Landscape & Garden Alerts
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Become an Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer.
Announcements All Locations
Posted on: November 22, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Become an Idaho Master Gardener Volunteer. Applications are due December 16th. Classes will be available beginning January 17th and volunteers may choose from either a Tuesday evening class from 6-9 PM or on Wednesday morning class from 9am to 12 Noon. The cost is $165 which includes the 40 hours of course training and 40 hours of practicum. For more information contact the University of Idaho Extension Office in Canyon County at 459-6003.
» https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B88K2B0J0jApSi1YTm8xYTJFSFU
» https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B88K2B0J0jApTjhzV2FhRldiUEU
Peach Leaf Curl Treatment
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Taphrina deformans
Posted on: October 12, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Peaches are really close to leaf fall and the need for an application to prevent peach leaf curl. Lime sulfur or Ziram work great for commercial growers. Home grown trees will need something but avoid Monterey Liqui-Cop as it did not work. Ortho MAX Garden Disease Control was a little better than nothing. Bottom line for home growing - replace with a resistant tree after the current ones dies.
» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7426.html
» https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/peach-leafcurl.pdf
Frost Alert
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Frost
Posted on: October 11, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Frost is forecasted for much of the Treasure and parts of the Magic Valley Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Protect tender plants. Be sure to cover tender plants. Information on season extension and frost protection is found in the links below.
» http://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1002.pdf
» https://www.uky.edu/Ag/CCD/introsheets/extension.pdf
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVpO-3s9aZA&index=93&list=PL1964BF0FA26DF728
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7fSZrYLeWk&index=9&list=PLDB718A3689D44722
Powdery Mildew Control for Grapes
Grapes All Locations
Powdery Mildew in grapes.
Posted on: August 30, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Powdery Mildew is being seen on grapes. The time to control this fungus is early in spring. See attached links or contact your local University of Idaho Extension Office for more information.
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r302100311.html
» http://articles.extension.org/pages/31529/powdery-mildew-of-grapes
» http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/grape-vitis-spp-powdery-mildew
» https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/em9067.pdf
Apply First Application of Fall Lawn Fertilizer Now.
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Turfgrass lawns
Posted on: August 29, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
It is time to aerate and apply fertilizer to your lawn. Application should be
at 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft. Unless lawns are very weak, avoid early-spring
applications since grass normally grows vigorously by itself at that time.
» http://web.cals.uidaho.edu/idahogardens/2012/08/when-to-apply-fertilizer-to-turfgrass/
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/
» https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/ec1278.pdf
Corn Smut
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Corn Smut (Ustilago maydis)
Posted on: August 5, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Corn Smut has been spotted on sweet corn in gardens.
Corn Smut is edible.
There are no chemical controls for infected plants. Control is limited to a few cultural practices. Remove and dispose of smut galls before they rupture and release the black sooty spores. Remove and destroy all plant debris in the fall and practice crop rotation the following year. Avoid plant injury during cultivation, as this promotes disease development.
» http://sweetcorn.illinois.edu/Common-smut/Recipes.htm
» http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/vegetables/corn-smut/
» http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/lessons/fungi/Basidiomycetes/Pages/CornSmut.aspx
Powdery Mildew on Cucurbit crops
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Powdery Mildew
Posted on: August 5, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Powdery Mildew has been spotted on cucurbit crops. Applications of fungicides are preventative, not curative. Best management practices include:
Plant in a sunny location wherever possible
Make sure there’s good air circulation (through plant spacing and pruning)
Promote steady growth with moderate application of nitrogen fertilizer (or use a time release fertilizer)
In a sunny dry location, an occasional spray of water can be used to wash the PM from the plant
Remove and discard infected material, take special care in the fall to reduce the amount material available for over wintering
» https://www.mastergardeners.org/publications/powderyMildew.html
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r116100711.html
» http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Cucurbits_PM.htm
» http://articles.extension.org/pages/30604/managing-cucurbit-powdery-mildew-organically
Grassy Weed Control in Turf
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Grassy weeds in lawn
Posted on: August 4, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Weeds of various types in turf and laws are being brought in for identification and control. Proper control will require identification of the weed, a service provided for free by your local University of Idaho Extension Office.
Non chemical control methods including mowing your lawn as high as practical for your turf variety- usually 3-4 inches, deep watering of your lawn, proper fertilization usually in the fall, and core aeration can be very effective at aiding in control of weeds in your lawn.
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/goosegrass.html
» https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/e233/
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/
Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis)
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis)
Posted on: July 29, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Cicada Killers are being brought into local Extension Offices. Cicada killers are very large wasps, ranging 3-5 cm in length and resemble a very large yellowjacket wasp. Control of cicada killers is rarely recommended and can be difficult to achieve. The insects are not aggressive and have a beneficial role in managing cicada populations.
