SPRING 2002 VVVolunteerolunteerolunteer Vol 15, Issue 1 NEWSNEWS

Deadly Beauties: Keeping the Garden Coordinator’s Corner Safe for Your Pets Dear Master Gardeners, By Sally Deneen Source:PETsMART.com It seems impossible that 2002 is already here. 2001 was a year marked by great work and success by Master A leafy green yard is a retreat from everyday stresses for Gardeners throughout the state. We hosted the 2001 people, but could present a minefield of health problems International Master Gardener Conference and Trade Show for rambunctious pets — if you’re not careful. in Orlando and continued our work with the Epcot Take the lawn, for starters. Be sure to remove water dishes, International Flower & Garden Festival. Master Gardeners food bowls and your pets from the yard before applying throughout the state donated over 328,000 hours of pesticides, which can attack the nervous system and cause volunteer time to the citizens of Florida. This is a value your pet to vomit, salivate excessively, urinate, or even die of over $5.5 million. It has been a busy year. suddenly. Let your pets return outdoors only after sprays have dried — or even the next day, suggested the Professional Due to the impact of the events of September 11, 2001, Lawn Care Association of America, based in Marietta, our society will never quite be the same. It has been very Georgia. Use dry granular pesticides? Wait until the dust inspiring to see how the country has come together. Your has settled to let Rover roam. service and dedication is more important than ever to the University and our county offices. Your diligence in Beyond that, even some common plants you may be planning promoting environmentally friendly landscape practices to buy to spruce up your yard are toxic to most animals, to the citizens of the state helps protect our environment according to the American Animal Hospital Association, a and conserve our precious natural resources. Last year Denver-based professional organization for veterinarians. Florida Master Gardeners reported over 366,000 clientele The organization suggests keeping your pets and small contacts. Well Done!! children away from several plants, including: The 2002 Continued Training Conference is scheduled for (See PETS on Page 9) October 28-30 at the Sheraton in Gainesville. Mark your calendars, as it will be an event you won’t want to miss. You will be receiving more information about this event as we get closer. Last year was a great year, but 2002 Inside this Issue should be even better. Thanks for all your efforts and Happy Gardening. Deadly Beauties ...... 1 Seashore Paspalum for Florida Lawns ...... 2 Sincerely, A Letter From the Dean ...... 3 Management of Southern Chinch Bugs in lawns ...... 4 CCA Update ...... 4 2001 International Master Gardener Conference ...... 5 2001 Master Gardener Conference Memorabilia ...... 6 Tom Wichman FYN Corner ...... 7 State Master Gardener Coordinator Southeast Regional Master Gardener Conference ...... 7 2002 FNGA Florida Plants of the Year ...... 8 Wild News ...... 9 Jadera Bug ...... 10 Non-Target Effects to Monarch Butterfly Research ..... 11 Featured Plant: Weeping Yaupon Holly ...... 11 This edition of the Master Gardener Volunteer 2001 Master Gardener Awards of Excellence Winners .. 12 News is coedited by Laura Alexander, Bart Schutzman, and Tom Wichman.

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 1 Seashore Paspalum for Florida Lawns

