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Time to spray for Peach Leaf Curl Fungus!
Tree Fruits Treasure Valley
Peach Leaf Curl
Posted on: October 17, 2017 by Dian Roberson
We had many clients visit our Master Gardener Plant Clinics with peach leaf curl, a fungal infection. As leaf drop occurs in the fall, any open sights become infection points that will carry over to the next growing season. By the time you spray your delayed dormant copper in the spring, these infected sights will have already effected the newly developing leaves.
Now, during leaf drop is the time to apply fall coppers. The first application should be at 30% leaf drop and a second at 70% leaf drop. It is also advisable to use a good sticker product to adhere the copper to the open wounds. The recommended copper use rates will vary based on product choice.
You will also need to repeat the copper fungicide in the spring.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl
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.
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.
» https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B88K2B0J0jApa2RlNkhRQlpBb2M/view
Fall 2017 Dig In Newsletter
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: September 5, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Dig into some great tips on fall gardening in this year's fall edition of Dig In.
2017 Treasure Valley Tomato Taste off
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: September 5, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Join us on September 16th from 10 am to 2 pm for the Treasure Valley Tomato Taste off.
Curly Top confirmed in Peppers and Beets!
Landscape and Garden Treasure Valley
Posted on: August 4, 2017 by Dian Roberson
We have confirmed cases of Beet Curly Top Virus in both peppers and sugar beets. It also infects a wide range of crops such as tomatoes, beans, beets, cucurbits, spinach, and squash. The virus is spread by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus. Read the articles below for identification and control information!
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/tomato-lycopersicon-esculentum-curly-top
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/agronomic/sugar-beet/sugar-beet-beet-leafhopper
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.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-thrips
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
Western Cherry Fruit Fly (WCFF) Announcement 2017
Cherry Treasure Valley
Western Cherry Fruit Fly
Posted on: June 9, 2017 by Paul Castrovillo
On May 26 the first Western Cherry Fruit Fly captured in an Idaho State Department of Agriculture WCFF trap in Nampa, ID was reported. Two more WCFF were found today (June 7) in traps set up in Emmett, ID during early May. If treatment for WCFF is not already underway it should begin now.
For more information contact Paul Castrovillo at paul.castrovillo@isda.idaho.gov or call 208-332-8627
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/cherry/cherry-western-cherry-fruit-fly
Turf Buster Plant Sale
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: May 19, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
The Canyon County Master Gardeners has plants for sale for your garden. Many 4 inch pots and 4 packs with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and more are only $1 beginning Monday. Seedling trees in 1 gal pots are $2.50 each. Stop by the office for more information or to purchase. Sale runs through Friday or until we run out of plants.
Master Gardener Scholarship Fundraiser
Announcements Treasure Valley - Idaho
Posted on: May 8, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
The Master Gardeners in Canyon County are having a fundraiser to help raise money for scholarships. They are selling plants at the Extension Office Monday-Friday from 8-5 and also at Nampa Farmers Market on Saturday from 9-1 and the Caldwell Farmers Market on Wednesday from 3-7 during the month of May.
Prices are 4 Inch pots and 4 packs are $3 each or 2 for $5. We have many tomatoes, peppers, zinnia's, eggplant, okra, marigold, and other stuff for sale too in these sizes. Mix and match.
We have one gallon pots of seedling trees (Austrian Pine, Scots Pine, Blue Spruce, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Catalpa, Poplar, and Honey Locust) for $5 each.
Call 459-6003 or stop by the office at 501 Main St. in Caldwell.
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.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/apple-malus-spp-fire-blight
Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
Apple All Locations
Lepidoptera: Tortricidae
Posted on: May 3, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Codling moth has been trapped in Sunny slope orchards.
To successfully control codling moth in fruit trees, larvae must
be prevented from entering fruit. Controls must be applied
at a specific time. Once the eggs hatch and larvae enter the fruit, control
measures are ineffective.
Management includes a rigorous and routine schedule of spray insecticides, both organic and traditional, every 10 to 14 days depending on label instructions.
» http://jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/opm/displayspecies.php?pn=5
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r4300111.html
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7412.html
» http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1664&context=extension_curall
Spring 2017 edition of Dig In Newsletter
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: May 2, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
The Spring 2017 edition of the Dig In Newsletter is now available. To pick up a print copy, stop by the University of Idaho Extension Office at 501 Main St. in Caldwell.
