ABSTRACTS

SHURTLEFF, M.C. 1979. Sprays for non-woody ornamentals. Grounds Maintenance 14(6): 46-48, 50.

Diseases of ornamentals are generally controlled by various cultural practices. When these practices fail to control diseases, chemicals are needed. Fungicides and other chemicals may be applied in the following ways: 1) to seed to control seed rot or decay, damping off and seedling blight, 2) to leaves, stems and flowers to control leaf, stem and flower spots, blights, rusts and mildews, 3) to soil to control stem rots, root rots, wilts and cutting rots, 4) to plants just prior to storage to prevent decays and rots. The table in this article is a general guide to chemical control, not a master program. Because many of the diseases listed do not cause serious damage every year, it is not necessary to spray or dust annually for their control. Frequent applications for some diseases may be necessary in Eastern states where humidity and rainfall are high, while drier areas in the Western states may need no application. The chart in this article lists diseases and chemicals for African violet through gladiolus. It will continue in future issues of Grounds Maintenance, listing diseases and sprays for hollyhock to zinnia.

WALTERSCHEIDT, M.J. 1979. Detection and correction of tree root disorders. Weeds, Trees and Turf 18(6): 31-34.

To understand the problems of root suffocation, strangulation, and surface rooting, it is necessary to know a little about the four primary functions of roots; absorption, conduction, storage, and anchorage. The cause of girdling roots is not always known. It is suspected that quite often girdling roots result from poor planting of trees. Surface rooting seldom is directly harmful to the tree but can cause maintenance problems when the roots appear above the surface of the soil. Perhaps the most perplexing problems encountered by grounds managers are associated with construction injury. Some of the problems may not be evident for three years or more after a facility is completed. Be alert to discover declining trees early. The sooner corrective action is taken the more likely the tree will survive.