Abstracts

Chapman, Douglas. 1981. Magnolia cultivars flower from April through summer. Weeds, Trees & Turf 20(5): 46, 48.

If one large shrub or small tree represents a herald of spring, it certainly is magnolia. Magnolias commence blooming in mid-April and continue through June. They are useful as specimens, foundation plantings, or for large area landscapes. The outstanding magnolias include Lily, Saucer, Star, ‘Dr. Merrill’, and Sweetbay. Magnolia is susceptible to many insects and diseases but rarely is damaged by any. It can be pruned in early spring. It is effective as a flowering shrub or tree.

Kerr, John. 1981. Scientists fight gypsy moth spread with intensified attack. Weeds, Trees & Turf 20(5): 16, 18.

The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, the nation’s number one shade tree insect, persists and thrives in the heavily infested Northeast. It defoliated 5.1 million acres of urban and rural forest in 1980. It will likely eat much more foliage in 1981 as it spreads south and west. Scientists, diversifying their attack on the hungry insect, have stepped up their efforts as it multiplies. Arborists have attempted to use scientific research to counter one of the most challenging problems they have faced. Although professional arborists and the U.S. Forest Service have become extremely cautious from environmental pressures, the problem has become so severe that it has solidified forces against the insect. Researchers and field applicators believe that pesticides cannot do the complete job. A management approach integrating pesticides with biological agents and nature elements and predators pervades the minds of the leaders in the scientific and industrial communities. Integrated pest management (IPM) has become not only a popular concept, but a necessity.

• © 1982, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.