shady notes spring 2013
DESCRIPTION
Maryland Arborist Association Newsletter for Spring 2013TRANSCRIPT
MARCH 2013
In this Issue:
2 Letter from the President
6 Arborist Day 2013
10 Legislative Update
14 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Research
17 Emerald Ash Borer Update
20 Early Season Defoliators
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Dear Fellow MAA Members:
I hope this message finds you all in good health and very busy as winter comes to an end and spring approaches! The MAA has been active this winter. Thanks to Bob Mead and his team for a wonderful and informative 32nd Maryland Arborist Association Annual Recertification Seminar. Also, a big thanks to our speakers and annual sponsors who continue to support our organization. Finally, thanks to all the members who take time away from their work and responsibilities to attend our meeting.
We have also been very busy in Annapolis during this legislative session, following 3 different pieces of legislation concerning the Maryland Licensed Tree Expert Law. All feedback received from members on the proposed bills was submitted to the appropriate state representatives prior to the hearings. View a full update on the status of these bills within this issue of Shady Notes.
Please plan to join us on Saturday April 13, for our 35th Arborist Day Project. This year’s event will be held in Baltimore at Patterson Park. Fill out the volunteer registration and come help us with this fun and rewarding day of service! Check out the calendar of events in this issue for more upcoming events.
Most importantly, have a safe and productive spring and summer.
John DavisPresident, MAA
A Letter from the President
You’re never left out on a limb with Fisher & Son. As the Mid-Atlantic’s largest and longest established independent distributor of products and services for the “green industry,” we have a strong history of meeting the unique challenges you face in the arboriculture industry. Our experience and knowledge, together with our scientifically proven product line, will help you maintain healthy trees and shrubs that add value to the landscape, as well as to communities and the environment. And we’ll always deliver the highest quality and most effective brand products in the market. All to make your tree care projects reach new heights.
For more information please visit our website or call us at 1-800-262-2127. When it comes to maintaining perfect trees and shrubs, run with the best.
800-262-2127 www.fisherandson.com
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The Natural Resources Careers Camp, NRCC, will be held July 21-27, 2013 at Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County Maryland. This seven day camp is designed for Maryland and Mid-Atlantic high school students interested in pursuing a career in forestry and natural resources. Students will learn about working in the field of natural resources, employment and career opportunities in forestry, fisheries and other related disciplines from teams of natural resource professionals.
Each year NRCC dedicates an entire day to Urban Forestry that begins with a panel discussion on careers in arboriculture with representatives from Bartlett Tree Experts, Davey Tree Experts, Pepco and staff from Maryland DNR Forest Service and Howard County Natural Resources. Students are then introduced to the Pepco Hot Line demonstration to drive home the importance of safety when working around energized lines. The remainder of the day is spent with students enjoying tree climbing, planting, pruning, chain saw safety and the use of traditional forestry tools.
Interested students apply online and are interviewed and selected to attend the camp by the 24 Maryland counties and Baltimore City forestry boards. Most forestry boards
offer scholarships for students to attend NRCC. The camp is also funded through donations to the Maryland Forestry Board Foundation and in kind services. The Maryland Association of Forestry Conservancy District Boards and the Maryland Forestry Foundation in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and Allegany College of Maryland present the camp.
Natural Resources Careers Camp
Anyone interested in participating or supporting next year’s camp should contact David Keane at 410-313-1676 or visit http://marylandforestryboards.org/
T h e M a r y l a n d a r b o r i s T a s s o c i a T i o n
Thanks – to our generous sponsors.
Georgetown Insurancewww.georgetowninsurance.com
Winter Seminar SponsorsAir-Spade • Mid-Atlantic Stihl • Moran Insurance • Newsome Seed, Inc.
