All Treasure Valley Alerts

Voles - Your Mortal Enemies!

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

Voles

Posted on: November 13, 2024 by Jeff Miller

Jason Thomas, University of Idaho Extension Educator, is working to better understand the impact of vole damage on Idaho farms and gather insights on how farmers like you have been affected. This information is crucial for helping us advocate for resources and support to address this issue effectively.

Please complete the 5-minute survey by clicking the link below, calling the Minidoka County Extension office at 208-436-7184 to do so over the phone or if you prefer to fill out a physical survey please email jasont@uidaho.edu with your address so he can send one out to you.

Thank you in advance for your valuable input—it makes a big difference!

https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KKoB4cTSn6p1Yy

» https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KKoB4cTSn6p1Yy

TREASURE VALLEY PESTICIDE PRE-CERTIFICATION TRAINING

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: November 1, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa

Prepare for Your Idaho Pesticide License Exam!

Join us in person on November 8 from 8:00 am to noon at the University of Idaho Research and Extension Center for a comprehensive training program designed to help you and your team get ready for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) pesticide exams.

Date/Time: Friday, November 8, 8:00am - Noon

Location: UI Caldwell R & E Classroom 1904 E. Chicago St., Caldwell

Register: Call UI Extension, Canyon County 208-459-6003

What is included:

• Education on Idaho State pesticide regulations
• Training on how to effectively read and interpret pesticide labels
• Review exam preparation strategies
• Exclusive access to online practice modules and exams!

Cost: $15.00 per participant https://bit.ly/24PesTraining

This training provides an interactive way to engage with study materials, gain critical knowledge, and benefit from examples and discussions that reinforce key concepts. There will be plenty of opportunities for review and Q&A.

Special Offer:

Get free access to our online course, which includes additional resources and practice exams to help you prepare at your own pace!

Questions? Contact

canyon@uidaho.edu / 208-459-6003

The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information, or status as any protected veteran or military status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodations need to contact University of Idaho Extension Canyon County one (1) week prior at 501 Main St., Caldwell, 208-459-6003 or canyon@uidaho.edu.

INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEM (ICLS) FIELD DAY

All Crops    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: September 17, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa

THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED 

Call the Canyon County Extension Office
at 208-459-6003 to secure your spot!

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

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)

Canyon County Emergency Management Storm Assessment

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 28, 2024 by Jemila Chellappa

For anyone in the County who knows anyone who might have been affected by the storm a few days ago please see the information below and share it with your friends and family who might have been involved:

Canyon County Office of Emergency Management is trying to gather information from people who were affected by the microburst that came through our area on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. If your property or crops received any type of damage from the storm, please fill out this form. 

Please send photos/attachments to the following email address with a description of the location and what was damaged. Email information to: emergencymanagement@canyoncounty.id.gov

Here is the link: https://forms.gle/BhxwVV4r27K8RLiq9

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.  

» IPM Field Day At Parma Flyer

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!

» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho

» Schedule for Extension Variety Trials

» Aberdeen Field Day Flyer

» Tetonia Field Day Flyer

Thinning Fruits - Cultural Practices

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley

Posted on: June 21, 2023 by Brad Stokes

2023 Fruit Thinning – June 21, 2023

Cultural Alert

Fruits which are crowded on limbs should be thinned. Apples, pears, Asian pears, apricots, plums, and peaches all respond positively to thinning. Cherries and nut trees are usually not thinned. Thinning fruit will 1) increase fruit size, 2) improve the trees productivity in the year to come, and 3) reduce limb breakage as fruits begin to size. Too many fruits on a tree translates into small fruit that is often of poor quality.

General rules for thinning: 1) the earlier the better, 2) remove smaller fruits and leave the larger ones, 3) remove fruits with disease spots, hail damage, or other defects, 4) aim for even spacing. 

General guidelines by fruit – see links below for additional detail. 

Apples & pears:  Almost always need thinning. Should be thinned to one fruit per spur with a good spacing of one fruit per 6” of branch. Asian pears spaced at one fruit per 6-8” of branch. Be careful not to break off spurs while thinning – spurs produce flowers and fruit for many years if not broken. Recommend to thin apples within 40 days of full bloom and pears within 60 days of full bloom. 

Peaches & nectarines: Should be spaced at one fruit per 6-8” of branch. Fruits that are joined should be removed. Recommend to thin peaches about 70 days past full bloom.

Plums: Should be thinned to have spacing at 6” between fruit along the branch.

Apricots: If tree experiences heavy fruit set thin fruit spaced to 3” along branch. 

Trees will exhibit “June Drop” which is when the tree will naturally drop fruit. Some prefer to wait until this event happens to thin, however there are great advantages to thinning early. More details can be found in the links below.

https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/fruit-thinning-for-high-quality/

http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/8047.pdf or attach as PDF from complete reference library

Other reference:

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/berries-fruit/fruit-thinning

Importance of scouting for late blight in potato

Potato    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Magic Valley

Late blight (potato)

Posted on: June 21, 2023 by Brad Stokes

Importance of scouting for late blight in potato

Kasia Duellman, Jeff Miller, Nora Olsen, Mike Thornton, Phill Wharton and James Woodhall

It has been several years since we have had an outbreak of late blight in Idaho.  It is easy to forget that late blight can be a threat in this region given all the other issues that growers have to deal with during the growing season.  However, history tells us that the most widespread late blight outbreaks have been associated with two factors: 1) presence of volunteer potatoes from the previous crop and/or planting of seed potatoes sourced from regions where late blight frequently occurs, and 2) frequent rain events throughout the growing season.

We want to stress that late blight has not been found in Idaho so far this year.  However, the unseasonably wet and moderate weather we’ve had recently has created conditions for potential late blight outbreaks in many locations.  For example, in western Idaho where the crop is just closing the rows, we have had several weeks of intermittent showers as shown by records from the Parma Agrimet site.

Although many areas of Idaho experienced a colder than normal winter, higher snow falls across the Snake River Valley mean that the soil temperatures in many areas remained above freezing.  The University of Idaho Volunteer Survival Model (https://cropalerts.org/volunteer-survival/), shows the risk of volunteer potato survival this year was high in most areas in southern Idaho.  Infected volunteer potatoes, cull piles and seed tubers along with the recent wet weather conditions can all potentially contribute to the development of a late blight this year.  As such, it would be prudent to plan ahead for the management of any potential late blight outbreaks.

Effective management of late blight requires the implementation of an integrated disease management approach, including strict sanitation practices (e.g. management of cull piles), good irrigation management, and the proper timing and application of effective fungicides.  All these practices together can reduce the chances of a late blight outbreak.  

Scouting is the first line of defense against late blight.  Field scouting should begin after emergence when the first plants are 4 to 6 inches tall. In potato fields after plants close across the rows, look for late blight in the lower portions of the plant where the foliage stays wet longer. Scouting should be concentrated in areas of the field most likely to remain wet for the longest period of time, such as the center tower of pivot irrigation system, irrigation overlaps, and areas missed by fungicide applicators such as the edges of fields.  Low spots where soil moisture is highest and parts of the field shaded by windbreaks are examples of areas where scouting should be intensified.  The symptoms of late blight (see pictures at the end of this article) can be confused with other diseases and physiological disorders.  If you find plants displaying symptoms of late blight, we recommend you take them to a local expert than can confirm the diagnosis.

