Hybrids Of Invasive Australian Plant Species Casuarina Found Growing Widely In Florida Oct 24, 2009
DNA tests conducted by botanist John Gaskin, research leader of the ARS Pest Management Research Unit in Sidney, Mont. confirm the existence of hybrids. (Science Daily)
Passport, please: Stowaway grasshopper first of its kind in UK Oct 24, 2009
The so-called painted grasshopper (Poeklocerus pictus) arrived from India, where it is known as crop-munching pest ... "This insect is an economic pest in Pakistan and India where it is reported damaging a number of food plants including aubergine, citrus, cucurbits, potatoes and tomatoes," Dr Malumphy said. (BBC News -- Science)
Farmers in Upper West Region evaluate millet genotypes in Wa Oct 24, 2009
Eighteen millet genotypes obtained from the ICRISAT had been supplied to the farmers to evaluate their maturity period, yield, tolerance to pest and diseases and other characteristics as compare with two common cultivated local millet varieties. About 60 farmers comprising women and men from Jonga, Diodi and Piisi in the Wa Municipality on Friday, evaluated the varieties according to their preferred characteristics to select the best five varieties using coloured cards. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Daytona Home Show kicks off today Oct 23, 2009
Getting their name out and making contacts for future pest control services are the Pepe's main goals at attending the home show. Carpet One Design Center in Ormond Beach has attended nearly every home show, third generation family owner David Stark said while setting up his display on Wednesday. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
Monsanto adds corn earworm trait (39) Oct 23, 2009
The Genuity SmartStax section of the plot is intended for just that: monitoring the effect insects have on the Genuity SmartStax variety of corn, which already has traits that enable the corn to resist pests like corn borers and rootworms ... "Corn borers and rootworms are the biggest pests, but earworm is a pest that occurs." ... Other plots across the country, however, showed that Genuity SmartStax corn was effective in combatting the pest. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Culinary calendar Oct 22, 2009
"THINK GLOBAL, EAT LOCAL!," hands-on workshop on backyard organic gardening, Hawaiian-style, including augmenting soil quality with limu, microorganisms, vermicompost (using worms) and manure, and safe methods of pest control; 9:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 24; LyonArboretum, 3860 Manoa Road; $18 (includes plant supplies and materials); register: 988-0461. BASIC KOREAN COOKING CLASS, taught by Walter Rhee, including beef bulgogi, BBQ pork, rice dumpling soup, chap chae, mandoo and raw fish sauce, with... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Conditions putting corn crop at risk for lodging Oct 22, 2009
Were the best choices made in regard to hybrid selection, fertility levels, plant populations, pest control, or cultural practices. If not, which factors can be changed to avoid challenges next year. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
The Horror Story: Why Isn't Your Home Infested with Termites? Oct 21, 2009
Infested areas too large for area-wide management programs like British Columbia, Ontario's Essex County and Toronto where better control products will provide licensed pest control experts with improved tools. Infested areas where area-wide management programs can contain, suppress and eradicate termites. (RealtyTimes)
Va. may fill its own hills with Rocky Mountain elk Oct 21, 2009
But their latest pest is a big one, weighing in at more than 100 pounds. And it has a voracious appetite. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Tiny citrus critter requires big-time pest control Oct 21, 2009
Top citrus pest found in Sacramento. Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Frank Carl knew it was just a matter of time before his inspectors came across the citrus industry's No. 1 pest, the Asian citrus psyllid ... The proposal -- contained in state legislation -- comes as fears grow that a winged pest that carries the disease could make its way into the San Joaquin Valley, the epicenter of the state's $1. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Termites Everywhere! Oct 20, 2009
There are now many professional pest control companies that use borates, orange oil, or IPM methods ... If you are the type that can t stand crawly little things, you will call your local pest control immediately. (Suite101.com)
Wild Hogs Invade Suburbs Oct 19, 2009
In parts of newer suburbs, like the northern part of Southlake, they have proven to be a pest. Responding to complaints, Southlake DPS hired a company last October to trap the animals. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Companion Planting in the Garden Oct 16, 2009
Companion planting is a method of organically growing crops in combinations that efficiently use water, nutrients, light, and that naturally control pests and diseases ... She explains how a monocropped field is an unnatural, unstable ecosystem, which requires chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers for its existence ... Carr discusses how a diversity of plants provides shelter and food for insect predators and parasites that help control potential pests and creates a stable environment... (Suite101.com)
Fruit fly pest identified in wine grapes Oct 16, 2009
A newly recognized pest in Oregon continues to concern fruit growers and researchers with the recent discovery of a Spotted Wing Drosophila fly in a sample of Willamette Valley wine grapes ... Planning for the worst, the OSU team is working with colleagues in the USDA Agricultural Research Service and ODA to develop management plans for this new pest in Oregon. (EurekAlert!)