White Oak SponsorsVermeer Mid Atlantic
www.vermeermidatlantic.comIWIF
www.iwif.com
Dogwood SponsorsRainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements
www.treecaredirect.com
Altec Industries, Inc.www.altec.com
Security Equipment Co.www.securityfnh.com
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April 3, 2013Interstate Ornamental Plant Management ConferenceLocation: Maritime Institute, Linthicum, MDContact: Avis Koeiman, [email protected]
April 6, 2013MAC-ISA Tree Climbing ChampionshipLocation: Byrd Park, Richmond, VAContact: 703-753-0499
April 10, 2013Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Research UpdateLocation: Carroll Community CollegeContact: University of Maryland Extension, 301-596-9413
April 11, 2013Interior Plantscape SymposiumLocation: Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PAPre-register online. No walk-ins.www.landcarenetwork.org/events/ips/index.cfm
April 13, 2013Maryland Arborist DayLocation: Patterson Park, Baltimore, MDContact: MAA, 410-321-8082, www.mdarborist.com
April 15, 2013CPH – Basic ExamMust be pre-registered to attendContact: www.mnlaonline.org, 410-823-8684
May 11, 2013ISA ExamLocation: Philadelphia, PAContact: ISA, [email protected]
June 7, 2013Procrastinator’s ConferenceLocation: Montgomery CountyVenue: TBD
June 8, 2013MAC-ISA Day of SafetyLocation: HRAREC, Virginia Beach, VAContact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499
June 13, 2013MAC- ISA Arborist Certification CourseLocation: Fairfax, VAContact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499
June 14, 2013ISA Certification ExamLocation: Newark, DEContact: ISA, [email protected]
June 14, 2013Procrastinator’s ConferenceLocation: Eastern ShoreVenue: TBD
June 20, 2013MNLA Summer Field DayLocation: Waverly Farm, Adamstown, MDContact: www.mnlaonline.org or 410-823-8684
July 16, 2013CPH – Specialist Exams: IPM & Herbaceous Perennials Must be pre-registered to attendContact: www.mnlaonline.org, 410-823-8684
July 16-18, 2013MAC-ISA Arborist Certification CourseLocation: Abingdon, VAContact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499
August 3-7, 201389th Annual ISA ConferenceLocation: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)Contact: +1 217-355-9411, [email protected]
August 5-6, 2013Southern Nursery Association Research ConferenceLocation: Georgia International Convention Center, Atlanta, GAContact: SNA, 678-809-9992, [email protected]
October 8, 2013CPH – Basic ExamMust be pre-registered to attendContact: www.mnlaonline.org, 410-823-8684
October 8, 2013CPH – Specialized Exam: Advanced Plant IdentificationMust be pre-registered to attendContact: www.mnlaonline.org, 410-823-8684
Calendar of Events 2013For a full and updated calendar of events, and to find registration information and event links, please visit the MAA website at www.mdarborist.com
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6The Maryland Arborist Association, Inc.
35th Arborist Day Project
Patterson ParkBaltimore, MD
Saturday, April 13, 2013 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.(Rain Date – Saturday, April 20, 2013)
LocationPatterson Park, Baltimore, MD 21231
The Park lies between E. Baltimore Street and S. Pratt
Streets on the North & Eastern Avenue on the South.
Driving DirectionsInterstate 83 South (turns into President Street) to
Pratt Street. Make a left on Pratt Street and continue
for 1 mile to South Patterson Park Avenue.
Before it was a park, the site of Patterson Park played
a major role in the War of 1812, serving as the
grounds where American troops stood ready during the
decisive battle of North Point at “Hampstead Hill,” the
promontory in the park where the Pagoda is situated.
The park serves a very different purpose today as a
site of recreation, frequented by neighborhood schools
and churches for its athletic fields. It is also home to
one of the two ice rinks available in the city. Patterson
Park is Baltimore’s most intensively used large park.
Schedule for the day:
7:00 - 7:30 a.m. Crews arrive
7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Welcome and Safety Meeting
12:00 Lunch
2:30 p.m. Wrap-up
3:00 p.m. Head Home
To volunteer, please complete the registration form on the page 7, or online via the calendar page of the MAA website, www.mdarborist.com.
For more information, contact the MAA at 410-321-8082 or via [email protected].
Morning coffee, juice and donuts, and lunch will be provided to all.
All participants must bring their own climbing and personal protective equipment. All gear/equipment must be up to MOSH, ANSI ZI33, and TCIA standards.
V O L U N T E E R T O D A Y !
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The Maryland Arborist Association, Inc. 35th Arborist Day ProjectSaturday, April 13, 2013 • 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. • (Rain Date – Saturday, April 20, 2013)
Patterson Park, Baltimore, MDRegister online at www.mdarborist.com. Select this event from the Calendar Page.
