Remember West Nile Virus?

Transcription

1 Fayette County Extension September 2017 Cooperative Extension Service Fayette County Extension 1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY Phone (859) By The Yard HORTICULTURE NEWSLETTER Remember West Nile Virus? Humans contract West Nile Virus from mosquito bites PHOTO: Matt Barton, UK Ag. Communications Inside this issue: Recipe: Grilled Pepper and Portabella Mushroom Sandwich Dividing Perennials 3 Fall Webworm 4 Quick Tips for September 5 A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows." Doug Larson 2 Mosquito trapping and testing is underway in many states, including Kentucky, as part of overall public health programs. The relatively mild winter of favored greater survival of species, such as the house mosquito complex, that overwinter as adults. In some cases, the pathogens mosquitoes may carry may have also survived. According to 2017 news reports, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes captured this year in Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee; a human case has been confirmed in Mississippi. Consequently, it is a good time to review the disease, its vectors, and protective measures; and now a human case confirmed here in Kentucky. Disease Vectors & Symptoms House mosquitoes move the virus among various bird species. When abundant, they and mosquito species (such as the Asian tiger mosquito) can serve as bridge vectors to move the virus into humans (and horses). Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Less than 1% develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord in some infected humans). This disease can cause significant mortality in unprotected horses, if not diagnosed quickly. West Nile Virus Cases Initially detected in New York, WNV spread quickly and now cases occur annually throughout the continental U.S. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the greatest number of diagnosed cases (75) in Kentucky occurred in Since then, the annual number of diagnosed cases has been between 3 and 8. Exceptions occurred in 2008 (31) and 2012 (23). According to a CDC report on the 2012 resurgence (5,674 cases nationally), outbreaks can result from many factors, including higher-than-normal temperatures that influence mosquito and bird abundance, the replication of the virus in its host mosquitoes, and Continues on page 2

2 By The Yard Page 2 Remember West Nile Virus? (continued) interactions of birds and mosquitoes in hard-hit areas. Because the factors that lead to West Nile virus disease outbreaks are complex, CDC cannot predict where and when they will occur. The picture for 2017 will develop over the summer. Prevention The best way to prevent West Nile (or Zika) virus infections is to avoid mosquito bites. Use insect repellents when going outdoors. Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and para-menthane-diol (PMD) because these repellents provide longer-lasting protection than other products. Always follow the instructions on the label. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants at dawn and dusk when many mosquitoes are most active. Repair or install screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if available. Help reduce the numbers of mosquitoes present around your home by emptying standing water from items such as gutters, flowerpots, buckets, and kiddie pools. Change birdbaths weekly. Source: Lee Townsend, University of Kentucky, Extension Entomologist QUICK TIP Share your interest in gardening with your grandchildren. Sow vegetable seeds together next spring and involve the children all the way through to harvest.

3 By The Yard Page 3 Dividing Perennials Photo: Iowa State University, Extension Autumnal Equionox Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit. Henry David Thoreau, ( ) If your perennials did not put on their usual show this spring, it may be time to dig and divide. Perennials need space, and once they become crowded, blooms can become smaller and infrequent. Dividing the plants to create more room usually restores their vigor. Late summer is a good time to divide many perennials. If you are unsure about the timing, here is a good rule of thumb. If the plant blooms in the spring, divide it after it blooms or in the fall. If the plant blooms in the summer or fall, divide it in the spring. Perennials grow from underground structures like fleshy roots, rhizomes or bulbs. This is the part of the plant that needs to be divided. Dig up the plant, remove old leaves and shake off loose dirt to expose the underground parts. Gently pull or cut the plant apart into several sections making sure each section has some recent growth at the top. Use one section to replace the original plant and set it in so that the crown is just at soil level. You can use the remaining new plants created from your divisions to expand your landscaping or share with gardening friends and relatives. A fun way to get the most from your extra perennials is to organize a plant exchange in your neighborhood, civic organization, workplace or school. Encourage participants to label their contributions and provide information such as whether the plants prefer full sun or partial shade. Not only will you get new acquisitions for your home landscape, but you may even make a new gardening friend. For more information on horticultural topics, contact the Fayette Cooperative Extension Service. Source: Rick Durham, University of Kentucky, Extension Specialist, Consumer Horticulture CANNER LID TESTING Before the canning season gets into full swing, we want to remind you that we can test your canner lid gauge. There is no fee for this service. Stop by the extension office with your canner lid and gauge any day Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We also have free canning, freezing and drying publications available.

