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2024 ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 24, 2024 by Jeff Miller

From the ISDA website:

Homeowners, growers, dealers, and professional applicators storing unusable or unwanted pesticides will have a safe and free opportunity to dispose of them at an ISDA pesticide disposal site.

ISDA pesticide disposal sites will take most pesticides including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides or anything ending with “cide.” No high-pressure canisters, fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents, motor oil, or rinsates other than seed treat rinsates will be accepted. Loads exceeding 1,000 pounds must be pre-registered.

  • Idaho Falls / Bonneville County Transfer Station – August 27th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    2455 Hemmert Ave, Idaho Falls, ID  83401
  • Twin Falls / Twin Falls County Highway District – August 28th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    3208 E 3700 N, Twin Falls, ID  83301
  • American Falls / Power County Transfer Station – Sept. 10th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    2950 Landfill Rd, American Falls, ID  83211
  • Burley / Bureau of Land Management Field Office – Sept. 11th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    3630 Overland Rd, Burley, ID  83318

More information can be found at the ISDA website.

Psyllid captures still low; no new Lso-positives

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: August 23, 2024 by Tasha Stanzak

·        
This week we received traps from 57 of the 58
fields that we are monitoring

·        
We captured a total of 30 psyllids across 14 fields.
Four of these psyllids were from traps that were in the field for two weeks.

·        
Captures were from the following counties:
Payette, Canyon, Owyhee, Jerome, and Twin Falls.

·        
None of the psyllids collected last week tested
positive for Lso.

 

Psyllid
captures ticked up relative to last week but were still relatively low compared
to recent years. Thankfully, we found zero Lso-positive psyllids last week. This
season’s low overall psyllid captures and moderate Lso incidence (in previous
weeks) suggests low to moderate risk for ZC. We still suggest maintaining your
IPM programs. Our research has shown that ZC can develop during storage if
infection occurs as late as two weeks before vine kill.

 

Please have your
IPM programs in place. More information on management can be found here:

https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/ag-pests/arthropods/psyllids

 

To view the
weekly data by site in the old spreadsheet format: https://tinyurl.com/potatopsyllid 

























Please visit
the Idaho Pest Monitoring Dashboard, for graphical summaries of our psyllid
captures from 2020 through 2024 as well as an archive of this year’s weekly
summaries: https://idahopestmonitoring.org/

Yellow rust (stripe rust), Bacterial leaf streak / black chaff, FHB, frost damage in wheat, barley

All Crops    All Locations

Yellow (stripe) rust, Bacterial leaf streak, FHB

Posted on: July 17, 2024 by Juliet Marshall

The early season for Idaho was cool and unusually rainy. The weather was good for growth of winter and spring cereals. Stripe rust started developing in winter wheat (LCS Jet in production south of American Falls.) The season was mostly quiet until June 18th – 19th when there were significant frosts and freezing conditions throughout eastern Idaho. 

 

As a result, bacterial infections took off, significantly damaging durum (Tiburon) and spring wheat. 

 

Stripe rust started to show up at very low levels at the end of June, around heading of spring wheat. Initially the hard red spring wheat WB9707 was the first to show infection. Within 2 weeks, WB7696 (hard white spring), WB7313 (hard white spring), and now Holmes (hard red spring wheat) are also showing significant symptoms in production fields. Many other varieties are showing infections and will be rated soon in the Extension Variety Trials. Spring wheat is currently in early grain fill.

 

There is some BLS in spring barley as well, although it (black chaff) seems much more severe in spring wheat.

 

Some FHB has been collected in production fields of winter barley. Low levels of FHB are starting to show in spring wheat production fields around Idaho Falls. Night time temperatures and humidity are higher than usual due to cloud cover. Skies are hazy due to smoke from western fires.  I am keeping an eye out for the development of additional FHB.

Parma Field Day 2024

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: July 12, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa

PARMA RESEARCH AND EXTENSION FIELD DAY

2 Idaho and 3 Oregon pesticide credits available

Date and Time: Thursday, August 8th, 2024 @ 7:15 am – 11:30 am

To cover field research on crops including onions, beans, sugar beets, hops, potatoes, corn, and carrots. To include demonstrations involving varieties, plant disease management, nematology, insect pests, and more. Idaho and Oregon pesticide education credits are expected to be offered.

Venue: University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center, 

     29603 U of I Lane, Parma, ID 83660

 

Schedule: 

o   7.15 am: Registration, breakfast, posters, and displays 

o   8 am – 11.30 am: Field tours and presentations

 

All are welcome!

No need to pre-register.

 

For further information 

Contact: James Woodhall (jwoodhall@uidaho.edu)

Logos | Brand Resources | UI Extension

2024 Snake River Weed Research Tour at the Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR.

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 10, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa

Please join us this Thursday, June 13, 2024, for the 2024 Snake River Weed Research Tour at the Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR

 

Where: Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR 97914

When: Thursday, June 13, 2024

Registration: 8:00 to 8:30 AM

Tour: 8:30 to 12:00 Noon

Complimentary lunch will be provided at 12:05 PM upon completion of the tour.

 

The tour will feature a session to correctly identify newly identified invasive weeds in the PNW region, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, with live potted samples.

Studies for weed control in potato, onion, and sugar beet.

 

We have approval for pesticide application license recertification credits, and one must attend all parts of the tour to receive credits.

Oregon: 3 credits (2 core and 1 other)

Idaho: 3 credits.

 

The tour is open to the public!

 

For more information, please contact Joel Felix at joel.felix@oregonstate.edu or janet.jones@oregonstate.edu

2024 University of Idaho Snake River Weed Management Tour - JUNE 25 - Aberdeen R&E Center

All Crops    All Locations

UI Snake River Weed Mgt Tour and Field Day Aberdeen R&E Center June 25

Posted on: June 10, 2024 by Pamela Hutchinson

University of Idaho Snake River Weed Management Tour and Field Day

Aberdeen R&E Center

Tuesday June 25, 2024

 

Registration:              8 to 9a

Tour:                           9a to noon

Sponsored Lunch      noon to 1p















Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits offered: 4

No RSVP needed


2- and 3-way Tank Mixtures for Weed Control in Potatoes

Anthem Flex - Preemergence Tank Mixtures

Simulated Excess Rainfall Effect on Crop Injury and Weed Control

IR-4 Quinoa Herbicide Tolerance Trials

ISDA Specialty Crop Block Grant: Herbicide Tolerance in Condiment Mustard

Pest Management Research and Extension Updates


See attached agenda for more specific information about the Tour

phutch@uidaho.edu


2024 Ag Talk Tuesday sessions to resume

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: April 4, 2024 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

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

Looking forward to seeing you at Ag Talk Tuesday!

Sincerely, 

Your Ag Talk Tuesday Organizers:

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

Job announcement - Farm Assistant II, UI Kimberly REC

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: December 14, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

All:

 

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

 

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

 

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

2023 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 11, 2023 by Jeff Miller

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

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

Ag Talk Report Newsletter - Issue 5 Number 1

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: September 28, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

Final Ag Talk Tuesday session for 2023 - August 15

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: August 14, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

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

Topics: 

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

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

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

2023 Idaho Association of Plant Protection

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 10, 2023 by Jeff Miller

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

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

Albert Adjesiwor, aadjesiwor@uidaho.edu

John Snelling, jsnelling@rogueseedproduction.com

Please share with any who may be interested.

IPM Field Days - Aberdeen and Parma

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: August 9, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

IPM Field Dat at UI Extension Parma Research & Extension Center

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

Posted on: July 18, 2023 by Brad Stokes

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

Ag Talk Tuesday July 18 "Rocks and Spuds"

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday July 18, 2023

Posted on: July 17, 2023 by Pamela Hutchinson

Featured Topic:

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

 Remaining
Session Featured Topics and dates
:



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



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



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



 



 

Want Pesticide Credits?

All Crops    All Locations

Pesticide Credits

Posted on: July 10, 2023 by Kimberly Tate

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

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

 

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


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


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

Southern / Southeastern Cereals Field Days coming up!

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

CEREALS ARE NOT A PEST!

Posted on: July 7, 2023 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday - June 20, 2023 session

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment - all crops

Posted on: June 19, 2023 by Juliet Marshall

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

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


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


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

See you June 20 - 11:00 AM!


Courtesy of your Ag Talk Tuesday coordinators:

Juliet Marshall

Kasia Duellman

Doug Finkelnburg

Pamela J.S. Hutchinson

Olga Walsh

UI Extension Parma Field Day Tour

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

Field Tour - Parma

Posted on: June 13, 2023 by Brad Stokes

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

2023 Peach Tree Borer

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: June 7, 2023 by Ruth Givens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley

Posted on: June 6, 2023 by Brad Stokes

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

2023 Ag Talk Tuesday - June 6 session

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 5, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISDA Spanish Pesticide Applicator Pre-License Training & Exam

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Pesticide Training ISDA

Posted on: May 31, 2023 by Brad Stokes

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

2023 Parma Field Day Tour

All Crops    All Locations

all

Posted on: May 31, 2023 by Ronda Hirnyck

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

Registration: 8:00 AM

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

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

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

For further information please contact:

James Woodhall jwoodhall@uidaho.edu

Olga Walsh owalsh@uidaho.edu

Brad Stokes bstokes@uidaho.edu

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

All Crops    All Locations

Weeds

Posted on: May 31, 2023 by Ronda Hirnyck


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

 

Date: June 15, 2023

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

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

Registration: 8:00 to 8:30AM

Tour: 8:30 to 12:00 PM MT

Complementary lunch will
follow as soon as tour is completed.

 

Pesticide Recertification Credits

Idaho
– 3 credits

Oregon
– 3 credits

 

Featured Weed Studies

First Stop:

1.     
Herbicides for weed control in
dry bulb onion

Second Stop:

1.     
Herbicides for weed control in
potato

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

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

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

 

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

 

Joel Felix

2023 Apple-Codling Moth, First Generation

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: May 15, 2023 by Ruth Givens

Pest: Codling Moth Cydia pomonella

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

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

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

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

This pest needs prevention all season long for clean fruit.

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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesdays resume in 2023

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 17, 2023 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

Initiative and Idaho.

