Submitted by: agcomm,  Thu May  8 13:22:56 1997


HORTISCOPE
 Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
 North Dakota State University
 
Q.   Some time ago you had a remedy to get rid of night
     crawlers, but I lost your article. Could you please send
     me the remedy. (Napoleon, N.D.)
 
A.   This is a popular request at this time of year. There are
     several approaches to bringing them under control, which
     vary in effectiveness.
 
     Let's start with the simple and work toward the more
     drastic treatments.
 
  1. Core-aerate and power-rake, then roll your lawn with a
     ballast roller filled one-third full with water. This
     dries the soil and compresses some of the channels
     (macropores) made by the crawlers. It may limit their
     population to a tolerable level.
  2. Apply Sevin or Diazinon, following label directions for
     grub control. This will control the grub population and,
     incidentally, about one-third of the crawler population
     as well.
 
     Keep in mind that the drier you can keep your soil, the
     less desirable an environment it will be for night
     crawler activity.
 
Q.   Our lawn was sodded last summer and this spring we
     noticed some round circles on it. Is this a fungus or
     mold and how do we treat it?
 
     Thank you. Enjoy reading your column. (Walhalla, N.D.)
 
A.   It is likely that you have one of the two snow mold
     fungi--gray or pink. For the homeowner it makes little
     difference which one it is. Right now, light raking with
     a broom rake should suffice, with a light overseeding
     with Kentucky bluegrass/perennial ryegrass mix.
 
     As the soil temperature warms, and the grass begins
     growing to where you have mowed it at least once,
     consider aerating the lawn. This will improve surface
     drainage and help overcome soil/sod interface
     incompatibility, and cut down on the incidence of this
     disease.
 
     In late fall--October--I suggest fertilizing with
     Milorganite, Restore or some other organic.
 
Q.   I am sending a sample of grass from a diseased area on my
     lawn. It was from an area that looks somewhat like a
     circle or ring and is light-colored. It is on the north
     side of the house where a lot of snow sat all winter on
     ground that was not frozen. Can you tell me what it might
     be and how I can treat the area? There are several areas
     like this in my back yard.
 
     Thank you for any assistance you might give me. (Oakes,
     N.D.)
 
A.   Your sample was loaded with a fungus known as gray snow
     mold, Typhula ishikariensis. This fungus has had a "field
     day" this year with snow lasting so long over unfrozen
     turf.
 
     It has been found that most snow mold problems can be
     significantly reduced via the following management
     approaches:
 
  1. Dormant fall fertilization with a slow-release nitrogen
     carrier like Milorganite or Sustane.
  2. Mowing until leaf growth has stopped, and making the last
     mowing a notch lower where the snow mold is a chronic
     problem.
  3. Using snow fences to spread drifts better.
  4. Limiting winter traffic over the area.
  5. Aerating to improve drainage.
 
     For this year, lightly rake the affected areas, picking
     up the debris. Fertilize lightly once grass growth
     begins, and reseed any bare spots.
 
Q.   Enclosed are some leaves of a beautiful plant I received.
     What is happening to it?
 
     Please let me know what I should do. What is the plant's
     name?
 
     Thanks. Will appreciate your advice. (Gwinner, N.D.)
 
A.   Your plant sample was from a Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema
     spp. It appears that it is responding to what it
     perceives as an unfavorable environment.
 
     These plants like warm, moist air (especially in winter),
     well away from cold or hot, dry drafts.
 
     Try changing locations or cultural practices to see if
     that helps.
 
Do you have a gardening or houseplant question? Write to
Hortiscope, Box 5051, NDSU Extension Service, Fargo, ND 58105.
 
NDSU Agriculture Communication
Barry Brissman
Departmental Editor
(701) 231-7866
Smith: (701) 231-8161