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2024 Ag Talk Tuesday sessions to resume

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: April 4, 2024 by Kasia Duellman

The University of Idaho Ag Talk Tuesday sessions will resume once again in 2024. Join us for our 7th season of these live Zoom sessions held every first and third Tuesday, May through August. The sessions start at 11:00 AM (MDT) and typically conclude by Noon (MDT).

Registration is required to attend. The registration link is available on our website: https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk  

During each Ag Talk Tuesday session, we invite contributions regarding timely information on crops in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. These Crop Updates are then followed by a Featured Topic with Guest Speakers for deep dives into ag-related topics of interest.

Below is our current 2024 (Draft) Agenda for Featured Topics (subject to change):

  • May 7: Water Update (Keith Esplin, Eastern Idaho Water Rights Coalition) and Ag Outlook (Josh Huff, Ag West Farm Credit)
  • May 21: Soil arthropods and soil health: Belowground partners in PNW wheat systems (Dane Elquist and Sanford Eigenbrode*, University of Idaho) (*presenter)
  • June 4: To be confirmed
  • June 18:  Family farms and corporate farms - what is the Idaho landscape? (Brett Wilder, University of Idaho)
  • July 2: Entomology at Parma REC (Dr. Armando Falcon-Brindis, University of Idaho)
  • July 16: Nematodes (Dr. Pooria Ensafi, University of Idaho)
  • Aug 6: Annual alfalfa as a source of nitrogen for subsequent small grain crops (Reed Findlay*, Dr. Jared Spackman, Joseph Sagers, Justin Hatch, Tom Jacobsen, Jared Gibbons; University of Idaho) (*presenter)
  • Aug 20: Idaho crop profitability outlook (Dr. Pat Hatzenbuehler, University of Idaho)

Looking forward to seeing you at Ag Talk Tuesday!

Sincerely, 

Your Ag Talk Tuesday Organizers:

  • Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)
  • Doug Finkelnburg (dougf@uidaho.edu)
  • Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu)
  • Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)

Job announcement - Farm Assistant II, UI Kimberly REC

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: December 14, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

All:

 

The University of Idaho Kimberly Research & Extension Center is advertising a full-time position with benefits.  Please forward to anyone who may be interested in applying.

 

This position will operate tractors and other field equipment, plant, fertilize, cultivate, spray, and harvest in support of research and non-research related crops. Perform routine maintenance on machinery and equipment. Irrigate some weekends. Perform backup facilities maintenance at the Kimberly R&E Center. Contribute to team effort by creating a work environment that emphasizes teamwork and safety.

 

Here is the link to the position: https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/43031

2023 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 11, 2023 by Jeff Miller

The program is set for the 2023 Idaho Association of Plant Protection on November 1-2 at the Univsersity of Idaho Extension office in Rupert (McGregor Building, 85 East Baseline, Rupert, Idaho, 83350).

Program details are available in the attached announcement. Please share with any interested individuals.

Ag Talk Report Newsletter - Issue 5 Number 1

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: September 28, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

Greetings! The first issue of the Ag Talk Report for 2023 is now available. Ag Talk Report is a newsletter for Idaho crops and a venue to provide more insight from our Ag Talk Tuesday sessions. It contains information far beyond what is heard on the Ag Talk Tuesday sessions. It is now available for your reading pleasure at the following link: http://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk 

In this issue, learn about how hemp might be used in a potato rotation, gain insight into the economic outlook and costs of return for various crops, and find out how the 2023 southeast Idaho aphid monitoring efforts compared to other years.

Final Ag Talk Tuesday session for 2023 - August 15

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: August 14, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

The final Ag Talk Tuesday session will be held tomorrow, August 15, at 11:00 AM (MT) - via Zoom.

Topics: 

  1. Economics Outlook — Pat Hatzenbuehler 
  2. Crop Insurance 101 — Bryan C. Ayers, Program Analyst, Risk Management Agency Education Division, USDA) 

Registration is required. You can register here: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoceuqpzgrHtcuo-JwYrywKfEBP_jNgMcE#/registration

More information on Ag Talk Tuesdays can be found on our website: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday

2023 Idaho Association of Plant Protection

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 10, 2023 by Jeff Miller

Anybody interested in learning about plant diseases and pests important in Idaho is invited to the 2023 Idaho Association of Plant Protection annual meeting, November 1-2 in Rupert, ID.

Attached is the first announcement and call for participation in the IAPP. See details on the attached page. If you have any questions, please contact the chairs for this year:

Albert Adjesiwor, aadjesiwor@uidaho.edu

John Snelling, jsnelling@rogueseedproduction.com

Please share with any who may be interested.

IPM Field Days - Aberdeen and Parma

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: August 9, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

Join us at the Aberdeen Research & Extension Center for a Potato IPM Field Day on Wednesday August 16, 2023. Registration begins at 8:30 AM. The tour starts at 9:00 AM and ends at Noon. Attendees are eligible for 1 ISDA pesticide credit and 3 CCA credits. A free lunch will be provided at the tour's conclusion.
Location:
University of Idaho - Aberdeen REC
1693 S 2700 W
Aberdeen, ID 83210

Following the Aberdeen Potato IPM Field Day, head over to Parma and Join University of Idaho Extension Specialists and Researchers on Thursday August 17, 2023 for IPM Field Day at Parma with registration beginning at 7:15 a.m. and Field Tour starting promptly at 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.  
Location:
University of Idaho - Parma REC
29603 U of I Lane
Parma, ID 83660-6699

IPM Field Dat at UI Extension Parma Research & Extension Center

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Magic Valley

Posted on: July 18, 2023 by Brad Stokes

Join University of Idaho Extension Specialists and Researchers on Thursday August 17, 2023 for IPM Field Day at Parma with registration beginning at 7:15 a.m. and Field Tour starting promptly at 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.  

Ag Talk Tuesday July 18 "Rocks and Spuds"

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday July 18, 2023

Posted on: July 17, 2023 by Pamela Hutchinson

Featured Topic:

July 18 — Rocks
and Spuds
 — Kamren
Koompin, Idaho grower/producer — Pamela J.S. Hutchinson (moderator)

 Welcome
to the 2023 season of 
Ag
 Talk Tuesday, presented by University of
Idaho Extension 
every first and third Tuesday May-August, 11:00 AM to Noon (via Zoom).



Tomorrow's session will
feature Idaho grower Kamren Koompin's talk "Rocks and Spuds" following the usual crop updates. 



 Registration is required. For
more information and the 
registration link, please check out the Ag Talk Tuesday website: 



https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday



 You can also register for Ag Talk Tuesday by following this link: 



https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoceuqpzgrHtcuo-JwYrywKfEBP_jNgMcE#/registration



If you miss the live sessions, videos are available on the University of Idaho College of Ag/Life Sciences YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6g6ZYcM47s85ASnhBlMHbFMD-x-zAGt6

 Remaining
Session Featured Topics and dates
:



Aug. 1 — CALS Update
(speaker: Dean Michael Parrella)



Aug. 15 — Economics
Outlook (speaker: Pat Hatzenbuehler)



Hope you can attend
these live, online sessions (via Zoom). 



 



 

Want Pesticide Credits?

All Crops    All Locations

Pesticide Credits

Posted on: July 10, 2023 by Kimberly Tate

Enroll in the University of Idaho (UI) Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) for the 2023 Summer Series Webinars (via Zoom; no camera/no account required). Each webinar is $10 per applicator. Completed webinar(s) receive multi-state pesticide credit(s). ISDA, ODA & WSDA credits available for completed webinar*. Note: ALL webinars are held at Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). 

  • Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (MDT) — Desireè Wickwar: Turf insect management 
  • Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (MDT) Doug Finkelnburg: Seed bank dynamics for grassy weed control in agricultural systems 
  • Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (MDT) — Dr. Pam Hutchinson & Dr. Albert Adjesiwor: Weather conditions and herbicide performance 
Registration will close at 8 a.m. (MDT) on the day of the webinar. 

 

*For pesticide credit: Pesticide applicators must answer questions within the webinar session. This requires individual computer and internet access for each user. Answers will be collected to confirm attendance was maintained for the entire webinar. Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) credits approved. Please register with your state license number(s). 


Register Today: https://marketplace.uidaho.edu/C20272_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=53&SINGLESTORE=true 


Need more information? Contact Kimberly Tate, University of Idaho Extension PSEP Sr. Instructor by phone (208) 364-4581 or email ktate@uidaho.edu 

Southern / Southeastern Cereals Field Days coming up!

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley

CEREALS ARE NOT A PEST!

Posted on: July 7, 2023 by Juliet Marshall

That's the name of our field days this year? Yes, it's true - come learn about the wheat and barley varieties that available to our area producers, cropping systems, fertility management and yes, those dang pests! What can be more fun that talking about smut? (Dwarf, loose, flag and cover your smut!) Scalds? Head blight?

Representatives from private industry, commissions and University of Idaho will be there, so hope to see you at one of the events!

Ag Talk Tuesday - June 20, 2023 session

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment - all crops

Posted on: June 19, 2023 by Juliet Marshall

The ATT is very pleased to announce that tomorrow’s special guests include commission members of the Idaho Wine Commission! Join us for Mark Pasculli and Jake Cragin’s perspective on grape production in Idaho and the role the Idaho Wine Commission plays in the grape and wine industries!

The Ag Talk Tuesday format starts with crop updates from extension specialists and industry partners at 11 AM Mountain (10 AM Pacific) lasting 20-30 minutes, followed by an introduction to our highlighted speakers. By that time, the irrigation pipes should have been moved, the cows fed, and morning chores complete - perfect timing to jump online prior to lunch!


More information can be found on the Ag Talk Tuesday website: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday


Registration is required. To register, copy and paste this link in your web browser: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoceuqpzgrHtcuo-JwYrywKfEBP_jNgMcE#/registration 

See you June 20 - 11:00 AM!


Courtesy of your Ag Talk Tuesday coordinators:

Juliet Marshall

Kasia Duellman

Doug Finkelnburg

Pamela J.S. Hutchinson

Olga Walsh

UI Extension Parma Field Day Tour

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Magic Valley

Field Tour - Parma

Posted on: June 13, 2023 by Brad Stokes

UI Extension Parma Research and Extension Center Agricultural Field Day is next Wednesday June 21st 2023 beginning at 8:00 a.m. with registration of participants.  The Field tour located at the UI Parma Research & Extension Center (29603 U of I Ln, Parma, ID 83660) will last until 11:15 a.m. with 2 CEU credits from Oregon Department of Agriculture and Certified Crop Assistants, 1 CEU credit from Idaho State Department of Agriculture.  No need to pre-register and this is a FREE event.  For further information contact James Woodhall, Olga Walsh or Brad Stokes.  

2023 Peach Tree Borer

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 7, 2023 by Ruth Givens

Peachtree bores are predicted to emerge between June 15 and July 18. This pest is a concern for stone fruits: Peach, nectarine, apricot, cherry, and plum. Key symptoms of peachtree borer infestation is the presence of sawdust and frass mixed with the gummy substance near the base of the trunk. Prevention is the best method of control.

Larvae injure the fruit tree primarily by burrowing into the tree trunks just at or below the soil line but may enter trunk up to 12” above the soil line. Larvae feed in the cambium beneath the bark girdling the tree.

Chemical Control, Home Use: For orchards less than 1 acre, or for home yard trees, preventative trunk sprays are the primary control. Apply the first application immediately after first trap catch and repeat application based on product label guidelines. Follow the required pre-harvest interval (time between last application and allowed harvest of fruit) of insecticide product. Apply insecticide as a bark drench at a rate of 1⁄2 to 1 gallon of spray mix per tree. Thoroughly cover the lower 12 inches of trunk and soak the ground at the base of tree. Do not allow the sprays to contact fruit. For chemical option review the PNW handbook link below.

Chemical Control, Commercial: Reference the PNW handbook link below to see spring and summer application recommendations.

Cultural Control: Larvae inside the trunks can be killed by inserting a wire into entry holes. Kill larvae in the late summer and fall before they spend the winter and inflict their most extensive feeding damage the following spring. Keep base of tree free of vegetation – heat and dryness reduce the survival of eggs and larvae.

The following links have information about the life cycle of peachtree borer and control methods.

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/peach-nectarine/peach-nectarine-peachtree-borer

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/peach-tree-borer-5-566/

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1651&context=extension_curall

UI Extension 2023 Cereals Field Days (Southern/Eastern Idaho)

All Crops    Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley

Posted on: June 6, 2023 by Brad Stokes

UI Extension Cereals Field Days Schedule for 2023 (Southern/Eastern Idaho).  

2023 Ag Talk Tuesday - June 6 session

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 5, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

Welcome to the 2023 season of Ag Talk Tuesday, presented by University of Idaho Extension every first and third Tuesday May-August, 11:00 AM to Noon (via Zoom).


Tomorrow's session will feature research on Hops, following the usual crop updates. 

Registration is required. For more information and the registration link, please check out the Ag Talk Tuesday website: 

You can also register for Ag Talk Tuesday by following this link: 

Remaining Session Featured Topics and dates:
June 6 — Research on Hops at the Parma Research & Extension Center (speaker: James Woodhall) and Hops Commission update (speaker: TBD)
June 20 — Focus on the Idaho Wine Commission (speaker: TBD)
July 4 — NO AG TALK TUESDAY
July 18 — Rocks and Spuds (speaker: Kamren Koompin, Idaho grower/producer)
Aug. 1 — CALS Update (speaker: Dean Michael Parrella)
Aug. 15 — Economics Outlook (speaker: Pat Hatzenbuehler)

Hope you can attend these live, online sessions (via Zoom). 

If you miss the live sessions, videos are available on the University of Idaho College of Ag/Life Sciences YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6g6ZYcM47s85ASnhBlMHbFMD-x-zAGt6

Your 2023 Ag Talk Tuesday organizing team:
Kasia Duellman
Doug Finkelnburg
Pamela J.S. Hutchinson
Juliet Marshall
Olga Walsh

ISDA Spanish Pesticide Applicator Pre-License Training & Exam

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Pesticide Training ISDA

Posted on: May 31, 2023 by Brad Stokes

ISDA will be hosting a Pre-License Training and Exam sessions in Spanish on June 6th & 7th at the Idaho Fish and Game Southwest Regional Office (15950 N Gate Blvd, Nampa ID 84687).  See flyer for details and for registration.  

2023 Parma Field Day Tour

All Crops    All Locations

all

Posted on: May 31, 2023 by Ronda Hirnyck

The Agricultural Field Day Tour will be held at the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center Wednesday June 21, 2023.

Registration: 8:00 AM

Field Tour and Speaker Presentations:  8:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Tour includes:  Soilborne diseases of crops, cover crops, cereal nurseries, straw mulch, temperature/irrigation on onion bulb rots and the new experimental hop yard.

Pesticide recertification credits have been applied for with ISDA, ODA and CCA.

For further information please contact:

James Woodhall jwoodhall@uidaho.edu

Olga Walsh owalsh@uidaho.edu

Brad Stokes bstokes@uidaho.edu

REMINDER! 2023 Snake River Weed Control Tour--Malheur Experiment Station

All Crops    All Locations

Weeds

Posted on: May 31, 2023 by Ronda Hirnyck


It is that time of the year when we embark on field tours to learn
about research studies being conducted to advance our knowledge of weed control
in various crops. The 2023 Snake River Weed Research Tour at the Malheur
Experiment Station, Ontario, OR is planned as follows.

 

Date: June 15, 2023

Event: The 2023 Snake River Weed
Control Research Tour - Malheur Experiment Station

Venue: Malheur Experiment
Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR 97914

Registration: 8:00 to 8:30AM

Tour: 8:30 to 12:00 PM MT

Complementary lunch will
follow as soon as tour is completed.

 

Pesticide Recertification Credits

Idaho
– 3 credits

Oregon
– 3 credits

 

Featured Weed Studies

First Stop:

1.     
Herbicides for weed control in
dry bulb onion

Second Stop:

1.     
Herbicides for weed control in
potato

2.     
Evaluation of adjuvants used
with Roundup (glyphosate) to manage weeds in sugar beet

3.     
Timing of first irrigation to
activate Sequence and Nortron herbicides for effective management of weeds in
sugar beet

4.     
Herbicides for wild oats and
kochia control in winter wheat

 

Please save a date and share this notice with those on your
mailing list. We look forward to seeing you on 
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Malheur Experiment Station.

 

Joel Felix

2023 Apple-Codling Moth, First Generation

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 15, 2023 by Ruth Givens

Pest: Codling Moth Cydia pomonella

Currently the degree day model is reporting 206 degree days (DD) as of May 18. There are different management options to consider when controlling this pest. 

Option A: Starting at 200 DD, forecasted to be May 17, apply a mixture of water and horticultural oil at 1% concentration to smother egg infestation. Follow with first application of insecticide at 350 DD. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.

Option B: Starting at 220-250 DD, forecasted to be May 18, apply insecticides that target newly hatched larvae. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.

Reference publication links to view insecticide options for commercial or residential sites. Commercial products with the active ingredients including; spinetoram, acetamiprid, chlorantraniliprole, etc. Residential products with active ingredients including; lambda-cyhalothrin (restricted use pesticide), or esfenvalerate and Spinosad (general-use pesticides). Non-spray option is to bag the fruit.

This pest needs prevention all season long for clean fruit.

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1879&context=extension_curall

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/codling-moth-control-in-home-plantings-5-613/

Ag Talk Tuesdays resume in 2023

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 17, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

Mark your calendars for every first and third Tuesday in May, June, July and August, 11:00 AM to Noon for Ag Talk Tuesday - live, online sessions (via Zoom).

Presented by University of Idaho Extension, the 2023 sessions of Ag Talk Tuesday continue with the second session of the season, this Tuesday, May 16. Sessions start at 11:00 AM with crop updates (everyone is invited to contribute). Following crop updates, enjoy a Featured Topic presented by a Guest Speaker. For this second session, we have invited Albert Adjesiwor with University of Idaho to discuss the Pacific Northwest Herbicide Resistance 

Initiative and Idaho.

Registration is required. For more information and the registration link, please check out the Ag Talk Tuesday website: 
You can also register for Ag Talk Tuesday by following this link: 
Session dates (view Featured Topics and Speakers online):
2 May
16 May
6 June
20 June
4 July – HOLIDAY – NO AG TALK TUESDAY
18 July
1 August
15 August
Hope you can attend these live, online sessions (via Zoom).
Sincerely,
Your Ag Talk Tuesday organizing team:
Kasia Duellman
Doug Finkelnburg
Pamela J.S. Hutchinson
Juliet Marshall
Olga Walsh

Lions and Tigers and Bears? Not quite, but Snow mold, dwarf smut and voles...

All Crops    All Locations

Snow molds, dwarf bunt and voles

Posted on: March 30, 2023 by Juliet Marshall




















Spring is…. Here? According to the calendar, yes. But
looking out at additional snow this morning in southeast Idaho and reviewing
the extended forecast, mother nature has stubbornly dug in her heels on winter.



 



The implications are that winter cereals are likely to be at
risk for damage and spring grain will never get planted. Or maybe it just seems
that way.



 



The extra moisture we are receiving with these consistent
spring snows and rain events makes so many of us relieved and happy. Our
subsoil moisture has been replenished and the reservoir system is recharging.
What a stroke of fortune!



 



Some areas in southeast Idaho haven’t seen bare ground since
early November. A mild fall facilitated the establishment and early growth of
winter wheat until cold temperatures rapidly shut down the season. However, what
is the outlook for the crop health of winter grain given how long we’ve had
snow cover?



 



Like any “good scientist”, I will say – That depends. When
we have long periods of time where snow covers the ground, two diseases can
become a major problem: snow mold and dwarf bunt. Snow can insulate the ground,
keeping the surface moist, preventing the soil from freezing and allowing these
cold-tolerant fungi to infect and grow on winter wheat. While difenoconazole seed
treatments are effective against dwarf bunt on susceptible varieties, there is
very little fungicide protection that is effective for snow mold when the snow
coverage exceeds three months – or in this year, up to five months!



 



Several years ago, I participated in a study that examined
the genetics of snow mold resistance up at the University of Idaho Tetonia
R&E Center. There were varieties that had a much higher tolerance for
fungal attack based on their genetic traits – the varieties that accumulated
more complex carbohydrates were less susceptible to being killed by snow mold
fungi. That meant that varieties when planted early enough to establish a
strong crown and high carbohydrate reserves survived long periods of time under
snow where there is very little sunlight. That was quite a while ago, and those
tolerant varieties are no longer grown.



 



Snow mold fungi feed off leaves, slowly depleting the
carbohydrates (or complex sugars) that plants need to survive – kind of like a
slow death by a thousand paper cuts. The longer the time spent under the snow,
the less the likelihood that the plants can survive. One of the stories I used
to hear was that growers would have fly ash flown on the fields to increase
rapid melting of the snow. That would require sunny days without additional
snow accumulation. That hasn’t happened this year. However, wheat can make a
recovery as long as the crown survives. After snow melt, check to see if the
crowns are white and firm. If they are soft and brown, then the plant is dead.



 



To add insult to injury, a healthy wheat stand under long
periods of snow cover allows voles to proliferate like mad! While worse in alfalfa,
stands can be significantly reduced in winter wheat as well. See the Feb 8
article written for “Catching up with CALS” with strategies and advice by
Danielle Gunn and Joseph Sagers: https://www.uidaho.edu/news/news-articles/colleges/cals/2023/020823-vexed-voles



 



As I head further south from Idaho Falls, I see large areas
of water ponding in low areas of the fields. The freeze-thawing cycles that
occur with substantial water saturation reduces plant survival as plants suffer
from frost-heaving, which rips and severs roots, and from anoxia – no oxygen
under flooded areas.



 



 



My best advice for spring grain, is to plant as soon as you
can (and not to bury the tractor in the low spots!) and to be sure the spring
grain is protected with fungicides that are effective against Pythium. These
fungal-like pathogens love cool and wet conditions and require specialized
“fungicides” that include metalaxyl. With the prevalence of metalaxyl-resistant
Pythium in the area, you may also need to consider the relatively new products
ethaboxam (Intego from Valent) and picarbutrazox (Vayantis from Syngenta).



 



In the meantime, we sit and wait. Good luck.







Need to study for a pesticide exam?

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 23, 2023 by Kimberly Tate

The UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program will be offering pre-license trainings ONLINE, via Zoom. This 4-day class is designed to be both with live instructors and work on your own, at your own pace. Students are required to have a computer or smart tablet with internet access. You will learn core pesticide safety practices and prepare for the following Idaho State Department of Agriculture pesticide exams; Private Applicator, Professional Applicator: Core Competency; Agricultural Herbicide; Agricultural Insecticide; Ornamental Herbicide; Ornamental Insecticide; General Pest; Right of Way; Rodent Control; and Chemigation. 

Classes meet twice daily Monday through Thursday. Our next training session is scheduled for April 3-7, 2023, from 9-11:30 am (MST) and 1:30-4 pm (MST). Registration closes, April 3, 2023 at 8 am (MST).

 

Enrollment includes access to 12-eLearning modules and educational materials until May 15, 2023. The class fee $50 per student. 


To register, visit our Marketplace website link.

The Second Annual Organic Agriculture Workshop Thursday, March 2nd

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 28, 2023 by Ariel Agenbroad



The Second Annual Organic Agriculture Workshop
hosted by the University of Idaho on Thursday, March 2nd from
10:00-1:30 PM MST.

Registration (and lunch) are free! If
you are planning to attend in person, please register by February 28th
.
You can register at: https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ApO2kf6L7Iozbw

This is an IN-PERSON workshop at the University of Idaho
Caldwell Research and Extension Center (1904 E. Chicago Street, Suite AB
Caldwell, ID 83605).

There is also an option to attend virtually. Those
attending in-person will receive a free lunch. There is also an opportunity to
tour Peaceful Belly Farm, which is located about 15 minutes from the meeting
location, and hear about the ways that they are honoring and fostering a
collaboration with nature to build ecological resilience and community on their
farm.



Workshop
Details:



  1. Hear
    important updates from ISDA and learn about the exciting new national
    Transition to Organics Partnership Program (TOPP)
  2. Learn
    more about the cryptic and amazing world of soil biology
  3. Learn
    more about how your management practices influence earthworms and
    nematodes
  4. Share
    experiences and knowledge to better understand the challenges and
    opportunities with soil fauna assessments


Registration (and lunch) are free! If
you are planning to attend in person, please register by February 28th
.
You can register at: https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ApO2kf6L7Iozbw 



2023 Cereal Schools are this week Feb 7 - 10, 2023

All Crops    Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley

Cereals - wheat and barley

Posted on: February 6, 2023 by Juliet Marshall

Southern / southeastern Cereal Schools will be this week at various locations - Burley, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, St. Anthony, Grace and Preston. See attached flyer for additional information.

PNW Pest Alert Network Survey

All Crops    All Locations

PNW Pest Alert Network Survey

Posted on: December 20, 2022 by Ruth Givens

Ruth Givens and Ronda Hirnyck from the University of Idaho Extension are conducting a research study. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the PNW Pest Alert Network. You are being asked to participate in this study because you are a subscriber to thePNW Pest Alert Network alerts.

Your participation will involve completing a voluntary survey which will provide feedback to the principal investigators. The survey should take about 3 minutes to complete. The survey includes questions such as indicate how you have used the information in the past year? How did you access the PNW Pest Alert Network alerts? How useful were the landscape and garden alerts? Your involvement in the study is voluntary, and you may choose not to participate. You can refuse to answer any of the questions at any time. There are no names or identifying information associated with your responses. There are no known risks in this study, but some individuals may experience discomfort or loss of privacy when answering questions. Data will be housed on a password protected server and deleted upon completion of the study.

The findings from this project will provide information on providing better outreach programming to control landscape and garden pests. If published, results will be presented in summary form only.

Special Incentive: Surveys completed by January 17 will be entered into a drawing for one of three $75 certificates to Texas Roadhouse.  Three lucky winners will be announced on the website and the gift cards will be sent out later in January.

If you have any questions about this research project, please feel free to call Ruth Givens at 208-459-6003. By submitting this survey, you certify that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to participate in the above described research study.

Start Survey Here

UI Extension PSEP Recertification Webinar Series

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 26, 2022 by Kimberly Tate

Need Pesticide Credits?

Join the University of Idaho (UI) Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program for the 2022 Fall Recertification Webinar Series via Zoom (no account/camera needed). Each webinar is $10 per applicator. Completed webinars receive 1 Idaho Department of Agriculture pesticide credit. 

 

Mark your calendar for the following webinar topics and their corresponding dates/times:

  • Nov. 1 from 10–11 a.m. (MST): Control of Commensal Rodents on Farms and Ranches in Idaho
  • Nov. 8 from 10–11 a.m. (MST): Pesticide Labels: What to know for successful pesticide applications
  • Nov. 15 from 10–11 a.m. (MST): Russian Olive Management
  • Nov. 29 from 10–11 a.m. (MST): Using UI Extension Tools for Pest Management
  • Dec. 6 from 10–11 a.m. (MST): Herbicide Resistant Weeds in Idaho
  • Dec. 13 from 10–11 a.m. (MST): Recent Invasive Insects in Idaho 

For more information contact UI Extension Instructor, Kimberly Tate at (208) 364-4581 or email ktate@uidaho.edu.

Ag Talk Report newsletter - October 2022 issue now available

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 20, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

The October 2022 issue of the Ag Talk Report newsletter is now available as an attached PDF file.

This issue will soon be available online at our website, where you can also find archived issues: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday 

Idaho Association of Plant Protection 2022 Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 19, 2022 by Jeff Miller

You are invited to attend the 2022 annual meeting of
the Idaho Association of Plant Protection in Burley, ID, at the Best Western
Inn & Convention Center. The conference will cover all aspects of plant
protection including entomology, nematology, weed science, and plant pathology. The agenda is attached. A total of 6 
Certified Crop Advisor (CCA, 5 PM and 1 CM) and 6 Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) have been awarded.

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the
program will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Registration costs $30.00 and can be made by check or cash at
the door. Credit card payments will be accepted at
the door but will be assessed a 6% processing fee. If you need to pay by credit card ahead of time, please contact Jeff Miller at jeff@millerresearch.com. Online registrations will
close Tuesday, November 1. 

Hotel reservations must be made on your own. Special
hotel rates have been negotiated for the participants:
$82.00 per night for the Burley Inn (www.burleyinn.com
or 208-678-3501) and $62.00 for the Budget Motel nearby (www.burleybudgetmotel.com
or 208-678-2200).

If you have questions, please contact the co-chairs
for this year: Bill Buhrig (william.buhrig@simplot.com208-954-0576) or Albert Adjesiwor (aadjesiwor@uidaho.edu208-423-6616).

2022 Idaho Association of Plant Protection - Call for Presentations

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 13, 2022 by Jeff Miller

This is an invitation and call for papers for the 2022 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection in Burley, ID, at the Best Western Inn & Convention Center. The conference will cover all aspects of plant protection including entomology, nematology, weed science, and plant pathology.

Please consider contributing research results, observations, unusual pest and disease occurrences and topics which could be discussed as a group, etc. to the meeting. Each presentation will be allotted at least a 20-minute time slot. A final program will be advertised in October. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration costs $30.00 and can be made by check or cash. Credit card payments will be available online or will be accepted at the door but will be assessed a 6% processing fee. Online registrations will close Tuesday, November 1. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) will be available.

Hotel reservations must be made on your own. Special hotel rates have been negotiated for the participants: $82.00 per night for the Burley Inn (www.burleyinn.com or 208-678-3501) and $62.00 for the Budget Motel nearby (www.burleybudgetmotel.com or 208-678-2200).

Please reply by email or complete and return the attached sheet. If you are not attending this meeting but would like to be notified of future meetings, please send us your updated contact information. Responses can be sent to:

Bill Buhrig (william.buhrig@simplot.com)

Albert Adjesiwor (aadjesiwor@uidaho.edu)


psyllid monitoring update - 8 Sep 2022

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: September 8, 2022 by Erik Wenninger

This week we received traps from 37 of the 72 fields that we had been monitoring this year. Thirteen fields have been vine killed and were not monitored. We found a total of only 2 psyllids in 1 (3%) of the 37 fields. Traps from several fields have yet to be returned to us and these results will be added to the detailed spreadsheet when we receive them.

The two psyllids captured this week were from a field in Canyon County.

None of the psyllids collected last week tested positive for Lso, the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC). 

Psyllid captures continue to be especially low this week, and thankfully we’ve been seeing less and less Lso in recent weeks. 

This week’s collection of traps represents the end of the official monitoring season. Next week we will post Lso results as well as a season wrap up. 

In addition to the regular links (below) with details on trap captures over the season, we are developing a new Idaho Pest Monitoring site that includes graphical summaries of our psyllid captures for this season and the previous two seasons: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

Please click around on the Potato Psyllid / Zebra Chip Monitoring link and send us any feedback that we may use to improve the site. Our eventual goal is to make this a one-stop shop for all Idaho pest monitoring programs, but you can see that this is still a work in progress.

More information can be found here: http://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news

--Click on the link under “Updated weekly reports” for details on trap captures.

--Click on the “Psyllid Management” link on the left panel for information on psyllid and zebra chip biology and management.

Farm Input Cost Update from Xiaoli Etienne and Pat Hatzenbuehler - You Missed a Great Ag Talk Tuesday!

All Crops    All Locations

Input Costs, Inflation and Interest Rates - Lions and Tigers and Bears - OH MY!

Posted on: August 16, 2022 by Juliet Marshall

Aug. 16 — Farm input cost update: A review of global, national and Idaho data 
U of I Patrick Hatzenbuehler, Assistant Professor & Extension
specialist and Xiaoli Etienne, Associate Professor & Idaho Wheat
Commission Endowed Chair in Commodity Risk Management, presented at
today's Ag Talk Tuesday, the last ATT of the 2022 Season.


To see recordings of this and previous Ag Talk Tuesday sessions, visit our page: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday

And click on the Ag Talk Tuesday Video Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6g6ZYcM47s85ASnhBlMHbFMD-x-zAGt6




University of Idaho, Parma R and E Center Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 5, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center
is hosting a Field Day on August 18 in the morning.  Click on the pdf below for more information.

Ag Talk Tuesday - August 2

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment - all crops

Posted on: August 1, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

Please join us for the next Ag Talk Tuesday session, August 2, 2022 (tomorrow) at 11:00 AM (MT). 

Registration is required (you only need to register once for the whole season). Register here:

https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElce6uqTwpH9CuQSsCTa_7B01HC8gfuGXn

Share or listen to crop updates, then enjoy our featured topic:

How Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) are set for potato products and Potato variety acceptance for French fries by quick service restaurants (QSR); Presenters: Tom Salaiz and Paul Watson, McCain Foods 

This is our second to last session for 2022. The final session will be August 16. 

Check out our website for more information: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday 

2022 Peach Twig Borer, Second Generation

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Posted on: July 27, 2022 by Ruth Givens

The second generation of peach twig borer will has begun egg hatch. Current degree day models indicate 1217 as of July 27. Second generation cover sprays begin at 1200 DD. First cover sprays for second generation should be applied now.

For management control options review the PNW Handbook link below to select a control option appropriate for the operation. Apply according to label directions.

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/peach-nectarine/peach-nectarine-peach-twig-borer

https://climate.usu.edu//includes/pestFactSheets/Peach-Twig-Borer.pdf

https://utahpests.usu.edu/slideshows/ppt/05sh-insects-ptbcontrol.pdf

July 21, 2022 psyllid update

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 22, 2022 by Erik Wenninger

This week we had traps deployed in 64 of the 72 fields that we are monitoring this year, though traps from two fields were not submitted. We found a total of 12 psyllids across 10 (16%) of the 62 fields observed. 

Psyllids were captured in the following counties: Canyon (2 fields), Jerome (1 field), Twin Falls (2 fields), Cassia (2 fields), Minidoka (2 fields), and Power (1 field).

Three of the four psyllids collected last week tested positive for Lso, the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC). Positive psyllids were collected from both of the fields in which we found psyllids last week (in Canyon and Bingham counties).

Psyllid numbers this week ticked up a bit from last week’s very low count, but overall captures remain far behind the 100+ psyllids that we were capturing each week by this time last year. 

Despite the low psyllid captures, given the incidence of Lso observed over the last two weeks, we urge growers to watch psyllid captures closely and to have their IPM programs in place. 

In other news, we have a new site in development that allows you to explore our psyllid captures by county and region in Idaho over time and to compare this year’s captures with those from recent years. It’s still in the testing phase, but we expect to be able to share at least part of that functionality next week. 

More information can be found here: http://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news

--Click on the link under “Updated weekly reports” for details on trap captures.

--Click on the “Psyllid Management” link on the left panel for information on psyllid and zebra chip biology and management.

Black Bean Aphids in Sugarbeets near Twin Falls

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 18, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

The Amalgamated Sugar Company field consultants are reporting that Black Bean Aphids have been found in sugarbeet fields near Twin Falls, Idaho.   Amalgamated Sugar asks that you contact your crop consultant if you have any application questions.  Click on the link below for more information about Black Bean Aphid in the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.

Need Pesticide Credits?

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 12, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Pesticide Safety Education Program will be offering a three credit webinar recertification series on August 2, 9, and 16.  Click on the pdf below for more information.

2022 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 8, 2022 by Jeff Miller

Miller Research will be holding its annual potato pest
management field day on Wednesday, August 17. The event is open to the public
and there is no cost to attend but
please RSVP so we can plan appropriately for the event. This can be
done on our website or by responding to cheryn@millerresearch.com or (208)
431-4420.

The field day will begin at the field located at the main
office at Miller Research at 422 E 200 N in Rupert (42.649075 N, -113.585594
E).

A detailed agenda and additional information can be found at the link provided here.

Ag Talk Tuesday - next session July 5

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: June 29, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

The next session of the University of Idaho's Ag Talk Tuesday series features Travis Youngberg (NRCS), who will present on "Sustainable, regenerative and other buzz words." The session starts at 11:00 AM (MT) and registration is required to attend (register once to attend all 2022 sessions). 

Current season crop updates precede the featured presentation, and all ag-related (soil, water, nutrient, pest, weed, disease) issues for all crops large or small (throughout Idaho and the region and even the world!) may be represented in these engaging, interactive round-table discussions.

Join us July 5 at 11:00 AM (MT).

Registration information is available by following this link: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday

Ag Talk Tuesday - June 21, 2022

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

Please join us June 21 at 11:00 AM (MT) for the next Ag Talk Tuesday session.

Ag Talk Tuesdays is series of live sessions offered online (via Zoom) first and third Tuesdays May-August. 
These live events begin with CROP UPDATES where all participants are invited to contribute, followed by a featured presentation. You can find a schedule of featured topics and speakers (subject to change) and more information on our website:   
The next session is Tuesday, June 21, with the following Featured Topic and Guest Speaker:
WAVE: Western agricultural variety explorer — Julia Piaskowski, Ph.D., U of I
 
Registration is required to attend. You only need to register once to attend all sessions. Once you register, information on how to attend via Zoom or by calling in by phone will be sent to you in a separate email. (If you have registered but did not receive an email - Please contact Kasia Duellman, kduellman@uidaho.edu).
  
To registerclick this link (or copy and paste the following into your web browser):   
   
 
For questions, please contact one of the organizers:  
Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu
Doug Finkelnburg (dougf@uidaho.edu)  
Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu
Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)  

Olga Walsh (owalsh@uidaho.edu)  

TOUR DATE CHANGED to JUNE 28TH - Aberdeen Snake River Weed Mg Tour and Field day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2022 by Pamela Hutchinson

CHANGE THE DATE OF THE Aberdeen Snake
River Weed Mg Tour and Field day

Tuesday JUNE 28TH 
instead of June 21st.

Please pass the word

  • Registration
    8:30 to 9aTour
    9a to noon
  • Followed
    by a sponsored lunch.
  • You
    do not need to Pre-register / RSVP

 Three
Idaho pesticide recertification credits will be available
.

 EMAIL phutch@uidaho.edu WITH QUESTIONS.

Kimberly does NOT change – will still be held Wednesday June 22nd.

Featured
on the Aberdeen R&E Center Tour Tuesday June 28th

  • Herbicide tank mixtures for use in potatoes; Potato variety herbicide tolerance; Simulated Excess
    Rainfall Effects on Herbicides and Potato Crop Safety; Herbicide site of action
    demonstration.
  • Weed control in quinoa; Herbicide management in Litchi tomato; Fiber hemp herbicide tolerance.
  • In
    addition - Updates from: USDA/University of Idaho potato breeding, Potato disease management, Seed potatoes, Barley and Wheat production and varieties.



Stripe (Yellow) rust found in Filer / Buhl area

All Crops    All Locations

Stripe rust (yellow rust) in wheat

Posted on: June 17, 2022 by Juliet Marshall

With the spring weather perfect for small grain production, it is no surprise that stripe rust was finally confirmed in southern Idaho. Thanks and a free lunch goes to Trenton Stanger, Westbred, for the first reported sighting in breeding plots near Buhl. The breeding line was significantly infected, but isolated (that is, infections were not widespread in the field). Most of the plots were just past flowering, and there is a long way to go for the winter crop to finish. We are about 10-14 days behind the previous years according to growing degree day estimates. (Be sure to check plant growth stage prior to shutting off irrigation. You don't want to shut off irrigation too soon or too late - remember the general rule of thumb of "Full soil profile of moisture at soft dough before water shut off.")

We are past the window of application for fungicides for winter wheat, and the stripe rust disease pressure is low.

The greatest threat will be for susceptible spring wheat varieties. Scout spring wheat fields for infection, and report infections to University personnel in order for us to track and report new occurrences. Fungicide applications will likely not be required for moderately resistant and resistant varieties. Fungicides on the market are equally effective as stripe rust protectants, but as the flag leaves emerge, do not use strobilurin fungicides as that increases risk for DON contamination in grain from FHB or scab infection.

Remember to read and follow all label directions.

The Ag Talk Report and the next Ag Talk Tuesday session

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: June 1, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

The first issue of 2022 for the Ag Talk Report, a newsletter that supplements the Ag Talk Tuesday series, is now available. Previous issues are available online at the Ag Talk Tuesday website:  www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk

The next Ag Talk Tuesday session is Tuesday, June 7. Join us for a panel discussion on herbicide resistant weeds in Idaho. Registration is required (one time registration allows you to attend all sessions in 2022). Find the link to register on the Ag Talk Tuesday website.

Agronomic Soil Testing Class - Online

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 31, 2022 by Stuart Reitz

This online course is designed for crop advisors, agronomists, and others testing soil on farms or in laboratories. The course is led by Oregon State University Extension Soil Fertility Specialist, Dr. Amber Moore.

Lecturers: Various OSU Extension Agronomists and Soil Scientists

Time commitment: 1-3 hours per week for 6 weeks. The 19 lecture modules can be accessed at your convenience.

Cost: $495 (+$60 registration fee)

CCA Continuing Education Units: Six Nutrient Management CEUs

Course topics include:

• Choosing a Soil Testing Lab

• Soil pH and Buffer pH

• Extractable Cations

• Nitrate and Mineralizable Nitrogen

• Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfate

• Micronutrients

• Salts (Electrical Conductivity)

• Organic Matter & Carbon

• Soil Health Indicators

Registration Link:

https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/course/agronomic-soil-testing

2022 Apple Codling Moth, First Generation

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Apple Codling Moth

Posted on: May 25, 2022 by Ruth Givens

The first apple codling moths were trapped in mid May . Currently the degree day model is reporting 201 degree days (DD) as of May 25. There are different management options to consider when controlling this pest.

Option A: Starting at 200 DD, forecasted to be May 25, apply a mixture of water and horticultural oil at 1% concentration to smother egg infestation. Follow with first application of insecticide at 350 DD. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.

Option B: Starting at 220-250 DD, forecasted to be May 28, apply insecticides that target newly hatched larvae. Reapply insecticides based on the protection interval stated on the label.

Reference publication links to view insecticide options for commercial or residential sites. Commercial products with the active ingredients including; spinetoram, acetamiprid, chlorantraniliprole, etc. Residential products with active ingredients including; lambda-cyhalothrin (restricted use pesticide), or esfenvalerate and Spinosad (general-use pesticides). Non-spray option is to bag the fruit.

This pest needs prevention all season long for clean fruit.

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1879&context=extension_curall

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/codling-moth-control-in-home-plantings-5-613/

Ag Talk Tuesday - May 17th at 11:00 AM Mountain

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesdays

Posted on: May 16, 2022 by Juliet Marshall

May 17  FSA programs and policies — Matt Gellings, Ben Thiel — Doug Finkelnburg (host)


Hi Everyone,
Ag Talk Tuesdays, a series of live sessions offered first and third Tuesdays May-August, has the second session tomorrow  starting at 11:00 AM (MDT) . 

Tomorrow's hot topic: Farm Services Agency - Programs and Policies with Matt Gellings, State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency.
 
These live events begin with crop updates where all participants are invited to contribute, followed by a featured presentation. You can find a schedule of featured topics and speakers (subject to change) and more information on our website:   
 
Registration is required to attend. You only need to register once to attend all sessions. Once you register, information on how to attend via Zoom or by calling in by phone will be sent to you in a separate email.  
  
To registerclick this link (or copy and paste the following into your web browser):   
   
Please join us May 17 at 11:00 AM (MDT) for these live, online sessions that focus on agriculture - current season issues related to pests, diseases, weeds, diagnostics, soil health, irrigation/water, agronomy & more along with featured topics and guest speakers. 
 
For questions, please contact one of the organizers:  
Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu
Doug Finkelnburg (dougf@uidaho.edu)  
Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu
Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)  

Olga Walsh (owalsh@uidaho.edu)  


--------------------------------------

KASIA M. DUELLMAN, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology and Extension Specialist


College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
kduellman@uidaho.edu

webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/

208-757-5476  |  701-793-9456 (Cell)
U of I Idaho Falls | 1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205  |  Idaho Falls ID 83402   |  United States

Ag Talk Tuesdays resume for 2022

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: April 19, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

We are excited to announce that the University of Idaho Extension's Ag Talk Tuesday sessions resume May 3 for the 2022 season. 


Each session starts at 11:00 AM (MDT) on the first and third Tuesdays, May through August.


These live events begin with crop updates where all participants are invited to contribute, followed by a featured presentation. You can find a schedule of featured topics and speakers (subject to change) and more information on our website:  

https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk 


Registration is required to attend. You only need to register once to attend all sessions. Once you register, information on how to attend via Zoom or by calling in by phone will be sent to you in a separate email. 

 

To register, click this link (or copy and paste the following into your web browser):  

https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElce6uqTwpH9CuQSsCTa_7B01HC8gfuGXn


Please join us starting May 3 at 11:00 AM (MDT) for these live, online sessions that focus on agriculture - current season issues related to pests, diseases, weeds, diagnostics, soil health, irrigation/water, agronomy & more along with featured topics and guest speakers.