Scouting allows growers to make informed disease and pest management decisions and provides early detection of other problems that may be present in the field, such as nutrient deficiency or herbicide injury.  By using information collected by scouts, growers can time fungicide applications for optimal effectiveness.  This is especially important for the control of late blight as fungicides are most effective when applied to foliage before infection occurs or when the disease is in its very earliest stages of development and no symptoms are visible.  In the irrigated fields of southern Idaho, late blight can be very difficult to manage once infections become established as the humid microclimate within the canopy favors further disease development after irrigation.

There are a wide range of fungicides labeled for use against potato late blight.  Each fungicide is different and will have specific conditions for use listed on the label with additional details regarding application rates, re-entry intervals and total product amounts that can be applied in a season.  Some may even include information on how to minimize the risk of fungicide resistance developing.  Fungicides that are effective for the control of late blight tend to have one of three modes of action: germination inhibition (they prevent germination of spores and thus plant infection), inhibiting mycelial growth (they block pathogen colonization of the plant cells), anti-sporulation activity (they prevent the pathogen from sporulating and thus limit spread of the disease).  For more information on properties of fungicides registered for use in potatoes go to the following link: https://cropalerts.org/2020/04/24/potato-late-blight-control-recommendations-for-southern-idaho-in-2020/.

In years when late blight has been confirmed in Idaho it has usually appeared after mid-July.  In the last wide scale outbreak that occurred in SE Idaho, late blight was first reported in Bingham County on July 10.  On that date, the high temperature recorded at Aberdeen R&E Center was 67^oF and it had been a wet June with daily rainfall totals as high as 0.5 in. (see below). These are ideal disease conditions.  If you suspect late blight please contact your local county UI Extension office or Kasia Duellman, Jeff Miller, Nora Olsen, Mike Thornton, Phill Wharton or James Woodhall. 

To provide additional information on the threat of late blight the University of Idaho operates a spore trapping network in cooperation with the Idaho Potato Commission.  Weekly updates from this network will be on the IPM website (https://idahopestmonitoring.org) starting the week of July 3^rd. 

» Late blight foliar

» Late blight stem

» Late blight

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 21^st 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.  

» Flyer - Parma Field Day

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.  

» Training Flyer - Espanol

2023 Pruning Deciduous Trees & Shrubs

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Tree & Shrub Pruning

Posted on: March 17, 2023 by Ruth Givens

The dormant season is a great time to prune deciduous trees (landscape & fruit) and shrubs. As a general guide remove no more than one-third of the tree when pruning. Below are a few resources on how to prune. 

·       Training Young Shade Trees, University of Idaho

·       Pruning Deciduous Shade Trees, University of Arizona  

·       Pruning Deciduous Trees, University of New Hampshire 

·       Deciduous Fruit Tree Pruning Videos, University of Arizona (https://extension.arizona.edu/deciduous-fruit-tree-pruning-videos)

·       How to Prune Trees Video, Colorado State University 

Prune shrub species which grow on the current season’s growth during the dormant period, usually late winter early spring. A few examples of flowering shrubs in this grouping including butterfly bush, heather, heavenly bamboo, hydrangea, shrubby roses and rose of sharon. Reference the third link for more information. 

For shrub species which form buds on last season’s growth prune these species within about two months after the flowers fade. On these species, flower buds form in late summer and early fall. Winter pruning decreases the number of flowers the following spring as branches containing flower buds are removed. A few examples of flowering shrubs in this grouping include azaleas, lilac, magnolia, mockorange, serviceberry, and witchhazel. Reference Pruning Ornamental Trees & Shrubs, from Purdue University. (https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-4-W.pdf)

For most areas of Idaho, plants that bloom before June 1 formed the flowers the previous year on old wood. Those that bloom after June 1 form flowers on new growth. Keep in mind that this is rough guideline.

The City of Nampa Parks & Forestry Department will offer tree pruning classes. See the attached file for more details. 

If you have additional questions, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office. To search by county visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties

Additional Resource 

PNW 400 Training & Pruning Your Home Orchard – 

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/pnw-400

Ornamental Pesticide Applicators Pre-License Training

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Pesticide Pre-license Training

Posted on: January 5, 2023 by Ruth Givens

The University of Idaho (UI) Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) will be offering pre-license training during the 2023 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 online 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 19 – 20, 2023, daily at 9am – 4pm (MST)

Boise Centre, 850 W Front St., Boise 83702

The cost is $75 per student. To register, visit our website https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/ipm/pesticide.

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

Note: We will be offering two prelicense hybrid courses this spring; one in March and the other in April. More information will be available in February.

2022 Pulse Crop Survey

Dry Beans    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Eastern Idaho, Magic Valley

2022 Pulse Crop Survey

Posted on: December 8, 2022 by Ruth Givens & Ronda Hirnyck

The Pulse Crop Survey is an annual survey of pulse crop growers and consultants about pulse crop diseases and their management, conducted by Montana State University. Through this survey we aim to understand which resources pulse growers and consultants seek out for information, which diseases challenge pulse crop production, which integrated pest management practices are implemented, and how effective they are perceived to be. 

Please consider participating in this survey. Your participation in this survey will help us identify research needs and resources needed to support economic and sustainable pulse crop production in the Northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest. Your participation in this survey is entirely voluntary and anonymous. This survey should only take 10 minutes of your time.

You can access the survey by clicking on the following weblink: https://bit.ly/Pulses2023 

PNW PestAlert Landscape & Garden Survey

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Home Garden & Landscape Survey

Posted on: November 21, 2022 by Ruth Givens

Ruth Givens from the University of Idaho Extension, Canyon County is conducting a research study. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the PNW Pest Alert Network with respect to Landscape & Garden. You are being asked to participate in this study because you are a subscriber to the landscape and garden alerts.

Your participation will involve completing a voluntary survey which will provide feedback to the principal investigator. 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 December 11 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 December.

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.

Fall Control for Coryneum Blight & Peach Leaf Curl

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Coryneum Blight & Peach Leaf Curl

Posted on: October 28, 2022 by Ruth Givens

Coryneum blight (Thyrostroma carpophilum) & Peach leaf curl (Taphrina deformans)

Coryneum blight or commonly known as shothole disease which is caused by fungus Thyrostroma carpophilum. Trees which have been affected develop small, round, tan-to-purpleish spots which then dry and fall out of the leaf producing a shothole effect. Most cultivars of peach, nectarine, apricot, and almond are very susceptible while cherry and plum are less susceptible. In addition, ornamental plant species can show damage. Beyond the leaf, symptoms can also be seen on the current season and 1-year old fruiting wood. Infections consist of round, reddish spots which are slightly sunken.

Chemical control will occur at 50% leaf drop in late autumn by spraying with a copper-based fungicide, chlorothalonil, or Bordeaux mixture. Follow the label instructions for rate and application procedure. Prune out affected twigs when practical. Culturally control shothole disease by not allowing irrigation sprinklers to wet the tree foliage, select cultivars which are disease resistant when available, and remove and dispose of affected foliage and twigs. 

Peach leaf curl caused by fungus Taphrina deformans and is specific to peaches and nectarines. Trees that are infected will have leaves that are distorted or curl, appear blistered, and develop a yellow or red color.   