Company Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _________
Key Contact: (Name) ______________________________ (Title) ____________________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________
Cell: ____________________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________________
A. Please list the names and position of the people volunteering:
________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ B. To help us make appropriate assignments, please list the equipment you plan to bring:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
C. Please carefully note the following: 1. All personnel/volunteers must be equipped with their own climbing and personal protective equipment, and will operate under the requirements of ANSI Z133 safety standards, as well as TCIA standards of practice.
2. Participating personnel/volunteers are the responsibility of the participating firm at all times during Arborist Day and are considered covered by the participating firms’ workers’ compensation and general liability policies. The MAA will not and cannot be held responsible for any personal injury nor any other liability resulting from participation in the Arborist Day project.
I have read and agree to abide by the results and regulations outlined above.
Signature _________________________________________________ Date __________________________________
Print Name ________________________________________________ Title __________________________________
Please return this form as soon as possible to MAA to volunteer. Fax to: 410-296-8288 or mail to Maryland Arborist Association, PO Box 712, Brooklandville, MD 21022
For more information call 410-321-8082 or e-mail [email protected]
V O L U N T E E R R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M
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PresidentJohn Davis, [email protected] 410-526-6655
President-ElectJeremy Baker,[email protected] 301-791-3500
Secretary Kirk Floyd, [email protected]
TreasurerTodd Armstrong, [email protected] 410-377-4002
Immediate Past President Steve Castrogiovanni, [email protected] 301- 854-5990
DirectorsDavid Driver, [email protected]
Frank Dudek, [email protected]
Bob Mead, [email protected] 301-854-5990
Maryland Arborist Association, Inc.P.O. Box 712, Brooklandville, MD 21022Phone: 410-321-8082, [email protected]
Executive DirectorVanessa A. Finney, [email protected]
AdvisorsTom Rippeon, [email protected]
Steve Sprague, [email protected]
Nicholas Valentine, [email protected] 410-987-4815
LiaisonsMAC - ISAScott Bates, [email protected]
U of MDDr. Michael Raupp, [email protected]
U MD ExtensionStanton Gill, [email protected]
MD Forestry BoardChris Klimas, [email protected]
Maryland Green Industry CouncilFrank Dudek, [email protected]
Honorary DirectorMatthew Anacker, [email protected]
OUR MISSIONThe mission of the Maryland Arborist Association, Inc. is to promote education in the field of arboriculture, to support the success of arboriculture and to promote the importance of tree care. The association will provide a forum for the exchange of information and will encourage professionalism through the collective efforts of the members.
Maryland Arborist Association Board of DirectorsJuly 1, 2012- June 30, 2014
The Maryland Arborist Association sponsorsa special state-issued license plate that displays the MAA logo, featuring the Wye Oak. Your $50 contribution will cover the MVA fee of $25 and provide $25 towards the MAA education fund.
If you are interested in purchasing this special plate, place your order through the MAA website, www.mdarborist.com. Near the bottom of the homepage you will find a link to the order form.
MARYLAND ABORIST ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES AVAILABLE
Order Yours today!
Just $50.
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Insurance Specialists for the Green Industry
Delivering Customized Insurance Solutions & Exceptional Service Since 1977
MATT SIMMONSVice President
GEORGETOWN INSURANCE SERVICE, INC. 10010 Colesville Road, Suite A
Silver Spring, MD 20901Tel: 301-681-9645 • Fax: 301-593-2590
www.georgetownins.com
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The following bills have been followed by the MAA in this session of the General Assembly, as part of the MAA’s membership in the Maryland Green Industry Council (MaGIC). MAA members have been receiving regular e-mails highlighting all bills affecting Maryland’s Green industry. Those e-mail bulletins are also posted on the MAA website under the MaGIC page.
Three bills in particular affect Maryland Licensed Tree Experts. These bills and their status, as of March 26th, are listed below. If the status of the bills has changed, e-mail updates and webpostings will be made. It is highly likely that by the time this issue of Shady Notes has been produced, the status of the bills will have changed. You may click on the bill links in the article below to receive the most up-to-date information about these bills.
The general website for the General Assembly, where on you can look up any bill, contact a legislator, etc. is http://mgaleg.maryland.gov.
