egion...besides warm-season turfgrasses, plants attacked by armyworms include grain and forage...
TRANSCRIPT
Serving Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Guadalupe, Hill, Hunt,
Kaufman, and Rockwall Counties
REGION IV Advocate, Cultivate, Collaborate,
Educate, and Motivate
Message from the Chair
Features The members of the TNLA Region IV board are looking for ways to help grow our industry and our membership in Dallas.
Some of the things we have implemented to do this will be introduced over the next several months, as we change up things for our upcoming events.
We are working hard at creating excitement around our monthly meetings by having meaningful content and great speakers. For example, October’s meeting will feature information on drone use in the landscape industry. (See page 2 for details)
We are also going to start holding some of our monthly events during the lunch hour to boost attendance and make it more convenient for many members.
We hope by implementing the time change and creating meaningful exciting content that a buzz will begin to be heard in our industry about great events and growth will occur for both our association and its members.
We hope that all will notice the changes and support the effort.
Every Issue
Message From the Chair Calendar Board of Directors Parting Words
1 2 14 15
12 Board Member Spotlight Alan Richmond, Chairman
10
Board Member Spotlight Doug Duncan, Membership Director
- Region IV Growth and Changes -
Gold Sponsor Spotlight Hotchkiss Insurance
9
Armyworms in Turfgrass Outbreaks occur annually
3
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
2018
Alan Richmond Region IV Chair
2 TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018
December
11 Tuesday
Christmas Party at Pinstack Plano
Tuesday, December 12 • 6 – 8 pm
6205 Dallas Parkway Plano, TX 75024 MAP WEBSITE
Join Us for food, bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, and many more fun activities!
2018
Calendar Full TNLA Events Calendar online, here
- REGION IV - Submit Content
Have content to share with our Region IV members? Maybe an article, photo, blog post, experience, advice, or something else?
Contact: Will Williams • 214-350-8350
October
9 Tuesday
Region IV Meeting at Southwest Wholesale Nursery
Tuesday, October 9 • 6 – 8 pm
Educational Speaker: Drone Use in the Landscape Industry
2220 Sand Lake Rd. Carrollton, TX 75006
MAP WEBSITE
TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018 3
Armyworms in Turfgrass
Outbreaks occur in Texas every year
Authors: Chris Sansone, Rick
Minzemayer, and Mike Merchant
Armyworm outbreaks are difficult to predict but infestations seem to occur in portions of the state every year especially after early fall rains.
Biology
The fall armyworm has four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The fall armyworm has not shown the ability to diapause so its ability to survive winter depends on the severity of the temperature. The fall armyworm does overwinter in the southern regions of Texas in the pupal stage.
The adult is a moth that migrates northward as temperatures increase in the spring.
Armyworm eggs and larvae are also sometimes transported from one part of the state to another on grass sod intended for residential and commercial turf.
The adult fall armyworm moth has a wingspan of about 1.5 in. The hind wings are white; the front wings are dark gray, mottled with lighter and darker splotched. On male moths each forewing has a noticeable whitish spot near the extreme tip.
Common species of armyworms present in Texas include:
• Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperd
• Yellowstriped Armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli
• Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua
• True Armyworm, Mythimna (=Pseudaletia) unipuncta. .
The fall armyworm is the insect that causes the most problems in golf courses and home landscapes.
FEATURE ARTICLE
fall armyworm caterpillar
4 TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018
fall armyworm, adult moth
Eggs are very small, white laid in clusters of 50 or more and are covered with grayish, fuzzy scales from the body of the female moth. The eggs are seldom seen and are laid at the base of appropriate host plants.
Larvae hatch from the eggs and when full-crown larvae are green, brown, or black and about 1 to 1.5 in. long when full grown. The larva has a dark head capsule usually marked with a pale, but distinct, inverted “Y.” Along each side of its body is a longitudinal, black stripe, and along the middle of its back is a wider, yellowish-gray stripe with four black dots on each segment. The larvae have five stages or instars and usually hide in debris on the soil surface in the middle of the day. When full grown, larvae will enter the soil and form the pupal stage. Adult moths emerge from pupae. Moths mate and lay eggs, thus starting the life cycle over again. Lush plant growth is preferred by the adults for egg laying.
Several generations (a generation is the development from egg to adult stage)
occur each year and typically the life cycle from egg to adult takes 28 days.
The life cycle can be extended if cooler temperatures occur and can last up to several months. Armyworms in the spring and summer occur in more distinct groups than later in the season. Fall populations of larvae often blend together several generations and may appear to be continually occurring.