CEOs, ag minister call for agricultural investment Oct 15, 2009
"We also need to improve crop nutrients and pest control and getting desired gains with minimal environmental impact.". The seed industry needs to use all the tools of modern plant breeding to bring improved products to farmers faster, said Ellen Kullman, CEO of DuPont, whose agricultural division produces seeds, herbicides, insecticides and other products. (Anchorage Daily News)
Genetic Map For Cowpea Accelerates Development Of New Varieties Oct 14, 2009
But breeding new cowpea varieties with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, pest resistance and drought tolerance, is a time-consuming and laborious process that can take a decade from concept to release ... Sensing attack, plants frequently generate toxins, emit volatile chemicals to attract the pest's natural enemies, or. (Science Daily)
Nigeria: Government Steps in to Curb Farmer-Nomad Clashes Oct 13, 2009
The three planned reserves, to serve about 15 million pastoralists, involve demarcating 175,000ha of grazing land, building veterinary service centres, and constructing settlements for nomads to use en route, at a cost of US$247 million, director of livestock and pest control in Nigeria's Agriculture and Water Resources Ministry, Junaidu Maina, told IRIN.. The government is also demarcating a 1,400km livestock route from Sokoto state in the northwest to Oyo state in the southwest; and another... (allAfrica.com)
This fall, repair your lawn Oct 13, 2009
Rid your lawn of the harmful build-up between the layers of soil that could create pest and disease issues down the road. The thatch layers will then be on the surface for easy removal. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
MDA alerts farmers about spotted knapweed (29) Oct 13, 2009
MDA has used biocontrol agents to fight many plant and insect pests over the years. Biocontrol is a method of controlling plant and insect pests through the controlled introduction of their natural enemies ... In addition to reducing the need for costly and time-consuming pesticide applications, biocontrol agents often have the benefit of "following" the invasive pest species over successive years and lifecycles. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
No insects for this spider, its leaves only Oct 13, 2009
Many insects provide humans with unheralded services such as pollination, sustenance and pest control, but some of them gross us out or worse. INTERACTIVE. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Pioneer Talks Crops (2) Oct 11, 2009
For a more detailed list, including maximum weed size, check the UWEX Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops A3646, pg 55-56 ... A native pest, the small larva hatch in early May, and start moving from grassy weed patches into corn at 1,400 degree days (base 41 degrees) ... There also are several corn pests to keep an eye out for right now. (Agri-View, WI)
LibertyLink Soybeans, Ignite Herbicide New Combo (2) Oct 11, 2009
Bayer CropScience is also providing growers with a different option for pest control in corn with Poncho 500 seed-applied insecticide. Poncho 500 improves on Poncho 250 by protecting seeds and seedlings from damage caused by wireworm, black cutworm and other early season insect pests. (Agri-View, WI)
Crop of the Week: Sesbania Oct 11, 2009
Vegetable growers can achieve increased yields, pest suppression and reduced soil erosion and nutrient leaching by growing such a crop prior to planting winter crops. Cover crops suppress pests and fix the nitrogen in legumes which enhances plant development especially in organic crop production where synthetic pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers are not permitted. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
New portal for plant genomics will support research into improved crops Oct 9, 2009
By pinpointing the genetic basis of beneficial characteristics such as drought and pest resistance, Ensembl Plants will make it easier for scientists to improve the productivity and health of crops - an important step towards meeting growing global food requirements over the coming decade. Paul Kersey, leader of the Ensembl Genomes team at EMBL-EBI, said: "Ensembl Plants makes the results of genome-scale experiments available to the whole scientific community. The interface is familiar to... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Kisses & disses: DISSES to the lady, probably in her mid-50s... Oct 8, 2009
Kisses s: DISSES to the lady, probably in her mid-50s (Seacoast New Hampshire)
CNNF considering new plan to combat ash borer Oct 8, 2009
Higgins said she recognizes that more extended defenses may be needed following these initial defensive actions but said the first defenses are the most important in slowing the continued advance of this pest. SLAM has so far shown to be the most effective set of actions to rapidly respond to the EAB threat. (Forest Republican, WI)
Calif. Citrus Farmers Fear Tree-Killing Disease Oct 8, 2009
Central California citrus growers are getting ready to fight for their livelihoods, after a pest, the fruit-fly-sized Asian citrus psyllid, that can carry a disease fatal to lemon and orange trees was spotted closer than ever before to their crops. (AP Photo/USDA Agricultural Research Service, David Hall) (AP). (ABC News -- Business)
Scientists race to prevent ash tree's extinction Oct 8, 2009
"This pest is one like we've never dealt with before," said John Bedford, pest response program manager with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. "It doesn't seem to leave much in its wake.". (Anchorage Daily News)
