Landscape Message: May 8, 2020

UMass Extension's Landscape Message is an educational newsletter intended to inform and guide Massachusetts Green Industry professionals in the management of our collective landscape. Detailed reports from scouts and Extension specialists on growing conditions, pest activity, and cultural practices for the management of woody ornamentals, trees, and turf are regular features. The following issue has been updated to provide timely management information and the latest regional news and environmental data.

While operations at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have been significantly reduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UMass Extension has developed a listing of resources for commercial horticulture operations in Massachusetts to help keep you informed and aware of relevant policies and best practices for landscapers, turf managers, arborists, nurseries, garden centers, and greenhouse producers.

For our COVID-19 Information and Support for Landscapers, Nurseries, Turf Managers, Garden Centers, Arborists, and Greenhouse Operations in Massachusetts, go to https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/news/covid-19-information-support-for-landscapers-nurseries-turf-managers-garden-centers.

The Landscape Message will be updated weekly in May. The next message will be posted on May 15. To receive immediate notification when the next Landscape Message update is posted, be sure to join our e-mail list.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Insects

In the News:

• Asian Giant Hornet (aka “Murder Hornet”): Vespa mandarinia is receiving a lot of attention in the media recently. It is important to note that this insect has not been found in Massachusetts. The Asian giant hornet is the world’s largest hornet (1.5-2 inch long body, 1.5-3 inch wing span). It was first found in British Columbia in the fall of 2019 and the state of Washington in the US shortly thereafter in December 2019. These hornets have a preference to feed their young the larvae and pupae of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera). They can attack and destroy honeybee hives and are noted for clipping the heads off honeybee workers. While the Asian giant hornet can sting repeatedly and has an impressively large stinger (1/4 inch), it is not aggressive toward people, pets, or large animals. Like our own yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets, the Asian giant hornet does not show aggression unless it feels threatened. Because this insect prefers honeybees, it is likely that beekeepers will be the first to notice the Asian giant hornet if it is introduced into a new area. One of our beautiful native creatures, the cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus) is one of the most likely wasps to be confused with the Asian giant hornet. Cicada killer wasps, while also impressive in size, will leave you alone if you return the favor. For more information about this insect and a comparison of common look-a-likes, visit this excellent update from Joe Boggs, Ohio State University Extension:https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1544 . More information from the Washington State Department of Agriculture can be found here:https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets

Worried that you may have seen or found an Asian giant hornet in Massachusetts? Report it to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources here:https://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/asiangianthornet.html

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''