For questions, please contact one of the organizers: 

Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)

Doug Finkelnburg (dougf@uidaho.edu) 

Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu)

Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu) 

Olga Walsh (owalsh@uidaho.edu) 


UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 2, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

The UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program will be offering pre-license trainings ONLINE, via Zoom. This 4-day class is designed to be both with live instructors and work on your own, at your own pace. Students are required to have a computer or smart tablet with internet access. You will learn core pesticide safety practices and prepare for the following Idaho State Department of Agriculture pesticide exams; Private Applicator, Professional Applicator: Law and Safety; Agricultural Herbicide; Agricultural Insecticide; Ornamental Herbicide; Ornamental Insecticide; General Pest; Right of Way; and Chemigation.

 

Classes meet twice daily Monday through Thursday. Choose one of the following weeklong sessions: 

1. March 14-17, 2022, from 9-11:30 am (MST) and 1:30-4 pm (MST). Registration closes, March 9, 2022.

2. March 28-31, 2022, from 9-11:30 am (MST) and 1:30-4 pm (MST). Registration closes, March 23, 2022.


Click on the pdf below for more information.

Treasure Valley Virtual IPM Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 25, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

The Treasure Valley Virtual IPM Meeting is being held on Tuesday February 8th at 9 am.  After registering (only requires name and email) you will receive information about joining the meeting. The meeting is free to attend and two ISDA credits, two ODA (core) credits and two CCA IPM Credits are available.  Click on the pdf below for the registration link and more program information.

Chloryrifos (Lorsban) Uses

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: December 22, 2021 by Stuart Reitz

We are working to survey additional minor crop uses of
chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) in Oregon, and working to systematically make sure that we have
information on all commodities in Oregon which have a chlorpyrifos label. 

A very quick 3-question survey is available here: https://beav.es/U6w

Currently, we have no responses at all on sweet potato, carrot seed or beet seed, and very
few for sugar beet
. Responses from growers with those crops would be especially appreciated.



 Thanks for your help!

2022 Pre-License Training for Ornamental Pesticide Applicators

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 20, 2021 by Nic Usabel & Kimberly Tate

The UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program will be offering pre-license training during the 2022 Idaho Horticulture Expo in Boise. This training will be in-person with a two-day agenda. Focus will be on the following categories: Ornamental Insecticide (OI), Ornamental Herbicide (OH), General Pest (GP), and Core (CO). 

Registration includes access to eLearning modules and study materials housed on the National Extension Foundation website. These materials prepare students for the 2-day class and the statewide exams. ALL materials will be available to each registered student with continued access until three weeks after the training. January 20 – 21, 2022, daily at 9am – 4pm MST (limit 45 students) Boise Centre, 850 W Front St., Boise 83702

This educational training is funded through an ISDA grant. There will be no cost to the student.  COVID-19 restrictions will be determined by the instructors. Registered students will be notified of the current guidelines. To register, visit our website https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm

For questions contact:

  • Ronda Hirnyck | rhirnyck@uidaho.edu | 208-364-4046
  • Kimberly Tate | ktate@uidaho.edu | 208-364-4581

2021 Annual Survey Winners

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 10, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

Thanks to everyone that completed a 2021 annual survey for the PNWPestAlert.net website.  The winners of the Texas Roadhouse gift cards are Ron Y, Mike M, and Kevin K.



2021 Idaho Association of Plant Protection registration now available online

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 25, 2021 by Jeff Miller

The agenda has been set and registration is now available for the 2021 Annual Idaho Association of Plant Protection (IAPP) annual meeting. 


For those who want to attend by Zoom, you must register for the Zoom meeting (a separate registration for each day) and then you must also register at the following link:

https://millerresearch.com/event/2021-idaho-association-of-plant-protection/

After registering at the link, you will receive an email allowing you to pay online via PayPal. Registration in person will be available at 12:30 pm on Wednesday and can be paid by check or cash.


Three ISDA pesticide recertification credits and 3.5 CCA Pest Management credits are available each day. The $15 registration fee covers both days and the cost is the same if you attend one or both days.

Pesticide Fall Recertification Webinar Series

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 22, 2021 by Kimberly Tate

The UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) will be conducting 6-webinars on Tuesdays from Nov. 2 - Dec. 14. Completed webinars receive one-pesticide credit*. These webinars are synchronous and held from 10 AM - 11:15 AM (MST). The cost is $10 per applicator/webinar. Enroll now on our UI Marketplace HERE. Check out the details in the attached UIPSEP Fall Recertification Webinars poster. For more information, contact Kimberly Tate at ktate@uidaho.edu.


*For pesticide credit: Pesticide applicators must answer questions throughout the webinar session. This requires individual computer and internet access for each user. Answers will be collected to confirm attendance was maintained for the entire webinar.

Artificial Intelligence for Insect Identification

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 30, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld



As a component of a USDA-funded project, Harnessing
artificial intelligence for implementing integrated pest management in
small-grain production systems, the University of Idaho is developing a system
to automatically identify insects in wheat and other crops based on submitted
cellphone images.



To develop this system, we need your help with collecting a
large number of photographs of pests and beneficial insects observed in cereal
cropping systems



(cereals and rotation crops) throughout the region. To date,
we have received more than 1300 insect photos- Thank you for your continuing
support!



 



We will need thousands of photos to train our computer
algorithm to enable the system to generate the most accurate identifications of
unknown samples.



 



To help us develop this tool, please upload insect
photographs through this link: https://cerealpestaid.net/

2021 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Agenda - Nov. 3-4, Burley Best Western

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 28, 2021 by Jeff Miller

The agenda has now been posted for the 2021 Idaho Association of Plant Protection annual meeting on Nov. 3-4 in Burley,  ID. See the attached files for more information. ISDA pesticide recertification credit and CCA Pest Management credits have been requested. 

Psyllid Update August 26, 2021

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: August 26, 2021 by Erik Wenninger

This week we had traps deployed in all 73 fields, though we are still waiting for traps from two fields in eastern Idaho. We found a total of 64 psyllids across 22 (31%) fields.

Overall psyllid captures were considerably lower than for recent weeks. Contour maps (see links below) graphically reflect relatively high abundance of psyllids collected in some fields in the western Treasure Valley and in Elmore County, but this abundance is markedly lower than in previous weeks. Moderate to low captures were recorded in the Magic Valley and very few captures were recorded east of the Magic Valley.

Psyllids were collected on sticky traps in potato in the following counties: Canyon (9 fields), Payette (1 field), Owyhee (2 fields), Elmore (2 fields), Twin Falls (6 fields), Cassia (1 field), and Bingham (1 field).

Once again, all psyllids tested from last week were negative for Lso, though testing of a single psyllid from last week is still pending. We have yet to find any Lso-positive psyllids this season.

With harvest season upon us, it is worth remembering that our studies in Russet Burbank showed that ZC can develop during storage if infection occurs about two weeks before vine kill. Please consider this in your late-season IPM programs

To view contour maps in more detail, set up a free account here: https://potatoes.decisionaid.systems/

More information can be found here: http://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news
--Click on the links under “Updated weekly reports” for details on trap captures
-Click on the “Psyllid Management” link on the left panel for information on psyllid and zebra chip biology and management.

2021 Idaho Association of Plant Protection - Nov. 3-4, Burley Best Western

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 25, 2021 by Jeff Miller

The 2021 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, November 3 at 1:00 pm to Thursday, November 4 at 1:00 pm at the Best Western Inn & Convention Center, Burley, Idaho. Registration will begin at 12:30 PM on Wednesday. The conference will cover all aspects of plant protection including entomology, nematology, weed science, and plant pathology.

Please consider contributing to the meeting research results, observations, unusual pest and disease occurrences, and topics that could be discussed as a group. Each presentation will be allotted a 20-minute time slot. A final program will be advertised in October. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration costs $15.00 and can only be made by check or cash. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) will be available.

Hotel reservations must be made on your own. Special hotel rates have been negotiated for the participants: $89.00 per night for the Burley Inn (www.burleyinn.com or 208-678-3501) and $65.00 for the Budget Motel nearby (www.burleybudgetmotel.com or 208-678-2200). Please refer to the attached hotel flyer.

Please complete the attached form if you want to participate and reply by email to Alexander Karasev (akarasev@uidaho.edu). If you are not attending this meeting but would like to be notified of future meetings, please send us your updated contact information. Responses can be sent to:

Alexander Karasev: akarasev@uidaho.edu
University of Idaho, Dept. of EPPN
Moscow, ID 83844-2329
(208) 885-2350

Please respond by September 17th, 2021. Also, please share with any who may have an interest.


UI Ag Talk Tuesday August 17 11:00 AM- last one for 2021

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: August 16, 2021 by Kasia Duellman, Pam Hutchinson, Juliet Marshall

The final University of Idaho Ag Talk Tuesday session is Tuesday, August 17 at 11 AM (MT).

Join and listen to or actively participate in round table crop updates, followed by featured topics.

The Featured topics and presenters for the 8/17 session are:

Seed potato germplasm update — Jenny Durrin, Director, Seed Potato Germplasm Program 

Fungicide resistance management and fungicide resistance in Fusarium species — Kasia Duellman, Christy Christian 

Registration is required. Please visit our website for more information and to register: www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk

2021 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day this Thursday

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 16, 2021 by Jeff Miller

The Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day will be on Thursday, August 19 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Details can be found at the link below. Two ISDA and two CCA credits are available.

UI Ag Talk Tuesday August 3 11:00 AM (MT)

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: August 2, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

The next University of Idaho Ag Talk Tuesday session is Tuesday, August 3 at 11 AM (MT).

Join and listen to or actively participate in round table crop updates, followed by featured topics.


The Featured topics and presenters for the 8/3 session are:

Teff: benefits, production practices, and current market situation — Ms Ritika Lamichhane, MS student (advised by Olga Walsh, Extension Cropping Systems Agronomy)

Potato cropping systems trials at Aberdeen R&E Center - Pam Hutchinson (Extension Specialist — Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist

Selected research projects aimed at managing tuber-borne diseases - Kasia Duellman, seed potato specialist

Registration is required. Please visit our website for more information and to register: www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk


UofI Ag Talk Tuesday 2021

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 19, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

The next Ag Talk Tuesday session is July 20 at 11 AM.

Registration is required (register one time to access all sessions). Click on this link to register: Registration Link

For more information, please visit the Ag Talk Tuesday website:

http://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk

This week's featured topics and speakers:

  • Federal crop insurance 101 — Ben Thiel, Regional Director, USDA-RMA 
  • Field projects of cropping systems in eastern Idaho — Xi Liang, Associate Professor, Cropping Systems Agronomy 

Pesticide Credits for Recertification - August 2021

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 13, 2021 by Kimberly Tate

The University of Idaho (UI) Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program is offering online webinars for pesticide recertification credit via Zoom video conferencing. 

Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 10 AM MDT – Daniel Sandoval, Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Pesticide Training Specialist: New ISDA Pesticide and Chemigation Rules

Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 10 AM MDT – Brad Stokes, UI Extension Educator Elmore County: Toxicity and Non-Target Effects of Pesticides to Idaho Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

Each webinar is $10 per applicator. Completed webinars receive one pesticide credit and great information! Note: Enrollment will close 8 AM (Mountain Time) on the day of the webinar.

How to enroll for the webinar(s):

1. Visit our website: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm. 

2. Be prepared to provide your email and applicator license number.

Note: From cals-ipm@uidaho.edu we will send instructions on how to access Zoom (no camera or account required).

For questions or comments, contact Kimberly Tate, UI Extension at ktate@uidaho.edu or (208) 364-4581.


INSECT PHOTOS NEEDED

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 2, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

As a
component of a USDA-funded project, Harnessing
artificial intelligence for implementing integrated pest management in
small-grain production systems
, the University of Idaho is
developing a system to automatically
identify insects in wheat and other crops based on submitted cellphone images
.
To develop this system, we
need your help
 with collecting a large number of
photographs of pests and beneficial insects observed in cereal cropping systems
(cereals and rotation crops) throughout the region. We will use these photos
(hopefully thousands) to train our computer algorithm to enable the system to
generate the most accurate identifications of unknown samples.



To help
us develop this tool, please upload insect photographs through this link: https://cerealpestaid.net/

CANCELLED! The July 8th Snake River Weed Control Tour

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 22, 2021 by Pamela Hutchinson

The 2021 Snake River Weed Control Tour July 8th at the University of Idaho Aberdeen R&E Center has been cancelled. We hope to see you next year!

July 8th UI Snake River Weed Mgt Tour - Aberdeen R&E Center

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 15, 2021 by Pamela Hutchinson

2021 UI Snake River Weed Management Tour – Potatoes and Specialty Crops
Aberdeen R&E Center, Thursday July 8th
Registration begins at 8:30 am
Tour 9a to 12:30p
• Herbicide Tank Mixes for Weed Control in Potatoes.
• Chateau – Fierce – Mauler.
• Anthem Flex Tank Mixtures,
• Sonalan Tank Mixtures for Weed Control in Potatoes.
• Potato Variety Tolerance to Sulfentrazone.
• Potato Variety Tolerance Trials.
• Excess Rainfall Effect on Herbicides and Potato injury.
• Quinoa herbicide screening.
• Litchi tomato herbicide management.
• Herbicide Mechanism of Action Demonstration Plots.
Pest Management Updates and Information:
• Albert Adjesiwor, Weed Scientist, Kimberly R&E Center

Three Idaho Pesticide Applicator Credits will be offered.
For more information contact Pamela J.S. Hutchinson phutch@uidaho.edu 208-681-1304

UI Ag Talk Tuesday June 15, 11AM

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: June 14, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

The next Ag Talk Tuesday session is tomorrow,  June 15 at 11 AM (MDT).

Registration is required. Register by clicking this link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-ugrzktHdEEbqB3aHk3rlJLgCeSkCLz 

Or, visit our website for more information: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday 

The live session will begin with a roundtable crop update - listen, contribute, discuss current season crop issues. Crop updates are followed by featured presentations by guest speakers.

June 15 featured presentations:

— PVP and Title V and the implications and impacts for producers — Jeremy Tamsen, Director, Office of Technology Transfer 

  • If you have questions related to what PVP and Title V mean to saving and selling seed, then please join us for Jeremy Tamsen’s presentation and discussion!

— Post-emergence herbicides for broadleaf and grass control in potatoes — Pam Hutchinson, UI Associate Professor & Extension Specialist (Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist)

UI Ag Talk Tuesday June 1 at 11:00 AM

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 31, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

Please Join us for the next Ag Talk Tuesday, June 1 at 11 AM.

These online, live sessions are held every first and third Tuesday of May, June, July and August and they begin with a round table of crop updates followed by Guest Speakers presenting Featured Topics. This week's session's Featured Topics are:


Farm stress management — Lance Ellis, Lance Hansen 

Post-emergence herbicides for broadleaf and grass control in potatoes — Pam Hutchinson


If you haven't already registered,

Register here: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-ugrzktHdEEbqB3aHk3rlJLgCeSkCLz


More information is available online at https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday


We hope to see you there!


Sincerely,

Your Ag Talk Tuesday Organizers:

Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)

Pamela J.S. Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu)

Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)

EPA has extended the delay for respirator fit testing until September 30, 2021.

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 21, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

Due to
the COVID19 pandemic, and concerns about obtaining respirators and annual fit
testing as required by the WPS, EPA has provided guidance for delaying the
annual fit testing.  This delay will be effective until September 30,
2021. 
EPA expects employers and handlers to make every effort to
comply with all pesticide label and Agricultural WPS requirements.

If all
options to find new respirators and get handlers fit tested, are exhausted,
EPA's guidance provides the following additional options: 


  1. Reuse and extend use of disposable N95 filter facepiece
    respirators,

  2. Use of "expired" respirators,

  3. Use of respirators certified in certain other countries
    or jurisdictions meeting protective conditions outlined,

  4. Delay the annual respirator "fit
    test".  

Potential
risk to handlers can be minimized if the handlers and the employers comply with
all other requirements of the WPS and pesticide labels if:


  • Handlers have received an annual fit test during
    calendar year 2019 or 2020 and continue to use that specific respirator
    make and model,

  • Handlers have not had a physiological change that
    affects the seal (e.g. 20lb. weight loss or gain, facial surgery, scarring
    since last fit test),

  • Handler employer can demonstrate that the handler
    received respirator training in the previous 12 months.  

THIS
AMENDMENT TO THE WPS EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2021.

Click
on the line below for more information from the EPA.















 

Ag Talk Tuesday - May 18 at 11 AM

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday

Posted on: May 14, 2021 by Juliet Marshall

May 18  Idaho Insect Identification website overview — Brad Stokes, Jason Thomas & Aquifer recharge program — Keith Esplin — Juliet Marshall (host)


Greetings!
We are excited to announce that the next University of Idaho Extension's Ag Talk Tuesday sessions is May 18
As usual, these sessions are held on the first and third Tuesdays of May, June, July and August, from 11AM to 1PM (MDT).
You can find a schedule (subject to change) and more information on our website: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday

Registration is required to attend. You only need to register once to attend all sessions. Once you register, information on how to attend via Zoom or by calling in by phone will be sent to you in a separate email. 

To register, click this link (or copy and paste it into your web browser):  https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-ugrzktHdEEbqB3aHk3rlJLgCeSkCLz.

Please join us starting May 18 at 11 AM (MDT) for these online, live, interactive sessions that focus on agriculture - current season issues related to pests, diseases, weeds, diagnostics, soil health, irrigation, agronomy & more along with featured topics and guest speakers.

For questions, please contact one of the organizers: Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu), Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu), or Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu).


--------------------------------------

KASIA M. DUELLMAN, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Seed Potato Specialist

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
kduellman@uidaho.edu

webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/

208-757-5476  |  701-793-9456 (Cell)
U of I Idaho Falls | 1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205  |  Idaho Falls ID 83402   |  United States

Ag Talk Tuesday Resume TOMORROW May 4

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

Ag Talk Tuesday resumes tomorrow May 4, 11AM to 1PM (MDT).

All sessions will be held on the first and third Tuesdays, May through August.

Registration is required. Register here:  https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-ugrzktHdEEbqB3aHk3rlJLgCeSkCLz

For more information and a schedule of topics, please visit our website: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday 

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program for Spring 2021

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 27, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture will be hosting a pesticide disposal program at various locations in May.  Click on the pdf below for more information.


Ag Talk Tuesday resumes!

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday

Posted on: April 23, 2021 by Juliet Marshall

Greetings!

We are excited to announce that the University of Idaho Extension's Ag Talk Tuesday sessions will resume May 4 for the 2021 season. 

As usual, these sessions will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of May, June, July and August, from 11AM to 1PM (MDT).

You can find a schedule (subject to change) and more information on our website: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/ag-talk-tuesday


Registration is required to attend. You only need to register once to attend all sessions. Once you register, information on how to attend via Zoom or by calling in by phone will be sent to you in a separate email. 


To register, click this link (or copy and paste it into your web browser): https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-ugrzktHdEEbqB3aHk3rlJLgCeSkCLz.


Please join us starting May 4 at 11 AM (MDT) for these online, live, interactive sessions that focus on agriculture - current season issues related to pests, diseases, weeds, diagnostics, soil health, irrigation, agronomy & more along with featured topics and guest speakers.


For questions, please contact one of the organizers: Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu), Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu), or Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu).



--------------------------------------

KASIA M. DUELLMAN, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Seed Potato Specialist

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
kduellman@uidaho.edu

webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/

208-757-5476  |  701-793-9456 (Cell)
U of I Idaho Falls | 1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205  |  Idaho Falls ID 83402   |  United States

Educational Video-Monitor Flying Insects to Improve Management

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 3, 2021 by Jason Thomas

Do you know what types of insects are entering your field and garden at different times of the year? Would you like more information to help you decide when to implement pest control actions? The University of Idaho Extension just recently released this 5 minute video to demonstrate a way to monitor for flying insects entering your crop or garden. Click the link below to watch.

https://youtu.be/9C-V09gDfY8

Monitoring insects entering your field/garden can help you know when to take specific control actions. For example, in seed potato production it is a critical practice to help us monitor when aphids potentially harboring viruses enter a field. The traps do most of the work for you. You just have to check it every so often and maintain it over the growing season. Utilizing traps can be a helpful way to implement integrated pest management into your operation.

For other insect trapping/monitoring ideas the following demonstrational videos may be helpful:

Pit Fall Traps (For walking/ground insects): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k7I4cdKnMI

Collecting Insects with a Wet Shovel (For Small Crop Pests Like Thrips): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC1g8QJDTYk

Jason Thomas
Extension Educator & Entomologist, U of I Extension
85 E Baseline Rd, Rupert, ID 83350
jasont@uidaho.edu

Chlorpyrifos Survey

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 20, 2021 by Stuart Reitz

Please help us gather valuable information about chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and related insecticide products).

Restrictions on the use of chlorpyrifos and the complete revocation of its registration are under way. Our team has initiated a cross-commodity collaborative research project to identify viable options as alternatives to chlorpyrifos. Research will be conducted at several locations in Oregon to determine the efficacy of currently registered chemistries and newer products in onion, corn, cherries, grass seed, and clover seed. This survey will provide critical information on the use of chlorpyrifos across all crops and will help us identify issues to improve our research project.
https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_28ZDP4ZJ282CcES
Survey participants are eligible for a $25 gift card.

If you have questions or comments about the project, please contact Silvia Rondon, Project Leader, OSU Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 541-567-8321, silvia.rondon@oregonstate.edu.

Sent on behalf of project team: Silvia Rondon, Stuart Reitz, Navneet Kaur, Daniel Lightle, and Chris Adams.

Thank you for your assistance,

Research and Outreach Programming for Pulse Crops

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 9, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

Montana State University needs your help to improve our research and outreach programing for pulse crops. We’ve created a survey to help us collect information that will directly impact what we research, how we develop our future programming, and also increase our ability to apply for pulse crop research funding.

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. You can use your phone, computer, or tablet.

Your responses are completely anonymous – we have no way of connecting people to answers. Also, the data we collect are always aggregated (all answers summarized together), so that individual responses are never seen by anyone but the researchers.

Here’s a link to the survey: https://bit.ly/Pulses2021; you can copy it into your browser.

If you have any questions about the survey or our research, please don’t hesitate to contact Mary Burrows at mburrows@montana.edu or my research associate at monica.brelsford@montana.edu or by phone at (406) 994-5155.

Thank you for helping out research and Extension!

Pre-License Online Training

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 27, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho will be conducting an online Pre-License Training for those people wanting to receive training prior to taking the examinations for a pesticide applicator license. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Idaho and Eastern Oregon Onion Crop Protection Zoom Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 6, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho and Eastern Oregon Onion Crop Protection Meeting will be on Zoom this year. It will be held Tuesday, February 2nd from 9 am to 12 pm. Click on the pdf below for the link and more information. There will be one Idaho license credit.

2020 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting update

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 28, 2020 by Jeff Miller

With the current situation regarding COVID-19, the Idaho Association of Plant Protection has decided to not hold an in-person meeting in 2020. Instead, we will meet virtually using Zoom. There will be no cost to participate in the meeting.

The program will run from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 4, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, November 5. A total of 7.5 Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and 7 ISDA Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) are available. Participants wishing to get ISDA credits will need to pass an online test as a way to verify attendance.

Information on the agenda and how to register can be found in the attached flier and link.

University of Idaho Pesticide Recertification Webinar Series, Fall 2020

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 15, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Pesticide Recertification trainings will not be the same this fall as they have been in the past years. In many cases, if not all, in person training will not be offered. However, you will still be able to get the credits needed for your license. Click on the pdf below for information on how to get license credits through the University of Idaho Pesticide Recertification Webinar Series.

Fall 2020 ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 15, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has released their schedule for the fall 2020, Pesticide Disposal Program. Click on the pdf below for all the details.

Idaho Association of Plant Protection 2020 Annual Meeting - November 4-5

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 20, 2020 by Jeff Miller

With the current situation regarding COVID-19, the Idaho Association of Plant Protection has decided to not hold an in-person meeting in 2020. Instead, we will meet virtually using Zoom. This is an invitation and call for virtual presentations covering all aspects of plant protection including entomology, nematology, weed science, and plant pathology.

Please consider contributing research results, observations, unusual pest and disease occurrences and topics that could be discussed as a group, etc. to the meeting. We currently envision allotting each presentation a 20-minute time slot, but this may be adjusted based on the number of submissions.

Traditionally the program has gone from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday. The length of the program will be dictated by the number of submissions. A final program will be advertised in October. Participation in the meeting will be free. We will attempt to certify the meeting for Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA).

Please reply by email if you would like to attend, or if you would like to present.

Pesticide Math Training, Online

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 19, 2020 by Kimberly Tate

The UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program has produced three educational online training courses available for pesticide applicators, Master Gardeners, and homeowners. The Calculate Pesticides series includes real-world pesticide calculations in the following courses:

1) General Math – review basic math concepts needed for calculating pesticides.
2) Using Sprayers – develop math skills for calibrating yourself to application equipment.
3) Application Rates – identify the math formulas necessary to calculate pesticide application rates.

Simply, create your account at the National eXtension website by using this address https://campus.extension.org/course/view.php?id=1588 (also linked below). Each user must have their own identification name and password. Once you confirm your free account, you will have unlimited access to these online educational materials. If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Tate at ktate@uidaho.edu.

Aug 18 - Ag Talk Tuesday - Last one for 2020!

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday - ATT - last one of the season!

Posted on: August 17, 2020 by Kasia Duellman, Juliet Marshall, Pam Hutchinson

August 18 - 11:00 AM Mountain, Please join us for the final Ag Talk Tuesday of the 2020 growing season! We will provide crop updates followed by two guest speakers:
Jason Thomas will discuss Starling Management on Dairies. Linda Schott will discuss Soil Health Assessment.

Information in regards to registration are available at:

https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

The Zoom meeting ID for those who have already registered is: Meeting ID: 349 427 773

University of Idaho Small Grains Extension Variety Trial Results Are Available

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 13, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

https://cropalerts.org/news/
It's harvest time for small grains!
The Preliminary Extension Variety Trial Results will be posted to https://cropalerts.org/news/ as they become available. If you wish to receive announcements via email, please email me at jmarshall@uidaho.edu

Currently, Kimberly Winter Wheat, Rupert Spring wheat and Rupert spring barley results are posted.

Also, if you haven't gotten a chance to view the Southeastern Idaho Cereal Variety VIRTUAL Field Day, the presentations are also available at both Crop Alerts and my cereals homepage.

Psyllid Update August 6, 2020

All Crops    All Locations

Potato Psyllid

Posted on: August 6, 2020 by Lucy Standley

This week we had traps deployed in 64 of the 65 fields (98%) monitored this year; one field has been vine killed and will no longer be monitored. We found a total of 132 psyllids across 31 (48%) of the 64 fields, though we are still waiting for traps from one site in Canyon county.

Psyllids were collected on sticky traps in potato in the following counties: Payette (1 field), Canyon (9 fields), Owyhee (2 field), Gem (2 fields), Elmore (4 fields), Jerome (2 fields), Twin Falls (10 fields), and Oneida (1 field).

From last week’s samples, no psyllids tested positive for Lso (liberibacter), the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC). We are waiting on results for 2 psyllids (1 each from Gem and Minidoka counties), which we should have next week.

“Heat maps” of this week’s results are included on the UI and WSU websites (see links below). “Heat maps” describe predicted psyllid densities across the landscape, based on our trap counts and on predictive models developed over six years of psyllid monitoring in Idaho. The heat maps graphically reflect the relatively high abundance of psyllids collected in some fields in the Treasure Valley and around Twin Falls.

Psyllid captures were slightly higher this week, though similar to total captures during early August last year. We continue to urge growers to have their IPM programs in place.

More information can be found here: http://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news
--Click on the links under “Updated weekly reports” for details on trap captures.
--Click on the “Psyllid Management” link on the left panel for information on psyllid and zebra chip biology and management.

Welcome Albert Adjesiwor, Ph.D. as U of I new Weed Scientist

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 4, 2020 by Nora Olsen

The University of Idaho welcomes Albert Adjesiwor, Ph.D. as our new Weed Scientist located at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center. In his new role, Albert will be studying and disseminating information on best weed management practices in agronomic crops, mainly: sugarbeet, dry beans, corn, and small grains. Currently, Albert’s research and extension program is focused on weed seedhead suppression, identifying weed-suppressive cover crops and optimal seeding and termination timing, and assessing the use of integrated weed management approaches to reduce the selection of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Please reach out to Albert with any weed questions or issues in your crops. In addition, Albert is looking for sugar beet fields where there are weed escapes to estimate seed production and screen for resistance. Please contact Albert if you have weeds in your sugar beet fields. His contact is aadjesiwor@uidaho.edu and 208-423-6616.

UI Ag Talk Tuesday August 4 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (MT)

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 31, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

Join us this Tuesday August 4 at 11:00 AM (MT)) for our next Ag Talk Tuesday session. Current updates on crop pests and diseases are provided by UofI and industry participants, folllowed by one or two featured topics. For the next session, Ben Eborn will present on Markets and Lide Chen will talk about her work regarding manure, compost, and nutrients. See https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html for more information.

Registration is required.

If you have not yet registered for the 2020 Ag Talk Tuesday sessions, register here: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

UI Ag Talk Tuesday July 21 at 11:00 AM

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 20, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

Join us for the next Ag Talk Tuesday, July 21 at 11:00 Am.
Crop updates will be given by willing participants, followed by our featured topic presented by Dean Michael Parrella (University of Idaho - Collage of Agriculture and Life Sciences).

Pre-Registration is required. To register, click the link below:
Register here: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

(You only need to register one time to attend all 2020 sessions.)

More information can be found here:
https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

UI Ag Talk Tuesday July 7 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (MT)

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 6, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

Join us at the next UI Ag Talk Tuesday session - Tuesday July 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (MT). Each session includes crop updates, current season crop and disease issues, Featured Topics with guest speakers, questions, and discussion. This week's featured topic is "Field projects of cropping systems of alfalfa, quinoa, barley, and wheat," presented by Dr. Xi Liang.

A one-time Registration is Required to be able to attend the 2020 sessions. Instructions on how to join the sessions are provided once you register.

Register here: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

Only four 2020 Ag Talk Tuesday sessions remain: July 7, July 21, August 4, and August 18. More information is available at https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/.

Iris yellow spot virus in onion

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 1, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

Iris yellow spot virus had been found this past week in a few plants in commercial onion fields in Malheur County, Canyon County, and Washington County. So far, no widespread outbreaks have occurred.

Maintaining good thrips management will help limit the spread and severity of the disease. Infective adult thrips spread the virus from plant to plant as well as within a plant. Infective immatures also can spread the virus within a plant.

In addition to thrips management, minimize stress on onion plants by making sure fields are maintained at an adequate but not excessive fertility level, and that the soil moisture is kept at about the 20 centibar level. This will help reduce the severity of virus symptoms.

Virtual Tour July 7th: UI Snake River Weed Mgt Tour - Aberdeen Research and Extension Center

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Posted on: June 29, 2020 by Pamela Hutchinson

Can not make it to the on-site Tour June 30th?
You are in luck!
You are invited to a virtual tour of the UI Snake River Weed Mgt trials: Aberdeen Research and Extension Center via Zoom meeting.
When: Jul 7, 2020 01:00 to 4 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Even if you saw the trials up close and personal June 30 you can also register for this virtual tour.
NOTE: Three Pesticide Recertification credits will be offered for virtual tour attendees.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpdumtrjgpEtE7UlRaMInXN--XVoQ50nrN

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Pam
Pamela J.S. Hutchinson
Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist
Aberdeen R&E Center
1693 S 2700 W
Aberdeen, ID 83210
Cell ph 208-681-1304
Office ph 397-4181 fax 397-4311

Oregon COVID-19 Costs for Food Security & Farmworker Safety Program

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: June 10, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

Oregon’s Food Security and Farmworker Safety Program provides assistance to Oregon’s agricultural producers in order to help secure Oregon’s food supply chain and protect essential agricultural workers from COVID-19 exposure and illness.

The COVID-19 emergency caused Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) to issue temporary rules requiring increased field sanitation measures and more stringent labor housing and transportation regulations.
Agricultural producers are responsible for complying with COVID-19 emergency OR-OSHA requirements for Housing, Transportation, and Field Sanitation. Producers faced with additional costs because of this can apply for assistance in any or all categories. There is no need to fill out a separate application for each; a single application will cover all 3 categories.

Please see https://www.oregon.gov/oweb/fsfs/Pages/index.aspx for application and additional information. One application will cover the three program areas of housing, transportation, and field sanitation.

Additional rules for worker protection is available from Oregon OSHA is at https://osha.oregon.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Emergency-Ag-Rule-Q-A.pdf

Stripe rust (or Yellow Rust) in Wheat - Western Idaho

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Stripe rust on wheat

Posted on: June 5, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Stripe rust has found its way to western Idaho, reported from at least two locations (with accompanying picture), one location was on UI Magic CL+. (Thanks Oliver Neher!) The growth stage of winter wheat in that area is past the window of fungicide application, and is currently in grain fill. Spring wheat is still vulnerable and susceptible varieties should be scouted for the appearance of stripe rust.

In the Magic Valley and into eastern Idaho, winter wheat is heading and susceptible varieties are still vulnerable to significant yield loss associated with stripe rust infection. Stripe rust reaction of last year’s varieties in the Extension Variety Trials is reported in the 2019 Small Grains Report available online at https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho. (The data is included here as attachments.). Also keep an eye out for stripe rust on barley. No barley stripe rust has been reported so far this year.

Please note that while some wheat varieties were reported as resistant in 2019, race changes were reported in California by Dr. Mark Lundy (UC Davis pathologist) in this year’s crop; therefore scouting of all varieties is recommended this season. Please report observations so we can keep track of the in-season spread.

The weather forecast for this and especially next week is very conducive to stripe rust spread and infection. Fungicide application recommendations developed through NCERA-184 pathologists, coordinated by Dr. Erick De Wolfe Kansas State University, is also attached.

EPA Releases Temporary Guidance on Respiratory Protection for Agricultural Pesticide Handlers During COVID-19

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Posted on: June 3, 2020 by Christy Tanner

The temporary guidance outlines approaches to address the unavailability of required respiratory protection and respiratory fit testing that should first be exhausted before considering any alternative options. Options include:
• Use alternative NIOSH-approved respirators offering equivalent or greater respiratory protection than those required on the pesticide label;
• Hire commercial applicator services with enough respirators and respiratory protection capabilities;
• Opt to use agricultural pesticide products that do not require respirators; or
• Delay pesticide applications until another compliant option is available.
If the above options are exhausted, EPA’s guidance provides additional options with strict terms, conditions, and exhaustion requirements to minimize potential incremental risks to workers:
• Reuse and extended use of disposable N95 filter facepiece respirator;
• Use of “expired” respirators;
• Use of respirators certified in certain other countries or jurisdictions meeting protective conditions outlined; or
• Delay the annual respirator “fit test.”
This is a temporary policy. EPA will assess the continued need for and scope of this temporary guidance on a regular basis. To read the guidance in full and to learn more about EPA’s Worker Protection Standard, visit this webpage: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/statement-regarding-respiratory-protection-shortages-and-reduced-availability-respirator

COVID-19 Guidance for Ag Employers and Workers

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 2, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

The CDC and US Department of Labor have released guidance to protect agricultural workers on farms and other work sites. Please take time to review the recommendations to maintain a safe work environment and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your communities.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-agricultural-workers.html

Ag Talk Tuesday - June 2

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Posted on: June 1, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Greetings!
This Tuesday (June 2) brings another Ag Talk Tuesday session of the season. These online interactive sessions occur every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the growing season (May through August) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM MT and provide an opportunity for UofI and the ag industry to share and exchange information about current season crop issues. Featured topics are also presented.

After crop updates, the featured topics are "In-season nutrient management with soil and petiole sampling” with Linda Schott and
"Weed and chemical load on compost vs manure” with Mario E. de Haro-Martí.

You must Register in advance for this meeting:
https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have already registered, you will not need to register again.

Attached is a flyer for your use to help spread the word.

A schedule with featured topics is available here: https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html Check back often as items are added regularly.

Sincerely,
Your Ag Talk Tuesday Organizers:
Kasia Duellman
Pamela J.S. Hutchinson
Juliet Marshall

Ag Talk Tuesdays - May 19 - Register in Advance to Attend

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 16, 2020 by Kasia Duellman, Juliet Marshall, Pam Hutchinson

Hello All:

Please join UI Extension Specialists, Extension Educators and ag professionals for Ag Talk Tuesdays. These sessions occur every first and third Tuesday, May through August. Listen to a featured presentation, hear crop pest and disease updates for the current season, engage with industry professionals, ask questions, provide your crop updates, or sit back and listen on your phone, tablet or laptop with Zoom.

Register in advance for this meeting (required):
https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

Register once to be able to attend all 2020 sessions.

To learn more about Ag Talk Tuesdays and to view a schedule of featured presentations, please check the calendar here (check back often as new topics are added regularly): https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

After the sessions, read the Ag Talk Report newsletter - this newsletter provides a summary of Ag Talk Tuesday highlights, plus additional timely information that wasn't covered during the live session. The current issue and past issues can be found here:
https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

Please distribute this information far and wide.

Sincerely,
Kasia

--------------------------------------
KASIA M. DUELLMAN, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Seed Potato Specialist

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
kduellman@uidaho.edu
webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/
208-757-5476 | 701-793-9456 (Cell)
U of I Idaho Falls | 1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205 | Idaho Falls ID 83402 | United States

Ag Talk Tuesday May 5 - Register in Advance

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Posted on: May 4, 2020 by Juliet Marshall, Kasia Duellman

To: Producers, fieldmen, agronomists, consultants and others in ag
From: Kasia Duellman, University of Idaho Extension Specialist
Re: 2020 UofI Ag Talk Tuesdays

Greetings!

You are invited to attend the 2020 sessions of Ag Talk Tuesday. Ag Talk Tuesdays for 2020 kick off next Tuesday May 5, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can attend by Zoom on your computer or you can call in on your phone. More information on what Ag Talk Tuesdays are and an agenda for each session can be found here: https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

Check back often as featured topics are added. Registration is required.

Register in advance to attend: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

Once your registration is approved, you will receive instructions on how to join the meeting by Zoom or by your phone.

We hope you can fit these sessions in your busy schedule. The more participation we have, the more interesting and relevant these interactive sessions will be. Listen to Featured Topics, ask questions, provide insight from your own experiences as the season progresses and as issues arise, participate in discussion, or just listen in. A follow up newsletter, The Ag Talk Report, will be released after each session to give more info on topics discussed and those not broached.

Wishing you a productive season!

Sincerely,
Kasia
--------------------------------------
KASIA M. DUELLMAN, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Extension Seed Potato Specialist

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology
kduellman@uidaho.edu
webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/
208-757-5476 | 701-793-9456 (Cell)
U of I Idaho Falls | 1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205 | Idaho Falls ID 83402 | United States

Sugarbeet Root Maggot - 2020

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sugarbeet root maggot

Posted on: April 27, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

The growing degree day calculator (gdd) (hosted by the Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University; http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.us) for the sugarbeet root maggot fly shows that—depending on your location in the Treasure Valley—we have accumulated 282 gdd since March 1, 2020 and 177 gdd in the Magic Valley. Peak flight of root maggot flies should occur after 360 accumulated gdd when the maximum high temperature exceeds 80 degrees F. In the Treasure Valley this will be about May 3, in the Magic Valley this will be about May 16. The gdd model does an excellent job of predicting peak flight, but monitoring with orange sticky stake traps is the best way to get local information on fly numbers for a given field to determine if you have the threshold numbers of flies.

Root maggot flies will lay eggs near sugarbeet plants. After the larvae hatch they will begin feeding on the young sugarbeets. Look for these pests to appear in the western end of the Treasure Valley first. The optimal timing for applying granular insecticides against root maggots is within 10 days of peak flight. Granular insecticides must be watered in well to get good uptake by the sugarbeets. The link below from the 2020 PNW Insect Management handbook contains additional information about the sugarbeet root maggot control. I have also attached the links to “ Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Root Maggot Emergence Control” and “Economic Threshold for Sugarbeet Root Maggot Calculator.” These are calculators developed by The Amalgamated Sugar Company.
In addition, I have attached a link to the University of Idaho publication entitled “Sugarbeet Root Maggot; Identification, Biology and Management.” TASCO would like you to visit with your field consultant for treatment options.

Adjusting Cropping Systems Due to Market Impacts from COVID19

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 24, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

ADJUSTING CROPPING SYSTEMS AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19
Walsh, O.S., Cropping Systems Agronomist, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center
Thornton, M., Plant Scientist, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center
Marshall, J.M., Cereal Cropping Systems Agronomist and Pathologist, Aberdeen R&E Center
Morishita, D., Weed Scientist, University of Idaho, Kimberly R&E Center (retired)
Felix, J., Weed Scientist, Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station
and Hatzenbuehler, P.L., Agricultural Economist, University of Idaho, Twin Falls R&E Center

The agricultural sector has begun to struggle with the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic shocks on Idaho and Oregon agricultural industries have hit dairy, beef onion, and potato producers particularly hard. This is partially driven by the school and restaurant industry closures, where mass quantities of these products are typically utilized. Thus, the impact has been more immediate and direct compared to other commodities.
Following the shelter-in-place orders in Idaho and Oregon, the negative effects of the reduction in food consumption are now coming to light. Most crop producers implement yearly rotations – alternating the annual crops grown on a specific field in a planned pattern in successive crop years. Many Idaho and Oregon growers have been forced to cut their planned potato, barley and onion acreage due to loss of processing contracts for the 2020-21 crop year. With planting under way, many farmers are looking for ways to sustain their productivity.
Adjusting crop rotations may enable producers to stay profitable. Planting different crops such as small grain cereals, beans or corn are some options that may be appropriate for acres initially intended for potatoes and onions. Agricultural practices such as fertilization, herbicide and other pesticide applications already completed last fall and/or this spring are some of the key practices that must be considered. Agricultural inputs that have already been applied could have a significant impact on the alternative crops eventually planted in those fields. Finally, there may be serious implications if the fields are replanted to the same crop as in the previous year. To help growers make more informed planting decisions this spring, the University of Idaho and Oregon State University researchers put the following guidelines in place.

Nutrients/soil fertility
Situation:
• Most onion and potato fields receive relatively low rates of nitrogen fertilizer (less than 100 pounds per acre) prior to planting.
• Both crops traditionally receive high applications of phosphorus and potassium at the time of bedding in the Fall.
Recommendations:
• Take a new soil sample (2 ft depth) now to determine the current levels of nutrients in each field. For soil testing instructions, please refer to Soil Sampling guide.
• If the soil contains more than 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre in 2 ft sample – beans are not recommended (excessive nitrogen in the soil will hinder nodulation in bean roots). If soil nitrogen levels suggest that a bean crop may be successful in a field, levels of phosphorus and potassium must be considered. If the soil contains at least 120 ppm of potassium in the 12 inch-sample – no additional potassium fertilization is required. Furthermore, soils containing more than 30 ppm (12-inch sample, Olson) require no additional phosphorus, even at the highest free lime content. For complete information regarding bean crop nutrient management, please refer to the Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Beans.
• Spring wheat may be a good choice for the fields relatively high in nitrogen. An irrigated soft white spring wheat crop with a yield potential of 120 bushels per acre (typical for southern Idaho) requires a total of 240 pounds of nitrogen per acre. As a rule of thumb, two pounds of available nitrogen per bushel are required for irrigated soft white spring wheat. Hard red and white spring wheat requires additional nitrogen, in the range of 2.5 to 3.0 pounds of nitrogen per bushel with additional nitrogen top-dressed at heading to flowering to meet protein requirements. For detailed information on spring wheat nutrient management, refer to Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide: Irrigated Spring Wheat. Please note, that high levels of phosphorus (above the 20 ppm in the top 12-inch soil sample) may reduce wheat yields. Although addition of potassium to wheat is not required at more than 75 ppm (12-inch soil sample), higher potassium levels should not cause issues for wheat growth.
• Silage corn may be another good option for fields high in nitrogen. For a silage yield of 40-50 tons per acre, at least 100 pounds of nitrogen in the soil (based on the 2 ft soil sample) are recommended. Higher levels of potassium and phosphorus are not an issue for most corn hybrids. For complete information, please refer to Nutrient Management for Field Corn Silage and Grain. Sileage varieties of wheat, triticale and barley are also available.

Herbicides and other pesticides
Situation:
• Most potato fields should not have received herbicides yet. Many onion fields would have had Dual Magnum applied last Fall and may have gotten an application of a soil residual herbicide (Ex. Prowl or Nortron) this Spring.
• Furthermore, fumigants may have already been applied last Fall or this Spring.
Recommendations:
• Make sure to check the label for all pesticides that have been applied to determine plant back restrictions.
• Fields that have received Dual Magnum are suitable for both beans and corn (forage, grain or sweet) planting. Herbicides such as Dual Magnum and Prowl would eliminate the possibility of planting small grain cereal crops like spring wheat or barley.
• Fumigants should not impact subsequent crops. If fumigants have been applied, there should be no damage to the crops themselves, just the additional expense associated with application.

