Winter 2006 PP&RPortland Newsletter Parks IPM News

Integrated Pest Management News from the City Nature IPM Program

In this Issue What does this mean to those of us who are battling What’s New?- Rust invasive blackberries plaguing our natural areas and landscapes? Although too early to tell, it may mean that Invasive Weeds- Regional Cooperation this natural control will begin to reduce this weed’s abil- IPM at Home- Dormant Spraying ity to take over landscapes so easily. This would be good PP&R IPM- New Techniques on the Golf Course news, since blackberry, armeniacus, has been a IPM Pick- Website of Interest major problem since escaping cultivation here in the last century. But researchers have already noted a big differ- ence in how the disease affects different stands of wild blackberries, with some showing a natural resistance. This means that blackberry rust may not be the magic solution to this invasive weed. It will be interesting to watch the spread of this disease and see how it will affect the communities around us.

What does this mean to the those of use raising these cane berries? It could mean that some varieties will be harder to grow, or require controls to manage the rust. We may fi nd that certain types will be more resistant to the disease and will be better choices for us to grow. At this time not enough is known.

What’s New? If you grow blackberries, you should be on the lookout for blackberry rust. You can follow this link to familiar- BLACKBERRY RUST DISCOVERED IN OREGON ize yourself on its appearance and get more information. A disease that affects blackberries has recently been Oregon Department of Agriculture found in Oregon. Called ‘blackberry rust’, it is caused by the fungus . Common on black- berries in other parts of the world, this defoliating fungal disease reduces the vigor of the plant. It has even been used as a biological control agent in countries where blackberries are a pest. Although no one is sure how this disease reached Oregon, blackberry rust has been infect- ing both the Himalayan and Evergreen types of black- berries in the state, including the invasive types. It does not appear to be causing a problem in any other culti- vated varieties, such as Marionberry, , and . Susceptibility testing of different varieties is now taking place. Portland Parks & Recreation

Invasive Weed Strategy Clark County Weed Management East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District COOPERATIVE WEED MANAGEMENT GROUP Johnson Creek Watershed Council Non-native invasive are one of the biggest threats Metro Parks and Greenspaces to our native ecosystems. Because of their aggressive growth and lack of natural enemies, these species can be Mt. Hood National Forest highly destructive. These invaders compete with na- Northwest Oregon Resource Conservation and Devel- tive plants in many ways: occupying space, changing the opment, Inc. structure of the plant community, causing physical and Oregon Department of Agriculture chemical alterations of the soil, and covering and shad- Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation ing native plants. Oregon Department of Transportation Port of Portland Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Portland Parks and Recreation The Nature Conservancy The Wetlands Conservancy Three Rivers Land Conservancy Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District Tualatin River Watershed Council Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

IPM at Home

DORMANT SPRAYING To better manage these invasive plants across multiple You may have heard of dormant season spraying to con- public jurisdictions, ownerships, ecosystems and water- trol pests, especially for trees. Gardeners growing sheds, PP&R spearheaded the formation of a regional apples, pears, peaches, roses and other deciduous plants weed management group. A cooperative partnership susceptible to certain insect and diseases may choose to known as the Cooperative Weed Management Area for apply dormant sprays during the winter months. Appli- Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark Coun- cations of oils, lime sulfur, or copper preparations while ties, has quickly become an invaluable resource for pub- plants are in their leafl ess stage can combat pests before lic and private land managers. It has united stakeholders they get to be a big problem later on. But remember to promote invasive weed education and outreach, estab- that good integrated pest management always mini- lish tools for inventory and prevention, and to support integrated pest management efforts.

