yuck. thanks for the heads up.

Speaking of nasty pests, I saw a pest story on the news last night about the Asian Longhorn Beetle being spotted in Worcester. I think they said that is just one of a handful of cities in the country where it has been seen. They said it was an extremely destructive imported (China) insect that is capable of destroying hardwood forests. they described a plan to contain it. Hope it works.

Interesting that the sighting didn't make the Landscape Message. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is the Worcester contact. I've noticed they don't tend to report a whole lot to the extension.

> Phomopsis canker has been diagnosed on blue hydrangeas.

Anyone know what this is? I've never heard of it. Now that everyone and his uncle Bob has three dozen hydrangeas in their gardens, it would not surprise me if some enterprising pathogen decided to wipe out the whole lot of them. Eek! Time to google, I guess.

Asian Longhorned Beetle in MA is very very bad news. When I lived in NYC, many trees were killed by the beetle, and many more infected trees were destroyed to try to contain it. There was an article in today's Globe about it.

and Phomopsis canker? Never heard of it. Not sure I want to know about it. Will my trusty imidacloprid (Bayer's) kill it?

Claire

I live in the Greendale area and the Worcester Dept of Public Works actually called and left a message about this beetle last week. That was the first I'd heard of it.

Wouldnt you know it, I was outside today and this guy flew right in front of me and landed on the city Maple planted in front of our house:

I'm not "icky" about bugs but this thing is huge and pretty damn intimidating.
I sent in a report along with the pic.
I havent noticed any damage though, which seems odd considering the size of bug.

My entire street is lined with Maple trees, the neighborhood is called "Greendale" afterall, it'd be a shame to lose all these beautiful mature trees.

That's a great photo leecb. The beetle looks like a kid's wind-up toy - it's beautiful. But a disaster for the trees. Sounds like Worcester is taking the infestation very seriously.

Claire

UMass Extension just sent out an email concerning the ALB. Serious action being taken.

Claire

From: eweeks@umext.umass.edu
Subject: Asian Longhorned Beetle found in Massachusetts
Date: August 15, 2008 4:54:19 PM EDT
To: greeninfo-all@umext.umass.edu

From UMass Extension:

Asian Longhorned Beetle found in Massachusetts

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) has been positively identified in an infestation in the Greendale section (northeast sector) of Worcester, MA. Personnel from the USDA PPQ and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) inspected the site on Saturday August 2, 2008 and discovered the infestation. The inspection was prompted by the keen observations and persistence of a local resident who suspected the presence of this exotic invader.

Positive verification occurred on Tuesday (8/5/08) from the authority at the
USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory in Beltsville, MD. The USDA APHIS and Forest Service, MDCR and MDAR have been meeting frequently with Worcester City officials to formulate the plan for the management and eradication of this pest population. A press conference was held in Worcester late Wednesday (8/6/08) to announce the find. As result of the detection, portions of Worcester and portions of the towns of Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and Holden are now a regulated area for the movement of woody plant material. A Federal Order will be issued soon that parallels the state regulated area. As part of the process of eradicating the ALB from Worcester, the movement of woody debris, lumber, firewood, and nursery stock that could host ALB infestations will need to be contained. This will keep the beetle from moving via human transport. Companies that work with host material will be contacted by officials.

Only cursory surveys have been conducted thus far and the exact area regulated would change if more infested trees are found. Organized and thorough survey work will begin soon. The estimation, right now at least, for how long this beetle may have been active at this location is thought to be 5 years given its range and visible damage. Affected trees will be cut down and either chipped or burned in the regulated area. This will not begin until after the first hard frost kills any remaining adult beetles. To take trees down before the hard frost risks spreading the infestation. This is a sound practice, as adult beetles tend to stay on the same tree unless that tree is severely infested. Once the exact details of the federal quarantine are published a link will appear at this web site (www.umassgreeninfo.org). UMass Extension will remain on the forefront for the dissemination of information as it becomes available.
MDAR will continue to respond to any reports of suspected new findings and the City of Worcester has set up a Hotline FAQ , see below:

Resources for Asian Longhorned Beetle Information in Massachusetts
o Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
Report ALB sightings at:
www.massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx
or call 6176261779 (Pest Alert Hotline)

o City of Worcester: Office of the City Manager
http://www.ci.worcester.ma.us/cmo/beetles.htm
5089291300

o UMass Extension
www.umassgreeninfo.org

Ellen Weeks
UMass Extension Landscape/Nursery/Urban Forestry Program
French Hall
230 Stockbridge Rd.
Amherst, MA 01003
Tel. (413) 545-2685
Fax. (413) 577-1620
www.UMassGreenInfo.org
_______________________________________________

One of the more positive aspects of our "global economy". That's a very interesting bulletin, Claire. I am going to share it with the helpmeet just as soon as I'm able.

I'm curious, how long is the beetle? It's good to have a picture of one and a heads up that they are expanding their range. Forewarned is forearmed!

chelone: The beetle is about 1 - 1/4 inch long, not counting the antennae. Easy to see. I believe there are other longhorned beetles around, but none this nasty.

Claire