All Treasure Valley - Idaho Alerts

2022 Dry Spring Conditions

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 25, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Much of Idaho has experienced below average precipitation this past winter and it continues into early spring. The Treasure Valley is no different. During periods with low water resources, it is important to prioritize watering needs. While some lawn conditions appear dry it is not yet time to begin the watering of residential lawns. Consider the following as a prioritization to follow during times of low water resources:

• Young or newly transplanted trees which have a limited root system. Ensure to proper application of water and water deeply and infrequently based on soil texture.
• Established trees and shrubs should also be given consideration to priority watering as established plants are high value and take many years to replace. When applying water to trees and shrubs apply at an appropriate rate that allows water to soak into the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Frequency of water depends on soil texture and if water restrictions are in place. General guides are as follows: April once per month, May through September up to twice per month.
• Fruit gardens, vegetables gardens, and flowers are generally next on the list of prioritizations. Consider using a wood mulch or organic matter around trees, small fruits, and plants to reduce water evaporation from the soil. Avoid direct stem to mulch contact. Fruit trees and small berries may benefit from an early water now if soil conditions are dry. Early spring bulbs may also benefit from an early water if dry conditions are present. 
• Lawns finish out the priority list. If watering the lawn, ensure that sprinklers are operating correctly and applying water to desired location. Make water applications so that water is applied deeply and infrequently. Increase the mowing height of the grass and consider mulching the clippings versus bag removal. 

Resources:

• Watering a Home Landscape During Drought, Colorado State University Extension
• Watering Home Lawns and Landscapes, University of Idaho Extension 
• Watering Home Lawns: How Much and How Often, University of Idaho Extension

» Idaho SNOTEL Current Snow Water Equivalent

2022 Rose & Grapevine Pruning

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 25, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Across the Treasure Valley it’s time to prune grapevines and roses. See below for more resources for pruning these landscape & garden plants.

ROSES:

Rose pruning should occur when the buds are starting to swell in early spring. Below are a few resources that can be read or viewed for rose pruning.

• How to Prune Roses, Utah State University Extension video
• Early Spring Pruning of Roses, University of Maryland Extension video
• Guide to Pruning Roses, University of Maryland Extension
• Pruning Roses, Colorado State University

GRAPEVINES:

The University of Idaho Research & Extension Center in Parma recommends pruning grapevines in the Treasure Valley no sooner than mid-March to ensure that low temperatures do not kill buds after pruning. Grapevines can “bleed”, movement of sap from the cut, heavily when pruned in spring. This does not harm the vines. Below are a few resources that can be read or viewed for grape pruning.

• Grape Pruning Four Cane System, Utah State University Extension video
• Grape Pruning, USU Garden Guys & Gal video
• Pruning Grapevines, University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension video
• Yard and Garden: How to Prune Grapevines, Iowa State University 
  
• Grape Vine Management, Utah State University Extension
• Grape Trellising and Training Basics, Utah State University Extension

2022 Spring Lawn Fertilization & Care

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 22, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Spring lawn fertilization for cool season grasses recommend that fertilization be made while energy is being directed to root growth, which is followed by leaf growth. This timeframe for cool season turf in the Treasure Valley traditionally March thru early May. If mulching is a practice in your lawn maintenance plan, nitrogen can be reduced by ½ pound annually. 

The proper rate of fertilizer application is best achieved when using a soil test result to identify the fertilizer needs of the soil. UI Extension publication Using Soil Test Results for Garden Fertilization will help guide the steps.  Applications should be split between spring and fall. Application rates should not exceed 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in any one application, access Southern Idaho Lawns Fertilizer Guide to identify additional time(s) for application if rate would exceed the 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet limit with only and spring and fall application. Always follow label directions.

For more information on how to obtain a soil sample to a soil test submission contact your local University of Idaho Extension office. 

Another method of identifying application rate is based on the level of turf maintenance from low to high traffic. Application rates should not exceed 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in any fertilizer application and always follow label directions. Review descriptions, timing, and rate of application below.

1. Light use: Classified as occasional foot traffic or little to no play from children. Annual turfgrass recommendation is 0-1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Split the application between a spring and fall application. 
2. Moderate Use: Typical children’s play and occasional garden parties. Annual turfgrass recommendation is 2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Split the application equally between a spring, early fall (late September) and late fall (Mid October to Late November) 
3. Heavy Use: Frequently used sports field play, heavy traffic and/or frequent garden parties. Annual turfgrass recommendation is 4-6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in spring, 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet late May/early June, 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet late June/early July, 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet early fall (late September) and 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet late fall (Mid October to Late November).

If your lawn is suffering from soil compaction or development of a thick thatch layer core aeration can be completed in the spring but is preferred in fall while weed pressure will be reduced. For more information visit UI Extension publication Core Aeration of Lawns-Benefits & Procedures.

Spring provides the opportunity to seed new turfgrass areas or to over-seed areas that may have been damaged over the winter. Cool temperatures will promote germination and growth of cool season turf species, tall and fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Weed pressure can be higher during the spring as compared to the fall when seeding or over-seeding.

If there are additional questions on lawn care or weed management reach out to a local University of Idaho Extension office.

2022 Delayed-Dormant Oil Application

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 27, 2022 by Nic Usabel

In the coming weeks areas across the Treasure Valley could reach temperatures desirable for applying a delayed-dormant oil spray. The use of horticultural oil as a delayed-dormant spray can target many insect pests at a time when beneficial insects are not yet active. Use of the term “delayed-dormant” indicates that the oil should be applied after bud swell. This timeframe coincides with the increasing activity of the overwintering insect stages, such as aphid eggs, scale nymphs, and peach twig borer larvae.

The two factors of temperature and bud stage must correspond before application of horticultural oil is made.

TEMPERATURE: 

Only apply oil if temperatures remain above freezing (ideal is above 40°F) for 24 hours after application and on a clear, non-windy day in the 50 to 70°F temperature range. 

BUD STAGE: 

The window of application extends from bud swell to when the leaves just start emerging. The last point you can safely apply oil based on fruit tree crop are:

• Apple: Half-inch green, but ideal application at green tip stage. 
• Pear: Cluster bud. 
• Cherry: White bud. 
• Peach/nectarine: pre-bloom. 

Refer to the Critical Temperatures for Frost Damage on Fruit Trees by Utah State University to view images of each bud stage mentioned.

Oil should be applied at a rate of 2% (5 Tbs in 1 gallon water) and thoroughly cover all cracks and crevices. 

If aphids and scale have been a serious problem in previous years an insecticide could be added, see Chemical Control of Landscape Pests for chemical products available by pest. Read and follow label instructions for preparation and application.

If fire blight was an issue in the previous year add in a copper product for fire blight. 

If you have additional questions, contact your localUniversity of Idaho Extension office. 

Additional Resource:

• Insect Control: Horticultural Oils, Colorado State University

Rare Mint Pest Found in Midwest Mint Field

Mint    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Endothenia nubilana

Posted on: June 7, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

Steve Salisbury, from the Mint Industry Research Council,
is reporting that a new rare pest has been found in a Midwest mint field.  The pest is Endothenia nubilana, a Lepitoptera
insect in the Tortricidae family. Click on the pdf below for more
information.

» https://mailchi.mp/ostlund/tough-herbicide-pyridate-announcement-5212005?e=203be8b62d

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.

» ISDA_PDP.pdf

Pesticide Math Online Training

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 17, 2020 by Nic Usabel

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.

» https://campus.extension.org/course/view.php?id=1588

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.

» DOC017.pdf

Canyon County Master Gardener Program 2020

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: October 30, 2019 by Maria Held

The Canyon County Master Gardener Program is now accepting applications for the 2020 Master Gardener Class! See the links below for an application packet and Horticultural Brochure. For more information contact the Canyon County Extension Office at 501 Main St., Caldwell, ID 83605; 208-459-6003; or ccmg@uidaho.edu

» https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/UIdaho-Responsive/Files/Extension/county/Canyon/horticulture/2020-master-gardener-application-packet.pdf

» https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/UIdaho-Responsive/Files/Extension/county/Canyon/horticulture/2020-horticultural-brochure.pdf

2018 Grape School

Grapes    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 6, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

The Pomology and Viticulture Program Annual Grape School will be held on Saturday Feb 10, 2018 from 9 am -12:30 pm at University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center. Physiological and practical aspects of grape production in Idaho, from planting to training and harvesting will be discussed. Participants will also practice different methods of grape pruning at the University of Idaho Vineyard. Free of charge. Please let us know if you or someone you know is joining us by Thursday Feb 8. Thank you

208-722-6701

» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/parma-research-and-extension-center

Master Gardener Scholarship Fundraiser

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 8, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

The Master Gardeners in Canyon County are having a fundraiser to help raise money for scholarships. They are selling plants at the Extension Office Monday-Friday from 8-5 and also at Nampa Farmers Market on Saturday from 9-1 and the Caldwell Farmers Market on Wednesday from 3-7 during the month of May.
Prices are 4 Inch pots and 4 packs are $3 each or 2 for $5. We have many tomatoes, peppers, zinnia's, eggplant, okra, marigold, and other stuff for sale too in these sizes. Mix and match.
We have one gallon pots of seedling trees (Austrian Pine, Scots Pine, Blue Spruce, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Catalpa, Poplar, and Honey Locust) for $5 each.
Call 459-6003 or stop by the office at 501 Main St. in Caldwell.

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program, 2017

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 27, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

ISDA will be hosting unusable pesticide collections in southwest and north Idaho in May 2017. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 2017_PDP_Flyer.pdf

Houseplants class still has room!

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Horticulture Classes

Posted on: January 13, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Join us at the Canyon County Extension Office on Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to noon at 501 Main Street for a class on how to care for and enjoy houseplants. You will even have an opportunity to make your own and take it home. The cost is $15 and you can register through the Caldwell Parks and Rec. Department online at http://www.cityofcaldwell.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/527/246

Or call the UI Extension Office to register 459-6003.

Other upcoming classes which you may want to register for include:
Houseplants, January 14th 10 AM
Making Sense of Seed Catalogs January 28th 10 AM
Planning you Garden (Where do I plant the Tomatoes?) February 11th, 10 AM
Weed Control February 25th 10 AM
Companion Planting March 11th 10 AM
Backyard Chickens March 25th 10 AM
Landscaping for season color and year round interest. April 8th 10 AM
Edible Landscapes April 22nd 10 AM
Pesticides 1 May 13th. 10 AM CEU for those holding a license available*
Pesticides 2 May 27th 10 AM. CEU for those holding a license available*

» http://www.cityofcaldwell.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/527/246

The deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardener is December 16!

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Master Gardener Volunteer Training

Posted on: December 12, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

The December 16th deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardner in Canyon County is quickly approaching. If you've ever wanted to to learn more about horticulture, be sure to apply today! For more information, call 208-459-6003

» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/canyon/horticulture

IDAHO - 24(c) label for Outlook applied to onions through drip irrigation

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Yellow Nutsedge

Posted on: April 4, 2016 by Stuart Reitz

IDAHO has a new Special Local Needs (24C) label for applying the herbicide Outlook to onions through drip irrigation for yellow nutsedge control.

Applications can be made from the 2 - 6 leaf stage of the onion crop, with a maximum application rate of 14 oz of Outlook per acre. A total of 21 oz. per season may be applied to a crop.

Please consult the label for complete instructions.

Research conducted at the Malheur Experiment Station has shown improved yellow nutsedge control with drip applications compared with conventional post-emergence foliar applications (http://cropinfo.net/pdf/ar/2014/2014-011-OnionOutDrip.pdf). Please note the research was conducted with one variety, "Vaquero".

To make drip applications of Outlook, users must have the 24(c) label and the entire Outlook container label in possession at the time of pesticide application.

For distribution and use only in Ada, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties in Idaho

» http://cropinfo.net/pdf/ar/2014/2014-011-OnionOutDrip.pdf

» IDAHO - Outlook 24(c) label for drip in onion

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.

» Organic_101_Workshop.pdf

vole control in triticale

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

voles

Posted on: October 30, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The US-EPA recently approved a zinc phosphide product for vole control in Triticale. Click on the pdf below to read the label.

» EPA_Stamped_Label_(61282-49)_10-15.pdf

Canyon SCD Tour

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 19, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The Canyon County Soil Conservation District is holding its 6th Annual 319 Tour of Best Management Practices on August 25, 2015. Click on the pdf below for more details.

» A_CSCD_319_Project_Tour_Agenda_2015.pdf

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

» Submission form - page1

» Submission form - page2

» Submission form - page3

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

» Submission form - page1

» Submission form - page2

» Submission form - page3

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

» SUBMISSION FORM

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

» SUBMISSION FORM

Cereal Leaf Beetle in Winter Wheat, Parma

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Cereal Leaf Beetle

Posted on: April 29, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Cereal leaf beetle infestation was identified in winter wheat experimental plots at the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center as well as in surrounding grower fields in Canyon County. The typical feeding patterns, eggs and larvae have been confirmed by Dr. James Barbour, UI IPM Specialist. The first symptoms of infestation became apparent last week. Currently, most plants have at least one leaf with obvious feeding damage. The cereal leaf beetle has a variety of hosts among cereals and grasses with preference to oat, barley, wheat, rye, timothy, fescue, grain sorghum and corn. Substantial crop yield loss and quality decrease can be expected due to lost photosynthetic activity resulting from the feeding damage.
Cereal leaf beetle is a quarantined insect the U.S., which means that the presence of beetles in grain restricts exports to uninfested areas. Fumigation is required to prevent the spread of beetle infestation.
Scouting of fields is vital both before and during the boot stage to assess for cereal leaf beetle presence and damage. It is recommended to scout weekly by walking through the field in a “W” pattern for best coverage. Stop at 5-10 locations depending on field size and examine 10 plants per location. Count the number of eggs and larvae per plant for smaller plants or per stem for larger plants.
Treatment thresholds: 3 larvae per plant and/or 3 eggs per plant before boot stage, and 1 larva per flag leaf after boot stage.

Management-chemical control (From PNW Insect Management Handbook)
• bifenthrin (BrigadeÆ 2EC and WSB) at 6.4 fl oz/a (0.1 lb ai/a). Apply in spring if one or more eggs or larvae are detected or in late summer if beetles are defoliating seedling stands. Maximum amount allowed 12.8 fl oz/a (0.2 lb ai/a) per season but no more than once every 12 days. PHI 30 days prior to harvest for forage, hay and seed.
• cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL) at 0.013 to 0.015 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days. REI 12 hr. Maximum amount allowed per 5 day interval is 0.022 lb ai/a. Maximum amount allowed per crop season is 0.089 lb ai/a.
• lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior) at 0.02 to 0.03 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days for grazing and forage, 7 days for straw and seed crop. REI 24 hr.
• zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang MAX) at 0.0175 to 0.025 lb ai/a. PHI 0 days forage, hay; 7 days straw and seed screenings. REI 12 hr. For forage and hay use no more than 0.10 lb ai/a per season; make subsequent applications no closer than 7 days. For straw and seed screenings use no more than 0.125 lb ai/a per season; make subsequent applications no closer than 17 days.

» http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS0994.pdf

» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/legume-grass-field-seed/grass-seed/grass-seed-cereal-leaf-beetle

» 1164_1.jpg

» 1164_2.jpg

» 1164_3.jpg

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 5, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the Pesticide Applicator Recertification training in Caldwell on Dec 11. There will be either up to six licence credits available.