» https://bspm.agsci.colostate.edu/files/2013/03/Cicada-Killers.pdf
» https://utahpests.usu.edu/schoolIPM/htm/pest-id-guide/stinging-insects/sand-wasps-cicada-killer
Wasps, Hornets, and YellowJackets
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets
Posted on: July 29, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Wasps, hornets, and Yellowjackets are being seen in numerous yards and gardens this year.
Different methods, including non-chemical are available. Click the links below for more information.
» https://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS1218.pdf
» http://extension.uidaho.edu/clearwater/files/2014/11/Homeowner-Guide-to-Minor-Stinging-Insects2.pdf
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/nuisance-wasps-and-bees-5-525/
Tobacco Budworm in Roses, Petunias, Geraniums.
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Tobacco/ Geranium budworm (Helicoverpa virescens)
Posted on: July 21, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
The Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) causes damage to roses, petunias, geraniums, and the flower buds of other ornamental garden plants. Control methods include scouting and hand picking at dusk, roto-tilling, and planting less susceptible plant material.
On geraniums, insecticidal control is difficult because caterpillars are protected from applications inside the flowerbuds and stems. Consider planting ivy geraniums instead of standard geraniums.
On petunias pyrethrin insecticides can provide good control. Look for products containing the active ingredients permethrin, cyfluthrin, or bifenthrin. Always read and follow all label direction.
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/tobacco-geranium-budworm-5-581/
» http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/budworm.htm
Annual Fruit Field Day in Parma! Mark your calendars!
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Posted on: July 18, 2016 by Dian Roberson
The University of Idaho Annual Fruit Field Day will be held on Friday September 16; 2016, 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). Several cultivars of new table grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, plums, quince, Asian pears, and other alternative fruits will be presented during the tour. See the attached document below!
Curly Top Virus in Tomatoes
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Curly top Virus
Posted on: July 15, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Curly top virus has been spotted in tomatoes.
Visual symptoms of tomatoes infected with Curly top virus are leafs curl up and turn yellow wth purple along the veins.
Curly top virus is transmitted by the beet leafhopper. There are no effective chemical controls. Use row covers to protect tomato plants from leafhoppers.
» http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/02949.pdf
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/curly-top-tomato08.pdf
» http://entoweb.okstate.edu/ddd/diseases/curlytop.htm
» http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/curlytopvirus2013.html
White Grub control methods need to be applied now.
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Lawn Grubs
Posted on: July 5, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
July and August is the time to apply control methods for white grubs and June beetles.
One way to control them is to simply grow a vigorous lawn. Healthier plants have fewer pests and are more tolerant of infestations. Aerate lawns in the spring and fall, and apply fertilizer in the fall. Proper irrigation and mowing at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches will help establish and maintain a vigorous lawn.
Other options include insecticides such as imidacloprid.
Organic methods include Heterorhabditis spp. nematodes and or Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes.
Proper timing of insecticides is critical for effective control of lawn grubs.
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/billbugs-and-white-grubs-5-516/
» http://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/PESTS/inbill.html
» http://utahpests.usu.edu/htm/utah-pests-news/utah-pests-news-fall-2014/billbug-management/
Spider Mites!
Landscape and Garden All Locations
spider mite
Posted on: June 27, 2016 by Dian Roberson
With the hot dry weather in the forcast, be on the look out for spider mite damage. They attack evergreens, deciduous trees, and many other ornamental plants. They even like your veggies occasionally. You will probably not see the insect as they are as small as tiny specs of dust. They damage plants by rasping the cell surface so look for stippling or browning of needles. If you shake the plant over a white piece of paper and look closely you may see them moving around.
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/hort/landscape/common/landscape-pests-spider-mite
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/hort/landscape/common/landscape-pests-spider-mite
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/spider-mites-5-507/
Squash Bug Alert
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Squash Bug
Posted on: June 24, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Squash Bugs have been observed in home garden locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Control method options are attached.
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFMDcGDQOTY
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/ENT-120-08.pdf
» http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/sqshbug.htm
Peach Twig Borer
Tree Fruits Treasure Valley
Peach Twig Borer
Posted on: June 15, 2016 by Dian Roberson
It is time to spray for Peach twig borer. This is a major pest of apricots, peaches, plums, and prunes. There are no known hosts outside the orchard. The larvae injure fruit and trees. Feeding on the buds and twigs occurs early in the season, after which the larva bores into the shoots, causing a characteristic "flagging" or wilting of the new growth. Later generations of larvae feed on shoots or fruit, disfiguring the fruit. Flagging of twigs indicates an infestation.