4 By The Yard Page 4 Fall Webworm The fall webworm is a pest that is distributed throughout most of the United States and Canada. It will feed on almost all shade, fruit and ornamental trees except for evergreens. In Kentucky some of the preferred trees include American elm, maples, hickory, and sweetgum. The fall webworm differs from the eastern tent caterpillar and the forest tent caterpillar in that fall webworms always place their tent on the end of branches and there is usually more than one generation each year. The fall webworm caterpillar is about one inch long, is very hairy and is pale green or yellow. They may have either a red or black head. The blackheaded larvae have black spots along the back while the redheaded have orange to reddish spots. The blackheaded larvae will create a flimsy web while the redheaded larvae make a larger, more dense web. The caterpillars overwinter as pupae in cocoons that are hidden either in the bark of trees or in the soil. The moths emerge from mid-march to mid-late April. They are satin white with brown wing spots. After mating, the female moth lays her eggs on the underside of leaves in masses of eggs. In most years, the moths of the blackheaded webworms will lay their eggs about a month before the moths of the redheaded webworms. The first generation of caterpillars start to feed sometime in mid-spring to early summer. After feeding, they pupate in the soil and a second generation of webworms will be observed during August or September. The second generation of webworms usually causes more defoliation than the first generation. PLEASE NOTE: Although unsightly, fall webworm damage is usually more cosmetic than damaging to the host plant. By September the leaves have essentially served their purpose for the season so control is not absolutely necessary unless plants are weak or newly planted. If you feel control is necessary you may utilize one of the methods outlined below. CONTROL of all three of these pests is essentially the same. Destroying the tents, especially when the tents are small, is an effective way of getting rid of the caterpillars. The best time to do this is around dusk or early morning when the larvae are in the tent. Burning the tents should be avoided because the fire and intense heat may damage the tree. On smaller trees, egg masses may be pruned off and destroyed. For larger trees or trees that have several nests, a spray may be needed. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and a number of chemical insecticides are effective against these caterpillars. If an insecticide application is made, it should be made when the larvae are small and easiest to control, not when they are full grown and have already done their damage. The insecticide should be applied in the evening or early morning when the insects are in the nest. A high pressure spray may be needed in order to get the insecticide into the tents. CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication. Of course, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE! Source: Joe Collins, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Nursery Inspector

5 By The Yard Page 5 Quick Tips for September.Add fall blooming perennials to your garden. Good candidates include: Japanese anemone, Hardy ageratum, non-invasive Goldenrods, Hardy begonia, Toad lilies, Asters, Montauk daisy, Perennial mums, Joe pye weed, and a wide variety of ornamental grasses. Make sure to keep plants well watered and try to have them planted early enough to allow establishment before freezing weather. Continue to seed and renovate lawns this month. Good seed to soil contact is critical. Consider renting a power seeder if you are working with a large area. Order spring flowering bulbs now or shop garden centers for the best selection. Bulbs may be planted right away or stored in a cool place for later planting. Plant cover crops in the vegetable garden after plants have been harvested. These can be tilled in next spring to add valuable organic matter. Or consider killing the plants and rolling flat to serve as an effective mulch you can plant through excellent organic weed control. For more information on varieties go to: 113/id113.pdf Begin early garden cleanup with the removal of diseased plant materials. This will help prevent problems next year. Healthy plants can be left for late fall or early spring clean up. Plant fall vegetables. You still have time to direct sow radishes, turnips, spinach and lettuces. You can still succeed with transplants of broccoli, and fast maturing cabbage varieties if planted right away. Plant trees and shrubs. Fall is a wonderful time to plant woody ornamentals. Try to allow plants time to establish before the onset of severe weather. Divide peonies, iris, and daylilies through the middle of this month. Visit a local orchard or farmer s market for apples, pears, fall raspberries and other seasonal treats. First day of Autumn is Friday, September 22nd Don t forget to register for Gardener s Toolbox Classes, For a complete class descriptions and registration information visit our website at: s_toolbox_2017.pdf Life Giving Nectar Before the fall migration, it is important for monarch butterflies to gather nectar. This gives them enough energy to survive the long flight to Mexico or coastal California to their winter roosting sites and enables them to live through the winter months. You can help by planting nectar plants for them to feed on in late summer and early fall. Purple coneflower, asters, verbena and liatris are just a few of their favorites. Butterfly bush is also popular but can be invasive; consider growing a sterile variety or selecting a native alternative. Source: Farmer s Almanac

6 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID Fayette County Cooperative Extension 1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY Lexington, KY PERMIT 112 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Newsletter Enclosed Fayette County By the Yard Jamie Dockery County Extension Agent for Horticulture Cooperative Extension Service Fayette County Extension Service 1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY (859) UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, contact Tim West, UK College of Agriculture, ; Terry Allen or Patty Bender, UK Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity, ; or the USDA, Director Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W Whitten Bldg., 14th & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC ( ).