· Produces a dense root system, which is By L.E. Trenholm important in giving turfgrass good tolerance to most stresses Many of you may have heard me talk in the last year or two about a new turfgrass species that is now available for home What are the disadvantages of seashore lawn and golf course use. Or you may have seen newspaper paspalum for home lawn use? articles about a new grass. Some of you may have already Like any other grass, this one is not perfect. Before you started getting phone calls at the Extension offices from tear out your existing lawn, consider a few of the pitfalls: people asking about this new grass. Or you may have seen plugs of the grass available at Home Depot outlets throughout · Poor shade tolerance- not as good in shade as the state. Some of you may have heard bits or pieces of St. Augustinegrass. information about the grass, but you may not know the whole · Low mowing requirements – this grass performs story. What grass are we talking about? Well, seashore best when mowed at 0.75-1.5”. During the paspalum of course, and here are some of the most common summer, this results in scalping of the grass questions and answers. when mowed only once a week. · Weed control – seashore What is the cultivar being sold in Home Depot? paspalum is sensitive to many This is a cultivar called ‘Sea Isle 1’. It was developed at the common herbicides and may be University of Georgia and has injured or killed by their use. In extensive research behind it. It is addition, most herbicides for use in golf course fairways or currently on the market are not tees, athletic fields, and home labeled for use on this species lawns. It grows like crazy in the yet, although the chemical summer months and slows down companies will be expanding when days become shorter and those labels to comply with temperatures drop. It does increased use of seashore produce some seedheads in the paspalum. middle of the summer. We are · Seashore paspalum tends to currently testing some other become thatchy, particularly cultivars of seashore paspalum for when over-fertilized and over- use in home lawns at the irrigated. This may mean University of Florida. Some of increased verticutting needs for these may also become available homeowners. for home lawn use in the near future. How do I establish seashore paspalum? Where does this grass come from? If you’re buying plugs of the grass, buy enough to plant The species is native to coastal tropical areas worldwide. It them approximately one foot on center – this means that came to the southeastern United States in slave ships, where each plug you plant is about one foot from the other plugs it was used as cargo hull bedding. As the bedding was tossed around it. Keep it well irrigated for the first week- in very out on the banks, the grass established. Seashore paspalum hot, sunny weather, water it lightly a few times a day so thrives in hot, full sunlight conditions and does especially that the roots don’t die out. The grass will initially establish well in coastal areas with a saline water environment. its root system, with no visible changes to the shoot system. After about a week, you will start to see new runners, or What are the advantages of seashore paspalum stolons, emerging from the plugs and spreading out into for home lawn use? the bare areas. When this happens, cut back on the irrigation Some of the main advantages of seashore paspalum are: to once daily or even every other day for about a week. You · Excellent tolerance to saline or recycled water can apply small amounts of fertilizer about two weeks after · Excellent wear tolerance planting. The optimal way to fertilize paspalum is to apply · Good tolerance to reduced water input, but does 0.25 - 0.5 lb. of soluble nitrogen per 1000 square feet every require water to remain green other week for about six weeks. At this time, you should · Relatively low fertility inputs needed to produce have good cover and you can reduce your fertility to a a dense, dark green lawn maintenance regime. Depending on the temperature and · Tolerates a wide pH range soil conditions, you can drop irrigation to once or twice a · Tolerates extended periods of low light intensity, week about three weeks after you plant. If the grass is such as from prolonged cloudy or rainy periods looking drought-stressed, irrigate more frequently if there · Dense growth habit discourages weed isn’t ample rainfall. competition http://hort.ufl.edu Page 2 How do I fertilize seashore paspalum after it’s How do I mow seashore paspalum? established? In contrast to St. Augustine grass, paspalum should be mowed Again, this grass responds best to low doses of fertilizer at a low height – somewhere between 1-1.5 inches. Higher applied regularly over the growing season. We’re still looking mowing will accelerate thatch buildup and will produce at specific fertilizer rates for home lawn use, but as a general seedheads. Ideally, paspalum should be mowed at the lowest guideline, fertilizing as follows should produce a healthy, possible height at least twice a week during the summer dense lawn: months. A rotary mower can be used, although a If you’re in north Florida, apply 2-3 lbs. of nitrogen per reel mower will produce a better cut. 1,000 square feet per year. Apply ½ lb. of N at each application – more than that can produce excess These basics will help you to grow a healthy, dense growth and increase thatch buildup. seashore paspalum lawn. As with many of the In central Florida, follow the same guidelines, newer grasses, we’re still experimenting with but apply 2-4 lbs. of N per 1,000 square feet yearly. fertilizer rates, sources, and timings, and still In south Florida, 3-5 lbs. of N per 1,000 square looking at other aspects of home lawn management feet will produce a nice green lawn. for this species. Remember, a nice lawn is going to require Look for a fertilizer with a high amount of potassium (K). hard work and proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing This will enhance stress tolerance and paspalum will take practices regardless of what grass you have. up a large amount of K. For more information on seashore paspalum and home lawn management, check out the University of Florida turfgrass website at http://turf.ufl.edu.

