Turfgrass Rust
News
Rust is a fungal disease caused by several species of Puccinia. All turfgrass species are susceptible to rust. However, it is most commonly seen on perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass.
From a distance, rust infected turf has a yellow-brown color. Close examination of rust-infected grass blades reveals numerous yellow-orange pustules. Rust can be easily diagnosed by walking across the lawn. As one walks across the lawn, bright orange spores of the rust fungus rub off onto one’s shoes.
AMES, Iowa — The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that, in a matter of time, will destroy all ash trees. Because the bug has begun making its way across Iowa, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach entomologist, in collaboration with an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship entomologist, has written a new publication to help Iowans identify signs of the pest under the bark.
“All good things must come to an end” and that includes the cicada emergence of 2014. Most of us will be sad to see them go, though many living in the midst of the emergence will be relieved that the cacophony of cicada singing will soon be over. 
The following are highlights and updates about samples and questions recently received in the 
Trees can become afflicted with problems that can change their appearance and overall health. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on fighting these issues. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or 
DES MOINES – Two adult Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetles have been collected from a trap in a residential tree in Boone and have been positively identified as EAB by a federal identifier. The trap was placed in the tree this summer after suspect galleries were found in an ash tree branch that fell during a storm.
DES MOINES – An adult Emerald Ash Borer submitted by an Iowa City resident to the Iowa EAB Team has been positively identified as the destructive beetle by a federal identifier. A follow-up examination of ash trees growing in the vicinity of where the beetle was collected has failed to confirm an infestation.
Japanese beetle is becoming a more common field crop pest in Iowa. Literature shows adults need about 1,030 growing degree days (base 50°F) to complete development. Japanese beetles will continue emergence until around 2,150 degree days. Based on accumulating degree day temperatures in 2014, Japanese beetle adults should be active in some areas of southeastern and southwestern Iowa this week (Fig. 1). Expect adults to emerge in central and northern Iowa in about 7-14 days if warm temperatures continue.