Fort Bend County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Walnut Caterpillars currently active in Fort Bend County have eaten all the pecan tree foliage they are likely to consume by now, but pecan growers would do well to check their groves for egg masses before a new generation hatches later this summer, according to agents at the Fort Bend County Extension Offices.

"The population that has been quite active during the past few weeks is most likely the second of the summer," says Boone Holladay, Fort Bend County Extension Agent-Horticulture. "Most are in their final growth stage and through eating."

Based on the caterpillar's developmental time line, the period since the region's last frost makes likely the prospect of a third generation hatching in mid-July, one whose larvae - and consumption of leaves - would be more widespread. Though the trees will rebound, this kind of defoliation can be devastating to the crop of young pecans on the trees.

"The second generation was very bad, causing complete defoliation in the hot spots around pecan groves," Holladay says. "The critical potential is that the third generation, if successful, will infest a much larger area and may move into local commercial orchards, which have a good crop of pecans on them."

The Walnut Caterpillar, Datana integerrima, is a foliage feeder of trees in the family Juglandaceae, which includes the pecans, hickories, and walnuts. Infestations start with female moths depositing egg masses of 300 to 900 eggs on the undersides of individual leaflets of mature foliage.

Egg masses are deposited in one layer and free of any covering, so that growers can spotlight into the trees at night and see the white dime-size clusters of eggs on the underside of leaves. Eggs will take approximately 10 to 12 days to mature and larval feeding will be approximately 23 days before larvae leave the tree to seek pupation sites.

"This would be the time to treat," adds Bill Ree, Pecan Integrated Pest Management Specialist. "Without blindly spraying for them, we ask individuals to scout for new populations. If you see the new egg masses on mature foliage, it should be about a week before the larvae hatch out.

"The safest products for homeowner situations would be Bt (Dipel, Thuricide, Caterpillar Killer) and products with spinosad (such as Green Light Lawn and Garden with Spinosad), or the use of wetable Sevin (Carbaryl) plus soap."

If you cannot reach the top of the tree where the caterpillars are feeding, you may be able to catch them when they move down the tree and cluster to molt. This is usually about 6 to 15 feet up the tree and easy to spot with a little inspection. If you can catch them then, you can spray the cluster with dish soap and water (10 drops to 24 oz. water). Be aware of the potential for acute poisoning to pets and wildlife if you use some chemical pesticides on these insects. With the large populations of these, ingestion of treated insects by birds and other beneficial organisms may prove deadly.

Commercial growers will want to be on the lookout early and often, the agents say. For commercial producers products listed for walnut caterpillar will include Intrepid, Confirm, Belt, Delegate and Altacor. For organic producers, products will include Entrust, certified Bt insecticides, Azera and Neemix.

The extension agents note that caterpillars may be observed moving to other trees and shrub species, such as oaks and crapemyrtle, but they will not feed on them. They have simply used up their food stock and are desperately searching for more (pecan, hickory, or walnut) and may die on their own without enough energy to pupate into adult stage.

For more information, contact Holladay or Ree at the Fort Bend County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Rosenberg at 281-342-3034. Additional information and regular updates on pecan-related issues throughout the state may be found at the Texas Pecan Integrated Pest Management website, http://pecan.ipmPIPE.org.

Checklist for fall garden and landscape care

You can see and feel the change of seasons. Fall color is starting to appear, pansies, mums and asters are in the garden center and your thoughts are turning to preparing your landscape for winter.

Those in warm climates are switching to winter annuals, while those in colder regions are fortifying their landscapes for the cold winter ahead. No matter where you live, invest some time in preparing your landscape for the change in seasons. Dedicating some time now will pay off with healthier more beautiful plants next spring.

Continue to mow the lawn high as long as it continues to grow. There's no need to cut it short unless that is the look you prefer.

Fertilize the grass with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer. Fall fertilization provides the greatest benefit to your lawn and gives you the best value for the time and money invested.

• Those in cooler regions growing bluegrass, fescue and perennial ryegrass should fertilize around Labor Day when temperatures start to cool. Then make a final application between Halloween and Thanksgiving before the ground freezes.
• Those in warmer climates growing centipede, Bermuda and zoysia should also fertilize around Labor Day. However, be sure to make the last fall application at least one month prior to the average first killing frost.

Shred leaves as they fall. Leave some on the lawn to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. As long as you can see the grass blades through the shredded leaves your lawn will be fine.

Use the rest of the shredded leaves in your compost pile, as mulch on top of the soil or as a soil amendment. Just dig a two to three inch layer into the top 12 inches of annual or new planting beds. These leaves will break down and add organic matter. By spring the leaves will decompose and the garden bed will be ready to cultivate and plant.

Plant a few bulbs now for a colorful early spring display. Incorporate compost, aged manure or other organic matter into the planting area. Add a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer at the time of planting. In general, plant bulbs two to three times their vertical diameter deep. Follow specific planting and spacing directions on the package or tag.