A Letter From the Dean

February 25, 2002 the program, to their counties, and to the citizens of the state. Most counties contributing to the program are doing so through plant sales, through selling calendars, and selling To all Master Gardeners and Master raffle tickets for selected items. I would strongly urge Gardener Coordinators: counties to ask for contributions from those businesses or individuals who have benefited from the Master Gardener I wanted to give you an update on our Program. If your master gardeners have really helped a Holiday fundraising “challenge” for the Master garden center maybe they would be willing to contribute. Gardener Extension Professorship. We had four counties Yes, there are some individual master gardeners who have that stepped forward to participate in the program. Orange contributed. In most cases they have expressed to me that County donated $1,700; Pinellas, $750; St. Lucie, $650; their contribution is to express their gratitude for all the Hillsborough, $200, and two private individuals donated benefits they have received from being a part of the $500.00. In total $7,400 new dollars went into our program, or they say that it’s an expression of the respect professorship as a result of this challenge.” I would also they have for their master gardener coordinator. like to thank other counties that considered this opportunity even if you did not choose to participate. Also, I want to clarify that all Master Gardener coordinators will be eligible to receive the award regardless of whether Since the holidays, two other counties have been visited their county participates. Also, all Master Gardener for the purpose of having dialogue about the professorship coordinators are eligible regardless of whether their position program and the benefits it will bring to the overall Master is state funded or county funded. Gardener Program. We now have five counties committed to a patron level, $6,000 and two at the friends level. Three Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the status significant individual donors and five other counties have of the professorship program and for all the valuable work made contributions. Two other visits are being planned in you do each end every day. the near future. Sincerely yours, I’ve heard several concerns being expressed about this program that I feel need to be addressed. The most significant one relates to where the funds should come from for a patron ($6,000) or friends ($3,000) commitment. There is a perception that we are asking for Master Christine T. Waddill Gardeners to reach into their pockets and fund this. This is not the strategy of the program. We realize that our Master Gardeners already make enormous contributions to

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 3 Management of Southern Chinch Bugs in Lawns

By Dr. Eileen A. Buss, Entomology & Nematology commonly used against these bugs, are leaving the market. Department, University of Florida Dursban is sold out in many places, but diazinon will still be It’s that time of year again. The southern chinch bugs are available until 2003. out doing what they do best: sucking the juices out of St. Augustinegrass. Both the nymphs (immatures) and adults Here are some non-chemical options. Use resistant grass feed near the base of the grass plant. This damage results varieties, like Floratam, when establishing a lawn. Avoid in irregular patches of wilted, yellow-brown grass. These applying too much fertilizer. Chinch bugs love over-fertilized bugs prefer open, sunny areas, grass. And if possible, reduce the thatch especially where the thatch layer is layer by cutting the grass roots thick. Damaged grass looks worst (verticutting). They and other insects during hot, dry weather in mid- to late live in the thatch layer. summer. If chemical control is warranted, How do you know for sure that the grass products containing diazinon, is infested with chinch bugs? First, try chlorpyrifos (Dursban®), or acephate parting the grass with your hands to see (Orthene®) are suggested for if any chinch bugs are walking around. homeowner use. However, chinch bugs Then, take an empty coffee can, cut in some areas of Florida are resistant to both ends out, and push it into the these products. If any of these products ground at the edge of the damage. Pour water into it, fail to provide control, apply a synthetic keeping the water level above the top of the grass, for about pyrethroid such as bifenthrin (e.g., Scotts MaxGuard®), eight minutes. If chinch bugs are present, they’ll float to permethrin (e.g., Spectracide® Liquid Insecticide Spray), the top of the water. Do this in three or four areas. If more or cyfluthrin (e.g., Bayer Advanced Lawn & Garden® Multi- than 25 chinch bugs per square foot are found, then Insect Killer). insecticidal control is generally suggested. More information regarding southern chinch bug biology is So, if the chinch bugs think your lawn is their salad bar, in the EDIS publication, “Southern Chinch Bug Management what can you do? Dursban and diazinon, two insecticides on St. Augustinegrass” (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH036).

NewNew ufoufo peachpeach varietyvariety

Fruit breeders at the shelves, he explained. The funny-shaped peaches have been University of Florida popular with home gardeners, but were not available have come up with commercially because they couldn’t stand up to packing a new variety of and shipping. peach that looks very much like a fly- “Because these peaches are not round, a mechanical packing ing saucer. The line will damage them if they are soft,” Sherman said. “After peach has a flat- I tried to pack some I discovered I’d done it all wrong and tened shape, a firm had to go back and put the extra-firm texture gene in them.” texture, and a very sweet taste. The UFO peach was cre- The gene incorporated in the saucer-shaped peach is not ated by adding a gene that causes extra-firm flesh to an new. “This gene has been used in many other fruits, such as existing saucer-shaped peach that has been popular for sweet cherries, blueberries and new varieties of hundreds of years in Asia, said Wayne Sherman, a professor cantaloupes, and even in firm tomatoes, which consumers with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. think of as vegetables but actually are fruits,” Sherman said. Now that he’s added the firm-flesh trait and a bright red “This peach was a favorite of Chinese emperors because color, Sherman said the saucer-shaped UFO peach could be they could turn it around in their hand and eat it without seen as a high-priced novelty fruit in grocery stores. The dripping juice in their beards,” Sherman said. “The variety UFO peach is adapted to the subtropical growing conditions that we modified came from Australia, where it was known in Central Florida from the Tampa area to north of as the Australian Saucer peach. “We named it after a flying Gainesville. Growers can get trees from nurserymen licensed saucer — a UFO,” he said. “The UF prefix goes on all of our by the university to grow the new variety. Homeowners new firm-textured varieties of peaches and nectarines.” interested in growing the peaches should find plenty in their Fruits with extra-firm flesh can ripen while on the tree, local garden centers this winter, Sherman said. said Sherman. This means their sugar content and sweetness will be greater than fruits picked early to ripen on store Source:www.cosmiverse.com

