Caldwell Extension - Ag Digest

This is something new I'm going to try. Each day it seems like we get interesting stuff in our office. I hope to use this "Digest" as a way to document some of these interesting things we see in the office or the field. It will also help others who have similar problems/questions. Below are some of the "calls" from yesterday.

• Lilac Borer (also known as ash borer) damage with a secondary bacterial infection. Timing is critical when controlling these insects. If you spray to early the insecticide will break down before the pest arrives and spray to late and the damage is done. Remedial treatment of borers is very, very difficult. Once the borers are in the stems, pruning is the best way to control the problem.
  
  If insecticidal sprays are to be used to control this insect, they should be applied when the lilac is in full bloom.
  
  The foamy sap oozing from the borer hole is a secondary bacterial infection. The bacteria are using the plants sap as a food source. The long term prognosis does not look good for this lilac. Cutting the lilac back and letting it re-sprout next year is the best solution. Care should be taken if the lilac has been grafted, however, this particular lilac grow from a cutting.
  
  More information: http://ipm.ncsu.edu/ag189/html/Lilac_Borer.HTML
  

• Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) - this was identified for a home owner who became concerned when he noticed it was spreading quickly. More information about this invasive plant is available at http://www.invasive.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=5208
  

• Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) - found in the home of a county resident. The spiders seem impressive because of their size, but they are harmless to humans. More information on spiders is available at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Other/note137/note137.html