» 1134_1.pdf

First Japanese Beetles of 2014 Caught in Boise

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Japanese Beetle

Posted on: June 23, 2014 by Paul Castrovillo

On June 19, the first two adult Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) of the 2014 field season were collected in a Japanese Beetle trap in Boise. ISDA has surveyed for this aggressive invasive pest from the eastern US since 1990. In 2012, 61 beetles were caught, most in downtown Boise, indicating the beginning of a possible infestation. An eradication program was begun in Boise in 2013, and trapping that summer turned up 2,999 beetles. The eradication program is continuing this year, with insecticide treatment of 500 residential/commercial properties, most Boise Parks and several areas on the BSU campus. The first treatments were conducted in May and a second treatment is scheduled in July. Traps have been set up with a very high concentration in the city of Boise and more dispersion throughout the rest of the state to continue to survey for beetle presence and monitor location and level of beetle activity to determine areas needing treatment. The flight period of adult Japanese Beetles typically begins in mid/late June and peaks around mid July. Adults feed on over 300 types of plants including roses and fruit trees, while larvae do considerable damage feeding on grass roots in areas with lawn and turf. If any Japanese Beetles are collected in Idaho, especially outside of the Boise area, please send the dead specimens, with collection location data, to Dr. Paul Castrovillo, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 790, Boise, ID 83701.

» 1078_1.pdf

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

test

Posted on: November 21, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

this is a test

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 12, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

A Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training sponsored by UI Extension and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture will be held on December 12, 2013 at the Caldwell Police Department public meeting room. Six license credits will be given out at the end of the day. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1036_1.pdf

Pesticide Disposal Program

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 30, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

Just want to remind everyone in the Treasure Valley, pesticide disposal at Pickle Butte Landfill is Thursday, October 3, 2013. Click on the pdf below for more detail.

» 1028_1.pdf

Pesticide Disposal

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 11, 2013 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture is conducting a Pesticide Disposal Program in four Idaho locations this spring. The dates and locations are: Nampa, May 6; Weiser, May 7; Lewiston, May 8; and Coeur d’ Alene, May 9. Click on the image below for more information.

» 938_1.pdf

Movento Section 18 Label for Onions

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Onion Thrips

Posted on: March 27, 2013 by Stuart Reitz

The U.S. EPA has APPROVED our request for Section 18 emergency use of spirotetramat (Movento, Bayer CropScience) to control thrips in dry bulb onions grown in Idaho and Oregon during 2013.

This exemption is effective immediately and expires on 15 September 2013.

As always, the Section 18 label must be in possession of the user at the time of application.

» Idaho - Movento Label for Onions 2013

» Oregon - Movento Label for Onions 2013

Idaho Irrigation Equipment Show and Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 11, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the Idaho Irrigation Equipment Show and Conference on January 10, 2013 at the Nampa Civic Center. One pesticide license credit is being offered.

» 926_1.pdf

Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Announcement

Posted on: November 28, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

THIS IS NEW INFORMATION. We received six CCA credits and two Idaho Pesticide license credits for the Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference on Dec 6, 2012 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 925_1.pdf

Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Announcement

Posted on: November 9, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information regarding the Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference on Dec 6, 2012 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa. CCA credits are pending. There will most like not be any pesticide license recertification credits.

» 921_1.pdf

Japanese Beetle

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Japanese Beetle

Posted on: August 16, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

The pdf below contains information about the Japanese Beetle, a new invasive species recently detected in Ada and Kootenai Counties.

» 910_1.pdf

onion thrips field tour

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

announcement

Posted on: August 6, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached is a flyer about an upcoming field tour on thrips control in onions. Tour is Wednesday, August 8, from 3:30 to 5 pm at the UI Parma R and E Center. Refreshments will be served. Click on the pdf below for more details.

» 906_1.pdf

thrips control field tour

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

onion thrips

Posted on: July 20, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached is a flyer about an upcoming field tour on thrips control in onions. Tour is Wednesday, August 8, from 3:30 to 5 pm at the UI Parma R and E Center. Refreshments will be served. Click on the pdf below for more details.

» 899_1.pdf

Elm Seed Bug

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Elm Seed Bug

Posted on: July 19, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached is a press release from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture about “Elm Seed Bug”, a new invasive insect found for the first time in the U.S. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 897_1.pdf

ISDA Pesticide Disposal

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 15, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Hi folks:

Idaho State Department of Ag is conducting their unusable pesticide disposal program for SW Idaho, the last week of March. This is a program that is free to anyone who has old pesticides they wish to have “taken off their hands”. The Extension pesticide safety education program helps promote this program because it helps to prevent pesticide pollution and accidental poisoning from old pesticides that are sitting around in someone’s storage shed or garage. Please get the word out to your clientele. This is a NON-REGULATORY program offered by ISDA—it is a free service to the citizens of Idaho!!

» 855_1.pdf

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

Pomology Table Grape School

Small Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 13, 2012 by Tony McCammon

2012 University of Idaho Pomology Program Table Grape School
University of Idaho Pomology and Viticulture Program in junction with the Snake River Table Grape Growers Association will hold its 2012 Table Grape School on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Parma High School, Common area, 137 Panther Way, Parma, ID 83660. We invite all tree fruit grower, grape growers, home gardeners and other interested people to participate in this educational school. Several speakers have been invited to talk about their areas of expertise and many aspects of table grape production, from propagation, planting, training, irrigation, nutrition, storage, diseases, and chemical applications will be discussed in the meeting. The lectures will be given at the high school and lunch will be served. Then, audience will be guided to the University of Idaho Pomology and Viticulture vineyards to observe and to practice training and pruning of vines at different ages.
Agenda:
8:00 AM: registration $25 per adult, including lunch ($15 without lunch)*
8:50 AM Opening and Welcoming Remarks, Dr. Mike Clark, President, Snake River Table Grape Growers Association.
9:00-10:15 AM: Principals in Production of Table Grape in the Intermountain West. The seminar will include: Propagation, Planting, Training, Irrigation, Nutrition, Cluster Management, GA application, Protection, Harvest and Postharvest. Speaker: Dr. Essie Fallahi, Professor of Pomology and Viticulture, University of Idaho
10:15-10:45 Critical Issues in Commercial Table Grape Production. Speaker: Tom Elias, Tundra Vineyards
10:45-11:15 Break and Visit with Booths
11:15-11:45 Table Grape Disease. Dr. Krishna Mohan, Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Idaho
11:45-12:15 Chemicals for Table Grapes. Speaker: Tom Lyon, Wilbur Ellis
12:15-1:00 Lunch(catered)
12:30-1:00 PM Marketing for Intermountain Table Grapes (During Lunch Break). Speaker: Jonathan Demcak
1:00- 1:15 PM Irrigation Design for Table Grapes. Speaker: Dick Bronson, Pipe-co
1:15-5:00 PM Practical/ Hands on Training and Pruning and Canopy Formation in Various ages of Table Grape. Instructors: Dr. Essie Fallahi and Tom Elias, University of Idaho Pomology and Viticulture Vineyards (about 2 miles north of High School).
5:00 PM Conference Adjourns
Please RSVP with number of people planning to attend, By Feb. 14th
Phone (208)722-7246 or E-Mail hannanibler@srtgga.org

Sustainable Agriculture Symposium

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 2, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Attached is a flyer for our conservation district’s 3rd Annual Sustainable Agriculture Symposium to be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, in Ontario, OR.

» 850_1.pdf

U-Idaho Fruit Conference February 7-8

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 30, 2012 by Tony McCammon

There is still seats left. Call Today to reserve your spot for this educational opportunity. I have organized a fantastic lineup of speakers for regional fruit growers. Speakers from Oregon, Utah, and Idaho are combining research and expertise to present on multiple topics that will help you make better decisions in your orchards.

8- Idaho and 7- Oregon Pesticide recertification Credits are available. Contact the Washington County Extension Office for more details at 208-414-0415.

Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7-8, 8-4 pm at the Vendome Center, Weiser, ID.

U-Idaho Fruit Conference February 7-8

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 23, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Do you need Pesticide Certification Credits? Plan on joining the fruit industry for a pest management conference on February 7-8 in Weiser, Idaho. 8 Idaho and 7 Oregon Credits are offered. Open the attachments for registration details. Space is limited.

» 846_1.pdf

U-Idaho Fruit Conference February 7-8

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 23, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Do you need Pesticide Certification Credits? Plan on joining the fruit industry for a pest management conference on February 7-8 in Weiser, Idaho. 8 Idaho and 7 Oregon Credits are offered. Open the attachments for registration details. Space is limited.

» 845_1.pdf

U-Idaho Fruit Conference February 7-8

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 23, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Do you need Pesticide Certification Credits? Plan on joining the fruit industry for a pest management conference on February 7-8 in Weiser, Idaho. 8 Idaho and 7 Oregon Credits are offered. Open the attachments for registration details. Space is limited.

» 844_1.pdf

U-Idaho Fruit School

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 13, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Early bird registration ends today. Please either drop your registration off or have it postmarked today and in the mail. The registration Form is attached as well as the agenda. Your consideration is appreciated!

I have organized a fantastic lineup of speakers for regional fruit growers. Speakers from Oregon, Utah, and Idaho are combining research and expertise to present on multiple topics that will help you make better decisions in your orchards.

Pesticide credits available. Contact the Washington County Extension Office for more details at 208-414-0415.

Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7-8, 8-4 pm at the Vendome Center, Weiser, ID.

» 842_1.pdf

» 842_2.pdf

Treasure Valley Bean School

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 10, 2012 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the PDF below for information about the Treasure Valley Bean School to be held on February 1, 2012 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa.

» 2012 Treasure Valley Bean School

U-Idaho Fruit Conference

Small Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 6, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Announcement January 6, 2012 Now open for Registration
The University of Idaho Extension presents U-Idaho Fruit Conference: Pest Management

Weiser. The Washington County Extension office has organized a fantastic lineup of speakers for regional fruit growers. Speakers from Oregon, Utah, and Idaho are combining research and expertise to present on multiple topics that will help you make better decisions in your orchards. Pesticide credits available. Contact the Washington County Extension Office for more details at 208-414-0415. Open Attachment for Registration Details. Register ASAP to secure your spot.

Tuesday and Wednesday, February7-8, 8-4 pm at the Vendome Centre, Weiser, ID.

Please pass this information on to your departments and associates.

Thanks,

Tony McCammon

» 839_1.pdf

U-Idaho Fruit Conference

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 6, 2012 by Tony McCammon

Announcement January 6, 2012 Now open for Registration
The University of Idaho Extension presents U-Idaho Fruit Conference: Pest Management

Weiser. The Washington County Extension office has organized a fantastic lineup of speakers for regional fruit growers. Speakers from Oregon, Utah, and Idaho are combining research and expertise to present on multiple topics that will help you make better decisions in your orchards. Pesticide credits available. Contact the Washington County Extension Office for more details at 208-414-0415. See attachment for Registration details. Register ASAP to secure your spot.

Tuesday and Wednesday, February7-8, 8-4 pm at the Vendome Centre, Weiser, ID.

Please pass this information on to your departments and associates.

Thanks,

Tony McCammon

» 838_1.pdf

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 16, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

The pdf below contains information about a 6 credit pesticide applicator recertification training on December 15, 2011 in Caldwell.

» 836_1.pdf

Agritourism

Small Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 7, 2011 by Tony McCammon

GROWING AGRITOURISM IN IDAHO
If you are involved in any sort of agricultural tourism, you won’t want to miss this one day workshop!
Featuring relevant topics, speakers with real world experience, and plenty of networking opportunities – there is truly something for everyone!

DATE: Thursday, December 8, 2011
LOCATION: Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture, 2270 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
TIME: 8:30-4:00
DEADLINE: Register by December 2. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Find complete registration information at the link below.
http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/Documents/registrationAGRITOURISM.pdf


AGENDA:
8:30 Registration
9:00 Welcome and group introductions
9:15 Making the Most of Agritourism Opportunities on YOUR Operation
Lacey Menasco, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

9:45 Making the Connection – Adding Agritourism to the Visitor’s Itinerary
Diane Norton, Idaho Department of Commerce Division of Tourism

10:15 Break

10:30 Sharing Agritourism Success
Farm Diners: Josie Erskine, Peaceful Belly Farms
Entertaining Guests on the Farm: Ron Bitner, Bitner Vineyards
U-picks and Farm Stands: Fred Schreffler, The Berry Ranch
Diversifying the Experience to Increase Profits: Sherrie and Randy Feist, Linder Farms

11:30 Planning and Zoning
Diana Sanders, Ada County Development Services

12:00 Networking Lunch
Jim Toomey with the UI Food Tech Center will be available to discuss value-added food processing
The four “Success Story” speakers will each be hosting round table discussions

1:00 Getting the Right Insurance Coverage and Minimizing Risk
Stewart Hyndman, Hyndman Insurance

2:00 Introduction to Farm Loops
Lacey Menasco, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

2:15 Break

2:30 “Loop” Break-out Discussions by Region
(Sunny Slope, Emmet, Meridian/Kuna, other as needed)

3:30 Wrap Up and Evaluation

4:00 Adjourn

Find complete registration information at the link below.
http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/Documents/registrationAGRITOURISM.pdf

Crop Insurance Deadlines

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: October 31, 2011 by Tony McCammon

USDA Invests in Crop Insurance Education Awarding
$651,954 throughout the Pacific Northwest

SPOKANE, Wash., October 28, 2011 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) will support crop insurance education and outreach in 47 states to ensure that small and underserved producers get the information they need to effectively manage their risk and remain productive. Awards totaling approximately $13.6 million from two RMA programs—Targeted States and the Education and Outreach programs—will support thousands of American farmers, ranchers and producers.

Of that total, $651,954 in partnership agreement awards will support crop insurance education and outreach in the Pacific Norwest Region serviced by RMA’s Spokane Regional Office. “The partnerships will provide farmers and ranchers access to a complete set of conferences, targeted instruction, strategies, and networking opportunities at a local level.” Dave Paul, Director of RMA’s Spokane Regional Office stated, "We are very excited about the diversity of these partnership agreements and believe, through these programs, many farmers and ranchers will be better equipped to address the many risk management related challenges faced on their farms and ranches.”

RMA accepted proposals from public and private entities, including colleges and universities; Federal, State, and local agencies; non-profit and for-profit organizations; and others. All partnership agreements were competitive and awarded based on merit.

The following awardees represent approved projects in the RMA Spokane Regional Office area only (representing Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington).

Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides – “AGR-Lite and Farm Products Branding Training for Organic Specialty Crop Producers in Idaho” to ensure an effective program of agricultural risk management education and information through small sessions will be established in the State of Idaho that will meet the needs of its producers.

Oregon Cattlemen's Association – “Oregon Risk Management Outreach on Livestock Risk Protection Ins. and Ranch, Pasture, Range, Financial and Legal Management for Traditionally Undeserved Livestock Producers” to provide risk management outreach and education for livestock producers in Oregon who are traditionally underserved

Washington State University – “Breaking New Ground -- Using Agri-tourism as a Risk Management Strategy in the Spokane Region” to assist priority producers in the region to develop new agri-tourism enterprises that can capture additional income for producers, and help stimulate local economies. A major part of this project will be working with producers so they understand, and can mitigate both traditional risks of farming, as well as some unique new risks associated with agri-tourism.

Oregon State University – “Expanding Niche Livestock Ranching in Oregon” to strengthen risk management programming for underserved livestock producers throughout Oregon

RightRisk, LLC – “Risk Management Education for RMA’s Spokane Region: RME on Insurance, Succession Planning, Marketing, and Financial Planning to Women/New/ Hispanic/Senior/Specialty Crop/Other Producers in Idaho and Oregon” to promote sustained profitability for agricultural producers in Idaho and Oregon through effective risk management decision making.