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 4 2001 International Master Gardener Conference

In late May, the University Horticulture Department, of Florida hosted the discussing the history and 2001 International Master future of plant breeding Gardener Conference including genetically and Trade Show in modified plants. The Orlando. The conference morning’s participants was located at the Hilton received a beautiful rose in the Walt Disney World on their chair. Following Resort. the general session, people chose between six concurrent educational sessions. The conference opened to welcoming remarks from Dr. The evening was highlighted by an elegant dinner sponsored Terrill Nell, the chair of the University of Florida by several companies from the cut flower industry. The Environmental Horticulture Department, Dr. Mike Martin the presentation by Rene Van Rems of the California Cut Flower Vice President for I.F.A.S.; and Greg Ruse, the Vice President Commission who gave a history of flowers while in character of Disney Construction, Manufacturing, and Horticulture. as a seventeenth century artist can be described by the following Quotes: “Wow”, “Awesome”, and “Totally Following these remarks the microphone was passed to unexpected”. Rebecca Kolls of Rebecca’s Garden and Good Morning America to discuss her experiences as the host of a gardening The final day of the conference took place at Epcot Center. show. The participants then attended numerous informative The 2001 International Flower & Garden Festival was in full lectures dealing with a wide range of horticultural topics. swing and the Master Gardeners were treated to two hours of private viewing of the The day also marked the opening of the trade show. This Gardens of the World show was highlighted by large crowds, generous vendors, Showcase with the and door prize drawings. opportunity to the meet An evening reception the gardeners who make sponsored by the Scotts the magic. Next, was an Corporation wrapped up entertaining and the first day. This event educational presentation was highlighted by cuisine by Rick Mikula, who is from around the globe, nicknamed the and dancing to the sounds “Butterfly Evangelist”. The gardeners had the rest of the of the swing band day to view the festival on their own. They were all brought Swingerhead. back together one last time for a dessert reception sponsored by the Epcot International Flower & Garden Day two started with twelve concurrent hands-on workshops Festival and a front row seat for the laser fireworks show and educational lectures, and a poster display of selected Illuminations. This truly ended the conference with a bang. Master Gardener projects from around the country. The evening for the Florida Master Gardeners involved an awards The conference was attended by 749 Master Gardener dinner at the American Pavilion at Epcot. Dr. Christine Volunteers. Waddill, the Dean for Extension, recognized county Master Gardener groups who have supported the Master Gardener Professorship Program and presented the awards of IFAS BOOKSTore online excellence and service awards to volunteers who have donated 10, 15, or 20 years of service. The evening ended Find the best of UF/IFAS on a high note with a presentation from Dennis Higbie, and Extension gardening Director of Disney Horticulture at the Walt Disney World and landscaping resources Resort and an inspirational performance by the group right at your fingertips American Vibe. with online shopping and The third day opened to checkout. Visit us at a general session http://ifasbooks.ufl.edu conducted by Dr. Nell, or call 1-800-226-1764 to Ruth Kobayashi of Paul place an order from our Ecke Ranch, and Dr. catalog. Dave Clark from the UF Environmental

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 5 2001 Master Gardener Conference and Trade Show Memorabilia

While the conference is past, you have an opportunity to purchase some of the remaining stock of conference memorabilia. The prices listed are discounted from the original prices. If you would like to purchase a mug or pin, please fill out the following form and return it to the address listed below by May 10, 2002. Orders will be shipped to the Extension office for dispersal. Quantities are limited so get yours now! University of Florida Master Gardener Program 1523 Fifield Hall PO Box 110670 Gainesville, FL 32611-0670