Additional considerations
• For cereals, expect a reduction in yield associated with soil-borne pathogens. Use certified seed with appropriate seed treatments, and plant to a uniform seed depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches in good moisture to allow rapid emergence. Make sure volunteer grasses (including cereals) are removed two-three weeks prior to planting.
• Regarding farm management, the Farm Bureau has several resources available online to help keep you and your staff stay safe and physically and mentally healthy. Such resources include draft email templates to send to staff to inform them of protocols and procedures that are being and/or will be instituted to ensure the safety and health of all is maintained throughout the growing and harvest seasons (https://www.fb.org/land/impact-covid19-on-ag).
• Ensuring that best practices for crop and commodity storage are maintained may help provide opportunities for sales later in the current crop year or early in the 2020-21 crop year as supply chains are re-established or alternative supply chains emerge.
• For cash flow considerations, USDA ARC/PLC program payments for the 2019-20 crop year are expected to be made in October 2020. PLC payments for producers with base acres in wheat remain likely despite an upward change in the estimated marketing year average (MYA) price 2019-20 in the USDA WASDE report for April 9, 2020 from the March report (from $4.55/bu to $4.60/bu, with a reference price of $5.50/bu). The 2019-20 barley MYA remained unchanged at $4.60, and a PLC payment is still expected due to a reference price of $4.95/bu. The MYA price for corn was revised downward from $3.80/bu to $3.60/bu, so a PLC payment may now also be made for corn (reference price of $3.70/bu).
• Uncertainty remains regarding eligibility, payment rates, and timeline for USDA administered agricultural producer payments under several bills enacted by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the payments made under the discretion Office of the Secretary of the USDA are likely to be allocated to specialty crops (including potatoes) and other agricultural industries (such as cattle) not covered under Farm Bill Title I (except dairy is expected to be included in both). More details will be provided by the USDA will be forthcoming, but payments may likely occur around October 2020 as is planned with the PLC/ARC programs (https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/04/17/usda-announces-coronavirus-food-assistance-program).

UofI Ag Talk Tuesday Sessions resume May 5

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: April 22, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

The 2020 season of Ag Talk Tuesday sessions will be held the first and third Tuesdays of May, June, July and August during 2020. The first Ag Talk Tuesday session for 2020 kicks off online on May 5 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Join University of Idaho personnel and your peers in agriculture to discuss current crop issues and timely topics as the field season progresses. Each session will offer featured topics along with other items determined by YOU and those who attend. Meetings are held 1st and 3rd Tuesdays during May, June, July and August, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Pre-registration is required for online sessions. To register, click on this link and follow the instructions: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpAkc-uvqTwpZF4DlEg_ZcN8xYE9ezZSkQ

Once your registration is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to attend the 2020 Ag Talk Tuesday sessions.

These sessions are FREE! Click here for more information and check the site frequently for updates: https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news

University of Idaho diagnostic services during Covid19

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 14, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Parma
Parma is still receiving samples although we are operating with less staff than usual.

Instructions for dropping samples off at Parma:

Please email or phone James Woodhall at (208) 970-9667 (cell) in advance of dropping any samples off.
Please leave in front office at Parma or bench outside lab door.
Do not enter the lab.
Please complete the sample submission form and bring with your sample or email to plantdiagnostics@uidaho.edu (https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/plant-diagnostics/parma)
We will aim to process samples in the usual timely manner.

Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls is still receiving samples although the campus is closed and samples cannot be physically dropped off at the laboratory. Please call to make arrangements.

Instructions for samples at Idaho Falls:

Please call in advance to arrange best way to deliver samples (208) 497-5312. We will either arrange for mailing samples or for an alternative way to receive them.
Some samples may be able to be delivered electronically, either by text (208) 497-5312 or by email plantdiagnostics@uidaho.edu
Please complete the sample submission form and email to plantdiagnostics@uidaho.edu (https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/plant-diagnostics/idaho-falls)
We will aim to process samples in the usual timely manner.

Sample Collection and Shipment For Parma and Idaho Falls:
Plant Samples: Avoid collecting plant tissue that is completely dead or rotten. Collect entire plant by digging plant roots. For foliage, wrap in dry paper towel in sealed plastic bag. For root samples, keep some soil with roots in sealed plastic bag.
Soil Samples: Collect samples in a grid pattern with at least 10 cores per acre is recommended at a depth of 12 inches. Collect cores in a bucket, thoroughly mix by hand or with shovel, and place a 1 lb subsample from the bucket in a labeled ziplock bag. Refrigerate samples if not shipping or delivering immediately.
Shipment: If sending by mail, please send overnight or by 2-day shipping. Make sure samples are labeled and include your name and phone number. Be sure to alert lab personnel, either by phone or email, of samples being mailed.
If you have any questions about sample collection or shipment, please call one of the labs and we can direct you.

Parma Address
29603 U of I Lane
Parma, ID 83660
Phone: 208-970-9667

Idaho Falls Address
1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone: 208-497-5312

Potato Growers: Be prepared for the updated USDA GAP Audit

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 24, 2020 by Nora Olsen

The University of Idaho has updated the previously available Potato GAP Audit Organizational Manual. The UI manual is designed to simplify the collection of information necessary to pass the USDA GAP Audit and is now available for download at https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/food-and-farm-safety. Included are helpful hints, adaptable standard operating procedures (SOP), examples of policies, documentation and records to use, employee health and hygiene policies in English and Spanish, description of a mock recall drill, and other resource information.

In September of 2019 the USDA replaced and updated their Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Handling Practices (GHP) Audit Verification Checklist. The updated UI GAP Audit Organizational Manual incorporated these changes into the newest version and this manual can be used in preparing for the 2020 GAP Audit.

Attached is an article highlighting some of the changes and additional helpful hints to develop a strong food safety plan and to successfully pass the USDA GAP Audit.

Action needed to control onion maggot

All Crops    All Locations

Onion Maggot

Posted on: March 23, 2020 by Christy Tanner

Cull and unharvested onions from last fall are sprouting in the field, providing host plants for onion maggot. Malheur County is a control area for onion maggot to protect the onion industry (ORS 603-052-0360). Action is needed to control a potential onion maggot outbreak.

Control onion maggots in last year’s onion fields:

The flies overwinter in the soil as pupae, so treating culls in a wheat field with an insecticide might help knock down that first spring generation (catching emerging adults) and help limit the subsequent generation of maggots. Chlorpyrifos would probably be the most effective option. A liquid formulation at a high gallonage would get it down through the canopy to the soil better than a granular formulation. For spring planted fields, they could probably go with a lower spray volume.
Sprays targeting adults usually are ineffective. They travel in and out of fields and can disperse long distances (1 mile or more). This also means effectiveness of anything targeting culls and volunteers depends on participation.

Protect this year’s onions:

For this season’s onions, the best option is self-protection: that would be to have a spinosad seed treatment on (Farmore FI-500), and *if* your buyers allow it, a chlorpyrifos application as backup, added insurance.

Control volunteer onions:

Reducing hosts for pests can help reduce pest populations so choose spring herbicide programs that will control volunteer onions. Maggots feed on the roots and bulbs, so controlling volunteer onions may complement other practices, but is not a substitute for insecticide treatments.
• Controlling onions in wheat:
o Harmony Extra type product + 0.5 ae/A of 2,4-D LV. If the onion is big add Huskie at 15 oz/A to really burn it back. Use a hot surfactant.
o Growth regulator type herbicide - 2,4-D, dicamba, etc. I’d probably run twin jets and an aggressive surfactant to get good coverage.
o This section in the Pacific Northwest Weed Handbook https://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/problem-weeds/garlic-wild-allium-vineale has recommendations for controlling wild garlic, which I think would work for volunteer onion. They may want to wait for most of the bulbs to sprout before spraying.
• Controlling onions in planted roundup ready sugar beet:
o Tankmixing EPTAM 3.5 pt/a with Roundup 32 floz/a (after 1st true leaves have formed)
o Tankmixing Ro-Neet 0.5 gal/a with Roundup 32 floz/a (apply pre-plant, at planting or immediately post-planting)
o Stinger 0.5 pt/a tankmixed into Roundup 32 floz/a.
o Add AMS and NIS to make the mixture hot for the onions.
For more information:
PNW Pest Management Handbook (https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/onion-onion-maggot-seedcorn-maggot)

Stripe rust upate and forecast for Idaho and PNW

All Crops    All Locations

Stripe rust - Forecast and Update, March 1, 2020, Xianming Chen

Posted on: March 2, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Quick Summary:

Stripe rust forecast for the PNW is at a severe epidemic level.

Areas in southern and eastern Idaho are not in the same forecast zone; Northern Idaho and the Palouse may not follow the exact same forecast or disease pattern.

It is still important to be aware of varieties that are susceptible - we will post alerts when stripe rust first appears. Please share sitings with us! (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)

Fungicide application with herbicide application is recommended for susceptible varieties.
Please read Dr. Chen’s email below for details.


Stripe Rust Forecast and Update, March 1, 2020

Xianming Chen

Stripe rust is forecasted to be in the severe epidemic level in the eastern Pacific Northwest

Based on the prediction models using the weather data from November 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020, wheat stripe rust is forecasted to be in the severe epidemic level range (40-60% yield loss) in the 2020 growing season. The models predicted highly susceptible varieties to have 44% to 53% with an average of 48% yield loss. This number is higher than the 44% forecasted in January based only on the November-December weather conditions. According to this prediction, susceptible and moderately susceptible commercially grown varieties will likely to have up to 24% yield losses.

Stripe rust was found in eastern Washington and Oregon

On February 26, we were checking wheat fields in Lincoln, Douglas, Grant, Adams, Franklin, Benton, and Walla Walla counties of Washington. Wheat was still dormant in Lincoln and Douglass counties, but has started growing in other counties, especially in Benton and Walla Walla counties. We found one leaf with active stripe rust (Figure 1) in a field in Lincoln County, where we easily found stripe rust in last November. We did not found rust in Douglass County, even in the fields where we were easily found stripe rust in last November. No stripe rust was found in other counties, except in our experiment field near Walla Walla. When we arrived at the field, it was already dark but we managed to found stripe rust on the susceptible check variety with cell phone light. One spot had 3-4 leaves producing active rust spores (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Stripe rust observed in a winter wheat field between Creston and Wilbur (Lincoln County), Washington on February 26, 2020.

Figure 2. Stripe rust found in a disease monitoring nursery near Walla Walla, WA on February 26, 2020.

On February 26, Christina Hagerty found active stripe rust on the same highly susceptible wheat variety in our stripe rust monitoring nursery planted in Pendleton (Umatilla County), Oregon (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Stripe rust in a disease monitoring nursery at Pendleton, Oregon on February 26, 2020. (Courtesy of Christina Hagerty)

Recommendations for the Pacific Northwest

As the stripe rust has started, management of the disease on winter wheat should start at the time of herbicide application based on the stripe rust ratings in the Seed Buying Guides (such as http://washingtoncrop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-portrait.pdf). For fields planted with varieties rated 5-9 (such as Keldin, LCS Jet, WB4311, Curiosity CL+, Eltan, UI Magic CL+, Xerpha, and ORCL 102), fungicide should be used at the time of herbicide application. For fields planted with varieties rated 4, scout the fields and use fungicide at the time of herbicide application only when active rust is found. For fields planted with varieties rated 1-3, fungicide is not needed.

As stripe rust will be likely severe, planting spring varieties with ratings 1 to 4 may void using fungicide.

Stripe rust in the country

In addition to Oregon and Washington, stripe rust has been reported in Louisiana.

Canyon County Comprehensive Plan 2040 Update

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 6, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

Canyon County is updating its Comprehensive Plan and is seeking input from local Farmers and Ranchers and rural residents. If you would like to provide input, one way you can do that is to complete their surveys at www.canyonco.org/surveys. The surveys are open until February 29, 2020.

Worker Protection Standard Training in Spanish and English

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 21, 2020 by Christy Tanner

Unlicensed pesticide handlers and agricultural workers must receive annual training under the WPS, which applies in agriculture, forestry, and nurseries. While you can find training materials and guidance online, this session is offered annually for your convenience by OSU Extension. $25.00 per person

Los manipuladores de pesticidas sin licencia deben recibir entrenamiento anual bajo el WPS, que se aplica en agricultura, silvicultura y viveros. Si bien puede encontrar materiales de entrenamiento y orientación en línea, Extensión de OSU ofrece esta sesión anualmente para su conveniencia. $25.00 por persona

Training sessions held on 1/22/2020 at the Malheur County Extension Office
710 SW 5th Ave. Ontario, OR 97914
Agenda:
https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/psep/worker-protection-standard
Register:
https://secure.touchnet.net/C20159_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2333&SINGLESTORE=true

Produce safety Alliance - Grower Training

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 14, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

ODA and OSU Extension are offering a Produce Safety Alliance - Grower Training

Location: Malheur County Extension, 710 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, OR 97914
Date: January 30, 2020
Time 7:30 AM - 5PM

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/produce-safety-alliance-psa-grower-training-tickets-68508090543?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Description

Your ticket purchase includes the following:

Full-day of instruction by certified Produce Safety Alliance trainers

Certificate of course completion ($35 value)

PSA Grower Training manual ($50 value)

Morning snack, coffee, lunch (Please contact Brittany at 971-218-1409 if you have dietary restrictions)

2-3 pesticide credits (pending ODA approval)

Who Should Attend

Produce growers, buyers, and others interested in learning about:

Best food safety practices for growing, harvesting and packing produce

Key requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule

Even if your farm or operation isn't covered by the rule (check here!) this low-cost, up-to-the-minute training is a great opportunity for anyone growing, harvesting or handling covered produce.

As a reminder, the PSA Grower Training Course is currently the only way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course

The trainers will covercontent contained on:

Introduction to Produce Safety

Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

Soil Amendments

Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)

Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.

Benefits of Attending the Course

The course will provide a foundation of FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan. Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of:

Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm

How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm

Parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one

Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them.

After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. Participants must be at least 14 years of age to receive the AFDO certificate. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.

Questions?

Call Brittany Mills at 971-218-1409 or bmills@oda.state.or.us

Funding for this training was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.

Malheur County Pest Management Short Course

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 9, 2020 by Christy Tanner

Pesticide re-certification course

12 Oregon and 9 Idaho Pesticide credits anticipated
will include 2 aerial credits for Oregon aerial applicators

February 18th, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm and February 19th, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 SW 5th Ave. Ontario OR

Registration: $80 per person
Call 541-881-1417 or email christy.tanner@oregonstate.edu to register

2020 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 7, 2020 by Jeff Miller

Come to the Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Historic Wilson Theater in Rupert. 3 ISDA pesticide re-certification credits and 3 CCA credits available. See the link or attachment for more details.

Plan on attending the Idaho Potato Conference January 22-23, 2020

All Crops    All Locations

Idaho Potato Conference

Posted on: December 18, 2019 by Nora Olsen

Next month will be the 52nd annual Idaho Potato Conference and Trade Show presented by the University of Idaho and Spectra Productions to be held in Pocatello, Idaho January 22-23, 2020. Additional details and registration can be found at https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/idaho-potato-conference
Highlights for this year’s conference include:
- Several seminars and workshops on the impact of the 2019 season including effect of spring rain on weed control, late season bulking and maturity, cold harvest weather and quality, and late season irrigation, disease and weed management.
- Invited speaker Dr. Sastry Jayanty from Colorado State University will present a seminar on How to minimize pressure bruise in long-term storages and a workshop on managing shrinkage in storage. Come listen to these presentations on Wednesday January 22.
- Invited speaker Dr. Carl Rosen from the University of Minnesota will address soil health and crop nutrient management. These presentations are part of a special session with dedicated seminars and workshops specifically focused on soil and crop health on Thursday January 23.
- Variety management and performance of new varieties, irrigation system efficiency, virus, minor insect pests, late blight and other diseases, how potatoes are graded, and much more will be discussed on Wednesday. Including a special panel discussion of industry issues by the Idaho Potato Commission, National Potato Council, and Potatoes USA.
- Optimizing fumigation, soilborne and seedborne diseases, pesticide drift and misapplication, and much more will be presented on Thursday January 23.
- Seminars and workshops in Spanish will be held both days and include a wide variety of topics from farm safety to disease and disorder identification.
- CCA (CEU) and pesticide recertification credits will be available. There will be 13.5 IPM, 8.5 Crop Management, 3 Soil and Water Management, 1 Nutrient Management, and 1 Professional Development CEU credits available this year.
- New this year: a technical room dedicated to learning how various pieces of equipment or technology work. This year will include multiple storage panels, agronomic software and air separators.
- New this year: Come enjoy a free baked potato bar at lunch on Wednesday January 22!

Pesticide Re-certification Class

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 9, 2019 by Christy Tanner

Malheur County CORE Pesticide Training
Oregon: 4 CORE Credits
Idaho: 3 Credits (anticipated)
Friday December 13th 2019, 7:30 - 11:50 am MST
$10 registration fee per person (cash or check only)
Malheur County Extension Office
710 SW 5th Ave. Ontario OR 97914

Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting, Nov 6 -7

All Crops    All Locations

IAPP

Posted on: November 4, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

Final Agenda included for the 2019 annual IAPP meeting

Idaho Association of Plant Protection Meeting Annual Meeting

Final Reminder

at Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center, Twin Falls
330 Canyon Crest Dr, Twin Falls, ID 83301

$15 REGISTRATION PAY IN CASH OR BRING CHECK

Nov 7 Wednesday registration starting at 12:00 PM (no lunch provided).
Presentations start at 1:00 PM

Nov 8 Thursday. Presentations start at 8 AM

3 CCA credits for Pest Management are available for each day

3 ISDA credits are available for Wednesday and 2 ISDA credits available for Thursday

Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting, Nov 6 -7 in Twin Falls, Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 21, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

A reminder that the IAPP Meeting is scheduled November 6, Wednesday, at Canyon Crest in Twin Falls starting 1 PM going through 5 PM.

The meeting resumes at Canyon Crest on Thursday the 7th at 8 AM and going through noon.

3 CCA credits for Pest Management are available for each day

ISDA pesticide applicator credits have been requested.



WHAT: Idaho Association of Plant Protection

WHERE: Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center, 330 Canyon Crest Dr, Twin Falls, ID 83301

WHEN: Nov 6 and Nov 7, 2019

Starts at 1 PM Nov 6, resumes at 8 AM on Nov 7

AGENDA: Attached

Thank you.

Malheur County Cover Crops Tour

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 3, 2019 by Christy Tanner

9 am - 12 pm Monday, October 7th 2019
Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave. Ontario, OR 97914

Tour will include cover crop trials at the experiment station, as well as cover crops and no-till on local farms.

Minimizing Foreign Material in Potatoes: Download a printable poster and view on-line educational videos at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/food-and-farm-safety

All Crops    All Locations

Foreign material

Posted on: September 10, 2019 by Nora Olsen

Minimizing Foreign Material in Potatoes:
Download a printable poster and view on-line educational videos at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/food-and-farm-safety

Foreign material is any material that is not the potato tuber. It is "trash" or "garbage" in potatoes. Many foreign materials originate in the field, but others enter the product stream through equipment and during storage and handling. Whether potatoes are destined for the fresh market or processing, foreign material is a great concern to the Idaho potato industry. By minimizing foreign material in the field, in storage, and in the processing plant, growers and processors help maintain a high-quality product, safe standards, and consumer confidence.

The video “Continuing to Manage Foreign Material for Quality Idaho Potatoes” outlines ways you can reduce foreign material in your potatoes. The video (English and Spanish versions) are available on-line at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/food-and-farm-safety.

New this year: Remove Foreign Materials poster. Download and print a poster (16" x 24”) that provides examples of common foreign material found in potato production. Display the poster in areas to educate employees and as a reminder to remove foreign material.

Idaho Association of Plant Pathology Annual Meeting, Nov 6 -7 in Twin Falls, Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

IAPP

Posted on: August 21, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

This is an invitation and call for papers for the 2019 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection in Twin Falls, ID at the Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center. The conference will cover all aspects of plant protection including entomology, nematology, weed science and plant pathology.

Please consider contributing research results, observations, unusual pest and disease occurrences and topics which could be discussed as a group, etc. to the meeting. Each presentation will be allotted at least a 20-minute time slot. A final program will be advertised in October. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration costs $15.00 and can only be made by check or cash. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) will be available.

Hotel reservations must be made on your own.

Please reply by email and / or complete and return the bottom half of the attached form. If you are not attending this meeting but would like to be notified of future meetings, please send us your updated contact information. Responses can be sent to:

James Woodhall
jwoodhall@uidaho.edu
University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center

UI Ag Talk Tuesday August 20 at 8:00AM in Rupert

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: August 16, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

Join us for the last scheduled UI Ag Talk Tuesday of 2019 on Tuesday, August 20 at 8:00 AM at the University of Idaho Minnidoka County Extension Office (85 E Baseline Rd, Rupert, ID).

Invited Speakers:
Jason Thomas - Utilizing Barn Owl Boxes to Manage Voles
Steve Hines - Cover Crops

Other Topics are determined by YOU. Interaction and input from all attendees are welcomed and encouraged.

You can join in person, or by phone by dialing the following number and meeting ID:
Call-in Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 349427773

You can also join the meeting by using Zoom on your computer:
Zoom link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/349427773

2019 Organizers: Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu), Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu), and Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)

Previous newsletters related to these sessions are available here: https://webpages.uidaho.edu/extension-seed-potato/ATT.html

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 27

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 14, 2019 by Janet Jones

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day!

Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR
in the field off Onion Avenue under the canopy.

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Registration starts at 9:00am with donuts and refreshments in the onion field.

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon in the barn.

Click on the PDF below for the Flyer.

Please RSVP for lunch or if you need more information call
Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

UI Ag Talk Tuesday August 6 at 8:00AM in Pocatello

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 30, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

Join U of I Extension personnel next Tuesday, August 6, for another UI Ag Talk Tuesday session, held this time at 8:00 AM at the Bannock County Extension office, 10560 Fairgrounds Rd, Pocatello.

The featured topic will be presented by U of I Extension specialist Ben Eborn, UI Extension Ag Economist. He will talk about economics/cost of production/markets forecast. Other topics are determined by YOU and those who attend, either in person or by Zoom.

To attend by Zoom,
Call-in Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 349427773
(Optional) Zoom link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/349427773

See you there!

The UI Ag Talk Tuesday sessions are held first and third Tuesdays during the growing season (May through August) unless otherwise indicated, at different locations across southeastern Idaho. Following the sessions, a newsletter is made available that summarizes the topics discussed and provides articles on other timely topics.

July 25, 2019 One more Lso-positive psyllid found in Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Potato Psyllid

Posted on: July 25, 2019 by Lucy Standley

This week we had traps deployed in 83 of the 83 fields (100%) monitored this year and we found a total of 107 psyllids across 32 (35.9%) of the 83 monitored fields.

Psyllids were collected on sticky traps in potato in the following counties: Payette (3 fields), Canyon (11 fields), Owyhee (2 fields), Elmore (4 fields), Twin Falls (9 fields), Jerome (2 fields), and Cassia (1 field).

From last week’s samples, 1 psyllid tested positive for Lso (liberibacter), the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC). This hot psyllid was collected from one field in Twin Falls County.

Given the recent incidence of Lso observed in psyllids, we strongly urge growers and crop consultants to maintain their IPM programs.

The uptick in psyllid abundance this week is not surprising given that we historically have seen an increase in captures during late July through August. Abundance of psyllids so far has been higher this year than during the last two, but still not as high as during 2016 when hundreds of psyllids were captured each week during this time.

“Heat maps” of this week’s results are included on the UI and WSU websites (see links below). “Heat maps” describe predicted psyllid densities across the landscape, based on our trap counts and on predictive models developed over six years of psyllid monitoring in Idaho. These maps, developed in collaboration with WSU, should be used as a guideline, but not a definitive count of the number of insects in any given field at any given point in time. “Low,” “Moderate,” “High,” and “Very High” designations are arbitrary categories that illustrate relative abundance and should not be used as “thresholds.” More details on the “heat maps” can be found in Potato Progress Volume XVII, Number 2, 15 February 2017.

More information can be found here: http://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news
--Click on the links under “Updated weekly reports” for details on trap captures.
--Click on the “Psyllid Management” link on the left panel for information on psyllid and zebra chip biology and management.
--WSU site: https://potatoes.decisionaid.systems/idaho

Getting Started with Cover Crops Workshop

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 15, 2019 by Christy Tanner

If you are thinking about trying cover cropping this year, this workshop is designed to help you get started. We will cover species selection, planting, timing and termination. The course is designed for first time cover croppers, but those with more experience are welcome.

Time: 6 pm on Wednesday July 17th

Location: Malheur County Extension Office
710 SW 5th Ave Ontario, OR

Contact: 541-881-1417
christy.tanner@oregonstate.edu

Rupert Cereals Field Day - University of Idaho Cereal Extension Variety Trials

All Crops    Magic Valley

Stripe rust, FHB, Take-all, Strawbreaker, Pythium, Rhizoc, Scald and any thing else you can think of

Posted on: July 12, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

JULY 16th. Rupert / Minidoka

Get the latest information on new releases of wheat and barley - both public and private varieties!

Bring your disease samples for diagnoses!

Join us for a great field day in Rupert next Tuesday morning!

Starting at Winter trials: Meridian Road north of Rupert at junction with 500 North on east side of road.
Spring trials ~700 N, 825 E
Lunch provided.

Contacts: Jason Thomas jasont@uidaho.edu 208-406-3571 or Jon Hogge (jhogge@uidaho.edu) or Juliet.Marshall@uidaho.edu

Big Week next week for University of Idaho Extension Cereal Field Days!

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Cereals

Posted on: July 12, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

Get the best, latest information on cereal production and varieties for your area.

Aberdeen Collaborative Field Day next Wednesday morning! Researchers, results, food and door prizes - please come and bring a friend!

Ashton Spring Cereals Field Day next Thursday morning!

Idaho Falls Spring Cereals Field Day next Thursday afternoon!

UI Talk Tuesday session for July 16 cancelled

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 11, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

The UI Ag Talk Tuesday session scheduled for July 16 at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds (Idaho Falls) has been cancelled.

The remaining sessions are still planned.

August 6 (8:00 AM):
Bannock County Extension Office
10560 Fairgrounds Rd
Pocatello
Topics:
Economics/cost of production/markets forecast (Ben Eborn)
Weeds update (Pam Hutchinson)
Other topics determined by those who attend

August 20 (8:00 am)
Minnidoka County Extension Office (McGregor Center)
85 East Baseline Rd
Rupert
Topics:
Utilizing Barn Owl Boxes to Manage Voles (Jason Thomas)
Cover crops (Steve Hines)
Aphid Monitoring, Storage disease issues (Kasia Duellman)
Weed update (Pam Hutchinson)
Other topics determined by those who attend

Onion Thrips update 7/6/2019

All Crops    All Locations

Onion thrips

Posted on: July 6, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

Overall thrips pressure continues, as is typical for early July. With the warmer conditions, thrips will develop faster so numbers will rebound sooner after insecticide applications. At this time of year, most thrips are ones developing within onion crops. However, dispersal from other plants still continues. Wheat has dried down so the thrips have left it; do pay attention to when hay fields are cut as significant numbers of onion thrips can disperse out of those fields after cutting.

I found Iris yellow spot in about 20% of the fields this week. Those fields have been in Ontario, Nyssa and Fruitland. So far, it has been at low levels in most of those fields.

Adults per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22 6/29 7/6
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.15 2.47 4.41 5.22 5.51
Vale 0.15 0.55 1.64 2.60 4.79 6.44 5.72 3.99
Ontario 0.07 0.03 0.78 0.71 1.92 4.35 5.98 5.66
Nyssa 0.02 0.07 1.32 1.03 3.67 5.20 7.33 3.98
Adrian 0.02 0.22 1.60 1.67 2.15 2.63 7.60 2.82
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.19 0.94 1.29 6.12 6.30 1.82
Parma - 0.09 1.60 0.67 2.75 7.89 3.47 6.54
Overall Average 0.06 0.15 1.03 1.11 2.72 5.29 5.95 4.33

Immatures per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22 6/29 7/6
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.26 5.45 12.55 9.90 10.19
Vale 0.00 0.41 6.28 4.20 11.16 5.99 11.64 17.73
Ontario 0.00 0.00 3.60 1.71 8.71 22.81 21.28 9.63
Nyssa 0.00 0.02 3.56 5.52 8.00 10.58 26.98 12.75
Adrian 0.00 0.00 8.42 3.64 5.45 1.10 5.17 8.92
Fruitland 0.00 0.00 0.16 2.20 3.39 7.62 1.55 0.46
Parma - 0.00 1.97 4.37 1.66 2.90 12.78 49.01
Overall Average 0.00 0.06 3.43 3.13 6.26 9.08 12.76 15.53

Total average per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22 6/29 7/6
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.42 7.92 16.96 15.12 15.69
Vale 0.15 0.96 7.92 6.79 15.96 12.43 17.36 21.71
Ontario 0.07 0.03 4.38 2.42 10.63 27.16 27.26 15.29
Nyssa 0.02 0.09 4.88 6.55 11.67 15.78 34.31 16.73
Adrian 0.02 0.22 10.01 5.31 7.61 3.73 12.77 11.74
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.35 3.14 4.68 13.74 7.85 2.28
Parma - 0.09 3.58 5.03 4.41 10.79 16.25 55.56
Overall Average 0.06 0.21 4.45 4.24 8.98 14.37 18.70 19.86

% Plants with Thrips
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22 6/29 7/6
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0% 4% 6% 14% 68% 81% 93% 86%
Vale 0% 31% 64% 54% 81% 83% 76% 89%
Ontario 0% 3% 34% 35% 73% 89% 96% 75%
Nyssa 0% 5% 73% 56% 70% 87% 97% 71%
Adrian 0% 19% 57% 53% 70% 86% 98% 87%
Fruitland 0% 3% 17% 50% 54% 94% 100% 65%
Parma 0% 7% 54% 41% 89% 84% 74% 90%
Overall Average 0% 10% 43% 43% 72% 86% 91% 80%


IYSV Incidence (% plants with lesions)
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22 6/29 7/6
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Vale 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Ontario 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.9% 1.0%
Nyssa 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.2%
Adrian 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Fruitland 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 9.4% 6.1%
Parma 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Overall Average 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% 1.0%
* the decrease in Fruitland is a sampling artefact – this week includes fields not sampled last week because of spraying

Malheur Experiment Station Field Day July 10, 2019

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 2, 2019 by Janet Jones

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Summer Farm Festival and Annual Field Day!

Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Registration starts at 8:00 am with coffee and donuts

Click on the PDF below for the tour descriptions and schedule.

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

For more information call Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

Marketing Class available for East Idaho Growers

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: June 28, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

The University of Idaho Extension and Lee Andersen from Ririe Grain is offering a workshop for anyone wanting to learn the basics of the futures market and utilizing it in your grain marketing. Topics will include:

 Basics of the Futures Market
 Hedging Strategies
 Using Options
 Charting Techniques
 Order Types


Location & Time:


Rigby Courthouse Annex Building Upstairs Meeting Room
210 Courthouse Way – July 2nd
Classes are from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.


Cost: Free

For Questions Call: or Email Madison County Extension Office (208) 716-5602, Jon Hogge jhogge@uidaho.edu

UI Ag Talk Tuesday July 2 at 8:00 AM at the Idaho AgCredit Rexburg branch

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 27, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

Reminder: The next UI Ag Talk Tuesday will be hosted in Rexburg July 2 at the Idaho AgCredit Rexburg branch, 1586 N. 2nd E., at 8:00 AM.

Join UI Researchers, Extension Personnel, and ag professionals to learn about timely topics in ag production. For this next session on July 2, Jon Hogge will update us on the latest thrips investigations and cereal diseases. Other topics may include potato diseases, weed issues, and other crop challenges currently being faced.

These events are offered on the first and third Tuesdays at 8AM throughout the growing season at different locations in eastern Idaho. Breakfast beverages (coffee, juice) and light breakfast fare (e.g., pastries/donuts/fruits) will be provided. Venue and location differs, so look for the announcements via Treasure Valley Pest Alerts and on the UI Extension Calendar.

Ag Talk Tuesday - the latest UI Ag Talk Report

All Crops    All Locations

Regional Crop Diseases

Posted on: June 11, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

Here’s what you missed at the June 4 Ag Talk Tuesday in American Falls… and other Hot Topics (See attached PDF):
NEW CALL-IN NUMBER FOR AG TALK TUESDAY SESSIONS
Have instant access to UI ag faculty and other attendees remotely during the Ag Talk Tuesday sessions. You can simply call a phone number to join the meeting, or you can click on the Zoom link below (the needed software will automatically download when you start or join your first Zoom meeting) to ask any questions you have or to share your observations with how crops are progressing and what current issues appear to be in your region.

The next Ag Talk Tuesday will be held 8:00 AM July 2 in Rexburg at Idaho AgCredit, 1586 North 2nd East.

Call-in Number: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 349427773

(Optional) Zoom link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/349427773

Onion Thrips update 6/8/2019

All Crops    All Locations

Onion thrips

Posted on: June 10, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

Hello Everyone,

There hasn’t been a tremendous increase in thrips abundance this week as insecticide programs are ramping up. The rain and wind has also helped to slow population build up. (Thrips tend not to fly in windy conditions and rain can drown or wash them off plants). Fields were checked this week in between thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday and couple on Saturday.

Highest numbers again were in larger early season varieties and in reds. The highest numbers I saw on individual plants ranged from 50 – 90 thrips. Still, those numbers have been sporadic. Other plants within the same field had as few as 1 and nearby fields with smaller plants may have few if any thrips. The bottom line is to check as many plants as possible when scouting your fields.

I have not seen any plants infected with Iris yellow spot virus (yet). Pink root symptoms have been showing up in some red onion fields. At this point, reducing stress on plants (e.g. good irrigation practices) is the best way to limit the impact of the disease.

Adults per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.15
Vale 0.15 0.55 1.64 2.60
Ontario 0.07 0.03 0.78 0.71
Nyssa 0.02 0.07 1.32 1.03
Adrian 0.02 0.22 1.60 1.67
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.19 0.94
Parma - 0.09 1.60 0.67
Overall Average 0.06 0.15 1.03 1.11

Immatures per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.26
Vale 0.00 0.41 6.28 4.20
Ontario 0.00 0.00 3.60 1.71
Nyssa 0.00 0.02 3.56 5.52
Adrian 0.00 0.00 8.42 3.64
Fruitland 0.00 0.00 0.16 2.20
Parma - 0.00 1.97 4.37
Overall Average 0.00 0.06 3.43 3.13

Total average per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.42
Vale 0.15 0.96 7.92 6.79
Ontario 0.07 0.03 4.38 2.42
Nyssa 0.02 0.09 4.88 6.55
Adrian 0.02 0.22 10.01 5.31
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.35 3.14
Parma - 0.09 3.58 5.03
Overall Average 0.06 0.21 4.45 4.24

% Plants with Thrips
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0% 4% 6% 14%
Vale 0% 31% 64% 54%
Ontario 0% 3% 34% 35%
Nyssa 0% 5% 73% 56%
Adrian 0% 19% 57% 53%
Fruitland 0% 3% 17% 50%
Parma 0% 7% 54% 41%
Overall Average 0% 10% 43% 43%


As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

**********************************************
Stuart Reitz
Malheur Experiment Station
Oregon State University
595 Onion Ave.
Ontario, OR 97914
Office: 541-889-2174
Mobile: 208-740-4381
stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu
**********************************************

Ag Talk Tuesday - American Falls, 8:00 AM June 4, at Idaho AgCredit

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday

Posted on: June 3, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

Good afternoon! We will be having the next ATT meeting tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM at the Idaho AgCredit Office, 2883 ID-39, American Falls, ID.

New Call-in number for Ag Talk Tuesday sessions:

Have instant access to UI ag faculty and other attendees remotely during the Ag Talk Tuesday sessions. You can simply call a phone number to join the meeting, or you can click on the Zoom link below (the needed software will automatically download when you start or join your first Zoom meeting) to ask any questions you have or to share your observations with how crops are progressing and what current issues appear to be in your region.

Call-in: (669) 900-6833

Zoom link: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/349427773

Attached is the summary of the last ATT discussion - what we are calling the Ag Talk Report.
Date Location Primary Topics
Hosts

June 4
Idaho AgCredit
2883 ID-39
American Falls

Early season potato issues, stand issues
Weed issues
Grain Issues

Kasia Duellman
Pam Hutchinson
Juliet Marshall

2019 Snake River Weed Research Tour, Ontario, OR

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 3, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

Please mark your calendar for the 2019 Snake River Weed Research Tour
Venue: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2019
Registration starts at 8:00am with coffee and donuts.
Recertification credits: 3 credits – Oregon and 3 credits – Idaho for full tour attendees.

The tour will start promptly at 8:30AM and end at 12:15PM.

A complementary lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour.

The tour will feature research studies for weed management in direct-seeded onion, sugar beet, field corn, potato, and wheat. The first stop will be at our yellow nutsedge “field laboratory” along OR Hwy 201 just after crossing the rail tracks (if headed south to Nyssa from Ontario). The stop along Hwy 201 will feature studies on yellow nutsedge control in onion, sugar beet, and field corn. We will then proceed to the station and tour studies on weed control in direct-seeded onion, field corn, potato, and wheat.

This event is open to the public. Please forward the invitation to anybody who will be interested in weed management in the mentioned crops.

We will follow up with a reminder as we get close to the tour date. We are looking forward to seeing you at the tour.

Please call 541-889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu if you need more information.

Kind regards,


Joel Felix

Ag Talk Tuesday Newsletter and schedule

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 15, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

The newsletter reports on the first Ag Talk Tuesday held last week in Blackfoot, and provides the schedule for the rest of the ATT events for the summer.

Crops, Soils and Technology Field Day at the UI Parma R and E Center

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: May 10, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Crops, Soils and Technology Field Day at the UI Parma Research and Extension Center is June 7, 2019; 8:45 to 1:00 pm, followed by lunch. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Ag Talk Tuesdays - Blackfoot, 8 AM, May 7, Idaho AgCredit, 188 W Judicial St

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Topics for this first session include but are not limited to small grains issues, early season weed control, and potato issues.

Posted on: May 3, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

We are starting this season's Ag Talk Tuesday!
The first Ag Talk Tuesday of 2019 is May 7, 8:00 AM in the conference room at Idaho AgCredit in Blackfoot, 188 W Judicial St: https://goo.gl/maps/BA9sEQsrGKDL9tQK9

Join UI Researchers, Extension Personnel, and agricultural professionals to learn about timely topics in crop production. These events will be offered on the first and third Tuesdays at 8AM throughout the growing season at different locations in eastern Idaho. Venue and location differ from session to session, so look for the announcements via Treasure Valley Pest Alerts (http://tvpestalert.net/), from UI Extension personnel, on the UI Extension Calendar (https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/calendar), and through the Potato Country website (https://potatocountry.com).

Topics for this first session include but are not limited to small grains issues, early season weed control, and potato issues.

Light breakfast fare will be provided (such as coffee, juice, and donuts).

World Potato Congress Webinar: “Best Management Practices for Seed Potato Handling from Storage to Planting”

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 10, 2019 by Jeff Miller

World Potato Congress Inc. Offers its Third Webinar with Dr. Gary Secor Presenting: “Best Management Practices for Seed Potato Handling from Storage to Planting”.

The World Potato Congress (WPC) is very pleased to be offering its third webinar in its 2019 series with Dr. Gary Secor. Dr. Secor is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, USA. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Montana State University, and his PhD from the University of California-Davis. He has worked with numerous potato diseases, concentrating in recent years on new disease discovery, potato late blight, zebra chip, fungicide resistance management in pathogens of potatoes and sugar beet, seed treatment, variety development, Fusarium diseases, bacterial soft rot, blemish diseases and post-harvest diseases.

Dr. Secor is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dahl Excellence in Research from NDSU, Inspiring Teacher from NDSU, Meritorious Service Award from the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, Distinguished Service Award from the Sugar Beet Industry of MN and ND, Meritorious Service Award from the National Potato Council, Honorary Life Membership from the Potato Association of America, Distinguished Service Award from the Potato Association of Chile, Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Sugar Beet Technologists, and 2018 WPC Industry Award.

Dr. Secor’s presentation “Best Management Practices for Seed Potato Handling from Storage to Planting” will be live on April 25, 2019 at 08:00 a.m. Central Standard Time. The purpose of this webinar is to provide best management practices for selection and handling of seed potatoes from storage to planting to maximize seed potato performance in the field for quality and yield. This presentation will discuss factors affecting seed potato growth, how to select quality seed potatoes, and the importance of proper handling of seed potatoes during loading, transport, unloading and pre-plant storage. It will also discuss preparation of seed for planting, whether to use whole seed or cut seed, seed cutting and considerations for using of dust and liquid seed treatments. Descriptions of important early season diseases will be presented with suggestions for management by cultural and fungicide practices. This webinar will be valuable to seed growers, but it will be particularly valuable to anyone who buys and plants seed potatoes.

The host for the WPC webinar series will be WPC Director, Dr. Nora Olsen (norao@uidaho.edu).

Interested participants can register and will be able to interact with the presenters of the webinar. To register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m2OyZ_UIShGmOEdFWZU-aA. Following your registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the webinar.

The webinars will be recorded and therefore, those who are unable to join us live can view these webinars via the WPC website www.potatocongress.org until December 31, 2019.

Please also mark your calendars for WPC’s fourth webinar with Cedric Porter. Mr. Porter is the Editor of Brexit Food & Farming, a unique monthly briefing tracking and analysing the impact of Brexit on the food and farming industries. Mr. Porter also co-edits World Potato Markets, a weekly briefing on global potato production, trade and prices. Mr. Porter webinar’s presentation will be: “World Potato Output and Trade” on May 14, 2019 at 09:00 Eastern Standard Time.

WPC looks forward to interacting with you during this initiative. We welcome all your feedback via info@potarocongress.org.

Worker Protection Standard Training in Ontario, OR on March 5th

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 12, 2019 by Christy Tanner

If you have questions about the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) or have employees who will handle pesticides, these training sessions are for you!

Tuesday, March 5th at the Malheur County Extension Office
710 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, OR

For agricultural employers:
9 am to 11 am
WPS Training for Ag Employers
If you are an agricultural employer this training will help you understand and meet the requirements under the worker protection standard.
2 ODA credits available

For agricultural employees:
12 pm to 2 pm:
WPS Training for pesticide Handlers in English
Annual WPS Training Cards

2 pm to 4 pm:
WPS Training for pesticide Handlers in Spanish
Annual WPS Training Cards

Cost:
$25 per person per session

Registration:
Visit https://emt.oregonstate.edu/psep/ontario-training
or call 541-737-4197

FSMA - Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Course

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 7, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

PSA Grower Training Course
February 12, 2019
7:30 am (check-in). Program 8 am – 5 pm
Clarion Inn Ontario
1249 Tapadera Ave
Ontario, OR 97914

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and OSU Extension are offering a Produce Safety Rule Grower Training on February 12 at the Clarion Inn in Ontario, OR.

Register online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/produce-safety-alliance-psa-grower-training-tickets-53020538859

The Produce Safety Rule requires that one representative from each covered farm receive training accredited by the FDA. Currently, Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) trainings are the only standardized national training program approved by FDA.

To determine if your farm is covered by the Produce Safety Rule, please use this online tool:
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4175746/FSMA-Produce-Safety-Rule-are-you-covered

The grower training course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan. Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of:

• Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm

• How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm

• Parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one

• Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them.

After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. Participants must be at least 14 years of age to receive the AFDO certificate. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.

These are national standards, so growers can take the training outside of their home state.

Questions?

Call Chantal Pettit at 503-986-4630 or email cpettit@oda.state.or.us

Vector Borne Disease Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 4, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

The Center for Health in the Human Ecosystem at the University of Idaho is organizing a 6-day course (June 23-28, 2019) on Biology of Vector Borne Diseases, with focus on both animal and plant systems. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Pesticide Applicator License Credits for Oregon and Idaho

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 26, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

If you are still looking for credits for your pesticide applicator's license you are in luck. Oregon State University Extension Service is holding a training on Friday, Dec 14 in Ontario, Oregon. There will be 4 Oregon credits and 3 Idaho credits. Click on the pdf below for more information.

2019 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 12, 2018 by Jeff Miller

Miller Research LLC will hold its annual potato pest management seminar on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at the Historic Wilson Theater in Rupert, ID (610 Fremont St.). Registration will begin at 8:30 and the meeting will run from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm. More details will be posted at a later date.

2018 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting Final Agenda

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 30, 2018 by Jeff Miller

The finalized agenda for the 2018 Idaho Association of Plant Protection is attached here. The meeting is November 7 and 8 at the Canyon Crest Event Center in Twin Falls. Registration begins at 12:30 on Wednesday, Nov. 7 and the meeting begins at 1:00. The cost to attend is $15 whether you attend one or both days and can only be paid via cash or check. The meetings run from 1:00-5:00 pm on Wednesday and from 8:00-12:00 pm on Thursday.

A total of 3.5 CCA credits and 4 ISDA credits are available each day. You must attend the entire day to get the credits for that day. Please contact James Woodhall at jwoodhall@uidaho.edu if you have any questions.

Idaho Ag Outlook Seminar - 2018

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 30, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the Idaho Ag Outlook presented by University of Idaho CALS Extension and Research faculty. The locations are Idaho Falls, Burley and Caldwell from December 11 to 13.