Damage
When feeding, larvae strip foliage and then move to the next available food. High populations appear to march side by side to the new food. Thus, the name armyworms has been applied.
Armyworms attack many different kinds of plants. When food is scarce, they will move to plants that are not normally attacked.
Thus, armyworms can be found on nearly any plant as they migrate in search of edible foliage.
Besides warm-season turfgrasses, plants attacked by armyworms include grain and forage sorghum, corn, small grains,
armyworms curl up when disturbed
TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018 5
“window pane” feeding damage on
cornstalks Texas Corn Producers Assoc.
sweet potato,beans, turnip, clover, tobacco, spinach, cucumber, potatoes, tomatoes, cowpeas, cabbage, bluegrass and others.
Damage consists of foliage consumption. The small larvae will chew the green layer from the leaves and leave a clearing or “window pane” effect. The first three instars do very little feeding while the last two instars consume 85% of the total foliage consumed.
Control
Although armyworms outbreaks are memorable when they occur, in reality, the outbreaks are usually small in scope. Weather and multiple natural enemies usually act together to keep populations under control. Parasites such as wasps and flies are very effective against armyworms. Predators, such as ground beetles, are also effective in limiting outbreaks. Birds, skunks and rodents also consume large numbers of larvae and pupae. Diseases such as insect viruses and fungi can also be important.
Sometimes weather conditions occur that favor armyworms. High egg survival of fall armyworms is favored by above-average rains in August and September. Because armyworm moths are strong fliers, outbreaks can also occur when storms move the moths and allow them to escape natural enemies. Armyworms should be controlled when they occur in large numbers or plant damage is becoming excessive.
Armyworms should be controlled when they occur in large numbers or plant damage is becoming excessive. This will be apparent in turfgrass by examining the grass blades. Damaged areas of lawns appear off-color and eventually turn brown as damage progresses from small windowpane strips of damaged leaf tissue to destruction of entire leaves. Armyworms feed any time of the day or night, but are most active early in the morning or late in the evening.
6 TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018
MORE ABOUT ARMYWORMS click links to visit information
Articles
The Surprising Fall Armyworm • 9/20/18 Agrilife Extension
Armyworms: What You Need To Know • 9/26/18 Noble Research Institute
BT Technology Helps Protect Crops • 4/11/18 Monsanto
Videos
Armyworms invading North Texas Neighborhoods • CBS DFW
Fall Army Worms in Corn • Texas Corn Producers
Fall Armyworms: Indications and Controls • Noble Research Institute
Authors:
Chris Sansone, Rick Minzemayer, and Mike Merchant, Extension Entomologists,
Texas AgriLife Extension
Treat with a labeled insecticide when leaf damage becomes evident and large numbers of caterpillars are visible. Effective, low-impact insecticides include halofenozide (small caterpillars only) and spinosad.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products are widely available and will selectively control small armyworm larvae without harm to beneficial insects; however, Bt residues does not last on turf for more than 1-2 days.
Conventional insecticide choices for armyworms in lawns include bifenthrin,
carbaryl, esfenvalerate, permethrin and others.
Originally published on AgriLife Today
TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018 7
Advocate, Cultivate, Collaborate, Educate,
and Motivate
Serving the
Greater Dallas Area Counties:
• Guadalupe
• Hill
• Hunt
• Kaufman
• Rockwall
• Collin
• Dallas
• Ellis
• Fannin
• Grayson
8 TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018
TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018 9
on Gold Sponsor
An Advisory Approach
We design and manage all types of insurance policies, employee benefits, and risk management services. Our approach is to take the often complex world of insurance and apply tailored solutions, providing business owners with peace of mind and the ability to stay focused on what matters most to them.
Providing Protection in a World of Unknowns
At the heart of the Hotchkiss Insurance team is a deep desire to serve others by providing protection in a world of unknowns.
Our Approach:
1. An Advisory Attitude
2. Less Complexity
3. Abiding Care
Hotchkiss Insurance was founded in 1975,
and has proudly been the endorsed insurance provider for the Texas Nursery
and Landscape Association since 2002.
Hotchkiss Insurance’s Dallas team will help create an insurance program tailored to your business
Green Industry Focus
We maintain a strong focus on the green industry and a commitment to our involvement in TNLA.
Regardless of whether a business is a grower, nursery, contractor, or retail garden center, our staff understands the unique
characteristics of the industry.
Dallas – Houston – San Antonio
www.HIALLC.com
We’re eager to create a comprehensive insurance program that fits the unique needs and goals of your business.