Control can be achieved by a single fungicide application in the fall after 90% of the leaves have fallen. Chemicals used for control are copper products or chlorothalonil. Follow the label instructions for rate and application procedure. Homeowners should also remove and dispose of infected leaves that have fallen to the ground, to remove as much inoculum as possible. Resistant varieties can be selected for additional cultural control.

Link:

Peach Leaf 

PNW Handbook: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl

USU: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1736&context=extension_curall

Shothole

PNW Handbook: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-shothole

UC IPM: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/DISEASE/shothole.html

2022 Fall Lawn Fertilization & Care

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

2022 Fall Lawn Fertilization & Care

Posted on: September 16, 2022 by Ruth Givens

University of Idaho turf specialists recommended splitting the application of lawn fertilization into three (3) applications; early May, early September, and late October/November. Review the first reference below to identify fertilization application amounts using a soil test result or the second reference for general recommendations for southern Idaho. Apply according to label directions.

If your lawn is suffering from soil compaction or development of a thick thatch layer fall is the optimal time to core aerate.  For more information on core aeration review Lawn Aeration.

Fall is a great time to control perennial weeds in the landscape if opting to use herbicides. Perennials will begin storing carbohydrates in the roots promoting herbicides to be drawn deeper into the root system and allowing for better control.

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

References:

Using Soil Test for Garden Fertilization

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16svAaPIqRcsN8VyGMc_p5SMoOO-hImv8/view

Southern Idaho Lawns

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EcuP1OErzgRMMHN8l4fugN0VEXkLI-gv/view

Lawn Aeration

https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1505-lawn-aeration/

Find University of Idaho Extension

https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties

2022 Reduce Watering Frequency During Fall

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Reduced Watering

Posted on: September 9, 2022 by Ruth Givens

The days are shortening, and evening temperatures are cooling. Now is the time to adjust the frequency between irrigation days for the landscape and garden.

Lawn irrigation systems can be set to increase the number of days between irrigation based on soil texture. Adjusting the frequency of watering versus the run time allows for replenishment of the water holding capacity and usable water in the soil profile. Review reference links one and two below for greater explanation. This deep and infrequent method encourages a deeper root growth of plants.

A reminder to deep water trees and shrubs prior to shutoff of irrigation water.

References:

Watering Home Lawns and Landscape, University of Idaho

https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1098.pdf

Watering Home Lawns: How Much and How Often, University of Idaho

https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1157.pdf

2022 Apple Codling Moth, Third Generation

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Apple Codling Moth

Posted on: August 22, 2022 by Ruth Givens

The third generation of codling moth egg hatch is forecasted to begin August 24. Current degree day models indicate 2096 DD as of August 22. Third generation egg hatch begins at 2160-2200 DD.

Continue to keep fruit protected through September 15. Protection of fruit can stop after this time even if fruit has not been harvested. By mid-September there is not enough day length to signal eggs on the fruit to hatch.

Follow label directions for harvest and post-harvest requirements.

Reference Materials:

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/

2022 Blossom End Rot

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Blossom End Rot

Posted on: August 8, 2022 by Ruth Givens

Blossom-end rot is showing up on tomato plants. Pepper, eggplant, squash, and watermelon can also be affected.

Blossom-end rot is a physiological disorder due to a shortage of calcium in young fruit. Blossom-end rot often occurs when soil moisture fluctuates as water stress interferes with calcium uptake in the plant.  Most Treasure Valley garden soils have enough calcium and additions are not recommended. Refer to soil test results.

Cultural control practices: Use infrequent deep irrigation to keep the soil uniformly moist and avoid water stress or fluctuating soil moisture. Organic mulch can be used to prevent wide fluctuations in soil moisture. Avoid over fertilizing and hoeing or cultivating near the roots.

https://utahpests.usu.edu/ipm/notes_ag/veg-blossom-end-rot

https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/tomato-solanum-lycopersicum-blossom-end-rot

https://extension.usu.edu/vegetableguide/tomato-pepper-eggplant/blossom-end-rot

2022 Turfgrass Mowing Height & Watering

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Turfgrass Mowing Height & Watering

Posted on: July 6, 2022 by Ruth Givens

MOWING

The weather is warming and now is the time to check the mowing height at which your turfgrass is cut. Increasing the length of grass blade encourages a deeper root growth and provides more shade cover of the soil surface reducing water evaporation.

For summer mowing height Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are recommended to be maintained at 3 inches, perennial ryegrass at 2 inches, and tall fescue at 4 inches. Ensure that the mower blade is sharp and follow the one-third rule; remove no more than one-third of the leaf growth each mowing.

Grass clipping which are left on the lawn by mulching decompose quickly, feed soil organisms, recycle plant nutrients, and increase organic matter in the soil.

WATERING

The goal of irrigation is to keep the lawn healthy when rainfall is not dependable. The key is to moisten the top 12 inches of the root zone. Watering deeply (10 to 12 inches) but infrequently produces healthy turf. Practicing deep watering reduces weed populations, benefits landscape trees and shrubs, increases water use efficiency, and forces an exchange of soil atmosphere with each irrigation. Early morning is the best time to water.

Determining how deep irrigation water goes can be done by using a soil probe or shovel to check soil moisture the day after irrigation. At 10 to 12 inches deep the soil should feel slightly damp. If the soil feels dry at the 10- to 12-inch depth increase the duration of water application to fill the root zone. As weather conditions change adjust the frequency of irrigation to maintain plant available water in the root zone.

Identifying or knowing soil type will help to determine the frequency of water application, rate of water infiltration, and the soils water holding capacity. For example, heavy clay soils have a greater water holding capacity, but have a slower infiltration rate (speed at which water enters the soil). These soils can be watered less frequently (once a week or less) and may need multiple application of water on day of watering to allow water to move into the soil.  Sandy soils have less water holding capacity and a greater infiltration rate. These soils need to be watered more frequently to maintain comparable turf.

For a more calculated approach to water application reference the publication links below.

https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1098.pdf

https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1157.pdf

2022 Peachtree Borer

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Peachtree Borer

Posted on: June 29, 2022 by Ruth Givens

Peachtree bores are predicted to emerge between July 2 and July 5. 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 ½ 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

2022 Peach Twig Borer

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Peach Twig Borer

Posted on: June 22, 2022 by Ruth Givens

It is time for management of the peach twig borer, based on degree days. This pest is a concern for those growing peach, nectarine, apricot, plum and prune. Adult moths are 0.3 – 0.5 inches long, with light and dark gray mottled wings. Scales on the front of head cause the head to appear pointed. The larva is a caterpillar, about 0.5 inch long, with a dark brown head and distinctive, alternating light and dark bands on the body. 

Larvae injure fruit trees by feeding on the buds and twigs early in the season, then the larvae bore into the shoots, causing a characteristic "flagging" or wilting of the new growth. Later generations of larvae feed within shoots or even on the fruit itself. Flagging of twigs indicates an infestation.

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

For cultural controls prune out shoot strikes in the late spring and early summer as soon as they are detected to prevent these larvae from completing development and contributing to summer generations of the pest. If old shoot strikes are observed during pruning in late winter to early spring, plan to apply early season controls. Old strikes hold onto the dead leaves and appear as “flagged” terminals.

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

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

2022 Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Posted on: June 3, 2022 by Ruth Givens

Western cherry fruit fly adults are about 0.2 inch long. They have brownish to black wings with dark bands. White maggots infest cherries. The mature maggot makes a hole in the cherry as it exits. Flies overwinter as pupae in the soil.

