Rescue treatment for eriophyid/rust mite damage
Privet, rose, pear, spruce, and hemlock commonly show bronzing of foliage that has been attributed to tip/twig blights and foliar diseases, but fungicide treatments have not been effective in halting disease progression. In 2023, Burkholder PHC identified eriophyid/rust mites on affected plants (particularly privet and spruce), and treatment effects have been spectacular.
Formal identification (with Penn State Insect Identification Lab) of Philoeosinus canadensis
Philoeosinus canadensis is a tiny borer beetle that has killed stressed ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae trees in the Main Line area for several years. This is the first identification of this beetle in Pennsylvania, more commonly found along the U.S.-Canadian border from Maine to Michigan. With identification, Burkholder PHC developed a management plan for high-risk arborvitae trees before the damage becomes irreversible.
Full-season management plan for roses
Roses can be a spectacular landscape plant but are among Main Line’s most pest-damage-prone plant groups and commonly become an eyesore by late spring. Slug sawflies, Japanese beetles, deer, rabbits, spider mites, rust mites, thrips, aphids, scale insects, and a wide range of plant diseases severely damage roses yearly. However, with attentive and specific management tactics, roses can be kept clean for the growing season, ensuring continuous blooming through fall.
Formal identification (with Penn State Insect Identification Lab) of Zeuzera pyrina
Burkholder PHC identified the Zeuzera pyrina (leopard moth) infesting and eventually killing landscape hybrid maples.
About Starker Wright
Mr. Wright has extensive knowledge and practice in the field of plant health care, beginning with a degree from the University of Massachusetts in agroecology. Mr. Wright’s experience includes
- serving for 8 years as the field coordinator of the University of Massachusetts Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
- developing and testing biologically based management techniques for key native and invasive pests of tree fruit with the Insect Behavior and Ecology Program at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station with USDA-Agricultural Research Service in West Virginia
- authoring and co-authoring over 80 research and extension publications, focusing on integration of biological, cultural, and chemical management of tree health
- working with Bartlett Tree Experts in Dublin, Pennsylvania as a Plant Health Care Specialist, Arborist Representative, and Local Office Manager
- working as Plant Health Care manager for Burkholder PHC in Malvern, PA