Bur Buttercup
All Crops All Locations
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.
» http://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/htm/bur-buttercup
» http://oregonstate.edu/dept/coarc/sites/default/files/june_2013_article-_weeds.pdf
Red band needle blight
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Dothistroma Mycosphaerella pini
Posted on: April 6, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Red Band Needle Blight of pines is caused by Mycosphaerella pini. Austrian pines are most susceptible, followed by ponderosa and mugo pines.
Symptoms include brown needles (often the base of needles remain green), premature needle drop, loss of vigor, and a slow decline. Needle injury may resembling winter injury or scorch, however, diseased needles will also show gumming and sometimes broken tips that are an ashy-gray color. In addition, dothistroma infections usually occur on the lower and/or inner branches, where moisture is greatest.
Infections occur anywhere on a needle, leaving a “red band” (another name for this disease). The disease often works its way from the bottom of the tree up. In spring and early summer, an infected tree will have brown interior needles, and infections on the current season’s needles will not show browning until fall.
For severely infested trees, fungicide treatments should be applied soon, before budbreak. In Utah’s dry climate, infection rarely gets to the point of necessitating chemical treatment, however.
Treatment: Although infections can occur throughout the season, only spring treatments of fungicide (when necessary) are necessary. Three applications of either copper hydroxide (Kocide), copper hydroxide+mancozeb (Junction, Mankocide), or other copper (Bonide, Camelot) may be necessary, starting at budbreak and twice again at 10- to 14-day intervals.
» http://utahpests.usu.edu/IPM/htm/advisories/landscape/articleID=13019
» http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/dothistroma-needle-blight/
Apple Scab on Crabapples.
Small Fruits All Locations
Venturia inaequalis
Posted on: March 19, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
The wet weather and cooler temperatures this spring has led to favorable conditions for apple scab to develop. Apple scab can lead to the defoliation of ornamental crabapples planted in the landscape.
The first visible symptoms of apple scab in the spring are pale, water-soaked spots the size of a pinhead on the new leaves.
Sanitation practices are the best cultural way to manage the spread of this fungal disease. Avoid water on the leaves to prevent spread of fungal spores.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/crabapple-malus-spp-scab
» http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/how-control-apple-scab
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7413.html
» http://utahpests.usu.edu/ipm/htm/fruits/fruit-insect-disease&apple-scab
Yellow Jackets
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Vespula spp., Dolichovespula arenaria
Posted on: March 16, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Female Yellowjackets, the queens, who overwintered will be flying about looking for areas to establish new colonies. Now is the time to treat and prevent.
Vole Damage to Landscapes
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Voles - Microtus
Posted on: February 20, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Vole Damage is currently being seen throughout the area. As snow melts, the damage and tunneling caused by voles is evident.
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7439.html
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/NR_WD_009.pdf
Snow Mold in lawns
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Typhula incarnata
Posted on: February 11, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Now that the snow is melting off the grass, you may be noticing snow mold. Here is what you need to know to manage it:
Rapid drying and warming will lessen the outbreak of disease.
Remove snow to allow better drainage and remove the mycelial crust on infected turf by raking. This will help recovery of the grass.
Lightly applying a low dose of nitrogen fertilizer in the spring will promote new growth.
When applied in the fall, fungicides can be useful in controlling disease, but are not effective when applied in late winter or early spring!
Additionally, for pink snow mold it’s important to maintain low soil pH and balanced soil fertility.
Aeration of your lawn will help remove thatch and allow for oxygen to penetrate the soil and reach the roots. This will help your lawn recover more quickly. This is also a good time to reseed any areas which may need to be reseeded.
For more information, contact your local county extension office!
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/snow-mold08.pdf
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/snow-mold08.pdf
Houseplants class still has room!
Announcements Treasure Valley - Idaho
Horticulture Classes
Posted on: January 13, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
Join us at the Canyon County Extension Office on Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to noon at 501 Main Street for a class on how to care for and enjoy houseplants. You will even have an opportunity to make your own and take it home. The cost is $15 and you can register through the Caldwell Parks and Rec. Department online at http://www.cityofcaldwell.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/527/246
Or call the UI Extension Office to register 459-6003.