Once the cherries start to blush (ripen to a salmon blush color) the fruits are susceptible to egg-laying by the adult females. Consider the maturity of the ripest fruit in the orchard when determining control methods. Spraying a product with the active ingredient kaolin can create a physical barrier that prevents females from laying eggs into the developing fruit. For additional control options see the links below.

Forecasted degree days at 1060 DD is predicted to be June 4.

http://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/opm/western-cherry-fruit-fly/

https://climate.usu.edu//includes/pestFactSheets/WC-Fruit-Fly.pdf

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/cherry/cherry-western-cherry-fruit-fly

2022 Apple Codling Moth, First Notification

Landscape & Garden    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/

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/

2022 Lilac-Ash Borer Control

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho, Northern Idaho

Lilac-Ash Borer

Posted on: May 23, 2022 by Ruth Givens

The lilac-ash borer (Podosesia syringae), a clear-wing moth, can be a destructive pest of many species of ash (Fraxinus spp.), previt (Ligustrum spp.), lilac (Sryinga spp.).

The Lilac-ash borers have reached the degree days sufficient for emergence. Adults are short-lived and typically deposit all eggs within a week after emergence. The first spray should be applied 10-20 days after adult emergence, approximately May 25- June 15, before the larvae bore into the trunk. Spray should be applied to the trunk and larger limbs, follow label instructions for application and reapplication depending insecticide selected.

Primary insecticides include permethrin (group 3A), bifenthrin (group 3A) and endosulfan (restricted use; group 2A). Please note that imidacloprid (group 4A), a systemic insecticide, is ineffective against lilac-ash borer and should not be used.

Diversifying species in the landscape, maintaining optimum plant health, monitoring, and preventive sprays (if necessary) are the best methods for preventing infestations. Only preventative treatments exist.

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1920&context=extension_curall

https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05614.pdf

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/ash-fraxinus-ash-borer

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/lilac-syringa-ash-borer

2022 Plant Diagnostic Clinics

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 28, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Many University of Idaho Extension office locations offer a free plant diagnostic clinic where certified Idaho Master Gardener volunteers help answer clientele questions. Here are the details that were shared with the PNW Pest Alert Network for those locations in the Treasure Valley.

UI Extension, Ada County (Boise, ID): The plant diagnostic clinic operates April through September and is staffed Monday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Ada County residents should contact 208-287-5900 or email adamg@uidaho.edu with landscape and garden questions. For additional details visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/ada/horticulture 

UI Extension, Canyon County (Caldwell, ID): The free plant diagnostic clinic operates May through September and is staffed Monday and Wednesday 1 PM to 4 PM and Friday 9 AM to 12 PM. Canyon County residents should contact 208-459-6003 or email ccmg@uidaho.edu with landscape and garden questions. For additional details visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/canyon/horticulture. 

UI Extension, Owyhee County (Marsing, ID): Landscape and garden questions for Owyhee County residents can be directed to UI Extension Canyon County at 208-459-6003 or ccmg@uidaho.edu. Contact information for Owyhee County is 208-896-4104 or owyhee@uidaho.edu. For additional details visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/owyhee.  

Don’t see your county listed? Visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties to find contact information for your county office.

2022 Spring Plant Sales

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley, Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: April 27, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Spring Garden Plant Sale

UI Extension, Canyon County (Caldwell, ID): Searching for new plants to add to your garden or landscape? The University of Idaho Canyon County Master Gardener Spring Garden Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 AM to Noon, at Canyon County Extension Office, 501 Main Street, Caldwell. Preorders can be made at https://bit.ly/ccmgstore and are available for pick up Saturday, April 30 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Additional inventory will be available that is not provided for preorder. Available plants include vegetables, herbs, houseplants, succulents, flowering perennials, native plants, and so much more. Join in the fun! For More information, call UI Extension, Canyon County at (208) 459-6003.

UI Extension, Ada County (Boise, ID): Let’s get growing! The University of Idaho Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held Saturday, May 7 from 9:00 AM to Noon, at the Ada County Extension Office, 5880 Glenwood Street, Boise. Offerings include houseplants, herbs, vegetables, and berries, flowering perennials, gardening books, and so much more. Cash or check only. Please no early birds. For more information, call the Master Gardeners at (208) 287-5900. Come join the fun!

There are several local groups and organizations that are hosting plant sales around the Treasure Valley. Check in with your local church groups, high schools, colleges/universities, and civic groups. Here are those we have been alerted to. 

• Idaho Botanical Garden Online Plant Sale, Boise, (member only April 22, public April 29)
• Vallivue High School, Caldwell, April 30
• Ridgevue High School, Nampa, April 30
• Marsing FFA Chapter, Marsing, May 4
• Canyon Springs Garden Outreach, Middleton, May 7
• Catholic Women’s League St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nampa, May 7
• Middleton Boy Scout Troop, Middleton, May 7

2022 Extension Drought Resources

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 24, 2022 by Nic Usabel

If you are looking for ways to conserve water during this growing season here are a number or resources available from various Extension programs. 

• University of Idaho Extension Drought Resources
• Utah State University Extension Drought Resources
• Watering a Home Landscape During a Drought, Colorado State University
• Native Plant Landscaping: Curb Appeal and Low Water Use, University of Idaho
• Landscaping with Native Plants, University of Idaho
• Idaho Climate & Weather Resources, University of Idaho
• U.S. Drought Monitor for Idaho, National Drought Mitigation Center

For additional questions reach out to a local Extension office. Find a local University of Idaho Extension Office.

2022 Pruning Deciduous Trees & Shrubs

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 25, 2022 by Nic Usabel

The dormant season is a great time to prune deciduous trees (landscape & fruit) and shrubs. It is not recommended to prune grapevines at this time.  As a general guide remove no more than one-third of the tree when pruning. Below are a few resources on how to prune. 

• Training Young Shade Trees, University of Idaho
• Pruning Deciduous Shade Trees, University of Arizona
• Pruning Deciduous Trees, University of New Hampshire
• Deciduous Fruit Tree Pruning Videos, University of Arizona
• How to Prune Trees Video, Colorado State University

Prune shrub species which grow on the current season’s growth during the dormant period, usually late winter early spring. A few examples of flowering shrubs in this grouping including butterfly bush, heather, heavenly bamboo, hydrangea, shrubby roses and rose of sharon. Reference the third link for more information. 

For shrub species which form buds on last season’s growth prune these species within about two months after the flowers fade. On these species, flower buds form in late summer and early fall. Winter pruning decreases the number of flowers the following spring as branches containing flower buds are removed. A few examples of flowering shrubs in this grouping include azaleas, lilac, magnolia, mockorange, serviceberry, and witchhazel. Reference Pruning Ornamental Trees & Shrubs, from Purdue University. 

For most areas of Idaho, plants that bloom before June 1 formed the flowers the previous year on old wood. Those that bloom after June 1 form flowers on new growth. Keep in mind that this is rough guideline.

The City of Nampa Parks & Forestry Department will offer tree pruning classes. See the attached file Horticulture Workshops for more details. 

If you have additional questions, contact your local UI Extension office. To search by county visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/directory/counties

» Horticulture Workshops

2022 Idaho Horticulture Expo

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: December 15, 2021 by Nic Usabel

The Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association will host the Idaho Horticulture Expo January 19-20 at the Boise Center. 