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Snow molds, dwarf bunt and voles

Posted on: March 30, 2023 by Juliet Marshall




















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



 



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



 



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



 



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



 



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



 



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



 



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



 



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



 



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



 



 



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



 



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







Need to study for a pesticide exam?

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 23, 2023 by Kimberly Tate

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

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

 

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


To register, visit our Marketplace website link.

The Second Annual Organic Agriculture Workshop Thursday, March 2nd

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 28, 2023 by Ariel Agenbroad



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

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

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

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



Workshop
Details:



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


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



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

All Crops    Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley

Cereals - wheat and barley

Posted on: February 6, 2023 by Juliet Marshall

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

PNW Pest Alert Network Survey

All Crops    All Locations

PNW Pest Alert Network Survey

Posted on: December 20, 2022 by Ruth Givens

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

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

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

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

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

Start Survey Here

UI Extension PSEP Recertification Webinar Series

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 26, 2022 by Kimberly Tate

Need Pesticide Credits?

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

 

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

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

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

Ag Talk Report newsletter - October 2022 issue now available

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 20, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

Idaho Association of Plant Protection 2022 Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 19, 2022 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

2022 Idaho Association of Plant Protection - Call for Presentations

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 13, 2022 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

Bill Buhrig (william.buhrig@simplot.com)

Albert Adjesiwor (aadjesiwor@uidaho.edu)


psyllid monitoring update - 8 Sep 2022

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: September 8, 2022 by Erik Wenninger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

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

Posted on: August 16, 2022 by Juliet Marshall

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


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

And click on the Ag Talk Tuesday Video Playlist

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




University of Idaho, Parma R and E Center Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 5, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Ag Talk Tuesday - August 2

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment - all crops

Posted on: August 1, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2022 Peach Twig Borer, Second Generation

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

Posted on: July 27, 2022 by Ruth Givens

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

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

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

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

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

July 21, 2022 psyllid update

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 22, 2022 by Erik Wenninger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black Bean Aphids in Sugarbeets near Twin Falls

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 18, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Need Pesticide Credits?

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 12, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

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

2022 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 8, 2022 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday - next session July 5

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: June 29, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday - June 21, 2022

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

Olga Walsh (owalsh@uidaho.edu)  

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2022 by Pamela Hutchinson

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

Tuesday JUNE 28TH 
instead of June 21st.

Please pass the word

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

 Three
Idaho pesticide recertification credits will be available
.

 EMAIL phutch@uidaho.edu WITH QUESTIONS.

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

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

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



Stripe (Yellow) rust found in Filer / Buhl area

All Crops    All Locations

Stripe rust (yellow rust) in wheat

Posted on: June 17, 2022 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

Remember to read and follow all label directions.

The Ag Talk Report and the next Ag Talk Tuesday session

All Crops    All Locations

General announcement - all crops

Posted on: June 1, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

Agronomic Soil Testing Class - Online

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 31, 2022 by Stuart Reitz

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

Lecturers: Various OSU Extension Agronomists and Soil Scientists

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

Cost: $495 (+$60 registration fee)

CCA Continuing Education Units: Six Nutrient Management CEUs

Course topics include:

• Choosing a Soil Testing Lab

• Soil pH and Buffer pH

• Extractable Cations

• Nitrate and Mineralizable Nitrogen

• Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfate

• Micronutrients

• Salts (Electrical Conductivity)

• Organic Matter & Carbon

• Soil Health Indicators

Registration Link:

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

2022 Apple Codling Moth, First Generation

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

Apple Codling Moth

Posted on: May 25, 2022 by Ruth Givens

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

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

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

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

This pest needs prevention all season long for clean fruit.

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

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesdays

Posted on: May 16, 2022 by Juliet Marshall

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


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

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

Olga Walsh (owalsh@uidaho.edu)  


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

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


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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesdays resume for 2022

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: April 19, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

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


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


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

https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk 


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

 

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

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


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


For questions, please contact one of the organizers: 

Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)

Doug Finkelnburg (dougf@uidaho.edu) 

Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu)

Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu) 

Olga Walsh (owalsh@uidaho.edu) 


UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 2, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

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

 

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

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

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


Click on the pdf below for more information.

Treasure Valley Virtual IPM Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 25, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Chloryrifos (Lorsban) Uses

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: December 22, 2021 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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



 Thanks for your help!

2022 Pre-License Training for Ornamental Pesticide Applicators

All Crops    All Locations

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

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

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

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

For questions contact:

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

2021 Annual Survey Winners

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 10, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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



2021 Idaho Association of Plant Protection registration now available online

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 25, 2021 by Jeff Miller

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


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

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

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


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

Pesticide Fall Recertification Webinar Series

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 22, 2021 by Kimberly Tate

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


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

Artificial Intelligence for Insect Identification

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 30, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld



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



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



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



 



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



 



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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 28, 2021 by Jeff Miller

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

Psyllid Update August 26, 2021

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: August 26, 2021 by Erik Wenninger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 25, 2021 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2021 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day this Thursday

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 16, 2021 by Jeff Miller

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: August 3, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


UofI Ag Talk Tuesday 2021

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 19, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

This week's featured topics and speakers:

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

Pesticide Credits for Recertification - August 2021

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 13, 2021 by Kimberly Tate

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

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

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

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

How to enroll for the webinar(s):

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

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

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

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


INSECT PHOTOS NEEDED

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 2, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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



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

CANCELLED! The July 8th Snake River Weed Control Tour

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 22, 2021 by Pamela Hutchinson

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 15, 2021 by Pamela Hutchinson

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

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

UI Ag Talk Tuesday June 15, 11AM

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: June 15, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

June 15 featured presentations:

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

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

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

UI Ag Talk Tuesday June 1 at 11:00 AM

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 31, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

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

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


Farm stress management — Lance Ellis, Lance Hansen 

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


If you haven't already registered,

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


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


We hope to see you there!


Sincerely,

Your Ag Talk Tuesday Organizers:

Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)

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

Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 21, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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


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

  2. Use of "expired" respirators,

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

  4. Delay the annual respirator "fit
    test".  

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


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

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

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

THIS
AMENDMENT TO THE WPS EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2021.

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















 

Ag Talk Tuesday - May 18 at 11 AM

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday

Posted on: May 14, 2021 by Juliet Marshall

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday Resume TOMORROW May 4

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program for Spring 2021

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 27, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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


Ag Talk Tuesday resumes!

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday

Posted on: April 23, 2021 by Juliet Marshall

Greetings!

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

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

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


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


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


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


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



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

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

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

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

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

Educational Video-Monitor Flying Insects to Improve Management

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 3, 2021 by Jason Thomas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chlorpyrifos Survey

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 21, 2021 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your assistance,

Research and Outreach Programming for Pulse Crops

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 9, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for helping out research and Extension!

Pre-License Online Training

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 27, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Idaho and Eastern Oregon Onion Crop Protection Zoom Meeting

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Posted on: January 6, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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

2020 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting update

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Posted on: October 28, 2020 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

University of Idaho Pesticide Recertification Webinar Series, Fall 2020

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Posted on: September 15, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Fall 2020 ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

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Posted on: September 15, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

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Posted on: August 20, 2020 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

Pesticide Math Training, Online

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Posted on: August 19, 2020 by Kimberly Tate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information in regards to registration are available at:

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

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

University of Idaho Small Grains Extension Variety Trial Results Are Available

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Posted on: August 13, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

Psyllid Update August 6, 2020

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Potato Psyllid

Posted on: August 6, 2020 by Lucy Standley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Posted on: August 4, 2020 by Nora Olsen

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

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

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General announcment

Posted on: July 31, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

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

Registration is required.

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

UI Ag Talk Tuesday July 21 at 11:00 AM

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General announcment

Posted on: July 20, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

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

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General announcment

Posted on: July 6, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

Iris yellow spot virus in onion

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Posted on: July 1, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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

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

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Posted on: June 29, 2020 by Pamela Hutchinson

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: June 10, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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

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

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

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Stripe rust on wheat

Posted on: June 5, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

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Posted on: June 3, 2020 by Christy Tanner

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

COVID-19 Guidance for Ag Employers and Workers

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Posted on: June 2, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday - June 2

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Posted on: June 1, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello All:

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

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

Register once to be able to attend all 2020 sessions.

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

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

Please distribute this information far and wide.

Sincerely,
Kasia

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday May 5 - Register in Advance

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

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

Greetings!

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing you a productive season!

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

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

Sugarbeet Root Maggot - 2020

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sugarbeet root maggot

Posted on: April 27, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

Adjusting Cropping Systems Due to Market Impacts from COVID19

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Posted on: April 25, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

UofI Ag Talk Tuesday Sessions resume May 5

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: April 22, 2020 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

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

University of Idaho diagnostic services during Covid19

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 14, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

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

Instructions for dropping samples off at Parma:

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

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

Instructions for samples at Idaho Falls:

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

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

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

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

Potato Growers: Be prepared for the updated USDA GAP Audit

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: March 24, 2020 by Nora Olsen

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

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

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

Action needed to control onion maggot

All Crops    All Locations

Onion Maggot

Posted on: March 23, 2020 by Christy Tanner

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

Control onion maggots in last year’s onion fields:

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

Protect this year’s onions:

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

Control volunteer onions:

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

Stripe rust upate and forecast for Idaho and PNW

All Crops    All Locations

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

Posted on: March 2, 2020 by Juliet Marshall

Quick Summary:

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

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

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

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


Stripe Rust Forecast and Update, March 1, 2020

Xianming Chen

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

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

Stripe rust was found in eastern Washington and Oregon

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

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

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

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

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

Recommendations for the Pacific Northwest

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

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

Stripe rust in the country

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

Canyon County Comprehensive Plan 2040 Update

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 6, 2020 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Worker Protection Standard Training in Spanish and English

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 21, 2020 by Christy Tanner

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

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

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

Produce safety Alliance - Grower Training

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 14, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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

Description

Your ticket purchase includes the following:

Full-day of instruction by certified Produce Safety Alliance trainers

Certificate of course completion ($35 value)

PSA Grower Training manual ($50 value)

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

2-3 pesticide credits (pending ODA approval)

Who Should Attend

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

Best food safety practices for growing, harvesting and packing produce

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

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

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

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course

The trainers will covercontent contained on:

Introduction to Produce Safety

Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

Soil Amendments

Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

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

Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

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

Benefits of Attending the Course

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions?

