UMass Extension Landscape Message April 18, 2014

"East Region (Boston):

Several snapping turtles were observed on April 14th making their annual journey through the landscape to the ponds after overwintering deep in the mud of the meadow."

"Insects

Overall, the entry into Spring this year, in the Northeast, has been driven by extreme temperature variations that have proven to be atypical in comparison to recent past winters. This past winter in MA featured very cold and prolonged cold temperatures that persisted into the beginning of Spring. While most native insect species here were not seriously affected by these cold temperatures, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid did experience heavy winter mortality in most areas of the state. The cold affect on over-wintering Winter Moth eggs is not yet known but is assumed to be minimal at this time.

Winter Moth: The warm temperatures of this past weekend extending into the very beginning of this week finally pushed the maturation of Winter Moth eggs towards hatching. On April 16, 2014, reports were made that winter moth eggs in Rhode Island were beginning to turn blue in color and that egg hatch had actually begun in Southeastern MA. This will continue now for the next 3-5 days. Newly hatched winter moth caterpillars seek the swelling buds of various host plants (oaks, maples, apple, crabapple, birch, blueberry and others) and wriggle inside to feed. In the areas of infestation, IPM practitioners should carefully observe the swelling buds of known host plants and look for the presence of fine silk, which is indicative of this pest at this stage. Buds can also be carefully dissected and then examined with a hand lens or microscope to monitor for the presence of the extremely tiny pale yellow caterpillars. Treatment can still be applied now before the remaining eggs hatch. Be careful at this time when considering the use of dormant oil sprays. In many areas it is now too late in the season for dormant oil sprays. Once the caterpillars are within the buds, they are virtually impossible to treat until the buds open and the caterpillars once again are exposed. Five to six caterpillars per bud, however, can result in the death of both foliar and flower buds. Also, the quicker that the buds open reduces the incidence of this severe damage in the bud stage. Bud expansion is primarily driven by the occurrence of both sufficient soil moisture and warm daily air temperatures. For more detailed information concerning Winter Moth, see the report in the 'Southeastern Report' of this issue of the Landscape Message that has been submitted by Deborah Swanson in Plymouth County."

Claire