2018 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 15, 2018 by Jeff Miller

The 2018 Idaho Association of Plant Protection will hold its annual meeting Wednesday, November 7 (1:00-5:10) and Thursday, November 8 (8:00-12:00) at the Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center in Twin Falls, ID (330 Canyon Crest Drive, Twin Falls, ID). Registration will begin at 12:00 on Wednesday. The agenda is included in the attachment to this post.

The cost for this meeting is $15 payable by check or cash. Hotel reservations if needed must be made on your own.

Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Idaho State Pesticide credits have been requested.

IAPP chairs for 2018 are James Woodhall and Kelly Luff.

Idaho Association of Plant Protection 2018 Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 5, 2018 by Jeff Miller

This is an invitation and call for papers for the 2018 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection in Twin Falls, ID at the Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center. The conference will cover all aspects of plant protection including entomology, nematology, weed science and plant pathology.

Please consider contributing research results, observations, unusual pest and disease occurrences, and topics which could be discussed as a group, etc. to the meeting. Each presentation will be allotted at least a 20-minute time slot. A final program will be advertised in October. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration costs $15.00 and can only be made by check or cash. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) will be available.

Hotel reservations must be made on your own.

Please see the attached sheet to submit a topic for presentation.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) field demonstration

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 30, 2018 by Olga Walsh

Date, time: September 13, 2018 9 am – 12 noon

Location: Reggear Tree Farm, 1415 Shortcut Rd, Craigmont, ID 83523

Come learn about how drones can be used in agriculture, crop production, nursery industry and more. University of Idaho specialists will share their latest research and answer questions related to UAVs.

Please forward to those who may be interested.

Thank you to our host: Mr. Bob Reggear!

Organizing committee: Dr. Olga Walsh, Dr. Esmaeil Fallahi, Dr. Sanaz Shafian

This event is funded by: Idaho Department of Agriculture, Idaho Nursery & Landscape Association, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho Agricultural
Experiment Station

Contact information: Olga Walsh, Assistant Professor, Cropping Systems Agronomist, University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center, owalsh@uidaho.edu

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 28

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 21, 2018 by Janet Jones

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day!
Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR
in the field off Onion Avenue under the canopy.
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Registration starts at 9:00am with donuts and refreshments.
A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

Click on the PDF below for the Flyer.

Please RSVP for lunch or if you need more information call Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

Ag Talk Tuesday! -- Special presentation on Market outlook and break-even prices, by Ben Eborn, UI

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 10, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

Greetings:
You are invited to join University of Idaho Extension personnel and fellow growers, fieldmen, agronomists, and industry reps to discuss current issues in crop production.

When: August 21, 7AM to 8:30AM
Where: Perkins, Pocatello (1600 Pocatello Creek Rd) - BANQUET ROOM
Topics include:
-- Special presentation on Market outlook and break-even prices, by Ben Eborn, UI Extension Ag Economist
-- Harvest update
-- UI Spore Trap Update

For convenience, selected breakfast options will be available for purchase (optional).

Questions can be directed to one of the Organizers:
Kasia Duellman, U of I Extension Seed Potato Specialist, kduellman@uidaho.edu
Pam Hutchinson, U of I Extension Weed Specialist, phutch@uidaho.edu
Juliet Marshall, U of I Extension Cereals Specialist, jmarshall@uidaho.edu

Please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues, and the attached PDF file is available for your convenience to print and display or distribute.

Sincerely,
Kasia

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kasia M. Duellman, PhD
Assistant Professor and Extension Seed Potato Specialist
University of Idaho - Idaho Falls REC
1776 Science Center Drive, Suite 205
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402

Raspberry Cane Damage

All Crops    All Locations

Rose Stem Girdler

Posted on: August 8, 2018 by Maria Held

Rose Stem Girdler damage has been observed in raspberries. The canes wilt from the top or break at the girdling site. Cut the stem at ground level and destroy infested canes

Coddling Moth (3rd Generation!)

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 8, 2018 by Dian Roberson

Based on Degree Day Models, we will have a third generation of coddling moths this year! Stay vigilant. Practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of young damaged fruit.

Ag Talk Tuesday - Blackfoot, ID Aug 7

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: August 6, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

Greetings:

Please join University of Idaho Extension personnel and fellow growers, fieldmen, agronomists, and industry reps to discuss current issues in crop production. This event is held periodically on selected Tuesdays at various locations across eastern and southeastern Idaho throughout the growing season, over breakfast or lunch.

The next event will be August 7, 7AM to 8:30AM, at Idaho AgCredit (188 West Judicial, Blackfoot; Tel: 208-785-1510; in the Conference Room). Topics will include (but are not limited to) vine kill options, harvest update, and an update on the UofI Spore Trap Network. Breakfast items will be provided and are sponsored by Idaho AgCredit. A flyer is attached for your convenience. Please feel free to distribute it to whomever you think may be interested.

Please RSVP by calling 208-529-8376 or emailing one of the organizers:
Kasia Duellman, UofI Extension Seed Potato Specialist, kduellman@uidaho.edu
Pam Hutchinson, UofI Extension Weed Specialist, phutch@uidaho.edu
Juliet Marshall, UofI Extension Cereals Specialist, jmarshall@uidaho.edu

Ag Talk Tuesday!

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

ATT

Posted on: July 16, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

Please join U of I Extension Specialists at Ag Talk Tuesday July 17 in Idaho Falls at Papa Tom's from 11:30AM to 1:00PM, for a no-host lunch to discuss current crop problems.

Directions to Papa Tom's: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/papa+tom's+idaho+falls/@43.4807967,-112.0713223,12z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x53545edb01d42491:0xfd4d454007e025a9!2m2!1d-112.0012825!2d43.4808181

In addition to current crop problems, Dr. Pamela Hutchinson will present information on post-emergence weed control, and I'll provide an update on the UofI Spore Trap Network.

Please RSVP to one of the co-hosts if you plan to attend :
Kasia Duellman - kduellman@uidaho.edu
Pamela Hutchinson - phutch@uidaho.edu
Juliet Marshall - jmarshall@uidaho.edu

Or you can call 208-529-8376.

Note: There will be no ATT on 7/24 or 7/31. Additional ATT meetings will be scheduled for August (8/7 and 8/21 currently) and September.

We hope you can join us - your insight and observations add value to these meetings, to everyone's benefit.

U of Idaho Ag Talk Tuesday

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: July 9, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

University of Idaho Extension Specialist, Dr. Kasia Duellman is inviting you to join her and other UofI Extension Specialists at the next UofI Ag Talk Tuesday which is July
10, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Morey's Steakhouse in Burley. This is an opportunity for informal discussion on current crop production problems.

The next UofI Ag Talk Tuesday will be held on July 17 at Papa Tom's in Idaho Falls, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Malheur Experiment Station Field Day July 11

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 9, 2018 by Janet Jones

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Summer Farm Festival and Annual Field Day!

Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR

Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Registration starts at 8:00am with coffee and donuts

Click on the PDF below for the tour descriptions and schedule.

Also featured:
- Agricultural trade show booths!
- Program for youth starting at 9:30!
- Different events and contests with prizes!

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

For more information call Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

2018 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 6, 2018 by Jeff Miller

Miller Research will be holding its annual pest management field day on Tuesday, August 14 at the Miller Research facility located near Acequia, ID (426 E 200 N). A short presentation will be given in the office followed by a tour of the research plots. Trials to be highlighted include research on pink rot and Pythium leak, Rhizoctonia canker and Fusarium dry rot, fumigation methods for Verticillium control, foliar disease management, virus symptoms in the field and storage, and potato bruise management.

The presentations will focus on fungicide management of diseases and will highlight research which has been funded by the Pacific Northwest Potato Research Consortium. Three (3) ISDA pesticide recertification credits and three CCA (Pest Management) credits have been requested.

The tour will run from 9:00 to 12:00. Lunch will then be provided.

There is no cost to attend, but please respond to Cheryn Clayton by August 6 at (208) 531-5124 or cheryn@millerresearch.com if you are planning on attending.

UI SNAKE RIVER PEST MANAGEMENT TOURS

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 19, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The following information is provided by Dr. Pamela Hutchinson, University of Idaho Extension Specialist.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the UI Snake River Pest Management Tours. The first one is at Aberdeen on June 26th and the second one is at Kimberly on June 27th. Both field days start at 8:30 am with registration beginning at 8:00.

Aberdeen will feature several weed control trials in potatoes, including targeted herbicide programs in potatoes, Sonalan tank mixtures, and sulfentrazone formulation comparisons. Also, featured are herbicide mechanism of action plots, quinoa herbicide screening and Litchi tomato herbicide management.

At Kimberly, we will look at broadleaf and wild oat control in spring wheat, clover cover crop in wheat, safflower tolerance to sulfentrazone, weed control comparison between direct seeded and conventional tillage sugar beet, potato psyllid, Colorado potato beetle, aphid and wireworm management in potato, an update on the spore trapping network for early plant disease detection in potato, dry bean, sugar beet, and small grains, response of sugar beet to herbicide safener, beet leafminer control in sugar beet, weed control in dry bean, weed control in corn, and herbicide mechanism of action plots.

Both field days conclude with a sponsored lunch and pesticide recertification credits.

We hope to see you there!
Pam and Don


Don W. Morishita, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Professor of Weed Science and Extension Specialist University of Idaho | Kimberly R&E Center | 3806 N. 3600 E. | Kimberly, ID
83341 USA
Email: don@uidaho.edu | Phone: 208.423.6616 | Fax: 208.423.6631

Pamela J.S. Hutchinson
Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist
Aberdeen R&E Center
1693 S 2700 W
Aberdeen, ID 83210
Cell ph 208-681-1304
Office ph 397-4181 fax 397-4311
phutch@uidaho.edu

POTATO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA MEETING
102nd Annual Meeting
July 22-26, 2018
Boise, ID
visit www.uidaho.edu/PAA2018

Ag Talk Tuesday

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 18, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The following information was provided by Dr. Pamela Hutchinson, Ag Extension Specialist with the University of Idaho.

WHAT: AG TALK TUESDAY
WHEN: JUNE 19,2018
11:30a to 1p
WHERE: THE BAY CAFE, AMERICAN FALLS
2830 Marina Rd
American Falls, ID 83211
(208) 226-2688

Potato, weed, and cereal pathology specialists have initiated "Ag Talk Tuesday" with multiple ATT sessions throughout the growing season in order to interact with University of Idaho specialists and get answers as well as discuss current crop status. We learn from you, too!

Please come to our third UofI Extension Ag Talk Tuesday, on June 19, from
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

This event is a non-host lunch where you can join UofI Ag Extension Specialists to talk about current ag production issues. We'd love to hear about what you are seeing in your fields. To help foster conversation, Drs Pamela J.S. Hutchinson, Kasia Duellman will give an update on potato diseases, insects, and weeds. Other specialists and county extension educators may also be present to help field any questions you may have or to hear about your own wisdom and experiences on what works and doesn't work on your farm.

Please join us Tuesday June 19th.

Contact Pamela J.S. Hutchinson for more information.
phutch@uidsho.edu

Future ATTs
June 26 - no ATT (Hutchinson Snake River Research Pest Management Tour - Aberdeen R and E Center 8a registration 8:30-noon tour followed by sponsored lunch.

July 3 - no ATT

July 10 - Burley (venue to be determined)

July 17 - Idaho Falls

Ag Talk Tuesdays

All Crops    All Locations

Cereals, Potatoes, Weeds - in the future, additional crops will be included coincident with location of ATT

Posted on: May 23, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

Potato, weed, and cereal pathology specialists are initiating "Ag Talk Tuesday" with multiple ATT sessions throughout the growing season in order to interact with University of Idaho specialists and get answers as well as discuss current crop status.

Details:

WHAT: Ag Talk Tuesday - no host lunch
WHEN: June 5 at 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
WHERE: first one at Homestead Family Restaurant in Blackfoot, ID


We'd like to invite you to our first ever UofI Extension Ag Talk Tuesday, on June 5, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
The plan is to have multiple ATT sessions throughout the growing season in order to interact with University of Idaho specialists and get answers as well as discuss current crop status.

What: The FIRST EVER UofI Extension "Ag Talk Tuesday"
When: June 5, 11:30AM to 1:00PM
Where: Homestead Family Restaurant, 1355 Parkway Dr, Blackfoot, ID 83221 https://goo.gl/maps/GqfR7oghVNt

This event is a non-host lunch where you can join UofI Ag Extension Specialists to talk about current ag production issues. We'd love to hear about what you are seeing in your fields. To help foster conversation, Dr. Juliet Marshall will present some information on Fusarium head blight on small grains and the 2018 outlook; Dr. Pam Hutchinson will provide some tips on post-emergence herbicides; and Dr. Kasia Duellman will give an update on early season potato diseases. Juliet and Kasia will also mention the UofI Spore Trapping Network that will be fully operational by then. Other specialists and county extension educators may also be present to help field any questions you may have or to hear about your own wisdom and experiences on what works and doesn't work on your farm.

Please join us, and if you plan to attend, please RSVP to me by replying to this email or calling and leaving a message at 208-529-8376.

Future locations for Ag Talk Tuesday will be determined, to accommodate growers in different regions (we’re open to suggestions for venues and would like to rotate around eastern Idaho).

Sincerely,
Juliet


Juliet Marshall, Ph.D.
Endowed Research Professor, Cereals Pathology and Agronomy
Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology

Idaho Falls R&E Center
1776 Science Drive Suite 205
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-529-8376 office
208-390-4859 cell

http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho

lygus bug in alfalfa seed, 2018

All Crops    All Locations

lygus bug

Posted on: May 7, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated 280 to 290 degree days between January 1, 2018 and May 7, 2018. As you move west in the Treasure Valley the growing degree days increase. This is a few days ahead of 2017 and a few days ahead of the 30-year average; once again, this varies depending on your location. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs occurs right around 272 accumulated degree days; this should be about right now, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin.

When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays probably should treat before or just as 4th instar nymphs are detected.

Free Pesticide Disposal

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 30, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is conducting free pesticide disposals in four locations during May. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Onion thrips in Volunteer Onions

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 27, 2018 by Stuart Reitz

Onion thrips are starting to show up in greater numbers (both adults and immatures) on volunteer onions and other weeds. Volunteer onions serve as a host for both onion thrips and Iris Yellow Spot Virus. After a slight cool down, temperatures will be back in the 80s by the middle of next week - ideal conditions for development of thrips populations and their movement into current season onion fields.

If you have onion fields you would like included in our onion monitoring project, please contact stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu / 541-881-1417.

Survey on Alfalfa Thrips

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 26, 2018 by Jason Thomas

Insect pests come and go in crops as conditions change. To learn more about the current state of thrips, a small insect that can occur in alfalfa the University of Idaho Extension service is conducting a survey about these insects. We encourage all those who work with alfalfa, including consultants to take this 3-minute survey. To thank you for your time, you will be entered into a raffle to win one of four $25 Amazon Gift Cards. Please share this with as many other farmers and consultants who work with alfalfa as possible so we can learn more about these pests.

Cull Onion Disposal in Idaho- 2018

All Crops    All Locations

cull onions

Posted on: March 13, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The deadline to dispose of cull onions in Idaho is March 15. The pdf file below from Idaho State Department of Agriculture contains more information about cull onion disposal.

Spring Garden Festival. ISA, ISDA, Teacher PD available.

All Crops    All Locations

Garden Classes!

Posted on: February 20, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Join us on April 21st for an all day gardening festival with four tracks to choose from. A plant sale to benefit the Master Gardener Volunteer program will also be available. See the attached flyer for details.
The cost is $30 for the entire day. To register for a track, contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Canyon County at 208-459-6003

Grape School location Change

All Crops    All Locations

2018 Grape School

Posted on: February 8, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

Due to the large number of participants for the UI Grape School on Saturday, 9:00 am, Feb. 10th, we have had to change the location. It will now be held at the Western Laboratory’s large meeting room. The address is: 211 Hwy 95, Parma, ID 83660, just north of Parma on the west side of the highway. Their phone number is 208 722-6564 if you should have any questions.

Thank you and sorry for such short notice.

Maurine for Dr. Essie Fallahi

Cereal Schools for Southern Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Cereal Schools

Posted on: January 31, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

UI Extension will be hosting the 2018 Cereal Schools next week, February 6 - February 9. There will be a Cropping School in Caldwell Feb 9. CCA and ISDA Pesticide Credits will be available. See attached URL for details on locations and agendas.

Feb 6 - Burley
Feb 7 - Pocatello
Feb 8 - Idaho Falls and Ashton
Feb 9 - Preston and Caldwell

Preventing and Managing Pesticide Resistance Risk Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 26, 2018 by Stuart Reitz

Preventing and Managing Pesticide Resistance Risk Workshop
February 7, 2018
9 am to 12 pm

Malheur County Extension Office, 710 SW 5th Ave., Ontario

No registration charge!

CEUs:
CCA Credits; Idaho and Oregon Pesticide Applicator Credits

Instructors:
Paul Jepson, Integrated Plant Protection Center, OSU
Mary Halbleib, Integrated Plant Protection Center, OSU
Stuart Reitz, Malheur County Extension, OSU

This will be an interactive workshop for growers and crop consultants to increase knowledge regarding the importance of pesticide resistance, and methods to minimize the development of pesticide resistance, and methods to reverse resistance should it occur. The focus of the workshop will be on pests of onions, especially weeds, like yellow nutsedge, and insects, like onion thrips. However, the concepts are applicable to all crops.

The workshop will be a combination of presentations, hands-on exercises for the participants, and discussion among the participants and instructors. Participants will work in groups to facilitate information exchange on exercises related to pesticide resistance and its management. There will be a general discussion session following each exercise.

Western Idaho Ag Show ISDA+IWC event

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 15, 2018 by Olga Walsh

Southern Idaho Cereal School at the The Western Idaho Ag Expo, Caldwell ID,
*** 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM ***
*** Variety trials results
*** Wheat Diseases & Pests
*** Varieties in Integrated Disease Management
*** Seed Developers Panel
*** 1 ID Recert Credit ***

The exhibitors of Western Idaho Ag Expo will exhibit the latest and advanced products and services including agri and irrigation services, machines, Ag products, trailers, equipment, grain systems, insurance services, water systems, spraying systems, electric motor, Ag technologies, pesticides, farm equipment, products and services.

2018 Southern Idaho Cropping School

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 15, 2018 by Olga Walsh

2018 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 3, 2018 by Jeff Miller

Miller Research LLC will hold its annual potato pest management seminar Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at the Minidoka County Extension Office (drill hall) at the Minidoka County Fairgrounds (85 E Baseline in Rupert). A detailed agenda is attached.

The cost to attend the meeting is $5 per person. Please RSVP to Cheryn Clayton at 208-531-5124 or by email at cheryn@millerresearch.com. A printed copy of the slides for taking notes can be purchased for $5 if ordered prior to the meeting. Orders need to be placed by Friday, January 26.

If you have specific questions you would like addressed which relate to the above topics, those can also be sent in advance.

Three CCA (Pest Management) credits have been awarded and Idaho Pesticide Recertification credits have been requested.

2017 Pesticide Stewardship Conference presentations

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 19, 2017 by Kimberly Tate

Check out the Pesticide Stewardship Conference presentations! Click on PPTs From Winter Meetings in the left banner, then open 2017 Pesticide Stewardship Conference.

2017 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference, December 14th in Ontario

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 6, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

Just want to remind everyone about the Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference on December 14th at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario. Attached is a brochure and another file containing addtional information about the topics.

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training, 2017

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 15, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

A pesticide applicator recertification training will be held on December 13, at the public meeting room at the Caldwell Police Department. Six credits will be available. Click on the pdf below for more information.

2017 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 15, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The 2017 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference will be held on December 14, at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario, Oregon. Click on the pdf below for more details.

Pesticide Stewardship Conference: Managing Drift

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 13, 2017 by Kimberly Tate

Dear Extension Colleagues,

The UI Extension and ISDA Pesticide Stewardship Conference will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30th & Friday, Dec. 1st, 2017 (see agenda). There are 10 recertification credits available for professional applicators and crop advisors. Topics include: Management of Pesticide Drift, Insect Pest Management, Adjuvants & Pesticide Performance, Herbicides & Resistant Weeds, Protecting Pollinators, Pesticides and Water Resources, Plant Disease Management, a Discussion Panel and much more!

Join us for this special event at The Riverside Hotel in Boise. Register now and before Nov. 19, for $110 per person, on Nov. 20th and thereafter it is $200 per person. Enroll online at: http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm. If you have any questions contact Kimberly by phone (208) 364-4581 or email ktate@uidaho.edu.

FSMA Grower Training - Upcoming Classes

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 10, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Update

The first compliance dates for the Produce Safety Rule requirements begin in January 2018 for farms that produce Raw Agricultural Commodities (e.g., onions, carrots, melons, tree fruit, grapes, berries) and have more than $500,000 in annual produce sales. Compliance dates are staggered by farm size, so smaller farms (based on produce sales) have later compliance dates.

To determine if your farm is covered by the Produce Safety Rule and your target compliance dates, complete this self-guided decision tool provided by the University of Idaho https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8D1ucSlEeq749AF.

FSMA Training:
The Produce Safety Rule requires that one representative from each covered farm receive training accredited by the FDA. Currently, Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) trainings are the only standardized national training program approved by FDA.

The first grower training classes in the PNW are coming up in November:
Nov 14 - Hermiston, OR Registration for this class is still open at:
https://apps.ideal-logic.com/osuextension?key=F3T9-25VWY_K9KH-5PTF_e69240be

Nov 14 - Caldwell, ID
Nov 15 - Caldwell, ID
Nov 15 - Hood River, OR
Nov 16 - Payette, ID

Produce Safety Alliance information, including comprehensive list of training classes and how to register:
https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/food-safety-modernization-act or visit the individual state websites listed below.

These are national standards, so trainings can be done in either Oregon, Idaho, Washington, or anywhere else.

Oregon information: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/agriculture/Pages/FSMA.aspx.

Idaho information: http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/food-safety-for-produce-growers.

Washington FSMA information: https://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/ProduceSafety/

Please check the full schedule of classes in Idaho at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/university-of-idaho-extension-produce-safety-14547809781

Produce Safety Alliance information, including comprehensive list of training classes:
https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/food-safety-modernization-act

2017 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 17, 2017 by Jeff Miller

The 2017 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection will be held in Twin Falls, ID at the College of Southern Idaho, Taylor Building room 277. The program has been finalized and can be downloaded here. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 12:40 p.m. The program will continue Thursday beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continue until noon. Registration costs $15.00 and can only be made by check or cash. (Sorry! No credit cards.) Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits and Idaho Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) have been requested. Lunch will be provided Wednesday during registration.

Please contact either Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu) or Zewdie Abate (zaabate2011@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Posted on: October 17, 2017 by Dian Roberson

The BMSB has been sighted in the Middleton area. So far only a scattered handful have been found in our area this year but we are on the look out for an infestation. The BMSB is both an agricultural and nuisance pest. It can damage fruit and vegetable crops and invades homes and other buildings. Check out the link below from the Idaho Department of Agriculture for more information. If you think you have spotted some BMSBs on your property, please contact your local extension office or department of agriculture office.

FSMA Grower Training Classes

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 17, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Update

Although the FSMA water testing rules are on hold, the other provisions in the Produce Safety Rule are going into effect as previously scheduled.

The first compliance dates for the Produce Safety Rule requirements begin in January 2018 for farms that produce Raw Agricultural Commodities (e.g., onions, carrots, melons, tree fruit, grapes, berries) and have more than $500,000 in annual produce sales. Compliance dates are staggered by farm size, so smaller farms (based on produce sales) have later compliance dates.

To determine if your farm is covered by the Produce Safety Rule and your target compliance dates, complete this self-guided decision tool provided by the University of Idaho https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8D1ucSlEeq749AF.

FSMA Training:
The Produce Safety Rule requires that one representative from each covered farm receive training accredited by the FDA. Currently, Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) trainings are the only standardized national training program approved by FDA.

The first grower training classes in the PNW are coming up in November:
Nov 7 - Medford, OR
Nov 7 - Idaho Falls, ID
Nov 9 - Twin Falls, ID
Nov 13 - Aurora, OR
Nov 14 - Hermiston, OR
Nov 14 - Caldwell, ID
Nov 15 - Caldwell, ID
Nov 15 - Hood River, OR
Nov 16 - Payette, ID

Produce Safety Alliance information, including comprehensive list of training classes and how to register:
https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/food-safety-modernization-act or visit the individual states' websites listed below.

These are national standards, so trainings can be done in either Oregon, Idaho, Washington, or anywhere else.

Oregon information: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/agriculture/Pages/FSMA.aspx.

Idaho information: http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/food-safety-for-produce-growers.

Washington FSMA information: https://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/ProduceSafety/

Please check the full schedule of classes in Idaho at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/university-of-idaho-extension-produce-safety-14547809781

Produce Safety Alliance information, including comprehensive list of training classes:
https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/food-safety-modernization-act

Now accepting applications for 2018 Master Gardener Volunteer Training.

All Crops    All Locations

Master Gardener Volunteers Needed!!!!

Posted on: October 4, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

If you are interested in sharing research based information to help Idaho gardeners successfully and sustainably grow, The Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer program is for you!
Our volunteers share research based gardening information in a variety of ways. From speakers bureau's to school gardens, we are in need of volunteers who have a passion for helping people grow!
Training begins January 17th and runs for 16 weeks and is the equivalent to a three credit college course.

You will be learn about:
Agronomy and soil science
Botany
Phytopathology
Entomology
Weed science
Disease diagnostics
Integrated Pest Management
Turf management
Arboriculture
Fruit and vegetable production
Sustainable Landscape design and management.
Cost includes a background check, all books and supplies for the class, a soil test, t-shirt.
Upon completion of the 40 hour classroom training, volunteers are required to complete 40 hours of approved education in the community.
Space is limited, so please apply early.
Those working in the green industries are invited to apply without the volunteer requirement. Call 208-459-6003 for more information.

Now taking orders for the Seedlings for Conservation program!

All Crops    All Locations

Conservation

Posted on: October 4, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

We are now taking orders for the #SeedlingsForConservation program. We *strongly* recommend you order early as popular varieties sell out quickly. See the attached order form for pricing and lot information. For more information, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Canyon County at 208-459-6003.

Unusable pesticide disposal

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 1, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture is announcing their fall schedule for collecting unusable pesticides. Click on the pdf below for more information.

No Late Blight in Potatoes yet in 2017

All Crops    All Locations

Late Blight

Posted on: August 20, 2017 by Kasia Duellman Kinzer

No confirmed reports of late blight in Idaho as of August 17, 2017 – But
Don’t let your guard down

We have received no confirmed reports of late blight on potatoes in Idaho as
of August 18, 2017. However, it’s important that we don’t let our guard
down. Over the years, when outbreaks do occur in Idaho they tend to come at
this time of the year when the nights are getting longer and dew and
humidity lingers in the canopy later into the morning. The appearance of
late blight this time of year puts tubers at greater risk of infection, and
as long as plants have green tissue, diligent monitoring for this disease
should continue.

Late blight has been reported in the Columbia Basin in Washington, but there
have been no reports of late blight in Oregon.

The strain of the late blight pathogen (Phytophthora infestans) that is
prevalent in Idaho, US-23, can infect tomatoes as easily as it infects
potatoes. With the recent cool wet weather we have experienced in south
eastern Idaho, growers who have potato fields near housing subdivisions
should consider scouting for symptoms of late blight in low lying areas or
areas which stay wet longer next to the subdivisions, since late blight may
spread from garden tomatoes to surrounding potato fields. Timely diagnosis
of late bight is vital for successful management of this disease.

If you happen to grow tomatoes, it’s critically important to monitor your
garden tomatoes, too. We encourage samples of potato or tomato suspected to
be infected with late blight to be sent to University personnel for
confirmation.
If you think that you have late blight in your potato field or garden
tomatoes, please submit a sample to the University of Idaho for
confirmation. For southwestern Idaho (and Malheur Co. Oregon), contact
University of Idaho personnel at the Parma Research and Extension Center at
208-722-6701; for south central Idaho, contact the Kimberly Research and
Extension Center at (208) 423-4691; and for southeastern Idaho, contact the
Idaho Falls Research and Extension Center at (208) 529-8376 or the Aberdeen
Research and Extension Center at (208) 397-4181.

This information provided by Drs. Kasia Duellman and Phillip Wharton, University of Idaho

Contaminated Azadirachtin Organic Insecticides - Recall Notice

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 18, 2017 by Ronda Hirnyck

University of Arizona Extension Faculty put together the attached IPM Short on the topic of contaminated organic insecticide products with the active ingredient azadirachtin, some of which are subject to a national voluntary recall. Please share this information with growers, PCAs, distributors, Master Gardeners, or others who may use or have an interest in these products. Please share with you Master Gardeners also.

Click on the pdf below for more information.

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 22

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 9, 2017 by Janet Jones

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 22

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day!

Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR
in the field off Onion Avenue under the canopy.

Date: Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Registration starts at 9:00am with donuts and refreshments.

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

Click on the PDF below for the Flyer.

Please RSVP for lunch or if you need more information call Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

2017 Summer Farm Festival and Malheur Experiment Station Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 10, 2017 by Janet Jones

Wednesday July 12, 2017

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration - All events and tours are open to the public

8:30 AM—9:30 AM
Tour A. Drone demonstration

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
Tour B. Onion and potato drip irrigation tour. We will show case a study evaluating the response of multiple onion cultivars to the recently registered method of applying Outlook (dimethenamid-p) through drip irrigation. Evaluation of drip irrigation and comparison to sprinkler irrigation for potato in an attempt to lower the comparative cost of drip irrigation. Latest work on internal rot in onion.

10:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Tour C. Onions, Spuds, and More. Control of onion thrips. Control of potato psyllids. Weed control for onions, potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes.

Tour D. Alternative Crops
This tour will highlight quinoa and wildflower seed production.

Tour E. Tour for youth. Wildlife, Solar Eclipse, Water, Soils, and Drones! A fun tour designed to educate young people about sage grouse, animal tracking and capture, the solar eclipse, the importance of water and soils, and modern drones.

12:00 Free Lunch
12:20 PM Update on GMO Creeping Bentgrass, Danielle Posch
12:30 PM Honoring our community members

Malheur Experiment Station Field Day July 12

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 29, 2017 by Janet Jones

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Summer Farm Festival and Annual Field Day!

Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR

Date: Wednesday July 12, 2017

Registration starts at 8:00am with coffee and donuts

Click on the PDF below for the tour descriptions and schedule.

Also featured:
- Agricultural trade show booths!
- Events and contests with prizes!

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

Please RSVP for lunch or if you need more information call Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

Thrips

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Thrips

Posted on: June 16, 2017 by Dian Roberson

We have confirmed thrips on grapes and many other landscape ornamentals.Thrips are very tiny, skinny, insects, less than 0.05 inch long. Color varies from reddish-yellow to mid-dark brown. Thrips have rasping mouthparts and damage plants by sucking out the contents of plant cells and depositing tiny specks of honeydew. Damaged leaves look bleached and/or silvered and speckled with shiny "tar-spot" excreted by thrips during feeding. They can damage flower buds, opened flowers, leaf buds and leaves.

National Pollinator Week!

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 16, 2017 by Dian Roberson

Join us for a week full of fun events in Canyon County!

Saturday, June 17 – Kick off the week at the Nampa Farmers Market 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Kids of all ages can get free flower seeds to attract pollinators!

Monday, June 19 - Join us at 1904 E Chicago Ave from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Rich Guggenheim will talk about Pollinator Gardens.

Tuesday, June 20 - Backyard Honey Bees 7:00 – 9:00 pm. 1904 E Chicago Ave in Caldwell. 208-459-6003.

Wednesday, June 21 –Caldwell Farmers Market 3:00 – 7:00 pm kid’s activities and information about attracting pollinators. 4:30 City of Caldwell Pollinator Proclamation!

Thursday, June 22 –Nampa Library 1:00 – 3:00 pm Pollinators all a Buzz!! Create a flower seed bomb.

Friday, June 23 –West Park in Nampa with Canyon County Master Gardeners make insect hotels. Construct and take home a mini bee board. We will dedicate our Bee-Inn 7-9 PM

Saturday, June 24 – Join us at 9 AM for the Grand Finale at the Northern Lights Theatre in Nampa for a showing of Disney’s “Wings of Life!” Contact Northern Lights Theatre for ticket information. 208- 475-2999

U of Idaho Parma Field Day - 2017

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

This is a reminder that the University of Idaho Parma R and E Center will be hosting a Field Day on the morning of June 21, 2017. Stop by and visit with our faculty and staff about our 2017 research projects, see our facility and have lunch and refreshments with us. Please RSVP by calling 722-6701 or emailing laphillips@uidaho.edu to let them know you plan to attend. Idaho Pesticide Applicator Recertification and CCA credits will be issued. For additional information visit our web site, http://www.uidaho.edu/cals/parma-research-and-extension-center , or click on the pdf below.

Cereal Field Days - Schedule for Southern / Eastern Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Pests and Varieties of Wheat and Barley

Posted on: June 12, 2017 by Juliet Marshall

Attached is the schedule for the Southern / Eastern Idaho Cereal-related Field Days hosted by the UI Extension and Agricultural Experiment Stations.

Lygus Bug emergence in Alfalfa Seed

All Crops    All Locations

Lygus bug

Posted on: May 25, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated 257 degree days between January 1, 2017 and May 23, 2017. This is 18 days behind compared to this date in 2016 and 12 days behind the 30-year average. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur about May 26.

When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays probably should treat before or just as 4th instar nymphs are detected. We will plan to put out another alert as we approach 272 degree days in Parma. You can follow the degree accumulation yourself by using the web link at the bottom of this announcement. If all works correctly the location will be set to Parma and the correct model already will be listed. You can adjust the location and other information using the instructions below:

1) Select the location nearest you by selecting the appropriate pin in the map at the top of the page. The above data are for the Parma location. Results likely will vary depending on the location selected.

2) Select “insects” in the category drop down box under the map, then select the “Lygus bug [alfalfa seed] Ben Simko 2000” model from the “Select model” link to the right of the Model box. It should be model 61 in the list.

3) The predicted date for the 275 degree day accumulation for peak 1st and 2nd instar lygus nymphs will be listed in the “DDs Event” text box. You also can view the full model output by selecting the button labeled “Click here to CALC/ RUN model w/daily output”

Thanks for Dr. JIm Barbour for providing this information.

Potato Sustainability Audit Manual

All Crops    All Locations

None

Posted on: May 24, 2017 by Nora Olsen

Manual and resources now available to help navigate the Potato Sustainability Initiative (PSI) survey and audit

Announcements recently went out on whether you will be audited in person for your 2016 responses to the Potato Sustainability Initiative (PSI) survey. Most process growers are requested to participate in the PSI sustainability survey and approximately 20% of the growers who completed the survey will be audited each year. The audit involves an interview between the grower and auditor with specific questions and an inspection of documents. A manual has been developed to help growers to methodically and successfully gather required documents for the audit, with examples of standard operating procedures, and resources to help answer interview questions. The manual is posted at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes. Changes to this manual will be done periodically to adjust for changes to the PSI survey. The manual was developed by IACI, University of Idaho, and Washington State University with funding from the NW Potato Research Consortium.

sugarbeet root maggot 2017

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https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/agronomic/sugar-beet/sugar-beet-sugar-beet-root-maggot

Posted on: May 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The degree day calculator (hosted by the Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University; http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.us) for the sugar beet root maggot fly shows that—depending on your location in the Treasure Valley—we have accumulated nearly 360 growing degree days since January 1, 2017. Peak flight of root maggot flies should occur after 360 accumulated growing degree days when the maximum high temperature exceeds 80 degrees F. In the Treasure Valley this will be very soon.

Root maggot flies will lay eggs near sugarbeet plants. After the larvae hatch they will begin feeding on the young sugarbeets. Look for these pests to appear in the western end of the Treasure Valley first. If you haven’t applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggot, now is the time to do so. The link below from the 2017 PNW Insect Management handbook contains additional information. Visit with your field consultant from AMSCO for treatment options.

Lygus Bug in Alfalfa Seed, 2017

All Crops    All Locations

Lygus Bug

Posted on: May 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated 201 degree days between January 1, 2017 and May 15, 2017. This is 17 days behind compared to this date in 2016 and 10 days ahead of the 30-year average. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur about May 25.

When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays probably should treat before 4th instar nymphs are detected. We will plan to put out another alert as we approach 272 degree days in Parma.

Below are the instructions for using the degree day calculator.

1) Select the location nearest you by selecting the appropriate pin in the map at the top of the page. The above data are for the Parma location. Results likely will vary depending on the location selected.

2) Select “insects” in the category drop down box under the map, then select the “Lygus bug [alfalfa seed] Ben Simko 2000” model from the “Select model” link to the right of the Model box. It should be model 61 in the list.

3) The predicted date for the 275 degree day accumulation for peak 1st and 2nd instar lygus nymphs will be listed in the “DDs Event” text box. You also can view the full model output by selecting the button labeled “Click here to CALC/ RUN model w/daily output”

Fire Blight (Erwinia sp.)

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 8, 2017 by Dian Roberson

Conditions have been in the extreme category over the last week for fire blight. This bacterial infection can attack anything in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is especially destructive to apples (Malus spp.), pears (Pyrus spp.), and crabapples (Malus spp.). There is no cure for fire blight. Prevention is the best solution. Purchase resistant varieties, minimize rapid growth and succulent tissue, prune out blighted twigs and cankered branches. Check out the publications and websites below for more information.

Diseases in Cereals - Stripe Rust confirmed in western Idaho

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Stripe rust in wheat

Posted on: April 24, 2017 by Juliet Marshall

Stripe rust on volunteer wheat was found by an observant colleague in western Idaho near Parma. Lower leaves are seen with stripe rust indicating it is likely that it overwintered. I will be receiving the sample and checking to be sure that it is wheat. Please scout fields of susceptible varieties in all areas of southern Idaho. So far, we have not seen stripe rust in our variety trial plots in Brundage, known to be very susceptible to stripe rust. Our plots were not planted early, and could have possibly missed an early fall infection. The current weather is very conducive for spread and infection.
Please report stripe rust to your local Extension county educator, specialist or to Juliet Marshall so we can track the progress and warn producers to promote timely fungicide application.

Bur Buttercup

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Bur Buttercup

Posted on: April 20, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Chemical control of Bur Buttercup (Ceratocephala testiculata) can be effective when weeds are extremely young. Mowing and burning is an effective cultural control as is hand pulling. The weed is now beginning to reach flowering and has entered the reproductive state. Bur Buttercup is also toxic to livestock. Always follow label instructions. Rotating pesticide mode of action can reduce the occurrence of pesticide resistance.

Cull Onion Disposal 2017

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Onion root maggot

Posted on: February 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho has extended the deadline to dispose of cull onions from March 15 to April 15. The link below from KTVB has more information.

Zinc Phosphide Training for Belding Ground Squirrel Control - Feb 22

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 2, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

For producers raising hay, such as alfalfa, grass, mixed alfalfa/grass and permanent or seasonal pasture, in MALHEUR, HARNEY, LLAKE, BAKER, CROOK, DESCHUTES and KLAMATH Counties with Belding Ground Squirrel issues, Zinc Phosphide is a treatment option. A training session will be held in Ontario on February 22 to discuss the Restricted Use 24(c) pesticide label for Zinc Phosphide. This will be held from 12:30-2:30 pm at the Four Rivers Cultural Center 676 SW 5th AVE Ontario, OR 97914. This is at the conclusion of our Malheur County Pest Management Short Course.

An applicators license and this training are mandatory for producers who wish to purchase and use product. Laurie Gordon from the Oregon Department of Agriculture will be providing this instruction.

There is no cost to attend but give us a call 541-881-1417 to RSVP and we will have enough copies of the materials to be handed out. This annually-required training will be effective for the 2017 growing season. Two pesticide credits will be available for applicators who have not taken this class already in 2017.

Farm Storage Facility Loans

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 25, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Farm Storage Facility Loans
• Producers may obtain low-interest loans to replace storage facilities damaged by this winter's weather. This could apply to roof collapses of storage facilities but the facility must be producer owned. This means the farmer who grew the crop must also be storing the crop. Loan does not apply if a farmer is storing crops of someone else. A producer may borrow up to $500,000 per loan, with a minimum down payment of 15 percent. Loan terms are up to 12 years, depending on the amount of the loan. Producers must demonstrate storage needs based on three years of production history.

• FSA also provides a microloan option that, while available to all eligible farmers and ranchers, also should be of particular interest to new or small producers where there is a need for financing options for loans up to $50,000 at a lower down payment with reduced documentation. The interest rate changes every month but averages at 2 to 3 percent.

• See fact sheet for more details: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2016/2016_farm_storage_facility_loans.pdf

• Please contact your local FSA office for additional information.

Pesticide Stewardship Conference

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Posted on: December 20, 2016 by Jeff Miller

UI Extension and ISDA are hosting a Pesticide Stewardship Conference on February 1-2, 2017 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. The conference begins at 11:30 am on February 1. Check-in begins at 10:30.
Registration is online through the University of Idaho (see attached link).

Please see the attached flyer for details. The plan is to offer 10 pesticide recertification credits. Dr. Bob Wolf, the national expert on pesticide drift and technology, will be presenting several times during the conference.

2016 Annual Survey Gift Cards

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Posted on: December 19, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Thanks to everyone that completed the 2016 Pest Alert Evaluation Survey. The winners of the $75 gift cards to the Texas Roadhouse are: Nate McBride, Kyle Carpenter and Paul Rasgorshek. Gift cards will be emailed to you.

PAT Recertification Training and TV Irrigation Conference

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 28, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

I just want to remind everyone about two events next week in Canyon County. The University of Idaho Extension, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University Extension Service and industry sponsors are collaborating to conduct two educational events next week. A Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training and the Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference will be held on December 14 and 15. Click on the files below for more information. There is a new file attached that shows the agendas for the day. See you next week!

Pesticide Applicator Seminar

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Posted on: November 23, 2016 by Lance Ellis

A Pesticide Applicator Seminar will be held December 9, 2016 from 8:00 am to 12: 15 pm at the Fremont County Extension Office. No fee will be charged for this seminar. Four ISDA Pesticide Recertification credits are available. The topics to be covered are outlined in the attached flier. Contact Lance Ellis at at (208) 624-3102 or at ellis@uidaho.edu for more information.

Pesticide Recertification Class in Malheur County

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 18, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

The Malheur County Extension Office will be holding its annual pesticide credit recertification meeting on December 9, 2016. We will run from 8am to noon and pre-registration is preferred. Give us a call and talk to Bobbi at 541-881-1417. The room can fill up sometimes so do not delay and make sure you get a spot. Four Oregon Core credit hours will be available. This class will also count for four Idaho pesticide applicator credits. Course cost is $10.

2016 Idaho Association of Plant Protection

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 24, 2016 by Jeff Miller

The finalized program for the 2016 Idaho Association of Plant Protection meeting is now available. The meeting will be Wednesday and Thursday November 2-3 at the Sawtooth Best Western in Jerome. Lunch will be provided before the meeting on Wednesday. CCA and ISDA credits will be available both days. Cost of attending in $15 regardless of whether you attend both days or only one.

ISDA ANNOUNCES WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD TRAINING FOR AG OPERATORS

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 12, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

ISDA is conducting a series of workshops where you can learn about the upcoming changes to the Worker Protection Standard. Click on the pdf below for more information about the dates and locations.

Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass Identification Workshop

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: October 2, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

Scotts Co. will be hosting an identification class for Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass (GTCB) at the Malheur County Extension Office on October 10th @ 1:00pm. This will be an opportunity to learn more about GTCB and how to identify it. Check out the flier for the details.

ISDA ANNOUNCES FALL SCHEDULE FOR UNUSABLE PESTICIDE DISPOSAL

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 22, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the file below for information about the ISDA Unusable Pesticide Disposal Program that will be taking place next week in the Twin Falls, Gooding and Nampa areas.

Canyon & Owyhee County Conservation District Tour

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 9, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

An opportunity to learn more about no-till planting, cover crops as forage, and free range chickens (wait, chickens?) are but a few of the topics available to interested folks on a tour being offered on September 22nd. This free tour is sponsored by the Canyon and Owyhee Conservation Districts, NRCS and the Lower Boise Watershed Council and will originate from the USDA office in Marsing @ 9:00AM sharp. Local farmers will be showing their work on the aforementioned topics and how they pertain to improving water quality and soil health. It promises to be a good time and they will feed you lunch at the tour conclusion for free! The gang does ask that you RSVP to Lori @ 208-454-8684 x126 by September 19th. Check out the attached flier.

Black Bean Aphid in Sugarbeets 2016

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Black Bean Aphid

Posted on: July 7, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Staff are reporting the Black bean aphids have been found in the Dry Lake Area of Canyon County. In 2015, UI Extension Entomologist Dr. Erik Wenninger posted this information about black bean aphids. The black bean aphid is a dark-bodied aphid, about 1/16 inch long; individuals may be winged or wingless. Aphids may be found on the young leaves within the crown of sugar beets. Infestations usually occur as scattered hot spots or along edges rather than uniformly across the entire field. Colonies can produce massive amounts of honeydew, which causes a black, sooty mold to cover the leaves.