Washington State University – “Enhancing Farming Practices and Marketing Skills as Risk Management Tools for Hispanic, Asian American, and Beginning Farmers in Washington State” to expand the successful implementation of “Cultivating Success” farm production and business management curricula with Hmong and Latino farmers in Washington.

Washington State University – “Education and Outreach Project for Producers, Ranchers, Limited Resource Producers, Ranchers, New and Beginning Farmers in Northeastern Washington, RMA Spokane District” to provide multiple learning and networking opportunities in aspects of small agriculture risk management.

Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System – “Delivery of Educational Materials to Increase LGM-Dairy Utilization by Dairy Farm Operators in General and Limited Resource Operators in Particular in Washington State” to develop and subsequently deliver an integrated education program composed of computer-based LGM-Dairy training workshops

Rural Community Development Resources – “Risk Planning Education for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Sustainability in Washington State” to provide outreach and create awareness of risk management issues for SDA producers, provide individual risk planning and provide outreach to RMA regional offices in regard to the new and beginning farmers and the Center’s role within Washington State.

Institute for Washington’s Future – “Production, Financial, and Human Risk Management Outreach and Education to Hispanic Farmers in Washington State” to develop and conduct a promotional program crop insurance and other risk management tools in Spanish.

The Risk Management Education and Outreach programs are designed to help ensure that farmers and ranchers effectively manage their risk through difficult periods, helping to maintain America's robust food supply and the survival of small, limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers. RMA administers these partnership projects as well as the Federal crop insurance program, with funding and authority from the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

RMA helps producers manage their business risks through effective, market-based risk solutions. RMA's mission is to promote, support, and regulate sound risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers. Federal crop insurance provides support to American producers as part of the "farm safety net." A strong farm safety net is important to the vitality of American agriculture. Complete listings of the agreements can be found on the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements/.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Annual Fruit Field Day

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 31, 2011 by Tony McCammon

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 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.

» 826_1.pdf

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 26, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day presented by the OSU Malheur Experiment Station. Variety day is Tuesday August 30, 2011 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Complimentary lunch will be served. Please reserve lunch by calling Janet Jones at the Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave., Ontario OR 97914, (541) 889-2174.

Soil Fumigation Training

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 15, 2011 by Tony McCammon

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is offering Soil Fumigation Training August 15-17 in different locations throughout Idaho. See the attachment for contact information and scheduled classes.

» 822_1.pdf

Parma Fruit Field Day

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 8, 2011 by Tony McCammon

The University of Idaho Parma Fruit Field Day will be Tuesday, September 20, 2011 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at the UI Parma Research and Extension Center Pomology Orchard and Vineyard site, about 4 miles north of Parma, Idaho.

» 820_1.pdf

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.

» 819_1.pdf

onion thrips control

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

onion thrips

Posted on: August 1, 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.

» 815_1.pdf

Malheur Experiment Station SUMMER FARM FESTIVAL

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 5, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE Malheur Experiment Station SUMMER FARM FESTIVAL and Annual Field Day.
Presented by the OSU Malheur Experiment Station,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce, KSRV and others.

We will also feature: Agricultural Trade Show Booths and Many Different Events and Contests with Prizes.

July 13, 2011 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Complimentary lunch will be served.

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

Cooperating to bring you the Summer Farm Festival and Field Days include the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, KSRV, OSU Malheur County Extension Service, University of Idaho, Malheur County Soil and Water Conservation District, Malheur Watershed Council, Owyhee Watershed Council, USDA NRCS, and the Lower Willowcreek Working Group.

Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 806_1.pdf

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.

Nut Growers Conference

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 6, 2011 by Tony McCammon

The Northern Nut Growers Association is a national organization of amateur and
commercial nut growers, researchers, breeders, and foresters. The NNGA has decided to
hold their 2011 annual meeting in Logan on the USU campus, with USU Extension as a
conference co-sponsor.

This conference should be very educational for growers, hobbyists and master gardeners,
and it is a rare opportunity to have the meeting held in our back yards.

The conference is scheduled for July 17-22. More information can be found at their
conference website http://nngaconference.usu.edu/program.cfm.

Movento for onion thrips

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

onion thrips

Posted on: March 21, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho has received a section 18 label for use of Movento to use in management of onion thrips in onion bulbs during the 2011 growing season. Growers need to have a copy of the label in hand and follow all label directions. The label can be found on the Idaho State Department of Agriculture website at the following address: http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/registration/Section18.php

Cull Onion Piles

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

onion maggot

Posted on: March 7, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached below is a pdf with information from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture about the disposal rules for the control of Onion Maggot.

» 775_1.pdf

Spanish Pesticide Safety Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 1, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached is a pdf with information about an upcoming pesticide safety training conducted in Spanish.

» 772_1.pdf

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.

» 767_1.pdf

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

» 763_1.pdf

Id/Or Winter Alfalfa Seed School

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 4, 2011 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the 2011 Idaho and Oregon Alfalfa Seed Growers Association Winter Seed School.

» 762_1.pdf

Idaho's Trade Managers Appointments

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 7, 2010 by Tony McCammon

Scheduled Dates

Armando Orellano will be in Idaho Febuary 7th through the 18th. To schedule an appointment Click Here

Eddie Yen and Xu Fang will be in Idaho Febuary 14th through the 22nd. To schedule an appointment Click Here

Idaho's Trade Office Managers for Mexico, Southeast Asia
and China
Agriculture companies have the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with Eddie Yen, Idaho's Asia Trade Office Manager, Xu Fang, Idaho's China Trade Office Manager, and Armando Orellano, Idaho's Mexico Trade Office Manager, to identify strategies for expanding sales in these markets. Their visits primarily focus on meeting one-on-one with individual companies to provide market intelligence and consulting. If your company is interested in entering or expanding in these markets, Eddie Yen, Xu Fang, and Armando Orellano are excellent resources. Please contact Laura Johnson or Kim Peterson if you are interested in learning more about Idaho's overseas trade offices, or would like to schedule meetings with any of the trade office managers.

Table Grape Association

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 2, 2010 by Tony McCammon

Hello Table Grape Growers and Friends,

Below is a Snippet of our November 2010 News Letter.
To View the Full Version of the "Snake River Table Grape Growers News Letter" please visit the link below.

https://sites.google.com/site/srtgga/srtgga-news-letter

Or visit our home page at www.srtgga.org

pesticide applicator recertification training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 12, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

The pdf below contains information about a 6 credit pesticide applicator recertification training on December 8, 2010 in Caldwell.

» 755_1.pdf

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

test

Posted on: August 20, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

test

Pomology Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 12, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Please see the pdf below for information on the Pomology Program Annual Fruit Field Day at the Parma R&E Center.

» 747_1.pdf

Table Grape Demonstration in Parma

Small Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Cluster thinning

Posted on: June 8, 2010 by Tony McCammon

Dr. Essie Fallahi, Professor & Director of Pomology - University of Idaho has scheduled an on site / hands on training class.
Learn How to properly complete shoot thinning and how to manage Frost Damaged Vines on
June 14th 11:00 AM at the University of Idaho Table Grape Research site in Parma Idaho.

Please join Dr. Fallahi and fellow table grape growers for this informative training session.

Hands on training - Shoot Thinning and How to Manage Frost Damaged Vines
When: June 14th 2010 – 11:00 AM
Where: Parma Table Grape Research, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, Idaho 83660
Cost: FREE
Call 208-573-8405 for Questions or email

thrips control meeting

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

thrips

Posted on: May 12, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Lynn Jensen, Onion and Potato Specialist with the OSU Malheur County Extension Office is planning a thrips control meeting on Monday May 17, 11:30am at the Malheur County Extension Office. One topic of discussion will be the newly granted Section 18 label on Movento. Pizza will be served. If you have any questions contact Lynn at 541.881.1417.

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 19, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s pesticide disposal program for this spring.

» 701_1.pdf

cull onion disposal

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 11, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

The deadline for disposing of cull onions in Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Owyhee and Washington Counties is March 15, 2010. Click on the pdf below for more information about disposal of cull onions.

» 698_1.pdf

Spanish Pesticide Program

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 2, 2010 by Tony McCammon

Fruitgrowers,

Be advised that there is a free pesticide program for Spanish Speaking industry workers and professionals. This is a good opportuniity to educate your employees on insects, diseases, and pesticide safety. Please pass this information on to them and send them to support this program. See the attached document. With so many Extension programs on the chopping block this year we need your support in our programs that contribute to your industry.

» 695_1.pdf

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.

» 694_1.pdf

Treasure Valley Bean School

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 1, 2010 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the link below for information about the Treasure Valley Bean School on February 18, 2010 in Caldwell, ID.

» 693_1.pdf

Blue Mountain Horticulture Society Annual Meeting

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 26, 2010 by Tony McCammon

This is to announce the Annual Meeting of the Blue Mountain Horticulture Society scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2010, starting at 7:45 a.m. The meeting will be held at Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC), 311 North Columbia (next to Safeway), in Milton-Freewater. Pesticide recertification credits will be available for Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Speakers such as Jay Bruner, Tim Smith, and Clive Kaiser. Pre-register by calling phone 541-938-7176. See the Meeting agenda in the attachment.

» 692_1.pdf

SWCD Healthy Soil for Healthy Crops

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 26, 2010 by Tony McCammon

The Payette Soil Water Conservancy district has put together a great program to help Build your productive soil. Soil Specialists and Horticulturalists will be speaking. Speakers include Mir Seyedbagheri UI Extension Soil Educator, Rhonda Hirnyck UI Pesticide Program Coordinator, and Anita Azarenko Oregon State Horticulture Department Head. See the attached flyer for more Information. From more information on this program or to register call 642-4402.

» 691_1.pdf

potato grower workshop

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 1, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

Lynn Jensen from the OSU Malheur County Extension Service is hosting a Potato Grower Workshop on Dec 10. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 685_1.pdf

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

earworm

Posted on: November 19, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

this is a test

» http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/corn_earworm.htm

» http://ipm.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/insects/corn_earworm/index.html

Crop Residue Burning

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 18, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf file below for information about an upcoming meeting sponsored by Idaho DEQ on the Crop Residue Burning Program.

» 682_1.pdf

Parma Tree Fruit Field Day

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 31, 2009 by Tony McCammon

The Parma Fruit Field Day begins thursday September 3rd at 8:30am and will finish around 1pm. Support for the Parma Research and Extension Center is critical this year. Please plan on attending this event.

» 678_1.pdf

Export Meeting for FruitGrowers

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 25, 2009 by Tony McCammon

ISDA is providing Eddie (Taiwan) and Armando (Mexico), trade managers, for a luncheon discussion on export, packaging, and quality updates. We will meet for lunch in Caldwell on Friday, September 4 12-1:30 pm at the University of Idaho Caldwell Complex on Chicago. Please RSVP as soon as possible to tonym@uidaho.edu or by calling 642-6022.
lunch will be provided!!! RSVP today!

Export meeting for fruit growers

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 25, 2009 by Tony McCammon

ISDA is providing Eddie (Taiwan) and Armando (Mexico), trade managers, for a luncheon discussion on export, packaging, and quality updates. We will meet for lunch in Caldwell on Friday, September 4 12-1:30 pm at the University of Idaho Caldwell Complex on Chicago. Please RSVP as soon as possible to tonym@uidaho.edu or by calling 642-6022.
lunch will be provided!!! RSVP today!

Onion Variety Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 19, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

The OSU Malheur County Experiment Station is hosting an Onion Variety Day on August 25, 2009 from 9 am to 1 pm. Click on the attached pdf for more details.

» 674_1.pdf

Codling Moth 2nd Generation is upon us!

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 9, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Codling Moth 2nd Generation hatch has begun get your sprays on your apples and pears. See the attached Pest alert for more details on this Tree Fruit Advisory.

» 663_1.pdf

Codling Moth 2nd Generation is upon us!

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 9, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Codling Moth 2nd Generation hatch has begun get your sprays on your apples and pears. See the attached Pest alert for more details on this Tree Fruit Advisory.

» 662_1.pdf

More Fruit Advisory

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 29, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Attached is an advisory for Updates on Codling moth Western Cherry Fruit Fly, Wooly apple aphid. Please advise others of these alert.

» 639_1.pdf

Tree Fruit Pest Advisory May 1

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 1, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Fruit Grower Pest Advisory May 1, 2009.

http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/payette/images/Storage/Fruit%20Advisory/April_2alert.pdf

Or visit the Payette County Website.

pesticide disposal program

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 28, 2009 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture is conducting a Pesticide Disposal Program on May 11 in Nampa/Caldwell and on May 12 in Weiser. Click on the pdf file below for more information.

» 623_1.pdf

Tree Fruit Pest Advisory Report

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 20, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Download the PDF file to view the Alert Advisory or go to http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/payette/fruit.htm

» April Pest Advisory

Fruit Grower Test

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 20, 2009 by Tony McCammon

This is a test from the computer in Payette to Fruitgrowers in Southwest Idaho.

Tree Fruit Pest Advisory Report

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 20, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Download the PDF file to view the Alert Advisory or go to http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/payette/fruit.htm

» April Advisory Report

Tree Fruit Pest Advisory

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 17, 2009 by Tony McCammon

To view the advisory click on the pdf file below or visit the Payette County Extension website.

» April Advisory

Tree Fruit Pest Advisory Newsletter

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 17, 2009 by Tony McCammon

Download the PDF file to view the Alert Advisory or go to http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/payette/fruit.htm

» April Advisory

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

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.

» 597_1.pdf

PNW Vegetable Association Conference & Trade Show

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: October 24, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Vegetable Diagnosis Workshop, 18 November 2008, 2 - 6 pm at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA.

The Pacific Northwest Vegetable Extension Group (PNW VEG) is organizing a hands-on vegetable diagnosis workshop in which participants will be presented with 12 field-based case studies of vegetable diseases, insect/mite pests, and other vegetable production problems. The case studies will be used to illustrate a systematic process of diagnosing vegetable problems. Instructors will guide participants through the diagnostic process to identify key questions and observations needed for identification of different types of vegetable problems and the specific causes. The workshop will be held in conjunction with the 2008 Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association (PNVA) Conference & Trade Show. For further information contact Sheri Nolan at the PNVA office: (509) 585-5460. To register for the workshop, visit the PNVA Events web page: http://www.pnva.org/events/. Registration is limited to 60 people.

Powdery Mildew on organic Table grape

Small Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 19, 2008 by Tony McCammon

Field Day and Vineyard Tour: Managing Powdery Mildew at Rocky Fence Vineyard Saturday, September 20, 1‐3 pm, Emmett, Idaho

Presented by: University of Idaho Extension, Rocky Fence Vineyard, University of Idaho Pomology Program
Funded by: Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) 2008 Professional + Producer Grant

AGENDA
1:00 PM Welcome, registration, introductions
1:30 PM Begin facilitated vineyard tour of the powdery mildew project
2:30 PM Question and answer with grower, Extension faculty and researchers, refreshments
3:00 PM Adjourn

Organic table grape production may be a good match for southwest Idaho’s rapidly changing agricultural
landscape. Population has increased over 30% since 2000 and farms are downsizing. Producers want successful
alternative crops to diversify operations and generate income.

Michael Medes of Rocky Fence Vineyards, a producer of organic table grapes, will use this Professional + Producer

Grant to seek solutions to powdery mildew, the most threatening disease to marketable fruit. With Ariel
Agenbroad and Tony McCammon, and with the support of Dr. Esmaeil Fallahi and Dr. Krishna Mohan, they will test the effectiveness of preventive management practices, implement an expanded trellis system, scout and test for early detection and use climate‐based disease forecasting and organically approved fungicide treatments.