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

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

Malheur County Pest Management Short Course

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 9, 2020 by Christy Tanner

Pesticide re-certification course

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

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

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

2020 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 7, 2020 by Jeff Miller

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Idaho Potato Conference

Posted on: December 18, 2019 by Nora Olsen

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

Pesticide Re-certification Class

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 9, 2019 by Christy Tanner

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

IAPP

Posted on: November 4, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

Final Agenda included for the 2019 annual IAPP meeting

Idaho Association of Plant Protection Meeting Annual Meeting

Final Reminder

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

$15 REGISTRATION PAY IN CASH OR BRING CHECK

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

Nov 8 Thursday. Presentations start at 8 AM

3 CCA credits for Pest Management are available for each day

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 21, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

3 CCA credits for Pest Management are available for each day

ISDA pesticide applicator credits have been requested.



WHAT: Idaho Association of Plant Protection

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

WHEN: Nov 6 and Nov 7, 2019

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

AGENDA: Attached

Thank you.

Malheur County Cover Crops Tour

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 3, 2019 by Christy Tanner

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Foreign material

Posted on: September 10, 2019 by Nora Olsen

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

IAPP

Posted on: August 21, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

Hotel reservations must be made on your own.

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: August 16, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 27

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 14, 2019 by Janet Jones

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

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

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2019

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

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

Click on the PDF below for the Flyer.

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 30, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

See you there!

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Potato Psyllid

Posted on: July 25, 2019 by Lucy Standley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Started with Cover Crops Workshop

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 15, 2019 by Christy Tanner

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

Time: 6 pm on Wednesday July 17th

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

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

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

All Crops    Magic Valley

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

Posted on: July 12, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

JULY 16th. Rupert / Minidoka

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

Bring your disease samples for diagnoses!

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

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

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

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

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Cereals

Posted on: July 12, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

Ashton Spring Cereals Field Day next Thursday morning!

Idaho Falls Spring Cereals Field Day next Thursday afternoon!

UI Talk Tuesday session for July 16 cancelled

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: July 11, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

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

The remaining sessions are still planned.

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

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

Onion Thrips update 7/6/2019

All Crops    All Locations

Onion thrips

Posted on: July 7, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Malheur Experiment Station Field Day July 10, 2019

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 2, 2019 by Janet Jones

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

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

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Registration starts at 8:00 am with coffee and donuts

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

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

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

Marketing Class available for East Idaho Growers

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: June 28, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

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


Location & Time:


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


Cost: Free

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 27, 2019 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday - the latest UI Ag Talk Report

All Crops    All Locations

Regional Crop Diseases

Posted on: June 11, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

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

Onion Thrips update 6/8/2019

All Crops    All Locations

Onion thrips

Posted on: June 10, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Ag Talk Tuesday

Posted on: June 3, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

New Call-in number for Ag Talk Tuesday sessions:

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

Call-in: (669) 900-6833

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

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

June 4
Idaho AgCredit
2883 ID-39
American Falls

Early season potato issues, stand issues
Weed issues
Grain Issues

Kasia Duellman
Pam Hutchinson
Juliet Marshall

2019 Snake River Weed Research Tour, Ontario, OR

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 3, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kind regards,


Joel Felix

Ag Talk Tuesday Newsletter and schedule

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 15, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: May 10, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

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

Posted on: May 3, 2019 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 10, 2019 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 12, 2019 by Christy Tanner

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

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

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

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

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

Cost:
$25 per person per session

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

FSMA - Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Course

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 8, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions?

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

Vector Borne Disease Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 4, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Pesticide Applicator License Credits for Oregon and Idaho

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 26, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

2019 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 12, 2018 by Jeff Miller

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

2018 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting Final Agenda

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 30, 2018 by Jeff Miller

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

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

Idaho Ag Outlook Seminar - 2018

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 30, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

2018 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 15, 2018 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

IAPP chairs for 2018 are James Woodhall and Kelly Luff.

Idaho Association of Plant Protection 2018 Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 5, 2018 by Jeff Miller

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

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

Hotel reservations must be made on your own.

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

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) field demonstration

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 30, 2018 by Olga Walsh

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

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

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

Please forward to those who may be interested.

Thank you to our host: Mr. Bob Reggear!

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

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

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

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 28

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 21, 2018 by Janet Jones

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

Click on the PDF below for the Flyer.

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 10, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Kasia

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

Raspberry Cane Damage

All Crops    All Locations

Rose Stem Girdler

Posted on: August 8, 2018 by Maria Held

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

Coddling Moth (3rd Generation!)

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 8, 2018 by Dian Roberson

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

Ag Talk Tuesday - Blackfoot, ID Aug 7

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: August 6, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

Greetings:

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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday!

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

ATT

Posted on: July 16, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

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

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

Or you can call 208-529-8376.

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

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

U of Idaho Ag Talk Tuesday

All Crops    Eastern Idaho

Posted on: July 9, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

Malheur Experiment Station Field Day July 11

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 9, 2018 by Janet Jones

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

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

Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Registration starts at 8:00am with coffee and donuts

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

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

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

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

2018 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 6, 2018 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

UI SNAKE RIVER PEST MANAGEMENT TOURS

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 19, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

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

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

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

We hope to see you there!
Pam and Don


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

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

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

Ag Talk Tuesday

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 18, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

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

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

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

Please join us Tuesday June 19th.

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

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

July 3 - no ATT

July 10 - Burley (venue to be determined)

July 17 - Idaho Falls

Ag Talk Tuesdays

All Crops    All Locations

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

Posted on: May 23, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

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

Details:

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


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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Juliet


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

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

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

lygus bug in alfalfa seed, 2018

All Crops    All Locations

lygus bug

Posted on: May 7, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

Free Pesticide Disposal

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 30, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Onion thrips in Volunteer Onions

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 27, 2018 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

Survey on Alfalfa Thrips

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 26, 2018 by Jason Thomas

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

Cull Onion Disposal in Idaho- 2018

All Crops    All Locations

cull onions

Posted on: March 13, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Garden Classes!

Posted on: February 20, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

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

Grape School location Change

All Crops    All Locations

2018 Grape School

Posted on: February 8, 2018 by Rich Guggenheim

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

Thank you and sorry for such short notice.

Maurine for Dr. Essie Fallahi

Cereal Schools for Southern Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Cereal Schools

Posted on: January 31, 2018 by Juliet Marshall

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

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

Preventing and Managing Pesticide Resistance Risk Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 27, 2018 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

No registration charge!

CEUs:
CCA Credits; Idaho and Oregon Pesticide Applicator Credits

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

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

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

Western Idaho Ag Show ISDA+IWC event

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 15, 2018 by Olga Walsh

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

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

2018 Southern Idaho Cropping School

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 15, 2018 by Olga Walsh

2018 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Seminar

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 3, 2018 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

2017 Pesticide Stewardship Conference presentations

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 19, 2017 by Kimberly Tate

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

2017 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference, December 14th in Ontario

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 6, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training, 2017

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 15, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

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

2017 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 15, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Pesticide Stewardship Conference: Managing Drift

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 13, 2017 by Kimberly Tate

Dear Extension Colleagues,

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

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

FSMA Grower Training - Upcoming Classes

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 10, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2017 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 17, 2017 by Jeff Miller

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

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

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Posted on: October 17, 2017 by Dian Roberson

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

FSMA Grower Training Classes

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 17, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Produce Safety Alliance information, including comprehensive list of training classes:
https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/food-safety-modernization-act

Now accepting applications for 2018 Master Gardener Volunteer Training.

All Crops    All Locations

Master Gardener Volunteers Needed!!!!

Posted on: October 4, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

If you are interested in sharing research based information to help Idaho gardeners successfully and sustainably grow, The Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer program is for you!
Our volunteers share research based gardening information in a variety of ways. From speakers bureau's to school gardens, we are in need of volunteers who have a passion for helping people grow!
Training begins January 17th and runs for 16 weeks and is the equivalent to a three credit college course.

You will be learn about:
Agronomy and soil science
Botany
Phytopathology
Entomology
Weed science
Disease diagnostics
Integrated Pest Management
Turf management
Arboriculture
Fruit and vegetable production
Sustainable Landscape design and management.
Cost includes a background check, all books and supplies for the class, a soil test, t-shirt.
Upon completion of the 40 hour classroom training, volunteers are required to complete 40 hours of approved education in the community.
Space is limited, so please apply early.
Those working in the green industries are invited to apply without the volunteer requirement. Call 208-459-6003 for more information.

Now taking orders for the Seedlings for Conservation program!

All Crops    All Locations

Conservation

Posted on: October 4, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

We are now taking orders for the #SeedlingsForConservation program. We *strongly* recommend you order early as popular varieties sell out quickly. See the attached order form for pricing and lot information. For more information, contact the University of Idaho Extension office in Canyon County at 208-459-6003.

Unusable pesticide disposal

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 1, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture is announcing their fall schedule for collecting unusable pesticides. Click on the pdf below for more information.

No Late Blight in Potatoes yet in 2017

All Crops    All Locations

Late Blight

Posted on: August 20, 2017 by Kasia Duellman Kinzer

No confirmed reports of late blight in Idaho as of August 17, 2017 – But
Don’t let your guard down

We have received no confirmed reports of late blight on potatoes in Idaho as
of August 18, 2017. However, it’s important that we don’t let our guard
down. Over the years, when outbreaks do occur in Idaho they tend to come at
this time of the year when the nights are getting longer and dew and
humidity lingers in the canopy later into the morning. The appearance of
late blight this time of year puts tubers at greater risk of infection, and
as long as plants have green tissue, diligent monitoring for this disease
should continue.

Late blight has been reported in the Columbia Basin in Washington, but there
have been no reports of late blight in Oregon.

The strain of the late blight pathogen (Phytophthora infestans) that is
prevalent in Idaho, US-23, can infect tomatoes as easily as it infects
potatoes. With the recent cool wet weather we have experienced in south
eastern Idaho, growers who have potato fields near housing subdivisions
should consider scouting for symptoms of late blight in low lying areas or
areas which stay wet longer next to the subdivisions, since late blight may
spread from garden tomatoes to surrounding potato fields. Timely diagnosis
of late bight is vital for successful management of this disease.