Here is a peak at just some speakers:

• Stepahnie Adams, Morton Arboretum
• Amanda Thompsen, author of Kiss My Aster
• Tim Prather, University of Idaho
• Dr. Brent Bean, BYU Idaho
• See the full schedule

Credits available:

• 11 continuing education credits for Arborists. 
• 11 recertification credits for Pesticide Applicators

Register today at inlagrow.org.

» https://inlagrow.org/event-4572799

2021 Live Evergreen Trees as Indoor Holiday Decoration

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: December 10, 2021 by Nic Usabel

If using a live, with roots attached, evergreen tree for your indoor holiday decoration here are some items to consider. 

First, consider where in the landscape you will plant your tree. Select an open area which lacks overhanging tree branches or wires. If you don't have such a site, consider a dwarf conifer or evergreen shrub. Choose a tree that will thrive in your soil condition and climatic condition. Proper planning now will save you time and money later. 

When you visit a nursery or garden center, you will find a variety of evergreens to choose from. Evergreens are commonly available as containerized trees grown in a pot or balled and burlapped trees. 

Before the ground freezes, dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. The soil which is removed from the hole will need to be stored where it will not freeze. This soil will be used in planting the tree after the holiday. 

Trees have a better chance of survival if they are not displayed in the house for more than a 7 to 10 days. If purchasing the tree early keep the tree in a cool location before moving it indoors and water as necessary. Extended exposure to the indoor temperatures can counteract the winter dormancy in conifers. A short display period and prompt planting is the best way to insure the survival of the tree in the landscape. 

When you are ready to plant position and level the tree. If the root ball is wrapped remove any cover or wires. Inspect the tree root ball for circling roots and straighten, cut, or remove them. Identify the trunk flare, where the trunk widens near the root zone, and ensure that the root flare is viable at ground level once planted. With the reserved soil fill the hole and gently but firmly apply pressure. Water thoroughly and apply a woodchip mulch. For more detailed planting instructions of trees visit treesaregood.org. 

With appropriate care, planting, and management you will be able to enjoy your tree in the landscape for years to come.

Resources:

Selection and Care of Living Christmas Trees, NC State Extension

2021 Protecting Trees from Sunscald

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 19, 2021 by Nic Usabel

Sunscald or southwest winter injury happens during the winter. Intense direct and reflected sunlight will activate tissues under the bark. At night, temperatures fall, and cells freeze, causing cell death. This damage is often not noticed for a few years until the bark has split open exposing the damage below. The damaged sites are prone to attack by wood-boring insects and fungal pathogens.

Recently planted trees, young trees, and trees with thin bark are more susceptible to sunscald. Trees species which are susceptible include maple, linden, mountain-ash, honeylocust, birch, walnut, crabapple, flowering cherry, fruit trees, aspen, ash, tuliptree, and willow. 

To prevent sunscald damage from occurring keep the lower trunk insulated or shaded in winter. Susceptible trees can be protected by wrapping the trunk with paper tree wrap, overlapping about 33% with each turn. Wrap trunks upward from the base of the tree to a point just above the lowest branch. Wrap should be removed in early spring after the risk of a hard frost has passed. If not removed the wraps can harbor insects and disease.  Trunks can also be protected by placing a light-colored board to the south and west of the tree trunk. In large applications white latex paint can be diluted 1:1 with water and applied on the southwest side of the lower trunk. Landscape design and planting susceptible trees to the north and east of buildings or evergreens can help to shade the lower trunk. 

References:

• Sunscald of Trees, Colorado State University
• Environmental Injury: Sunscald and Sunburn of Trees, Washington State University
• Sunscald Injury or Southwest Winter Injury on Deciduous Trees, Utah State University

» Sunscald on Tree

2021 Idaho Master Gardener Programs in the Treasure Valley

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: October 13, 2021 by Nic Usabel

Interested in becoming an Idaho Master Gardener. See below for program information offered by University of Idaho Extension. 

UI Extension, Ada County (Boise, ID): Be added to the interest list by calling 208-287-5900 or email ada@uidaho.edu indicating your interest in the Idaho Master Gardener Program. Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/ada.

UI Extension, Canyon County (Caldwell, ID): This location serves Canyon and Owyhee counties. Class to meet weekly Wednesday morning from 9am - noon January 12 – May 4. Be added to the interest list by emailing canyon@uidaho.edu or calling 208-459-6003. Registration packet will be released to interest list mid-October. Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/canyon. 

UI Extension, Elmore County (Mountain Home, ID): Be added to the interest list for the 2023 class by calling 208-587-2136 ext. 1250 or email elmore@uidaho.edu. Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/elmore. 

UI Extension, Washington County (Weiser, ID): This location serves the Payette River Valley (Gem, Payette, Washington, Adams counties). Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/washington or by calling 208-414-0415. 

Don’t see your county listed? Use the Idaho Master Gardener webpage to find all program options across Idaho.

» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/master-gardener

2021 Fall Lawn Fertilization & Care

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 15, 2021 by Nic Usabel

University of Idaho turf specialists recommended splitting the application of lawn fertilization into three (3) applications; early May, early September, and late October/November. Review the first reference below to identify fertilization application amounts using a soil test result or the second reference for general recommendations for southern Idaho.  Apply according to label directions. 

If your lawn is suffering from soil compaction or development of a thick thatch layer fall is the optimal time to core aerate.  For more information on core aeration review Core Aeration of Lawns. 

Fall is a great time to control perennial weeds in the landscape if opting to use herbicides. Perennials will begin storing carbohydrates in the roots promoting herbicides to be drawn deeper into the root system and allowing for better control. 

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

Canyon County Master Gardeners are holding an online Fall Perennial Plant Sale. View the inventory selection at https://bit.ly/ccmgstore. 

References: 

• Using Soil Test for Garden Fertilization 
• Southern Idaho Lawns  
• Core Aeration of Lawns 
• Find University of Idaho Extension

2021 Reduce Watering Frequency During Fall

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 14, 2021 by Nic Usabel

The days are shortening, and evening temperatures are cooling. Now is the time to adjust the frequency between irrigation days for the landscape and garden. 

Lawn irrigation systems can be set to increase the number of days between irrigation based on soil texture. Adjusting the frequency of watering versus the run time allows for replenishment of the water holding capacity and usable water in the soil profile. See publication links below for greater explanation. This deep and infrequent method encourages a deeper root growth of plants. 

A reminder to deep water trees and shrubs prior to shutoff of irrigation water. See our previous alert, 2021 Deep Water Trees & Shrubs.

Canyon County Master Gardeners are holding an online Fall Perennial Plant Sale. View the store today at https://bit.ly/ccmgstore.

Reference:

• Watering Home Lawns and Landscape, University of Idaho
• Watering Home Lawns: How Much and How Often, University of Idaho
• 2021 Deep Water Trees & Shrubs, PNW Pest Alert Network

2021 Deep Water Trees & Shrubs

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: August 31, 2021 by Nic Usabel

Many irrigation districts across the Treasure Valley have indicated that water delivery will end early this season. If your irrigation season will end soon consider deep watering your trees and shrubs before irrigation delivery has stopped. 

For established trees irrigate trees starting halfway between the trunk and the dripline  and extending well beyond the dripline. See photo linked below for a visual. For large trees this could encompass the entire lawn. For newly planted trees irrigation is best concentrated near the trunk and slightly beyond the root ball to encourage roots to move out into the surrounding soil. Shrubs can be watered in a similar fashion to ensure the roots of the shrub have received water. Evergreen trees and shrubs will continue to lose moisture from their needles or leaves all winter long.