Project findings will be shared at two annual on‐farm demonstration events, conferences and in future Extension publications. This field day is the first of these events.

Emmett Vinyard Field Day

Small Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 8, 2008 by Tony McCammon

September 5, 2008

Contact: Ariel Agenbroad at (208) 459-6003 or ariel@uidaho.edu in Caldwell or Tony McCammon at (208) 850-6798 or tonym@uidaho.edu in Payette.

Table Grape Growers Can Learn About Powdery Mildew
Management at Sept. 20 Field Day in Emmett

EMMETT, Idaho—While organic table grapes have the potential to become a lucrative new alternative crop for small- to mid-range producers in southwestern Idaho, powdery mildew is threatening growers’ ability to harvest high-quality, marketable fruit. Most of the available information on managing this disease has been developed for growers in California, Washington and Oregon, but Treasure Valley producers can tour ongoing local research from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at a field day at Rocky Fence Vineyard in Emmett.

“Managing this disease is critical to the success of producers and to the sustainability of the industry,” says Ariel Agenbroad, University of Idaho Canyon County Extension educator. She and colleague Tony McCammon of Payette County and grower Mike Medes will lead a tour and hands-on demonstration of research funded by a two-year Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Producer + Professional Grant.

Entitled “A Multi-Faceted Approach to Managing Powdery Mildew on Organic Table Grapes in Southwest Idaho,” the project’s partners include University of Idaho pomologist Essie Fallahi and plant pathologist Krishna Mohan, both located in Parma.

The free field day will be held at 3770 Fuller Road in Emmett. The tour will focus on:
• developing powdery mildew management protocols for southwestern Idaho
• trellising systems and pruning strategies for optimal air flow and operator access
• timing and materials for preventative treatment
• scouting and early detection of the disease organism
• using disease forecasting models
• timing treatments with organically approved materials
• exploring the use of composts and compost teas in fertility and disease control

Refreshments will be provided and RSVP is appreciated. For more information, call the University of Idaho’s Canyon County Extension Office at (208) 459-6003.

Parma Field Day of Fruit

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 8, 2008 by Tony McCammon

Contact: Essie Fallahi at (208) 722-6701, Ext. 225, or efallahi@uidaho.edu in Parma or communications specialist Marlene Fritz at (208) 364-6165 or mfritz@uidaho.edu in Boise.

Sample Fruit and Tour Horticultural Research on Sept. 12
at University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center

PARMA, Idaho—On Sept. 12, Treasure Valley residents can see and taste what’s growing on the trees and vines at the University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center. Anyone interested in fruit production—including commercial growers, small-farm and alternative producers, home gardeners, hobbyists and horticultural professionals—is encouraged to attend.

Beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m., participants can nibble on new table grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, quinces, Asian pears and other alternative fruit. They’ll learn about the use of growth bio-regulators in fruit crops before heading to the Fuji apple orchard for information on water-conserving irrigation practices, progressive pest-management, and innovative fertilization and chemical-thinning.

Then, they’ll tour experimental rows of alternative fruit crops—including quinces, Asian pears, persimmons, jujubes, haskaps and mulberries—and see a new canopy experiment in table grapes. They’ll compare varieties of peaches and nectarines and participate in a question-and-answer discussion about planting, growth regulators, pest management, pruning, thinning, girdling, irrigating and other fruit-growing practices.

The delicious event is free and slated to end at about 1 p.m. Four pesticide recertification credits will be offered.

The Parma Research and Extension Center is located about a mile north of Parma on U of I Lane. For more information, call University of Idaho pomologist Essie Fallahi at (208) 722-6701, Ext. 225, or the main office at Ext. 228.

Fruit Field Day

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 27, 2008 by Tony McCammon

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Friday, September 12, 2008 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The registration will start at 8:30 am and 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’ apple irrigation and nutrition, chemical thinning, and pesticides uses
3) Tour of the alternative fruit crops, including quinces, Asian pears, persimmons, Jujube, Haskaps, and mulberries
4) Tour of the table grape vineyards, new grape canopy experiment, peaches and nectarines, and discussion/ questions/answers on various cultural practices of fruit crops, including planting, growth regulators, pruning, thinning, girdling, pest control, irrigation
Where: University of Idaho, Parma Research & Extension Center in Parma, on the lawn in front of the main office complex. Going west on Highway 20/26 in Parma, turn right at M&W grocery store, go for about 1/3 miles and turn left on U of I Lane and go north for about 1 mile.
When: Friday, September 12, 2008, Starts at 8:30 am (sharp) till 1:00 pm
Cost: Free of Charge

UI Annual Fruit Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 21, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Below is a flyer for the UI Annual Fruit Field Day to be held on Sept. 12 at the Parma R&E Center. Click on the image to view it. Please plan on joining us if you can.

» 586_1.pdf

field burning training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 12, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

There was an error in the August 6 posting regarding the Idaho DEQ training on smoke management to be held in Weiser. Below is the correct information.

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: 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.

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.

Malheur Experiment Station Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 30, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

The Malheur Experiment Station Field Day is July 9, 2008. The pdf files below contain the program for the day.

» 568_1.pdf

» 568_2.pdf

Colorado Potato Beetle

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 24, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

A few Colorado Potato Beetle larvae are being found in the Greenleaf area. Growers should now be scouting for CPB larvae to time your foliar sprays.

UI Vegetable Field Tour

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 24, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Vegetable Field Tour
Parma R & E Center
July 8, 2008 - 1:30 pm

Onions

• Early Banded Nitrogen Sources for Onions

• Thrips and Iris Yellow Spot Virus Control Strategies

• Effect of Application Volume on Thrips Control with Carzol

• Onion Powdery Mildew
Sweet Corn

• Cultivars for Direct Market Growers in the Treasure Valley

• Sweet Corn Seed Treatments

Potatoes

• Green Manures and Trap Crops for Potato Cyst Nematode Eradication

• Specialty Processing and Fresh Market Potato Cultivars

• Management of Stem Number

• Evaluation of Perform Leaf Growth Regulator

No RSVP is necessary to attend Vegetable Field Tour, just show up. Refreshments will be served.

Emmett Fruitgrower Lunch Meeting

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 20, 2008 by Tony McCammon

June 25th: Fruitgrowers are invited to learn about Abiotic and Biotic Orchard diseases next Wednesday at 11:00am in Emmett at the La Costa Family Mexican Restaurant in Emmett. 517 N. Washington Ave. 365-1567.

Speakers: Essie Fallahi UI Pomology Specialist and Krishna Mohan UI Pathology Specialist. Tom Tankersley orchard Updates.

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 17, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

test

» test1

UI Small Grains Tour

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 10, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

In case you missed the announcement in the last issue of the Cereal Sentinel newsletter, there will be a morning tour of the UI small grains research at the Parma Research and Extension Center on June 12. Registration starts at 9:00 and the tour will start about 9:20 AM. Topics include the following: Pest Update; cereal leaf beetle, stripe rust. Variety Performance; soft white and hard wheat, barley, winters and springs. Nitrogen fertilizer management for wheat and barley; timing, slow release N, banding/seed, late season N. Relay cropping oilseed in winter barley: soybeans, safflower, camelina, mustard, and corn.

Lunch will be served for those that register. Please join us for the morning if your schedule allows. If you need to contact Dr. Brad Brown you can call 208-722-6701 Ext. 216 to visit or leave a message. It is OK to indicate your intention to participate before Thursday, but it is not necessary.

Fruitgrower Meeting Wednesday at 11:00

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 3, 2008 by Tony McCammon

University of Idaho Fruitgrower Meeting Held at Tips restaurant in Payette off Highway 95. Starts at 11:00.

Essie Fallahi, Kelly Henggeler, and Ron Yoder will be there to instruct and carry the discussion. Please come and enjoy your fellow industry professionals.

Tony McCammon

Fruit Grower Meeting - Marsing

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 19, 2008 by Tony McCammon

Proper Soil and Nutrient Management will increase fruit marketablility. Mir Seyedbagheri UI Educator in Elmore County will present on these topics wednesday at 11:00 At the Sandbar Restaurant in Marsing. 18 1st Ave W, 896-4124.

See you there!
Tony McCammon

Fruit Grower Meeting

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 12, 2008 by Tony McCammon

Marketing and protecting our fruit are at the top of the list for fruit growers. Wednesday at 11:00 at Nichols Steakhouse in Fruitland representatives from the ISDA will discuss what they are doing and what you can do to protect your fruit from abandoned orchards. The Idaho Preferred program will talk about marketing opportunities for your fruit. If you have any questions on this meeting call Tony McCammon at 642-6022.

Rimon Ovicide degree day applications

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 7, 2008 by Tony McCammon

The Rimon label states that it wants to be on between 50-75 degree days(DD) in Western states. If we Include the success of the trials Wilbur Ellis completed with this product, appling material at 100 and 1000 DD,
The 1st generation has a window that could be from 50 to 100 DD giving large orchadists a little more time to cover their acres. The 2nd generation should be applied starting at 1000 degrees. Submitted by Tom Tankersly

Estimating DD with the projected forcast expect to reach 50 DD on Monday in most parts of the Treasure Valley.

Good Luck!

test

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 30, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

test

» _1.jpg

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

Announcements    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.

» ID Pesticide Disposal

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.

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

website testing

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 10, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

Sorry for inconvenience, we are doing some website testing.

Malheur County Weed Tour

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 10, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

The weed research program at the Malheur Experiment Station would like to announce the “Treasure Valley Weed Tour” on Thursday, June 5, 2008 in Ontario Oregon. Registration will start at 8:30AM at the Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR 97914 and the tour will start at 9:00AM. Lunch will be provided at noon.

For more information and if you are planning to attend, please contact Janet Jones janet.jone@oregonstate.edu or call 541-889-2174.

Joel Felix, Ph.D., Oregon State University/Malheur Exp Station, 595 Onion Ave
Ontario, OR 97914

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.

Spanish Pesticide Safety Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 7, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture will conduct a Spanish Pesticide Safety Training (conducted entirely in Spanish) on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the Vendome Activity Center (309 State Street) in Weiser, ID. The program will run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Topic items include Pesticide Handlers Safety Training; Pesticide Safety, Storage, Transport & Clean-up; Field Scouting; Personal Protective Equipment; and the Worker Protection Standard. The program is free and includes refreshments and lunch. To RSVP or for more information contact the Canyon County Extension Office at 459-6003 by Friday, February 15.

Idaho/Oregon Winter Alfalfa Seed School

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 4, 2008 by Jerry Neufeld

The 2008 Idaho-Oregon Alfalfa Seed Growers Winter Meeting will be held Tuesday January 15, 2008 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at the Four Rivers Cultural Center (676 SW 5th Ave) in Ontario, Oregon.

Highlights of the program are:
• Status of Roundup Ready Alfalfa – Sidney Able,
APHIS, USDA
• How Effective are the New Soft Insecticides in
Alfalfa Seed - Dr. Jim Barbour, University of Idaho
• Update on Pesticides Issues – Katy Coba
Director, Oregon Department of Agriculture
• Green Ketchup, Dodos and Edsels – Pat Takasugi,
The Weatherman

2 Oregon and Idaho Pesticide Credits Applied have been applied for, buffet Lunch Provided

Please RSVP to Malheur County Extension Office at 541-881-1417 by January 10, 2008. Ask for Steve Norberg if you have questions.

Irrigation Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 4, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

The Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, 8 am to 4:30 PM at the Hampton Inn, 5750 E Franklin Rd, Nampa. The conference is sponsored by the University of Idaho, Idaho Power, Clearwater Supply Company and USDA/NRCS.

Topics will include: Water Supply Issues in the Magic & Treasure Valleys, 2008 Water Supply Forecast, Growing Pains – Changes in Irrigation, NRCS EQIP Program, Agricultural Water Issues: Today and Tomorrow, Cost Sharing Opportunities, Power Supply Outlook for the Treasure Valley and Weiser SCD Water Quality Demonstration Project.

Cost: $25 pre-paid by December 12; $35 after December 12th (registration includes conference, BBQ lunch and breaks). For more information and registration forms click on “announcements” “2007 Irrigation Conference” and then the link that appears. Also, you can call the University of Idaho, Canyon County Extension Office at 459-6003.

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 26, 2007 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 1468, 1377 and 1464. We are accumulating about 22 to 25 GDD per day. If you have corn silking during this time you will want to continue scouting for earworm eggs.

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

Essie's Fruit Fair Announcement

Small Fruits    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

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 13, 2007 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://pnwpest.org), we are currently at 1189 GDD in the Caldwell area, 1107 GDD in the Nampa area and 1185 GDD in the Parma area. We are accumulating approximately 28 GDD per day. We will hit 1300 GDD in the Caldwell and Parma areas around July 17, and hit 1300 GDD in the Nampa area around July 21. Those fields silking at 1300 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 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.

Iris Yellow Spot Virus

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 13, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Lynn Jensen from the Oregon State University, Malheur County Cooperative Extension Office is reporting that Iris Yellow Spot Virus has been identified in onion fields in the Fruitland/New Plymouth and Ontario, Oregon areas. There are currently no known fungicide treatment options for this virus. The virus is transmitted by onion thrips. Growers should keep their fields as stress free as possible by keeping thrips populations in check and by maintaining good irrigation practices.

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.

small grains field tour

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 27, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

You are cordially invited to the 2007 Parma Small Grain Tour at the Parma R & E Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, ID on July 6, 2007. The registration for the tour begins at 9 am and the tour starts at 9:30 am. Registration and loading will be in the grassed area on the east side of the road. A box lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour by noon.

The tour will feature:
• Soft white, hard white, and hard red winter and spring wheat varieties
• Winter and spring barley varieties
• Nitrogen fertilization trials involving soil applied slow release nitrogen on hard red spring wheat and soft white winter wheat, and foliar N fertilizer comparisons with hard white spring wheat.
• Late season N for improving waxy barley protein
• Stripe rust incidence
• Update on IWC, IBC, or IGPA.
• General discussion on other small grain topics of interest

Contact Dr. Brad Brown at 722-6701 ext 216 if you have any questions.

stripe rust

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 21, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown is reporting some stripe rust on the UI Parma R and E station in some susceptible wheat varieties. Rust was found especially in a hard red winter wheat called Moreland. It would be appropriate to scout for stripe rust in late planted winter wheat and any spring wheat if you aren’t sure of the susceptibility of the varieties to stripe rust. Depending on the growth stage, it may or may not be too late to apply a fungicide.