There are no formal economic thresholds for insecticide treatment decisions for bean aphids, but treatment should be considered if fields are under heavy pressure. When scouting a field, it is important to sample plants in several representative areas across a field, because infestations may be patchy. Also, several predators (notably, lady beetles) and parasites attack bean aphids and may effectively suppress aphid populations. Therefore, it is advisable to assess natural enemy populations when making a decision on whether to apply insecticides. In addition to sugar beets, black bean aphids may be found in other crops, including beans and corn.

You may be able to tank mix insecticides for black bean aphid with fungicides used for powdery mildew. Make sure to read and follow the label and contact your Field Consultant from AMSCO for more treatment options.

For current information on registered insecticides, consult the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook by clicking on the link below.

Summer Farm Festival at the Malheur Experiment Station

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 5, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

Everybody is invited to come an check out the annual Farm Festival and Field Day on July 13 at the Malheur Experiment Station just outside Ontario. There is a wide variety of tours and speakers that will provide something of interest for all. There will even be activities for youth and lunch at noon. Check out the attachment for more information. It will be a good time!

VACANT POSITION - Agricultural Technician at University of Idaho, PARMA

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 30, 2016 by Olga Walsh

VACANT POSITION - Agricultural Technician at University of Idaho, PARMA RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER - QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY HERE:
https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/14563
The Agricultural Technician will provide technical support to the PI and to the Research Technician as part of the cropping systems agronomy research and extension program by assisting in field and greenhouse experiments focused on plant nutrition, fertilizer and water use efficiency.

VACANT POSITION - Research Technician at University of Idaho, Parma ID

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Posted on: June 28, 2016 by Olga Walsh

VACANT POSITION - Research Technician at University of Idaho, PARMA RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER - QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY HERE:
http://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/14422.
The Research Technician will provide assistance to the PI as part of the cropping systems agronomy research and extension program, and will conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments focused on plant nutrition, fertilizer and water use efficiency.

UI Parma + OSU Malheur Co FIELD DAY

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2016 by Olga Walsh and Bill Buhrig

2016 Cropping Systems
Field Day

Oregon State University University of Idaho

Location: Parma Research & Extension Center
29603 U of I Lane Parma, ID 83660

Date/time: June 20, 2016 8:30 am noon to 1 pm

8:30 – 8:55 Registration, Modular Building
Travel to D3
9:00 – 9:15 Drip irrigation in potatoes Galen Mooso, J.R. Simplot Company
Travel to C1
9:25 – 9:35 Corn nitrogen fertilizer guidelines Olga Walsh, UI
C1
9:35: 10:05 UAV (drone) demo Craig Thompson, Kristin Swoboda, Take Flight UAS, LLC
Travel to M7
10:10 – 10:25 Spring wheat: nitrogen and water, micronutrients Olga Walsh, UI
Travel to M2
10:35 – 10:50 Winter wheat seed treatments Olga Walsh, UI
M2
10:50 – 11:10 Winter cereals nursery Mike Flowers, OSU
Travel to E1
11:20 – 11:35 Winter wheat nitrogen and phosphorus Olga Walsh, UI
E1
11:35 – 11:55 Spring cereals nursery Jianli Chen, Olga Walsh, UI
E1
11:50 - 12:00 Crop disease update James Woodhall, UI
Travel to Modular Building
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch, indoor presentation, prize draw

Contact information:

IDAHO: Olga Walsh, Cropping Systems Agronomist, Southwest Idaho Research & Extension Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, ID 83660, (208)722-6701, ext. 218.; owalsh@uidaho.edu; Twitter: @IDCrops, Web: ID Crops & Soils

OREGON: William Buhrig, Crop Agent, OSU Malheur County Extension, 710 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, OR 97914, william.buhrig@oregonstate.edu; O: 541-881-1417 x 106

New University of Idaho Extension Publication - Planting Dates for Wheat

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2016 by Olga Walsh and Bradford Brown

Appropriate planting dates help to maximize grain yields and quality. Planting date can influence susceptibility to insect pests, diseases, drought, lodging, and inclement harvest conditions. It can affect variety performance and selection, water management, and other aspects of wheat management.
The focus of this publication will be on planting dates for southwestern (SW) Idaho although much of the information will be pertinent to other areas. Planting dates have been a research focus in SW Idaho for three decades, in part because the cropping system is diverse and the planting date window is so long. Research has dealt primarily with the effects of late plantings.
http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/BUL/BUL906.pdf

Cereal Field Days in southern Idaho from the University of Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 16, 2016 by Juliet Marshall

There will be several field days hosted by the University of Idaho in the upcoming weeks. Information on varieties, diseases, insects and cropping systems will be available with several of our Cereals faculty available for discussion. We hope to see you there!

Stripe rust in wheat and barley q

All Crops    All Locations

stripe rust

Posted on: June 16, 2016 by Juliet Marshall

Susceptible varieties of spring wheat are showing high levels of infection from stripe rust if they are not protected by fungicides. High levels are showing in Klasic, for example, from the Aberdeen area through Idaho Falls.

Some formerly resistant varieties are showing low levels of stripe rust as well. There is heavy disease pressure in southeast Idaho. As spring wheat is starting to head, please be aware that strobilurin fungicides should not be used to control stripe rust due to the potential for increased DON levels from Fusarium head blight. Choose a fungicide that will be effective for both stripe rust control and FHB suppression and if possible, target application window for FHB suppression especially for hard white spring wheat.

Read and follow all label directions.


Stripe rust is also being found in winter and spring barley. We are not recommending fungicide applications for stripe rust in barley at this time, but similar to wheat, fungicide applications to suppress FHB will also protect against stripe rust infection. In general, six row barleys are more susceptible than two row barleys.

Pacific Northwest 2016 IPM Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 10, 2016 by Pam Hutchinson

Pacific Northwest 2016 IPM Workshop
*IPM Train-the-Trainer Working Group*
WHAT: A 2 1/2 day short course designed to train ag professionals, crop consultants, and university extension and research faculty at all experience levels on identification, management and control of insects, diseases, and weeds as well as need-to-know pest management tactics.
This hands-on learning experience will include field sampling and identification of major pests in the area plus creation of a mounted insect collection and weeds preserved in plant presses for your very own, take-home, information transfer/educational display.
WHEN: June 27-29, 2016.
WHERE: University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center
1693 S. 200 W.
Aberdeen, ID 83210
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERTISE IN MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES!

· Enrollment is limited to 20 individuals at each site.
· There is a charge of $125 for the course. All handouts, most materials, equipment and supplies will be furnished.
· Webinars will be available before the class. USA experts will be presenting relevant material online.

INSTRUCTORS: Pamela Hutchinson, U of I Weed Specialist
Stuart Reitz, OSU Extension
Silvia Rondon, OSU Extension Entomologist Specialist
Steve Van Vleet, WSU Extension Specialist

If interested, please contact Pamela Hutchinson
Email: phutch@uidaho.edu
Phone 208-681-1304 or 397-4181

Funding for this course was provided in part by WSARE

Iris Yellow Spot Virus detected in Onions

All Crops    All Locations

Iris yellow spot virus / onion thrips

Posted on: June 4, 2016 by Stuart Reitz

Iris yellow spot virus was detected this week in Malheur County and Payette County.

The early appearance of virus points out the need for onion growers to be vigilant in their thrips control programs.

In addition to thrips management, minimize stress on onion plants by making sure fields are maintained at an adequate but not excessive fertility level, and that the soil moisture is kept at about the 20 centibar level. This will help reduce the severity of virus symptoms.

Please contact Stuart Reitz at Malheur County Extension (541-881-1417 / stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu) if you have questions about your onion fields or would like assistance with virus diagnosis.

Malheur Experiment Station Weed Research Tour on June 9th

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 31, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

The Malheur stop of the Snake River Weed Research Tour will be in Ontario, OR on June 9th starting @ 8AM at the Experiment Station. Please see the attachment for more information. This is free to the public and pesticide recertification credits are going to be available. There will even be lunch!

“Heads up” for Volunteer Potato Control in other crops.

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 26, 2016 by Phillip Wharton

With the very mild winter weather conditions this year a lot of volunteer potatoes survived over winter. Growers are now seeing a lot of problems with volunteer potatoes in other crops such as corn, sugar beet, wheat and onions. Volunteer potatoes can be very hard to eliminate if the correct control measures are not taken at the most appropriate time. The potato tuber initiation stage has been shown to be the best time for herbicide application in order to kill the volunteer potato plant, prevent re-sprouting, and prevent tuber production. Attached, Dr. Pamela Hutchinson, Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist, has put together a great article on methods for controlling volunteer potatoes in other crops.

Clarification on “New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho”

All Crops    All Locations

late blight

Posted on: May 25, 2016 by Phillip Wharton

A point of clarification on the announcement that a “New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho”: Late blight has NOT been found in Idaho this year yet in either tomatoes or potatoes. The strain of late blight referred to in the announcement is not new as it has been found in tomatoes and potatoes in 2013, 2014 and 2015, with a widespread outbreak in potatoes throughout SE Idaho last year. The purpose of the leaflet linked to in the previous announcement is to make home owner’s and growers aware of the potential threat of tomato late blight in home owners tomatoes to commercial potato fields. This is because the risk of an outbreak of late blight in potatoes this year is high due to the current cool wet weather and the potential that the late blight pathogen was able to over winter in volunteer potatoes due to the very mild winter conditions. For more information see http://bit.ly/1XSWHsS

Update of potato psyllid monitoring in Idaho - 20 May 2016

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllids

Posted on: May 20, 2016 by Erik Wenninger

This week we collected our first sticky cards of the season from potato fields. No potato psyllids were found in potato fields this week. Sticky cards had been deployed in only 27 of the estimated 96 fields that will be included in the program this year, but quite a few more sites were established this past week.

More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found at the link below.

http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

Paul Castrovillo "First 2016 Western Cherry Fruit Flies Captured in ISDA Monitor Trap"

All Crops    All Locations

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Posted on: May 20, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Now is the time to begin treatment for WCFF.

Four specimens of Western Cherry Fruit Fly (Rhagoletis indifferens) were found in an Idaho State Department of Agriculture WCFF survey trap in Canyon County that was checked on May 16. These were the first specimens captured in 2016. Our traps in Gem County, checked the same day, contained no WCFF, however, historically we expect to find them there about a week after the initial catch in Canyon County.

Please check with your local county extension educator or crop consultant for the situation in your area and for proper chemical recommendations and application methods if necessary.

Wildflower Day is May 12th at the Malheur Experiment Station!

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 2, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

Everyone is invited to attend the Native Wildflower Seed Production Field Day at the Malheur Experiment Station on May 12. Registration starts at 8am and lunch will be served. The flier is attached with more details. It is requested that attendees RSVP so we can get a head count for lunch. Call 541-889-2174 to RSVP or ask any questions you may have. It will be a good time!

Parma/Malheur Cropping Systems Agronomy Field Day - JUNE 20, 8:30 AM

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 25, 2016 by Olga Walsh

Contact information: Olga Walsh (University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center): owalsh@uidaho.edu; Bill Buhrig (Oregon State University, Malheur ES): William.Buhrig@oregonstate.edu

LOCATION: University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, ID, 83660.

Time Activity

8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration

9:00 am – 12 noon Touring the experimental plots/demos

12:00 noon – 1 pm Lunch/indoor presentations


Crops/topics covered: winter & spring wheat, beans, corn, fresh peas/mustard/wheat rotations, nutrient management, water management, weed management, unmanned aerial vehicles, crop sensors. Detailed information will follow shortly.

Please consider to attend/present and spread the word about the field day.

Alfalfa and Cabbage Looper

All Crops    All Locations

Alfalfa Looper

Posted on: April 23, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Alfalfa Looper is being seen throughout the area. They are similar in appearance to Cabbage looper. The major damage caused by larvae and pupae is contamination of the heads of cole crops and processed foods, and defoliation of peas, alfalfa, beans, mint, and spinach.

Dig In Newsletter

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 19, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Check out the Spring edition of the Dig In Newsletter:

May ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 19, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is conducting a pesticide disposal program May 9 at Pickles Butte Landfill. 15500 Missouri Ave, Nampa. May 10 at the ITD Maintenance Yard. 550 Indian Head Rd, Weiser. Collection times are 9 am to 1 PM both days.

FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) Outreach Meeting - April 26

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 18, 2016 by Stuart Reitz

FSMA outreach/informational meeting

Tuesday, April 26, 6-8 p.m.
Clarion Inn, 1249 Tapadera Avenue, Ontario, Oregon

The Idaho State Dept Agriculture (ISDA) will host an informational meeting for growers on the status of the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) rules.

This session will focus on the Produce Safety Rule, which relates to on-farm activities for raw agricultural commodities, and the Preventative Controls for Human Food Rule, which covers food manufacturing.

Onions and tree fruits are examples of commodities that are subject to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

Please plan to attend if you have questions regarding FSMA in relation to your farm or processing facility operation.

RSVP by April 22 to: Candi Fitch, Idaho Fruit and Vegetable Association, Executive Director, at (208) 722-5111, or candif@cableone.net.

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program 2016

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 18, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture is conducting a pesticide disposal program May 9 and 10, at Nampa and Weiser. The pdf below has detailed information.

Frost Advisory

All Crops    All Locations

Frost

Posted on: March 25, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Temperatures are expected to drop into the mid to upper 20s tonight. Protect tender plants.

Freeze can damage fruit buds and young fruit. The level of damage is directly related to cold intensity and duration as well as bud developmental stage. Information on that can be found at
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/pub__5191779.pdf
and
http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07426.pdf

More information on frost protection and season extension can be found below
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/722.html

For more information, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office or visit
http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/

Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass: Meeting with USDA - March 1

All Crops    All Locations

Glyphosate tolerant creeping bentgrass

Posted on: February 23, 2016 by Stuart Reitz

On March 1 from 5-7 pm Sid Abel Assistant Deputy Administrator of USDA APHIS’ Biotechnology Regulatory Services will provide an overview of APHIS’ role in the regulation of glyphosate tolerant creeping bentgrass, information on the recent agreement with the The Scotts Company, and the new petition for deregulation.

The overview will be followed by a Q&A session.

If you have concerns regarding glyphosate tolerant bentgrass, please plan to attend.

The meeting will be at the Malheur County Extension, 710 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, OR 97914. 541-881-1417

Mark your calendar for a Virus Detection Training Workshop June 20, Othello, WA

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 8, 2016 by Nora Olsen

There will be an important Virus Detection Training Workshop on Monday, June 20th, 2016 at the WSU Research Farm, 1471 West Cox Road in Othello, WA. The workshop will cover field identification of PVY (strains O, N-Wi and NTN), including visual identification of foliar symptoms on 40 major cultivars. We will also have samples of different tuber symptoms from PVY, PMTV and TRV. In addition, we will be discussing and demonstrating new diagnostic assays for viruses and soil-borne vectors of some of the viruses. Additional workshops planned for the week include the WSU Commercial Seed Lot Evaluation (Tuesday June 21st) in Othello, the OSU Potato Field Day at the OSU Research and Extension Center, 2121 S. 1st Street, Hermiston, OR (Wednesday June 22nd) and the WSU Potato Field Day in Othello (Thursday June 23rd). Come and make a week of it!

University and USDA experts at the Virus Detection Training Workshop will include Stewart Gray (USDA-ARS/Cornell), Mark Pavek (WSU), Jonathan Whitworth (USDA-ARS/ID), Amy Charkowski (UWI), Alex Karasev (UID) and Nina Zidack (MtSU). The workshop is part of a USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Initiative award titled “Biological and economic impacts of emerging potato tuber necrotic viruses and the development of comprehensive and sustainable management practices”.

The recent standardization of seed certification programs across the U.S. includes the requirement for documentation of inspector training, but this training will also be beneficial to growers, people who rogue, and industry in general, so please sign up early. To register for the event please visit http://bit.ly/wsu-potatovirusworkshop. For more information about the workshop please email pbg-potatovirus@cornell.edu.

Cereal Schools in February - that's next week!

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 26, 2016 by Juliet Marshall

CCA and ISDA Pesticide credits will be available at the University of Idaho's Annual Cereal Schools, Feb 2 - Feb 5th.
Feb 2 in Burley
Feb 3 in Pocatello
Feb 4 in Idaho Falls and Ashton
Feb 6 in Preston

For full details, go to the URL http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho/upcoming-events
to download details of agendas and locations.

Thank you to our lunch sponsors, the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission.

Organic Farming Conference in Caldwell

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 20, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

You are all invited to the upcoming Organic Farming Conference in Caldwell!

The “Holy Grail” of Organics – Reduced Tillage Organic Systems
Thursday, January 28, 2016 5 – 9 pm
Friday, January 29, 2016 8:30 am – 5 pm

Register by Monday, January 25.
Registration and conference details at: http://www.pesticide.org/organic_farming_conference_2016. Just click the attached link!

$60 for full conference
$30 for Thursday evening only
$45 for Friday only

Check out all the attached information and we hope to see you there!

2016 Treasure Valley Bean School

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 14, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

The Treasure Valley Bean School is January 28 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference on December 17th

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 3, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

The Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference is rapidly approaching and attendees can save $10 on the registration by RSVP'ing by December 11th. The conference is on December 17th at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario. Please check out the attachment for more details. The day is packed with great presenters and should be a good time! Hope to see you there!

Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 3, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Extension System is sponsoring Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars across Idaho on December 8,9, and 10. Click on the pdf below for more information. The seminar in Caldwell is December 10 at the Best Western.

EPA cancels registration for Transform (Sulfoxaflor)

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 30, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

On November 12, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a
cancellation order for all previously registered pesticide products containing the active ingredient sulfoxaflor.

Products include:
EPA Reg. No. 62719-623, Closer SC;
EPA Reg. No. 62719-625, Transform WG; and
EPA Reg. No. 62719-676, Xxpire WG.

Sale and Distribution Prohibited: Under the EPA cancellation order, sale of these
products is prohibited beginning November 12, 2015. Dealers/distributors with
remaining inventory of these products after this date should contact the
manufacturer/registrant, Dow AgroSciences LLC, for guidance on handling the unsold products. These products may not legally be given away or sold; they may be
distributed only to facilitate return to the manufacturer or for proper disposal or lawful export.

Use of Cancelled Products Purchased Before November 12, 2015: Growers/End
users who already possess any of these cancelled products may continue to use the
product(s) according to directions on the container labels until those supplies are
exhausted. The exception is use under FIFRA Section 24(c) Special Local Need labels (SLNs). According to EPA, because SLNs are tied to the parent product, all SLNs have also been cancelled.

For the Treasure Valley, Section 24(c) cancellations include:
SLN OR 150010 - for Lygus in Alfalfa Seed
SLN ID-150007 - for Lygus in Alfalfa Seed

Malheur County Core Pesticide Recertification Class

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 23, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Oregon private applicators can meet their core credit needs with this course on December 11th. Cost is $10. Please refer to the link for more information and the registration form. The four credits offered will also apply to Oregon commercial and public applicators and Idaho private and commercial applicators.

2nd Annual Malheur County Organic Seminar

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: November 23, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Please join us as we focus on the transition from conventional to organic production for the 2nd annual Organic Production Seminar in Ontario on December 3rd. Check out the attached flier for more info. This meeting is free to the public and we will feed you lunch. Please RSVP so we can get a headcount for lunch and we will see you then!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Organic 101 Workshop

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 23, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the Organic 101 workshop in Twin Falls on December 3, 2015.

Upcoming Educational Events in the Treasure Valley

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 12, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached are flyers with information about three upcoming educational events; 1) Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training in Caldwell on December 16. 2) Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference in Ontario, OR on Dec 17. and 3) Soil Health Symposium in Ontario, OR on February 18, 2016. Click on the files below for more information.

2015 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 26, 2015 by Trent Taysom

The Idaho Association of Plant Protection will hold the 2015 annual meeting November 4-5 at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn. Please see the attached program for specifics on the presentations. The cost to attend is $15 (cash or check only). Three CCA (PM) and three ISDA credits are available each day. Lunch will be provided both days.

Please contact Erik Wenninger (erikw@uidaho.edu) or Trent Taysom (trent@millerresearch.com) if you have any questions.

Updates on Pesticide Regulations

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 18, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

EPA has released information on new WPS standards and proposed changes to certification standards for pesticide applicators.
*******************************************************************************************************
The EPA  recently announced new rules aimed at strengthening the Worker Protection Standard designed to protect farmworkers from toxic pesticides.  The revisions have not gone in effect yet! The majority of the rule revisions will be effective approximately 14 months after the rule publishes in the Federal Register. This means the changes will probably be in effect in early 2017. This is to allow farmers and states time to adjust to the new requirements.

A table comparing the existing rules with the new versions can be viewed in the accompanying pdf or at: extension.oregonstate.edu/malheur/worker-protection-standard-revisions

*******************************************************************************************************
EPA is also proposing revisions to Certification standards for Private and Commercial Pesticide Applicators. A summary of the proposed changes can be viewed in the accompanying pdf or at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/malheur/proposed-changes-pesticide-applicator-certification-rules.

EPA requests input on these proposed changes. You can submit comments to EPA until November 23, 2015. To comment, please see docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0183 at regulations.gov.

Cereals Alert - Aphids are flying, and stripe rust may be lurking - the down side of a beautiful fall

All Crops    All Locations

Barley Yellow Dwarf and Stripe rust

Posted on: October 9, 2015 by Juliet Marshall

Yes, I know most of the acres of winter wheat and winter barley are already planted. If the grain is up and wasn’t treated with an insecticidal seed treatment, it will be vulnerable to aphid infestation and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus infection. The disease Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD) can cause significant yield loss depending upon the weather.

If planted grain WAS treated with an insecticidal seed treatment, you may still be at risk depending on date of planting. Early planted grain may run out of protection, as seed treatment protection is limited. Please see the attached file for more information!

Be aware! Aphids ARE being found in the newly planted winter wheat! While that may be good news for us in our BYDV insecticide trial and for screening for resistance in new winter wheat varieties, it will not be good news for cereal producers.

And for more information, see the CIS 1210 available online: http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS1210.pdf

Stripe rust infection in fall planted winter wheat was confirmed in Montana by Dr. Mary Burrows (visit http://www.mtagalert.org/ ). That doesn’t mean we have fall infection as well, but it definitely indicates that we have increased risk! The beautiful fall weather allows green bridge material (volunteer grain) to become well established, providing a reservoir for disease (stripe rust especially) and insects (aphids and mites) that transmit BYDV and WSMV.

Pesticide Collection for Malheur County

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: September 22, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Great news for Malheur County! There will be a pesticide collection for unwanted/expired materials on October 23rd at Ontario Sanitary Service. Please see the attached brochure for details and the registration form to fill out. Feel free to just register by your first name. The registration process is just for logistical purposes so we know how much is expected to come in. Give us a call at 541-881-1417 if you have questions. We will be happy to help you scan or fax your stuff in. Tell your neighbors as well. We do not know how often these collections will occur in the future.

Fall Garden Pests Remain Active

All Crops    All Locations

Aphids and Beet Leafminer

Posted on: September 17, 2015 by Ariel Agenbroad

The weather is cooling off, but some insect pests are enjoying a resurgence in the garden.

Watch your fall brassica crops like cabbage, kale and broccoli for new generations of aphids, they are flourishing in the cooler temperatures. Spray any insects off with a stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.

Also watch for leafminer damage in your late season spinach, beets and Swiss Chard. Removing and disposing of any affected leaves is the best strategy at this point in the season. For next year, use a protective row cover to keep the flies off their favorite crops!

For more information on both of these pests, visit the links below.

Idaho State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Disposal Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 17, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture just released their fall 2015 pesticide disposal program schedule for Twin Falls, Gooding and Nampa. Click on the pdf below for more information.

2015 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 20, 2015 by Jeff Miller

This is a call for presentations for the 2015 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection in Jerome, ID at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn and Suites. The meeting will be held Wednesday, November 4 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (registration starts at 12:30) and Thursday, November 5 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Please consider contributing research results, observations, unusual disease occurrences, topics which could be discussed as a group, etc. to the meeting. Each presentation will be allotted a 20 minute time slot. Please let us know if you feel you would need more or less time. A final program will be advertised in early October. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration costs $15.00 and can only be made by check or cash. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) will be available.

Hotel reservations at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn can be made by calling 208-324-9200. Indicate you will be attending the IAPP meetings. Regular rooms are available at the corporate rate of $69.99 + tax, but reservations must be made prior to October 12.

Please reply by email or complete and return the bottom half of the attached sheet. If you are not attending this meeting but would like to be notified of future meetings, please send us your updated contact information. Responses can be sent to either Erik Wenninger at erikw@uidaho.edu or Trent Taysom at trent@millerresearch.com.

Spider Mites

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Spider MItes

Posted on: July 31, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Two-spotted spider mites are being found in bean and mint fields in the Treasure Valley. With the return of very hot weather, spider mite populations may build up rapidly to damaging levels.

Scout bean, mint and other susceptible crops, such as sugar beets, corn, and potato, to determine if action is necessary. For more information on two-spotted spider mites, consult the PNW Insect Handbook at the link below and contact the extension office.

Grape Mealybugs

All Crops    Treasure Valley

grape mealybugs

Posted on: July 30, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Large numbers of male grape mealybugs have been found in two of the pheromone lure traps in the winegrape research vineyard trial plots in Parma between 7/23 and 7/29 . Mealybugs damage grapes by contaminating clusters with cottony egg sacs, larvae, adults, and honeydew. To date, we have not seen any evidence of crawlers, egg sacs or females on any winegrape vines in the vineyard trial plots.

In the winegrape research trial plots we have made 3 pesticide applications for mealybug this season- a late dormant oil, an early season and a July 17 foliar application of Provado (thiacloprid) - so it is likely that we are trapping males from a source outside of the winegrape trial plots. Susceptibility to mealybug damage varies by variety. It is worse on varieties that produce clusters close to the base of the shoot because the fruit often touches old wood. There is also the potential for the grape mealybug to vector leaf roll virus in grapes. For more information on this pest, including photos and management strategies, visit http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/tree-fruit/apple/apple-grape-mealybug and http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r302301811.html.

Grape Mealybugs

All Crops    Treasure Valley

grape mealybugs

Posted on: July 30, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Large numbers of male grape mealybugs have been found in two of the pheromone lure traps in the winegrape research vineyard trial plots in Parma between 7/23 and 7/29 . Mealybugs damage grapes by contaminating clusters with cottony egg sacs, larvae, adults, and honeydew. To date, we have not seen any evidence of crawlers, egg sacs or females on any winegrape vines in the vineyard trial plots.

In the winegrape research trial plots we have made 3 pesticide applications for mealybug this season- a late dormant oil, an early season and a July 17 foliar application of Provado (thiacloprid) - so it is likely that we are trapping males from a source outside of the winegrape trial plots. Susceptibility to mealybug damage varies by variety. It is worse on varieties that produce clusters close to the base of the shoot because the fruit often touches old wood. There is also the potential for the grape mealybug to vector leaf roll virus in grapes. For more information on this pest, including photos and management strategies, visit http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/tree-fruit/apple/apple-grape-mealybug and http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r302301811.html.

Pomology Program Annual Fruit Field Day

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 29, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Friday August 28, 2015; 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center Pomology Orchard and Vineyard site, about 4 miles north of Parma, Idaho. The registration will start at 8:30 am and program will start at 9:00 am (sharp). Click on the pdf below for more details.

Corn Earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 17, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

I checked the corn earworm traps yesterday and did not find any corn earworm adults. Below are the general locations of the traps.

Melba Area
South of Nampa
Middleton Area
Parma Area
Wilder Area
Homedale Area
Pride Lane

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 6, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

I am once again collaborating with Charter Seed Co. and Crookham Seed Co. on a project to trap corn earworm moths. Traps were set out in corn fields at various locations near Melba, Wilder, Homedale, Middleton and Parma. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website.

There are a couple of models that can be used to predict the emergence of the summer generation of corn earworm moths. This is the generation of moths that lay eggs in corn that is silking at the time of their emergence.

One model uses January 1 as a biofix, 55 and 92 as the temperature parameters and predicts the summer moths will appear after 1300 growing degree days (GDD) and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. This model also estimates the eggs will hatch and larvae will begin feeding on corn ears 73 GDD later. According to this model, we will reach 1300 GDD in the Parma area on 7/13 and 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on 7/14. Egg laying in most, if not all, Treasure Valley locations will take place about July 12 through July 15. This is about 10 to 14 days earlier than most years.

The second model simply uses 8/1 as the default date; the date the summer moths will emerge and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. I do not think this model will be of value this year. Moth counts from the traps will be posted next week when they are available.

Corn Earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 6, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

I am once again collaborating with Charter Seed Co. and Crookham Seed Co. on a project to trap corn earworm moths. Traps were set out in corn fields at various locations near Melba, Wilder, Homedale, Middleton and Parma. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website.

There are a couple of models that can be used to predict the emergence of the summer generation of corn earworm moths. This is the generation of moths that lay eggs in corn that is silking at the time of their emergence.

One model uses January 1 as a biofix, 55 and 92 as the temperature parameters and predicts the summer moths will appear after 1300 growing degree days (GDD) and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. This model also estimates the eggs will hatch and larvae will begin feeding on corn ears 73 GDD later. According to this model, we will reach 1300 GDD in the Parma area on 7/13 and 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on 7/14. Egg laying in most, if not all, Treasure Valley locations will take place about July 12 through July 15. This is about 10 to 14 days earlier than most years.

The second model simply uses 8/1 as the default date; the date the summer moths will emerge and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. I do not think this model will be of value this year. Moth counts from the traps will be posted next week when they are available.

Plant Disease Diagnostic Submission Form

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Plant Disease

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.

Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail. Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

Plant Disease Diagnostic Submission Form

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Plant Disease

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.

Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail. Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.
Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail.

Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.
Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail.

Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

powdery mildew in sugarbeets

All Crops    Treasure Valley

powdery mildew

Posted on: June 25, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Powdery mildew has been found by Amalgamated Sugar Company Crop Consultant Howard Binford in a sugarbeet field in the Adrian, Oregon area. There are several fungicides available for use to treat powdery mildew, including sulfur dusts. Depending on the disease pressure, applications with different chemistries should be repeated every 7 to 14 days. Contact your crop consultant from the Amalgamated Sugar Company if you have questions about treatment options.

Click on the link below for the powdery mildew page in the PNW Plant Disease handbook.

powdery mildew in sugarbeets

All Crops    Treasure Valley

powdery mildew

Posted on: June 25, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Powdery mildew has been found by Amalgamated Sugar Company Crop Consultant Howard Binford in a sugarbeet field in the Adrian, Oregon area. There are several fungicides available for use to treat powdery mildew, including sulfur dusts. Depending on the disease pressure, applications with different chemistries should be repeated every 7 to 14 days. Contact your crop consultant from the Amalgamated Sugar Company if you have questions about treatment options.

Click on the link below for the powdery mildew page in the PNW Plant Disease handbook.

Weed tour at Malheur Experiment Station

All Crops    Treasure Valley

weeds

Posted on: June 4, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Weed tour at Malheur Experiment Station on Thursday, June 11, 2015?

Tour Agenda
Pesticide recertification credits for Oregon (2 hrs) and Idaho (3 hrs) will be issued at the conclusion of the tour. This tour is open to the public. Lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour.

8:30 – 8:50 AM Registration

Session One
9:00 –10:00 AM
Studies for yellow nutsedge control in dry bulb onion; by Joel Felix

This session of the tour will involve walking through three studies that are being conducted to evaluate yellow nutsedge control in direct-seeded onion.
Onion studies: Evaluate the use of Dual Magnum, EPTAM, and Ethofumesate plow down after wheat harvest to control yellow nutsedge in fields intended for direct-seeded onion production. Evaluate herbicide combinations for weed control in onion.

Session two
10:15 – 11:15 AM
Evaluation of herbicides for weed control in potato and corn; by Joel Felix

This session will showcase a study to evaluate different herbicides for weed control in potato. The study includes several herbicide combinations being evaluated for weed control in potato. A corn study to evaluate herbicides registered for weed control in field corn will be showcased.

Session three
11:20 – 12:20 PM
Herbicides for weed control in sugar beet and direct-seeded onion; by Joel Felix

Tour participants will visit two studies to evaluate different registered herbicides for weed control in sugar beet. The treatments are designed to control glyphosate resistant kochia in sugar beet. The session will also showcase two studies to evaluate onion response to various herbicides applied prior and after onion emergence.

UI Snake River Pest Management Research Tours

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 2, 2015 by Don Morishita

Please join us for our annual pest management tours coming up on June 23rd at the UI Kimberly R&E Center and June 24th at the UI Aberdeen R&E Center. Registration for both events begins at 8:00 am and the tour will start at 8:30 am. An industry sponsored lunch will be held at noon at both locations. Below is an agenda for each day. Our contact information also is listed below.

UI Snake River Pest Management Research Tours
Kimberly R&E Center, 3806 N. 3600 E., Kimberly, ID- June 23rd
Aberdeen R&E Center, 1693 S 2700 W Aberdeen, ID- June 24th

Registration begins at 8:00 am

UI Snake River Pest Management Research Tour- Kimberly R&E Center, 6/23/15

8:20 to 8:30
Greetings, introductions and announcements

8:30 to 12:00
Turf-
Field bindweed and other weed management in bluegrass turf with herbicides and fertilizer

Sugar beets-
Effect of tillage and fertility rate on insect and weed management in sugar beet
Soil-active herbicides for weed control in direct seed and strip till sugar beet
Evaluation of chloroacetamide and glyphosate tank mixtures for weed control in sugar beet
Insecticide seed treatment leaf miner study
Beet and root Aphid insecticide trial

Potatoes-
Update on weed management in potato
Colorado potato beetle trials-
ISK and Monsanto
General insecticide trial focused on potato psyllids- PNW Potato Research Consortium
Potato psyllid & zebra chip insecticide trial.
Timing and density of psyllid infection on zebra chip development
Wireworm insecticide trial
Silver scurf, phytosanitary tool for export using CIPC
PVY and other emerging viruses
Zebra chip disease in potato.
Potato variety storage research- varieties from the tri-state potato breeding program.

Cereals-
Wheat insect pest management update in small grains and other crops
Comparison of triallate with other wild oat herbicides for wild oat control and crop safety in spring wheat
Comparison of triallate with broadleaf herbicides for weed control and crop safety in spring wheat
Comparison of herbicides for broadleaf weed control and crop safety in spring wheat
Comparing broadleaf and wild oat herbicides in spring wheat

Dry beans-
Dry bean row spacing, plant growth habit and herbicides for season-long weed control
Preplant and postemergence herbicides for weed control in furrow-irrigated dry bean
Time of day effects on Basagran for weed control in dry bean.
Use of adjuvants with Basagran for weed control in dry bean.
Preemergence and postemergence herbicides for weed control in sprinkler-irrigated dry bean

Field corn-
Weed control in field corn with pre- and postemergence herbicides

Alfalfa-
Alfalfa seed coating for disease management and stand establishment.
Vole damage management in alfalfa.

For more information contact Don Morishita (don@uidaho.edu), at 208.423.6616.


Aberdeen R&E Center Weed Tour

UI Snake River Pest Management Research Tour- Kimberly R&E Center, 6/23/15

8:20 to 8:30
Greetings, introductions and announcements

8:30 to 12:00
Weed control in potato with 2- and 3-way tank mixtures,
Potato variety tolerance to herbicides
Eptam formulations rate and timing
Weed control in Litchi tomato (PCN trap crop).
Updates from Juliet Marshall, Phill Wharton, and Arash Rakesh on disease and insect infestations this year
Cropping systems study- Xi Liang

For more information contact Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu), 208.397.4181.

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All Crops    Treasure Valley

this is a test email

Posted on: May 22, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

We are testing the system. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope you have a good weekend!

Idaho Potato psyllid monitoring update

All Crops    Magic Valley

potato psyllid

Posted on: January 6, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

All of the potato fields we have been monitoring have been vine killed. We are still monitoring a few harvested fields and our overwintering sites. In the coming weeks we will put together a summary of the monitoring results from this year.

Detailed results for the “intense” fields, which are monitored with 10 sticky traps, vacuum samples, and leaf samples are here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuZRwfbNUs2YdG15WTNRMkEteHRWRGhpM2ltSXBiR3c#gid=0

Detailed results for the “light” fields, which are monitored with 4 sticky traps are here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuZRwfbNUs2YdGVrX2t2NGs0YzlYYUZaQkNaejhES2c#gid=0

More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found at the link below.

http://extension.uidaho.edu/kimberly/tag/potato-psyllid-and-zebra-chip/

2014 Idaho Association of Plant Pathology

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 22, 2014 by Jeff Miller

The Idaho Association of Plant Protection will be holding its annual meeting at the Jerome Best Western on Wednesday, November 5 from 10:00 until 5:00. Registration begins at 9:30 am. Due to the limited number of presentations, the meeting will only be only one day. Please distribute this announcement to any who might be interested. The cost to attend is $15 payable in cash or check (sorry - credit cards are not accepted). A total of 5 ISDA pesticide recertification credits and 4.5 CCA Pest Management credits are available. Please contact Oliver Neher (oneher@amalsugar.com) or Erik Wenninger (erikw@uidaho.edu) if you have any questions.

Idaho Association of Plant Protection

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 8, 2014 by Jeff Miller

Dear colleagues,

This is a call for papers for the 2014 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection in Jerome, ID at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn and Suites on Wednesday, November 5 at 1:00 pm to Thursday, November 6 at 12:00 p.m.

Please consider contributing research results, observations, unusual disease occurrences, etc. to the meeting. Please do NOT plan a long, formal presentation. Talks will be limited to 15 minutes with 5 minutes of discussion. A final program will be advertised in late October. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration costs $15.00 and can only be made by check or cash. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) will be available.

Hotel reservations at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn can be made by calling 208-324-9200. Indicate you will be attending the IAPP meetings. Regular rooms are available at the corporate rate of $69.99 + tax, but reservations must be made prior to October 21.

Please reply by email or complete and return the bottom half of the attached sheet. If you are not attending this meeting but would like to be notified of future meetings, please send us your updated contact information.

We would appreciated it if you could circulate the attached memorandum to interested individuals and colleagues who are not in this group.

Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing you in November.

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 27, 2014 by Jeff Miller

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture will be conducting its Fall Pesticide Disposal program again this fall. Specific information on places and times is available at the attached link.

Sprout damage in grain

All Crops    All Locations

Rain at Harvest

Posted on: August 19, 2014 by Juliet Marshall

Guidance to Idaho malting barley producers experiencing higher than acceptable sprout damage in their 2014 malting barley crop

Growers are urged to be patient and not panic as they try to complete their 2014 growing season. We recommend producers follow these steps:
1. Follow best management harvesting practices, particularly avoid harvesting lodged barley. Beware that injured by sprout barley is more fragile and more susceptible to skinned and broken kernels.
2. Quickly harvest the remaining grain to prevent growth of molds. Sooty molds will increase off flavors in malt and reduce suitability for feed.
3. Store your barley with good aeration. Grain is stored best if it is cool, dry and clean. The recommended maximum moisture content for storage of clean sound barley during warm summer temperatures is 12%. Barley can be stored at slightly higher moisture content if it is kept cool.
4. Take a good bin sample as your put your barley into storage and work with your malting barley company to have the barley tested for injured by sprout.
5. Be patient and give your malting company time to determine what portion of your crop can be used as malting.
6. Try to avoid dumping your barley as feed at harvest as the commercial feed barley prices have been dropping rapidly.
Your malting companies are going to extraordinary lengths to test Idaho malting barley that has been injured by sprout and to determine how much can be used for malting. They are researching and micro malting samples to determine the highest limit of sprout damage they can take without compromising the malting and brewing process.

It is important to understand why sprout damage poses a risk in the brewing process. Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) or pre-germination impacts the ability of barley to germinate. Problems can range from a slow loss of germinative energy or capacity over time in storage to the complete loss of germination at the time of harvest. Barley used for malting must exhibit vigorous and uniform germination. In malting, pre-harvest sprouted barley can lead to poorly modified malt that is unsuitable for the production of beer. Low extract yields, poor beer stability and off-flavors are just a few of the problems that can result from PHS damaged barley.

Barley kernels remain resistant to sprouting prior to physiological maturity. Some varieties maintain a level of resistance (dormancy) for a significant time after harvest. Certain conditions like heavy rainfall at maturity can reduce this level of resistance to germination.

The bottom line is that barley with sprout damage, even if it germinates well after harvest, can lose germination rapidly in storage. There are no tests that can predict when a sudden drop in germination will occur. Even if a relatively high degree of germination remains in a lot of barley, the germination may be uneven with some kernels germinating much slower than others in that lot resulting in a malt that does not meet brewers minimum specifications for beer production.

Full documents at: http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho

For more information, please contact Kelly Olson, Idaho Barley Commission Boise office 208-334-2090, cell 208-409-9165 or our Idaho Falls satellite office, cell 208-569-6957. Dr. Juliet Marshall, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls, 208-529-8376, cell 208-390-4859.

Farming with Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 14, 2014 by Jennifer Miller

For Immediate Release
August 14, 2014

Contact:
Jennifer Miller, 208-850-6504, Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides

Farming with Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Field Day

The Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides invites farmers interested in increasing pollinator and beneficial insect habitat on their farms to attend a Wednesday, September 3 field day.

Clay and Josie Erskine of Peaceful Belly Farm, located in the Dry Creek Valley north of Boise, will host the field day from 9 am – 12:30 pm.

The Erskines will show how they have incorporated pollinator and beneficial insect habitat on their farm by planting willows in a riparian area, native bunch grasses and clover on farm roads, perennials into a hedgerow, and the management of successive plantings of brassicas to flowering.

Jessa Kay Cruz, senior pollinator conservation specialist with the Xerces Society, will present her work with farmers to establish habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects in irrigated cropping systems. She will cover how to assess existing habitat and identify areas to improve, year-round beneficial insect and pollinator habitat requirements, and certified organic methods of site prep for establishing habitat.

Copies of the Xerces Society’s new book Farming with Native Beneficial Insects: Ecological Pest Control Solutions will be available to review or purchase.

The field day will conclude with a farm lunch and discussion of funding opportunities, including a new microloan program through Farm Service Agency and conservation funding through Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The cost is $15 and pre-registration is required. Register online at www.pesticide.org or contact Jen Miller (jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504) by August 27. Details at www.pesticide.org.

This tour is made possible by support from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant, USDA Risk Management Agency Education partnership funding, and University of Idaho Canyon County. This is an equal opportunity event.

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

earworm

Posted on: July 21, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control,” states that summer CEW moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 growing degree days (GDD). Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later.

According to the Oregon State University GDD model for Corn Earworm (http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?clm), we are currently at 1219 GDD in the Caldwell area and 1327 in the Parma area. We will hit 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on approximately 7/25. Those fields with fresh silk at approximately 1373 GDD are most vulnerable to attack from corn earworm larvae. We will hit 1373 in the Caldwell area about 7/25 and 1373 in the Parma area about 7/23.

The following information was taken from CIS 366 regarding corn earworm.

Corn can be “scouted” for corn earworm eggs to predict possible infestation levels. Examine 10 silk masses (about 2-day old) on each edge of a field but only in those fields which are beginning to silk or are silking. Examining a field in late silk for the first time is worthless; most of the eggs, if any were present, are already hatched, and the damage cannot be prevented.

When the egg counts average 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 100% ear infestation will occur in the field and other fields of like maturity in the vicinity. With 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 1 inch of each ear tip will be damaged; 1 egg per silk mass will result in about 2 inches of the ear tip damage, etc. When the days and nights are warmer than usual, the damage may double because the earworm will develop faster than the corn.

Fields should be scouted about every 2 to 4 days, depending on temperatures. Once economic egg levels are reached, determined on the basis of damage expected, further scouting is unnecessary. All fields which silk after that time in that vicinity will be subject to damage.

No chemical control will control worms in the ears, so sprays must be timed to control the larvae on the silk before the worms enter the ears. Make the first application when the plants are 50 percent silk, and repeat in 5 to 7 days or as necessary.

I am once again collaborating with Charter Seed Company and Crookham Company on a project to trap corn earworm moths at several locations in the Treasure Valley. We set out 7 traps at various locations from near Melba to near Wilder. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website. Purdue University recommends a treatment threshold of 10 moths per trap per night.

For CEW control information from the 2014 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook click on the links below for the type of corn you are growing.

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

earworm

Posted on: July 21, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control,” states that summer CEW moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 growing degree days (GDD). Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later.

According to the Oregon State University GDD model for Corn Earworm (http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?clm), we are currently at 1219 GDD in the Caldwell area and 1327 in the Parma area. We will hit 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on approximately 7/25. Those fields with fresh silk at approximately 1373 GDD are most vulnerable to attack from corn earworm larvae. We will hit 1373 in the Caldwell area about 7/25 and 1373 in the Parma area about 7/23.

