As part of an exotic pest survey conducted through my lab funded by the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey we are seeking to send out information on the exotic weed, tropical soda apple (TSA). I am looking for 10 counties south of US-460 in the Piedmont region of the state with a small to fair amount of cattle. The information packet contains color fact sheets and a poster on TSA. This weed has been spread all over the south from Florida by the movement of cattle. So far it has not been found in VA, but the USDA is interested finding out about its spread. If you would be interested in receiving an information packet please let me know, send a note to idlab@vt.edu
Also see:
http://www.ento.vt.edu/Facilities/OnCampus/IDLab/NewPests/TSA/TSA_Main.html
Japanese Beetle is now flying in southside Virginia, I collected 4 individuals in Critz, VA on Wednesday, June 17th.
Also in Critz on June 17th I collected this cute little cicada known by the scientific name Cicadetta calliope (Walker). It is about 1" long and light brown but otherwise looks like our more common cicadas. I am guessing by its small size and uncommon occurrence that its is a minor pest compared to the 17- and 13-year cicadas.
Juniper - Two insects that are common on Juniper but are often overlooked (even by me) are the Juniper Midge and the Juniper Tip Midge. The Juniper Tip Midge (JTM) feeds on the tips of juniper and hollows out the bud. It leaves a small exit hole and sometimes a little sawdust. The Juniper Midge (JM) feeds on the sides of small twigs close to the end of the branch. It makes a small cavity but does not go all the way through the twig. Sometimes resin is associated with the damage. Both the JM and JTM are in the adult stage now and flying about (they are small gnat like flies). Both can be controlled with Cygon or Orthene in late June. Many things can cause the tips of juniper to die, add these critters to your list of things to look for.
Borers - Sprays can still be made for Dogwood Borer, Rhododendron Borer, and Bronze Birch Borer, although the first sprays were earlier (see PMG 017, pg. 89) you can still get a late spray on if you have problems with these critters.
Boxwood Leafminer can be controlled in late June with Cygon.
Most insects are just getting started now, nothing of note this week except for large numbers of cucumber beetles.
The high number of plants damaged by thrips has been followed by complaints of thrips biting folks. Not much can be done about these lemon yellow (1/8") plant feeders that see humans as just a big daisy. I suggest that people wear long sleeves and long pants, cut down all flowering weedy growth, and try to stay indoors if possible. Thirps will come through intact screens.
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