17 July 2009

Japanese Beetles are back




With all the wet weather we have been having and all the talk of late blight our experts have been hard at work IDing pest and disease problems. Feel free to bring in a fresh sample in a plastic bag for our Plant experts to ID.

Its Japanese beetle time. The Japanese beetles are in full force this summer, and have already caused some severe damage. Here is the Japanese Beetle fact sheet for your information.

Description of Problem: Metallic green and red shelled insects that eat holes in flowers and leaves during warm months. The larva is also found in Turfgrass as grubs.
Damage to Plant: The adults are skeletonizers; they eat the tissue between the leaf veins, but leave the veins behind. Attacked leaves will soon wither and die. Deformed and/or non opening flower buds

Control:
Chemical: Sevin (Liquid)
Recommended Rate: 1 1/2 oz. Per Gallon Or RTU bottle
Application Time: Evenings, Repeat 7-10 days intervals while you can see the infestation. Below 80 ° F
Other: Japanese Beetle Bags (Make sure you place the bag 10-15’ away from desirable plants) or picking off by hand.