Consider using mulches on the soil surface to conserve moisture. In addition, it will help with weed control and uniform soil temperature. Keep mulch 2 inches away from tree and shrub stems to discourage root and crown disease. 

References:

• Tree for southwestern Idaho landscapes: Selection & Irrigation, University of Idaho
  
• Watering Home Lawn and Landscapes, University of Idaho

» Tree Dripline Image

Corn Earworm Counts - 7/28/21

Corn    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 29, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

Below are the corn earworm
moth counts from this morning, July 28.  At
this time counts are still low, except they are rising a little bit in the
Homedale area.  I will check the traps
again in a few days to see if the numbers are increasing.

Corn Earworm Counts - 7/23/21

Corn    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 23, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

Below are the corn earworm moth counts from this morning, July 23. At this time there doesn’t appear to be a great deal of corn earworm moths around the valley. I will check the traps again in a few days to see if the numbers are increasing.

Location July 23

South on Nampa 2
Melba 1
Homedale 4
Wilder 3
Roswell 0
Middleton 2
Total 12

2021 Turfgrass Mowing Height & Watering

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 22, 2021 by Nic Usabel

The weather in the Treasure Valley is warming quickly! 

MOWING

Now is the time to check the mowing height at which your turfgrass is cut. Increasing the length of grass blade encourages a deeper root growth and provides more shade cover of the soil surface reducing water evaporation. 

For summer mowing height Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are recommended to be maintained at 3 inches, perennial ryegrass at 2 inches, and tall fescue at 4 inches. Ensure that the mower blade is sharp and follow the one-third rule; remove no more than one-third of the leaf growth each mowing. 

Grass clipping which are left on the lawn by mulching decompose quickly, feed soil organisms, recycle plant nutrients, and increase organic matter in the soil. 

WATERING

The goal of irrigation is to keep the lawn healthy when rainfall is not dependable. The key is to moisten the top 10 inches to 12 inches of the root zone. Watering deeply (10 to 12 inches) but infrequently produces healthy turf. Practicing deep watering reduces weed populations, benefits landscape trees and shrubs, increases water use efficiency, and forces an exchange of soil atmosphere with each irrigation. Early morning is the best time to water. 

Determining how deep irrigation water goes can be done by using a soil probe or shovel to check soil moisture the day after irrigation. At 10 to 12 inches deep the soil should feel slightly damp. If the soil feels dry at the 10- to 12-inch depth increase the duration of water application to fill the root zone. As weather conditions change this fall adjust the frequency of irrigation to maintain plant available water in the root zone. Frequency of irrigation refers to the number of days between each water application.

Identifying or knowing soil type will help to determine the frequency of water application, rate of water infiltration, and the soils water holding capacity. For example, heavy clay soils have a greater water holding capacity, but have a slower infiltration rate (speed at which water enters the soil). These soils can be watered less frequently and may need multiple application of water on day of watering to allow water to move into the soil.  Sandy soils have less water holding capacity and a greater infiltration rate. These soils need to be watered more frequently to maintain comparable turf. 

For a more calculated approach to water application reference the publication links below. 

• Watering Home Lawns: How Much and How Often
• Watering Home Lawns & Landscapes
• Idaho Landscapes & Garden Website: Lawn & Turf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1157.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1098.pdf

» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/garden/landscapes/lawn

2021 Fruit Thinning

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 2, 2021 by Nic Usabel

Fruits which are crowded should be thinned. Apples, pears,
Asian pears, apricots, plums, and peaches all respond positively to thinning.
Cherries and nut trees are  usually not thinned. Thinning fruit will 1) increase
fruit size, 2) improve the trees  productivity in the year to come, and 3)
reduce limb breakage as fruits begin to  size. Too many fruits on a tree
translates into small fruit that is often of poor quality.

General rules for thinning: 1) The earlier the better, 2)
remove smaller fruits and  leave the larger ones, 3) remove fruits with disease
spots, hail damage, or other  defects, 4) aim for even spacing. 

General guidelines by fruit – see links below for additional
detail.

• Apples & pears:  Almost always need thinning. Should be thinned
  to one  fruit per spur with a good spacing of one fruit per 6” of branch.  Asian pears  spaced at one fruit per 6-8” of branch. Be careful not to break off spurs  while
  thinning – spurs produce flowers and fruit for many years if not  broken.
  Recommend to thin apples within 40 days of full bloom and pears within 60 days
  of full bloom.
• Peaches & nectarines: Should be
  spaced at one fruit per 6-8” of branch.  Fruits that are joined should be
  removed. Recommend to thin peaches  about 70 days past full bloom. 
• Plums: Should be thinned to have
  spacing at 6” between fruit along the  branch.
• Apricots: If tree experiences heavy
  fruit set thin fruit spaced to 3” along  branch.

» https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/fruit-thinning-for-high-quality/

» http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/8047.pdf

2021 Idaho Master Gardener Plant Diagnostic Clinics & Plant Sales

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 17, 2021 by Nic Usabel

Plant Diagnostic Clinic:

Many University of Idaho Extension offices offer a free plant
diagnostic clinic where certified Idaho Master Gardener volunteers help answer
clientele questions. Here are the details that were shared with the PNW Pest Alert
Network.

• UI Extension, Ada County (Boise, ID): The plant diagnostic clinic
  operates April through September. Ada county residents should contact 208-287-5900
  or email adamg@uidaho.edu with landscape
  and garden questions. For additional details visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/ada/horticulture.
• UI Extension, Canyon County (Caldwell, ID): The free plant diagnostic
  clinic operates May through September and is staffed Monday and Wednesday 1 PM
  to 4 PM and Friday 9 AM to 12 PM. Canyon county residents should contact 208-459-6003
  or email ccmg@uidaho.edu with landscape
  and garden questions. For additional details visit https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/county/canyon/horticulture.
  

Don’t see your county listed? Use the first link below to
find all county locations in Idaho.

Spring Garden Plant Sale:

• UI Extension, Ada County (Boise, ID): Let’s get growing! The
  University of Idaho Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held Saturday,
  May 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Ada County Extension Office, 5880
  Glenwood Street, Boise. Offerings include houseplants, herbs, vegetables, and
  berries, flowering perennials, gardening books, and so much more. Cash or check
  only. Please no early birds. For more information, call the Master Gardeners at
  (208) 287-5900. Come join the fun!
• UI Extension, Canyon County (Caldwell, ID): Searching for
  new plants to add to your garden or landscape? The University of Idaho Canyon
  County Master Gardener Spring Garden Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, April
  24th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Canyon County Extension Office, 501 Main
  Street, Caldwell. New this year will be the virtual pre-sale opening Monday,
  April 19 and closing Friday, April 23. Items can be pre-ordered at https://bit.ly/ccmgstore and are available
  for pick up Saturday, April 24 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Available plants
  include vegetables, herbs, houseplants, succulents, flowering perennials,
  native plants, and so much more. Join in the fun! For More information, call UI
  Extension, Canyon County at (208) 459-6003.

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/find.aspx

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

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

» Ada MG Plant Sale

» Canyon MG Plant Sale

2021 Rose & Grapevine Pruning

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 2, 2021 by Nic Usabel

It’s time to prune roses and grapevines in the Treasure Valley. The cold temperatures are milder, and the forsythia is in full bloom.

