Worlds single largest palm oil event begins Monday Nov 9, 2009
There have also been breakthroughs in innovation in oil palm planting materials, balanced fertiliser, integrated pest management, biomass utilisation, green energy and oleochemical palm-based products that contribute to environmentally-friendly practices. Sabri also hoped that PIPOC 2009 could further raise the awareness among big plantation players to accelerate and improve environmental aspects, such as trapping methane gas and methane avoidance through biocomposting. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Why You Should Grow a Mint Plant Nov 8, 2009
While this plant is considered a pest by some, to others it is an easy to grow herb with dozens of uses around the home, and the ease of growing a mint plant makes it an easy choice for a potted plant on your patio ... However, make sure the plant grew in a secluded area, as possible pesticides and other chemicals may have found their way into the plant. (Suite101.com)
Letters for Friday, November 6, 2009 Nov 8, 2009
I would like the county to answer a question about the reason for spraying with pesticides along the highway and in the parks ... numilalocal55 wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:12 PM:" The one big reason that spraying is used for pest control is time, personnel and resources: there just aren't enough government employees to go out and weed along side all the roads here. As an alternative to spraying, perhaps the detractors could themselves go out and invest their time pulling weeds? No complain unless you... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Farmers growing genetically engineereed corn break rules Nov 6, 2009
By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY Corn genetically engineered to resist pests and tolerate herbicides made up 85% of the U.S. corn crop in 2009, according to the ... Approximately 25% of U.S. farmers no longer follow Environmental Protection Agency requirements to plant conventional corn "refuge fields." Those fields are crucial to ensuring that the pests corn borers and corn rootworms don't become resistant to the pesticide the plants have been engineered to make ... The report looks specifically... (USA Today -- Tech)
Bounty of the Season: Putting the market to sleep for the winter Nov 6, 2009
Perhaps I should worry more about the carbon footprint of our market and Integrated Pest Management vs. Organic practices, but honestly, my feelings about good food seem to be on a lifetime honeymoon. The thought of farmers coaxing stunning produce from the trees and the ground and bringing it to me fresh and full of earth and sunshine makes me giddy and flush with love. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Find free learning, entertainment in your neighborhood Nov 6, 2009
Composting, container gardening, irrigation and pest management are part of the course work at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -based Flamingo Gardens, which offers free classes in organic gardening and exterior landscaping. (Honolulu Advertiser)
PaulForresterInside The NBA At long last, Greg Oden has said good riddance to his softer side. Nov 5, 2009
Greg Oden showing more aggressiveness for Trail Blazers - Paul Forrester - SI.com. Posted: Wednesday November 4, 2009 3:26PM; Updated: Wednesday November 4, 2009 6:02PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Time to turn your thoughts to house plants Nov 5, 2009
One pest you are not likely to see, but that might flash by your eyes this time of year, is the so-called fungus gnat ... Any of those yellow splotches, lines and dots could be caused by one of these pests. (Anchorage Daily News)
New law to test citrus for pests Nov 4, 2009
Tiny citrus critter requires big-time pest control ... 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 ... New grape pest worries Valley growers. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Woolies' organic midway target draws flak Nov 4, 2009
David Wolstenholme, the director of Cape Town's Natural and Organic Product Exhibition, said the Woolworths initiative would continue to give suppliers a licence to use chemical insecticides, pesticides and fertilisers, while reaping the benefits of green public relations ... "We've learned a great deal from our experience with organic farming, for example about managing soil and plant health, as well as about integrated pest management. Now we're able to apply these insights," he said. (Business Report, South Africa)
Clippers owner Sterling will pay $2.73 million to settle suit Nov 4, 2009
Stevenson has been a pest to the Cavs, engaging in a war of words with LeBron James in the playoffs two years ago. Guard Delonte West was indicted on additional weapons and traffic charges stemming from his Sept.17 arrest for speeding on a motorcycle and carrying multiple weapons. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Greenspace: Household products can fix outdoor pest problems Nov 3, 2009
