Horticulture October 2024 Newsletter
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What are Wooly Aphids?
A flying bug that resembles a snowflake or cotton lint has been observed in many areas of western Kentucky and landing on tobacco leaves, many ornamental shrubs, on car surfaces, or flying while people were walking.
This insect can be any of the several species of woolly aphids: alder (Prociphilus tessellatus), apple (Eriosoma lanigerum), elm (E. americanum), or hackberry (Shivaphis celti) woolly aphids. The appearance of woolly aphids is given by a waxy secretion that covers the body, legs, antennae, and around wings that makes them resemble a cotton lint or snowflakes. Aphids are sap feeders of many plant species and excrete a liquid sweet waste substance known as honeydew. Honeydew, in many cases, accumulates on leaves, where a fungus called sooty mold can grow, turning leaves and branches black. Feeding of aphids can cause twisted, curled, or yellowed leaves and/or poor growth.
Not all aphids produce this wax structure, but other insects, such as white flies and psyllids, are also covered by wax. Researchers that studied the woolly oak aphid (Stegophylla brevirostris) in Florida hypothesized that the possible roles of these secretions might be to avoid contamination with honeydew, provide some protection against natural enemies, act as water-proofing protection, and reduce the efficacy of insecticides.
Beneficial insects such as ladybeetles, lace wings, and parasitoids may be able to control aphids without the application of insecticides. However, woolly aphids may be sporadic pests, and outbreaks can be produced and require intervention to reduce their numbers. In these cases, plants can be treated with horticultural oils or soaps, and if required, conventional insecticides may be used.
Source: Raul R. Villanueva, Entomology Extension Specialist
October Calendar of Events
Black Bat Flower
This unique flower blooms from late summer through fall. The Black Bat flower is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and Australia. The flower gets its name from the way its petals mimic a bat in flight. The dark purple bracts look almost black. The plant does well in humidity. Use a humidifier to give it the environment it needs. It does well with indirect light, fertile, and well draining soil. The Black Bat flower can reach 24-36 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Consider adding one to your collection this fall season.
Gardening Tips for Fall
Fall is when I thought I could relax a little after having a vegetable garden and canning all summer long. But when I look around, I still had lots of things to do concerning gardening. So much for relaxing!
Fall is a good time to get your garden cleaned out for the end of the season. Now is a good time to check for pests and diseased plants. You will want to get rid of them from your garden area, and not leave them where it can expose other plant life to disease or insects. Even weeds need to be destroyed before they seed out and spread. Do a walk through on a regular basis to check on what kinds of things are trying to take over your garden.
Fall is a great time to divide out your perennials. Daylilies and Hostas seemed to flourish during the summer and the fall is a good time to divide them, along with other perenials. Fall is a good time to replant them in different locations and to get them established before Spring.
Now is a good time to check on your blackberry and raspberry bushes. Do they have enough support trellis to climb and spread up on? Check on the support of your other climbing plants as well.
Your soil can be tested now as well to see what nutrients are needed. This might give you a head start for your planting in the spring. Contact your County Extension Office to see about doing this. Applying lime or sulphur in the fall might help your soil come spring. It seems there is always something that needs to be done. Might as well try to enjoy the cooler weather, whenever it does get here. Happy Gardening! Be blessed and be a blessing to others.
Upcoming Events
Fall Wine Bottle
Taylor County Farmers' Market Fall Festival
Busy Bloomer Garden Club
4-H Horticulture Club Pumpkin Painting
4-H Entomology Club Spiders
Trick or Treat at the Farmers' Market
Tri-County Lawn Care CEU Course
Disease Management Roadmap for Small Acreage Growers
Fall Spiced Pumpkin Bread Recipe