If you happen to grow tomatoes, it’s critically important to monitor your
garden tomatoes, too. We encourage samples of potato or tomato suspected to
be infected with late blight to be sent to University personnel for
confirmation.
If you think that you have late blight in your potato field or garden
tomatoes, please submit a sample to the University of Idaho for
confirmation. For southwestern Idaho (and Malheur Co. Oregon), contact
University of Idaho personnel at the Parma Research and Extension Center at
208-722-6701; for south central Idaho, contact the Kimberly Research and
Extension Center at (208) 423-4691; and for southeastern Idaho, contact the
Idaho Falls Research and Extension Center at (208) 529-8376 or the Aberdeen
Research and Extension Center at (208) 397-4181.

This information provided by Drs. Kasia Duellman and Phillip Wharton, University of Idaho

Contaminated Azadirachtin Organic Insecticides - Recall Notice

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 18, 2017 by Ronda Hirnyck

University of Arizona Extension Faculty put together the attached IPM Short on the topic of contaminated organic insecticide products with the active ingredient azadirachtin, some of which are subject to a national voluntary recall. Please share this information with growers, PCAs, distributors, Master Gardeners, or others who may use or have an interest in these products. Please share with you Master Gardeners also.

Click on the pdf below for more information.

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 22

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Posted on: August 9, 2017 by Janet Jones

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day August 22

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day!

Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR
in the field off Onion Avenue under the canopy.

Date: Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Registration starts at 9:00am with donuts and refreshments.

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

Click on the PDF below for the Flyer.

Please RSVP for lunch or if you need more information call Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

2017 Summer Farm Festival and Malheur Experiment Station Field Day

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 10, 2017 by Janet Jones

Wednesday July 12, 2017

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration - All events and tours are open to the public

8:30 AM—9:30 AM
Tour A. Drone demonstration

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
Tour B. Onion and potato drip irrigation tour. We will show case a study evaluating the response of multiple onion cultivars to the recently registered method of applying Outlook (dimethenamid-p) through drip irrigation. Evaluation of drip irrigation and comparison to sprinkler irrigation for potato in an attempt to lower the comparative cost of drip irrigation. Latest work on internal rot in onion.

10:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Tour C. Onions, Spuds, and More. Control of onion thrips. Control of potato psyllids. Weed control for onions, potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes.

Tour D. Alternative Crops
This tour will highlight quinoa and wildflower seed production.

Tour E. Tour for youth. Wildlife, Solar Eclipse, Water, Soils, and Drones! A fun tour designed to educate young people about sage grouse, animal tracking and capture, the solar eclipse, the importance of water and soils, and modern drones.

12:00 Free Lunch
12:20 PM Update on GMO Creeping Bentgrass, Danielle Posch
12:30 PM Honoring our community members

Malheur Experiment Station Field Day July 12

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 29, 2017 by Janet Jones

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Summer Farm Festival and Annual Field Day!

Place: Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR

Date: Wednesday July 12, 2017

Registration starts at 8:00am with coffee and donuts

Click on the PDF below for the tour descriptions and schedule.

Also featured:
- Agricultural trade show booths!
- Events and contests with prizes!

A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.

Please RSVP for lunch or if you need more information call Jan Jones at (541) 889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

Thrips

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Thrips

Posted on: June 16, 2017 by Dian Roberson

We have confirmed thrips on grapes and many other landscape ornamentals.Thrips are very tiny, skinny, insects, less than 0.05 inch long. Color varies from reddish-yellow to mid-dark brown. Thrips have rasping mouthparts and damage plants by sucking out the contents of plant cells and depositing tiny specks of honeydew. Damaged leaves look bleached and/or silvered and speckled with shiny "tar-spot" excreted by thrips during feeding. They can damage flower buds, opened flowers, leaf buds and leaves.

National Pollinator Week!

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 16, 2017 by Dian Roberson

Join us for a week full of fun events in Canyon County!

Saturday, June 17 – Kick off the week at the Nampa Farmers Market 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Kids of all ages can get free flower seeds to attract pollinators!

Monday, June 19 - Join us at 1904 E Chicago Ave from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Rich Guggenheim will talk about Pollinator Gardens.

Tuesday, June 20 - Backyard Honey Bees 7:00 – 9:00 pm. 1904 E Chicago Ave in Caldwell. 208-459-6003.

Wednesday, June 21 –Caldwell Farmers Market 3:00 – 7:00 pm kid’s activities and information about attracting pollinators. 4:30 City of Caldwell Pollinator Proclamation!

Thursday, June 22 –Nampa Library 1:00 – 3:00 pm Pollinators all a Buzz!! Create a flower seed bomb.

Friday, June 23 –West Park in Nampa with Canyon County Master Gardeners make insect hotels. Construct and take home a mini bee board. We will dedicate our Bee-Inn 7-9 PM

Saturday, June 24 – Join us at 9 AM for the Grand Finale at the Northern Lights Theatre in Nampa for a showing of Disney’s “Wings of Life!” Contact Northern Lights Theatre for ticket information. 208- 475-2999

U of Idaho Parma Field Day - 2017

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

This is a reminder that the University of Idaho Parma R and E Center will be hosting a Field Day on the morning of June 21, 2017. Stop by and visit with our faculty and staff about our 2017 research projects, see our facility and have lunch and refreshments with us. Please RSVP by calling 722-6701 or emailing laphillips@uidaho.edu to let them know you plan to attend. Idaho Pesticide Applicator Recertification and CCA credits will be issued. For additional information visit our web site, http://www.uidaho.edu/cals/parma-research-and-extension-center , or click on the pdf below.

Cereal Field Days - Schedule for Southern / Eastern Idaho

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Pests and Varieties of Wheat and Barley

Posted on: June 12, 2017 by Juliet Marshall

Attached is the schedule for the Southern / Eastern Idaho Cereal-related Field Days hosted by the UI Extension and Agricultural Experiment Stations.

Lygus Bug emergence in Alfalfa Seed

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Lygus bug

Posted on: May 25, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated 257 degree days between January 1, 2017 and May 23, 2017. This is 18 days behind compared to this date in 2016 and 12 days behind the 30-year average. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur about May 26.

When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays probably should treat before or just as 4th instar nymphs are detected. We will plan to put out another alert as we approach 272 degree days in Parma. You can follow the degree accumulation yourself by using the web link at the bottom of this announcement. If all works correctly the location will be set to Parma and the correct model already will be listed. You can adjust the location and other information using the instructions below:

1) Select the location nearest you by selecting the appropriate pin in the map at the top of the page. The above data are for the Parma location. Results likely will vary depending on the location selected.

2) Select “insects” in the category drop down box under the map, then select the “Lygus bug [alfalfa seed] Ben Simko 2000” model from the “Select model” link to the right of the Model box. It should be model 61 in the list.

3) The predicted date for the 275 degree day accumulation for peak 1st and 2nd instar lygus nymphs will be listed in the “DDs Event” text box. You also can view the full model output by selecting the button labeled “Click here to CALC/ RUN model w/daily output”

Thanks for Dr. JIm Barbour for providing this information.

Potato Sustainability Audit Manual

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None

Posted on: May 24, 2017 by Nora Olsen

Manual and resources now available to help navigate the Potato Sustainability Initiative (PSI) survey and audit

Announcements recently went out on whether you will be audited in person for your 2016 responses to the Potato Sustainability Initiative (PSI) survey. Most process growers are requested to participate in the PSI sustainability survey and approximately 20% of the growers who completed the survey will be audited each year. The audit involves an interview between the grower and auditor with specific questions and an inspection of documents. A manual has been developed to help growers to methodically and successfully gather required documents for the audit, with examples of standard operating procedures, and resources to help answer interview questions. The manual is posted at www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes. Changes to this manual will be done periodically to adjust for changes to the PSI survey. The manual was developed by IACI, University of Idaho, and Washington State University with funding from the NW Potato Research Consortium.

sugarbeet root maggot 2017

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https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/agronomic/sugar-beet/sugar-beet-sugar-beet-root-maggot

Posted on: May 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The degree day calculator (hosted by the Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University; http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.us) for the sugar beet root maggot fly shows that—depending on your location in the Treasure Valley—we have accumulated nearly 360 growing degree days since January 1, 2017. Peak flight of root maggot flies should occur after 360 accumulated growing degree days when the maximum high temperature exceeds 80 degrees F. In the Treasure Valley this will be very soon.

Root maggot flies will lay eggs near sugarbeet plants. After the larvae hatch they will begin feeding on the young sugarbeets. Look for these pests to appear in the western end of the Treasure Valley first. If you haven’t applied a treatment for sugarbeet root maggot, now is the time to do so. The link below from the 2017 PNW Insect Management handbook contains additional information. Visit with your field consultant from AMSCO for treatment options.

Lygus Bug in Alfalfa Seed, 2017

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Lygus Bug

Posted on: May 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The Lygus degree day calculator hosted by Integrated Plant Protection Center at Oregon State University and the IPM Centers - PNW Coalition shows that, depending on your location in the Treasure Valley, we have accumulated 201 degree days between January 1, 2017 and May 15, 2017. This is 17 days behind compared to this date in 2016 and 10 days ahead of the 30-year average. Peak emergence of lygus bug 1st and 2nd instar nymphs should occur right around 272 accumulated degree days: this usually occurs around mid-May, and is the time monitoring for lygus bugs in alfalfa seed fields should begin. Right now that is predicted to occur about May 25.

When using most insecticides, fields should be treated when numbers of lygus bugs reach 4-5 lygus bug nymphs per 180 degree sweep. Growers using Assail, or Beleaf, as stand-alone sprays probably should treat before 4th instar nymphs are detected. We will plan to put out another alert as we approach 272 degree days in Parma.

Below are the instructions for using the degree day calculator.

1) Select the location nearest you by selecting the appropriate pin in the map at the top of the page. The above data are for the Parma location. Results likely will vary depending on the location selected.

2) Select “insects” in the category drop down box under the map, then select the “Lygus bug [alfalfa seed] Ben Simko 2000” model from the “Select model” link to the right of the Model box. It should be model 61 in the list.