Coddling Moth and Cherry Fruit Fly Update

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 7, 2007 by Tony McCammon

As of
June 5th:                                         
Coddling Moth DD  
Biofix ACC.DD. 340dd 920dd(END Hatch)
Emmett    25-Apr 510.6    13-May 27-Jun
Fruitland 24-Apr 604.4    19-May 22-Jun
Parma       24-Apr 540.4   20-May 26-Jun
Snake River
Valley 25-Apr 610.0  20-May 21-Jun
Sunny Slope 25-Apr 540.5  20-May 25-Jun

Larval emergence for the first generation of codling moth is 69-79% completed for Southwest Idaho. Keep fruit protected from newly emerging codling moth larvae through the projected end of the 1st generation. Currently, the codling moth model predicts that egg hatch for the 1st generation will end between June 22 and June 26. A critical period for codling moth control is 340-640 DD after biofix (first adult activity). The percentage of egg hatch (larval emergence) for the first generation changes from 12 to 80% during this period. This relatively short 300 DD window of time (approx. 10-15 days in length) will see the greatest amount of codling moth pressure. It is important to have adequate residues of insecticide present on fruit during this period. There will be a 5-7 day “break” between the 1st and 2nd generation where fruit protection is not necessary.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly
Biofix AccDD
Emmett 25-May 228.7
Fruitland 27-May 283.3
Parma 28-May 171.9
Snake River
Valley 27-May 259.7
Sunny Slope 29-May 157.9


Based on numerous years of observation in Idaho, fruit is not susceptible to egg-laying from cherry fruit fly females until it changes from yellow to a salmon or blush color. When the earliest maturing fruit on the tree takes on a blush color, protect cherries with an insecticide application. Based on research, adult females are not ready to lay mature eggs until 7-10 days after first catch of the season. Use these two pieces of information for your location to initiate insecticide sprays to protect fruit from cherry fruit fly. Flies will develope according to temperatures like most insects. Spray timing can also be based on 190 Degree Days. Use the temperatures from the top of this page to time your applications.
Insecticides effective for WCFF:
- Spinosad GF-120 NF (apply with an electric pump sprayer mounted on a 4-wheeler; reapply every 7 days; excellent adulticide; not rainfast)
- Provado (moderate adulticide, excellent larvicide, can kill larvae within fruit; reapply every 14 days; watch for mite flare-up with repeated applications)
- Success and Entrust (reapply every 7 days)
- Dimethoate (Be careful follow instructions closely)
- Guthion (reapply every 14 days; 15 day PHI)
- Sevin (reapply every 7 days; watch for mite flare-up with repeated use)
- Diazinon (reapply every 7-10 days; 21 day PHI)
- Malathion (reapply every 3 days; watch for mite flare-up with repeated use)

Colorado Potato Beetle

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 4, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Mike Thornton, from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting there are a lot of adult Colorado Potato Beetles in western Idaho potato fields right now. These first adults do not do much feeding damage, but growers should be watching for egg hatch if they want to time a foliar spray for the first generation of larvae.

Fruitgrower Meeting Wednesday June 6th

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 31, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Fruitgrower meeting next wednesday 12:00 Marsing Sandbar restaurant. Just over the Bridge driving into marsing take a right.

Tom Tankersly will give us updates on orchard scouting observations
Tony McCammon will lead discussion on drought conditions and Cherry mildew information

For any questions contact Tony McCammon at 642-6022
or email at tonym@uidaho.edu

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 30, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Western Cherry Fruit Fly (Sweet and tart cherry): Western cherry fruit fly adults have been caught in locations of Emmett May 25th and Sunny Slope May 29th. Based on numerous years of observation in Idaho, fruit is not susceptible to egg-laying from cherry fruit fly females until it changes from yellow to a salmon or blush color. When the earliest maturing fruit on the tree takes on a blush color, protect cherries with an insecticide application. Based on research, adult females are not ready to lay mature eggs until 7-10 days after first catch of the season. Use these two pieces of information for your location to initiate insecticide sprays to protect fruit from cherry fruit fly.
Insecticides effective for WCFF:
- Spinosad GF-120 NF (apply with an electric pump sprayer mounted on a 4-wheeler; reapply every 7 days; excellent adulticide; not rainfast)
- Provado (moderate adulticide, excellent larvicide, can kill larvae within fruit; reapply every 14 days; watch for mite flare-up with repeated applications)
- Success and Entrust (reapply every 7 days)
- Dimethoate (Be careful follow instructions closely)
- Guthion (reapply every 14 days; 15 day PHI)
- Sevin (reapply every 7 days; watch for mite flare-up with repeated use)
- Diazinon (reapply every 7-10 days; 21 day PHI)
- Malathion (reapply every 3 days; watch for mite flare-up with repeated use)

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

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 16, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Ben Simko, Program Manager from ISDA has prepared a letter showing the predicted emergence dates for Western Cherry Fruit Fly for several areas in the Treasure Valley. To read the letter click on “Crop Info”, “Tree Fruit”, “Cherry”, “Western Cherry Fruit Fly” and lastly the link entitled “Western Cherry Fruit Fly predicted emergence for 2007”.

Fruitgrower Meeting

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 8, 2007 by Tony McCammon

This is a reminder of Wednesdays May 9th Growers Meeting at Nichols Steak House. High noon!

See you there.

Degree Day Accumulations

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 8, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Projected Degree days for Coddling Moth as of May 7th 2007.

Coddling Moth DD 150dd 250dd
Emmett May 9 May 20
Fruitland May 9 May 19
Parma May 11 May 22
Snake River Valley May 10 May 20
Sunny Slope May 12 May 22

At 150dd to 200dd apply Esteem 35WP or Intrepid 2F to control Coddling moth at the early egg laying period. For best control during this period supplement this treatment with Pheromone treatments.

Fruitgrower Meeting Fruitland

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 3, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Universtity of Idaho Extension in Payette County will host a Fruitgrower meeting on May 9th at 12:00 noon at Nichols Steak House in Fruitland. Essie Fallahi will lead a discussion on nutrient management of side blooms on apples, Kelly Henggeler will lead a discussion on labor issues, and Tom Tankersley on an orchard scouting update.

A second meeting will be offered on June 6th in Marsing at the Sand Bar Resturaunt. More information will follow.

Coddling Moth Degree Day Update

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 3, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Temperatures are estimated days when said Degree days will be achieved.

Coddling Moth DD ActualDD 100dd 150dd 250dd

Snake River Valley 91.3 May 4 May 9 May 19
Fruitland 94.6 May 4 May 10 May 20
Sunny Slope 93.1 May 6 May 12 May 22
Parma 80.3 May 6 May 12 May 22

Lygus

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 30, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Right now the lygus degree day model is predicting that the 1st and 2nd instar lygus populations will peak May 6. Since we are expecting a cool down by mid-weak this may get pushed back some, but you should be getting ready to check seed fields for lygus and other early season pests. Unless you are treating with Rimon alone, you should consider treating if Lygus populations exceed 4 to 5 per sweep. If you are treating with Rimon alone you should treat before large numbers of large lygus nymphs appear. If you have 8 to 10 nabids (damsel bugs) plus geocoris (bigeyed bugs) per sweep, which is not likely this time of year, you may not need to treat. Treatment recommendations (other than Rimon) can be found in the Pacific Northwest Insect Management handbook (online at: http://pnwpest.org/pnw/insects ). We have some fields in the area that show resistance to bifenthrin (Capture/Discipline, etc.), so be sure to rotate chemistries to minimize resistance problems. In fields that have bifentrin resistance problems, bifentrin will tend to work best early season.

Onion Bulb Mites

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 27, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Lynn Jensen, Potato and Onion Specialist with OSU at the Malheur County Extension Office is reporting Bulb Mites have been identified in an onion field in the Adrian, Oregon area. At least some stand reduction has occurred because of the mites.

According to the PNW Insect Management Handbook, Bulb mites are shiny, creamy white, bulbous, and about 1⁄32 inch long. They generally occur in clusters, inhabiting damaged areas under the root plate of onion bulbs or garlic cloves. They have a wide host range, feed on many kinds of bulbs, roots, and tubers, and can infest bulbs in storage or in the field. Bulb mites can survive on decaying vegetation in the field until it is completely decomposed.
Bulb mites damage bulbs by penetrating the outer layer of tissue and allowing rot organisms to gain entry. This pest is most damaging when plant growth is slowed by mild, wet weather. Bulb mites can reduce plant stands, stunt plant growth, and promote rot of bulbs in storage. On seeded onions, they can cut off the radicle before the plant becomes established.

Onion Maggot

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 27, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Lynn Jensen, Potato and Onion Specialist with OSU at the Malheur County Extension Office is reporting an Onion Maggot infestation has been found in an onion field in the Cairo production area near Ontario. Onion maggot larvae attack germinating seedlings, feeding on the developing roots and epicotyl, and can continue to feed on the expanding bulbs during later stages of growth. This results in increased rot in bulbs held in storage.

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 27, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

IDAHO STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S NORTH IDAHO SPRING PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PROGRAM

Collections scheduled for southwestern Idaho are safe, legal and free

NAMPA, Idaho – Southwest Idaho agricultural producers, dealers, applicators and homeowners who are storing unusable pesticides will have a safe, legal and free opportunity to dispose of them this May when the Idaho State Department of Agriculture conducts pesticide disposal collections in Canyon County and Washington County.

Participation is free for the first 1,000 pounds of unusable pesticides per participant. Anyone with unusable herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides should bring them to the closest collection site between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the date and location listed below (sorry no fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents or motor oil can be accepted):

Date City Location

NAMPA MAY 14, 2007 PICKLES BUTTE LANDFILL
15500 Missouri Ave., Nampa, ID

WEISER MAY 15, 2007 IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION YARD
550 Indian Head Road, Weiser, ID

“These collections provide a mechanism for disposing of pesticides in an environmentally sound manner,” said Victor Mason II, manager of the department’s pesticide disposal and container recycling programs.

Since 1993, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture has safely disposed of more than three quarters of a million pounds of unusable pesticides. Pesticides become unusable for many reasons, including loss of potency, exposure to temperature extremes, cancellation or suspension by state or federal authorities, or growers’ decisions to change their cropping rotations or practices.

For more information about the collections, please see our website at: http://www.agri.idaho.gov
Or call us at (208) 465-8442, or you may also call us at the Boise office at
(208) 332-8605.

lygus bug

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 23, 2007 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 we have accumulated about 160 growing degree days (GDD) since January 1, 2007. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 275 accumulated GDD. This usually, but not always, occurs around mid-May and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. The model is currently predicting we will hit 275 approximately May 6. In 2006, we hit 275 GDD on May 15, so we are currently running about 9 days ahead of last year.

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 as a stand-alone spray should treat as soon as early instar nymphs are detected. You can monitor degree day accumulation using the link provided above and selecting:

1) The” lygus bug [alfalfa seed]Ben Simko 2000” degree day model from the drop down box at the top of the form
2) None in the ‘Oregon, Canada, Alaska” and “Montana, Wyoming” location boxes
3) “Parma ID Agrmt” in the “Washington ,Wyoming” location box
4) “Caldwel ID” from the “Forecast”…“weather.com” drop down box
5) The defaults for the other boxes should work fine: just be sure that the start date is January 1, 2007 and the ending date covers the time you are interested in forecasting.

6) Finally, click the “Calc” near the bottom of the form. The degree day accumulation to date plus the forecast extending to whatever ending date you selected will appear in a new window. I will provide additional updates as the 275 degree day accumulation approaches.

Provided by Dr. Jim Barbour from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center.

cereal leaf beetle

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 23, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting he has found a large number of cereal leaf beetle eggs in the first planted spring oats. Spring planted small grains are preferred by CLB over winter planted small grains. It is not too early to scout for CLB eggs as an indication of potential larvae populations.

Stripe Rust and Cereal Leaf Beetle

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 19, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

According to Dr. Brad Brown, from the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center, most spring wheat varieties planted in the Treasure Valley have good stripe rust resistance; however, this does not preclude the need for field scouting to determine actual rust conditions in your fields. This is particularly true if you are growing a small grain variety that is not commonly grown in our area and you are not sure of its stripe rust susceptibility. Basically, it is not too early to scout for stripe rust, especially in your earliest fall planted winter grain fields. Any rust incidence should be reported to Brad at 722-6701, ext 216 or Jerry Neufeld at 459-6003.

When you are scouting for stripe rust, you should also be on the lookout for Cereal Leaf Beetle eggs. Some CLB adults are evident in local grain fields, but not in very high numbers. In his scouting Brad hasn’t found any CLB eggs yet. The egg count is what is used for a spray threshold.

Carzol Plantback Restrictions

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 13, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

The US-EPA has issued updated plantback restrictions on the use of Carzol in Idaho and Oregon. The new restrictions can be accessed by clicking on “Crop Info”, then “Onion” and finally “Carzol Plantback Restrictions”.

onions

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 6, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Mike Thornton, Superintendent of the U of I’s Southwest Idaho R&E Centers has noticed volunteer onions are beginning to emerge in fields planted to onions during the 2006 season. He goes on to say “volunteer onions have been shown to harbor early season populations of onion thrips and act as a reservoir for Iris Yellow Spot Virus. Destroying volunteer onions as part of a weed control program in rotation crops is a good way to reduce insect and virus pressure.”

Cutworms in Alfalfa Seed

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 26, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

Brad Chambers from Pioneer Hi-Bred is reporting that with the warmer weather he is starting to see an increase in cutworm activity in newly planted alfalfa seed fields. Cutworms are being found mostly in fall seeded stands.

Fruitgrower Meeting

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 20, 2007 by Tony McCammon

Fruit Grower Meeting – Gem County USDA Office
April 4, 2007 7:00pm - 9:00pm


7:00 pm Welcome
Tony McCammon

7:10 pm Gem Co. Orchard Review Board Report
Al Dimmick – ORB Member

7:45 pm Temperatures, Trapping, & Timing
Tony McCammon – University of Idaho Extension

8:20 pm FSA Insurance Options
Rob Maurer – County FSA Executive Director
8:55 pm Solutions for Commercial Growers
Tom Tankersley - Wilbur and Ellis

Basagran Advisory Notice

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 15, 2007 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has asked me to post an advisory notice regarding the circulation of a false/misleading label for the use of Basagran to control yellow nutsedge in onions. The advisory notice can be read by clicking on “Crop Info”, then “Onion” and finally “Basagran Advisory Notice".

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

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

Fruit Grower Advisory Meeting

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 13, 2006 by Tony McCammon

TO: Interested Tree Fruit Growers and Friends

FROM: Bill Ford (the one with some E Mail addresses) :-)

We will be holding our third planning session in the Henggeler Packing Company's lunch room, this Thursday (14) at 6:00 P.M..

OBJECTIVE: To finalize discussion of possible projects, and make decisions as to what projects we want to pursue.

If you are unable to attend, send a representative from your organization!

Tony McCammon, the University of Idaho's Fruit Production Extension Educator will lead out.

Promar Insurance Feedback Sessions

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 7, 2006 by Tony McCammon

INVITATION TO FEEDBACK SESSIONS
ON PERENNIAL CROP INSURANCE

(Apples, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Cranberries, and Blueberries)

USDA¡¦s Risk Management Agency has contracted with Promar International, a food and agricultural consulting firm based in Virginia, to evaluate the insurance programs for those perennial crops for which the insurable value is based on a grower¡¦s actual production history. While they are looking at all aspects of these programs, Promar has been directed to focus particularly on the adjustments made to approved yields for instances of either alternate bearing or down trending yields. Key questions include:

„Ï How often are growers¡¦ approved yields being automatically reduced by the RMA formulas that trigger these adjustments?
„Ï Have the adjustments been appropriate?
„Ï Should all of these crops be subject to adjustments for alternate bearing?

The states covered by RMA¡¦s Spokane Washington Regional Office include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The insured perennial crops of interest in this region are apples, grapes pears, peaches, cranberries, and blueberries. Feedback sessions for growers, insurance providers, agents, and extension staff are being conducted in Washington and Idaho because of the concentration of growers in that state, but the sessions are open to interested parties from any of these states, and all are invited.

Feedback sessions have been scheduled as follows:

Idaho:
Tuesday , December 12, 2006
AmeriTel Inn ¡V Boise Spectrum
Arrow Rock North Room
7499 W. Overland
Boise, ID 83709
9:00 - 11:00 am Washington:
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
WSU ¡V IAREC , Large Conference Room
24106 N. Bunn Rd.
Prosser, WA
10:00 - 12:00 am
Friday, December 15, 2006
Washington State Fruit Commission
Downstairs Meeting Room
105 S. 18th str.
Yakima, WA 98901
9:00 - 11:00 am

Fruit Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 1, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 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

Where: University of Idaho, Parma Research & Extension Center in Parma, on the lawn in front of the main office complex. Going west on Highway 20/26 in Parma, turn right at M&W grocery store, go for about 1/3 mile and turn left on U of I Lane and go north for about 1 mile.