• Select animal-resistant bulbs to avoid squirrels digging up the bulbs and deer and rabbits eating the blooms. Daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths and squills are a few to consider. Little Tommies (Crocus tommasinianus) tend to be more squirrel resistant than other crocus varieties.
• Those gardening in mild climates need low chill bulbs that will thrive and flower after a mild winter. Or purchase precooled bulbs for winter planting and spring flowering.

Allow disease- and insect-free perennials to stand for winter. This will increase their winter hardiness and your enjoyment. The dried leaves, stems and seedheads provide beauty for you to enjoy, seeds for the birds and overwintering homes for many butterflies and beneficial insects.

Plant trees, shrubs and perennials. The soil is warm and the air is cool - perfect conditions for planting and establishing trees, shrubs and perennials. And for those lucky enough to garden in warm climates, add a few winter annuals.

Continue to water the landscape as needed throughout the fall. Be sure to water evergreens and new plantings thoroughly before the ground freezes.

No matter where you live or the size of your garden, get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of fall. And be sure to invest a bit of energy now to insure your landscape is ready for the season ahead.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can't Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener's Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.

Birds & Blooms

If you're looking for a great summer activity, whether it's fun for the whole family or a way to meet awesome new people, the hottest trend in gardening may be perfect for you.Community gardens have recently taken off in popularity. As the perfect fun and affordable way (you'll save bundles on fruits and vegetables!) to develop a beautiful neighborhood, it's no real surprise. However, getting involved in a community - and knowing the proper gardening etiquette - can be a real challenge.

The following tips will help even the greenest thumb plant a thriving plot. Tips include:

DO consider the fees and scale of your garden: Garden sizes and reservation fees vary by location, with 200-square-foot spaces typically costing about $20 to rent for a season, while areas of up to 10,000 square feet can cost $200. Think carefully about how big you want your garden to be, where you want it to be and how much space you'll be able to manage.

DO garden with friends and family: Gardening is a great way to catch up with old friends or to make new ones; one of the benefits of working with a community is swapping plants, stories and gardening advice with other enthusiasts. Bringing the kids and family along also makes for a great outdoor afternoon activity - plus, it's always helpful to have an extra hand around to tend to the garden when you can't.

DON'T go into your neighbor's space: Being ambitious with your garden is exciting and healthy, but always keep the boundaries of your plot in mind - belonging to a community means being aware of neighbors' space and respecting it as you would your own.

DON'T forget about your garden: One of the easiest ways your garden can become overgrown or spread weeds to both your plot and your neighbors' is if it's not carefully attended; gardening is meant to be a relaxing hobby, but all good gardeners are attentive and care for their plants.

Seguin: "Rain Gardens and Storm Water Treatments" will be presented by Matt Madrone, Landscape Architecture, at 7 p.m., July 17, at the Justice Center, 211 Court St., Seguin. A 6:30 p.m. social function precedes the meeting. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.

Austin: Chris Doggett, of Williamson County Beekeepers Association, will present "Raising and Managing Bees, Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. - noon, at Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. Doggett will share his knowledge and expertise in raising and managing bees. Learn how to provide a healthy and attractive environment for bees, whether you have a backyard hive, or acres of crops needing pollination. A delightful speaker with hands-on experience, Chris will gladly answer your questions and concerns to take the mystery out of beekeeping. This seminar is free; Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior. The seminar is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. For information, visit www.tcmastergardeners.org or call -512-477-8672.

Dallas: "Moths: Tales from the Dark Side" will be presented Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m.-noon.

Delve beyond butterflies and learn about one of nature's "other pollinators," the moth. Learn about fascinating behaviors, adaptations and diversity in the moth world from Entomologist John Watts. $15; $12 for TDG members. Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park - 3601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Dallas. For more information, visit http://texasdiscoverygardens.org/events_and_classes.php.

La Marque: "A Homeowners Guide to Weed Control" will be presented by GC Master Gardener Anna Wygrys. Saturday, July 19, 9-11:30 a.m. at Galveston County AgriLife Extension in Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque; Phone 281-534-3413; email reservations to galv3@wt.net, further details www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

Nacogdoches: Join Cindy Hoyt, proprietor of Pineywoods Herb Farm, for a special Herbal Seminar on July 19 from 9 a.m.-noon in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building, 2900 Raguet Street at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center in Nacogdoches. Participants will learn about creating infusions using bay leaves and also participate in a hands-on lesson of making compound (herbal flavored) butter. Cindy plans to share her culinary treats with participants, so get ready for the sight, smell and taste of fresh herbs at this delicious seminar. Pineywoods Herb Farm is located in Kennard, where Cindy and her husband Richard use organic and sustainable farming practices to raise herbs. They specialize in culinary, medicinal, and landscape herbs and also offer seasonal vegetable plants, Texas native plants, wildflowers, and plants that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Cost for the seminar is $25 for SFA Garden Members and $30 for non-members. To register for the seminar, or for more information, contact the education office at 936-468-1832 or email erodewald@sfasu.edu .