The following information was taken from CIS 366 regarding corn earworm.

Corn can be “scouted” for corn earworm eggs to predict possible infestation levels. Examine 10 silk masses (about 2-day old) on each edge of a field but only in those fields which are beginning to silk or are silking. Examining a field in late silk for the first time is worthless; most of the eggs, if any were present, are already hatched, and the damage cannot be prevented.

When the egg counts average 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 100% ear infestation will occur in the field and other fields of like maturity in the vicinity. With 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 1 inch of each ear tip will be damaged; 1 egg per silk mass will result in about 2 inches of the ear tip damage, etc. When the days and nights are warmer than usual, the damage may double because the earworm will develop faster than the corn.

Fields should be scouted about every 2 to 4 days, depending on temperatures. Once economic egg levels are reached, determined on the basis of damage expected, further scouting is unnecessary. All fields which silk after that time in that vicinity will be subject to damage.

No chemical control will control worms in the ears, so sprays must be timed to control the larvae on the silk before the worms enter the ears. Make the first application when the plants are 50 percent silk, and repeat in 5 to 7 days or as necessary.

I am once again collaborating with Charter Seed Company and Crookham Company on a project to trap corn earworm moths at several locations in the Treasure Valley. We set out 7 traps at various locations from near Melba to near Wilder. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website. Purdue University recommends a treatment threshold of 10 moths per trap per night.

For CEW control information from the 2014 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook click on the links below for the type of corn you are growing.

More potato psyllids found in Idaho potato fields

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllids

Posted on: June 6, 2014 by Erik Wenninger

The University of Idaho, in collaboration with Miller Research and several crop consultants across the state initiated a scouting program during the week of May 18 that covers commercial potato fields throughout southern Idaho.

Earlier this week, we reported finding one potato psyllid on a yellow sticky trap in a potato field in Jerome County. In addition, this week on yellow sticky traps we have found a total of six more psyllids across four potato fields located in Malheur (Oregon), Payette, and Canyon Counties.

This week we also collected six psyllids across two bittersweet nightshade sites in Twin Falls County.

All of these psyllids have been sent to the main campus to be tested for liberibacter (Lso), the bacterium that causes zebra chip disease.

The online spreadsheet that shows detailed results of the monitoring efforts and location of fields (by county) will be available very soon.

More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found at the link below.

http://extension.uidaho.edu/kimberly/tag/potato-psyllid-and-zebra-chip/

Webinar on the use of cover crops

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 3, 2014 by Nora Olsen

The American Society of Agronomy is sponsoring a four-part webinar series on the use of cover crops. There is no cost to participate, but enrollment is required at least one hour prior to the start time (11:00 am Mountain Time). The webinar schedule is as follows:

Cover Crops, Soil Health Principals and Maximizing Yields - March 6, 2014

Combining Livestock, Manure and Cover Crops - March 13, 2014

Cover Crops Seed Selection and Planting - March 20, 2014

Cover Crop Management and Termination - March 27, 2014

Each webinar will be conducted by a USDA scientist and a farmer who has experience with the use of cover crops. Full participants in the webinar, who are certified, will automatically receive CEUs. CCAs and CPAgs will receive 1.0 CEU in Soil and Water Management. CPSS and CPSC certificants will receive 1.0 CEU in Professional Meetings.

More information can be found at: https://www.agronomy.org/education/online-courses

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Short Course and Grower’s Own

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 14, 2014 by Jennifer Miller

For Immediate Release
January 14, 2014

Contact:
Jennifer Miller, 208-850-6504, Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Short Course and Grower’s Own Conference Set

Caldwell, ID – Farmers interested in enhancing the free pollination and pest management services of pollinators and beneficial insects are invited to attend a Friday, February 7 short course in Caldwell. The short course will be followed by the fifth annual Grower’s Own Conference, a farmer-to-farmer exchange and networking event, on Friday evening and Saturday, February 8.

The event is presented by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP), Xerces Society, and University of Idaho Extension.

The latest science-based approaches to attracting and conserving beneficial insects will be presented by the Xerces Society, a national leader in pollinator conservation. Participants will learn how to conduct a habitat assessment; methods of incorporating pollinator and beneficial insects habitat around building sites, as annual plantings, or as permanent plantings in buffers and hedgerows; and conservation funding sources to support on-farm habitat installation.

Participants will receive the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation toolkit, including the book, Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting North America’s Bees and Butterflies. The toolkit is valued at $40.

A select number of participants will receive direct support from the Xerces Society and NCAP, following the short course, in conducting an on-farm habitat assessment and developing a habitat planting plan.

The fifth annual Grower’s Own Conference will be held following the short course. Friday evening will kick off the conference with “virtual” farm tours by Fred and Judy Brossy of Ernie’s Organics in Shoshone, Clay and Josie Erskine of Peaceful Belly Farm in Boise, and Karen Evans of Rollingstone Chevre in Parma.

The conference continues on Saturday, February 8 with a session on a new loan program supporting local foods by USDA Farm Service Agency and concurrent group discussions on a variety of topics. Attendees actively participate in the selection of the topics by voting during registration. Some of the topics under consideration include multispecies cover cropping; nuts & bolts of habitat installation; farm expansion considerations; agritourism; high tunnels; mechanical cultivation; farmers market sales strategies; food safety; starting livestock production; and value-added products.

The short course and conference will be held at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho. Registration fees are as follows: Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Short Course is $40; Grower’s Own Conference is $55; Both Short Course & Conference is $80. Pre-registration is required by January 24. Register online at www.pesticide.org or contact Jennifer Miller at jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504.

Funding is provided in part by USDA.

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All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

test

Posted on: November 21, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

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Pesticide MRL Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 8, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached is a flyer for an upcoming Pesticide Maximum Residue Level Workshop. Workshop is December 2, 9 am to 4:30 pm at Hampton Inn in Nampa, Idaho. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Scouting for Armyworms in South East Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

true armyworm

Posted on: October 2, 2013 by Arash Rashed, Juliet Marshall

Scouting for armyworms in South East Idaho
University of Idaho. Pest alert, October 2nd, 2013.
Dr. Arash Rashed, Insect Ecology and Entomology
Dr. Juliet M. Marshall, Cereal Agronomy and Pathology

Very high densities of true armyworms Pseudaletia unipuncta Haworth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were observed in areas of South Eastern Idaho. The armyworm presence was confirmed in at least three fields in Pleasant Valley, following reports of unusual and severe defoliation of volunteer plants in harvested spring wheat (Figure 1). Here is provided some information on identifying armyworms, their lifecycle, and control measures.

What they look like? At this time of year (mid-late September) they could be found in their larval and pupal stages. Like other moth larvae and caterpillars, armyworms possess three pairs of true legs located closer to the head, on the first three segments of the body. There are a series of fleshy legs, or so-called prolegs, on the abdominal (4 pairs) and anal (1 pair) segments. Late instar larvae are approximately 1.5 inches long. Although their body color may vary, a series of orange, black, and brown stripes that run longitudinally along the side of their body is characteristic (Figure 2a). The head is relatively large and brown in color. A closer look at the head would reveal a brownish net-shaped pattern (Figure 2b). The face is characterized with an inverted Y, pale in color (Figure 2b).
Pupae are a shiny red-brown and about an inch long. They can be found just under the soil surface as the last instar (6th) larvae burrow underneath the surface to form a cell and pupate (Figure 3).
Adults are [relatively] heavy bodied moths with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. Moths are characterized with brownish forewings each with a small white spot in the center. Hind wings are mostly light tan to gray in color.

What is their life cycle? Armyworms are not expected to survive harsh winters of the northern states. Adult moths migrate from southern states and arrive sometime in spring (late April-May). Females lay hundreds of small white-ish eggs in clusters on lower leaves of grasses; eggs would hatch within a week or two. Larvae continue to feed on plant tissue for 3-4 weeks. The last instar larvae inflict the greatest damage. They are mostly active during the night and hide in plant debris and soil cracks during the day. We recommend scouting fields starting in late May, at least every two weeks, until harvest (also see ‘how to control’).
Infestations may start in natural grassy vegetation outside fields and/or nearby pastures, where they later move into crops such as corn and small grains (e.gs. wheat, barley, oat, etc.). Damage is primarily through defoliation but in small grains larvae also feed on flag leaves, flowers, and kernels. True armyworms have a strong preference to feed on grasses. However, if starved, they may start consuming hosts such as legumes (alfalfa, beans, etc.) and several other vegetables.
There can be more than one generation in a growing season; the number of generations depends on the environmental conditions. One generation can be completed in about 6-8 weeks, if environmental conditions are suitable.
How to control? Natural enemies often keep numbers low, and thus, outbreaks of armyworms are not common. Armyworms are preyed upon by predatory beetles and are also susceptible to parasitoids and pathogens. Therefore, high densities of armyworm populations are likely to crash on their own. On occasions, however, insecticidal treatments may be needed.
As larvae are exposed while feeding, foliar insecticides can be effective. The presence of 5 worms (and more) per square foot in a small-grain field at planting or early developmental stages requires treatment. Spraying very early in the morning is the most effective since larvae are active in dark and hide during the day. Since infestations are likely to be patchy, insecticide applications could be limited to specific area(s) within a field. In such case, make sure to also cover a good 40 feet-wide border to prevent armyworms from crawling into adjacent non-infested areas and fields.
Armyworms are relatively easy to control chemically, if pesticides are applied in the right time frame of their developmental stages. Most of the time, when the damage is spotted, it is already too late. This is because feeding by the large last-instar larva causes the most significant damage; at this point insecticidal applications would not be economically justified. Thus, effective monitoring is key to a targeted, timely, and subsequently, successful control.
Scout field margins frequently (every two weeks) for larvae presence and signs of defoliation. Disturbing the soil surface would also help to find pupae and larvae. Moth populations can be monitored with light and/or pheromone traps.
As with several other pests and pathogens, controlling grassy weeds and volunteers within and around field edges would help to eliminate food sources post-harvest. In addition, tillage would help to reduce armyworm populations prior to planting winter crops.
At this time of the year, in southeast Idaho, damaged volunteers could be used to spot the presence of high armyworm populations. If leaf damage is observed, search leaf debris and soil for curled up larvae; tillage in combination with sub-freezing winter temperatures are expected to dramatically reduce the remaining larvae and pupae.

For Additional Information See
Armyworm outbreak in Northern New York, Cornell University
Armyworm (Pseudaletia unipunctata Haworth), Insect Fact Sheet, University of Illinois
Armyworms and their control in the field, University of Missouri
Armyworm, University of Florida

Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 11, 2013 by Jeff Miller

The Idaho Association of Plant Protection is holding its annual meeting November 5-6 at the Sawtooth Best Western Inn in Jerome. Please see the attached memorandum for more information. Please feel free to share this invitation with anyone who may be interested.

Those interesting in presenting can fill in the attached form and return it to either Jeff Miller (jeff@millerresearch.com) or Oliver Neher (o.t.neher@gmail.com). Please contact either Jeff or Oliver if you have any additional questions.

Induced Resistance as a Component of Potato Disease Manageme

All Crops    All Locations

Field day

Posted on: August 26, 2013 by Nora Olsen

Induced Resistance as a Component of Potato Disease Management, Plus an Update on Potato Psyllid/Zebra Chip in Idaho

Wednesday, September 4
University of Idaho Aberdeen R&E Center
Tour starts at 10 am (optional afternoon tour of additional trials)

Free lunch provided by Certis
RSVP by Monday, September 2 with jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504

A September 4 field day will feature the use of induced resistance as part of an IPM program for disease management in potatoes. The University of Idaho, Certis and the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides invite growers and crop consultants to attend a tour of trials at the University of Idaho Aberdeen Research & Extension Center.

The field day will feature trials of Bacillus mycoides isolate J (BmJ), a naturally occurring soil bacterium. It was discovered in sugar beets, where it induced the defense response system without causing disease. Since then, BmJ has been shown to induce disease resistance in a variety of crops.

Phill Wharton, University of Idaho plant pathologist, will provide a tour of his potato disease trials. Additional University of Idaho researchers will discus their trials of BmJ for managing Potato Virus Y, as well as provide the latest update on potato psyllid and zebra chip in Idaho.

The tour starts at 10 am. A free lunch will be provided by Certis. RSVP by Monday, September 2 with jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504. The Aberdeen R&E Center is located at 1693 S 2700 W in Aberdeen, Idaho.

Following lunch, Phill Wharton will offer an optional tour of his additional potato disease field trials.

This field day features work supported by the Idaho State Department Agriculture (2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (under number 68-0211-10-030).

various sugarbeet pests

All Crops    All Locations

several insect and disease pests

Posted on: August 20, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

The Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Consultants are reporting that black bean aphids are widespread in sugarbeet fields in the Eden and Hazleton, Idaho area. The infestation is moderate to very high, depending on the location. They appear to be moving from the east end of the Twin Falls district to the west.

In addition, two spotted spider mites are widespread throughout the Treasure Valley and the Twin Falls sugarbeet growing areas. TASCO is recommending Lannate and Lorsban as the chemicals of choice to treat these insects. The pre-harvest interval may be an issue to deal with, depending on when you make the treatment. Make sure to read and follow the label instructions.

Cercospera Leaf Spot has also been found in sugarbeet fields in the Wendell area. This disease does not show up very often and is very localized. TASCO is recommending lengthening the interval between irrigations and either Headline or Inspire XT for the fungicide treatment. Powdery mildew has also been found in the Twin Falls area.

Make sure to scout your fields to assess the level of infestation you may, or may not have with these pests. TASCO stresses you should contact your TASCO Field Consultant if you have any questions.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Meeting

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: August 1, 2013 by Stuart Reitz

There will be a meeting with FDA scientists and administrators and state officials on August 12, 2:30 - 4:30 PM at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, OR.

This meeting will be to discuss agricultural water in the Treasure Valley in relation to the proposed FSMA produce Rules. FDA officials will discuss the process for applying for possible exemptions / variances to the rule standards.

Growers and shippers are encouraged to attend.

Please see the attached flyer for details on reserving a seat for the meeting.

***There is no Registration Fee for this event***

Please call Malheur County Extension (541-881-1417) for information.

Stemphylium blight in Lentils

All Crops    All Locations

Stemphylium blight of lentil

Posted on: July 22, 2013 by Ronda Hirnyck / Todd Scholz, USA Pea and Lentil Council

The Pulse Pipeline posted a Disease Alert about Stemphylium blight of lentil last week. It was based on observations of July 8.
On July 16, Stemphylium was observed in a lentil field planted to 'Morena' south of Garfield, WA. 'Morena' is considered highly susceptible to Stemphylium by researchers from MT and ND.
Many leaflets under the lush canopy were blighted already, and turned black (please see the attached photo) indicating production of spores which can easily spread the disease. The Stemphylium blight will defoliate the leaves.
USDA-ARS in Pullman, WA is recommending an application with Headline fungicide (6 to 9 fl oz/A) if growers of 'Morena' see the blighted leaflets under the canopy. It is known that the spray will not get under the canopy, but it will protect the leaves on top of the canopy.
Only limited data are available on fungicide applications for Stemphylium control.

Organic Farm Tours Offered in July

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 8, 2013 by Nora Olsen

Organic Farm Tours Offered in July

The Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides invites produce growers and those interested in organic production to attend two farm tours in July.

The tours will focus on produce production, organic pest and weed management, wash facilities, and packing sheds at two organic farms in southern Idaho.

•Wednesday, July 17 – Purple Sage Farms, Middleton, ID
Tim and Mike Sommer of Purple Sage Farms focus on greenhouse production of herbs, greens and specialty produce.

•Wednesday, July 31 – Wood River Organics, Bellevue, ID
Judd McMahan of Wood River Organics grows a variety of lettuce and salad greens, as well as carrots, beets, tomatoes and cucumbers.

The tours are a follow-up to the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides’ winter workshop “Direct Marketing & WholeSale Success: Post-harvest Handling & Food Safety for Fresh Produce Growers.” Participating farms will receive a complimentary 312-page color manual, Wholesale Success: A Farmers Guide to Food Safety, Postharvest Handling, Packing and Selling Produce, produced by FamilyFarmed.org, which is valued at $70.

Each tour will run from 8:30 am to 12 pm and will conclude with lunch. The cost is $15 and pre-registration is required. Register online at www.pesticide.org or contact Jen Miller (jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504) by July 12 and July 26, respectively. More details at www.pesticide.org.

These tours are made possible by a grant from USDA Risk Management Agency and support from the following businesses: Brandtastic Soil, Café Mam, Clear Springs Foods, Organic Valley, We Rent Goats and Western Ag Research. This is an equal opportunity event.

powdery mildew in sugarbeets

All Crops    Treasure Valley

powdery mildew in sugarbeets

Posted on: June 28, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

Powdery mildew has been positively identified by Amalgamated Sugar Company Crop Consultants and University of Idaho Extension Pathologist Dr. Oliver Neher in sugarbeet fields in the western Treasure Valley of Idaho and Oregon. There are several fungicides available for use to treat powdery mildew, including sulfur dusts. Depending on the disease pressure, applications with different chemistries should be repeated every 7 to 14 days. Contact your crop consultant from the Amalgamated Sugar Company if you have questions about treatment options.

Aberdeen Cereals Field Day

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Various

Posted on: June 26, 2013 by Juliet Marshall

27 Jun Aberdeen: UI Cereals Extension and Wheat Breeding Field Day

WHERE: Aberdeen R&E Center, 1693 S 2700 W, Aberdeen, ID

WHEN: Tour starts at 9:00 AM. Lunch provided.



Please join us to tour the Aberdeen Cereals Extension Variety Trials and the UI Wheat Breeding Trials!


Potato Psyllids detected in Malheur County

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Potato Psyllid

Posted on: June 21, 2013 by Stuart Reitz

Four potato psyllids were found on one yellow sticky card placed in a potato field in Malheur County. This was the only field with psyllids out of 20 fields monitored during the week of June 12-19.

More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip can be found at the link below.
Click on the link(s) below for more information about this pest:

Revision to Advisory

All Crops    All Locations

Codling Moth, Fireblight, Cherry Mildew, and Leafroller

Posted on: May 16, 2013 by Tony McCammon

This is a revision from yesterday's Fruit Advisory. The Table on page two has been updated.

U-Idaho 2013 potato psyllid and ZC recommendations

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllids and ZC

Posted on: May 7, 2013 by Erik Wenninger

Click on the link below to see the 2013 Idaho recommendations for potato psyllids and zebra chip, a brief summary of 2012 findings, and the monitoring plans for 2013.

Recommendations were a collaborative effort of Erik Wenninger, Nora Olsen, Phil Nolte, and Mike Thornton of the University of Idaho; Jeff Miller of Miller Research; Andy Jensen of the Idaho, Washington, and Oregon Potato Commissions.

cereal leaf beetle

All Crops    Treasure Valley

cereal leaf beetle

Posted on: May 3, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

I was at the UI Parma Research and Extension Center yesterday and was doing some scouting in the winter wheat. I found cereal leaf beetle adults in the wheat, so egg laying will begin in the very near future. Cereal leaf beetle have not been a big problem the past few years, but It is still a good idea to scout for CLB eggs as an indication of potential larvae populations. Spring planted grains are preferred by CLB over winter planted grains. Click on the pdf images below to see the CLB control recommendations from the 2013 PNW Insect Management Handbook and to see images of the CLB life stages. Also, click on the link below to read CIS 994 titled “Cereal Leaf Beetle” from the University of Idaho.

lygus

All Crops    Treasure Valley

lygus

Posted on: May 2, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition (http://pnwpest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg) shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated just over 180 degree days since January 1, 2013. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur on about during the second week of May 8 or 9).
When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays probably should treat before 4th instar nymphs are detected. You can monitor degree day accumulation using the link provided above as follows:
1) Selecting “ lygus bug [alfalfa seed]Ben Simko 2000” degree day model from the “Select degree day model….” drop down box at the top of the form
2) In the “Select location” box, select a location in the drop down box best describing your location (e.g. “Parma experiment st am i” in the “Washington, Idaho” box if you want information for a field near Parma). Make sure to select “None” at the top of the lists in the other two location boxes.
3) Leave the “Or upload your own weather data…” box blank
4) In the “Forecast:”, enter your zip code or your city, state in the “NWS zip code/city, state” box, or the location nearest your field from the “or weather.com site” drop down box to the right). This selection forecasts 7 days forward based on the local weather forecast (beyond 7 days the forecast is based on the historical average). The predicted date of peak 1st and 2nd instar will vary depending on the forecast location selected, so pick the one closest to your location. Select “none” to have the forecast based only on the historical average.
5) Select the location nearest your field in the “Select historical average forecast location” area. Your selection here should match, as close as possible, your selection in the “Select location” area above: there may not be an exact match. For Idaho and eastern OR, this will be the middle box. As above, select “none” in the other two boxes.
6) Make sure the “Table” and “graph” boxes are checked (and the “precipitation” if you want rainfall information) and click the “Calc” button. A table with the current degree day accumulations matching your selection should appear. There should also be a graph near the bottom showing the current year accumulation compared to the historical average for your selections.

Additional updates will be posted as the 272 degree day accumulation target approaches.

sugarbeet root maggot

All Crops    Treasure Valley

sugarbeet root maggot

Posted on: May 1, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

The degree day calculator (hosted by the Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University) for the sugar beet root maggot fly shows that—depending on your location in the Treasure Valley—we have accumulated 262 degree days since March 1, 2014. Peak flight of root maggot flies should occur after 360 accumulated degree days when the maximum high temperature exceeds 80 degrees F. In the Treasure Valley this will be about May 6. Root maggot flies will lay eggs near sugarbeet plants. After the larvae hatch they will begin feeding on the young sugarbeets. AMSCO representatives have not seen any adult flies yet. Look for these pests to appear in the western end of the Treasure Valley first. If you haven’t applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggot, now is the time to do so. Consult your field representative from AMSCO for treatment options.

potato psyllid identification and trapping workshops

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: April 22, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

Just want to remind everyone about the Potato Psyllid trapping and identification workshop from 1 to 3 pm today at the UI Parma R and E Center.

Potato Psyllid trapping and identification workshops will be held across Idaho in late May. There will be a workshop on May 28 at the UI Parma R and E Center, on May 29 at Miller Research in Rupert, and on May 30 at the UI Idaho Falls R and E Center. For more information, including times, click on the pdf below which will bring up the April 19, 2013 edition of the Potato Progress edited by Andrew Jensen.

Fruit Advisory

All Crops    All Locations

Frost, Codling Moth, Fireblight

Posted on: April 16, 2013 by Tony McCammon

First issue of the year:
Frost protection and tables for determining frost damage
Degree Day Temperature notifications
Fertilizing Brambles and Grapes
Order your Intermountain Fruit Tree Guide
Codling Moth Biofix and trapping

Outback Steakhouse Gift Certificate Winners

All Crops    Magic Valley

onion maggot

Posted on: March 26, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

this is test

Post-harvest Handling and Food Safety Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 21, 2013 by Nora Olsen

Friday, Feb. 1: Workshop to Address Post-harvest Handling and Food Safety

Fresh produce growers are invited to attend a Friday, February 1 workshop in Caldwell on post-harvest handling, food safety, wholesale marketing, and profit planning. The workshop will address issues of interest due to FDA’s recent release of the proposed Food Safety Modernization Act rules.

The workshop is presented by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, University of Idaho Extension and Idaho State Department of Agriculture through the Idaho Preferred program.

The training will be provided by FamilyFarmed.org, which is conducting its Direct Marketing & Wholesale Success workshop in 15 states. Topics will include marketing and packing quality, post-harvest handling, writing a food safety plan and pack shed design. The workshop will conclude with a panel of retail and food service buyers from the Treasure Valley and a discussion of their local produce buying preferences and requirements.

Participating farms will receive a free manual, Wholesale Success: A Farmers Guide to Food Safety, Postharvest Handling, Packing and Selling Produce, valued at $70. The 312-page color publication is a leading resource on selling into wholesale markets. It includes topics including Calculating Return on Investment; Cleaning, Drying, and Curing Produce; Traceability; Packing Shed Design; and Maintaining the Cold Chain.

Workshop sessions on financial management tools and recordkeeping will also be offered concurrently on February 1.

Friday evening & Saturday, February 2: Fourth Annual Grower’s Own Conference
Following the workshop is the fourth annual Grower’s Own Conference, a farmer-to-farmer exchange and networking opportunity for farmers interested in organic production methods. The conference will be held Friday evening and Saturday, February 2.

This year’s guest farmer is Laura Masterson of 47th Avenue Farm, located near Portland. Masterson is a veteran of farmer-to-farmer exchanges in Oregon. She will speak about her extensive experience in organic vegetable production, season extension, year-round CSA production and marketing, employee and intern management, and microenterprise budgeting.

“This is a unique and highly valuable experience,” says Grower’s Own Conference co-organizer Beth Rasgorshek of Canyon Bounty Farm in Nampa. “It is also farmer driven, so now is the time to register and cast your vote for the topics to be discussed.”

Some of the topics under consideration include microenterprise selection; wash facilities, packing sheds & supply sources; vegetable start production; livestock feed rations & on-farm production; employee management; integrated pest management; high tunnels; irrigation systems, cooperative CSAs; meat marketing; starting a livestock operation; and alternative financing.

The workshop and conference will be held at the College of Idaho. The Feb 1 workshops cost $25, the Grower’s Own Conference costs $55, and both cost $70. Pre-registration is required. Agenda details and online registration at www.pesticide.org or contact Jennifer Miller at jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504.

Funding is provided in part by USDA RMA.

Contacts:
Ariel Agenbroad, 208-459-6003, University of Idaho Extension, Canyon County
Jennifer Miller, 208-850-6504, Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides
Beth Rasgorshek, 208-463-1878, Canyon Bounty Farm


Test Alert

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: July 30, 2012 by Matt Goodale

This is a test alert, please ignore this message.

Organic Field Day at U-Idaho, Kimberly

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 18, 2012 by Erik Wenninger

The University of Idaho and NCAP will be holding an Organic Research Field Day at the Kimberly R&E Center on July 24. See the link below for details and registration information.

This field day will feature a variety of University of Idaho research projects:

• Cover Crop Calculator – Amber Moore
• Cover Crop and Forage Variety Trials – Christi Falen, Lauren Hunter, Glenn Shewmaker, and Steve Hines
• Biocontrol for White Mold in Dry Beans – Oliver Neher
• Meals as Potential Organic Pesticides in Dry Beans – Don Morishita, Oliver Neher, and Erik Wenninger
• Organic Seed Production of Beans, Winter Wheat, and Spring Barley – Kathy Stewart-Williams
• Colorado Potato Beetle Response to Potato Varieties – Erik Wenninger
• Potato Virus Y Management in Potatoes – Oliver Neher
• Organic Potato Fertility Guide – Amber Moore
• New Potato Varieties, Cultural Management Trials, and Implications in Storage – Nora Olsen
• Composting of offal, mortalities, and grape vine prunings – Mario de Haro Marti



Blister Beetle Outbreak

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Native Punctate Blister

Posted on: July 17, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Blister Beetle Outbreak in Foothills Area of Ada County
July 17, 2012

Homeowners have reported large numbers of blister beetles in the foothills area of Ada County near Boise; specimens were identified by ISDA as the native punctate blister beetle (Epicauta puncticollis). Larvae of blister beetles serve as predators of grasshopper eggs, but adults feed on vegetation, occasionally moving to flowering field crops such as alfalfa. Bodies of adult beetles contain the chemical cantharidin, a toxic chemical that protects them from predators. Accidentally crushing a beetle against the skin can result in a painful blister, the source of the insect’s common name. Blister beetles have long (3/4 to 1-1/4 inch) narrow bodies, broad heads, and antennae that are about 1/3 the length of their entire bodies. The front wings are soft and flexible in contrast to the hard front wings of most beetles. The punctate blister beetles is black, however other blister beetle species that are tan to gray also occur. See picture attached.

Blister beetles seldom cause serious crop injury. However, in sufficient quantities, the cantharidin in the bodies of living or dead blister beetles can be toxic, and in some cases lethal, to horses, sheep, and cattle. Animals may be poisoned by eating crushed beetles in cured hay. Alfalfa growers should contact their local Extension office for information on management of these insects. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect blister beetle poisoning in livestock.



potato psyllid updates

All Crops    Magic Valley

potato psyllid

Posted on: June 14, 2012 by Erik Wenninger

Updates on potato psyllids and ZC in the PNW

1. A single potato psyllid was found in each of two commercial fields in Oregon (Irrigon, OR on June 11 and Hermiston, OR on June 13). Both tested negative for Liberibacter, the pathogen that causes ZC. Numbers of potato psyllids in fields are very low. We suggest that scouting programs in Idaho be intensified, and that IPM programs be ready.

2. Surveys of emerged potato volunteers by Oregon State University in the Columbia Basin have reported ZC symptomatic plants that have tested positive for Liberibacter. Volunteers could be a source of the bacterium and efforts should be used to reduce volunteer populations in rotational crops. Closely monitor volunteers and submit any symptomatic plants for further analysis.

3. Potato psyllids were recently found on greenhouse-grown plants at garden centers in Boise and Twin Falls, ID. So far these psyllids have tested negative for Liberibacter. Potato psyllids are a difficult pest to manage in the greenhouse and have a broad host range, including common garden center plants like tomatoes and peppers, so these findings are not surprising. Potato psyllids have almost certainly occurred in greenhouses and garden centers in the PNW for many years. The relative importance of field infestations in the PNW originating from infested garden center plants, overwintering populations on weed hosts, and immigration from southern overwintering sites remains to be explored.

4. No potato psyllids have been found on potatoes in Idaho so far...

The take home message from all of these findings is that scouting programs for potato psyllids should be intensified, and IPM programs should be in place. Refer to the following sites for guidance on scouting and IPM programs for potato psyllids:

http://potatoes.com/IPMStuff/PDFs/Idaho%20recommendations%20%202012%20final.pdf

http://www.potatoes.com/pdfs/PotatoPsyllid.pdf

See this site for more psyllid links: http://www.kimberly.uidaho.edu/potatoes/

Field Days to Highlight Alternative Production Practices

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 14, 2012 by Jennifer Miller

The Northwest Center for Alternative to Pesticides (NCAP) is organizing two field days in June to highlight alternative production practices – Blue Sage Farm of Shoshone, ID on June 20 and Hamanishi Farms of Fruitland, ID on June 27.

Wednesday, June 20
Blue Sage Farm http://bluesagefarm.com/
Shoshone, Idaho
Check-in at 9 am
Tour from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm; Lunch at 12:30 pm
$15 per person (Lunch provided)
Register by June 14 at www.pesticide.org or with Jen Miller (jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504)

Laura Sluder of Blue Sage Farm in Shoshone will host a tour of her sheep dairy. Sluder milks 70 sheep and produces feta and manchego-style cheese with the farm’s cheesemaker, Jillian Greenawalt. Greenawalt also milks her dairy goats and produces a variety of chevre at the farm.

Sluder uses her working Belgian horses for much of the fieldwork. Attendees will be treated to a horse-drawn tour of the farm. The field day will feature the milking parlor, the cheese-making facility, grazing for weed management, and alternative forages.

University of Idaho extension educators Christi Falen and Mario de Haro Marti will describe their work with Sluder on forages and cover crop trials and a whey and offal composting project, respectively.

Wednesday, June 27
Hamanishi Farms http://www.hamanishifarms.com
Fruitland, Idaho
Check-in at 9 am
Tour from 9:30 am – 12 pm; Lunch at 12 pm
$15 per person (Lunch provided)
Register by June 21 at www.pesticide.org or with Jen Miller (jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504)

George McClelland and Jon Fabricius of Hamanishi Farms produce mint, alfalfa, wheat, onions, corns and beans on 1,000 acres and certified organic mint, alfalfa and wheat on 70 acres. The tour will highlight a trial of cover crop mulches for weed suppression, which the farm is working to develop in its organic and conventional mint, the on-farm composting operation, and a permanent drip system.

Additional tour details at www.pesticide.org.
These field days are supported in part by the USDA Risk Management Agency and NCAP business sponsors, including Brandtastic Soil, Café Mam, Frontier Natural Products Co-op, Organic Valley NOVA, Magic Valley Compost, Pharmgrade Compost, Magic Valley Compost, Perma-Guard, We Rent Goats, and Western Ag Research.
###

Eastern Pest found in Idaho

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Brown Marmalated Stinkbug

Posted on: June 4, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Idaho’s first brown marmorated stink bug was identified after it was turned in by an alert homeowner in Nampa. The homeowner had recently moved from an infested area in the mid-Atlantic area where the insects are widespread, and it is likely that the insect “hitchhiked” to Idaho as a stowaway in moving material. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is working with the homeowner to destroy any other stinkbugs that may have tagged along, and will monitor for the insect in nearby areas. To report a suspected find of BMSB in Idaho, please contact local University of Idaho Extension offices or contact ISDA at (208) 332-8627. It is best to provide an actual specimen for identification when reporting. See a helpful identification picture below.

Spring Symposium

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 24, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Idaho Horticulture Society is pleased to be able to offer two nationally known dynamic presenters for the Spring "Gardening in Treasure Valley" seminars. Melinda Myers
(www.melindamyers.com) is an author, radio and television personality and writes for Birds and Blooms magazine. Sue Goetz (www.thecreativegardener.com) owner of Creative Gardener, offers practical advice and inspiration for creating landscapes and gardens in our climate. More information about the speakers and their topics can be founds at www.idhort.com.

New this year is an "Ask the Expert" session where you will be able to bring your questions and meet one-on-one with Master Gardeners and other local experts:

• Weeds and Turf Management- Tony McCammon, Uof I Extension Service, Washington County
• Vegetable Gardening- Howard Little, Uof I Advanced Master Gardener
• Flowers- Sandra Ford, Idaho Horticulture Society
• Composting- Jennie Rylee, Foothills Learning Center
• Fruit Trees- Tony McCammon, Uof I Extension Service, Washington County
• Native and Xeric Plants- Diane Jones, Draggin' Wing Farm
• Organic Gardening- Elisa Clark or Lindsay Schramm, Northend Organic Nursery
• Trees- Debbie Cook, Boise Community Forestry

Two organic farming meetings will be held Friday and Saturda

All Crops    All Locations

Organic Farming Meeting

Posted on: January 17, 2012 by Nora Olsen

Two organic farming meetings will be held Friday and Saturday February 3 and 4 in Twin Falls.

Friday Afternoon Symposium: Cultivating Connections – Building Idaho’s Organic Farming Community
Friday, February 3 from 1 – 5 pm
The Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho

Presentations will include the following:
- Organic Program Update, Brandon Lamb, ISDA
- Food Safety and Good Agriculture Practices (GAPs), Nora Olsen, UI
- Organic Crop and Livestock Insurance Options, Jeff Schahzenski, NCAT/ATTRA
- Cover Crop Nutrient Calculator, Amber Moore, UI
- Dairy Compost & Cover Crop Variety Trials, Lauren Hunter, UI
- Colorado Potato Beetle Response to Potato Varieties, Erik Wenninger, UI

Registration is $8 or free with the Grower’s Own Conference (below).

Grower’s Own Conference
Friday evening February 3
5:30 – 9 pm Conference Opening with Digital Farm Tours
Saturday, February 4
8 am – 4:15 pm Farmer-to-Farmer Exchange
The Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho

$55 per person, includes dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
Pre-registration is required by January 20.
Register on-line at www.pesticide.org or print and mail the registration flier.
Contact Jennifer Miller at jmiller@pesticide.org or 208-850-6504 with questions.

The networking portion of the conference kicks off Friday evening with the popular “virtual” farm tours. Three Idaho farms and guest farmer Jim Bronec of Oregon will share digital slide shows. Bronec produces organic clover seed, squash, Jack-O Lantern pumpkins, and fresh sweet corn on his 50-acre Praying Mantis Farm.

Prior to the Grower’s Own conference, participants will vote on the topics to be discussed during the Saturday farmer-to-farmer exchange. A few of this year’s topics under consideration include cultivation equipment; finding your niche products; producing livestock feed; seasonal high tunnels; alternative financing; seed production; alternative livestock health practices; integrated pest management, and value-added products.

These meetings are presented by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides. Funding for this conference is provided in part by the Organic Farming Research Foundation and USDA Risk Management Agency.

PrimusGFS GAP Certification for Produce Growers

All Crops    All Locations

PrimusGFS GAP Certification for Produce Growers

Posted on: January 9, 2012 by Nora Olsen

PrimusGFS GAP Certification for Produce Growers, Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8:00 am – 5 pm Hilton Garden Inn, Idaho Falls, Idaho

PrimusGFS is a food safety audit scheme which is approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) for the food safety certification of agricultural producers. It focuses on products of the agricultural sector designated for human consumption in their fresh or minimally processed state. PrimusGFS GAP certification establishes a series of requirements for managing production and handling of fruits and vegetables on the farm. Many retail customers such as Wal-Mart, Safeway, Publix, and Costco now require agricultural producers to be GAP-certified by a GFSI compliant audit scheme, and will no longer accept the USDA GAP audit. This workshop will provide a simple, step by step guide on how to prepare an agricultural operation to successfully complete a PrimusGFS audit.

Register at www.techhelp.org.

Idaho Association of Plant Protection

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 30, 2011 by Jeff Miller

The first call for presentations for the Idaho Association of Plant Protection (IAPP) has been announced.

The IAPP is an informal group which meets each year to discuss research related to plant protection. Presentations range from basic to applied on a variety of crops. Most deal with potatoes, sugarbeets, and small grains, but presentations have been given on other commodities as well. The meeting will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 8 (1:00 pm to 5:00 pm) and the morning of Wednesday, November 9 (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn in Jerome, ID. Anyone can give a presentation if they would like. Or you can just come and enjoy the presentations. The cost for attending is $15.00 (check or cash only).

If you have any additional questions, please contact Phill Wharton at pwharton@uidaho.edu or 208-397-4181.

white flies on zucchini and squash

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

white flies

Posted on: August 26, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Clinton Shock, Superintendent at the OSU Malheur Experiment Station, is reporting there is a severe white fly attack on squash and cucumbers in Ontario. Uncontrolled, the white flies cause new zucchini and yellow squash fruit to shrivel on the vine.

onion thrips control

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

onion thrips

Posted on: August 8, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached is a flyer about an upcoming meeting on thrips control in onions. Meeting is Thursday, August 11, from 4 to 5 pm at the UI Parma R and E Center. Refreshments will be served. Click on the link below for more details.

Fire Blight

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Fire Blight off Cougar blight

Posted on: May 13, 2011 by Tony McCammon

Fire Blight is forecasted for Saturday through Monday of this weekend. Cougarblight models predict high probability of infection. Infection is possible when trees have open flowers, had late season pruning, or open wounds and injured branches. For infection to occur at least two hours of moisture during 70 degree temperatures are necessary. Monitor moisture in your apples and pears. If the wetting occurs and flowers are open, apply an antibiotic such as serenade or agri-mycin. Homeowners can use blight ban or Mico-shield. If you do not choose to control fire blight at this time monitor very closely for new infections and prune them out. They usually show up within 7 to 14 days. More information to follow in Monday’s Advisory.

No-tillage and Strip Tillage Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 25, 2011 by Steve Norberg

2nd Annual Strip Tillage and No-till Drilling Conference
February 10, 2011 at 9:00 AM, Four Rivers Cultural Center, Ontario, OR
Please RSVP by February 4 at noon by calling the Malheur Extension Office at 541-881-1417
Put on by Oregon State University

Agenda
9:00 AM Welcome - Steve Norberg, OSU, Field Crops and Watershed Mgt.
9:05 AM Why Consider Strip Tillage or No-till Drilling? - Steve Norberg, OSU
9:30 AM How to Manage Soil Temperature in High Residue Conditions – Andy McGuire,
Washington State University Extension
10:00 AM Strip Till and No-till Machinery and Lesson’s Learned– Steve Norberg
10:30 AM Break
10:45 AM Machinery for Planting in High Residue Conditions-Andy McGuire
11:30 AM Farmer Experience with Strip Tillage – Kenneth Jensen
11:50 AM Use of Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit for No-till Drills- Mark Wettstein -
producer
12:00 PM Lunch (Courtesy of Sponsors)
12:45PM Setting of No-till drills – Steve Norberg and others
1:00 PM Farmer Experiences with No-till Drills - Jeremy Chamberlain, Doug Stipe, Gary
Westcott and John Fabricius
2:00 PM Farmer Experiences with Strip Tillage –Bill Romans, Ron Smith and Rob
Wagstaff
3:00 PM Adjourn

Sustainable Agricutlture Symposium

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 24, 2011 by Tony McCammon

We are sorry for the previous attachments for this program. We hope we have fixed the error. For more information on this symposium please contact Charlene Wimpy at 642-4402.

Thursday, February 17th at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario. The programs runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Registration starts at 8am.

SWCD Sustainable Agriculture Symposium

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 5, 2011 by Tony McCammon

The Payette and Malheur County SWCDs are holding the 2nd Annual Sustainable Agriculture Symposium, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. I have attached a copy of the flyer.

For more information:
Contact person: 208-642-4402 ext. 102
Email: Charlene.Wimpy@id.nacdnet.net

Outback Steakhouse Gift Certificate Winners

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 17, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Thank you to everyone for filling out a pest alert survey for 2010. The winners of the Outback Steakhouse Gift Certificates sere Dale Buzzell, Tony Noe and Terry Clinton. Certificates are going in the mail today.

Jerry Neufeld

Outback Steakhouse Gift Certificate Winners

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 17, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Thank you to everyone for filling out a pest alert survey for 2010. The winners of the Outback Steakhouse Gift Certificates sere Dale Buzzell, Tony Noe and Terry Clinton. Certificates are going in the mail today.

Jerry Neufeld

2010 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 5, 2010 by Nora Olsen

The annual meeting for the Idaho Association of Plant Protection will be held at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn and Suites in Jerome, ID on the afternoon of Nov 8 (12:30 to 5:30 pm)and the morning (8 am to noon) of Nov 9. The meeting program has multiple topics on potatoes, sugar beets, grain and others. There will be 3 CCA (PM) and 3 ISDA pesticide credits available for the Nov 8 session and another 3 CCA (PM) and 3 ISDA pesticide credits available for the Nov 9 session. The registration cost for the meeting is $15 per person.

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

corn earworm

Posted on: August 26, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Jim Barbour from the UI Parma R and E Center, Terry Clinton from Crookham Company and I are once again collaborating on a project to trap corn earworm moths across the Treasure Valley. We set out 14 traps at various locations from near Melba to near Weiser. I check the traps once a week and post the moth counts to this website. Click on the pdf below for this week’s moth count. Purdue University recommends the treatment threshold to be 10 moths per trap per night.

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All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

test

Posted on: August 20, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

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corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

corn earworm

Posted on: August 11, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Below are the corn earworm counts taken August 10 and 11, 2010 from across the Treasure Valley.

Date
Location 8/5 8/10

South of Melba, #1 1 1
N of Melba 0 7
Kuna 1 4
SE of Nampa 0 0
S of Nampa 0 1
Map Rock Rd & Deer Flat 0 1
S of Upper Dam, Lake Lowell 5 6
West of Marsing 9 0
S of Homedale 7 8
NE of Wilder 0 3
East of Parma 4 2
NW of Caldwell 0 2
S of Caldwell 0 1
Near Weiser 1 8

Total 28 44

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

corn earworm

Posted on: August 11, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

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corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

corn earworm

Posted on: August 6, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control,”states that summer moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 growing degree days (GDD). Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later.

According to the Oregon State University GDD model for Corn Earworm (http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?clm), we are currently at 1204 GDD in the Caldwell area. We are accumulating approximately 19-20 GDD per day. We will hit 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on approximately 8/10, and hit 1373 GDD on approximately 8/14. Those fields with fresh silk at 1373 GDD are most vulnerable to attack from corn earworm larvae.

The following information was taken from CIS 366 regarding corn earworm.

Corn can be “scouted” for corn earworm eggs to predict possible infestation levels. Examine 10 silk masses (about 2-day old) on each edge of a field but only in those fields which are beginning to silk or are silking. Examining a field in late silk for the first time is worthless; most of the eggs, if any were present, are already hatched, and the damage cannot be prevented.

When the egg counts average 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 100% ear infestation will occur in the field and other fields of like maturity in the vicinity. With 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 1 inch of each ear tip will be damaged; 1 egg per silk mass will result in about 2 inches of the ear tip damage, etc. When the days and nights are warmer than usual, the damage may double because the earworm will develop faster than the corn.

Fields should be scouted about every 2 to 4 days, depending on temperatures. Once economic egg levels are reached, determined on the basis of damage expected, further scouting is unnecessary. All fields which silk after that time in that vicinity will be subject to damage.

No chemical control will control worms in the ears, so sprays must be timed to control the larvae on the silk before the worms enter the ears. Make the first application when the plants are 50 percent silk, and repeat in 5 to 7 days or as necessary.

For control information from the 2010 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook go to the following web address: http://uspest.org/pnw/insects. In the drop down boxes click on “commercial vegetables” and then “sweet corn.”