3) The predicted date for the 275 degree day accumulation for peak 1st and 2nd instar lygus nymphs will be listed in the “DDs Event” text box. You also can view the full model output by selecting the button labeled “Click here to CALC/ RUN model w/daily output”

Fire Blight (Erwinia sp.)

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 8, 2017 by Dian Roberson

Conditions have been in the extreme category over the last week for fire blight. This bacterial infection can attack anything in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is especially destructive to apples (Malus spp.), pears (Pyrus spp.), and crabapples (Malus spp.). There is no cure for fire blight. Prevention is the best solution. Purchase resistant varieties, minimize rapid growth and succulent tissue, prune out blighted twigs and cankered branches. Check out the publications and websites below for more information.

Diseases in Cereals - Stripe Rust confirmed in western Idaho

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Stripe rust in wheat

Posted on: April 24, 2017 by Juliet Marshall

Stripe rust on volunteer wheat was found by an observant colleague in western Idaho near Parma. Lower leaves are seen with stripe rust indicating it is likely that it overwintered. I will be receiving the sample and checking to be sure that it is wheat. Please scout fields of susceptible varieties in all areas of southern Idaho. So far, we have not seen stripe rust in our variety trial plots in Brundage, known to be very susceptible to stripe rust. Our plots were not planted early, and could have possibly missed an early fall infection. The current weather is very conducive for spread and infection.
Please report stripe rust to your local Extension county educator, specialist or to Juliet Marshall so we can track the progress and warn producers to promote timely fungicide application.

Bur Buttercup

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Bur Buttercup

Posted on: April 20, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim

Chemical control of Bur Buttercup (Ceratocephala testiculata) can be effective when weeds are extremely young. Mowing and burning is an effective cultural control as is hand pulling. The weed is now beginning to reach flowering and has entered the reproductive state. Bur Buttercup is also toxic to livestock. Always follow label instructions. Rotating pesticide mode of action can reduce the occurrence of pesticide resistance.

Cull Onion Disposal 2017

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Onion root maggot

Posted on: February 16, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho has extended the deadline to dispose of cull onions from March 15 to April 15. The link below from KTVB has more information.

Zinc Phosphide Training for Belding Ground Squirrel Control - Feb 22

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 2, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

For producers raising hay, such as alfalfa, grass, mixed alfalfa/grass and permanent or seasonal pasture, in MALHEUR, HARNEY, LLAKE, BAKER, CROOK, DESCHUTES and KLAMATH Counties with Belding Ground Squirrel issues, Zinc Phosphide is a treatment option. A training session will be held in Ontario on February 22 to discuss the Restricted Use 24(c) pesticide label for Zinc Phosphide. This will be held from 12:30-2:30 pm at the Four Rivers Cultural Center 676 SW 5th AVE Ontario, OR 97914. This is at the conclusion of our Malheur County Pest Management Short Course.

An applicators license and this training are mandatory for producers who wish to purchase and use product. Laurie Gordon from the Oregon Department of Agriculture will be providing this instruction.

There is no cost to attend but give us a call 541-881-1417 to RSVP and we will have enough copies of the materials to be handed out. This annually-required training will be effective for the 2017 growing season. Two pesticide credits will be available for applicators who have not taken this class already in 2017.

Farm Storage Facility Loans

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Posted on: January 25, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Farm Storage Facility Loans
• Producers may obtain low-interest loans to replace storage facilities damaged by this winter's weather. This could apply to roof collapses of storage facilities but the facility must be producer owned. This means the farmer who grew the crop must also be storing the crop. Loan does not apply if a farmer is storing crops of someone else. A producer may borrow up to $500,000 per loan, with a minimum down payment of 15 percent. Loan terms are up to 12 years, depending on the amount of the loan. Producers must demonstrate storage needs based on three years of production history.

• FSA also provides a microloan option that, while available to all eligible farmers and ranchers, also should be of particular interest to new or small producers where there is a need for financing options for loans up to $50,000 at a lower down payment with reduced documentation. The interest rate changes every month but averages at 2 to 3 percent.

• See fact sheet for more details: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2016/2016_farm_storage_facility_loans.pdf

• Please contact your local FSA office for additional information.

Pesticide Stewardship Conference

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Posted on: December 20, 2016 by Jeff Miller

UI Extension and ISDA are hosting a Pesticide Stewardship Conference on February 1-2, 2017 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. The conference begins at 11:30 am on February 1. Check-in begins at 10:30.
Registration is online through the University of Idaho (see attached link).

Please see the attached flyer for details. The plan is to offer 10 pesticide recertification credits. Dr. Bob Wolf, the national expert on pesticide drift and technology, will be presenting several times during the conference.

2016 Annual Survey Gift Cards

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Posted on: December 19, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Thanks to everyone that completed the 2016 Pest Alert Evaluation Survey. The winners of the $75 gift cards to the Texas Roadhouse are: Nate McBride, Kyle Carpenter and Paul Rasgorshek. Gift cards will be emailed to you.

PAT Recertification Training and TV Irrigation Conference

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 28, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

I just want to remind everyone about two events next week in Canyon County. The University of Idaho Extension, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University Extension Service and industry sponsors are collaborating to conduct two educational events next week. A Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training and the Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference will be held on December 14 and 15. Click on the files below for more information. There is a new file attached that shows the agendas for the day. See you next week!

Pesticide Applicator Seminar

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 23, 2016 by Lance Ellis

A Pesticide Applicator Seminar will be held December 9, 2016 from 8:00 am to 12: 15 pm at the Fremont County Extension Office. No fee will be charged for this seminar. Four ISDA Pesticide Recertification credits are available. The topics to be covered are outlined in the attached flier. Contact Lance Ellis at at (208) 624-3102 or at ellis@uidaho.edu for more information.

Pesticide Recertification Class in Malheur County

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 18, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

The Malheur County Extension Office will be holding its annual pesticide credit recertification meeting on December 9, 2016. We will run from 8am to noon and pre-registration is preferred. Give us a call and talk to Bobbi at 541-881-1417. The room can fill up sometimes so do not delay and make sure you get a spot. Four Oregon Core credit hours will be available. This class will also count for four Idaho pesticide applicator credits. Course cost is $10.

2016 Idaho Association of Plant Protection

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 24, 2016 by Jeff Miller

The finalized program for the 2016 Idaho Association of Plant Protection meeting is now available. The meeting will be Wednesday and Thursday November 2-3 at the Sawtooth Best Western in Jerome. Lunch will be provided before the meeting on Wednesday. CCA and ISDA credits will be available both days. Cost of attending in $15 regardless of whether you attend both days or only one.

ISDA ANNOUNCES WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD TRAINING FOR AG OPERATORS

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 12, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

ISDA is conducting a series of workshops where you can learn about the upcoming changes to the Worker Protection Standard. Click on the pdf below for more information about the dates and locations.

Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass Identification Workshop

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: October 3, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

Scotts Co. will be hosting an identification class for Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass (GTCB) at the Malheur County Extension Office on October 10th @ 1:00pm. This will be an opportunity to learn more about GTCB and how to identify it. Check out the flier for the details.

ISDA ANNOUNCES FALL SCHEDULE FOR UNUSABLE PESTICIDE DISPOSAL

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 22, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the file below for information about the ISDA Unusable Pesticide Disposal Program that will be taking place next week in the Twin Falls, Gooding and Nampa areas.

Canyon & Owyhee County Conservation District Tour

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 9, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

An opportunity to learn more about no-till planting, cover crops as forage, and free range chickens (wait, chickens?) are but a few of the topics available to interested folks on a tour being offered on September 22nd. This free tour is sponsored by the Canyon and Owyhee Conservation Districts, NRCS and the Lower Boise Watershed Council and will originate from the USDA office in Marsing @ 9:00AM sharp. Local farmers will be showing their work on the aforementioned topics and how they pertain to improving water quality and soil health. It promises to be a good time and they will feed you lunch at the tour conclusion for free! The gang does ask that you RSVP to Lori @ 208-454-8684 x126 by September 19th. Check out the attached flier.

Black Bean Aphid in Sugarbeets 2016

All Crops    All Locations

Black Bean Aphid

Posted on: July 7, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Amalgamated Sugar Company Field Staff are reporting the Black bean aphids have been found in the Dry Lake Area of Canyon County. In 2015, UI Extension Entomologist Dr. Erik Wenninger posted this information about black bean aphids. The black bean aphid is a dark-bodied aphid, about 1/16 inch long; individuals may be winged or wingless. Aphids may be found on the young leaves within the crown of sugar beets. Infestations usually occur as scattered hot spots or along edges rather than uniformly across the entire field. Colonies can produce massive amounts of honeydew, which causes a black, sooty mold to cover the leaves.

There are no formal economic thresholds for insecticide treatment decisions for bean aphids, but treatment should be considered if fields are under heavy pressure. When scouting a field, it is important to sample plants in several representative areas across a field, because infestations may be patchy. Also, several predators (notably, lady beetles) and parasites attack bean aphids and may effectively suppress aphid populations. Therefore, it is advisable to assess natural enemy populations when making a decision on whether to apply insecticides. In addition to sugar beets, black bean aphids may be found in other crops, including beans and corn.

You may be able to tank mix insecticides for black bean aphid with fungicides used for powdery mildew. Make sure to read and follow the label and contact your Field Consultant from AMSCO for more treatment options.

For current information on registered insecticides, consult the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook by clicking on the link below.

Summer Farm Festival at the Malheur Experiment Station

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: July 5, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

Everybody is invited to come an check out the annual Farm Festival and Field Day on July 13 at the Malheur Experiment Station just outside Ontario. There is a wide variety of tours and speakers that will provide something of interest for all. There will even be activities for youth and lunch at noon. Check out the attachment for more information. It will be a good time!

VACANT POSITION - Agricultural Technician at University of Idaho, PARMA

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 30, 2016 by Olga Walsh

VACANT POSITION - Agricultural Technician at University of Idaho, PARMA RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER - QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY HERE:
https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/14563
The Agricultural Technician will provide technical support to the PI and to the Research Technician as part of the cropping systems agronomy research and extension program by assisting in field and greenhouse experiments focused on plant nutrition, fertilizer and water use efficiency.