Mug Front Mug Back Actual Size: 5/8 x 1 inch

Name: (Last) (First) Address: City: State: Zip: County: Phone:

# of Mugs: X $8.00 = $ # of Pins: $3.00 = $ X Total = $ Make checks payable to: UF Share

Newnew Number!number! Supporting the program

A new single nationwide telephone number has During the past year a been established for the American Association of number of counties Poison Control Centers. The number is (800) have donated money 222-1222. When people call the number, a to support the state- computer checks the area code and prefix of wide Master Gardener the caller’s number, and routes the call to the Program. These funds nearest center. (USDA-OPMP are used to help support the annual Newest News, 9/20/01) service and search for excellence awards presented each year. A big “Thanks!” goes to: Escambia County ($65), Osceola County ($100), and Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties ($478).

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 6 FYn corner friendly behavioral practices by our Floridian clientele, residents and non-residents alike. I attribute much of our success to the tremendous efforts of our environmental horticulture agents and also to the MG volunteers that assist with the FYN program. Tom Wichman and I have been working together for about The FYN program is now in 40 of Florida’s 67 counties and two years, and before that I worked with Joan Bradshaw we are receiving telephone calls everyday from other for more than two years, and before that I worked with counties that wish to include FYN in their extension Kathleen Ruppert for a few months. Why is any of this programming. MG volunteers in the FYN program do not relevant? Well, because with each one of the statewide just benefit their own county but the statewide program as Master Gardener coordinators I have discussed the possibility a whole. Once a year, prior to the MG statewide conference, of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program having a we have the MG in-service training for the FYN program. column in the statewide Master Gardener Newsletter, This in-service had over 150 MG volunteers in attendance, Voulanteer News, and yet it is just now that we are actually and that was just for the first year we offered the training! getting around to it. Not that over the years we have The response and interest has been phenomenal, and I am minimized the importance of keeping the MG volunteers up proud to work with such an esteemed group. Recently, we to date with regard to the FYN program. Rather, MG had our first cleanup for a statewide FYN demonstration volunteers are such an integral part of FYN now that most site that will be located on the University of Florida campus of you are kept well informed by your county agents, in Gainesville and we had volunteers from both Alachua and volunteer coordinators and FYN program assistants and Marion counties come out to us. I am very grateful for their coordinators. I am happy to say that we have formed a assistance and it just shows how willing MG volunteers are symbiotic relationship that mutually benefits both programs to go the extra mile for a worthy endeavor. and it is hard to imagine one without the other. I know that we will be able to continue this relationship The FYN program gives MG volunteers the opportunity to between the FYN program and the MG volunteers. I look assist with the educational process that leads to sustainable forward to communicating more with you through this and environmental friendly landscapes, reduction of newsletter and if you have topics that you would like to see stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution, and the discussed with regard to the FYN program, please just let inevitable protection of Florida’s natural resources. The me know, and thank you for all of your hard work and efforts. MG volunteers, in turn, give the FYN program a depth and You are doing a great job!! breadth of expansion that would not be possible without their knowledge and expertise. Environmental Horticulture Christine Kelly-Begazo agents have been teaching about environmental landscape Florida Yards and Neighborhoods management practices for years. With the inclusion of the State Coordinator MG volunteers and the FYN program, however, we have seen [email protected] a rise in the acceptance rate and adoption of environmental

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL MASTER GARDENER CONFERENCE NC State University will host the Southeast Regional Master organic gardening, new plants from China, etc. Gardener conference in Raleigh, NC May 20-22, 2002. The focus of the conference is on new and exciting cultivars, You will tour the JC Raulston Arboretum, an eight acre new gardening techniques, native plants, and increased research garden for testing new plants and Juniper Level environmental responsibility. Botanical Gardens featuring over 6,000 plant species and cultivars. While there you will be able to purchases plants General session speakers include: Nicholas Staddon, director and enjoy a NC pig picking. There will also be book sales, of new plant introductions with Monrovia Nursery, Margaret signings and trade show. Pooler with the US National Arboretum, Bob Lyons, Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum, Tony Avent, owner of Plants For additional information go to the conference web site: Delight Nursery, Andy Wasowski, author of nine books www.southeast-mastergardener.net including The Landscape Revolution, and writers Peter Loewer, Dick Bir, and Larry Melichamp. The conference brochure will be mailed out in February. If you wish for us to mail directly to your MG’s, please send a You will be able to choose between five concurrent sessions mailing list. for each time slot on Tuesday. Topics include: magnolias, hollies, hostas, cold-hardy camellias, invasive plants, plant [email protected] genomics, water gardening, heirloom fruit, plant names,