ROSES:
For a guide to pruning roses click the first link below. For a video tutorial click the second link below.

GRAPEVINES:
The University of Idaho Research & Extension Center in Parma recommends pruning grapevines in the Treasure Valley no sooner than mid-March to ensure that low temperatures do not kill buds after pruning. Grapevines can “bleed”, movement of sap from the cut, heavily when pruned in spring. This does not harm the vines. For a pruning guide on grapevines click the third link below. For a video tutorial click the fourth link below.

Additional sources not provided in the links below include Grapevine Management from Utah State University at https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2672&context=extension_curall and Pruning Roses from Colorado State University at https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1763-pruning-roses/.

For additional questions on rose or grapevine pruning reach out to a local University of Idaho Extension office. Find your county office by visiting https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/find.aspx.

» https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/guide-pruning-roses

» https://youtu.be/xTlrYSmSFZw

» https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-how-prune-grapevines

» https://youtu.be/VE5Aw9Wn5F4

2021 Mosquito Management Webinar

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: March 29, 2021 by Nic Usabel

A free virtual webinar titled "Mosquito Management: An Integrated Approach" will be hosted by University of Idaho Extension, Canyon County on Tuesday, April 13 2021 at 6 PM MDT.

In this webinar James Lunders, District Director for Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District, will discuss control of larval and adult mosquitos, surveillance of mosquito borne diseases, and how to protect yourself, pets, and livestock.

Registration should be completed at https://bit.ly/2Cmosquito

To see the flyer visit http://bit.ly/2QosdEE

» https://bit.ly/2Cmosquito

» http://bit.ly/2QosdEE

2021 Spring Lawn Fertilization & Care

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: March 15, 2021 by Nic Usabel

Spring lawn fertilization for cool season grasses recommend that fertilization be made while energy is being directed to root growth, which follows with leaf growth. This timeframe for cool season turf in the Treasure Valley traditionally March thru early May. If mulching is a practice in your lawn maintenance plan, nitrogen can be reduced by ½ pound annually. Attend a “Lawn Care for Success” class to learn more about maintenance, fertilization, and watering. Click the link https://bit.ly/21Lawn2C to register for the class.

The proper rate of fertilizer application is best achieved when using a soil test result to identify the fertilizer needs of the soil. Use the second link below to access a publication to help calculate rate of fertilizer application for the lawn. Applications should be split between spring and fall. Application rates should not exceed 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in any one application, access the third link below to review the publication to identify additional time(s) for application if rate would exceed the 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet limit with only and spring and fall application. Always follow label directions.

For more information on how to obtain a soil sample to a soil test submission contact your local University of Idaho Extension office. Contact information can be found at https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/find.aspx

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

1. Light use is classified as occasional foot traffic or little to no play from children. Annual turfgrass recommendation is 0-1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Split the application between a spring and fall application.

2. Moderate Use: Typical children’s play and occasional garden parties. Annual turfgrass recommendation is 2-3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Split the application equally between a spring, early fall (late September) and late fall (Mid October to Late November)

3. Heavy Use: Frequently used sports field play, heavy traffic and/or frequent garden parties. Annual turfgrass recommendation is 4-6 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in spring, 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet late May/early June, 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet late June/early July, 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet early fall (late September) and 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet late fall (Mid October to Late November).

If your lawn is suffering from soil compaction or development of a thick thatch layer core aeration can be completed in the spring but is preferred in fall while weed pressure will be reduced. For more information on core aeration reference the fourth publication link below.

Spring provides the opportunity to seed new turfgrass areas or to over-seed areas that may have been damaged over the winter. Cool temperatures will promote germination and growth of cool season turf species, tall and fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Weed pressure can be higher this time of year so consider your weed control options or consider overseeding in the fall. Select pest resistant or recommended turfgrass cultivars when possible.

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

» https://bit.ly/21Lawn2C

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1182.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS0846.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/html/BUL964-Core-Aeration-of-Lawns.aspx?title=Search&category1=Search&category2=NULL

2021 Peach Leaf Curl Delayed-Dormant Spring Application

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Peach leaf curl (Taphrina deformans)

Posted on: February 6, 2021 by Nic Usabel

If you experienced peach leaf curl on peach or nectarine trees during the 2020 growing season and did not treat in the fall a delayed-dormant application before floral buds open is recommended to help with control.

DESCRIPTION: Peach leaf curl caused by fungus Taphrina deformans and is specific to peaches and nectarines. Trees that are infected will have leaves that are distorted or curl, appear blistered, and develop a yellow or red color.

CONTROL: Spray with an approved fungicide such as lime sulfur or copper-based fungicide. More chemical options listed by viewing the PNW handbook link below. Apply according to label directions and instructions. Cultural control for backyard growers includes removal of infected leaves that have fallen and selecting resistant cultivars.

If you have additional questions, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office at https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/find.aspx.

» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/find.aspx

2021 Pruning Deciduous Trees & Shrubs

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 30, 2021 by Nic Usabel

It is time to prune deciduous trees (landscape & fruit) and shrubs. As a general guide remove no more than one-third of the tree when pruning. Reference the first and third link for pruning deciduous trees and for a video reference the fourth link. Reference the second link for fruit trees.

Prune shrub species which grow on the current season’s growth during the dormant period, usually late winter early spring. A few examples of flowering shrubs in this grouping including butterfly bush, heather, heavenly bamboo, hydrangea, shrubby roses and rose of sharon. Reference the third link for more information.

For shrub species which form buds on last season’s growth prune these species within about two months after the flowers fade. On these species, flower buds form in late summer and early fall. Winter pruning decreases the number of flowers the following spring as branches containing flower buds are removed. A few examples of flowering shrubs in this grouping include azaleas, lilac, magnolia, mockorange, serviceberry, and witchhazel. Reference the third link for more information.

For most areas of Idaho, plants that bloom before June 1 formed the flowers the previous year on old wood. Those that bloom after June 1 form flowers on new growth. Keep in mind that this is only a rough guideline.

For classes on pruning in the Treasure Valley see the attached file.

If you have additional questions, contact your local UI Extension office. To search by county visit https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/find.aspx

» https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1139-2015.pdf

» https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw400/html

» https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/HO/HO-4-W.pdf

» https://youtu.be/mF8N1thnpn8

» Treasure Valley Parks & Recreation Classes

2020 Idaho Master Gardener Programs in the Treasure Valley

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 25, 2020 by Nic Usabel

Interested in becoming an Idaho Master Gardener. See below for program information coming near you.

UI Extension, Ada County (Boise, ID): Currently has waiting list for class. Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/ada or by calling 208-287-5900.

UI Extension, Canyon County (Caldwell, ID): This location serves Canyon and Owyhee counties. Class to meet weekly Wednesday morning from 9am - noon January – April. Registration to open October 1st. Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/canyon or by calling 208-459-6003.

UI Extension, Elmore County (Mountain Home, ID): Class to meet weekly Saturday from 10am – 2pm January – April. Registration open now. Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/elmore or by calling 208-587-2136 ext. 1250

UI Extension, Washington County (Weiser, ID): This location serves the Payette River Valley (Gem, Payette, Washington, Adams counties). Additional information can be found at uidaho.edu/Washington or by calling 208-414-0415.