Dr. Jim Barbour from the UI Parma R and E Center, Terry Clinton from Crookham Company and I are once again collaborating on a project to trap corn earworm moths across the Treasure Valley. We set out 14 traps at various locations from near Melba to near Weiser. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website. Below are the moth counts from earlier this week. Purdue University recommends the treatment threshold to be 10 moths per trap per night.

Weekly Corn Earwom Counts, 2010

Location 8/5

South of Melba, #1 1
N of Melba 0
Kuna 1
SE of Nampa 0
S of Nampa 0
Map Rock Rd & Deer Flat 0
S of Upper Dam, Lake Lowell 5
West of Marsing 9
S of Homedale 7
NE of Wilder 0
East of Parma 4
NW of Caldwell 0
S of Caldwell 0
Near Weiser 1

Total 28

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

corn earworm

Posted on: August 6, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control,”states that summer moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 growing degree days (GDD). Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later.

According to the Oregon State University GDD model for Corn Earworm (http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?clm), we are currently at 1204 GDD in the Caldwell area. We are accumulating approximately 19-20 GDD per day. We will hit 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on approximately 8/10, and hit 1373 GDD on approximately 8/14. Those fields with fresh silk at 1373 GDD are most vulnerable to attack from corn earworm larvae.

The following information was taken from CIS 366 regarding corn earworm.

Corn can be “scouted” for corn earworm eggs to predict possible infestation levels. Examine 10 silk masses (about 2-day old) on each edge of a field but only in those fields which are beginning to silk or are silking. Examining a field in late silk for the first time is worthless; most of the eggs, if any were present, are already hatched, and the damage cannot be prevented.

When the egg counts average 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 100% ear infestation will occur in the field and other fields of like maturity in the vicinity. With 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 1 inch of each ear tip will be damaged; 1 egg per silk mass will result in about 2 inches of the ear tip damage, etc. When the days and nights are warmer than usual, the damage may double because the earworm will develop faster than the corn.

Fields should be scouted about every 2 to 4 days, depending on temperatures. Once economic egg levels are reached, determined on the basis of damage expected, further scouting is unnecessary. All fields which silk after that time in that vicinity will be subject to damage.

No chemical control will control worms in the ears, so sprays must be timed to control the larvae on the silk before the worms enter the ears. Make the first application when the plants are 50 percent silk, and repeat in 5 to 7 days or as necessary.

For control information from the 2010 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook go to the following web address: http://uspest.org/pnw/insects. In the drop down boxes click on “commercial vegetables” and then “sweet corn.”

Dr. Jim Barbour from the UI Parma R and E Center, Terry Clinton from Crookham Company and I are once again collaborating on a project to trap corn earworm moths across the Treasure Valley. We set out 14 traps at various locations from near Melba to near Weiser. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website. Below are the moth counts from earlier this week. Purdue University recommends the treatment threshold to be 10 moths per trap per night.

Weekly Corn Earwom Counts, 2010

Location 8/5

South of Melba, #1 1
N of Melba 0
Kuna 1
SE of Nampa 0
S of Nampa 0
Map Rock Rd & Deer Flat 0
S of Upper Dam, Lake Lowell 5
West of Marsing 9
S of Homedale 7
NE of Wilder 0
East of Parma 4
NW of Caldwell 0
S of Caldwell 0
Near Weiser 1

Total 28

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

test

Posted on: August 6, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

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test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

test

Posted on: August 3, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

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Powdery Mildew in Sugarbeets

All Crops    All Locations

Powdery Mildew

Posted on: July 14, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

As of today (July 14) powdery mildew has still not been found in Treasure Valley sugarbeets.

test

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

test

Posted on: June 24, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

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Colorado Potato Beetle

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Colorado Potato Beetle

Posted on: June 10, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Mike Thornton, from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center, is reporting that overwintering Colorado Potato Beetle adults are beginning to emerge in southwest Idaho. This overwintering adult stage does not do any damage; however, females are beginning to lay eggs in potato fields. We could see the damaging larvae appear in about 7 to 10 days depending on temperatures. This is the time for growers to be scouting for CPB, especially if they are using "soft" foliar insecticides that target control of early instar larvae.

Colorado Potato Beetle

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Colorado Potato Beetle

Posted on: June 10, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Mike Thornton, from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center, is reporting that overwintering Colorado Potato Beetle adults are beginning to emerge in southwest Idaho. This overwintering adult stage does not do any damage; however, females are beginning to lay eggs in potato fields. We could see the damaging larvae appear in about 7 to 10 days depending on temperatures. This is the time for growers to be scouting for CPB, especially if they are using "soft" foliar insecticides that target control of early instar larvae.

Spanish Pesticide Safety Training

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 1, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the link below for information about a Spanish Pesticide Safety Training workshop on February, 11, 2010 in Weiser, ID.

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

earworm

Posted on: November 19, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

this is a test

Thank you for your visit

All Crops    All Locations

Test Pest

Posted on: October 27, 2009 by PNWPestAlert Admin

Thank you for visiting the PNWPestAlert.net Website!

Please check back soon for new alerts, or Subscribe to receive new alerts as they are posted!

Public Notice Hearing

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 8, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Public Notice Hearing:
As part of the enhanced review, the University of Idaho is assessing the cost benefit, viability, and impact of its statewide Research and Extension operation. Simultaneously, the University of Idaho is further engaging the agricultural industry, other partners and the general public in this dialogue to ensure the success of all of our Research and Extension efforts:

Please provide your comments and or concerns:
Caldwell / Parma
September 10, 2009
Caldwell Complex, 1904 E. Chicago Street, Conference Center
6:00 p.m.
http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/newsDetail.asp?ID=1078

________________________________________

Idaho Falls
September 8, 2009
ISU Campus, 1770 Science Center Drive, CHE Bldg., room #211
6:00 p.m.
________________________________________
Twin Falls
September 9, 2009
CSI Campus, 315 Falls Ave., Taylor Bldg., room #277
6:00 p.m.
________________________________________
Sandpoint
September 15, 2009
Panhandle State Bank Community Room, 414 Church Street
6:00 p.m.

http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/newsDetail.asp?ID=1078

Additional Resources and links to U of I documents related to the PARMA Research & Extension Facility:

http://sitecore.uidaho.edu/cals/listeningsessions/resources.aspx


U of Idaho Links to CALS Research & Extension Review Book
Budget figures for fiscal year that were included in the April 2009 Research and Extension Review book we based on the most currently available information at that time. Because fourth quarter FY09 data was not available, these figures differ from the final FY09 budget figures.

http://sitecore.uidaho.edu/cals/listeningsessions/materials/book.aspx

Organic Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 7, 2009 by Nora Olsen

An organic field day will be held at King’s Crown Organic Farm on Thursday, August 13. Organic farmer Nate Jones will provide a tour of his organic potatoes, onions, winter squash, sweet corn, and dry beans. Nate has 22 years of experience as an organic farmer.

Mir Seyedbagheri, extension educator for Elmore County with the University of Idaho, and Oliver Neher, extension plant pathologist with the University of Idaho, will share their research on organic fertility management and biological disease control, respectively. Karen Strickler, pollination expert and market gardener with Pollinator Paradise, will share results from a survey of squash bee distribution. In addition, Don Halverson from Organic Acres Dairy in Rupert will describe his experience bottling his farm’s organic milk.

King’s Crown Organic Farm
Thursday, August 13
King Hill - Glenns Ferry

Registration at 9 a.m. Tour from 9:30 to lunch
Registration is $10, lunch included

Please RSVP by August 10 at 208-850-6504 or jmiller@pesticide.org

Directions to field day: 2240 E Maple Dr., King Hill
From I-84, take exit 121 and travel south.
Turn east on Frontage Rd and travel ½ mile, through railroad under pass.
Turn east at stop sign onto Pasadena Valley Rd, travel almost ½ mile across Snake River.
Turn south on Rosevear and travel ½ mile.
Turn east on Maple Dr and drive up the lane.

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 22, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Jim Barbour from the UI Parma R and E Center, Terry Clinton from Crookham Company and I are collaborating on a project to trap corn earworm moths across the Treasure Valley. We set out 12 traps at various locations from near Melba to near Weiser. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website. Below are the moth counts from yesterday. Purdue University recommends the treatment threshold to be 10 moths per trap per night. The growing degree day model from Oregon State University is predicting moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk in late July to early August with the egg hatch beginning a few days later.

Date: 7/17/09 to 7/21/09

Location # of Moths caught


South ofWeiser 1 --- 0
South ofWeiser 2 --- 0
NW of Middleton --- 0
North of Wilder --- 0
South of Homedale 1 --- 7
West of Caldwell --- 0
East of Homedale 2 --- 4
NE of Marsing --- 1
North of Melba --- 0
East of Kuna 1 --- 0
East of Kuna 2 --- 2
East of Kuna 3 --- 0

Total 14

No confirmed late blight but storms increase chances of dise

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 30, 2009 by Phill Wharton

Storms increase chances of late blight disease outbreak


By Phill Wharton

Even though late blight has not been found in Idaho so far this year, the thunderstorms that were widespread throughout the south of the state over the past weekend (June 20 and 21) and the heavy rain that we have had in the past three weeks created ideal conditions for potential late blight outbreaks in many locations. Late bight outbreaks are favored by wet weather with moderate temperatures (59 – 78°F), high humidity and frequent rainfall.

With the confirmed findings of late blight in 2008 and these conditions being prevalent in large areas of the state, the probability for the occurrence of outbreaks in manly locations throughout the state is high. Whether a late blight outbreak occurs or not depends on the presence of the late blight pathogen. In the spring, the late blight pathogen can be transmitted from infected tubers in cull piles or volunteers to potato foliage by airborne spores. Infected seed potatoes are also an important source of disease. Some infected tubers may rot in the soil before emergence, and not every plant that emerges from an infected tuber will contract late blight. Spores may be spread from infected plants in one field to healthy plants in surrounding fields by wind, splashed rain, mechanical transport and animals.

With the increased risk for late blight, efforts must be made to monitor crops closely for the incidence of disease. Particularly after plants close across the rows, look for late blight in the lower portions of the plant where the foliage stays wet longer. Scouting should be concentrated in areas of the field most likely to remain wet for the longest period of time, such as the center tower of pivot irrigation system and areas missed by fungicide applicators such as the edges of fields. Low spots where soil moisture is highest and parts of the field shaded by windbreaks are examples of areas where scouting should be intensified. If a field is thought to have late blight, care should be taken not to spread the disease from field to field when scouting. Disposable pants and rubber boots that can be washed after leaving a field should be worn if late blight is suspected or was found in a field. Late blight inoculum can also be spread from field to field on equipment, so this should also be washed after leaving the field.

As the risk of disease becomes greater, crop monitoring should be intensified. Late blight lesions may be confused with those of early blight (Alternaria solani) and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) which are less severe diseases, thus it is important that an accurate identification of the disease symptoms is made and late blight is confirmed by a qualified diagnostician. If you think that you have late blight in your field you should contact the University of Idaho at 208 397 4181 for instructions on how to submit a disease sample, or contact your local crop consultant. With optimal weather conditions for a potential late blight outbreak, all growing regions in Idaho should be considered at risk with regard to the disease. A protectant spray should be applied before row closure, followed by another application 10 to 14 days later and then make fungicide applications based on current environmental conditions. Programs based on chlorothalonil (e.g. Bravo WS, Echo 90 DF, Equus DF) or EBDC-containing products (e.g. Dithane, Manzate, Manex, Penncozeb) will reduce the risk of disease development. Consult your local advisor for appropriate rates and additional combinations. If the disease is confirmed, interventive chemical control measures should be used.

To keep updated on the threat of late blight, call the late blight hot line at 800-791-7195.

Organic production field day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 18, 2009 by Nora Olsen

The University of Idaho will host an organic field day at the Kimberly R&E Center on Tuesday, July 21 at 9:30 a.m. Eleven acres of the research station were certified organic in 2008. Several researchers are now studying various aspects of organic production at this site. This season the rotation includes organic winter wheat, dry beans, and potatoes. The field day will feature the following topics:
* Transition of the organic research site
* Organic nutrient management and sources
* Organic weed management studies, including cultivation methods
* Organic disease management, including microbial control for early blight in potatoes
* Organic potato variety trial and storage research

The cost is $10 and includes lunch.
Please RSVP with Jen Miller at 850-6504 or jmiller@pesticide.org.

The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides and Three Rivers RC&D are helping to organize this field day. These organizations are encouraging car pooling from the Boise and Pocatello areas.
To car pool from Boise, contact Jen Miller at 850-6504 or jmiller@pesticide.org.
To car pool from Pocatello, contact Paula Jones at 237-4628 ext 104 or Paula.Jones@id.usda.gov.

Directions to Kimberly R&E Center: 3806 North 3600 East
From I-84, take exit 182 and travel south on Hwy. 50. Turn north at mile marker 1 on 3600 E. take first right and park at Potato Storage Facility.

Parma Small Grain Tour Friday

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 18, 2009 by Steve Norberg

Parma Small Grains Tour

A tour of the small grains research at the Parma R & E Center near Parma is scheduled for June 19, 2009. We will register at 9 AM and start the tour at 9:20 – 9:30. A lunch will be served at the end of the tour for those attending Wheat and Barley Variety Performance.

Is there a new variety in the pipeline for you? Seed banded N for winter wheat. Do new slow release N technologies provide any advantage for banding fertilizer with seed? Increasing wheat protein with late season N. Can new enhanced N fertilizers improve topdressed or foliar N availability for protein enhancement ? Relay cropping in barley. Is it feasible to plant oilseeds or even corn into standing barley for harvest in the same season?

Herbicides in Teff

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 10, 2009 by Steve Norberg

Attention:

A pesticide use concern has been brought to our attention. Information on the use of herbicides in the production of Teff, specifically 2,4-D and dicamba, are not currently lawful for use. OSU and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Pesticides Division, are currently working with U.S. EPA to clarify crop groups in reference to pesticide residue tolerances and labeled products. This is to correct an oversight found in “Teff- A New Warm Season Annual Grass in EM8970” and clarify that there are currently no 2,4-D or dicamba products registered for use in the production of Teff.

As additional information becomes available it will be shared with interested parties. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

Steve Norberg
541-881-1417.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 28, 2009 by Tony McCammon

The Western Cherry Fruit Fly will be showing up in traps Monday or Tuesday of next week. Keep a look out. Information on the Western Cherry Fruit Fly and control methods are available on the Payette County Website (http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/payette/fruit.htm).

Codling Moth

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 18, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Codling moth models predict the apple worm larva will begin hatching out on the 22nd of May. Insecticides that target both larva and egg stages are recommended. Such as: Altacor, Assail, Calypso, and Intrepid. Homeowners should use horticulture oil with a product such as sevin for their first spray. The oil will smother unhatched eggs and the sevin will protect the fruit from hatched larva. Good Residue coverage on your fruit is vital during the first generation. So After this initial period, growers should continue to apply the chosen material(s) at the interval provided on the label. For more information visit the Payette County Extension Website at:
http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/payette/fruit.htm

Lygus bug in alfalfa seed

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 8, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

The following information regarding lygus bug was provided by Dr. Jim Barbour from the University of Idaho, Parma R and E Center.

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University (http://pnwpest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg) shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated about 190 degree days since January 1, 2009. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur on about May 19. As cool as it has been, we are ahead of last year by several days in degree-day accumulation.
When using most insecticides during pre-bloom, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Rimon, Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays should treat before 4th instar nymphs are detected. You can monitor degree day accumulation using the link provided above as follows:
1) Select “ lygus bug [alfalfa seed]Ben Simko 2000” degree day model from the “Select degree day model….” drop down box at the top of the form
2) In the “Select location” box, select a location in the drop down box best describing your location (e.g. “parma id agrimet” in the “Washington, Idaho” box if you want information for a field near Parma). Make sure to select “None” at the top of the lists in the other two location boxes.
3) Leave the “Or upload your own…” box blank
4) In the “Forecast:” area, enter the your zip code or your city, state in the “NWS zipcode/city, state” box, or the location nearest your field from the “or weather.com site” drop down box to the right). This selection forecasts 7 days forward based on the local weather forecast (beyond 7 days the forecast is based on the historical average). The predicted date of peak 1st and 2nd instar will vary depending on the forecast location selected, so pick the one closest to your location. Select “none” to have the forecast based only on the historical average.
5) Select the location nearest your field in the “Select historical average forecast location” area. Your selection here should match, as close as possible, your selection in the “Select location” area above: there may not be an exact match. As above, select “none” in the other two boxes.
6) Make sure the “Table” and “graph” boxes are checked (and the “precipitation” if you want rainfall information) and click the “Calc” button. A table with the current degree day accumulations matching your selection should appear. There should also be a graph near the bottom showing the current year accumulation compared to the historical average for your selections.

Alfalfa Weevil

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: May 6, 2009 by Steve Norberg

May 6, 2009 by Steve Norberg
Be sure to be scouting alfalfa weevil as numbers are increasing and I have seen fields with some damage.
Pest description and crop damage Larvae are about 0.375 inch long, yellow to green, with a white stripe down the back. They feed in and on the buds and leaves of alfalfa.

More information and control reccomendations can be found at 2009 Pacific Northwest Insect Guide information on alfalfa weevil can be found at:
http://www.tvpestalert.net/admin_add.php
http://uspest.org/pdf/reb90.pdf


Alfalfa Weevil

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: May 5, 2009 by Steve Norberg

Be scouting alfalfa weevil as numbers are increasing and I have seen fields with some damage.
Pest description and crop damage Larvae are about 0.375 inch long, yellow to green, with a white stripe down the back. They feed in and on the buds and leaves of alfalfa.

Sampling and thresholds


Treat when—

1. Thirty percent of plant terminals show feeding damage. Either cut and then treat stubble or treat the standing crop, depending on how close to cutting it is.


2. Damage is noticeable 1 week or more before estimated cutting time, and larvae exceed 10 per 90°-sweep, sometimes called a straight-line sweep).


3. Larvae number 20 or more per sweep (180° sweep, sometimes called a half-circle sweep). Thresholds based on larvae per sweep are a general guideline; weather, plant vigor, irrigation schedules, cutting date, history of weevils in the area, and a complex of other factors may determine whether treatment is warranted.


Management—chemical control

Most of these insecticides are hazardous to bees and should not be applied if bees are actively foraging in the alfalfa.

1. carbaryl at 1 to 1.5 lb ai/a. PHI 7 days for grazing or cutting. REI 12 hr. If pretreatment damage is extensive, cut alfalfa and treat the stubble for alfalfa weevil larvae. This product is not effective against adult alfalfa weevils. Do not apply more than once per cutting. Carbaryl may burn or yellow hay under some conditions, and applying to wet foliage or during high humidity may injure tender foliage. Latex-based formulations, such as Sevin XLR Plus, are less hazardous to bees.

2. carbofuran (Furadan 4F) at 0.25 to 1 lb ai/a for larvae and 0.5 to 1 lb ai/a for adults. PHI for grazing or cutting is 7 days at the 0.25 lb ai/a rate, 14 days at 0.5 lb ai/a, and 28 days at 1 lb ai/a. REI 48 hr. Do not apply more than once per season and apply only to pure stands. Do not move bees into alfalfa fields within 7 days of application. Do not apply near waterfowl nesting and feeding areas.


3. chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4E) at 0.5 to 1 lb ai/a. PHI for grazing or cutting is 14 days at 0.5 lb ai/a or 21 days above 0.5 lb ai/a. REI 24 hr. Do not apply more than four times per season or reapply within 10 days of an earlier application. Minor phytotoxicity possible on young, tender, rapidly growing plants.


4. cyfluthrin (Baythroid 2) at 0.025 to 0.044 lb ai/a. PHI 7 days for grazing or cutting. REI 12 hr. Do not exceed 0.05 lb ai/a per cutting or 0.2 lb ai/a total per season.


5. dimethoate at 0.25 to 0.5 lb ai/a. PHI 10 days for grazing or cutting. REI 48 hr. For suppression only. Do not apply during bloom or exceed one application per cutting.


6. gamma-cyhalothrin (Proaxis) at 0.01 to 0.015 lb ai/a. PHI 1 day for forage harvest or 7 days for hay harvest. REI 24 hr. Do not exceed 0.015 lb ai/a per cutting or 0.06 lb ai/a per season. Do not apply within 25 ft of an aquatic habitat, 150 ft if applied by air, or 450 ft if applied by ULV.


7. indoxacarb (Steward) at 0.065 to 0.11 lb ai/a. PHI 7 days for cutting. REI 12 hr. Do not exceed one application per cutting or 0.44 lb ai/a total per season. Not for seed alfalfa.


8. lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior) at 0.02 to 0.03 lb ai/a. PHI 1 day for forage harvest or 7 days for hay harvest. REI 24 hr. Apply only to pure stands and avoid applications when bees are actively foraging. Do not exceed 0.03 lb ai/a per cutting or 0.12 lb ai/a per season. Do not apply within 25 ft of an aquatic habitat, 150 ft if applied by air, or 450 ft if applied by ULV.


9. malathion 5 EC at 0.75 to 1 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days. REI 12 hr. For alfalfa weevil larvae only. Not effective below 65°F.


10. methomyl (Lannate LV) at 0.9 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days, 7 days for grazing or cutting. REI 48 hr. For alfalfa weevil larvae only. Do not exceed 10 applications per season or 3.6 lb ai/a total in one season.


11. permethrin at 0.1 to 0.2 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days at 0.1 lb ai/a or less, 14 days at more than 0.1 lb ai/a. REI 12 hr. Do not exceed 0.2 lb ai/a per cutting.


12. phosmet (Imidan 70-W) at 0.7 to 0.93 lb ai/a. PHI 7 days for grazing or cutting. REI 5 days. Do not apply more than once per cutting or apply during bloom. Do not use latex- or pineolene-based adjuvants.


13. zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang) at 0.028 to 0.05 lb ai/a. PHI 3 days for grazing or cutting. REI 12 hr. Wait at least 7 days to reapply. Do not exceed 0.05 lb ai/a per cutting or 0.15 lb ai/a per season. Do not apply within 25 ft of an aquatic habitat or 150 ft if applied by air.

Spanish Pesticide Safety Training

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 27, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

University of Idaho Extension and Idaho State Department of Agriculture are conducting a Pesticide Safety Training in Spanish on February 24, 2009 at the Vendome in Weiser. More information is in the pdf file below.

Test Potato Alert Part 2

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: January 26, 2009 by Matt Goodale

This is a test alert. Please disregard this message.


Test Test

Test Potato Alert

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: January 26, 2009 by Matt Goodale

Test alert.

Please disregard this message!

Chemical Fruit Fair meeting

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 26, 2009 by Tony McCammon

2009 CHEMICAL FRUIT FAIR
FEBRUARY 2OTH
Sizzler Restaurant Ontario, Oregon

“WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS TO OUR ACTIONS”
•8:00 to 8:30 Registration
•8:30 to 8:35 Welcome and introduction. Tom
Tankersley; Wilbur-Ellis Company
•8:35 to 9:00 Research updates on University
trials. Essie Fallahi; UI
•9:00 to 9:25 Movento/Ultor name changes and how to
use these products effectively.
Phil Sarasqueta; Bayer CropScience
•9:25 to 9:35 University extension updates.
Tony McCammon; UI Payette County
Extension Service
•9:35 to 10:00 Rimon as a CM ovicide. Timing and
effective usage of a great product.
Dan Largent; Chemtura
•10:00 to 10:10 Break
•10:10 to 10:35 Introduction of Voliam. A new
insecticide and how it fits in a
program.
Craig Yearous; Syngenta
•10:35 to 11:00 What’s new with Altacor? Updates and
usage information.
Dennis Wilson & Ron Yoder; Dupont
•11:00 to 11:10 Fruit industry issues.
Kelly Henggeler; Henggeler Packing
Company
•11:10 to 11:35 Mating Disruption and the use of Virus.
Chris Nobbs; Pacific Biocontrol
Corporation
•11:35 to 12:00 Delegate insecticide, updates and
correct usage information.
Harvey Yoshida and Trent Brusseau;
Syngenta
•12:00 to 1:00 Lunch

Alfalfa Hay Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 18, 2008 by Steve Norberg

Hay growers in the Treasure Valley should plan to attend the 2008 Alfalfa Hay Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at the Sizzler Restaurant in Ontario, Ore. The event is being sponsored by Oregon State University and Malheur County Extension, with lunch courtesy of several local sponsors.

According to Steve Norberg, Field Crops & Watershed Management Agent at the Malheur County Extension, the meeting will feature several speakers who are sure to bring growers up-to-date information on topics such as rodent control, insect control and soil fertility. Other topics to be addressed will be use of moisture sensors, the use of Agrimet for irrigation scheduling, variety trials, fertilizer prices, and the effect of herbicides on hay yields. Growers will have the opportunity to ask general questions of the speakers near the end of the meeting as well as ask questions on the material presented throughout the day.

Two pesticide credits will be given from Oregon Department of Ag and Idaho State Department of Ag and 4.5 CEU for Certified Crop Advisors. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., break for lunch from 12 noon until 1 p.m., and adjourn at 3:30 p.m. For more information and to RSVP please call the Malheur Extension Office at 541-881-1417.

Idaho Horticulture Society Meetings

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 11, 2008 by Tony McCammon

Idaho State Horticultural Society
114th Annual Convention
November 24 & 25, 2008

See attachment for Agenda.

strip till demonstration

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 21, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

STRIP-TILL SEMINAR AND DEMONSTATION
SPONSORED BY AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 4, 2008; 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
WHERE: CONNORS CAFÉ, BURLEY ID NORTH OFF I-84 EXIT 208

WHAT: PRESENTATIONS 10:00 AM – NOON (CONNERS CAFÉ); NOON LUNCH IS FREE

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM FIELD DEMONSTRATION (850 W 150 S. PAUL, IDAHO)

IMPLEMENTS SCHLAGEL, STRIP CAT, ORTHMAN, CASE/DMI
CUSTOM OPERATER – DEWAYNE HONDO
STRIP-TILL GROWER – ACEY SHAW

OPEN TO ALL GROWERS, NOT JUST SUGARBEET GROWERS. CALL ROBERT DOWNARD AT 208.731.3970 IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 7, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

According to UI CIS 366 “Timing Corn Earworm Control” summer moths began laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 growing degree days (GDD), approximately August 2. Egg hatch and larvae attack begins about 73 GDD later. The peak egg laying period should be between now and 1650 GDD. If you have fresh silking corn during this period (about the next two weeks) it is important to monitor for corn earworm larvae and treat if necessary.

field burning training

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 6, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Below is additional information about the Idaho DEQ field burning program.

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is pleased to announce our current Idaho DEQ Grower Training schedule to Southwestern Idaho Counties, including Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Adams and Washington.

• When: Monday August 11th at 700 am
• Where: University of Idaho Extension, Education Center, 1904 E. Chicago Street, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605
• Course Length: 1 ½ to 2 hours with question and answer period afterwards


• When: Tuesday August 19th at 7:00 am
• Where: Vendome Event Center, 309 State Street, Weiser, Idaho 83672
• Course Length: 1 ½ to 2 hours with question and answer period afterwards

There are no fees involved with this training, although there are fee requirements for your crop residue burning permit. If you have any questions regarding Crop residue burning, directions to the training or other Grower Training information please call us toll free at 1- 866-224-2456, or try (208) 373-0502 and ask for Jonathan Pettit or contact Michael Miller at (208) 860-1478.

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 16, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

BELOW ARE PDF FILES WITH THE RECOMENDATIONS FROM THE 2008 PNW INSECT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK FOR CONTROLLING CORN EARWORM LARVAE IN SWEET CORN SEED, AND FIELD AND SILAGE CORN.

powdery mildew in sugarbeets

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 10, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Powdery mildew has been positively identified by Amalgamated Sugar Company Representatives in sugarbeet fields in the western Treasure Valley. There have also been reports of loopers in many Treasure Valley sugarbeet fields. As you scout your fields for powdery mildew, you may also want to be on the lookout for loopers and black bean aphids. Contact your field representative from the Amalgamated Sugar Company if you have questions about treatment options.

iris yellow spot virus and downy mildew

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 1, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld and Lynn Jensen

Iris yellow spot virus has been positively identified on onions planted for seed. The onions were planted last year, and the virus symptoms are typical of scape lesions usually associated with IYSV on seed onions (click on image below). Bulb onion growers should be aware that the virus is likely in all overwintered onion seed fields, and should aggressively manage onion thrips in fields located near seed fields, particularly those fields located down wind from the seed fields.

In addition, downy mildew has been identified on the same onion scapes as the IYSV. This is highly unusual, and is likely due to the cool spring weather. If the weather cools to the mid 70's and we get summer showers, then there is a chance that the downy mildew could spread to the bulb crop. Applying a registered fungicide along with your thrips sprays may alleviate any potential problem. The following link will take you to the Oregon State University Extension website that contains images and control measures for downy mildew: http://plant-disease.ippc.orst.edu/disease.cfm?RecordID=752.

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 17, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

test

Cereal Leaf Beetle Brown Bag Luncheon

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 13, 2008 by Steve Norberg

On June, 17th at noon at the Malheur Extension Office, 710 SW 5th Ave. Ontario, OR. Steve Norberg will discuss life cycle and control of Cereal Leaf Beetle with plenty of time for questions and answers. Bring your own lunch and eat during the
discussion. If you have any questions about the event, give me a call at 541-881-1417.

Weed Tours

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 10, 2008 by Pam Hutchinson

You Are Invited to Attend the University of Idaho SNAKE RIVER WEED CONTROL TOUR

Kimberly R&E Center – Tuesday June 17, 2007
Aberdeen R&E Center – Wednesday June 18, 2007

Registration begins at 8:00 A.M. and the tours start at 8:30 A.M. The tours will conclude at noon with a sponsored lunch. Idaho pesticide re-certification credits (3) will be offered.

Kimberly Research & Extension Center

Sugar beet:
Critical period of weed control
Volunteer potato timing of removal with Roundup
Crop tolerance and weed control with Sequence and Touchdown
Glyphosate tank mixtures and compatibility with other pesticides
Strip tillage versus conventional tillage

Cereals
Influence of spring barley cultivar characteristics, fertilizer placement and herbicide on broadleaf weeds
Comparison of Gowan sulfonylurea herbicides to proprietary sulfonylurea herbicides
Comparison of ET and Helm Agro sulfonylurea herbicides to standard herbicides
Broadleaf weed control with Huskie in comparison to other herbicides
Wild oat control with Wolverine in comparison to other wild oat herbicides
Wild oat and Broadleaf control with pyroxsulam in spring wheat

Corn
Preemergence and postemergence weed control in Roundup Ready grain corn
Comparison of mustard seed meal rates for weed control
Critical period of weed control in Roundup Ready silage corn

Potato
Weed control with postemergence herbicides
And more...

Entomology trials including wireworm control, effect
of hairy nightshade on PVY, CPB/aphid control and effect on potato viruses


Wednesday June 18, 2007

Aberdeen Research & Extension Center

Potato

Weed control and crop safety:
Specialty variety tolerance to Outlook - Dark Red Norland, Nordonna, Modoc, Sangre, Chipeta, and Yukon Gold
Reflex tank mixtures
Metribuzin Comparisons
Organic weed control and crop safety with acetic acid
Simulated glyphosate drift on Ranger Russet
Chemigation and Sprinkler Incorporation
Chateau sprinkler incorporation timing
Outlook, Chateau chemigation
Eptam sprinkler incorporation timing

Weed biology
Hairy nightshade time of removal/critical interference Period in Russet Norkotah
Herbicide Dissipation
Effect of reservoir tillage on Outlook herbicide placement and weed control

Sugar beet
Roundup Ready Sugar Beet:
Application timing and tank mix partners with Roundup Power Max
Effect of weed removal timing and glyphosate rate on sugar beet yield
Compatibility of Roundup Power Max with Gem and Proline fungicides when applied in a tank mixture


WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE TOURS – BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES!!!

Call Pam at Aberdeen 397-4181 or Don at Twin Falls 736-3616 for more information

sugarbeet root maggot

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 3, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Clint Shock, Superintendent at the OSU Malheur Experiment Station is reporting that sugarbeet root maggots have been found in Malheur County sugarbeet fields. If you have sugarbeet plants in your field that are dying for no apparent reason, dig up the sugarbeet plants and look for the small white maggots and damage to the roots. The images below show the maggot larvae and the damage they cause. If you suspect you have this pest, contact your Amalgamated Sugar Company fieldman for treatment options.

Alfalfa Weevil Larvae

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 22, 2008 by Steve Norberg

On 5/21/08 Steve Norberg confirmed that Alfalfa Weevil Larvae were in high numbers in a field near Ontario. With the cooler weather in our area slowing alfalfa growth we may have more problems with this pest. I encourage you to scout your alfalfa fields for this pest.

Alfalfa Weevil Larvae are about 0.4 of an inch long, yellow to green,, with a white stripe down the back. They feed in and on the buds and leaves of alfalfa.

Sampling and thresholds
Treat when-

1. Thirty percent of plant terminals show feeding damage. Either cut and then treat stubble or treat the standing crop, depending on how close to cutting it is.
2. Damage is noticeable 1 week or more before estimated cutting time, and larvae exceed 10 per 90 degree sweep, sometimes called a straight-line sweep.
3. Larvae number 20 or more per sweep (180 degree sweep , sometimes called a half sweep), Thresholds based on larvae per sweep are a general guideline; weather, plant vigor, irrigation schedules, cutting date, history of weevils in the area, and a complex of other factors may determine whether treatment is warranted.

For pictures and more information see:
http://www.pnwpestalert.net/reference/Crops~~Alfalfa~~Alfalfa+Weevil~~.html

Steve Norberg, Field Crops and Watershed Management, OSU Extension Malheur County


onion thrips

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 20, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Mike Thornton, is reporting he is starting to see onion thrips in the onion fields near Parma. This is early given the growth stage of the plants, but about the same time they showed up last year. He is also seeing thrips on volunteer onions in nearby corn fields. Volunteer onions are a likely source of Iris Yellow Spot Virus that can move into this year’s onion fields with adult thrips. Controlling volunteer onions in fields near onion fields will help reduce the threat of thrips transmitting Iris Yellow Spot Virus to your onion fields. This is a good time to start scouting onion fields for this pest.

Lygus bug

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 16, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition (http://pnwpest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg) shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated 215-224 degree days since January 1, 2007. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually, but not always, occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur on about May 18 or 19.

When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Rimon, Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays should treat before 4th instar nymphs are detected. You can monitor degree day accumulation using the link provided above and:

1) Select “ lygus bug [alfalfa seed]Ben Simko 2000” degree day model from the “Select degree day model….” drop down box at the top of the form
2) In the “Select location” box, select a location in the drop down box best describing your location (e.g. “parma id agrimet” in the “Washington, Idaho” box if you want information for a field near Parma). Make sure to select “None” at the top of the lists in the other two location boxes.
3) Leave the “Or upload your own…” box blank
4) In the “Forecast:” area, enter the your zip code or your city, state in the “NWS zipcode/city, state” box, or the location nearest your field from the “or weather.com site” drop down box to the right). This selection forecasts 7 days forward based on the local weather forecast (beyond 7 days the forecast is based on the historical average). The predicted date of peak 1st and 2nd instar will vary depending on the forecast location selected, so pick the one closest to your location. Select “none” to have the forecast based only on the historical average.
5) Select the location nearest your field in the “Select historical average forecast location” area. Your selection here should match, as close as possible, your selection in the “Select location” area above: there may not be an exact match. As above, select “none” in the other two boxes.
6) Make sure the “Table” and “graph” boxes are checked (and the “precipitation” if you want rainfall information) and click the “Calc” button. A table with the current degree day accumulations matching your selection should appear. There should also be a graph near the bottom showing the current year accumulation compared to the historical average for your selections.

Additional updates will be posted as the 272 degree day accumulation target approaches.

This information was provided by Dr. Jim Barbour, IPM Specialist with the U of I at the Parma R and E Station.

test

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: May 13, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

tseess

Test Alert

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: May 13, 2008 by Matt Goodale

Test alert... please disregard.

Test Alert

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: May 13, 2008 by Matt Goodale

Test alert... please disregard.

Test Alert

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: May 13, 2008 by Matt Goodale

Test alert - please disregard. The system is undergoing testing at the moment.

Test Alert

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: May 13, 2008 by Matt Goodale

Test alert.
If you see this alert, the system is undergoing testing. Please disregard.

sugarbeet root maggot

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 12, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Field representatives from the Amalgamated Sugar Company are reporting we reached the growing degree day threshold for sugarbeet root maggot fly emergence late last week in the Nyssa area. Adult sugarbeet root maggot flies will begin emerging and flying anytime now.

Adult flies will lay eggs near the sugarbeet plants 3 to 10 days after they emerge. After the larvae hatch they will begin feeding on the young sugarbeets. Potential maggot damage could be worse this year since there are so many replanted fields with small beets at the time the maggots are feeding. Look for these pests to appear in the western end of the Treasure Valley first. If you haven’t applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggot, contact your White Satin fieldman for further information.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 5, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting that with the warmer weather, cereal leaf beetle adults can be seen flying and egg laying is beginning. It is not too early to start scouting for CLB eggs as an indication of potential larvae populations. Spring planted grains are preferred by CLB over winter planted grains.

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 30, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

test

pesticide disposal program

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 30, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is sponsoring a pesticide disposal program in the Treasure Valley on May 12 and 13, 2008. Click on the thumbnail at the bottom of this alert for more information.

test

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: April 29, 2008 by Jerry

test

test

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: April 29, 2008 by test

tset

test

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 29, 2008 by Jerry

test

This is a test

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 29, 2008 by Steve Norberg

This is a test.

Tree Fruit Frost Alert through Tuesday

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 18, 2008 by Tony McCammon

Frost warnings that are in effect through Tuesday. Low temperatures will be dropping to the mid to low 20’s. Fruit blossoms and buds will be susceptible to losses.

See attached Table on critical temperatures for flower and bud damage.

Orchardists use heaters if available, or turn on wind machines.

Homeowners use overhead irrigation, but this can be costly. The idea is to cover the buds and blossoms with water that will freeze, forming an ice layer. Remember that water freezes at 32 degrees F, and a permanent, uninterrupted layer of ice throughout the frost period will insulate flowers and buds. The ice must remain until the daytime air temperatures rise above freezing.

The last freeze will occur 2 out of 10 years after May 4 at a temperature of 28 degrees or less in Payette County, May 6th in Emmett and Parma, May 13th in Weiser, and April 27th in Caldwell.

tree stages:

Apple Peach Cherry Apricot
Payette 1/2"green pink bud-swell bloom
Fruitland cluster pink bud-swell bloom
Parma pre-pink pink bud-swell post-blm
Emmett cluster bloom white bud post-blm
Sunnyslope cluster bloom white bud post-blm

A 10% loss of a tree’s flowers may be tolerable for some growers. They may consider it as a thinning technique this year.

As you have seen we have had a cool spring thus far and are quite a bit behind what we have been in previous years. If this keeps up it may give growers the upper hand on coddling moth this year.

DD Temperatures as compared to the last 3 years
Here are DD from March 1 for the past years as of April 18 AM each year in Payette. Courtesy of Bill Ford:

2005 119
2006 75
2007 169
2008 64

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 26, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

test

AgrAbility Project

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 26, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

When one family member has a disability, it has an impact on the whole family. This is especially true on farms and ranches where the work is often physically demanding. The Idaho AgrAbility Project offers farmers, ranchers, and members of their families with disabilities the opportunity to work with an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) to determine what steps can be taken to adapt their tasks, facilities, or equipment to better meet their needs. The project also offers training to help families meet the challenge of farming or ranching with a disability.

For more information about the Idaho AgrAbility Project click on “Crop Info,” “Announcements,” and “AgrAbility Project” or contact United Cerebral Palsy in Boise at 377-8070 or 888-289-3289.

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 25, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

this is a test

AgrAbility Project

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 25, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

When one family member has a disability, it has an impact on the whole family. This is especially true on farms and ranches where the work is often physically demanding. The Idaho AgrAbility Project offers farmers, ranchers, and members of their families with disabilities the opportunity to work with an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) to determine what steps can be taken to adapt their tasks, facilities, or equipment to better meet their needs. The project also offers training to help families meet the challenge of farming or ranching with a disability.

For more information about the Idaho AgrAbility Project click on “Crop Info,” “Announcements,” and “AgrAbility Project” or contact United Cerebral Palsy in Boise at 377-8070 or 888-289-3289.

AgrAbility Project

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 20, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

AgrAbility Helps Farmers with Disabilities
When one family member has a disability, it has an impact on the whole family. This is especially true on farms and ranches where the work is often physically demanding. The Idaho AgrAbility Project offers farmers, ranchers, and members of their families with disabilities the opportunity to work with an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) to determine what steps can be taken to adapt their tasks, facilities, or equipment to better meet their needs. The project also offers training to help families meet the challenge of farming or ranching with a disability.

For more information about the Idaho AgrAbility Project, contact United Cerebral Palsy in Boise at 377-8070 or 888-289-3289. Click on the thumbnails below for more information.

website testing

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 10, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Sorry for inconvenience, we are doing some website testing.

Key issues on the family farm series

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 5, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Risk Management Agency, Idaho Agri-Women and Canyon Agricultural Foundation for Education are sponsoring an educational series entitled “Key Issues on the Family Farm.” The topic on March 6 is “The New Idaho Niche: Buy Local, Sell Local”; the March 13th topic is “Stop the Family Tree from Falling on You! How to keep the business in the family and the family in the business”; and the March 20th topic is “Are you an Outlaw or an In-Law? Family business conflict prevention and resolution.”
Seminars are from 6 to 9 pm at the Hampton Inn in Nampa, ID. Seminars are free and refreshments will be served. Space in limited, RSVP online at www.ccfb.net or call 658-5956.

Potato Association of America Meeting, Idaho Falls, Aug. 12-

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 9, 2007 by Matt Goodale

Please plan to attend The Potato Association of America 91st Annual Meeting to be held Aug 12-16, 2007 at the Shilo Inn Conference Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Potato Association of America is the official professional society for those interested in advancing the potato industry.


There will be a symposium on “Enhancing the nutritional value of potato tubers” on the morning of August 13th.


An industry program with selected topics of interest to potato growers and industry personnel is scheduled for Aug. 14 from 8 am to noon.


Industry Program registration is only $25 (includes lunch). To attend the entire conference, $265 for PAA members ($315 for non- members).


For more information visit the website: http://www.conferences.uidaho.edu/PAA/

Potato Association of America Meeting, Idaho Falls, Aug. 12-

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 9, 2007 by Matt Goodale

Please plan to attend The Potato Association of America 91st Annual Meeting to be held Aug 12-16, 2007 at the Shilo Inn Conference Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Potato Association of America is the official professional society for those interested in advancing the potato industry.


There will be a symposium on “Enhancing the nutritional value of potato tubers” on the morning of August 13th.


An industry program with selected topics of interest to potato growers and industry personnel is scheduled for Aug. 14 from 8 am to noon.


Industry Program registration is only $25 (includes lunch). To attend the entire conference, $265 for PAA members ($315 for non- members).


For more information visit the website: http://www.conferences.uidaho.edu/PAA/

Potato Association of America Meeting in Idaho Falls Aug. 12

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 3, 2007 by Nora Olsen

Please plan to attend The Potato Association of America 91st Annual Meeting to be held Aug 12-16, 2007 at the Shilo Inn Conference Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Potato Association of America is the official professional society for those interested in advancing the potato industry.

There will be a symposium on “Enhancing the nutritional value of potato tubers” on the morning of August 13th.

An industry program with selected topics of interest to potato growers and industry personnel is scheduled for Aug. 14 from 8 am to noon.

Industry Program registration is only $25 (includes lunch). To attend the entire conference, $265 for PAA members ($315 for non-members).

For more information visit the website: http://www.conferences.uidaho.edu/PAA/

Potato Association of America Meeting in Idaho Falls Aug 12-

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 2, 2007 by Nora Olsen

Please plan to attend The Potato Association of America 91st Annual Meeting to be held Aug 12-16, 2007 at the Shilo Inn Conference Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Potato Association of America is the official professional society for those interested in advancing the potato industry.

There will be a symposium on “Enhancing the nutritional value of potato tubers” on the morning of August 13th.

An industry program with selected topics of interest to potato growers and industry personnel is scheduled for Aug. 14 from 8 am to noon.

Industry Program registration is only $25 (includes lunch). To attend the entire conference, $265 for PAA members ($315 for non-members).

For more information visit the website: http://www.conferences.uidaho.edu/PAA/

Potato Association of America Meeting in Idaho Falls Aug 12-

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 2, 2007 by Nora Olsen

Please plan to attend The Potato Association of America 91st Annual Meeting to be held Aug 12-16, 2007 at the Shilo Inn Conference Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Potato Association of America is the official professional society for those interested in advancing the potato industry.

There will be a symposium on “Enhancing the nutritional value of potato tubers” on the morning of August 13th.

An industry program with selected topics of interest to potato growers and industry personnel is scheduled for Aug. 14 from 8 am to noon.