Its uses inside the home are almost endless and it can also be used in the garden for everything from cleaning to pest control and more ... Believe it or not, this will keep all kinds of pests at bay, including rabbits and the neighbor s cat ... Place the beer (they like any brand) in a shallow container (about an inch tall) and the pests will crawl in and drown themselves. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Bruins’ Chara bugged, so he swats Rangers’ pest Avery Nov 2, 2009
Bruins Chara bugged, so he swats Rangers pest Avery - The Boston Globe ... Chara, bugged, swats at pest. (Boston Globe)
Growing and Caring for House Plants Oct 31, 2009
Plants need light, water and nutrients for growth and to be kept free of pests to be healthy ... Pest and Diseases Attacking Plants ... Plants bought from a reputable nursery and grown indoors rarely have pests or diseases. (Suite101.com)
Cotton stalk destruction deadline extended Oct 31, 2009
Cotton stalk destruction is regulated under the Cotton Pest Control Law to help control boll weevils ... Cotton is a host for the boll weevil beetle is the most destructive cotton pest in North America ... The Texas Legislature established the in 1993 to eradicate the pest and ensure Texas remains the No. 1 cotton producing state. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Africa: Food Crisis Forces Changes on GM Crops [interview] Oct 30, 2009
For example, if it is pest control, instead of having to apply chemicals we can put into the seed tolerance or resistance to that given [pest ... They are not able to have resources to purchase fertilizers, pesticides, have irrigation systems in place ... If money was not a constraint we could achieve a green revolution through not necessarily biotechnology, but if we could put irrigation systems in place, if we could afford to purchase fertilizer, pesticides, we should be able to reach a green... (allAfrica.com)
Aggression Chemicals In Ants Synthesized Oct 29, 2009
Despite this finding, Tsutsui cautions that significant barriers must be overcome before a pest-control substance based upon these chemicals is ready for the market ... The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the California Structural Pest Control Board, the Defining Wisdom Program of the University of Chicago and the National Science Foundation helped support this research ... 18, 2006) Pesticides haven't stopped them. (Science Daily)
Ancient 'Monster' Insect: 'Unicorn' Fly Never Before Observed Oct 27, 2009
26, 2007) The Hessian fly, the No. 1 global pest of wheat, is not your ordinary insect. Its fiercest weapon -- capable of making wheat plants droop, topple over and even commit cell suicide -- is its deadly. (Science Daily)
Rachel Carson's Bay State days Oct 26, 2009
If you are of a certain age - or lean toward the trees - you ve no doubt read Rachel Carson s 1962 book Silent Spring, which alerted the US public to the devastation wrought by DDT and other pesticides on the environment ... (The beetle is an invasive pest wreaking havoc in Worcester. (Boston Globe)
Fall notes (23) Oct 25, 2009
There are some insecticides registered for exterior application to control bugs congregating on warm, sunny walls; Penn State recommends that these be applied by a licensed pest control operator. Unfortunately, because these insecticides break down in sunlight, they offer only temporary relief. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Treaty may force farms to halt use of pesticide Oct 25, 2009
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke has deferred to the independent body, the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority, on the endosulfan issue ... Regions with temperate climates and lower insect pest pressure, such as New Zealand and northern Europe, can afford to ban endosulfan,'' he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
What's/Who's new in business Oct 25, 2009
The shop features organic produce and growing supplies, as well as eco-friendly cleaning supplies, fertilizers and pest control products ... Shell Pest Solutions has opened at 3742 Nova Road, Suite 1015, Port Orange. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
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)
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)
Africa: Technical Fixes Needed to Stem Crop Losses Oct 24, 2009
London More than half of crops planted in developing countries are destroyed by pests and diseases, and by inadequate storage or transport, a global food summit has heard ... "But increased production is of little value if farmers lose a large proportion of their crops to pests and disease. As farmers are supported to grow more they must also be supported to lose less of what they grow." ... The pest costs Tanzania almost US$90 million annually in lost maize. (allAfrica.com)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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 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)
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)
* 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)
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)
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)
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!)
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)
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)
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)