10 TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018
Doug Duncan is East Texan by birth, Texas
Longhorn by choice, and now a commercial
insurance specialist at Hotchkiss Insurance in
the Dallas, Texas office.
Before joining Hotchkiss, Doug gained valuable experience as a direct agent with Wausau
Insurance, handling the insurance programs for contractors, manufacturers and various
service providers. In 1996 he joined Hortica Insurance and for 17 years served as a specialist
providing insurance programs to the “green” industry, including landscaping operations,
greenhouse growers, garden centers and other entities associated with the industry.
In 2013, Doug decided to make the move to the independent insurance agent world,
where now he shares his experience and strategic insight with “green” industry business
owners. Much like a CPA who worked for the IRS, Doug applies his years of “insider”
knowledge to the benefit of his clients, helping them maximize savings and peace of mind.
Doug currently sits on the Texas Green Industry (TGI) Safety Group Board of Texas Mutual
and he serves as Membership Director of TNLA Region IV. His license and professional
designations include General Lines Agent for Property, Casualty, Life and Health, the
insurance industries prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk
Manager (CRM). Doug received his BBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of
Texas.
In his spare time, he loves to play golf and tennis, read biographies and will catch an
occasional movie. Doug is married to Diane and together they have four grown children.
Doug Duncan Membership Director
on Board Member
Membership Director – Doug Duncan
972-512-7749 | [email protected]
TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018 11
12 TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018
Chairman – Alan Richmond 214-366-2103 | [email protected]
Alan Richmond Chairman
on Board Member
Alan has been the vice president at Southern
Botanical for the past 14 years. Prior to that he
was the managing partner of Turf Technologies,
an irrigation and agronomy provider.
He started his horticulture career in Texas leading the business development team at
Hydromulch Services, a DFW leader in seeding services. Before his green career began,
Alan worked in the aircraft industry at Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle. He had a 12-
year career there as a Quality Assurance Manager in the 767 and 747 group.
Alan has given back to the industry by serving on various boards and committees. He
has served on the national Irrigation Association’s Membership Committee, Water
Management and Irrigation Specialty group for the National Association of Landscape
Professionals {NALP), and prior Vice Chair of TNLA Region IV. He currently serves on the
NALP Education Advisory Council, the TNLA Foundation Board of Trustees and is the
current Chairman of the TNLA Region IV Board.
Alan is married to JanaLee and together they raised 4 boys and now have 3
grandchildren. Alan’s interests include ranching in East Texas, kayaking, woodwork and
playing the drums. He is very involved with his church where he has served the youth for
many years. He was also very involved with the Boy Scouts of America where he served
as a scoutmaster and various other positions.
TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018 13
14 TNLA Region IV Newsletter • SEP/OCT 2018
The TNLA Region IV newsletter is distributed to more than 1,200 industry professionals. Published bi-monthly, 6 times annually:
January/ February
March/April
May/June
July/August
September/October
November/December
For more information or to advertise in this publication, contact Will Williams,
Advertising Opportunities
Chairman – Alan Richmond Southern Botanical, Inc. | 214-366-2103 [email protected]
Vice Chairman – Greer Pittman Southwest Nursery | 214-245-4557 [email protected]
Secretary – Travis Ward Oakstreet Wholesale Nursery | 214-491-6190 [email protected]
Treasurer – Peter Parada J&J Sod Company | 214-280-9208 [email protected]
Grower Director – Austin Quimby Green Lake Nursery | 972-287-2322 [email protected]
Supplier Director – Kristen Anderson, TCNP Green Lake Nursery | 972-287-2322 [email protected]
Landscape Director – Jonathan Schlimme Verdant Grounds | 214-763-0492 [email protected]
Communications Coordinator & Newsletter Editor – Will Williams, TCLP Lambert’s | 214-350-8350 [email protected] Membership Director – Doug Duncan Hotchkiss Insurance | 972-512-7749 [email protected]
MEMBER ADVERTISING RATES
Ad Size Single Issue 6-Issue Discount
Business Card $60/issue $225
¼ Page $75/issue $325
½ Page $110/issue $500
Full Page $180/issue $800
Board of Directors & Officers
TNLA Region IV
State Chairman – Joshua Bracken, TMCNP Nicholson-Hardie | 214-352-1397
Immediate Past Chair – Jodi Joseph, TCLP Lambert’s | 214-350-8350
State Board Rep. – Craig Duttarer, TCLP Superscapes, Inc.| 972-712-0353 [email protected]
http://tnlaonline.org/regions/regioniv
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Region IV
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
~ Yogi Berra (1925-2015)
Parting Words
“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up