelines for submitting insect and plant samples.
Plant Phenology & GDD Tracking
While the OSU Phenology Calendar is up and running, there may be some discrepancies in the GDD presented. We are aware of the issue, and updates will be forthcoming. 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
Reports from across the state have indicated a highly volatile spring, including record-breaking temperature swings. In Cincinnati, a record high of 86F was followed by a temperature drop into the 40s within 12 hours. Temperatures around the state dropped to as low as 19F following the warm spell. These temperature swings have impacted many plants - and plant producers. Of note:
- Forsythia and cornelian cherry blooms
- Early-flowering magnolias (M. stellata and M. soulangiana) have suffered frosted or "toasted" flowers.
- Knock-out roses also experienced freezing on up to 2" of new growth in more southernly areas.
- Boxwoods with tip burn
- Nursery growers are struggling with repeated freeze-thaw cycles and uncovering and covering plants, depending on the temperature conditions
- Some plants, like many winter annual weeds, are thriving - especially in lawns where fall drought left openings for weeds to invade. Henbit and chickweed were mentioned. See Penn State's weed control recommendations for winter and summer annual weeds.
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
- Ann Chanon, Lake County
- Ashley Kulhanek, Medina County
- Beth Scheckelhoff, Putnam County
- Curtis Young, Van Wert County
- Dr. Dave “BugDoc” Shetler, Professor Emeritus
- Gigi Neal, Clermont County
- Joe Boggs, Hamilton County
- Pam Bennett, Clark County
- Rylee Kay Pothuff, Shelby County
- Savannah Ballweg, Preble County
- TJ Wells, Washington County
- Tracy Winters, Gallia County