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/tree-fruit/peach-and-nectarine/peach-and-nectarine-peach-twig-borer
» https://climate.usurf.usu.edu/includes/pestFactSheets/Peach-Twig-Borer.pdf
Squash Bug
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Squash Bugs
Posted on: June 8, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Squash Bugs have been spotted in area home gardens on squash plants. To control, hand picking can be effective if done early. There are chemical control options as well. What works best for nymphs are products that contain spinosad. Adults can be controlled with pyrethrins. When using any pesticide, always read and follow all label instructions.
» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aje4g4S_sY
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/ENT-120-08.pdf
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
New strain of Tomato Late Blight detected in Idaho.
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Late Blight in Tomatoes.
Posted on: May 25, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Late blight in tomatoes will likely be seen again this year in Idaho. There is a new highly infectious strain in Idaho this year, US23 which is pathogenic both to tomatoes and potatoes, and some research suggests even petunias.
Application of fungicides in the home garden are preventative only and not curative. Best management practices include avoiding water on leaves of plants and removing infected plants which may spread the disease.
Some varieties are resistant to late blight.
For more information, contact your local County Extension Office!
» http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r783100211.html
» http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/be-lookout-symptoms-tomato-late-blight
» https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2427e/
» http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/wivegdis/pdf/2015/Organic%20late%20blight%20control%202015.pdf
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.
» http://jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/opm/displaySpecies.php?pn=150
» http://wci.colostate.edu/Assets/pdf/western.cherry.fruit.fly.pdf
» https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/western-cherry-fruit-flies06.pdf
Fire Blight on Apple and Pear Trees
Tree Fruits All Locations
Fire Blight
Posted on: May 18, 2016 by Dian Roberson
We are seeing a lot of fire blight on pears come into the Canyon County Extension Office! Fire blight is a bacterial disease that affects certain species in the rose family (Rosaceae). It is especially destructive to apples (Malus spp.), pears (Pyrus spp.), and crabapples (Malus spp.). It likes warm wet springs like the one we had this year. 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.
» http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/pear-pyrus-spp-fire-blight
Codling Moth at 310 Degree Days
Landscape and Garden Treasure Valley
Codling Moth
Posted on: May 2, 2016 by Rich Guggenheim
Codling Moth Degree Days have reached 310 DD
The peak egg hatch period has begun. Chemical sprays loose effectiveness quickly on expanding fruits . It is important that your fruit is protected with insecticide to prevent larval entry. Keep track of when your first treatment was applied and how long it lasts. If it is waning during the period of peak egg hatch, consider applying your second application sooner (by 1-2 days).
Insecticides that target both larva and egg stages are recommended. Such as: Altacor, Assail, Calypso, and Intrepid. Homeowners should use horticulture oil with a product such as sevin for their first spray. The oil will smother unhatched eggs and the sevin will protect the fruit from hatched larva. Good residue coverage on your fruit is vital during the first generation.
Read and follow all label instructions when applying pesticides. If you use a pyrethroid based insecticides, chose a different class pesticide for your second spray, such as Assail, Calypso, Intrepid, or Imidan. Insects develop resistance to pyrethroids very quickly.
» http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/codling-moths06.pdf
» http://jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/opm/displayspecies.php?pn=5
» http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r4300111.html
» http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/codling-moth-control-in-home-plantings-5-613/
Aphids
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Aphid
Posted on: April 28, 2016 by Dian Roberson
Aphids are being reported on succulent new spring growth of a variety of landscape plants from Apple trees to Lupine. Remember, a stiff spray of water could be all it takes to reduce or eliminate populations. Check plants closely for Ladybug Larvae and other predators before taking action with chemicals. Nature may already be on the job!
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/hort/nursery/common/nursery-crop-pests-aphids
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/tree-fruit/apple/apple-woolly-apple-aphid
» http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/how-control-aphids-less-toxic-methods
» https://www.facebook.com/journal.environmental.agricultural.sciences/videos/939087619502267/?fref=nf
Beet Leafminer in Spinach, Swiss Chard and Garden Beets
Landscape and Garden All Locations
Posted on: April 27, 2016 by Ariel Agenbroad
Notice small white clusters of eggs on the backsides of your spinach, beet and Swiss Chard plants? Or are the leaves showing damage that looks papery or like winding trails? Then you're probably hosting the tiny fly Beet Leafminer.
You have several options, prevention, cultural management, and both organic and synthetic chemical treatments.
See http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-and-pests/beet-table-leafminer for more information on how to identify the damage and manage this pest.
» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-and-pests/beet-table-leafminer