When: Wednesday, September 6, 2006, Starts at 8:30 am (sharp) till 1:00 pm

Cost: Free of Charge

Who Can Participate? Open to the Public. Those interested in fruit production, including commercial growers, small farm growers, alternative fruit growers, home gardeners, Master Gardeners, horticultural professionals and graduate students, extension and research faculty/staff, horticultural hobbyist, and fruit industry representatives are welcome. For additional information, please call: 208-722-6701 Extension 228 OR contact Dr. Essie” Fallahi at 208-722-6701 Ext. 225

Pesticide License Credits: FOUR PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION CREDITS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE THAT NEED THEM.

Alfalfa Seed Crop Insurance

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 28, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Risk Management Agency Alfalfa Seed Insurance Program has been expanded to Canyon County, ID with continuation in Owyhee County, ID and Malheur County, OR for the 2007 crop year. Sales closing date is September 30, 2006. More information can be found at the following web-sites: http://www3.rma.usda.gov/apps/docbrowser/docbrowserb.cfm, and http://www3.rma.usda.gov/apps/agents/. For more information call your local crop insurance agent or RMA regional office at (509)353-2147.

Potato Tuber Worm Moth

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 14, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

As you know, a single adult potato tuberworm moth was caught in an ISDA trap northeast of Parma last week. This is about three weeks earlier than the fist specimen was found last year. The University of Idaho and Idaho State Department of Agriculture are holding a meeting for local growers and field reps on Wednesday, August 16 from 12 to 1pm at the Parma R&E Center to discuss the current situation and management recommendations for this pest.

University of Idaho Fruit Field Day

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 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
Where: University of Idaho, Parma Research & Extension Center in Parma, on the lawn in front of the main office complex. Going west on Highway 20/26 in Parma, turn right at M&W grocery store, go for about 1/3 mile and turn left on U of I Lane and go north for about 1 mile.
When: Wednesday, September 6, 2006, Starts at 8:30 am (sharp) till 1:00 pm
Cost: Free of Charge
Who Can Participate? Open to the Public. Those interested in fruit production, including commercial growers, small farm growers, alternative fruit growers, home gardeners, Master Gardeners, horticultural professionals and graduate students, extension and research faculty/staff, horticultural hobbyist, and fruit industry representatives are welcome. For additional information, please call: 208-722-6701 Extension 228 OR contact Dr. Essie” Fallahi at 208-722-6701 Ext. 225

Dry Beans

Dry Beans    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho is hosting a Dry Bean Breeding Field Tour at the Parma Research and Extension Center on Wednesday August, 16, 2006 from 8 to 10 a.m. Dr. Shree Singh will update participants about his work with new varietal candidates, the Idaho Dry Bean Trial, the Western Regional Bean Trial and the National Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery.

If you would like to attend please RSVP to the Canyon County Extension Office by August 14 at 459-6003 so that we can make sure to have enough refreshments on hand.

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The second generation of corn earworm moths will begin laying eggs in corn silking between 1450 and 1650 growing degree days (GDD). GDD accumulations for Caldwell and Parma are 1391 and 1461 respectively. We are accumulating about 25 GDD per day. If you have corn silking during this time period you will want to continue scouting for earworm eggs.

Iris Yellow Spot Virus

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 21, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

Lynn Jensen from the Oregon State University, Malheur County Cooperative Extension Office is reporting that Iris Yellow Spot Virus has been identified in onion fields in the Ontario, Oregon area. There are currently no known fungicide treatment options for this virus. The virus is transmitted by onion thrips. Growers should keep their fields as stress free as possible by keeping thrips populations in check and by maintaining good irrigation practices.

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 21, 2006 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 GDD. Egg hatch and larvae attack will begin about 73 GDD later.

According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm (http://pnwpest.org), we are currently at 1221 GDD in the Caldwell area and 1276 GDD in the Parma area. We are accumulating approximately 24 GDD per day. Those fields silking at 1300 GDD are most vulnerable to attack from corn earworm larvae. We should reach 1300 GDD in the next few days.


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.

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.

UI's Parma R and E Center Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 27, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho's Parma Research and Extension Center will showcase its work in small grains, forages and row crops at a July 7 field day for the public.

Beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at lunch with a sandwich meal, this year's field day will highlight ongoing studies in wheat, barley, triticale, onions, potatoes, beans and alfalfa seed. Visitors will tour trials of promising new small grains in various market classes and will hear about the effects of harvest dates on triticale and wheat forage. They will learn about fertilizer management in small grains, including fall-planted waxy spring barleys and low-phytate spring barleys.

Participants interested in potatoes will see trials of new varieties for the Treasure Valley and studies focusing on phosphorus, groundcover effects, pesticide placement and seed physiology.

Visitors will also tour research on plant spacing and available phosphorus in alfalfa seed, on seed inoculation and treatment in beans, and on neckrot incidence and control of sunscald, thrips and nutsedge in onions.

Attendance is free and lunch will be provided. The Parma Research and Extension Center is located 1 mile north of Parma on UI Road. For more information, contact Extension crop management specialist Brad Brown at (208) 722-6701, Ext. 216, or bradb@uidaho.edu.

Stripe Rust

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 23, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown, Crop Management Specialist, at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center has found very low levels of stripe rust infection in spring barley on the Parma station. He has found rust in Colter and 1550 and somewhat less in Baronesse and 451H barley. He has also found stripe rust in spring wheat. It is low enough infection, and sufficiently late that it likely will not be of consequence for production, except possibly in the most susceptible varieties that were planted particularly late.

Early and late blight forecast

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 21, 2006 by Jeff Miller

A total of 300 P-Days have accumulated for the Parma and Glenns Ferry areas. Research has shown that fungicide treatment for early blight is most effective when initiated at 300 P-days.

Additionally, early season weather in the Parma area has been conducive for late blight development. The University of Idaho forecast indicates a moderate probability of late blight in that area.

Powdery Mildew in Sugarbeets

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 19, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Representatives (TASCO) are saying that now is the time to plan your treatments for powdery mildew in sugarbeets. While mildew has not yet been found in the Treasure Valley, TASCO Field Representatives say the modes of action of the mildew chemistries work best if treatments are applied before mildew is found in the field. TASCO 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 TASCO FOR THEIR TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.

Onion Thrips and Iris Yellow Spot Virus

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 7, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

Onion Thrips/Iris Yellow Spot Virus Control Seminars sponsored by the University of Idaho and Oregon State University will be held at the following locations next week.

Monday, June 12 – Ontario, Oregon, OSU Extension office
Wednesday, June 14 – Parma, Idaho, Parma Research and Extension Center classroom
Thursday, June 15 – Weiser, Idaho at the Vendome

Meetings will start at noon and last an hour. Free sack lunches will be provided.

Topics to be covered are the relationship between thrips control and development of IYSV. Additional topics include the section 18 label for Carzol, experience from 2005 research trials, application timing, resistance management, and handler safety.

All growers and distributor field personnel that plan to use this product in 2006 are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Cherry Fruit Fly

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 6, 2006 by Steven Reddy

Ben Simko, Entomology Program Manager ISDA, reported that one of his scouts brought in a positive Western Cherry Fruit Fly on a yellow panel trap from the rural Nampa area on June 5th.
According to the insect model, June 3-4 was the recommended treatment date for Cherry Fruit Fly in Canyon County.

Rimon for lygus control

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 1, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The following message was submitted by Dr. Jim Barbour from the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center.

Rimon® 0.83EC insecticide (novaluron; Chemtura Corp.), has received a section 24c approval for control of lygus bugs in alfalfa seed. Rimon is an insect growth regulator that controls insects by interfering with the molting process. As larvae or nymphs feed and begin to molt, the exoskeleton ruptures and the insect dies before reaching the next growth stage. Nymphs developing in eggs laid on Rimon residues are unable to hatch.

Rimon is easy on natural enemies of lygus bugs and other insect pests. It is also very easy on adult leafcutting bees. We do not yet have information on the effect of Rimon on alfalfa leafcutting bee larvae. Because of this selectivity Rimon looks like a good fit in an Integrated Management Program and may work well to keep lygus numbers low when applied during bloom.

Rimon has provided control of lygus in our field trials and has provided better seed yields than untreated control plots even when it didn’t appear to reduce lygus bug numbers. Here are a few guidelines for using Rimon.

• Scout the field so that you know the number and size of lygus bug nymphs present in your field.

• Applications of Rimon alone should only be made when low numbers of small (instars 1-3) are present in order to prevent lygus population from reaching damaging numbers, not to rapidly reduce damaging numbers of large lygus (instars 4 & 5 and adults).

• Because it is a growth regulator and slow acting, Rimon should not be used alone as a rescue treatment on fields with high numbers of large lygus nymphs and adults.

• When high numbers of adults and large nymphs are present, Rimon should be tank mixed with a traditional pesticide to lower numbers of larger instar lygus bugs and prevent development of eggs and small nymphs.

• Rimon may also control alfalfa weevil and caterpillars.

• Follow label directions. A copy of the label can be viewed or downloaded from ISDA using the following link:

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/Documents/24c/Rimon%20on%20Alfalfa%20Grown%20for%20Seed.pdf

• I would recommend a minimum of 15 gallons per acre when ground applied even though the label allows a minimum of 5 gallons per acre.

Please let me know if you are using Rimon for lygus control this year. I would like to track the progress of fields treated with Rimon and get your input on the product.

Dr. Jim Barbour
email: jbarbour@uidaho.edu
phone: 208 722-6701

Cherry Fruit Fly Forecasts

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 25, 2006 by Steven Reddy

According to the degree-day model from the Online Phenology and Degree-day Models published at the OSU Integrated Plant Protection Center Website, below are the forecasted dates for the Western Cherry Fruit Fly adult emergence and recommended spray dates.
These dates were determined using actual temperature data from these locations up to May 24 and forecasted temperatures thereafter. Chemical control should be applied before the eggs are laid.
Ben Simko, Program Manager
Pest Survey and Detection Program
Division of Plant Industries, ISDA

Western Cherry Fruit Fly Degree Day Accumulations 2006
Site Forecast First Forecast First
Adult Emergence Treatment @1060 DD
Boise May 21 June 1
Caldwell May 23 June 3
Emmett May 27 June 6
Nampa May 22 June 3
Payette May 20 May 31
Parma May 21 June 1

lygus bug

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 12, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The current forecast is for the 1st and 2nd instar lygus number to peak on 16 May. Warm weather this weekend may move that up a bit. At any rate, next week would be a good time to start lygus monitoring activities. The threshold for lygus is 4-6 large lygus bugs (4th and 5th instars plus adults) per 180 degree sweep. Treatment options can be found in the printed or online (http://pnwpest.org/pnw/insects) editions of the PNW Insect Management Handbook.

Onion Root Maggot

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 12, 2006 by Steven Reddy

Poor germination and slow emergence of onions has been widespread in Washington County. There are probably several potential causes; however, onion root maggot has been identified and treated in an onion field east of Weiser. Our cool, moist spring has created ideal conditions for onion root maggot damage. Growers might want to take a second look at problem areas to see if onion maggot is involved.

sugarbeet root maggot

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 11, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

Field representatives from the Amalgamated Sugar Company are reporting adult sugarbeet root maggot flies have emerged and are flying. Adult flies begin to lay eggs near sugarbeet plants 3 to 10 days after emergence. After the larvae hatch they will begin feeding on the young sugarbeets. If you haven’t applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggot consult your crop advisor or field representative from AMSCO for treatment options.

lygus bug in alfalfa seed

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 4, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

The current forecast is for the 1st and 2nd instar lygus numbers to peak on 20 May. We are still running very close to average, but cooler weather forecast for next week may slow things down a bit.

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 doesn't necessarily mean that they will need to be treated. It just means you should be on the lookout for potential problems. You should also be on the look out for other early season pests such as the pea leaf weevil and cutworms, 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 mess 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.

This information was provided by Dr. Jim Barbour, Research Entomologist with the University of Idaho at the Parma R & E Center.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 25, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown from the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center was scouting a Cereal Leaf Beetle insectary yesterday and found a few CLB flying and signs of adult feeding on the leaves. He also found eggs on about 5% of the plants. The eggs were in early spring planted oats and not in adjoining winter oats that were further along in development. It is not too early to scout for CLB eggs as an indication of potential populations of the larvae.

lygus bug in alfalfa seed

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 20, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Jim Barbour, Research Entomologist with the U of Idaho at the Parma R and E Center provided the following information about lygus bug in alfalfa seed.

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 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 about mid-May, but there is considerable year-to year variation. Right now we are sitting at 78 Degree Days. That's just about right on the historical average for this time of year and well below last year when we were at 177 degree days on this date (about the time it started raining and didn't stop for a month). The forecast is for the 1st and 2nd instar lygus number to peak on 21 May, but stay tuned for more information.

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 doesn't necessarily mean they need to be treated . It just means you should be on the lookout for potential problems. You should also be on the look out for other early season pests such as the pea leaf weevil and cutworms, 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 the calculator mode settings, but do enter 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 period.

Cull Onions

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 23, 2006 by Jerry Neufeld

A new publication from the ISDA entitled “Cull Onion Disposal in Idaho” has been posted to the TVPestAlert.net website. The publication can be viewed by clicking on “Crop Info” then “Onion” and finally “Cull Onions 2006.”

CCA Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 5, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center is hosting a Treasure Valley CCA Training workshop on Thursday December 8, 2005 at the UI Parma Research and Extension Center. Registration for the program will start at 8:30 a.m. A total of 5.5 CCA credits will be awarded at the conclusion of the program (2.5 SW, 1 PM and 2CM). Below is the agenda for the program.

Time Session Topic Competency Speaker

8:50 - 9:50 Potato Physiologic Disorders CM Dr. Mike Thornton
9:50 - 10:50 Small Grain Planting Dates & Est CM Dr. Brad Brown
11:00 - 11:30 Alfalfa Seed IPM PM Dr. Jim Barbour
11:30 - 12:00 Iris Yellow Spot Virus in Onions PM Dr. Krishna Mohan
1:00 - 1:30 Soil Moisture Monitors in Canyon Co. SW Jerry Neufeld
1:30 - 2:00 Soil Moisture Monitoring in Wa. Co. SW Steve Reddy
2:00 - 3:00 Small Grains Water Management SW Dr. Brad Brown
3:10 - 3:40 Onion Water Management SW Dr. Clint Shock
3:40 - 4:10 Irrigation by Soil Water Potential SW Dr. Clint Shock

CCA Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 29, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown from the UI Parma Research and Extension Center is hosting a Treasure Valley CCA Training workshop on Thursday December 8, 2005 at the UI Parma Research and Extension Center. Registration for the program will start at 8:30 a.m. A total of 5.5 CCA credits will be awarded at the conclusion of the program (2.5 SW, 1 PM and 2CM). I do not have any information about cost, lunch, or if you need to RSVP. Call Dr. Brown at 208.722.6701 for additional information.

Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 28, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

A Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification Training will be held on Tuesday December 13, 2005 at the Caldwell, ID Police Department (110 S 5th Street). Six Idaho and Oregon pesticide applicator license credits are being offered, as well as 5.5 CCA credits. Cost for this program is $25.00 to be paid at the door; however, you must call 208.459.6003 prior to December 8, 2005 to RSVP. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration starts at 8:00 am; program starts at 8:30 am. Program is sponsored by UI Canyon County Extension and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. You can view the flyer for this program by clicking on “Crop Info” then “Announcements” and then “Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification Training.” Call Jerry Neufeld at 208.459.6003 if you have questions.