VACANT POSITION - Research Technician at University of Idaho, Parma ID

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 28, 2016 by Olga Walsh

VACANT POSITION - Research Technician at University of Idaho, PARMA RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER - QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY HERE:
http://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/14422.
The Research Technician will provide assistance to the PI as part of the cropping systems agronomy research and extension program, and will conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments focused on plant nutrition, fertilizer and water use efficiency.

UI Parma + OSU Malheur Co FIELD DAY

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2016 by Olga Walsh and Bill Buhrig

2016 Cropping Systems
Field Day

Oregon State University University of Idaho

Location: Parma Research & Extension Center
29603 U of I Lane Parma, ID 83660

Date/time: June 20, 2016 8:30 am noon to 1 pm

8:30 – 8:55 Registration, Modular Building
Travel to D3
9:00 – 9:15 Drip irrigation in potatoes Galen Mooso, J.R. Simplot Company
Travel to C1
9:25 – 9:35 Corn nitrogen fertilizer guidelines Olga Walsh, UI
C1
9:35: 10:05 UAV (drone) demo Craig Thompson, Kristin Swoboda, Take Flight UAS, LLC
Travel to M7
10:10 – 10:25 Spring wheat: nitrogen and water, micronutrients Olga Walsh, UI
Travel to M2
10:35 – 10:50 Winter wheat seed treatments Olga Walsh, UI
M2
10:50 – 11:10 Winter cereals nursery Mike Flowers, OSU
Travel to E1
11:20 – 11:35 Winter wheat nitrogen and phosphorus Olga Walsh, UI
E1
11:35 – 11:55 Spring cereals nursery Jianli Chen, Olga Walsh, UI
E1
11:50 - 12:00 Crop disease update James Woodhall, UI
Travel to Modular Building
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch, indoor presentation, prize draw

Contact information:

IDAHO: Olga Walsh, Cropping Systems Agronomist, Southwest Idaho Research & Extension Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, ID 83660, (208)722-6701, ext. 218.; owalsh@uidaho.edu; Twitter: @IDCrops, Web: ID Crops & Soils

OREGON: William Buhrig, Crop Agent, OSU Malheur County Extension, 710 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, OR 97914, william.buhrig@oregonstate.edu; O: 541-881-1417 x 106

New University of Idaho Extension Publication - Planting Dates for Wheat

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 17, 2016 by Olga Walsh and Bradford Brown

Appropriate planting dates help to maximize grain yields and quality. Planting date can influence susceptibility to insect pests, diseases, drought, lodging, and inclement harvest conditions. It can affect variety performance and selection, water management, and other aspects of wheat management.
The focus of this publication will be on planting dates for southwestern (SW) Idaho although much of the information will be pertinent to other areas. Planting dates have been a research focus in SW Idaho for three decades, in part because the cropping system is diverse and the planting date window is so long. Research has dealt primarily with the effects of late plantings.
http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/BUL/BUL906.pdf

Cereal Field Days in southern Idaho from the University of Idaho

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 16, 2016 by Juliet Marshall

There will be several field days hosted by the University of Idaho in the upcoming weeks. Information on varieties, diseases, insects and cropping systems will be available with several of our Cereals faculty available for discussion. We hope to see you there!

Stripe rust in wheat and barley q

All Crops    All Locations

stripe rust

Posted on: June 16, 2016 by Juliet Marshall

Susceptible varieties of spring wheat are showing high levels of infection from stripe rust if they are not protected by fungicides. High levels are showing in Klasic, for example, from the Aberdeen area through Idaho Falls.

Some formerly resistant varieties are showing low levels of stripe rust as well. There is heavy disease pressure in southeast Idaho. As spring wheat is starting to head, please be aware that strobilurin fungicides should not be used to control stripe rust due to the potential for increased DON levels from Fusarium head blight. Choose a fungicide that will be effective for both stripe rust control and FHB suppression and if possible, target application window for FHB suppression especially for hard white spring wheat.

Read and follow all label directions.


Stripe rust is also being found in winter and spring barley. We are not recommending fungicide applications for stripe rust in barley at this time, but similar to wheat, fungicide applications to suppress FHB will also protect against stripe rust infection. In general, six row barleys are more susceptible than two row barleys.

Pacific Northwest 2016 IPM Workshop

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: June 11, 2016 by Pam Hutchinson

Pacific Northwest 2016 IPM Workshop
*IPM Train-the-Trainer Working Group*
WHAT: A 2 1/2 day short course designed to train ag professionals, crop consultants, and university extension and research faculty at all experience levels on identification, management and control of insects, diseases, and weeds as well as need-to-know pest management tactics.
This hands-on learning experience will include field sampling and identification of major pests in the area plus creation of a mounted insect collection and weeds preserved in plant presses for your very own, take-home, information transfer/educational display.
WHEN: June 27-29, 2016.
WHERE: University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center
1693 S. 200 W.
Aberdeen, ID 83210
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERTISE IN MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES!

· Enrollment is limited to 20 individuals at each site.
· There is a charge of $125 for the course. All handouts, most materials, equipment and supplies will be furnished.
· Webinars will be available before the class. USA experts will be presenting relevant material online.

INSTRUCTORS: Pamela Hutchinson, U of I Weed Specialist
Stuart Reitz, OSU Extension
Silvia Rondon, OSU Extension Entomologist Specialist
Steve Van Vleet, WSU Extension Specialist

If interested, please contact Pamela Hutchinson
Email: phutch@uidaho.edu
Phone 208-681-1304 or 397-4181

Funding for this course was provided in part by WSARE

Iris Yellow Spot Virus detected in Onions

All Crops    All Locations

Iris yellow spot virus / onion thrips

Posted on: June 5, 2016 by Stuart Reitz

Iris yellow spot virus was detected this week in Malheur County and Payette County.

The early appearance of virus points out the need for onion growers to be vigilant in their thrips control programs.

In addition to thrips management, minimize stress on onion plants by making sure fields are maintained at an adequate but not excessive fertility level, and that the soil moisture is kept at about the 20 centibar level. This will help reduce the severity of virus symptoms.

Please contact Stuart Reitz at Malheur County Extension (541-881-1417 / stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu) if you have questions about your onion fields or would like assistance with virus diagnosis.

Malheur Experiment Station Weed Research Tour on June 9th

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 31, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

The Malheur stop of the Snake River Weed Research Tour will be in Ontario, OR on June 9th starting @ 8AM at the Experiment Station. Please see the attachment for more information. This is free to the public and pesticide recertification credits are going to be available. There will even be lunch!

“Heads up” for Volunteer Potato Control in other crops.

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 26, 2016 by Phillip Wharton

With the very mild winter weather conditions this year a lot of volunteer potatoes survived over winter. Growers are now seeing a lot of problems with volunteer potatoes in other crops such as corn, sugar beet, wheat and onions. Volunteer potatoes can be very hard to eliminate if the correct control measures are not taken at the most appropriate time. The potato tuber initiation stage has been shown to be the best time for herbicide application in order to kill the volunteer potato plant, prevent re-sprouting, and prevent tuber production. Attached, Dr. Pamela Hutchinson, Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist, has put together a great article on methods for controlling volunteer potatoes in other crops.

Clarification on “New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho”

All Crops    All Locations

late blight

Posted on: May 26, 2016 by Phillip Wharton

A point of clarification on the announcement that a “New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho”: Late blight has NOT been found in Idaho this year yet in either tomatoes or potatoes. The strain of late blight referred to in the announcement is not new as it has been found in tomatoes and potatoes in 2013, 2014 and 2015, with a widespread outbreak in potatoes throughout SE Idaho last year. The purpose of the leaflet linked to in the previous announcement is to make home owner’s and growers aware of the potential threat of tomato late blight in home owners tomatoes to commercial potato fields. This is because the risk of an outbreak of late blight in potatoes this year is high due to the current cool wet weather and the potential that the late blight pathogen was able to over winter in volunteer potatoes due to the very mild winter conditions. For more information see http://bit.ly/1XSWHsS

Update of potato psyllid monitoring in Idaho - 20 May 2016

All Crops    All Locations

potato psyllids

Posted on: May 20, 2016 by Erik Wenninger

This week we collected our first sticky cards of the season from potato fields. No potato psyllids were found in potato fields this week. Sticky cards had been deployed in only 27 of the estimated 96 fields that will be included in the program this year, but quite a few more sites were established this past week.

More information and resources on potato psyllids and zebra chip, including management and scouting recommendations, can be found at the link below.

http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management

Paul Castrovillo "First 2016 Western Cherry Fruit Flies Captured in ISDA Monitor Trap"

All Crops    All Locations

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Posted on: May 20, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Now is the time to begin treatment for WCFF.

Four specimens of Western Cherry Fruit Fly (Rhagoletis indifferens) were found in an Idaho State Department of Agriculture WCFF survey trap in Canyon County that was checked on May 16. These were the first specimens captured in 2016. Our traps in Gem County, checked the same day, contained no WCFF, however, historically we expect to find them there about a week after the initial catch in Canyon County.

Please check with your local county extension educator or crop consultant for the situation in your area and for proper chemical recommendations and application methods if necessary.

Wildflower Day is May 12th at the Malheur Experiment Station!

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: May 2, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

Everyone is invited to attend the Native Wildflower Seed Production Field Day at the Malheur Experiment Station on May 12. Registration starts at 8am and lunch will be served. The flier is attached with more details. It is requested that attendees RSVP so we can get a head count for lunch. Call 541-889-2174 to RSVP or ask any questions you may have. It will be a good time!

Parma/Malheur Cropping Systems Agronomy Field Day - JUNE 20, 8:30 AM

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 25, 2016 by Olga Walsh

Contact information: Olga Walsh (University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center): owalsh@uidaho.edu; Bill Buhrig (Oregon State University, Malheur ES): William.Buhrig@oregonstate.edu

LOCATION: University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, ID, 83660.

Time Activity

8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration

9:00 am – 12 noon Touring the experimental plots/demos

12:00 noon – 1 pm Lunch/indoor presentations


Crops/topics covered: winter & spring wheat, beans, corn, fresh peas/mustard/wheat rotations, nutrient management, water management, weed management, unmanned aerial vehicles, crop sensors. Detailed information will follow shortly.

Please consider to attend/present and spread the word about the field day.