Control Plum Curculios in the Organ... Oct 6, 2009
Kill or Repel Fruit Insect Pests Without Chemicals or Pesticides ... Kill these garden insect pests safely and inexpensively ... Plum curculio is a misnomer for this garden insect pest, for these beetles will eat and damage other stone fruits like cherries and peaches, as well as , blueberries, and pears. (Suite101.com)
Seed Industry flourishing Oct 5, 2009
The seed companies tailor seeds for specific climates, soil conditions and to be more suitable for everything from pest resistance and herbicide tolerance to nitrogen utilization and draught tolerance ... Most of the industry's work in Hawai'i over the past decade involved developing herbicide and pest-resistant corn plants ... Some of this innovation, however, is opposed by environmental groups that say developing herbicide and pesticide-resistant crops encourages greater and more... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Explore the art and science of plants this fall at Wellesley College Oct 5, 2009
In Greening Up Your House, Wellesley College Botanic Gardens Senior Greenhouse Horticulturist Tony Antonucci shows how houseplants can be grown more safely without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In the first session, he describes the basics of houseplant care along with tips for troubleshooting and pest control. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
WSU gets $15 million federal grant for crop research Oct 1, 2009
YAKIMA The effects of pests, drought and disease on hop and mint plants and how those stresses influence the taste of beer and gum will be the subject of a Washington State University study announced Wednesday ... Other research areas include crop management, pests, fruit canopy and spray application of pesticides and herbicides ... Researchers will examine the impact that disease, pests, weeds and water availability have on the quality and quantity of mint oil, and in the hop acids that form... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Greening Up Your Thumb: Weed identification Oct 1, 2009
Both kinds are a pest in your garden, but they present different problems. That is why its good to know which is which. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
WSU wins $15M in USDA grants Oct 1, 2009
$531,000 for An Invasive Mealybug Pest and Emerging Viral Disease: A Dangerous Mix for West Coast Vineyards. $50,000 for Placing Fruit Canopy Management Automation Technology in the Field. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Mums the word for color Oct 1, 2009
Tough as nails, with no pest or disease problems, they re hardy into New England and so worthy of a place in home gardens that the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx features a Korean chrysanthemum display garden in its Home Gardening Center. About 10 years ago, all chrysanthemums were reclassified botanically, and these Korean mums are now technically not chrysanthemums at all but Dendranthema x grandiflorum. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
* Dialing for answers where the Web cannot reach in Africa Oct 1, 2009
A new pest was eating away at his just-planted coffee crop and he wanted to know what to do. Tyssa Muhima jotted down notes as the caller spoke, and promised to call back in 10 minutes with an answer. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Medfly Discovery Prompts Escondido Quarantine Sep 30, 2009
Agriculture shipments from the quarantine zone are being restricted to prevent the spread of the pest, and residents are being urged not to remove potentially infested homegrown fruits and vegetables from the area, according to the CDFA.. The Medfly was discovered in a trap on Sept. 9. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Bartow Garden Club Learns About Invasive Ornamental Plants Sep 30, 2009
Colored photographs made identification of these pest plants easy. Some were brought to this country by accident, but many were introduced as ornamentals, so they have some very attractive features. (Bartow Polk County Democrat, FL)
Maui battles rise in axis deer count Sep 30, 2009
KAHULUI, Maui A major and expensive pest has placed state lands, Hawaiian home lands, public and private watersheds, golf courses, parks, ranches, farms and home gardens under siege. However, it is an extremely cute creature to many. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Citizens want lead in Cal Ave tree selection Sep 30, 2009
"It hit me that we are going into the same closed process as before. It seemed like the trees were going to be chosen without any public input. "We needed to get our own experts and bring them into the 'scene of the crime,' so to speak, so people can begin to understand what the options are," Balin said. Coate is director of the Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation and arboricultural consultant to the J. Paul Getty Museum. Steve Emslie, deputy city manager, who knows Coate, agreed that the... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
How the 100th protein structure solved at Diamond impacts our understanding of how insects smell Sep 30, 2009
New research announced today, Wednesday 30th September, by a team of leading scientists working with the UK's national Synchrotron, Diamond Light Source, could have a significant impact on the development and refinement of new eco-friendly pest control methods for worldwide agriculture ... The importance of understanding how insects 'smell' and how the chemical signals are recognised is useful for many things, but especially for pest control in agriculture. (EurekAlert!)
