August News

Using Indicator Plants and Growing degree days Information as Pest Management Guides

Researchers have been determining Growing degree days numbers associated with life stages of many species of pests and stages of development of various indicator plants. Informed landscape plant managers are using this information to make wise pest management decisions.

For example, years of careful observation have shown that the eastern tent caterpillar is a young larva and most vulnerable to control measures, between 100-200 growing degree days. This is also the GDD range when saucer magnolia, Magnolia x soulangiana, is in pink bud to early bloom. A landscape manager can observe the development of local saucer magnolias to pinpoint the best time to treat or remove the small eastern tent caterpillar nests.

Another example: Suppose pine needle scale has been a problem in past years and a grounds manager wants to prevent further outbreaks. By checking references such as Coincide: The Orton System of Pest Management, he or she learns that the eggs of pine needle scale hatch and first generation crawlers are most vulnerable between 200 to 350 GDD. This is also about the range that horsechestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, blooms. When 150 GDD have accumulated, or when horsechestnut just begins to bloom, it is time to scout pines for newly hatched pine needle scale crawlers. Since the crawler stage is the most easily controlled life stage, when crawlers are observed, it is time to treat with a registered material.

Plant phenological indicators are only guidelines. Grounds managers still have to monitor pest life stages to pinpoint what is happening at each site. Likewise, specific events in insect development occur within GDD ranges, not by a specific number. Tracking GDD and phenological indicators gives a useful way of knowing when to look for a particular pest and to manage it in its most vulnerable stage. Following signals in nature helps arborists, nurserymen, and grounds managers make effective pest management decisions and minimizes the impact of their pest control applications on the environment.

PHC for Trees SRN 11-22-22

PHC for Trees SRN 11-22-22 is a fully soluble product that provides both chemical and biological fertility. Its chemically-based elements address trees immediate nutritional needs, while its beneficial bacteria will help to sustain fertility over the long term. Recommended for spring or fall applications.

DYLOX 6.2

DYLOX 6.2 is the Standard for Curative Grub Control working in arid or rainy conditions. Dylox 6.2 provides fast-acting control of surface-feeding and soil insects, including white grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, cutworms and armyworms. Not wasting any time, Dylox works immediately after irrigation or rainfall, and penetrates thatch up to 1/2-inch thick when watered properly, providing grub control within 24 hours. Under normal conditions, Dylox controls the pest and then degrades quickly. There are no Dylox restrictions regarding turf species or sites for landscape and recreational-area uses.

TURF EDUCATION DAY (TED)

TED IS GOING VIRTUAL!
AUGUST 18-27, 2020

TED is going virtual this year! Virtual TED will give you the opportunity to view all sessions at your own pace. No more choosing between sessions and missing content. Attendees will have 10 days to view up to 12 on-demand sessions. On August 27, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. attendees will come together for a virtual Q&A session with the speakers and ILCA Turf Committee. Topics: All things about seed, natural lawn care products, calibration, micronutrients, best management practices, ball field renovation, updates from the Department of Agriculture, aeration, fungicides, sequential application and timing of them.

ILCA Event Calendar

WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT MOST: 3 IDEAS TO GROW OR SAVE YOUR BUSINESS

1) Make it Simple and Clear for Me 
Customers want simplicity and clarity. Remove the clutter, avoid the confusion and tell them simply and clearly what you do, the problem you solve and how you can help them. Provide your customers with a simple and clear process to engage with you and your service or product. I've seen a lot of restaurants do a great job with this and their takeout service. We've all witnessed Apple do this with the iPhone and Amazon make a fortune with their online business. The more complicated you make it, the more frustrated your customers will get and the more likely they won't want to work with you. The easier, simpler, and clearer you make it the greater loyalty and success you will generate. 

2) Coach and Guide me Through the Process
This is essential in service and relationship focused businesses. Customers want someone who will coach and guide them. This is a great opportunity for you and your business to stand out from the competition. By coaching and guiding your customers you earn their trust and become a trusted advisor. During a time of uncertainty, people seek out and do business with the people and brands they trust and they will trust those who coach and guide them. Now more than ever, coach your customers, earn their trust and build a great business.

3) Give Me the Confidence I'm Making the Right Decision
Your customer wants to feel good about their decision. If you believe in your product or service they will believe in it. Demonstrate to them why they made the right decision. Show them great service. Show them great results. In terms of safety, which people are looking for right now, show them how you are helping them be safe.