Industry Program registration is only $25 (includes lunch). To attend the entire conference, $265 for PAA members ($315 for non-members).

For more information visit the website: http://www.conferences.uidaho.edu/PAA/

24c Label for Beleaf

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 19, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

The section 24c label for Beleaf for control of lygus in alfalfa seed has been approved by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. A copy of the label is available for review by clicking on “crop info”, “alfalfa seed”, and “24c label for beleaf”. and will also be available at the Idaho Department of Agriculture website in a few days.

Beleaf has been shown to be an effective lygus compound that works by preventing lygus feeding within 30 minutes of exposure. Lygus mouthparts will not be able to penetrate the plant tissue so that the insects will starve over the course of several days. Lygus on plants after treating will not damage plants or seeds. Beleaf is also very good on aphids (same mode of action), soft on natural enemies and safe to bees. Current research indicates that Beleaf can be applied at night after leafcutting bees stop foraging (more research is needed to see if Beleaf can be applied while bees are foraging). With the approval of Beleaf, we have three new tools for lygus management in alfalfa seed; Beleaf, Rimon and Assail. All three of these new compounds have modes of action that are different from each other, and from pyrethroid, carbamate and organophosphate compounds also labeled for use in alfalfa seed. Be sure to use these and other insecticides in a manner that avoids resistance development and ensures long term effectiveness. Follow label directions, don’t use the same insecticide in back to back applications and rotate between insecticides with different modes of action. Check with your supplier to see what the availability of Beleaf will be for this season. Feel free to contact Dr. Jim Barbour with questions (phone: 208.722.6701, email: jbarbour@uidaho.edu).

Essie's Fruit Tour Announcement

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 18, 2007 by Tony McCammon

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2007 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The registration will start at 8:30 am and the program will start at 9:00 am. Several cultivars of new table grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, quinces, Asian pears, and other alternative fruits will be presented during the tour. Participants can taste many of these fruits. Highlights of this event will be:
1) Presentation and tasting of several types and cultivars of fruits at the main office complex and discussion on application of growth bio-regulators in fruit crops
2) Tour of the U of I comprehensive research projects on ‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala’ apple irrigation and rootstock selections, chemical thinning, and pesticides uses
3) Tour of the alternative fruit crops, including quinces, Asian pears, persimmons, Jujube, and mulberries
4) Tour of the table grape vineyards, peaches and nectarines, and discussion/ questions/answers on various cultural practices of fruit crops, including planting, growth regulators, pruning, thinning, girdling, pest control, irrigation

assail 24c label

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 3, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Assail 70WP (acetomiprid) has received a 24c (special local needs) registration for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed. The material is moderately effective (population suppression) on lygus and has potential as a tank is partner in cleanup or bloom sprays when lygus pressure is heavy, or as a standalone spray when lygus pressure is light and sweep counts consist largely of 1st to 3rd instars. Assail is relatively soft on parasites and predators, and safe to leaf cutting bees when applied in the evenings after the bees have stopped foraging. Assail has good activity on aphids.

Coddling moth and W. Cherry Fruilt Fly

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 18, 2007 by Tony McCammon

I wanted to update Coddling moth Spray dates. The morning of May 15th was the 250DD or first Hatch Date for coddling moth in Fruitland, Snake River Valley, Parma, and Sunny Slope. Emmett hit first hatch yesturday morning, May 17th. Coddling moth maximum larva hatch will be between May 21 and June 10 applications of insecticide are critical during this time period. Chemical applications

eggs: Horticultural oil, Esteem, Confirm, Intrepid, Azatin

larvae: Assail, Asana, Calypso, Carbaryl, Clutch, Diazanon, Guthion, Codling Moth Granulosis Virus, Imidan, Warrior, Sevin, Malathion
*Reapply insecticides based on the residual period (i.e., protection interval) of the product used, and be sure to rotate among pesticide classes.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly Control

Method 1: Fruit Maturity
Cherry fruits are not susceptible to egg-laying by adult females until they ripen to a salmon blush in color. Green fruits will not be attacked. Consider the maturity of the ripest fruit in an orchard, not the average.

Method 2: Adult Trapping
Adult flies do not use sexual pheromones, but are attracted to certain colors and odors. Yellow sticky panel traps (Pherocon AM®) with an external bait of ammonium carbonate (AC) are a moderately effective monitoring tool; unbaited traps should not be used. Place traps in cherry orchards before the first fly is expected [750-800 degree-days (DD)]in Sunnyslope flies were seen May 10, or by mid-May. Apply the first insecticide treatment 5 - 7 days or (190 DD-May 19) after first catch (females require 5 - 7 days for ovaries to mature.

For home and commercial orchards:
• spinosad (GF-120, Success, Entrust) – reapply every 7
days
• carbaryl (Sevin) – reapply every 7 days
• malathion (Malathion) – best when used just before
harvest as it lasts approximately 3 days
• synthetic pyrethroid insecticides – reapply every 7-14 days
∙ cyfluthrin (Baythroid) – commercial use only
∙ esfenvalerate (Asana, Ortho products)
∙ lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior) – commercial use only
∙ permethrin (Ambush, Pounce, Ortho products)

For commercial orchards only:
• imidacloprid (Provado) – reapply every 14 days
• azinphosmethyl (Guthion) – reapply every 14 days
(scheduled for phase-out by 2012 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
• phosmet (Imidan) – reapply every 14 days; do not
use on sweet cherry
• chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) – reapply every 14 days; do
not use on sweet cherry
• diazinon (Diazinon) – reapply every 10-14 days

Frost warning April 3 from 3 am until 9 am

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: April 2, 2007 by Tony McCammon

There is a frost warning for this evening in the Treasure Valley. With many fruit trees blooming and other crops breaking it could cause damage. If the temperatures fall lower than 28 degrees over ten percent of flowers present on the fruit crops will be destroyed. Other crops could be stunted. Orchardists use heaters if available, or turn on wind machines. If you do not have use of these machines overhead sprinkle your trees this will create a protective cover of ice over the buds and blossoms. Remember that ice forms at 32 degrees and will insulate your future crop.

Idaho Potato Pest Management Grower Meeting

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: February 5, 2007 by Nora Olsen

The annual Idaho Potato Pest Management Association (IPPMA) meeting is scheduled for February 13, 2007 at the Odd Fellow’s Hall, Wendell, Idaho. All are welcome. The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. Three (3) Idaho Pesticide Recertification credits are available.

Topics will include:
• Cleaning equipment and storages for pest protection
• Potato Seed Treatments
• Impact of soil applied pesticides on potatoes
• New Potato Cyst Nematode in Idaho
• Nightshade control options
• Cruiser Maxx Seed Treatment

If you have any questions, contact Nora Olsen at 736-3621 or norao@uidaho.edu

Growing Pains in Irrigation Management Seminar

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 3, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Free Seminar
January 30th, 2007
9:00 AM—3:00 PM
Four Rivers Cultural Center
Ontario, Oregon

RSVP By Jan. 25, 4:00 PM
Contact Lance Phillips to recieve a Seminar Schedule of Classes.
Phone: 541-889-2588 Ext. 101

Table Grape Export Meeting

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 3, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Table Grape Export Meeting Agenda
January 26, 2006
9:00-9:10: Welcome and Self Introductions

9:10-9:20: US Table Grape Industry Overview
Lacey Menasco ¡V Idaho State Department of
Agriculture

9:20-10:20: Taiwan Market for Table Grapes
Eddie Yen ¡V Idaho-Asia Trade Office
„X Packaging
„X Varieties
„X Prices and price quotes
„X Doing business in Taiwan

10:20-11:00: Certifications and inspections
Suzanne Pfeffer ¡V Idaho State Department
of Agriculture

11:00-11:40: Shipping logistics ¡V getting your
product to Taiwan
Keith Pettyjohn - Expeditors (invited)

11:40-12:00: Basics of Exporting
Laura Johnson ¡V Idaho State Department
of Agriculture
„X Getting paid
„X Harmonized Codes
„X Terms you should know

U of I Crop Protection Meeting Feb. 6 (Idaho Falls) and 7 (P

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 2, 2007 by Jeff Miller

The 2007 University of Idaho Crop Protection Seminar will be held February 6 at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls and February 7 at the Ramada Inn in Pocatello. The program begins at 8:30 and ends at 4:45 and is identical at both locations. Meeting attendees can obtain 6 ISDA pesticide recertification credits (3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon) and 6.5 Pest Management Certified Crop Advisor credits (CCA, 3 in the morning and 3.5 in the afternoon). Lunch is provided by the meeting sponsors at no cost. Please RSVP to Jeff Miller by phone (208-397-4181 ext. 108) or email (jsmiller@uidaho.edu) by February 2 so that we can plan appropriately for lunch. Sponsors for the meeting include: Amvac, BASF, Bayer, Dow, DuPont, FMC, Gowan, Northwest Ag Products, Syngenta Crop Protection and Seed Treatment, and Valent.

Agroterrorism Class Free Registration

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 13, 2006 by Tony McCammon

UNDERSTANDING THE DANGERS OF AGROTERRORISM

Presented by Western Institute for Food, Safety and Security (WIFSS)in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the University of California, Davis and Co-Sponsored by Idaho State University Institute for Emergency Management and Canyon County Office of Emergency Management.
Jan. 30th Caldwell: Canyon County Courthouse
Jan. 31st Fruitland: Fruitland City Hall
Feb. 1st Emmett: Gem County EMS Building

Class times are from 9:30 until 3 and include a free lunch.

Contact Information: For additional information, Sharon Avery
WIFSS Program Director (530) 757-8311
savery@wifss.ucdavis.edu

Registration Information: Fax: (530) 297-6304 or email: mvicino@wifss.ucdavis.edu



Potato tuberworm

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Jeff Miller

ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season

Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. “It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last year’s survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections,” reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.

As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.

University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMP’s) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.

Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. “As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary,” Simko advises.

More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us

ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 20

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen

ISDA
News Release


ISDA Survey Catches First Potato Tuberworm (PTW) Adult of 2006 Season


Idaho State Department of Agriculture entomologist, Ben Simko reported the first potato tuberworm (PTW) adult moth captured in a pheromone trap near Parma, Idaho on August 1. The potato tuberworm is a small insect that can infest both potato foliage and tunnel into tubers with the potential of causing significant crop damage. “It is important to note that most of Idaho is PTW free, based on last year’s survey, and no live worms or tuber damage associated with this insect was ever found despite, extensive inspections,” reports Michael Cooper Plant Industries, deputy administrator. The pest emerged as a serious new pest of potatoes in the Hermiston, OR area in 2002. It has also spread to production areas in the Columbia Basin in south central Washington State where growers claim spending $150-200 per acre on PTW control measures. Last year, University of Idaho and ISDA cooperated on a detection survey to track insect numbers and distribution in the Gem state. According to Simko, so far, numbers of PTW in Idaho still remain extremely low based on numbers captured in special PTW traps. The 2005 survey captured low numbers of PTW in three counties; Canyon, Elmore, and Payette. With over 450 insect traps deployed across southern Idaho last season, only 19 moths were confirmed as PTW positives.

As planned, this season, ISDA started to survey in the three positive counties in late May. In the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho, were no PTW moths have been detected, the department started trap surveys last week.

University of Idaho and ISDA will co-host an informational meeting Wednesday, August 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. at the University of Idaho Parma, Experiment Station to update area growers and processors on the situation. Recommended Management Practices (RMP’s) drawn up by the two agencies will be discussed along with a review of the insect life cycle.

Simko cautions potato growers to stay vigilant until we have a better idea of PTW population trends and damage threats in the various Idaho environments. “As with any new pest threat, we need to keep it in the context of a total potato IPM system, including use of cultural practices, economic thresholds and applying insecticide treatments only when necessary,” Simko advises.

More information on the Potato Tuberworm can be found at the ISDA website, PTW link, www.idahoag.us

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 21, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm (http://pnwpest.org), we are currently at approximately 1221 GDD in the Caldwell area and 1276 GDD in the Parma area. We are accumulating approximately 24 GDD per day. We should reach 1300 GDD in the next few days.

The University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control,”states that summer moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 GDD. Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later. Those fields silking at 1300 GDD are most vulnerable to attack.

The following information was taken from CIS 366 regarding corn earworm.

Corn can be “scouted” for corn earworm eggs to predict possible infestation levels. Examine 10 silk masses (about 2-day old) on each edge of a field but only in those fields which are beginning to silk or are silking. Examining a field in late silk for the first time is worthless; most of the eggs, if any were present, are already hatched, and the damage cannot be prevented.

When the egg counts average 1 per 2 masses, about 100% ear infestation will occur in the field and other fields of like maturity in the vicinity. With 1 egg per 2 silk masses, about 1 inch of each ear tip will be damaged; 1 egg per silk mass will result in about 2 inches of the ear tip damage, etc. When the days and nights are warmer than usual, the damage may double because the earworm will develop faster than the corn.

Fields should be scouted about every 2 to 4 days, depending on temperatures. Once economic egg levels are reached, determined on the basis of damage expected, further scouting is unnecessary. All fields which silk after that time in that vicinity will be subject to damage.

No chemical control will control worms in the ears, so sprays must be timed to control the larvae on the silk before the worms enter the ears. Make the first application when the plants are 50 percent silk, and repeat in 5 to 7 days or as necessary.

Field Day Wednesday July 12 Oregon State Univ. Malheur Exper

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: July 6, 2006 by Clint Shock

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE
Malheur Experiment Station Annual Field Day

July 12, 2006 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The program will cover onions (thrips, IYSV, and more!) potatoes, small grains (including waxy barley), teff, wildflower seed production, poplar trees, soybeans, and noxious weeds. A complimentary lunch will be served. During lunch there will be a presentation by Sandy Halstead, Agricultural Specialist of the EPA. EPA is considering restictions on the ways VAPAM can be used. VAPAM is an important product in growers' attempts to control yellow nutsedge. For more details on the program see http://www.cropinfo.net/events.htm

Please reserve lunch by calling Janet Jones
(541) 889-2174 Or emailing her at janet.jones@oregonstate.edu

Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave.
Ontario, OR 97914

Approved Crisis Exemptions, Section 18 and 24c Labels for I

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 31, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

A current list of Section 18 (Emergency Exemptions), Section 24c (Special Local Needs Labels) and Crisis Exemptions for the state of Idaho is available by clicking on “Crop Info,” “Announcements” and the “Section 18 and 24c Labels” button. A complete list of 24c labels can be found at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s website at http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/registration/Section24cmain.php.

Potato Education Meeting (Idaho Potato Pest Management Assoc

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen

The annual Idaho Potato Pest Management Association (IPPMA) meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2006 at the Odd Fellow’s Hall, Wendell, Idaho. All are welcome- you don't have to be a member to attend. The meeting will start at 9:00 am. and end at 1 pm. The agenda will include “Potato tuber moth concerns and control”, “Chemical control of early blight: How to get the most bang for your buck”,“Potato viruses: yield effects and other concerns”, “How to grow and store potatoes for processing quality”, “Manure Management in Potato Cropping Systems”, “Gowan products for potato and corn cropping systems”. Lunch will be provided (sponsored by Gowan Company). Two Idaho Ag Pesticide License Recertification credits will be available. Please contact Nora Olsen at 736-3621 with questions. Hope to see you there.

Potato Education Meeting (Idaho Potato Pest Management Assoc

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen

The annual Idaho Potato Pest Management Association (IPPMA) meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2006 at the Odd Fellow’s Hall, Wendell, Idaho. All are welcome- you don't have to be a member to attend. The meeting will start at 9:00 am. and end at 1 pm. The agenda will include “Potato tuber moth concerns and control”, “Chemical control of early blight: How to get the most bang for your buck”,“Potato viruses: yield effects and other concerns”, “How to grow and store potatoes for processing quality”, “Manure Management in Potato Cropping Systems”, “Gowan products for potato and corn cropping systems”. Lunch will be provided (sponsored by Gowan Company). Two Idaho Ag Pesticide License Recertification credits will be available. Please contact Nora Olsen at 736-3621 with questions. Hope to see you there.

Potato Education Meeting (Idaho Potato Pest Management Assoc

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 10, 2006 by Nora Olsen

The annual Idaho Potato Pest Management Association (IPPMA) meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2006 at the Odd Fellow’s Hall, Wendell, Idaho. All are welcome- you don't have to be a member to attend. The meeting will start at 9:00 am. and end at 1 pm. The agenda will include “Potato tuber moth concerns and control”, “Chemical control of early blight: How to get the most bang for your buck”,“Potato viruses: yield effects and other concerns”, “How to grow and store potatoes for processing quality”, “Manure Management in Potato Cropping Systems”, “Gowan products for potato and corn cropping systems”. Lunch will be provided (sponsored by Gowan Company). Two Idaho Ag Pesticide License Recretification credits will be available. Please contact Nora Olsen at 736-3621 with questions. Hope to see you there.

U of I Crop Protection Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 20, 2006 by Jeff Miller

The third annual University of Idaho Crop Protection Seminar will be held February 7 in Idaho Falls at the Shilo Inn and February 8 in Pocatello at the Ramada Inn. Meetings will begin at 8:30 and end at 4:00. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Jeff Miller at jsmiller@uidaho.edu or 397-4181 so we can get an accurate head count for lunch. On both days the morning session will focus on wheat, barley, corn, and alfalfa. The afternoon session in Idaho Falls will focus on potatoes and the afternoon session in Pocatello will focus on sugarbeets and potatoes. A copy of the agenda can be found at:
http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/potatopath/meetings/2006_crop_protection_meeting.pdf

Pesticide disposal for eastern and south central Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 7, 2005 by Jeff Miller

The ISDA has announced a free pickup for unusable pesticides in eastern and south-central Idaho. More information can be found at the following link:

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/pdp/indexdisposalmain.php

Dates and places for pickup are:
Sept. 12 in Rexburg (Madison County Solid Waste Transfer Site)
Sept. 13 in Preston (Franklin County Weed Control)
Sept. 14 in American Falls (Power County Landfill)
Sept. 15 in Burley (BLM Yard)
Sept. 16 in Twin Falls (Twin Falls Canal Company)
Sept. 17 in Jerome (Jerome County Fair Grounds)

Each location will be receiving pesticides from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 11, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

The next generation of corn earworm moths will lay eggs in the silk of corn between 1450 and 1650 growing degree days (GDD). GDD accumulations for Caldwell, Nampa and Parma respectively are 1424, 1374 and 1462. If you have late silking corn you will want to continue scouting for earworm eggs.

Withdrawal of the SLN registration for Eminent on Sugar Beet

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: July 19, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. John Gallian, Sugarbeet Specialist and Plant Pathologist at the University of Idaho Twin Falls R&E Center posted this message to the UIsugarbeet-INFO digest regarding registration for Eminent Fungicide.

Today the US EPA has ordered the Idaho Department of Agriculture to withdraw the Special Local Needs registration 24(c) for Eminent fungicide for use on sugarbeets for powdery mildew and Cercospora leafspot control that was issued on June 3, 2005. We will not be able to use the material this year.

Eminent is in a different class of fungicides than either our currently registered strobilurins or the benzimidazole. We attempted the registration because it was an important tool for fungicide resistance management.

Powdery Mildew

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Representatives are saying that now is the time to plan your treatment for powdery mildew in sugarbeets. While mildew has not yet been found in the Treasure Valley, AMSCO Field Representatives say the modes of action of the mildew chemistries work best if treatments are applied before mildew is found in the field. AMSCO is recommending mildew applications in the west end of the Treasure Valley by July 5 and applications in the east end of the Treasure Valley (Ada/Canyon County line) no later than July 10. Treatments should be made by these dates regardless of whether or not your fields are surface or sprinkler irrigated. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONTAIN A REFERENCE PAGE FOR POWDERY MILDEW IN SUGARBEETS. CONTACT YOUR FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FROM AMSCO FOR AMSCO'S TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.

Powdery Mildew in Sugarbeets

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Representatives are saying that now is the time to plan your treatment for powdery mildew in sugarbeets. While mildew has not yet been found in the Treasure Valley, AMSCO Field Representatives say the modes of action of the mildew chemistries work best if treatments are applied before mildew is found in the field. AMSCO is recommending mildew applications in the west end of the Treasure Valley by July 5 and applications in the east end of the Treasure Valley (Ada/Canyon County line) no later than July 10. Treatments should be made by these dates regardless of whether or not your fields are surface or sprinkler irrigated. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONTAIN A REFERENDE PAGE FOR POWDERY MILDEW IN SUGARBEETS YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FROM AMSCO FOR THEIR TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.

Powdery Mildew in Sugarbeets

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Representatives are saying that now is the time to plan your treatment for powdery mildew in sugarbeets. While mildew has not yet been found in the Treasure Valley, AMSCO Field Representatives say the modes of action of the mildew chemistries work best if treatments are applied before mildew is found in the field. AMSCO is recommending mildew applications in the west end of the Treasure Valley by July 5 and applications in the east end of the Treasure Valley (Ada/Canyon County line) no later than July 10. Treatments should be made by these dates regardless of whether or not your fields are surface or sprinkler irrigated. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONTAIN AN UPDATED REFERENCE PAGE FOR POWDERY MILDEW IN SUGARBEETS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FROM AMSCO FOR THEIR TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.

Powdery Mildew in Sugarbeets

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Representatives are saying that now is the time to plan your treatment for powdery mildew in sugarbeets. While mildew has not yet been found in the Treasure Valley, AMSCO Field Representatives say the modes of action of the mildew chemistries work best if treatments are applied before mildew is found in the field. AMSCO is recommending mildew applications in the west end of the Treasure Valley by July 5 and applications in the east end of the Treasure Valley (Ada/Canyon County line) no later than July 10. Treatments should be made by these dates regardless of whether or not your fields are surface or sprinkler irrigated. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONTAIN AN UPDATED REFERENCE PAGE FOR POWDERY MILDEW IN SUGARBEETS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FROM AMSCO FOR THEIR TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.

Stripe Rust

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 14, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown, Cereals Specialist with the U of Idaho at the Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting that stripe rust in spring grains is developing quite rapidly and we are approaching the growth stages that limit spray options. According the to “2005 PNW Plant Disease Handbook,” Headline and Quadris are the only products that can be used to the ”end of flowering” growth stage. In order to maximize yields in cereals it is important to protect the flag leaf from infection.

According to Dr. Brown, the most susceptible soft white spring cereals in the variety trial at the Parma R and E Center are Penewawa, Treasure, White Bird and Jubilee. If you are growing these varieties and haven’t yet scouted your fields, you should do so as soon as possible.

Fireblight

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 8, 2005 by Steven Reddy

Weiser/Payette fruit grower, Bill Ford reported that his weather station "Cougarblight" model has indicated HIGH risk for fireblight this past week.

Stripe rust

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: June 8, 2005 by Juliet Windes

Stripe rust continues to spread, now north of American Falls. A Hot Topic Field Day will be held on Friday, June 10, 2005, at Meadows' dryland farm on Misenhimer Lane. Stan Gortsema and Juliet Windes will be on hand for a question and answer session. For additional details and directions, please visit the Southeast Southcentral Cereals Webpage (www.ag.uidaho.edu/scseidaho)

Onion Thrips

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 6, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the UC Davis IPM Website (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PHENOLOGY/ma-onion_thrips.html), over-wintering adult thrips lay eggs in the tissue of plants in the spring. The subsequent generation of onion thrips become adults at about 323 growing degree days. We reached that threshold a few days ago. Right now, both adults and nymphs are being found in onion fields. You should scout your fields now to determine the extent to which you have these pests because thrips populations must be kept in check early to prevent further damage when the onions move into the bulbing stage. If you are one of the growers using drip irrigation and have had success applying Vydate through the drip system now is the time to do so again. For growers using furrow irrigation now is the time to scout your fields and make treatments as necessary.

Smoke Management Training Sessions

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 31, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Idaho Farm Bureau and the Idaho Grain Producers Association are teaming up to present smoke management training sessions in several Idaho Locations. The training is for farmers who burn residue in their fields. To see the news release click on the “Announcements” and “Smoke Management” buttons.

Onion Bulb Mite

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Charlie Robinson with Western Farm Service in Parma is reporting that onion bulb mites have been found in onion fields southwest of Caldwell. In one case there is an estimated 30% stand loss. The mites were positively identified by U of I Extension Pathologist Krishna Mohan. Dr. Mohan said that a stand loss such as that caused by the mites can be confused with ”damping off.” He warns that if you are experiencing onion stand loss, it may not be “damping off” it may be bulb mites. Positive identification of mites needs to be made by using a microscope to examine either undecayed vegetation from the field or the onions. Fields that have a history of bulb mite problems, or onion fields with undecayed vegetative matter are more prone to these pests. No treatment thresholds exist and there are no in-season treatments available. Preventative soil fumigation treatments can help to control this pest.

Cutworms in Vineyards

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Charlie Robinson with Western Farm Service in Parma is reporting that cutworms have been found in established vineyards in the Sunnyslope area. The worms are found in cracks in the soil or under debris during the day, and climb the vines to feed on developing buds and shoots at night.

Onion Bulb Mites

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Charlie Robinson with Western Farm Service in Parma is reporting that onion bulb mites have been found in onion fields southwest of Caldwell. In one case there is an estimated 30% stand loss. The mites were positively identified by U of I Extension Pathologist Krishna Mohan. Dr. Mohan said that ”damping off” has been a problem in onions this spring. However, he warned if you are experiencing onion stand loss, it may not be “damping off” it may be bulb mites. Positive identification of mites needs to be made by using a microscope to examine either undecayed vegetation from the field or the onions. Fields that have a history of bulb mite problems, or onion fields with undecayed vegetative matter are more prone to these pests. No treatment thresholds exist and there are no in-season treatments available. Preventative soil fumigation treatments can help to control this pest.

Onion Bulb Mite

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Charlie Robinson with Western Farm Service in Parma is reporting that onion bulb mites have been found in onion fields southwest of Caldwell. In one case there is an estimated 30% stand loss. The mites were positively identified by U of I Extension Pathologist Krishna Mohan. Dr. Mohan said that ”damping off” has been a problem in onions this spring. However, he warned if you are experiencing onion stand loss, it may not be “damping off” it may be bulb mites. Positive identification needs to be made by using a microscope to examine either undecayed vegetation from the field or the onions. Fields that have a history of bulb mite problems, or onion fields with undecayed vegetative matter are more prone to these pests. No treatment thresholds exist and there are no in-season treatments available. Preventative soil fumigation treatments can help to control this pest.

Onion Bulb Mite

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: April 21, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Charlie Robinson with Western Farm Service in Parma is reporting that onion bulb mites have been found in onion fields southwest of Caldwell. In one case there is an estimated 30% stand loss. The mites were positively identified by U of I Extension Pathologist Krishna Mohan. Dr. Mohan said that ”damping off” has been a problem in onions this spring. However, he warned if you are experiencing onion stand loss, it may not be “damping off” it may be bulb mites. Positive identification needs to be made by using a microscope to examine either undecayed vegetation from the field or the onions. Fields that have a history of bulb mite problems, or onion fields with undecayed vegetative matter are more prone to these pests. No treatment thresholds exist and there are no in-season treatments available. Preventative soil fumigation treatments can help to control this pest.

Onion Bulb Mites

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 20, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Charlie Robinson with Western Farm Service in Parma is reporting that onion bulb mites have been found in onion fields southwest of Caldwell. In one case there is an estimated 30% stand loss. The mites were positively identified by U of I Extension Pathologist Krishna Mohan. Krishna said that ”damping off” has been a problem in onions this spring. However, he warned if you are experiencing onion stand loss, it may not be “damping off” it may be bulb mites. Positive identification needs to be made by using a microscope to examine either undecayed vegetation from the field or the onions. Fields that have a history of bulb mite problems, or onion fields with undecayed vegetative matter are more prone to these pests. No treatment thresholds exist and there are no in-season treatments available. Preventative soil fumigation treatments can help to control this pest.

Cutworms

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: April 14, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Representatives from Amalgamated Sugar Company are reporting they have found a few sugarbeet fields around the valley that are being damaged by cutworms. Weedy spots and field borders are typically “hot spots” for these pests.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 14, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

The cereal leaf beetle larval hatch will start in the very near future. Brad Brown from the U of I’s Parma Research and Extension Center has found adults on the ground. He has seen a few adults in flight. In addition, Landview Fertilizer field representatives have seen a few adults in grain fields south of Nampa. As temperatures warm up we can expect to see the adults become very active.

Adult Cereal Leaf Beetles will lay eggs in winter grains first. However, as spring grains (oats, barley, wheat) grow larger, the beetles will move to spring grain fields because they are the preferred hosts. Adults are small beetles about 1/4 to 3/8 inch in size, with a metallic blue head and wing covers, red pronotum, and yellow-orange legs. Eggs are never laid in clusters, but are deposited singly or in rows of up to three or four close to the mid rib on the upper leaf surface of hosts. Larvae are yellow to yellow-brown with a dark mass of slimy fecal material on their backs. Both adults and larvae feed on leaves. Feeding causes a characteristic stripping of the leaves. Economic thresholds are three larvae or eggs per plant, or one larva per flag leaf.

lygus bug

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 17, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld, information provided by Jim Barbour

Degree days, also known as heat units or thermal units are the accumulation of temperature over time. Usually degree-days are only counted above a lower temperature threshold and below an upper threshold. Degree-days are used in agriculture and natural resources management to predict events and time management activities, such as when to sample or control a pest problem. In alfalfa seed we can use degree day units to predict the the occurrence of peak populations of 1st and 2nd instar lygus bugs hatching from eggs laid by overwintering adult lygus. This event takes right at 272 degree days. On average we reach 272 degree days in about mid-May, but there is considerable year-to year variation. Last year, for example, we had a very warm year and reached 272 degree day units on April 27, a bit more than two weeks ahead of the mid-May average. If you were thinking it has been warm this winter you're right. For the period beginning January 1, 2005 and ending today (March 17, 2005), we are are at 52 degree day units. That's about about 12 degree day units more than the same time period last year. If things don't cool down a bit we will be reaching peak lygus numbers even earlier this year than last.

Remember that the lygus degree day model indicates when peak populations of first generation 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur, not when treatment would be necessary. The degree day model is really useful as a tool to pinpoint early season sampling efforts. Treatment decisions should be made based on lygus thresholds and the presence of susceptible stages of alfalfa when grown for seed (the presence of flowers and flower buds that contribute to seed yield). So just because lygus bugs show up early doesn't necessarily mean that they will need to be treated early. It just means you should be on the lookout for potential problems. The warm weather means that other insects, such as the pea leaf weevil and cutworms could be making an early appearance as well, so be on the lookout for these as well, especially in new seedings.

If you want to know more about degree days or to monitor degree days yourself, go to the "OSU On-Line Phenology and Degree Day" web page at: http://ippc2.orst.edu/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg. Select the lygus bug [alfalfa seed] Ben Simko 2000 model (or any other model you might be interested in) in the drop down box at the top of the page. Don't change with the calculator mode settings, but do select the start and end dates and locations that are appropriate for you then hit the calculate button at the bottom of the page. You should get a print out of the degree day accumulations for the times selected and, at the bottom of the page, a graph of the data selected along with a graph showing the historical average for the same time.

Outback Steakhouse Gift Certificate Winners

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 15, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Thanks to everyone that recently completed an evaluation for the Pest Alert Network.

The winners of the $75 gift certificates to the Outback Steakhouse are: Ralph Graham, Darren Bradley and Rod Steele. The winners of the polo shirts and hats are Allan Landon, Jeffery Christianson and Gene Schmitt.

I will get the prizes in the mail ASAP.

Outback Steakhouse Gift Certificate Winners

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 15, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Thanks to everyone that recently completed an evaluation for the Pest Alert Network.

The winners of the $75 gift certificates to the Outback Steakhouse are: Ralph Graham, Darren Bradley and Rod Steele. The winners of the polo shirts and hats are Allan Landon, Jeffery Christianson and Gene Schmitt.

I will get the prizes in the mail ASAP.

pesticide license credits

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 5, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

If you are in need of credits for your pesticide license by the end of 2005 don't despair. U of I Canyon County Extension and ISDA are holding a re-certification training worth 6 credits on December 16, 2004 in Caldwell. Additional information will be forthcoming in early December. Call me if you have any questions.

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 4, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

The second generation of corn earworm moths will lay eggs in the silk of corn between 1450 and 1650 growing degree days (GDD). We are currently at approximately 1500 GDD. We will be at 1650 GDD on about August 11. It is important to continue scouting your corn fields for earworm eggs.

Iris Yellow Spot Virus in onions

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: July 30, 2004 by Lynn Jensen

Symptoms that appear to be iris yellow spot virus are showing in fields around the Ontario area. Be sure to make sure the onions are not placed in a stressed condition, particularly water stress.

Powdery mildew on potatoes

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: July 30, 2004 by Lynn Jensen

Powdery Mildew has been identified on furrow irrigated potatoes around the Ontario area. An application of sulfur to furrow irrigated potates can help control the disease.

Malheur Exp. Station Field Day July 14

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: July 2, 2004 by Clint Shock

The Malheur Experiment Station Field Day July 14 will feature crop production tours in the morning, a presentation on black flies (buffalo gnats) during the lunch hour, and in the afternoon a specialty presentation on high efficiency motors for single phase power lines and a tour of drip-irrigated onion fields. For more details visit our events web page at http://www.cropinfo.net/events.htm.

Reserve your lunch with Janet Jones, (541) 889-2174.

Onion Maggot

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: April 21, 2004 by Clint Shock

Onion maggot has been identified north of Vale, OR in seedling onion fields.

Lygu Bug in Alfalfa Seed

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 14, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Jim Barbour from the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting that the warm weather this spring has resulted in rapid lygus bug development. He is already seeing a few 1st and 2nd instars in alfalfa seed at the Parma R & E Center. The Lygus Degree Day Model (http://ippc2.orst.edu/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg) is predicting peak 1st and 2nd instar lygus nymphs from 1st generation lygus near April 29. This is about two weeks earlier than usual (last year’s date was May 23) and could change if the weather cools. Set back operations should lower lygus bug populations a bit, but it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for them. Jim has seen some predators, nabid bugs, minute pirate bugs, and bigeyed bugs early as well.

cereal leaf beetle

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: April 7, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Brad Brown, UI Crop Management Specialist, is reporting that adult cereal leaf beetles are beginning to emerge and have begun flying around the western Treasure Valley of Idaho. Overwintering adults begin flying and mating when daytime temperatures reach 66 degrees F. Egg laying on host plants will take place within about 10 days of emergence. Preferred hosts are spring seeded small grains, especially oats and barley. Eggs take from 4 to 23 days to hatch depending on temperature. Scouting for eggs early will give you an idea of the damaging larval population you can expect in May.

sugarbeet root maggot

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 6, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Dennis Searle, Agronomist with AMSCO is reporting that due to the warm weather we are running about 10 growing degree days ahead of last year. This means that very soon overwintering root maggot pupa will begin emerging as adults and begin flying. In 2003 the peak capture of maggot flies was about May 13 in the Caldwell vicinity according to the sugarbeet root maggot growing degree day model developed by Dr. Ed Bechinski from the U of Idaho. In 2004 the same model is predicting peak capture of maggot flies on about April 22. Dennis thinks we will see flies flying within about 10 days, and maggots feeding on sugarbeets by the end of April. Look for these pests to appear in the western end of the Treasure Valley first. If you haven’t applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggot, now is the time to do so. Consult your crop advisor or field representative from AMSCO for treatment options.

Minimizing Root-Knot Nematode Problems On Potato In This Sea

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: September 24, 2003 by Dr. Saad Hafez

A severe winter is one of the characteristics for Idaho's weather. But, mild winter conditions during the current year followed by an early warm spring and a hot summer produced a perfect condition not only for the growth of potato but also for the 'unseen enemy' nematode. It has been a perfect condition for the nematode multiplication, resulting in severe damage on the 2003 potato crop.
Among all abiotic factors, temperature plays an important role on the nematode life cycle, feeding and multiplication rate. Deep frost and lower temperatures during the winter season reduce the nematode population and there by minimize the nematode damage on the succeeding potato crop. This year crop season is characterized by unusual mild winter with very early warm spring, which leads to the more nematode generations within a short period. This environment is highly congenial for the development of all nematodes. Although the nematode diagnostic lab can determine the initial nematode population before planting of potato, no method is available to determine the accurate population during the crop growth period. But, when there is a will there is a way. Yes, one of the ways by which growers can minimize the root-knot damage on potato is to harvest the crop early and not to keep the crop in storage. Adoption of such a practice will be highly useful to the growers whose field has a previous history of root-knot nematodes.

Minimizing Root-Knot Nematode Problems On Potato In This Sea

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 24, 2003 by Dr. Saad Hafez

A severe winter is one of the characteristics for Idaho's weather. But, mild winter conditions during the current year followed by an early warm spring and a hot summer produced a perfect condition not only for the growth of potato but also for the 'unseen enemy' nematode. It has been a perfect condition for the nematode multiplication, resulting in severe damage on the 2003 potato crop.
Among all abiotic factors, temperature plays an important role on the nematode life cycle, feeding and multiplication rate. Deep frost and lower temperatures during the winter season reduce the nematode population and there by minimize the nematode damage on the succeeding potato crop. This year crop season is characterized by unusual mild winter with very early warm spring, which leads to the more nematode generations within a short period. This environment is highly congenial for the development of all nematodes. Although the nematode diagnostic lab can determine the initial nematode population before planting of potato, no method is available to determine the accurate population during the crop growth period. But, when there is a will there is a way. Yes, one of the ways by which growers can minimize the root-knot damage on potato is to harvest the crop early and not to keep the crop in storage. Adoption of such a practice will be highly useful to the growers whose field has a previous history of root-knot nematodes.

Minimizing Root-Knot Nematode Problems On Potato In This Sea

All Crops    Magic Valley

Posted on: September 24, 2003 by Dr. Saad Hafez

A severe winter is one of the characteristics for Idaho's weather. But, mild winter conditions during the current year followed by an early warm spring and a hot summer produced a perfect condition not only for the growth of potato but also for the 'unseen enemy' nematode. It has been a perfect condition for the nematode multiplication, resulting in severe damage on the 2003 potato crop.
Among all abiotic factors, temperature plays an important role on the nematode life cycle, feeding and multiplication rate. Deep frost and lower temperatures during the winter season reduce the nematode population and there by minimize the nematode damage on the succeeding potato crop. This year crop season is characterized by unusual mild winter with very early warm spring, which leads to the more nematode generations within a short period. This environment is highly congenial for the development of all nematodes. Although the nematode diagnostic lab can determine the initial nematode population before planting of potato, no method is available to determine the accurate population during the crop growth period. But, when there is a will there is a way. Yes, one of the ways by which growers can minimize the root-knot damage on potato is to harvest the crop early and not to keep the crop in storage. Adoption of such a practice will be highly useful to the growers whose field has a previous history of root-knot nematodes.

Onset of First Lygus Bug Hatch in Alfalfa Seed

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 15, 2003 by Ben Simko

Lygus bug degree-day model, through May 13, indicates Ontario and Parma areas have accumulated 220 and 238 degree-day units respectively. Peak first hatch (1st & 2nd instars) is predicted at about 275 degree-days and the current forecast indicates peak hatch to occur on or near May 20-22. Temperature regimes experienced this spring compared to last year (2002) show similar hatch dates. In 2002 the peak hatch occurred around May 18. Jim Barbour and I have observed small nymphs
( mostly 1 and 2 instars) at the U of I Parma Experiment Station alfalfa seed test plots. Traces of floral buds are starting to also show in some established fields. View Lygus Reference Page to find links to degree day calculators, DD maps, and to get daily Lygus heat unit updates for Ontario, OR, Parma, Caldwell, and Boise, ID seed production areas.

Survey Winners Announced

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 9, 2002 by Jerry Neufeld

Thanks to everyone that participated in the TVPestAlert.net 2002 program evaluation survey. We will use the information you submitted to make the website better suit your needs.

The winners of the $75.00 gift certificates to Outback Steakhouse are Mike Talkington and Ross Nishahara. The winners of the TVPestAlert.net polo shirts are Thad Schutt and Brad Roberts.

Thanks again for your participation.

TVPestAlert.Net Team
Jerry Neufeld
Ben Simko
Brad Geary
Lynn Jensen
Steven Reddy
Clint Shock
Tim Davis

Powdery Mildew on potatoes (severe infection)

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 21, 2002 by Lynn Jensen

A severe infectation of powdery mildew has been observed on furrow irrigated potatoes.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

All Crops    none

Posted on: June 5, 2001 by Ben Simko

Cereal Leaf Beetle(CLB) infestations continue to plague growers in the Adrian OR area according to Bruce Hunter, of Nyssa Co-Op Supply. Three spring wheat or barley fields were treated recently for yield limiting infestions of CLB larvae defoliating flag leaves. The links at the CLB resource page provide growers and fieldmen more details on life cycle information, treat levels, and insecticide recommendations.

cereal leaf beetle

All Crops    none

Posted on: June 4, 2001 by Steven Reddy

Cereal Leaf Beetle has been found in spring planted wheat in the Sunnyside and Weiser River areas of Washington County.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

All Crops    none

Posted on: May 29, 2001 by Jerry Neufeld

CLB larvae are beginning to emerge from eggs laid earlier this spring. Early instar CLB larvae are observed infesting and causing feeding damage in spring grain fields west of Kuna. Spring barley and oats are the favored host crops of this insect. Growers are advised to continue monitoring spring planted grains and take appropriate management steps if larval feeding damage exceeds economic thresholds.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

All Crops    none

Posted on: May 29, 2001 by Steven Reddy

Cereal Leaf beetle has been located in spring wheat. Information supplied by Jim Briggs.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 24, 2001 by Jerry Neufeld

WESTERN CHERRY FRUIT FLY
Degree-day calculations for the Western Cherry Fruit Fly using the Oregon State University On-Line Phenology and Degree Day Models at the Internet WebSite: http://ippc2.orst.edu/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?clm
Parma, ID May 22, 2001 = 991.2
Nampa, ID May 14, 2001= 790.6
Caldwell, ID May 15, 2001 = 758.5
First emergence should occur by the end of this week. First hatch can be expected at around 830 Degree-days control applications are recommended prior to and no later than 1060 Degree-day accumulations according to "Orchard Pest Management" as published by the "Good Fruit Grower", Yakima, Wa. 1993.

Michael E. Cooper, Chief
Bureau of Feeds and Plant Services
Plant Industries Division
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 790
Boise, ID 83701

Phone: (208) 332-8620
Fax: (208) 334-2283
e-mail: mcooper@agri.state.id.us
Cell: (208) 850-1125
Cell e-mail: 2088501125@mobile.att.net

Codling Moth

All Crops    none

Posted on: May 16, 2001 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the Oregon State University Codling Moth Growing Degree Day (GDD)model the first generation egg hatch for the Caldwell area is beginning as of 5/14. First generation egg hatch begins at 250 GDD and proceeds until 800 GDDs. Fifty percent egg hatch will be approximately 5/31 and 95% egg hatch will be approximately June 19.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

All Crops    none

Posted on: May 15, 2001 by Jerry Neufeld

Western Cherry Fruit Flies will be hatching at various Treasure Valley locations in the very near future. Flies hatch at 830 Growing Degree Days (GDD) and treatment is recommended between 830 and 1060 GDD. Current GDD readings are: 822 Parma, 623 Caldwell, and 648 Nampa. GDD projections for May 23 are: 1030 Parma, 830 Caldwell, and 830 Nampa.

Cereal Leaf Beetle (CLB) Hatch

All Crops    none

Posted on: May 15, 2001 by Ben Simko

CLB larvae are beginning to emerge from eggs laid
earlier this spring. Early instar CLB larvae are
observed infesting and causing feeding damage in spring
grain fields from Nyssa to south of Adrian. Spring barley and
oats are the favored host crops of this insect. Growers are
advised to continue monitoring spring planted grains and take appropriate
management steps if larval feeding damage exceeds
economic thresholds. Gary Brown and Laurie Hewitt, USDA APHIS,
will continue an ongoing biological control agent release program in
selected fields in Malheur County.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

All Crops    none

Posted on: May 1, 2001 by Jerry Neufeld

Cereal Leaf Beetle adults are beginning to emerge in the Kuna and Nampa areas. Females will soon be laying eggs and shortly thereafter larvae hatching and feeding will occur. Host plants are cereal crops and grasses. Problems will probably be noticed in winter cereals first and then spring cereals. Information provided by Producers Supply Coop.

Adult Cereal Leaf Beetles (CLB) Active

All Crops    none

Posted on: May 1, 2001 by Ben Simko

Adult CLB's have been oberved in small grain fields
from the Malheur Experiment Station near Ontario to
farms south of Adrian, OR, along Hwy 201. Spring barley
and oats are the prefered hosts for adult CLB infestations. Adult
feeding and egg laying are particularly evident in
spring barley and oat fields south of Adrian, OR along Hwy 201
near the stateline. Growers are advised to monitor larval
hatch in spring planted grains and take appropriate management
steps if larval feeding damage exceeds economic thresholds.

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