Hamilton adopts 'pesticide-free' zones Sep 26, 2009
HAMILTON -- Although bug sprays and weed killers may seem like the go-to products for pest control, Hamilton has recently declared several township properties and facilities to be pesticide-free zones. In a resolution passed at last week's council meeting, the township adopted a new strategy called "integrated pest management" to combat common pests like insects and weeds at township properties ... Areas that include all township parks and playgrounds and buildings such as the municipal building... (NJ.com -- Times)
Science Fair Sep 26, 2009
A turning point for pesticides ... Today, home gardeners dont think twice about buying a bucket of lady bugs to kill yard pests ... And farmers take it for granted that timing pesticide use for when an unwanted insect is out saves time, money and is safer. (USA Today -- Tech)
Tennessee foresters helping to return chestnuts to American forests Sep 24, 2009
"The biggest impact is to provide a road map for other species. Many trees have exotic pest concerns. This project provides hope for those other species. If we are successful, this will be one of the greatest triumphs in the history of forest conservation.". . (EurekAlert!)
Excessive moisture may leadto ear and stock rot in fields Sep 23, 2009
Suzanne Bissonnette is an integrated pest management educator for the University of Illinois Extension. Share. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Lefties drink big at Joseph Swan Vineyards Sep 23, 2009
What very few people likely know, however, is that Berglund is also putting together a cookbook on gophers, a common pest in his vineyards. "I couldn't find any reason why we shouldn't eat the little buggers," he laughs. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Harvest and Halloween: Scarecrows serve both form and function in gardens Sep 22, 2009
Today, scarecrows are more often decoration than pest control - but that's not to say they don't still work ... In recent years - with other methods available to combat avian pests, farms increasingly industrial and home gardeners less reliant on their produce to feed their families - scarecrows have become more rare. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Tiny new fly could devastate spring Willamette Valley fruit crops Sep 22, 2009
His peaches were being invaded by a pest new to the Willamette Valley ... Today, some fear the vinegar fly could emerge as one of the worst insect pests to invade the valley and potentially the entire Northwest in years ... Among reasons Olson is concerned, the pest is highly adapted to Oregon's temperate climate; has a host range than includes wild blackberries; multiplies rapidly; and unlike fruit flies that feed on rotten fruit, the vinegar fly feeds on ripe and ripening fruit. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Plant Essential Oil Eyed As Mosquito, Ant Repellent Sep 21, 2009
The ARS scientists and researchers at Agro Research, Inc., in Pago Pago, American Samoa, discovered that the oil from a local plant repelled mosquitoes and pest ants in preliminary studies, which were conducted under a material transfer agreement. The isolation and identification of the active component (or components) will be done as part of a recently established one-year cooperative research and development agreement. (Science Daily)
Conflict Between Plant And Animal Hormones In The Insect Gut? Sep 18, 2009
18, 2009) A reaction similar to the inactivation of prostaglandin hormones has now been discovered in the larval guts of two plant pest species ... The test animals were Spodoptera littoralis (cotton leaf worm) and Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) larvae; both species are major cotton pests worldwide ... The host spectrum of this insect pest is not limited to cotton, but includes many other plant species as well. (Science Daily)
Alternative Energy Machine May Double World Food Production Sep 18, 2009
"We have devised an apparatus and method for the production of humanly edible food from algae, Jatropha and other currently toxic feedstocks. In the case of Jatropha, the feedstock is purged of two primary toxins, phorbol esters and lectin, that give the plant its disease and pest resistance. In the past, these toxins prevented use in human and animal nutrition," said Allen J. Schuh, Ph. D.. (PR Newswire)
As Ash Borer Claims More Trees, Researcher Works For Species Survival Sep 17, 2009
As the pest devours ash tree populations on its way across North America, there may soon be few, if any, ash trees left ... "It's uncommon for a pest to come in and just clean something out. It doesn't just attack sick trees. Emerald ash borer attacks healthy trees. It attacks small trees. So you don't have just big, old trees falling to this, you've got 2 to 3 inch saplings falling to this." ... The pest's larvae burrow just under the bark and into the circulatory system of the tree. (Science Daily)
Get your fall garden producing Sep 17, 2009
They weed by hand and use organic pest control through biodiversity. "We plant different flowers and herbs to attract different insects, like ladybugs and praying mantis," Eason says. (AZCentral -- Home)
