UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre Co.) Spring is a lime when many people enjoy the blooms of ornamental trees and shrubs. But one popular flowering tree is dis appearing from many landscapes. Since the late 19705, dogwood trees native to the eastern United States have suffered from stress and disease. The resulting decline in dogwood health and popula tions has made the plant’s specta cular white floral display a rare sight in some areas. “Scientists believe the primary cause is a fungus called Discula,” says Dr. Gary Moorman, associate professor of plant pathology in Penn State’s College of Agricul tural Sciences. “It’s thought that the fungus was inadvertently brought to the U.S. in the 19705,” he says. “It since has spread throughout the range of the native dogwoods. Be cause these trees have never be fore been exposed to the fungus, they are especially susceptible to attack.” The area affected by the decline ranges from southern Maine to northern Alabama. Trees in ex posed sites seem most susceptible, but forest dogwoods also are dy ing. Several symptoms are charac teristic of dogwood decline. SI ' READY TO GO! 502 T Pull-Type Sprayer Establishing quality standards in pull-type sprayers began over 20 years ago with the Ag Chem Modef 402 sprayer, and today the Model 502 T is carrying on the tradition. With a formed steel channel frame for extra durability and a tongue that attaches directly to the axle for maximum pulling strength, the chassis of the 502 T is a rugged performer Axle choices include the single configuration or, for maximum stability, the tandem axle design. Axles are row crop adjustable from 60 inches to 80 inches and wheel hubs are the 6-bolt type. Wheel rims (I0”x 15”) and tires (11 Lx 15,6-ply) are also available. Standard features for this sprayer include a loading platform and a 2,000 lb rated longue jack. Boom Options: • 45' Hydraulic Fold & Level Boom SK4OO Skid-Mount Sprayer The Ag Chem SK4OO Skid-Mounted Sprayer is an ideal system for a custom operator who wants to cover acres fast and efficiently It easily slides in and out of a standard pickup bed and is recommended for use with 3/4 ton or larger vehicles. When the unit is not being used, it rests on four conveniently built-in leg stands. Our 4TA foot suspension boom features our unique 3 section quick-fold system (manually operated) and breakaway boom arms that automatically return to the spraying position after striking an obstruction. The boom is crop height adjustable, and its arms fold forward to rack along the side of the pickup bed. Hydraulic options include boom leveling and our new boom fold system. EEL ■B’Cham Dogwoods Disappearing From Landscapes Twigs and lower branches die. Cankers, or abnormally roughen ed areas, form on twigs, branches and trunks. Dogwood borers at tack the weakened tree. Water spr outs develop at the tree’s base, then die. Tree growth sloWs. Eventually, the tree may die. Discula is one of several fungi that cause a disease known as an thracnose. “It can produce brown spots up to one-fourth-inch in dia meter on leaves,” Moorman says. “Smaller, reddish-brown spots may pepper portions of the leaf or extend along veins. “Large brown blotches of dead tissue may appear on leaf tips, along the margin of leaves or be tween the veins,” he says. “Leaves on branch tips may be completely blighted and stay attached over winter. Lower twigs and branches may die.” The fungus overwinters in in fected twigs and leaves that re main on the tree and in infected fallen leaves. “This fungus also has been found on dogwood seeds,” says Moorman. “Studies are under way to determine whether migrating songbirds are eating infected seeds, then spreading the fungus along their migration routes. Re searchers also are looking at pos sible insect transmission of the • 47/f & 60’ Manual Fold Boom Serving Th* Farming Industry For Over 30 Veers. 11U Enterprise fid. , East Petersburg, PA17520 call top more intonation 1-800-32*3009 disease.” lize moderately in the spring. Do dry. Remove severely affected Moorman says steps can be ; not apply excessive nitrogen. Do trees, taken to protect healthy trees and not injure trees with lawnmowers. * Protect trees from pests. If to save trees not yet severely af- • Remove sources of fungus, necessasry, use fungicides to con fected by decline: Rake and remove fallen leaves irol anthracnose. In May and early • Promote tree vigor. During and twigs. Prune and destroy wa- June, control dogwood borer, dry summer and autumn weather, ter sprouts and dead twigs and When using pesticides, be sure to water once every seven to 10 days branches. Do this only during dry road and follow all directions and to supply one inch of water. Petti- weather when plant surfaces are safety precautions on labels. Maryland County Searches For Pageant Entries WASHINGTON CO., Md. The Washington County Dairy Princess Committee is searching for contestants for its annual pa geant As part of a new state program, they will also be asking any young ladies between 13 and 16 years old who would like to represent the county’s dairy industry. With the exception of age, dairy maids must meet all the same require ments as a princess. Dairy maids will perform simi lar duties as the dairy princess, as sisting her throughout the year. There will be no competition for the “princess-to-be’s” at the area or state level. Princesses make school and grocery store promotions, speak to ROLLING 0N...1N THE 90*« y