Boston Flora

Tag: hemlock woolly adelgid

  • Thursday, June 7, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Bio-control of Lily Leaf Beetles

    The Lily Leaf Beetle is largely under control in our area thanks to the efforts of researchers at URI, including Massachusetts Horticultural Society presenter, Dr. Richard Casagrande. On Thursday, June 7 from 7 – 8:30 at The Gardens at Elm Bank’s Parkman Room, Dr. Casagrande will discuss the lily leaf beetle project and its connection to early research at The Gardens at Elm Bank and abroad. He will also review biological control programs underway in this region to find biological controls of invasive insects and plants that are important in Southern New England.

    Richard Casagrande, Emeritus Professor of Entomology, joined the University of Rhode Island faculty in 1976. He taught courses in biological control, integrated pest management, insects and society and gave innumerable lectures to Master Gardeners and landscape practitioners throughout the region. In retirement, he continues to work with colleagues at URI and throughout the world on biological control of invasive insects and plants that are important in Southern New England. Past and current projects include the lily leaf beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid, birch leafminer, Cypress spurge, purple loosestrife, black swallow-wort and common reed.

    $12 Mass Hort members; $20 general admission. Register at http://www.masshort.org/eventdetail/663/bio-control-of-lily-leaf-beetles?filter_reset=1

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  • Thursday, August 2, 7:00 pm – Biological Control of Invasive Pests in New England Landscapes

    Our forests, landscapes, and gardens seem to be constantly assaulted by new invasive weed and insect pests. Lily leaf beetle, winter moth, Japanese knotweed, hemlock woolly adelgid, garlic mustard, mile-a-minute vine, and even kudzu are already well-established in southern New England and the emerald ash borer has its sights on us. Ironically, in many cases, the best opportunity to manage these pests involves introducing additional non-native species – generally insects – that regulated them in their native homeland. Dick Casagrande of the University of Rhode Island will speak at Elm Bank on Thursday, August 2, beginning at 7 pm, on the Biological Control of these invasive pests.

    Dr. Casagrande will discuss current programs, opportunities and limitations for biological control of landscape pests of particular importance in our region. He will also answer questions and offer practical advice to homeowners interested in controlling (or enhancing) insects in their homes and yards.  The lecture fee is $12 for Mass Hort members, $15 for non members, and pre-registration is not required.  For more information, visit www.masshort.org.

  • Tuesday, July 12, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm – New England Trees in Decline: The Science Behind the Story

    David Orwig, Forest Ecologist at Harvard Forest, will speak in the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum on Tuesday, July 12, from 1:30 – 4 pm, on the topic of New England Trees in Decline: The Science Behind the Story. Since 1907, research has been underway at the 3,000-acre property of Harvard Forest, one of the oldest and most intensively studied forests in North America. Scientists, students, and collaborators at the Forest explore topics ranging from conservation and environmental change to land-use history and the ways in which physical, biological, and human systems interact to change our earth. Join Dr. Orwig for this special opportunity to learn about tree decline in New England and to explore ways to reduce and avoid further problems. Dr. Orwig will present information that details ongoing tree decline resulting from a variety of stressors including native and exotic pests and pathogens. Conifer species will be highlighted, but ongoing hardwood tree problems will be included as well. An emphasis will be given to identification of the problem, the mode of tree decline, and appropriate treatment options when applicable. Discussion will include pests such as hemlock woolly adelgid, elongate hemlock scale, red pine scale, Sirex wood wasp, spruce diseases, emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle, and oak decline on Martha’s Vineyard.  Note New Date: Postponed from April 5.
    Fee $20 Ecological Landscape Association and Arnold Arboretum members, $25 nonmember.  Co-sponsored by the Ecological Landscape Association and the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.  Register online at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu or by phone at 617-384-5277.