Alfalfa and Cabbage Looper

All Crops    All Locations

Alfalfa Looper

Posted on: April 23, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Alfalfa Looper is being seen throughout the area. They are similar in appearance to Cabbage looper. The major damage caused by larvae and pupae is contamination of the heads of cole crops and processed foods, and defoliation of peas, alfalfa, beans, mint, and spinach.

Dig In Newsletter

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 19, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Check out the Spring edition of the Dig In Newsletter:

May ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 19, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is conducting a pesticide disposal program May 9 at Pickles Butte Landfill. 15500 Missouri Ave, Nampa. May 10 at the ITD Maintenance Yard. 550 Indian Head Rd, Weiser. Collection times are 9 am to 1 PM both days.

FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) Outreach Meeting - April 26

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 18, 2016 by Stuart Reitz

FSMA outreach/informational meeting

Tuesday, April 26, 6-8 p.m.
Clarion Inn, 1249 Tapadera Avenue, Ontario, Oregon

The Idaho State Dept Agriculture (ISDA) will host an informational meeting for growers on the status of the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) rules.

This session will focus on the Produce Safety Rule, which relates to on-farm activities for raw agricultural commodities, and the Preventative Controls for Human Food Rule, which covers food manufacturing.

Onions and tree fruits are examples of commodities that are subject to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

Please plan to attend if you have questions regarding FSMA in relation to your farm or processing facility operation.

RSVP by April 22 to: Candi Fitch, Idaho Fruit and Vegetable Association, Executive Director, at (208) 722-5111, or candif@cableone.net.

ISDA Pesticide Disposal Program 2016

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: April 18, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture is conducting a pesticide disposal program May 9 and 10, at Nampa and Weiser. The pdf below has detailed information.

Frost Advisory

All Crops    All Locations

Frost

Posted on: March 25, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim

Temperatures are expected to drop into the mid to upper 20s tonight. Protect tender plants.

Freeze can damage fruit buds and young fruit. The level of damage is directly related to cold intensity and duration as well as bud developmental stage. Information on that can be found at
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/pub__5191779.pdf
and
http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07426.pdf

More information on frost protection and season extension can be found below
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/722.html

For more information, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office or visit
http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/

Glyphosate Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass: Meeting with USDA - March 1

All Crops    All Locations

Glyphosate tolerant creeping bentgrass

Posted on: February 23, 2016 by Stuart Reitz

On March 1 from 5-7 pm Sid Abel Assistant Deputy Administrator of USDA APHIS’ Biotechnology Regulatory Services will provide an overview of APHIS’ role in the regulation of glyphosate tolerant creeping bentgrass, information on the recent agreement with the The Scotts Company, and the new petition for deregulation.

The overview will be followed by a Q&A session.

If you have concerns regarding glyphosate tolerant bentgrass, please plan to attend.

The meeting will be at the Malheur County Extension, 710 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, OR 97914. 541-881-1417

Mark your calendar for a Virus Detection Training Workshop June 20, Othello, WA

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 8, 2016 by Nora Olsen

There will be an important Virus Detection Training Workshop on Monday, June 20th, 2016 at the WSU Research Farm, 1471 West Cox Road in Othello, WA. The workshop will cover field identification of PVY (strains O, N-Wi and NTN), including visual identification of foliar symptoms on 40 major cultivars. We will also have samples of different tuber symptoms from PVY, PMTV and TRV. In addition, we will be discussing and demonstrating new diagnostic assays for viruses and soil-borne vectors of some of the viruses. Additional workshops planned for the week include the WSU Commercial Seed Lot Evaluation (Tuesday June 21st) in Othello, the OSU Potato Field Day at the OSU Research and Extension Center, 2121 S. 1st Street, Hermiston, OR (Wednesday June 22nd) and the WSU Potato Field Day in Othello (Thursday June 23rd). Come and make a week of it!

University and USDA experts at the Virus Detection Training Workshop will include Stewart Gray (USDA-ARS/Cornell), Mark Pavek (WSU), Jonathan Whitworth (USDA-ARS/ID), Amy Charkowski (UWI), Alex Karasev (UID) and Nina Zidack (MtSU). The workshop is part of a USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Initiative award titled “Biological and economic impacts of emerging potato tuber necrotic viruses and the development of comprehensive and sustainable management practices”.

The recent standardization of seed certification programs across the U.S. includes the requirement for documentation of inspector training, but this training will also be beneficial to growers, people who rogue, and industry in general, so please sign up early. To register for the event please visit http://bit.ly/wsu-potatovirusworkshop. For more information about the workshop please email pbg-potatovirus@cornell.edu.

Cereal Schools in February - that's next week!

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 26, 2016 by Juliet Marshall

CCA and ISDA Pesticide credits will be available at the University of Idaho's Annual Cereal Schools, Feb 2 - Feb 5th.
Feb 2 in Burley
Feb 3 in Pocatello
Feb 4 in Idaho Falls and Ashton
Feb 6 in Preston

For full details, go to the URL http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho/upcoming-events
to download details of agendas and locations.

Thank you to our lunch sponsors, the Idaho Wheat Commission and the Idaho Barley Commission.

Organic Farming Conference in Caldwell

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 20, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

You are all invited to the upcoming Organic Farming Conference in Caldwell!

The “Holy Grail” of Organics – Reduced Tillage Organic Systems
Thursday, January 28, 2016 5 – 9 pm
Friday, January 29, 2016 8:30 am – 5 pm

Register by Monday, January 25.
Registration and conference details at: http://www.pesticide.org/organic_farming_conference_2016. Just click the attached link!

$60 for full conference
$30 for Thursday evening only
$45 for Friday only

Check out all the attached information and we hope to see you there!

2016 Treasure Valley Bean School

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 14, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

The Treasure Valley Bean School is January 28 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa. Click on the pdf below for more information.

Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference on December 17th

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 3, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

The Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference is rapidly approaching and attendees can save $10 on the registration by RSVP'ing by December 11th. The conference is on December 17th at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario. Please check out the attachment for more details. The day is packed with great presenters and should be a good time! Hope to see you there!

Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 3, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Extension System is sponsoring Idaho Ag Outlook Seminars across Idaho on December 8,9, and 10. Click on the pdf below for more information. The seminar in Caldwell is December 10 at the Best Western.

EPA cancels registration for Transform (Sulfoxaflor)

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: November 30, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

On November 12, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a
cancellation order for all previously registered pesticide products containing the active ingredient sulfoxaflor.

Products include:
EPA Reg. No. 62719-623, Closer SC;
EPA Reg. No. 62719-625, Transform WG; and
EPA Reg. No. 62719-676, Xxpire WG.

Sale and Distribution Prohibited: Under the EPA cancellation order, sale of these
products is prohibited beginning November 12, 2015. Dealers/distributors with
remaining inventory of these products after this date should contact the
manufacturer/registrant, Dow AgroSciences LLC, for guidance on handling the unsold products. These products may not legally be given away or sold; they may be
distributed only to facilitate return to the manufacturer or for proper disposal or lawful export.

Use of Cancelled Products Purchased Before November 12, 2015: Growers/End
users who already possess any of these cancelled products may continue to use the
product(s) according to directions on the container labels until those supplies are
exhausted. The exception is use under FIFRA Section 24(c) Special Local Need labels (SLNs). According to EPA, because SLNs are tied to the parent product, all SLNs have also been cancelled.

For the Treasure Valley, Section 24(c) cancellations include:
SLN OR 150010 - for Lygus in Alfalfa Seed
SLN ID-150007 - for Lygus in Alfalfa Seed

Malheur County Core Pesticide Recertification Class

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 23, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Oregon private applicators can meet their core credit needs with this course on December 11th. Cost is $10. Please refer to the link for more information and the registration form. The four credits offered will also apply to Oregon commercial and public applicators and Idaho private and commercial applicators.

2nd Annual Malheur County Organic Seminar

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: November 23, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Please join us as we focus on the transition from conventional to organic production for the 2nd annual Organic Production Seminar in Ontario on December 3rd. Check out the attached flier for more info. This meeting is free to the public and we will feed you lunch. Please RSVP so we can get a headcount for lunch and we will see you then!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Organic 101 Workshop

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 23, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the Organic 101 workshop in Twin Falls on December 3, 2015.

Upcoming Educational Events in the Treasure Valley

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 12, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached are flyers with information about three upcoming educational events; 1) Pesticide Applicator Recertification Training in Caldwell on December 16. 2) Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference in Ontario, OR on Dec 17. and 3) Soil Health Symposium in Ontario, OR on February 18, 2016. Click on the files below for more information.

2015 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 26, 2015 by Trent Taysom

The Idaho Association of Plant Protection will hold the 2015 annual meeting November 4-5 at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn. Please see the attached program for specifics on the presentations. The cost to attend is $15 (cash or check only). Three CCA (PM) and three ISDA credits are available each day. Lunch will be provided both days.

Please contact Erik Wenninger (erikw@uidaho.edu) or Trent Taysom (trent@millerresearch.com) if you have any questions.

Updates on Pesticide Regulations

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 19, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

EPA has released information on new WPS standards and proposed changes to certification standards for pesticide applicators.
*******************************************************************************************************
The EPA  recently announced new rules aimed at strengthening the Worker Protection Standard designed to protect farmworkers from toxic pesticides.  The revisions have not gone in effect yet! The majority of the rule revisions will be effective approximately 14 months after the rule publishes in the Federal Register. This means the changes will probably be in effect in early 2017. This is to allow farmers and states time to adjust to the new requirements.

A table comparing the existing rules with the new versions can be viewed in the accompanying pdf or at: extension.oregonstate.edu/malheur/worker-protection-standard-revisions

*******************************************************************************************************
EPA is also proposing revisions to Certification standards for Private and Commercial Pesticide Applicators. A summary of the proposed changes can be viewed in the accompanying pdf or at: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/malheur/proposed-changes-pesticide-applicator-certification-rules.

EPA requests input on these proposed changes. You can submit comments to EPA until November 23, 2015. To comment, please see docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0183 at regulations.gov.

Cereals Alert - Aphids are flying, and stripe rust may be lurking - the down side of a beautiful fall

All Crops    All Locations

Barley Yellow Dwarf and Stripe rust

Posted on: October 9, 2015 by Juliet Marshall

Yes, I know most of the acres of winter wheat and winter barley are already planted. If the grain is up and wasn’t treated with an insecticidal seed treatment, it will be vulnerable to aphid infestation and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus infection. The disease Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD) can cause significant yield loss depending upon the weather.