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 7 2002 FNGA Florida Plants of the Year

For more information on any of these plants, please visit http://www.plantforlife.org/plantofyear.html

Viburnum obovatum Compact Walter’s Viburnum Arachis glabrata Hydrangea quercifolia Perennial Peanut Oak Leaf Hydrangea

Justicia spicigera Myrcianthes fragrans ‘Compacta’ Orange Plume Simpson’s Stopper Bismarckia nobilis (Compact Form) Bismarck Palm

Ilex x ‘Robin’TM Curcuma zedoaria Robin Holly Curcuma elata Hidden Ginger Giant Plume Ginger

Zamioculcas zamiifolia “ZZ” Curcuma cordata (petiolata) Codiaeum ‘Mammy’ Jewel of Thailand Ginger Mammy Croton

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 8 PETS (Continued from page 1) · Jack-in-the-pulpit · Avocado Usually found in the woods, this flowering plant can Fatal to birds, this plant’s leaves, seeds, stems and cause kidney or organ failure. skin are considered a cardiovascular toxin. It also · Lantana can cause kidney or organ failure. Its clusters of tiny flowers attract butterflies, yet the · Amaryllis plant can cause liver failure in pets. A showy flower, whether striped or solid white. Yet, · Lily of the valley its bulb is considered a gastrointestinal and Known for sweet-smelling flowers, yet potentially neurological toxin. fatal to pets. · Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) · Oleander These pretty, petite flowers are considered very Its pastel flowers make it a popular bush, yet it’s poisonous, not to mention a cardiovascular and very poisonous and can be fatal to pets. gastrointestinal toxin. · Philodendron · Azalea Big, leafy, green and showy, this plant can cause A lovely bush filled with flowers. Yet, it’s a kidney or organ failure in animals. cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and neurological · Poinsettia toxin for animals. The famous Christmas plant can bring on dermatitis · Begonia in animals. It’s also a gastrointestinal toxin. A pretty flower to people, but potentially fatal to · Rhubarb leaves pets. Can cause kidney or organ failure. Can cause kidney or organ failure in animals. · Castor bean · Rosary Pea A shrub-like plant with clustered seed pods, this A slender vine with pea-shaped pods, this plant can African native is potentially fatal if chewed. be fatal if chewed. · Foxglove (Digitalis) · Scheffelera (a.k.a. umbrella plant) One of its nicknames — Dead Men’s Bells — is a clue This leafy green — and often indoor — plant can that this bell-shaped, tubular flower can be fatal. cause kidney or organ failure. · Hydrangea · Yew A hardy, showy shade-loving flower, the plant A tree or ornamental plant with needle-like foliage, contains cyanide. it is fatal to most animals.

For more information, ask your veterinarian or contact Information and advice contained on this site is for your the American Animal Hospital Association at (800) 252- consideration only. Please consult your veterinarian for 2242. Its web site: www.healthypet.com. specific advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet. Wild NEWS Here are some interesting things happening in the months of March and April:

March: April: 4 Migrating birds from Central and South America visit 4 Sooty Terns take over Dry Tortugas for nesting. the state. 4 Bobwhite quail nest now through September. 4 Mourning doves nest now through November. 4 Migrant warblers concentrate on coasts after cold 4 Carolina wrens are nesting now. fronts. 4 Swallow tailed kites return to South Florida wetlands. 4 Watch for hummingbirds feeding on blooms of 4 Plant columbine, coral bean, and other wildflowers to columbine, buckeye, and others. attract hummingbirds. 4 Black bears begin moving after winter’s inactivity. 4 Wild turkeys and quail begin breeding in central and 4 Long-tailed weasels, minks, and river otters will be north Florida. born April through May. 4 Look for red foxes emerging from remote beaches. 4 Endangered Grey Bats return to Florida caves to raise 4 Last chance to see manatee concentrations in the young. Caloosahatchee River this winter. 4 Pine barrens treefrogs begin calling. 4 Male frogs and toads move to ponds, streams, and 4 Most Florida snakes begin mating rituals. ditches to breed during rainy nights 4 Beginning of Sea Turtle nesting season on Florida 4 Largemouth bass spawning throughout Central Florida. beaches. 4 White bass run up the Ochlockonee River above Lake 4 Plant extra parsley for black swallowtail butterfly Talquin. larvae to eat. Source: University of Florida, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Available : www.wec.ufl.edu/extension