Other upcoming classes which you may want to register for include:
Houseplants, January 14th 10 AM
Making Sense of Seed Catalogs January 28th 10 AM
Planning you Garden (Where do I plant the Tomatoes?) February 11th, 10 AM
Weed Control February 25th 10 AM
Companion Planting March 11th 10 AM
Backyard Chickens March 25th 10 AM
Landscaping for season color and year round interest. April 8th 10 AM
Edible Landscapes April 22nd 10 AM
Pesticides 1 May 13th. 10 AM CEU for those holding a license available*
Pesticides 2 May 27th 10 AM. CEU for those holding a license available*
» http://www.cityofcaldwell.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/527/246
Storm Damage to Trees and Landscapes Possible
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Storm Damaged Trees
Posted on: January 7, 2017 by Rich Guggenheim
There is a high likelihood that the forecasted ice and snow will cause storm damage to trees which will need proper pruning. Storm damage to trees can be prevented through proper structural pruning while the tree is young. For more information on pruning storm damage trees, contact your local Extension Office or a certified arborist.
If your trees are damaged as a result of snow, wind, or ice, here is what you need to know:
First, Check for hazards. Before approaching a tree, examine your surroundings to avoid making contact with downed utility lines or standing under broken, hanging branches.
Contact city officials if necessary. Trees between the street and a city sidewalk may be the responsibility of city crews.
Assess the damage. If a tree is healthy overall and still possesses its leader (the main upward branch), most of its major limbs and 50 percent or more of its crown, the chance is good for a complete recovery.
Be careful knocking snow off branches. This may cause the branches to break. If you must remove snow, gently push up on branches from below to prevent adding additional stress.
Remove broken branches. This minimizes the risk of decay and insects or diseases entering the wound. Prune at the branch collar - the point where a branch joins a larger one - and be mindful of
potential pent-up energy if the branch is twisted or bent.
Don't over-prune. With the loss of some branches, a tree may look unbalanced, but most trees quickly grow new foliage that hides bare areas.
Don't try to do it all yourself. If the job requires running a chainsaw overhead, sawing from a ladder or removing large branches or entire trees, contact an insured, certified arborist.
Professionals often are listed in the phone book under "tree service"
If you decide to prune your own tree you need to know how storm-damaged trees should be pruned.
First, focus on cleaning (removing broken and damaged limbs) keeping in mind
the structural integrity of the tree. Realize that you may have to accept less than
ideal pruning techniques by “Mother Nature”.
Second, focus on thinning and/or reducing to restore the tree’s structural integrity
and shape to the extent possible. This may take place over a period of years.
The maximum amount of tree canopy that can be removed without putting the tree
and its root system under stress includes the live wood/foliage removed by the
storm. When Mother Nature removes too much live wood/foliage, limit pruning to
cleaning. On storm damaged trees where excessive live wood and foliage was removed by storm damage, wait until the roots and crown stabilize (as measured in canopy
growth) before doing thinning, reducing, or other structural pruning. This may be
a multi-year period.
Keep the tree if it can be pruned back to structurally sound wood and will be
aesthetically pleasing. Often when one side of the tree is gone, the best option is to
remove the entire tree
» http://extension.illinois.edu/icedamage/
» http://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/trees-woodlands/storm-damage-to-landscape-trees/
» http://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/FINAL_Storm_Damage_Quick_Guide.pdf
Salt Damage to Plants from Deicers.
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Plant and Animal friendly de-icers.
Posted on: December 16, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Many deicers contain various formulations of salts which can be damaging or toxic to plants, animals, and structures. Consider plant and pet friendly alternatives for de-icing agents in and around your homes if this is a concern.
» http://idahomastergardener.blogspot.com/2016/12/plant-and-animal-friendly-deicers.html
Prevention of Snow Mold in Lawns Starts Now
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Snow Mold
Posted on: December 15, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Snow Mold, which can impact lawns in the spring, may be avoided by not piling snow on lawns now, or by applying fungicides before snow accumulation.
Proper fertilization and aeration of turf in the fall and winter can aid in creating stronger lawns that are more resilient to snow mold.
For more information on Turf Management, contact your local University of Idaho Extension Office.
» http://ucanr.edu/datastoreFiles/268-607.pdf
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/snow-mold08.pdf
The deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardener is December 16!
Announcements Treasure Valley - Idaho
Master Gardener Volunteer Training
Posted on: December 12, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
The December 16th deadline to apply to become an Idaho Master Gardner in Canyon County is quickly approaching. If you've ever wanted to to learn more about horticulture, be sure to apply today! For more information, call 208-459-6003
» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/canyon/horticulture