If planted grain WAS treated with an insecticidal seed treatment, you may still be at risk depending on date of planting. Early planted grain may run out of protection, as seed treatment protection is limited. Please see the attached file for more information!

Be aware! Aphids ARE being found in the newly planted winter wheat! While that may be good news for us in our BYDV insecticide trial and for screening for resistance in new winter wheat varieties, it will not be good news for cereal producers.

And for more information, see the CIS 1210 available online: http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS1210.pdf

Stripe rust infection in fall planted winter wheat was confirmed in Montana by Dr. Mary Burrows (visit http://www.mtagalert.org/ ). That doesn’t mean we have fall infection as well, but it definitely indicates that we have increased risk! The beautiful fall weather allows green bridge material (volunteer grain) to become well established, providing a reservoir for disease (stripe rust especially) and insects (aphids and mites) that transmit BYDV and WSMV.

Pesticide Collection for Malheur County

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Oregon

Posted on: September 22, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Great news for Malheur County! There will be a pesticide collection for unwanted/expired materials on October 23rd at Ontario Sanitary Service. Please see the attached brochure for details and the registration form to fill out. Feel free to just register by your first name. The registration process is just for logistical purposes so we know how much is expected to come in. Give us a call at 541-881-1417 if you have questions. We will be happy to help you scan or fax your stuff in. Tell your neighbors as well. We do not know how often these collections will occur in the future.

Fall Garden Pests Remain Active

All Crops    All Locations

Aphids and Beet Leafminer

Posted on: September 17, 2015 by Ariel Agenbroad

The weather is cooling off, but some insect pests are enjoying a resurgence in the garden.

Watch your fall brassica crops like cabbage, kale and broccoli for new generations of aphids, they are flourishing in the cooler temperatures. Spray any insects off with a stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.

Also watch for leafminer damage in your late season spinach, beets and Swiss Chard. Removing and disposing of any affected leaves is the best strategy at this point in the season. For next year, use a protective row cover to keep the flies off their favorite crops!

For more information on both of these pests, visit the links below.

Idaho State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Disposal Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 17, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Idaho State Department of Agriculture just released their fall 2015 pesticide disposal program schedule for Twin Falls, Gooding and Nampa. Click on the pdf below for more information.

2015 Idaho Association of Plant Protection Annual Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: August 20, 2015 by Jeff Miller

This is a call for presentations for the 2015 annual meeting of the Idaho Association of Plant Protection in Jerome, ID at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn and Suites. The meeting will be held Wednesday, November 4 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (registration starts at 12:30) and Thursday, November 5 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Please consider contributing research results, observations, unusual disease occurrences, topics which could be discussed as a group, etc. to the meeting. Each presentation will be allotted a 20 minute time slot. Please let us know if you feel you would need more or less time. A final program will be advertised in early October. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration costs $15.00 and can only be made by check or cash. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Pesticide Recertification credits (ISDA) will be available.

Hotel reservations at the Best Western Sawtooth Inn can be made by calling 208-324-9200. Indicate you will be attending the IAPP meetings. Regular rooms are available at the corporate rate of $69.99 + tax, but reservations must be made prior to October 12.

Please reply by email or complete and return the bottom half of the attached sheet. If you are not attending this meeting but would like to be notified of future meetings, please send us your updated contact information. Responses can be sent to either Erik Wenninger at erikw@uidaho.edu or Trent Taysom at trent@millerresearch.com.

Spider Mites

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Spider MItes

Posted on: July 31, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Two-spotted spider mites are being found in bean and mint fields in the Treasure Valley. With the return of very hot weather, spider mite populations may build up rapidly to damaging levels.

Scout bean, mint and other susceptible crops, such as sugar beets, corn, and potato, to determine if action is necessary. For more information on two-spotted spider mites, consult the PNW Insect Handbook at the link below and contact the extension office.

Grape Mealybugs

All Crops    Treasure Valley

grape mealybugs

Posted on: July 30, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Large numbers of male grape mealybugs have been found in two of the pheromone lure traps in the winegrape research vineyard trial plots in Parma between 7/23 and 7/29 . Mealybugs damage grapes by contaminating clusters with cottony egg sacs, larvae, adults, and honeydew. To date, we have not seen any evidence of crawlers, egg sacs or females on any winegrape vines in the vineyard trial plots.

In the winegrape research trial plots we have made 3 pesticide applications for mealybug this season- a late dormant oil, an early season and a July 17 foliar application of Provado (thiacloprid) - so it is likely that we are trapping males from a source outside of the winegrape trial plots. Susceptibility to mealybug damage varies by variety. It is worse on varieties that produce clusters close to the base of the shoot because the fruit often touches old wood. There is also the potential for the grape mealybug to vector leaf roll virus in grapes. For more information on this pest, including photos and management strategies, visit http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/tree-fruit/apple/apple-grape-mealybug and http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r302301811.html.

Grape Mealybugs

All Crops    Treasure Valley

grape mealybugs

Posted on: July 30, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Large numbers of male grape mealybugs have been found in two of the pheromone lure traps in the winegrape research vineyard trial plots in Parma between 7/23 and 7/29 . Mealybugs damage grapes by contaminating clusters with cottony egg sacs, larvae, adults, and honeydew. To date, we have not seen any evidence of crawlers, egg sacs or females on any winegrape vines in the vineyard trial plots.

In the winegrape research trial plots we have made 3 pesticide applications for mealybug this season- a late dormant oil, an early season and a July 17 foliar application of Provado (thiacloprid) - so it is likely that we are trapping males from a source outside of the winegrape trial plots. Susceptibility to mealybug damage varies by variety. It is worse on varieties that produce clusters close to the base of the shoot because the fruit often touches old wood. There is also the potential for the grape mealybug to vector leaf roll virus in grapes. For more information on this pest, including photos and management strategies, visit http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/tree-fruit/apple/apple-grape-mealybug and http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r302301811.html.

Pomology Program Annual Fruit Field Day

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 29, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Friday August 28, 2015; 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at the U of I Parma Research and Extension Center Pomology Orchard and Vineyard site, about 4 miles north of Parma, Idaho. The registration will start at 8:30 am and program will start at 9:00 am (sharp). Click on the pdf below for more details.

Corn Earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 17, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

I checked the corn earworm traps yesterday and did not find any corn earworm adults. Below are the general locations of the traps.

Melba Area
South of Nampa
Middleton Area
Parma Area
Wilder Area
Homedale Area
Pride Lane

corn earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 6, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

I am once again collaborating with Charter Seed Co. and Crookham Seed Co. on a project to trap corn earworm moths. Traps were set out in corn fields at various locations near Melba, Wilder, Homedale, Middleton and Parma. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website.

There are a couple of models that can be used to predict the emergence of the summer generation of corn earworm moths. This is the generation of moths that lay eggs in corn that is silking at the time of their emergence.

One model uses January 1 as a biofix, 55 and 92 as the temperature parameters and predicts the summer moths will appear after 1300 growing degree days (GDD) and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. This model also estimates the eggs will hatch and larvae will begin feeding on corn ears 73 GDD later. According to this model, we will reach 1300 GDD in the Parma area on 7/13 and 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on 7/14. Egg laying in most, if not all, Treasure Valley locations will take place about July 12 through July 15. This is about 10 to 14 days earlier than most years.

The second model simply uses 8/1 as the default date; the date the summer moths will emerge and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. I do not think this model will be of value this year. Moth counts from the traps will be posted next week when they are available.

Corn Earworm

All Crops    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 6, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

I am once again collaborating with Charter Seed Co. and Crookham Seed Co. on a project to trap corn earworm moths. Traps were set out in corn fields at various locations near Melba, Wilder, Homedale, Middleton and Parma. I will check the traps every few days and post the moth counts to this website.

There are a couple of models that can be used to predict the emergence of the summer generation of corn earworm moths. This is the generation of moths that lay eggs in corn that is silking at the time of their emergence.

One model uses January 1 as a biofix, 55 and 92 as the temperature parameters and predicts the summer moths will appear after 1300 growing degree days (GDD) and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. This model also estimates the eggs will hatch and larvae will begin feeding on corn ears 73 GDD later. According to this model, we will reach 1300 GDD in the Parma area on 7/13 and 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on 7/14. Egg laying in most, if not all, Treasure Valley locations will take place about July 12 through July 15. This is about 10 to 14 days earlier than most years.

The second model simply uses 8/1 as the default date; the date the summer moths will emerge and begin laying eggs in fresh corn silk. I do not think this model will be of value this year. Moth counts from the traps will be posted next week when they are available.

Plant Disease Diagnostic Submission Form

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Plant Disease

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like an email
(Liz.Vavricka(u;agr i.idaho.gov) or DDDI (Distance Diagnostics through Digital
Imaging) (http://www.dddi.org/idahoO notification of the incoming sample. Both emails and DDDI entries should include pictures if possible. Emails should include the information on the attached form. If a diagnosis can be made based on the photo, then no physical sample will be necessary. If a physical san1ple is necessary, it should be sent to ISDA at the address below.

Physical samples sent to ISDA should be dry and placed in a brown paper bag. If roots are included, they should be wrapped with saran wrap and rubber banded. The attached form should be filled out and inserted in the bag or included. Samples should be kept cool (refrigerated if possible) until shipped. Most can be shipped in the regular mail. Please mark the outside of the shipping container (box or envelope) with a note that says "SAMPLE ENCLOSED" and ship to:

Liz Vavricka
Idaho State Dept. Agriculture
Plant Pathology Lab
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID 83712

Plant Disease Diagnostic Submission Form

All Crops    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Plant Disease

Posted on: June 26, 2015 by Olga Walsh

Plant Disease Diagnostic Service.

As you know, Dr. Krishna Mohan retired from UI this past spring. In order to continue plant disease diagnostic services, we have had to change the submission procedures. Samples will now be processed through the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture Plant Pathology Lab rather than the Parma Research & Extension Center. Liz Vavricka, Plant Pathologist at the ISDA lab, will serve as the contact and has requested the following protocols for sample submission:

All plant samples should be submitted by extension personnel. Liz would like