San Antonio: The 2014 Junior Master Gardener Summer Adult Training designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers in support of Youth Gardening will be held July 22-24 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio. Participants will become affiliated with the Texas Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program, which engages children in novel, "hands-on" group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. Participants will learn how to establish a garden, start a Junior Master Gardener group, and obtain the JMG curriculum. CPE Hours are provided for this three day training. Cost of the training is $100. No refunds, after the application is submitted will be accepted. For an application, contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bexar County office at 467-6575, or download an application at: www.bexar-tx.tamu.edu.

Woodway: Dr. Casey Reynolds, the Texas A&M Extension Turfgrass Specialist, will lead a seminar about turfgrass establishment and maintenance, water use, shade, species and variety selection, and proper pesticide application at 1 p.m., July 23. The seminar will be held at Whitehall Center at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. $10 admission. For additional information, visit www.mclennanmastergardeners.org.

Sugar Land: Meeting the Challenge of Regional and State Water Issues is the theme for the Irrigators Symposium July 25 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. The event will be from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and include a light breakfast and lunch. Registration is $50 and may be completed at http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/irrigation. The program is designed for licensed irrigators and general landscape professionals. Topics will center around water conservation and how new technologies and marketing practices can help industry professionals as well as their clients. A panel discussion on "Water: Today's Issues and Future Regulations" will open the event at 8:20 a.m. Panelists will include Dr. Monty Dozier, AgriLife Extension regional program director in College Station; Colleen Spencer, water conservation director for the City of Sugar Land; and John DeCell, North Fort Bend Water Authority conservation committeeman. Irrigation technologies for business sustainability and financial advantages that can stem from an irrigation audit will be discussed by Dr. Charles Swanson, AgriLife Extension irrigation specialist in College Station. Water management for turfgrass will be the topic for Brad Detmore of Sugar Land, Skeeters groundskeeper, and Dr. Casey Reynolds, AgriLife Extension turfgrass specialist in College Station. Dr. Mengmeng Gu, AgriLife Extension Earth-Kind program specialist in College Station, will talk about ways to design landscapes to maximize irrigation efficiencies. Also scheduled is a noon discussion on the state's water plan and an afternoon session on marketing water conservation. AgriLife Extension partnered with the City of Sugar Land, the North Fort Bend Water Authority and the Houston Gulf Coast Irrigators Association to conduct the symposium. At least five continuing education credits will be given for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and/or Texas Nursery and Landscape Association license holders. For more information contact Spencer at 281-275-2450.  

Dallas: "Fascinating World of Butterflies" will be presented 10:a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 26, at Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park - 3601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Dallas. Discover the fascinating world of butterflies with Dale Clark, co-founder of the Dallas County Lepidopterist Society. The class begins at Texas Discovery Gardens and ends with a field trip by caravan to Dale's butterfly farm south of Dallas. The farm is not usually open to the public. This is your chance to explore on a behind-the-scenes tour! Class is capped at 30 participants, so register early! $30; $24 for TDG members. For additional information, visit: http://texasdiscoverygardens.org/events_and_classes.php.

Humble: Mercer Botanic Gardens is once again teaming up with The Mercer Society to present the Summer Plant Sale and Color Conference on Saturday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This one-day plant sale and workshop provides gardeners with an outstanding selection of plants that will not only add interest and excitement to gardens and landscapes, but also flourish in the heat and humidity of Houston's summer months. Speakers will share their knowledge and advice about some of the featured plants from the sale through a special line-up of presentations. Featured topics and presenters include: Hibiscus: Scott Meadows, Mercer's education director; Salvias: Vickie Snyder, Mercer volunteer and Salvia enthusiast; Tropical Arums: Margaret Sinclair, president of The Mercer Society, president of The Houston Federation of Garden Clubs; Special Feature: Native Plants and How to Attract their Pollinators: Don Dubois, Mercer volunteer, native plant and butterfly enthusiast. Darrin Duling, Mercer's director, will kick off the day's activities with a garden tour featuring summer color favorites selected by the staff. Speaker presentations will begin at 10:15 a.m. and continue throughout the day with breaks for lunch and shopping at the plant sale. The conference fee is $55 for TMS members and $65 for nonmembers, which includes informative handouts, lunch, and advance entry into the plant sale before it is open to the public at 11 a.m. For more information and to register, please call 281-443-8731. Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road in Humble, 77338. For additional information call 281-443-8731 or visit www.hcp4.net/mercer.  

• Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
• Organic, earth friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
• Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
• Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns

The Vegetable Book

By Dr. Sam Cotner

Finally, back by popular demand and in its fourth printing, the most informative and comprehensive "how-to" book on vegetable gardening in Texas (also, suitable for most other areas of the South) written by the late, great Dr. Sam Cotner, former head of horticulture at Texas A&M University and lifelong gardener. This interesting read has over 370 pages of detailed information on every crop, from Asparagus to Watermelon including problem/solving sections for each vegetable. If you want to maximize your enjoyment and success growing vegetables in Texas, this book is a "must have," whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener. Price $34.02

By William D. Adams

The best thing for tomato enthusiasts since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years of experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, this must-have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Price: $31.94

($15.82 if ordered separately)

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