Pesticide Disposal in Canyon County

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 16, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

NEWS RELEASE

ISDA ANNOUNCES FREE PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PICKUP AT CANYON COUNTY LANDFILL

(BOISE) Agricultural producers, dealers, applicators and homeowners who are storing unusable pesticides will have a safe, legal and free opportunity to dispose of them on September 23, 2005 when the Idaho State Department of Agriculture conducts an unusable pesticide collection. The event is being held in conjunction with Canyon County’s 3rd annual Household Hazardous Waste collection at the Pickles Butte Landfill, 15500 Missouri Ave., Nampa, in rural Canyon County.

Participation is free for the first 1,000 pounds of unusable pesticides per participant. Anyone with unusable herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides should bring them to the collection site on September 23.

Additionally, on September 24, Canyon County residents will be able to dispose of household quantities of hazardous wastes including fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents, or equipment motor oil.

Both collections will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity for disposing of potentially harmful chemicals in an environmentally sound manner,” said Victor Mason II, manager of the department’s pesticide disposal and container recycling programs. “These chemicals will be collected, rather than dumped down a storm drain or tossed in the landfill.”

Since 1993, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture has disposed of more than 600,000 pounds of unusable chemicals. Pesticides become unusable for many reasons, including loss of potency, exposure to temperature extremes, cancellation or suspension by state or federal authorities, or growers’ decisions to change their cropping rotations or practices.
Assistance and other information about the collection is available at: http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/pdp/indexdisposalmain.php

CONTACT: Wayne Hoffman(208) 332-8671

Pomology Program Annual Fruit Field Day

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 29, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The registration will start at 8:30 am and 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. Four Credits will be given toward the Idaho Pesticide Applicator License.

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

Where: University of Idaho, Parma Research & Extension Center in Parma, on the lawn in front of the main office complex. Going west on Highway 20/26 in Parma, turn right at M&W grocery store, go for about 1/3 miles and turn left on U of I Lane and go north for about 1 mile.

When: Wednesday, September 7, 2005, Starts at 8:30 am (sharp) till 1:00 pm

Cost: Free of Charge

Who Can Participate? Open to the Public. Those interested in fruit production, including commercial growers, small farm growers, alternative fruit growers, home gardeners, Master gardeners, horticultural professionals and graduate students, extension and research faculty/staff, horticultural hobbyist, and fruit industry representatives are welcome. For additional information, please call: 208-722-6701 Extension 228 OR contact Dr. Esmaeil “Essie” Fallahi at 208-722-6701 Ext. 225

Late Blight in Potatoes

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 17, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Late Blight has been found in several more Canyon County potato fields. Mike Thornton, from the U of I’s Parma Research and Extension Center, says the recommended treatment for those potatoes going into storage is to continue your fungicide spray program until vines are killed.

corn earworm

Corn    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.

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.

Corn Earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 29, 2005 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 1110 GDD in the Treasure Valley. Summer moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 GDD. The GDD model is predicting egg hatch will begin on August 4. Those fields silking at this time are most vulnerable to attack. University of Idaho CIS 366 entitled “Timing Corn Earworm Control” states that “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.”

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 19, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm (http://pnwpest.org) we are currently at 941 GDD in Caldwell and 954 GDD in the Parma area. We are currently accumulating about 22 GDD each day. First generation summer moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 GDD. Eggs will hatch a few days after reaching 1300 GDD and the larvae will then begin feeding on the ears. Those fields silking after 1300 are most vulnerable to attack.

The GDD model is predicting we will reach 1300 GDD on July 31 or August 1 and that earworm eggs will begin hatching about August 4 or 5 in both the Parma and Caldwell areas respectively. As we approach the start of egg hatch you will want to step up your field scouting and take the appropriate control measures to treat the larvae before they enter the corn ears.

Powdery Mildew in Sugarbeets

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 13, 2005 by Steven Reddy

Powdery Mildew has been identified by Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Staff in the Middleton and Notus areas of the Treasure Valley.
In addition, Black Bean Aphid has been identified in the same fields. In many cases, an insecticide can be tank mixed with your Powdery Mildew treatment. Consult with your field representative for recommendations.

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.

Stripe Rust in Small Grains

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 16, 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.

Small Grains Tour

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 15, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown, Cereals Specialist with the U of Idaho at the Parma Research and Extension Center is hosting a Small Grains Tour at the UI Parma R and E Center on Friday June 24, 2005 starting at 10:00 am. This year the tour provides an excellent opportunity to see the differences in susceptibility of various small grain varieties to stripe rust. A hosted lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour. If you plan to attend, please call Maurine at 722-6701, ext. 228 to reserve a lunch. Mention the “Small Grains Tour.”

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.

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

Announcements    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 “Crop Info,” “Announcements” and “Smoke Management” buttons.

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.

Cherry Fruit Fly

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 31, 2005 by Steven Reddy

Michael Cooper (ISDA) reported a confirmed Cherry Fruit Fly capture in a sticky trap in Gem County.
This capture is close to the Degree Day model prediction calculated on May 21.

Stripe Rust

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 31, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Recent weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest have been favorable for the development of stripe rust in small grains. Dr. Brad Brown, Cereals Specialist with the U of Idaho at the Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting that small amounts of rust have been found in spring wheat and barley at the Parma Station. In addition, rust has been found in grower fields in the Parma area. The rust infestation in the varieties planted at Parma was minor and would not require control with a fungicide. Most spring wheat varieties planted in the Treasure Valley have good adult plant stripe rust resistance; however, this does not preclude the need for field scouting to determine actual rust conditions in your fields. That is particularly true if you are growing a small grain variety that is not commonly grown in our area and you are not sure of its stripe rust susceptibility. A pdf file with additional information prepared by Washington State University Agronomist John W. Burns can be found by clicking on the “Crop Info” then “Small Grains” buttons.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 31, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Ben Simko, Entomologist with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture has been conducting field work related to Cereal Leaf Beetle at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center. Ben is reporting that adult CLBs are still mating and laying eggs. In addition, several instars of CLB larvae are finally starting to appear. The cool rainy spring weather we had probably stretched out and flattened the egg hatch peak and subsequent larval instar phenology. This year we haven’t experienced a sharp and distinct CLB egg hatch. Therefore, scouting on spring grain hosts is still recommended over the next couple weeks to assess population levels and potential yield loss.

Small Grains Tour

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 31, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Dr. Brad Brown, Cereals Specialist with the U of Idaho at the Parma Research and Extension Center is hosting a Small Grains Tour at the UI Parma Center on Friday June 24, 2005 starting at 10:00 am. A hosted lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour. If you plan to attend, please call Maurine at 722-6701, ext. 228 to reserve a lunch. Mention the “Small Grains Tour.”

Codling moth

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 26, 2005 by Steven Reddy

Fruit growers should be prepared for large codling moth hatch pressure in the next 1 to 2 weeks. Crop Advisor: Tom Lyon reports that the initial codling moth generation was weak due to cool, wet weather conditions. Conditions now, however, are right for a large larva hatch. Growers should have trees protected with cover sprays.

Cherry Fruit Fly

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 21, 2005 by Steven Reddy

Degree Day calculations made on May 20th for Western Cherry Fruit Fly (using the OSU On-Line Phenology and Degree Day Models) include:
Payette: 821.1 DD First adult emergence about May 21
Parma: 769.8 DD First adult emergence about May 24
Caldwell: 740.3 DD First adult emergence about May 26
Nampa: 740.1 DD First adult emergence about May 26
Emmett: 678.9 DD First adult emergence about May 29
Chemical control applications are recommended on or before 1060 Degree Days to target egg-laying adult flies (source: Orchard Pest Management).

Codling Moth

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 19, 2005 by Steven Reddy

Codling moth degree days have been slower to accumulate than anticipated. On 5/18/05 (Parma data) 146 degree days were calculated. First generation egg hatch will begin at approximately 250 degree days.
Growers in the Payette/Fruitland area will meet May 24th to review the anticipated first hatch and control options. If you would like more information on this meeting call Washington Co. Ext. Office (414-0415)

Lygus

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 13, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

As of today, peak numbers of 1st and 2nd instar lygus are predicted to occur early next week (May 15). You can keep track of degree day accumulations using the OSU web site (http://ippc2.orst.edu/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg). Use degree day accumulations as a queue to start lygus scouting activities. Early season lygus threshold is 4-5 lygus nymphs or adults per 180 degree sweep.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 6, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Phil Allison from Landview Fertilizer, Inc is reporting that significant numbers of adult cereal leaf beetles and eggs are being found in grain fields south and east of Nampa. 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. Eggs can hatch in 4- 23 days depending on the temperatures. 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.

Codling Moth Biofix Set

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 5, 2005 by Steven Reddy

Crop Advisor, Tom Lyon reported the first consistent codling moth flight on May 1. This date is being designated as the Codling Moth Biofix date. Growers should contact their crop advisors now to determine codling moth control options. The first generation egg hatch will begin approximately 250 Degree-days after Biofix. Additional Degree-day alerts will be given as we get closer to first hatch.

Onion Maggots

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 4, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Lynn Jensen from the Oregon State University, Malheur County Cooperative Extension Office is reporting that onion maggots have been found infesting onion fields in the Weiser, Idaho area. Onion maggot eggs are laid on the soil near the onion plants. Upon emergence, maggot larvae feed on the developing onion roots. Problems are more likely to occur in fields with high amounts of residue.

Sugarbeet Root Maggot

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 2, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

According to a representative from Amalgamated Sugar Company, growing degree day models indicate that adult sugarbeet root maggot flies will begin their spring emergence and begin flying in the very near future. Adult 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, but warn they will be flying any day now. 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.

Lygus

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 25, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Cool weather during March and April has slowed degree day accumulations to something approaching normal. Peak numbers of 1st and 2nd instar lygus are now predicted to occur during the 3rd week of May (May 17 as of this morning). You can keep track of degree day accumulations using the OSU web site (http://ippc2.orst.edu/cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl?spp=lyg). Use degree day accumulations as an indicator of when to start lygus scouting activities. The early season lygus threshold is 4-5 lygus nymphs or adults per 180 degree sweep.

Onion Bulb Mite

Onion    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 with the wet/cool weather we have been having, 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.

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 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.

Cereal Leaf Beetle

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 19, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Brad Brown, Cereals Specalist with the U of Idaho at the Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting he has found cereal leaf beetle eggs in spring planted grains. He has also seen quite a few adult beetles in flight. Eggs will hatch in 4- 23 days depending on the temperature and then larvae will begin feeding on the leaves.

Pesticide Disposal Program

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 14, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

IDAHO STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PROGRAM

IT’S FREE AND EASY!
JUST BRING YOUR UNUSABLE PESTICIDES TO ONE OF THESE SITES
THE FIRST 1,000 POUNDS ARE FREE

CALDWELL, MAY 16, 2005, CANYON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
111 22ND Ave. South in Caldwell, ID 83605

WEISER, MAY 17, 2005, IDAHO DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION YARD
550 Indian Head Rd in Weiser, ID 83672

Please check with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) office nearest you or with the Boise office to confirm dates, or for additional information about these collections.

All collections will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.
We can only collect pesticides – no fertilizer, paints or oils can be accepted.

Nampa office- Victor Mason II at (208) 465-8442; Bob Hays (208) 442-2803; Fred Rios (208) 442-2816; Dave Chase (208) 465-8482; or Luis Urias (208) 465-8478

Boise office Cathy Parsons (208) 332-8605

Cereal Leaf Beetle

Small Grains    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. Eggs can hatch in 4- 23 days depending on the temperatures. Scouts should be looking for adults and eggs at this point and not the larvae. 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.

Cutworms

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

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.

Alfalfa and Clover Seed PMSP

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 13, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

The Pest Management Strategic Plan for Western U.S. Alfalfa and Clover Seed Production has been completed and posted on the internet at http://pestdata.ncsu.edu/pmsp/index.cfm. The plan can also be accessed by going to AlfalfaSeed.org and clicking on “Offsite Links” followed by clicking on the “Alfalfa Seed Pest Management” link.

Alfalfa Seed Pests

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 12, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Brad Chambers from Pioneer Hi-Bred is reporting that cutworms and pea leaf weevils are starting to show up in new stands of alfalfa seed. Adult pea leaf weevils are grayish brown, slender weevils about 5 mm long, with a short snout. Adults chew notches out of alfalfa leaflet margins and sometimes can defoliate new seedling alfalfa causing serious stand loss. First reports of damage were in the Wilder area, but both pests have been found in the Nampa area also.

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.

Cull Onion Disposal in Idaho

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 2, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

Below is a Press Release from Micheal E. Cooper, Chief of the Bureau of Feeds and Plant Services at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The Press Release deals with the disposal of cull onions. For additional information on this subject, click on the “Crop Info” button on the left side of the TVPestAlert.net home page. Then click on “Onion” and finally “Cull Onion Memorandum.”


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF AG REMINDS THE ONION INDUSTRY OF THE CULL ONION DISPOSAL FOR ONION MAGGOT CONTROL


BOISE, Idaho --- We are expecting it to be a big year for cull onions. The market was depressed to the point that many fields were never harvested are there are a lot of onions still in farm and commercial storage. March 15th is the deadline for disposal of cull onion piles in Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Owyhee and Washington Counties, according to rules of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). Mike Cooper, Chief, Bureau of Feeds and Plant Services, Division of Plant Industries, ISDA said the potential for damage to Idaho's onion crop is the basis for the regulations." The larval stage of the onion maggot attacks and destroys portions of the onion bulb providing an avenue for fungi and bacteria to cause bulbs to rot during storage. With consecutive years of wet springs, the insect has been known to destroy 80% to 90% of the crop. We frequently find the onion maggot in cull onion piles."

According to state rules, cull onions – those not useable for human consumption or deemed waste - must be disposed of by March 15th of each year or within one week of sorting after March 15th. Trucks transporting onions should be covered to prevent spillage along roadsides. Such spilled onions create good breeding sites for the onion maggot.

A civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation has been in effect since 2000. There are also new disposal methods such as dumping, feeding, composting, spreading, chopping and shredding. The University of Idaho “Best Management Practices” for the dumping or pit disposal of culls is referenced in the rules and is available through the University of Idaho Extension Service.

The onion maggot adult flies emerge in April and May and are attracted to the volatile odors given off by sprouting onions and new seedlings. The onion maggot can destroy up t two dozen seedlings during its two week life span, so damage to a field can be substantial. If not properly disposed of, culls serve as breeding and egg-laying sites for the adult flies.

A copy of the cull onion disposal rules, as well as other ISDA rules, can be obtained from the State of Idaho Homepage at:

http://www.state.id.us/adm/adminrules/rules/idapa02/02index.htm.

Double click on the cull onion disposal rules numerical designation of 02.06.17 and download it to your computer. You will need a copy of Acrobat 3.0 or better to read it. See the instructions at the top of that Web page to obtain a free copy of Acrobat.

Cooper said the regulations have been in effect for several years and the program is working well. "We have received excellent cooperation from the onion industry. Let us continue to work together to protect Idaho’s onion industry.

Treasure Valley Bean School

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: January 25, 2005 by Jerry Neufeld

The 2005 Treasure Valley Bean School will be held on Thursday February 10, at the Oregon Trail Church of God Gymnasium (23057 Old Highway 30, Caldwell; Exit 25 on I-84) from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. BBQ lunch will be served. One pesticide license credit is pending.

The Keynote Speaker will be Karl H Dreher, Director of Idaho Department of Water Resources. Topics will include Nez Perce Water Settlement, Promotional Efforts of the U.S. Dry Bean Council, Bean Promotion Efforts in Mexico, Seed Treatments and Pesticide Record Keeping. There will also be reports from the Idaho Bean Commission and the Idaho/Oregon Bacterial Blight Association.