HB 572 Natural Resources – Tree Expert License – QualificationsThis legislation reduces from 5 to 3 the number of years that an individual has to be working with a tree expert before they can be licensed by DNR.• Recommended position – do not oppose• Hearing date – Feb 27 (House)• Status – MaGIC testified in support; bill was amended to include Continuing Education Requirements, formerly included in HB 927 and to change number of
years that an individual is required to work with an LTE from 5 to 4 years; Passed House; now needs to go to Senate• Link to amended version
HB 728 / SB 211 – Natural Resources – Tree Experts – ProhibitionProhibits “renting” of one’s LTE credential to another per-son or company; requires that “A Licensed Tree Expert may not supervise more than one company that provides tree expert services.”• Official position – support• Hearing – February 5 (Senate); March 27 (House)• Status – Passed the Senate; Given unfavorable report in the House
HB 927 / SB 692 Licensed Tree Expert - License Renewal - Continuing Education Requirement Requires a licensed tree expert to complete specified continuing education requirements to qualify for license renewal; requiring the Department of Natural Resources to maintain specified records for each licensed tree expert; requiring the Department to update specified records when a document of completion is approved; requiring the De-partment to mail a renewal application form to a licensed tree expert under specified circumstances; etc.• Official position – support• Hearing – March 1 (House); March 5th, (Senate)• Status – MaGIC has/will testify to support; March 19 – given unfavorable report in House; given unfavorable report in the Senate
Legislative Update
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12Maryland DNR
Tree Expert ExamsThe following individuals have recently passed
the Maryland Licensed Tree Expert Exam. Congratulations to these new LTEs!
Barry Davison
Matthew Rieger
Mike DeGregonio
Mark Emmell
Jordon Harris
Mike Leibfreid
Richard Ratcliff
Karl Tomanek
Mark Beaven
Robert Jones
Jacob Fisher
The Maryland Licensed Tree Expert Exam schedule for 2013 is as follows:
April 10, 2013
May 8, 2013
June 12, 2013
July 10, 2013
No test in August
September 11, 2013
October 9, 2013
November 13, 2013
December 11, 2013
All tests are administered at DNR Headquarters in Annapolis. Pre-registration is required. Please call Ms. Romcesa Estep at 410-260-8531 or visit: www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/programspps/newtreeexpert.asp, for an application.
Note: You will need to sign in at the front desk in the lobby. Valid photo ID is required for entry. Directions and parking information can be found at: www.dnr.state.md.us/map.html
The following persons successfully completed the CTSP course and exam at the MAA Winter Conference this past January. Congratulations to the following:
Jon Auer, Strobert Tree Services, Inc, Wilmington, DE
Donald F. Blair, Sierra Moreno Mercantile, Hagerstown, MD
Mike Dunn, Preservation Tree, Exton, PA
Kyle Ewing, Bartlett Tree Experts, Saint Michaels, MD
Frank A. Fogle, Jr., Davey Tree Expert Company, Baltimore, MD
Kevin Forgue, Nelson Tree Service, Inc., Strongsville, OH
Stephen Goin, Bartlett Tree Experts, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Walter Gonzalez, Frank’s Tree Service Inc., Summit, NJ
Stephen R. Heath, J & D Tree Pros, Inc., Apex, NC
James Johnson, Carolina Tree Care, Inc., Concord, NC
David M. Keane, Howard County Rec & Parks, Columbia, MD
David Kearney, Trees, Inc., Cincinnati, OH
Daniel McMains, J & D Tree Pros, Inc., Apex, NC
John McMains, J & D Tree Pros, Inc., Apex, NC
Ralph Nagle, Bartlett Tree Experts, Saint Michaels, MD
Paul Newcomb, Jr., Newcomb’s Tree, Bryantville, MA
Todd Perzynski, Bartlett Tree Experts, Westminster, MD
Eric Satterfield, Mead Tree and Turf Care, Inc., Lisbon, MD
Jason Sigman, Mayer Tree Service, Inc., Essex, MA
Ryan Vanamburg, Mayer Tree Service, Inc., Essex, MA
Brian K. Wills, Carolina Tree Care, Inc., Concord, NC
Ben Wolff, Wolff Tree and Landscape, New Windsor, MD
Certified Treecare Safety Professionals
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The brown marmorated stink bug had its peak “hay-day” in 2010 and the early part of 2011. In the late summer of 2011 the population appeared to collapse. There is much speculation on why this collapse occurred. We suffered through two tropical storms with lots of rainfall in late summer just when the majority of the brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) were in the nymphal stage and were likely susceptible to the impact of the tropical storms. Some researchers noted the populations of BMSB actually started to decline two weeks before the tropical storms arrived. Whether it was weather or some other factor to cause the sudden decline is still being discussed among researchers from the states where BMSB has been most troublesome. The past is prolog. In the fall of 2012 we observed
