
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 3, 1991                   TAG: 9102040397
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: D-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

DEAD PINE TREE SHOULD BE REMOVED

Q: I believe it was last September that your column in the Roanoke Times & World-News covered an insect blight that affected pine trees. This winter one of a row of pines started to die; the needles have all turned almost white. Trees on either side do not seem to be affected. You wrote that this could possibly be an insect that has now gone dormant at the ground base and in the coming summer will have its larvae hatch out and harm other trees. You gave a means of combating this, but I did not save your instructions as this problem was not apparent then. Please give information and instructions for eliminating this problem. J.S., Abingdon

A: I don't believe that it was a Dear John column last fall that covered the pine situation you're asking about.

It was last year that the news media publicized the problem that was killing pine trees in Christmas tree plantations in our area. That disease is called procerum root disease and is primarily spread by a type of weevil. One of the symptoms of this pine disease is insect activity at the base of the tree. However, the almost-white color of needles you described does not sound like the root disease that caused the scare last year.

It would be a good idea for you to remove your dead pine, including the stump. For specific diagnosis and recommendations to protect your other pines in the row, contact your local Extension Service Office, which is at 492 West Main Street in Abingdon, telephone 628-2161.

Got a question about your plants, garden, lawn, or insects? Write to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.

Gardener's checklist

Jobs for early February:

Gardeners who like to start their own vegetable transplants should sow seeds of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage indoors or in home greenhouse now in order to have strong seedlings to plant in mid to late March (based on Roanoke's average last frost date of April 30). These hardy vegetables must grow in the garden before the weather turns hot. Some suggested varieties (not a complete list) are: Packman, Green Valiant and Green Goliath Broccoli; Jade Cross Brussels Sprouts; Stonehead, Round Up, Little Rock and Guardian Cabbage; and two Season Chinese Cabbage.

When planning for spring plants, remember that fruit trees, including those grown for flowers, such as Kwanzan cherry, are often subject to diseases and Japanese beetle infestation. Management of fruit trees with pesticides requires a genuine commitment of time and resources; do not try to get into this halfway.

by CNB