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 9 Jadera Bug

Introduction mm. The color for J. antica is basically brownish-salmon, with some specimens more brownish, others more reddish; fuscous Two species of Jadera are known from Florida, J. antica Walker dots abundant over upper surface and on sides of the thorax; and J. haematoloma (Herrich-Schaeffer), but only the latter eyes, sides of head and shoulders. The is abdomen reddish species is common. When J. haematoloma appears in large and sprinkled with darker red spots. For more detailed colonies in yards and gardens, people become curious and/or technical descriptions or keys, consult Blatchley (1926), alarmed and contact agricultural officials for information. Gollner-Scheiding (1979), or Hoebeke and Wheeler (1982). For Mothers often become upset over their children’s clothes being a broader understanding of Jadera and its relatives, consult stained red from the squashed bodies of J. haematoloma, due Chopra (1967) and Schaefer and Chopra (1982). to their children playing on infested lawns. The bugs aggregate to feed on seeds that have dropped to the ground from trees Nymphs: The nymphs of both species are overhead, especially from goldenrain trees, Koelreuteria spp., predominately reddish in color, with the (Sapindaceae). Wheeler (1982) documented J. haematoloma thorax, antennae, beak, and legs brown. as a nuisance insect in Texas, and having invaded homes from Small dark setae are nearly uniformly nearby Chinaberry trees in Oklahoma. Jadera bugs are often spaced over the whole body as revealed confused with the boxelder bug, Boisea trivittatus Say, but by a hand lens or microscope. The they are different species in the same insect family. Boxelder nymphs have the family characteristic bugs also cause concern when they appear in great numbers of two abdominal scent glands lying so at the end of summer or early fall in states to the north and close together in the middle of the dorsal west of Florida. abdomen, that segment 5 is constricted Synonymy at midline. Jadera haematoloma was described previously in the genus Hosts Leptocoris and has been recorded in Serinetha, Lygaeus, and Schaefer and Chopra (1982) reported that Jadera and the Pyrrhotes. Jadera antica Walker is the name currently closely related genus Leptocoris of the subfamily Serinethinae accepted for Jadera sanguinolenta Fabricius of various authors have a clear preference for plants of the Sapindales, especially having reported it in southern Florida and southward. The true of the Sapindaceae. J. haematoloma feeds on a variety of J. sanguinolenta is a Neotropical species that occurs in Puerto plants but prefers balloonvine, Cardiospermum spp. Rico and the Virgin Islands, but not in the continental U.S.A. (Sapindaceae) which grows in southern Florida. Additional hosts Distribution include other Sapindaceae, Ficus spp. (Moraceae) and Althaea spp. (Malvaceae). In some areas the bugs are observed feeding J. haematoloma has been reported from some of the so often on goldenrain tree seeds, Koelreuteria spp., southeastern states west to Texas and California, several (Sapindaceae), that they are referred to as “goldenrain tree central states, and from Mexico, the West Indies, southward bugs.” to Central America and Colombia; also Hawaii. In Florida, it ranges over the peninsula, but seems to be scarce in the north, Survey and Detection and strangely absent from “panhandle” Florida, as discerned Examine ground areas under trees shedding seeds, particularly from records in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods goldenrain trees, where bugs come to feed on the seeds. Look (FSCA). J. haematoloma has been taken during every month for the dark, red-shouldered 1/2 inch long adults primarily on in Florida, with May being the peak month, primarily in central leaves, stems, and ground areas. Nymphs are mostly a Florida, the region containing the majority of records. In conspicuous red color. southern Florida, there is a more even distribution throughout the year, with no distinct spring peak according to FSCA records. Management J. antica records are scarce; it has been collected only a few In most instances, no attempts to control Jadera spp. are times in Monroe and Dade Counties, and once in Osceola (15- necessary. Documentation is lacking as far as this being a plant III-56 by H.A. Denmark). Records (FSCA) for J. antica in Florida pest of any consequence. A small concentration on a plant are in March, April, June, August, and November. often can be destroyed by hand collecting. If the bugs are a Descriptions nuisance in lawns or playgrounds, raking to remove the seeds that the bugs are feeding on should be helpful. If nonpesticidal Adults: J. haematoloma (with normal methods are not practical, consult your local office of the wings) has a length of 9.5-13.5 mm and Cooperative Extension Service for insecticide width of 3-4 mm. The length of the recommendations. shortwinged form (brachyptera) usually is 7-8 mm long. Adult color of J. haematoloma is mostly black or Author: Frank W. Mead, Florida Department of Agriculture and brownish-black except for reddish eyes Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, and Thomas R. and their orbits, ocelli, shoulders, and Fasulo, University of Florida. border area of abdomen. J. antica has a Originally published as DPI entomology circular 277. length 7.5-11 mm and a width 2.5-4.0