The CWMA goal is to prevent the introduction and control the spread of harmful invasive plant species by facilitating cooperative management among all willing land managers. Some of the cooperating partners in this effort are: Bureau of Land Management, Salem District Cascade Pacifi c Res. Cons. and Development, Inc. Clean Water Services Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District

IPM Newsletter • January 2006 Issue 4 Portland Parks & Recreation

“Delayed dormant” sprayings are sometimes used when plants have begun growing in the spring. Carefully timed applications at this stage can be very effective, and usually involve lower concentrations of pesticide. However these later sprays may raise the risk of damag- ing tender new growth unless done properly. Consult a good reference guide for frequency and timing schedules for any of these materials, and always adhere strictly to label directions. And since these products act by contact, thorough coverage is necessary for effective control.

Dormant sprays can be good tools in an IPM program, but as with all pesticide use, never apply them unless they are truly needed.

Home Orchard Society mizes use of pesticides where possible, so there should Western Cascade Fruit Society be a good reason to do this spraying. For most plants in the garden no dormant season applications are necessary, IPM at PP&R and for others, sprays will be more benefi cial if applied GOLF COURSE IPM later in the season. But if you are raising particularly Golf courses are special landscapes that create formida- disease prone trees such as peaches, you may need to ble challenges for those who care for them. For example, start early. putting greens need to be cut at a height of just 1/8th of There are different kinds of dormant applied pesticides. an inch to keep them playable. This remarkably short Horticultural oils are highly refi ned oils that are used to and dense turf is great for putting, but it makes these control overwintering insects and their eggs. A thin fi lm greens much more susceptible to diseases and other sprayed on the plant will suffocate pests such as aphids, pests than the average lawn. spider mites and scales. Oils should be applied when How does our staff keep these fi ne carpets healthy and temperatures are above 45 degrees. But if there is no growing? IPM is the essential principle that guides them expectation of a troubling insect infestation in the com- throughout the year. Our experts constantly monitor ing season, don’t apply oil. Save this material for the real for problems and establish action thresholds so that problem trees and shrubs. unnecessary treatments are avoided.They also combine Lime sulfur, or calcium polysulfi de, is sometimes used the very best cultural techniques and pest management as a dormant spray fungicide for fruit trees to control methods to reduce their reliance on pesticides. Use of diseases such as blight, anthracnose, powdery mildew, nutrients is also closely monitored to match turf needs. and for certain insects such as scales, eriophyid mites and Our courses also conduct sensitive water quality testing spider mites. Besides its disagreeable odor, lime-sulfur is corrosive to the eyes and harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Follow label directions carefully.

There are many copper based products, but copper sul- fate is the one most gardeners will fi nd. Labeled for use on many , nuts, ornamentals, and a few vegetables, it can control many fungal and bacterial cankers, galls, blights, and spots. Copper sulfate is caustic, and usu- ally bears a Danger label for this reason. Copper is also very toxic to fi sh. Follow label directions carefully.

IPM Newsletter • January 2006 Issue 4 Portland Parks & Recreation to assure that nearby waterways are not being subjected IPM Pick to run-off of any materials they apply. All of this atten- The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest tion to detail results in a better course for golfers and a Management Program UC IPM “develops and pro- better environment for all of us. motes the use of integrated, ecologically sound pest Always looking to improve their management, several management programs” and is a great site for informa- of our courses are now implementing an experimental tion. Although focused on California, the information on trial of specialized nutrient applications for greens and their website can be very helpful for us in fairways. This new regimen has only been tried in a few Oregon, too. Check out the “How locations in the country, and PP&R is leading the way to Manage Pests in Landscapes, in the Northwest. If these new materials are success- Gardens, and Turf” site, fi lled with ful, there will be less need for inputs such as traditional an extensive list of topics. fertilizers and pesticides. It also promises to improve the quality of the courses and enhance playability. So far the results are encouraging. PP&R IPM Website

Learn more about PP&R’s four golf courses: WANT TO LEARN MORE? Eastmoreland You can read past IPM newsletters and learn much more Heron Lakes about IPM and the Portland Parks and Recreation IPM RedTail program at our website: PP&R IPM Rose City

Disclaimer: Reference to any specifi c commercial products or manufacturers in this document does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement by Portland Parks and Recreation.

IPM Newsletter • January 2006 Issue 4