an increasing population of BMSB activity and greater numbers of overwintering adult BMSB. Most experts are predicting a bounce back population of BMSB in 2013. Not as high as the 2010 population but an increase over what we saw in the spring of 2012. This bug will not just go quietly into the night. In mid-March we are getting lots of reports of BMSB activity in residential homes in Central and Western Maryland. This is why the research continues on this bug. Meanwhile the BMSB population continues to spread outwardly, with 38 states reporting activity and areas of infestation continuing to spread and increase in Canada. While I was visiting Germany and Holland this summer, the people of these two countries were afraid of this bug making its way into their countries. They
What Research Has Discovered About Brown Marmorated Stink BugStanton Gill, Extension Specialist in IPM and Entomology for Greenhouses and Nurseries, Central Maryland Research and Education Center University of Maryland and Professor, Landscape Technology, Montgomery College
In the fall
of 2012
we observed
an increasing
population
of brown
marmorated
stink bugs
activity.
15repeatedly asked me about our new “American bug.” Don’t worry, I corrected them that it was a Asian import and not “American.” Still, they read the press and internet releases and see it as our problem now and they don’t want it. Meanwhile, it has successfully hitched a ride into Switzerland. Scientists at the USDA, Beltsville lab were successful in developing the pheromone produced by BMSB and put it into trapping system that could be field tested in 2012. The USDA team of entomologist, Tracy Leskey, Starker Wright, and Doo Yung have been working with several state specialists and orchards in testing out the new pheromone to detect populations of BMSB in fruit orchards. This pheromone is still experimental and not on the commercial market yet. The pheromone that has been on the market for the last two years, is actually a pheromone (2E,4E,6Z=10:COOMe) for another stink bug species called Plautia stali, and acts as an attractant for the brown marmorated stink bug. Tracy, Doo Yung and Starker are finding that the each pheromone has it benefit but at different times of the summer season. It may turn out that one type should be used in May and June and the other in mid to late summer.
How Far do They Fly? Work done by Doo Yung and Starker Wright of USDA found that the adults will fly up to 1 kilometer, at least, in flight lab tests in which adults are tethered to a strobe machine that measures flight distance and speed. It is also recorded that they fly at about 1- 3 meters per second. They also charted the likelihood of sustained flight and found as the temperature get coolers, the bugs do not fly very far. When temperature rises 80 – 90 F then sustained flight activity increases dramatically.
Light Attractants Starker Wright and Tracy Leskey tested out green, blue, white, and black light traps to see which is the most effective in capturing BMSB. The white light performed the best, followed by black lights, then blue light in attracting bugs to capture traps.
Woody Plants That are Highly Attractive to BMSB Researchers have found that Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) and Paulownia species (Empress tree) are highly attractive to BMSB and eggs, nymphs, and adults can all be found feeding on these tree species during the growing season. Researchers are investigating if this tree can be used as a trap tree. There is work on injecting these trap trees with systemic insecticides such as formulations of acephate (AceCap) to kill BMSB feeding on these highly attractive host trees.
Do BMSB Feed on Herbaceous Annuals and Perennials? We have been conducting field research in Maryland and cooperating with Brian Kunkel at Delaware State Extension in recording if BMSB are feeding on herbaceous plant material. Herbaceous plants that are highly attractive to BMSB include sunflowers and Amaranth. The BMSB feed on the flower of sunflowers, feeding mostly on the front and back of the flowers, but also on the seeds. The BMSB will feed on foliage of amaranth but are highly attracted to the plant when it is in flower. Brian and I are developing a fact sheet on feeding preference of BMSB on annuals and perennials and this should be ready in early 2013.
More Information on BMSB in 2013 We have developed a conference set for April 10, 2013 at the Carroll Community College to have researchers and Extension specialists from USDA, University of Maryland, Rutgers University, Delaware State University, VPI, and private industry present the results of their field research. This information will be boiled down into information you can use in advising the public on controlling BMSB in 2013. Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] or call 301-596-9413 for more information and to obtain a copy of the agenda for this conference.
