MSU Extension Tuscola County

AGRICULTURE

2025 Agricultural Meeting Summary Sheet - As of January 8, 2025

The above line is a link to this year's Winter Ag Meeting summary list.  This list is meant to be a living document that will be updated periodically when new events are added and past events are removed.  Please check the red date shown at the top of the right column.

Link to MSU Extension Field Crops web page and information.
Link to MSU Variety Trials web page.
Link to MSU Extension Custom Work rates reports 

INVASIVES SPECIES

Spotted Lanternfly - Early detection and reporting is important! 

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) (Lycorma delicatula), native to eastern Asia, is an invasive insect that has become established in several states in the eastern United States, including Michigan. As the name suggests, adults have spotted wings and abdomens that look like a glowing lantern. SLF can feed on a variety of trees and woody vines, including maples, willows, black walnut, fruit trees, grapevines and hops vines. However, tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is their most preferred host. 
When traveling in areas that have been reported with SLF populations, check your vehicle and items that have been outdoors for insects and egg masses and remove them before leaving.

Link to information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/invasive_species/spotted-lanternfly 
A Guide for Homeowners and Residents in Michigan: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/spotted-lanternfly-a-guide-for-homeowners-and-residents-in-michigan

SEE IT. SQUISH IT. REPORT IT.                                                             

Suspect SLF can be reported to the Midwest Invasive Species Network at https://www.misin.msu.edu/ or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at https://www.Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Spongy Moth (formally known as Gypsy Moth)

Outbreaks of Spongy moth are not frequent but are unpleasant to live with when they do occur. Learn more about why populations grow and collapse and how you can deal with their impact.
Link to Gypsy Moth information:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia. As of October 2018, it is now found in 35 states, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.
Link to Emerald Ash Borer information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/invasive_species/emerald_ash_borer 
www.emeraldashborer.info

Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees
April 2019 - Third Edition

http://www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/multistate_EAB_Insecticide_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Box Tree Moth

Box tree moth will destroy most boxwood shrubs in the country if it becomes established. Growers and landscapers can help by protecting newly planted boxwoods

Links to the Box Tree Moth resources:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/tag/box-tree-moth 
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/identification-guide-to-boxwood-and-its-lookalikes 
https://extension.psu.edu/box-tree-moth 
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/sa_insects/box-tree-moth 
https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/18559.pdf