There is no cost to attend, but you must RSVP to the Canyon County Extension office at 459-6003 by February 3. Call Jerry Neufeld at the 459-6003 if you have any questions.

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.

pesticide applicator training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: December 2, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Owyhee Soil Conservation District is hosting its annual Farmer Appreciation Day on Dec 10th at the U of I Extension Center in Marsing. The ISDA training team headed by Sherman Takatori will present the program. Participants will receive 4 credits toward recertification of their pesticide license. Lunch will be served including chili, sandwiches, and Alta's chocolate chip cookies. Arrival begins at 8:30 am, programming runs from 9:00 - 2:00. The classroom will hold approximately 40 people. There is no charge. Please call Linda Adams (896-4544 ext 102) before noon on Dec 6th to reserve a place.

pesticide re-certification training

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 29, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

A pesticide re-certification training will be held on Thursday December 16, 2004. Registration starts at 8:30 am at the Caldwell Police Department public meeting room (110 S 5th). The program will run from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm. Among the topics will be; Worker Protection Standard, Update on Field Burning and Phostoxin Use, Black Flies in the Treasure Valley and Pesticide and Nitrate Groundwater Monitoring. Idaho license holders will receive 6 credits and CCA’s will receive 4.0 credits at the end of the program. Six Oregon credits are pending. Registration is $25.00 at the door and includes lunch and breaks. Call Jerry Neufeld at 208.459.6003 or Sherm Takatori at 208.332.8609 if you have questions.

horticulture conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 11, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

The 110th Idaho State Horticultural Society Annual Meeting will be held at the Nampa Civic Center on November 22 and 23, 2004. The program is filled with nationally and internationally recognized researchers. Two pesticide license credits are available each day. Cost to attend is $25.00. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on Monday. Call Marc Asumendi at J.C. Watson Company for more information (722.5141).

pesticide license credits

Announcements    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.

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.

pesticide disposal

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: October 11, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Victor Mason II
October 7, 2004 208-465-8442

PRE-REGISTRATION NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR PESTICIDE DISPOSAL
Collection scheduled for southwest Idaho is safe, legal and free

BOISE, Idaho – Agricultural producers, dealers, applicators and homeowners who are storing unusable pesticides will have a safe, legal and free opportunity to dispose of them this October 22nd when the Idaho State Department of Agriculture conducts an unusable pesticide collection in conjunction with Canyon County’s 2nd annual Household Hazardous Waste collection. Both collections will take place at the Canyon County Landfill located at Pickles Butte.

Participation is free for the first 1,000 pounds of unusable pesticides per participant. Anyone with unusable herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides should bring them to the collection site between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Sorry no fertilizers, micronutrients, paints, solvents or motor oil can be accepted. These will be collected in household quantities on October 23rd during the Canyon County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection).

“This collection provides a mechanism for disposing of pesticides in an environmentally sound manner. The unusable pesticides collected in October will be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. Plus, Canyon County is hosting its 2nd annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection. This collection gives the homeowners of Canyon County an opportunity to properly dispose of hazardous materials that they may have as well.” said Victor Mason II, manager of the department’s pesticide disposal and container recycling programs.

Since 1993, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture has disposed of more than half million pounds of unusable pesticides. Pesticides become unusable for many reasons, including loss of potency, exposure to temperature extremes, cancellation or suspension by state or federal authorities, or growers’ decisions to change their cropping rotations or practices.

Assistance in the identification of unknown pesticides and other information about the collections is available at http://www.agri.state.id.us/agresource/pdp.htm

Pomology Program Annual Fruit Field Day

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 26, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2004 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Several varieties of new table grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, and plums will be presented during the tour, and participants can taste these fruits. The highlights of the field day are:

1.Presentation and tasting of several types and cultivars of fruits at the main office complex
2.Tour of the U of I comprehensive and modern Fuji and Gala apple irrigation projects and apple rootstock selections, etc…
3.Tour of the alternative fruit crops, including quince, Asian pears, persimmons, 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, pruning, thinning, growth regulators, girdling, irrigation etc.

Where: University of Idaho, Parma Research/Extension Center, in front of the main office complex. Going west on highway 20/26 in Parma, turn right at M&W grocery store, go for about 1/3 miles, turn left on U of I Lane, and go north for about 1 mile.

When: Thursday, September 2, 2004, Starts at 9:00 AM (sharp) until 12:30 PM.

Cost: Free of Charge

Who Can Participate? Open to the Public. Those interested in fruit production, including commercial growers, small-scale growers, alternative fruit growers, home gardeners, Master gardeners, horticultural professionals, extension and research faculty/staff, and horticultural hobbyist are welcome.

For additional information, please call 208-722-6701 Extension 228 OR contact Dr. Essie Fallahi at 208-722-6701 Ext. 225

spider mites in several crops

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: August 6, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

A Simplot fieldman has identified several fields of Russet Burbank potatoes in the Parma area that have significant numbers of spider mites in them and are requiring a border spray. A fieldman from Landview Fertilizer is reporting that spider mites have been found south of Nampa in several garden seed bean fields. Mites are also being found in corn and alfalfa seed fields. High populations of spider mites can significantly damage crops in several days.

corn earworm

Corn    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.

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.

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 26, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm we are currently at 1313 GDD in the Caldwell area. Maximum numbers of first generation moths should be laying eggs in corn silk now.

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 19, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm we are currently at 1070 GDD in Caldwell and 1101 GDD in the Parma area. First generation moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 GDD. Eggs will hatch a few days after reaching 1300 GDD and the larvae will then begin feeding on the ears. The GDD model is predicting we will reach 1300 GDD at Caldwell on July 29 and at Parma on July 28.

corn earworm

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 12, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the Oregon State University Growing Degree Day (GDD) model for Corn Earworm we are currently at 971 GDD in Caldwell and 994 GDD in the Parma area. First generation moths will begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk at approximately 1300 GDD. Eggs will hatch a few days after reaching 1300 GDD and the larvae will then begin feeding on the ears. The GDD model is predicting we will reach 1300 GDD at Caldwell and Parma on about July 31. A few earworm larvae are already showing up in sweet corn fields in the Wilder area. As we approach 1300 GDD you will want to step up your field scouting and take the appropriate control measures.

powdery mildew in sugarbeets

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 12, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Powdery mildew has been positively identified by Amalgamated Sugar Company Representatives in sugarbeet fields in the western Treasure Valley, Wilder and Star areas. In addition, black bean aphids and loopers have been found in several sugarbeet fields around the county. An insecticide for aphids and loopers can be tank mixed with a fungicide to treat both pests at the same time.

Laredo is not available this year to treat powdery mildew in sugarbeets. U of Idaho Sugarbeet Specialist Dr. John Gallian is recommending that you do not use chemicals with the same mode of action more than once a year on the same sugarbeet fields. In addition, Dr. Gallian is recommending the addition of 5 pounds of sulfur to each treatment in order to fight resistance. Contact your AMSCO field representative if you have any questions.

green peach aphids

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 29, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Mike Thornton, Extension Specialist and Superintendent at the U of I Parma R and E Center is reporting that colonizing green peach aphids have been found in the Treasure Valley. Carefully scout fields and apply appropriate insecticides as necessary.

powdery mildew in sugarbeets

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 25, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Representatives are saying that now is the time to be considering your treatment plan for powdery mildew in sugarbeets. While mildew has not yet been found in the Treasure Valley, the modes of action of the mildew chemistries work best if treatments are applied before mildew is even found in the field. Dennis Searle, AMSCO Agronomist 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 no later than July 10. Dennis says that treatments should be made by these dates regardless of whether or not your fields are surface or sprinkler irrigated. Also, loopers and other worms are being found in sugarbeet fields. Be on the look out for these pests. In many cases an insecticide can be tank mixed with your mildew treatment. CONTACT YOUR FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FROM AMSCO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

Early blight

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 21, 2004 by Jeff Miller

The forecast used to predict early blight (P-Days) indicates that the threshold for treatment has been reached in the Treasure Valley. An application of a higher quality early blight material (strobilurin) is warranted if early blight is a concern.

western corn rootworm and wireworms

Corn    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 8, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

In the past few days I received a couple of calls about larvae feeding on corn roots and stems. In both cases the fields were a rotation of corn following corn. In one case the field had uncomposted manure applied to it. Be on the lookout for western corn rootworm larvae and/or wireworms in your cornfields, especially if you have fields in continuous corn, fields high in organic matter or corn following pasture or alfalfa.

Colorado Potato Beetle

Potato    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 3, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Adult Colorado Potato Beetles have been laying eggs for a while now. Growers need to watch fields closely for the egg hatch as the first generation larvae can cause a lot of defoliation damage. Several of the control options also need to be timed to coincide with the appearance of the larvae. Thanks to Mike Thornton at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center for this information.

Parma Research and Extension Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 3, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

The U of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center is hosting an Open House and Field Day on Tuesday June 29, 2004. Registration begins at 8:00 am. The program will conclude by 1:30 p.m. Lunch is being provided at no cost to participants by the local agriculture industry. Recertification credits may be offered. Call 722-6701 if you have questions.

Pesticide Disposal

Announcements    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 14, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

IDAHO STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S SPRING PESTICIDE DISPOSAL PROGRAM

Collections scheduled for northern and southwest Idaho are safe, legal and free

BOISE, Idaho – Agricultural producers, dealers, applicators and homeowners who are storing unusable pesticides will have a safe, legal and free opportunity to dispose of them this May when the Idaho State Department of Agriculture conducts collections in Bonners Ferry, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Weiser and Caldwell, Idaho.

Participation is free for the first 1,000 pounds of unusable pesticides per participant. Anyone with unusable herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides should bring them to the closest collection site between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the date and location listed below (Sorry no fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents, or equipment or motor oil can be accepted):

May 20, Weiser, IDOT Yard
May 21, Caldwell, Canyon County Fairgrounds

“These collections provide a mechanism for disposing of chemicals in an environmentally sound manner. The unusable pesticides collected in May will be incinerated or otherwise destroyed,” said Victor Mason II, manager of the department’s pesticide disposal and container recycling programs.

Since 1993, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture has disposed of more than half million pounds of unusable chemicals. Pesticides become unusable for many reasons, including loss of potency, exposure to temperature extremes, cancellation or suspension by state or federal authorities, or growers’ decisions to change their cropping rotations or practices.

Assistance in the identification of unknown pesticides and other information about the collections is available at http://www.agri.state.id.us/agresource/pdp.htm.

For further information contact Victor Mason II at 465-8442.

Mint

Mint    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 10, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Producers Supply Coop field representatives are reporting that powdery mildew has been found in mint fields south of Nampa and in the dry lake area.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly Emergence Dates

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 5, 2004 by Tim Davis

As of today May 5th we are currently at 730 degree days for the Western Cherry Fruit Fly in the Caldwell area and the model is predicting accumulations of 1060dd on May 22nd. In the Emmett are we are currently at 700dd and the model is predecting accumulations of 1060dd on May 25th. In the Payette area we are currently at 760dd and the model is predicting 1060dd on May 21st. A cover spray should be applied on or before 1060dd to target mature, egg-laying flies.

Codling Moth Larval Emergence Date

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 5, 2004 by Tim Davis

As of today May 5th we are currently any where from 150-185 degree-days for the Codling Moth. This range depends on when your biofix was set and the area you are in. The model is predicting larval emergence (250dd) any where from May 12-15 again depending on you local temperature and biofix date. The Fruitland/Payette area is on the earlier end of the prediction as it has been a bit warmer here this year. The Caldwell area is on the later end of this prediction. Plan your cover sprays accordingly and DONT BE LATE!

soybean rust in beans

Dry Beans    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 5, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Following is information provided by Melodie Putnam of the Oregon State University Plant Clinic.

Soybean rust is an exotic pathogen that is not established in the continental U.S. It has recently moved north of the equator, and is currently in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Like other rust diseases (such as wheat rusts), this disease can move long distances in air currents, and is expected to reach the U.S. soon.

Why should we in the West care about soybean rust? Because it also goes to yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), vetch (Vicia dasycarpa), lupine (Lupinus hirsutus), green and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), lima and butter bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and cowpea or backeyed pea (Vigna unguiculata). Soybean rust can cause severe defoliation and loss of yield in susceptible crops. Therefore, early detection is essential.

Soybean rust is a Federal quarantine status pathogen, but there are no plans for eradication of infected crops. Instead, it has been shown that once an infestation of soybean rust is detected, if early enough, effective control can be obtained with carefully timed fungicide applications. Detection early in the season with properly timed application of fungicides appears to present the best alternative for controlling soybean rust in the United States. It is particularly important to limit the spread of this disease, due to its destructive potential.

Please be alert to the possibility of this rust moving into bean, lupin and other susceptible crops. For more information on soybean rust, including a list of hosts and photographs of symptoms, see http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/soybean_rust/.

Oregon growers should contact the OSU Plant Clinic for information on how to proceed if soybean rust is suspected in their crops. Please contact:

Melodie Putnam
OSU Plant Clinic
1089 Cordley Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-2903
541-737-3472

Growers in other states should contact their own university or state departments of agriculture diagnostic laboratories.

Lygus bug

Alfalfa Seed    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 5, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

According to the lygus bug degree day model we should be seeing peak numbers of 1st and 2nd instar lygus nymphs from the 1st generation lygus hatch right now. We are a full 10 -14 growing degree days ahead of average this year depending on your location. The 1st generation lygus hatch usually peaks in mid-May. Now is a good time to scout your fields and determine your treatment needs. With the continued heat insect growth will be rapidly proceeding. Check your fields at least once a week if possible, more if you are approaching the threshold of 4 lygus per sweep. Small instars (1, 2, & 3) are easier to control than large instars (4 & 5) or adults. Bigeyed bugs, damsel bugs and minute pirate bugs are also out early so watch for these beneficial insects. If the population of bigeyed bugs plus damsel bugs is twice the number of lygus bugs, and your lygus numbers are not increasing, you may not need to treat.

cereal leaf beetle

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 29, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Cereal leaf beetle larvae are beginning to hatch from eggs laid in small grain fields in the Parma area. You will want to scout your fields for the larvae since they are now widespread across the Treasure Valley.

onion bulb mite

Onion    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 21, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Mike Thornton, Superintendent of the U of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center, is reporting that onion bulb mites are feeding on onion seedlings in Parma area onion fields. Mite pressure is severe enough to damage stands.

sugarbeet root maggots

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 20, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company field representatives are reporting that sugarbeet root maggot flies have been spotted in the Ontario and Wieser areas. If you have not yet applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggots do so as soon as possible. Contact your field representative for treatment options.

cutworms

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 20, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company field representatives are reporting cutworms in many sugarbeet fields across the Treasure Valley. Infestations are worst in fields where sugarbeets are following grain or corn, or those fields that have had mint sludge applied to them.

Lygus Bug in Alfalfa Seed

Alfalfa Seed    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.

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

Small Grains    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 12, 2004 by Jerry Neufeld

Brad Brown from the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center is reporting considerable Cereal Leaf Beetle adult feeding and also CLB eggs in the New Plymouth area in fall planted triticale. He is also finding CLB eggs and adult feeding on spring oats in the Parma area. Feeding is more severe on spring planted oats than on the fall planted barley. Small grain producers should be scouting for the adult feeding and eggs to get some idea of the larvae populations to expect when the larvae emerge from the eggs. The egg threshold is three per plant including all the tillers on the plant. Images of eggs can be found on the CLB reference page.