Thirty-eight states report activity of the brown marmorated stink bugs.
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The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) reviewed 128 occupational tree care accidents reported by the media in 2012. Of these accidents, 84 were fatal.The average age of the deceased was 43 and the average age of the serious ac-cident victim was 38.
Super Storm Sandy was a significant contributing cause in fatal accidents in 2012. Six out of 10 fatalities occurring between November 1 and December 31 were storm work-related; and they occurred in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and New York.Looking at the largest fatal accident categories more closely:
Of the 19 electrocution accidents: • Six victims were electrocuted through conduc tive tools such as stick saws, pole saws and, in one instance, a rake. • Five victims made direct contact with conductors. • Two victims on the ground touched uninsulated vehicles. • In one case, a crane load line made contact with a primary conductor, energizing the ground around the crane. A worker died when he touched a detached chipper 20 feet away from the crane. • It could not be determined how five of the victims made contact. • Average age of the electrocution victims was 44.
Of the 16 struck-by-tree fatalities: • Six were the fallers, four were other crew members, and it could not be determined what the remaining six were doing at the time of the accident. • In all but one instance, it was the tree being removed that killed the worker. • Average age of the victims was 45.
The 13 struck-by-tree-limb fatalities lacked enough detail for further analysis. The same can be said of the 12 fall-from-tree fatalities except that in two instances the tree failed with the climber in it. In the nine fall-from-aerial-lift accidents, four can be attributed to equipment failure, and one resulted from a tip-over.
These sobering numbers are a stark reminder of the dangers of tree care and highlights the need for tree care companies, along with homeowners/property managers who hire them to uphold the highest standards for worker safety.
“Unfortunately for the industry overall, serious accidents seem to be increasing,” says Peter Gerstenberger, arborist
for TCIA. “We need to transform the industry and create a safety culture that will keep all tree workers safe in an inherently hazard-ous occupation.” About the Tree Care Industry As-sociation (TCIA): Founded in 1938, TCIA is a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture. It has more than
2,100 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that adhere to industry standards for quality and safety; maintain trained, professional staff; and are dedicated to ethical and professional business practices. With access to the latest and best safety standards and training, the typical TCIA member company has 50 percent fewer accidents than a typical non-member.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to sched-ule an interview with Peter Gerstenberger, please contact Amy Tetreault at (603) 314-5380 or [email protected].
Reprinted with permission from the TCIA
Occupational Tree Care Accidents in 2012
17News and Updates – Emerald Ash BorerDetecting EAB Using ‘Biosurveillance’ in ConnecticutArticle authored by Don Booth; submitted to MAA with permission of Bartlett Tree Experts A newly developed method of monitoring the spread of emerald ash borer, known as biosurveillance, has been used to find the beetle for the first time in Connecticut. Biosur-veillance in this case uses a wasp, Cerceris fumipennis, to capture the adult beetles. Female Cerceris wasps capture beetles, sting them, and then fly with the paralyzed beetle to their nests in the ground. Since these wasps are much better than humans at finding emerald ash borers, this is excellent method of early detection. Entomologists have developed several methods of collect-ing beetles from the wasps and can now even transport wasp colonies to areas where emerald ash borer is sus-pected. A program called WaspWatchers uses volunteers to adopt and monitor wasp colonies. These wasps may also be useful in monitoring for other newly-arrived buprestid pests such as the European Oak Borer.Emerald ash borer continues to expand its range in other areas. Quarantine zones have been expanded in many states, including Virginia and Tennessee. The quarantine prohibits the movement of firewood, ash nursery stock, ash timber and other material that can spread EAB.
Fooling the Male Em-erald Ash Borer with DecoysArticle authored by Lorraine Graney; submitted to MAA with permission of Bartlett Tree ExpertsResearchers have cre-ated a female Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) decoy which fools male beetles well enough to get them to fall into a trap! The idea came about when Dr. Baker, Entomologist at Penn State, learned of another researcher, Dr. Lakhtakia who could replicate insect body parts using polymers with different refrac-tive indices to create the desired color and iridescence.