Insecticide-free Method Studied For Control Of Soybean Aphids Sep 17, 2009
16, 2009) Two Iowa State University researchers are examining a new method of controlling soybean aphids without the use of chemical pesticides ... 13, 2008) Scientists have discovered that the salivary glands of a tiny insect may hold a key to developing pest resistance in plants ... 20, 2009) An invasion of soybean aphids poses a problem for soybean farmers requiring application of pesticides, but entomologists think a careful choice of nitrogen-fixing bacteria may provide protection. (Science Daily)
Gardening Series Workshop offered in October Sep 16, 2009
Topics include plants, soils, composting, pest management and more. Those attending can earn. (KWTX.com, TX)
Fruit Fly Found In Escondido Triggers Quarantine Sep 16, 2009
"We are working closely with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to eradicate the pest as quickly as possible.". According to the county, a quarantine area related to the latest Medfly trapping will be mapped out this week. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Crack the code Sep 16, 2009
Michael Skillicorn found the house he wanted to buy and paid $440 for a building report and pest inspection ... In the ACT, sellers provide a building and pest report to buyers, with buyers reimbursing them ... Building consultants do both pest and building reports. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Beekeepers wary of pesticides in Worcester’s war on invasive beetle Sep 16, 2009
Beekeepers wary of pesticides in Worcester s war on invasive beetle - The Boston Globe ... Beekeepers wary of pesticides to fight beetle infestation ... Beekeepers will monitor their hives for peripheral damage as pesticides are applied in Worcester to treat a beetle infestation. (Boston Globe)
Report: Moth spraying OK despite protests Sep 15, 2009
The discovery of the nasty agricultural pest struck fear in to the hearts of Californias farmers when it was first discovered in the state in 2007 ... The USDA deemed the moth an actionable pest, wheat meant the California Department of Food and Agriculture could take steps to eradicate it ... Two petitions were filed with USDA asking that the effort be stopped, one from the Pesticide Action Network North America and one from three private citizens. (USA Today -- Tech)
Ailing canna lilies? Divide to conquer Sep 14, 2009
(To better identify pests, I suggest a 4 to 15 times magnifying loupe ... Plants struggling in shade or underwatered plants will be more susceptible to these pests ... You can also help avoid the pest insects by planting flowers that will attract lady beetles and lacewings, since these insects eat aphids or whiteflies. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Bagworms and webworms Sep 13, 2009
There are two common pests that become noticeable on ornamental trees during late summer and early fall ... It is not necessary to blow the webs out of the trees with a heavy stream of pesticide spray ... The bagworm is a much more significant pest. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Sooty molds are fed by insects Sep 13, 2009
Combined with damage from the insect pests, this can interfere with proper growth and health of the plant ... Control measures for the black vine weevil, another sometimes-serious pest of yew, can eliminate these parasites and allow scale populations to increase ... For further information on sooty mold, insect pests and their control, please contact the UConn Home & Garden Education Center toll free at (877) 486-6271 or by email at. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Weeds Turn From Pests Into Pesto Sep 13, 2009
The garlic mustard plant is a pest to ecologists, but surprisingly, it also makes a great pesto ... In Cleveland, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes recently held its fourth annual "Garlic Mustard Pestival" and invited local chefs to prepare dishes from the weeds that volunteers collected ... A couple of years ago, the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Michigan published "Garlic Mustard: From Pest to Pesto.". (ABC News)
How to Avoid Tick Bites Sep 12, 2009
If reducing ticks around one's property is necessary, many pest control companies offer a wide variety of programs to rid the yard of ticks ... The collateral kill ranges from beneficial insects (bees and mantids) to predators and parasites of the pest ... Further, when the insecticide wears off, the pest returns, but without its control agents, the pest reproduces without controls and the subsequent population is often larger than before spraying. (Suite101.com)
Gardening the Garden Island Sep 10, 2009
IPM for Gardeners: A Guide to Integrated Pest Management ... It covers climate, soils, and each type of fruit: botany, origin, distribution, ecology, genetics, and cultivars, culturing practices, pests and diseases, harvest, and postharvest handling and utilization ... Design, prepare the site and soil and start up seedlings, feed and water plants and what to do about pests, weeds and diseases. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