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 10 Non-Target Effects to Monarch Butterfly Research

Six papers to be published the second week of September in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examine the effect of pollen from B.t. corn on the larvae of the monarch butterfly. Drafts of the papers were distributed during the first week of September to give people time to review the data before a regulatory decision has to be made on B.t. crops by the end of the month. The registrations of all B.t. crops are conditional, with an expiration date of September 30, 2001.

The conclusions from the papers are that monarch larvae are not at risk from the technology. In general, there was little risk because the two main varieties of B.t. corn do not have pollen which contain much of the toxin. However, a third variety of corn (Event 176) was found to have extremely high levels of the toxin in the pollen. This variety is not planted widely and is going to be withdrawn from the market. The entire topic of non-target effects to monarch butterfly larvae has been a poster child for non-governmental organizations that mistrust genetically-engineered crops. These organizations have been demanding the publication of these data for the last six months, but EPA said that they could not share the information because it was classified as confidential business information.

Although the lead researchers are in agreement with their conclusions that little effect on monarch butterfly larvae would be expected, some were critical of the process. One researcher contacted the EPA in writing to express the view that the procedure (the time line and data availability) had stifled thoughtful scientific debate on the issue. (New York Times via AgNet, 9/8/01).

Featured Plant: Weeping Yaupon Holly

Looking for a small, columnar accent tree that tolerates salt spray and a wide range of soil, moisture, and light conditions? Well, cry no more and turn to Ilex vomitoria f. pendula. This evergreen, fine-textured yaupon holly has a characteristic upright, weeping habit with outer branches that gracefully droop to create the ultimate eye-catcher. Use it where a vertical accent is needed.

I. vomitoria f. pendula (Aquifoliaceae) has handsome light gray bark, and new leaves take on a purplish tinge that quickly turns dark green. The dioecious flowers are small and creamy white in the spring with female trees producing translucent-red berries in the fall and winter. This tree is a must in Florida wildlife gardens for food, shelter, and bird-nesting sites. In fact, I vomitoria f. pendula has been named one of the Florida Plants of the Year for 2005. The weeping yaupon is grown in the Southeast from Virginia to Florida, west to Texas, and hardy to zone 7. Its growth is slow to moderate, but be sure to give this tree plenty of vertical room. Ultimately it can reach 25 to 30 feet in height. Its maximum spread is 6 to 8 feet. No serious pest problems exist, except for occasional leafminer damage. The weeping yaupon can be propogated from seed with 15% to 30% of the seedlings exhibiting the weeping habit. Fall cuttings have a 40% to 50% success rate. Field-grown trees are easily transplanted but brittle and prone to breakage. Container-grown trees are recommended and available from Beckel Landscape Nursery of Sanford, FL (407-323-6555), Superior Trees of Lee, FL (850-971-5159), and King Wholesale Nursery of Plant City, FL (813-752- 4519).

I. vomitoria f. pendula ‘Folsom’s Weeping’ (also known as ‘Gray’s Weeping’) is a selection of f. pendula that is narrower in habit. J.A. Foret collected this cultivar in 1952 near Folsom, LA, where I. vomitoria is commonly found in the wild. A light shearing early in its growth will promote a denser habit while still maintaining a weeping form. A multitrunk specimen is preferred, but a single-trunk specimen can be used for very narrow spaces. Look for this excellent weeping yaupon at Gateway Gardens of Oviedo, FL (407-365-3655) and Panhandle Growers Inc. of Milton, FL (850-626-0951). - KGP

Stephen G. Pategas, ASLA and Kristin G. Pategas, APLD from Ornamental Outlook, October 2001

http://hort.ufl.edu Page 11 Place Stamp Here

2001 Master Gardener Awards of Excellence Winners

Special Audiences Educational Materials Development – Hillsborough County - Okaloosa County General Achievement Services to 4-H and Other Youth – Manatee County – Pinellas County Verbal Mass Communications Outstanding Master Gardener – Orange County – Harry Dalvine - Hillsborough County Written Mass Communication Demonstration Garden – Walton County - Lake County Personal Communications Beautification – Orange County - Sarasota County