Dr. Baker knew that male EAB visually locate females as they fly about so the idea of luring males to a trap seemed plausible. He first attempted to lure males using dead fe-males, but soon the shortcomings of fragility and apparent ‘disappearance’ of the dead beetles made this method im-practical. The refinement of the decoy which is completely inert has led to a higher success rate of luring the male as compared to the dead female. The use of decoys allows for faster detection of the beetle in new locations and this opens the door to more efficient control methods.
Mass. Officials Announce Quarantine to Half Spread of Emerald Ash BorerOfficials from the Massachusetts Department of Conserva-tion and Recreation (DCR) announced February 21 that a quarantine will be established in Berkshire County, in order to stop the spread of the invasive insect species Em-erald Ash Borer (EAB). This decision comes after extensive survey in the affected area and public hearings. The quar-antine will take effect March 1, 2013.The quarantine order means that certain products will be regulated from moving outside the regulated area, includ-ing all hardwood firewood (any piece of wood smaller than 48”), all ash nursery stock, and any ash lumber that has not been treated. Proper wood treatments include the removal of bark and half an inch of wood, dry kiln sterilization, fumigation, and heat treatments.
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19
Pete’s Tree ExpertsPeter Bennett1314 Conowingo RoadBel Air, MD 21160410-420-0748
Rasevic Landscape CompanyMark Rasevic5200 River RoadBuilding 6Bethesda, MD 20816301-951-1244
Elswick & Elswick Inc., t/a GreentreeJoel Comanda885 Marlboro RoadLothian, MD 20711410-741-0776
Richard SommerPO Box 165Kensington, MD 20895240-304-6380
New Members
The MAA recently launched its new website. In addition to its new design, the website also integrates the MAA mem-bership directory. Members may access the membership directory by executing the following process:• Go to the website, www.mdarborist.com • In the upper right hand corner, enter your username and password, and select “Go.” (Since this is a brand new sys-tem, most of you will not know your user name and pass-word. To retrieve your username and password, click on the text that says “Forgot your password? Click here.” Then en-ter your e-mail address and your user name and password will be sent to you. If you do not receive an e-mail within a minute, check your spam box. If you still do not have the password e-mail, then the system does not recognize the e-mail address you are using. Give us a call in the office and we’ll let you know what e-mail address we have on record for you.)• The next screen shows your company profile. On this page you can edit any information that you need to, including changing your username and password, if desired.• On this same screen, review the menu on the left. Select “Online Directory” to access the membership directory.• On the next screen, you can enter spe-cific search criteria, or just hit the search button, and all members will appear listed on your screen.The site has two searchable membership directories. Members may search the full membership database, by logging in to the membership portal. Non-members
may view only members classified as Licensed Tree Experts, from the Consumers tab of the website. Also, please note that a full Maryland Green Industry Cal-endar is accessible from the homepage of the website. We update this calendar frequently and include many events sponsored by multiple Maryland organizations, as well as MAC-ISA and TCIA. So, if you are looking for events, remember to check this website. If you have any questions about the new website or mem-bership directory, please let the MAA office know. The site is still brand new and we’ll be working to polish it off within the next few months. We can be reached at [email protected] or via 410-321-8082.
Instructions for Member Login
Gambrills Equipment Co., Inc.George Pusloskie, Jr.8001 Quarterfield RoadSevern, MD 21144-2118410-969-3947
Tree Services, Inc. t/a Adirondack Tree ExpertsWilliam Callahan11304 Rhode Island AveBeltsville, MD 20705301-595-2827
STARTHERE
Many species of caterpillars feed on trees and shrubs. Caterpillars are larvae - the immature stage of moths and butterflies that hatch from eggs throughout the growing season. The most serious of the defoliators occur in early spring when leaves are just emerging. These early spring caterpillars have the biggest impact on tree health.This time of the year, bud-break and leaf development are fueled by stored carbohydrates that were produced from photosynthesis during the previous growing seasons. Those carbohydrate reserves are replenished when new leaves are produced and starts over the process of photosynthesis. When trees are defoliated early before carbohydrates can be replenished, this causes further depletion of reserves when another set of leaves must be produced in the same year. Keep in mind that successive years of early defoliation or heavy defoliation in combination with other stresses such as drought, transplanting, or old age can result in decline and death. You should monitor the landscapes you manage as defoliated trees are much more susceptible to attack by secondary pests such as borers, bark beetles and canker and root disease pathogens.
Reprinted with permission of Bartlett Tree Experts
Early Season Defoliators
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