Don’t see your county listed? Use the link below to find all program options in Idaho.

» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/master-gardener/course

2020 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys)

Posted on: September 23, 2020 by Nic Usabel

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive insect pest from eastern Asia. Its first North America detection was in Pennsylvania in 1996. BMSB adults were first discovered in Canyon County in May 2012 and in Ada County in October 2014. This year a location with traps adjacent to orchards in Canyon and Payette counties participating in the SCRI nationwide survey has collected five (5) BMSB in two subsequent weeks.

If you believe you have found BMSB in Idaho take a specimen to your local Extension office or contact the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s Pest Survey Program at (208) 332-8627.

BMSB has a shield-shaped body with mottled brownish-grey coloration. The adults are just over ½ inch long, and their antennae are marked with distinctive white bands. The insect’s underside is white with gray or black markings, and its legs are brown with faint white banding. Unlike most native stink bugs, BMSB has smooth “shoulders”. BMSBs have distinctive black and white “skirting” around their abdomens that protrudes from under the wings. See image.

BMSB has a broad host range that includes fruit, vegetable, ornamental, and field crop plants. The insect has a mouthpart for piercing and sucking plant sap and prefers fruits and seeds pods (reproductive structures). In Utah, the catalpa tree has shown the greatest numbers during detection and assessment of invasion risk.

» https://static1.squarespace.com/static/564b8c9ae4b0459b2b8187a3/t/5a31652a9140b743f5a90bea/1513186603464/BMSB+Fact+Sheet+December_2014.pdf

» https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2785&context=extension_curall

» https://extension.psu.edu/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

» Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

2020 Master Gardener Fall Perennial Plant Sale

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 11, 2020 by Nic Usabel

Canyon County Master Gardeners are holding a Fall Perennial Plant Sale. Orders can be placed online now, see first link below, and picked up curbside Saturday, September 19th from 9 AM – Noon at the UI Extension, Canyon County location at 501 Main St. Caldwell, ID 83605.

For additional information reference the flyer link below or call UI Extension, Canyon County at 208-459-6003.

» https://canyon-county-master-gardeners.square.site/

» http://bit.ly/2CFallGardenSale

2020 Fall Lawn Fertilization & Care

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 10, 2020 by Nic Usabel

For lawns, University of Idaho turf specialists recommend splitting fertilizer into three (3) applications early May, early September, and later October/November. Reference the publications linked below to identify fertilization amounts using soil test results (first publication link) or general recommendations for southern Idaho (second publication link). Apply fertilizer following label directions.

If your lawn is suffering from soil compaction or development of a thick thatch layer fall is the optimal time to core aerate. For more information on core aeration reference the third publication link below.

Fall is a great time to control perennial weeds in the landscape if opting to use herbicides. Perennials will begin storing carbohydrates in the roots promoting herbicides to be drawn deeper into the root system and allowing for better control.

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

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1182.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS0846.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/html/BUL964-Core-Aeration-of-Lawns.aspx?title=Search&category1=Search&category2=NULL

2020 Reduce Watering Frequency During Fall

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 9, 2020 by Nic Usabel

The days are shortening, and evening temperatures are cooling. Now is the time to adjust the frequency between irrigation days for the landscape and garden.

Lawn irrigation systems should be set to increase the number of days between irrigation according to soil texture. Adjusting the frequency of watering versus the run time allows for replenishment of the water holding capacity and usable water in the soil profile (see publication link one or two below). This deep and infrequent method encourages deeper root growth of plants.

Also consider a deep watering for trees and shrubs at the drip line (see third publication link) prior to irrigation water being turned off. Evergreen trees and shrubs will continue to lose moisture from their needles or leaves all winter long.

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1098.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1157.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/html/BUL884-Trees-for-Idaho-landscapes.aspx?title=Search&category1=Search&category2=NULL#Watering

2020 Turfgrass Mowing Height & Watering

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: July 7, 2020 by Nic Usabel

MOWING
The weather will be warming and now is the time to check the mowing height at which your turfgrass is cut. Increasing the length of grass blade encourages a deeper root growth and provides more shade cover of the soil surface reducing water evaporation.

For summer mowing height Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are recommended to be maintained at 3 inches, perennial ryegrass at 2 inches, and tall fescue at 4 inches. Ensure that the mower blade is sharp and follow the one-third rule; remove no more than one-third of the leaf growth each mowing.

Grass clipping which are left on the lawn by mulching decompose quickly, feed soil organisms, recycle plant nutrients, and increase organic matter in the soil.

WATERING
The goal of irrigation is to keep the lawn healthy when rainfall is not dependable. The key is to moisten the top 12 inches of the root zone. Watering deeply (10 to 12 inches) but infrequently produces healthy turf. Practicing deep watering reduces weed populations, benefits landscape trees and shrubs, increases water use efficiency, and forces an exchange of soil atmosphere with each irrigation. Early morning is the best time to water.

Determining how deep irrigation water goes can be done by using a soil probe or shovel to check soil moisture the day after irrigation. At 10 to 12 inches deep the soil should feel slightly damp. If the soil feels dry at the 10- to 12-inch depth increase the duration of water application to fill the root zone. As weather conditions change adjust the frequency of irrigation to maintain plant available water in the root zone.

Identifying or knowing soil type will help to determine the frequency of water application, rate of water infiltration, and the soils water holding capacity. For example, heavy clay soils have a greater water holding capacity, but have a slower infiltration rate (speed at which water enters the soil). These soils can be watered less frequently (once a week or less) and may need multiple application of water on day of watering to allow water to move into the soil. Sandy soils have less water holding capacity and a greater infiltration rate. These soils need to be watered more frequently to maintain comparable turf.

For a more calculated approach to water application reference the publication links below.

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1098.pdf

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1157.pdf

» https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/garden/landscapes/lawn

2020 Fruit Thinning

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 11, 2020 by Nic Usabel

Fruits which are crowded should be thinned. Apples, pears, Asian pears, apricots, plums, and peaches all respond positively to thinning. Cherries and nut trees are usually not thinned. Thinning fruit will 1) increase fruit size, 2) improve the trees productivity in the year to come, and 3) reduce limb breakage as fruits begin to size. Too many fruits on a tree translates into small fruit that is often of poor quality.

General rules for thinning: 1) The earlier the better, 2) remove smaller fruits and leave the larger ones, 3) remove fruits with disease spots, hail damage, or other defects, 4) aim for even spacing.

General guidelines by fruit – see links below for additional detail.

Apples & pears: Almost always need thinning. Should be thinned to one per spur with a good spacing of one fruit per 6” of branch. Asian pears spaced at one fruit per 6-8” of branch. Be careful not to break off spurs while thinning – spurs produce flowers and fruit for many years if not broken. Recommend to thin apples within 40 days of full bloom and pears within 60 days of full bloom.

Peaches & nectarines: Should be spaced at one fruit per 6-8” of branch. Fruits that are joined should be removed. Recommend to thin peaches about 70 days past full bloom.

Plums: Should be thinned to have spacing at 6” between fruit along the branch.

Apricots: If tree experiences heavy fruit set thin fruit spaced to 3” along branch.

If you are new to the orchard, know that trees will exhibit “June Drop” which is when the tree will naturally drop fruit. Some prefer to wait until this event happens to thin, however there are great advantages to thinning early. More details can be found in the links below.

» https://extension.wsu.edu/maritimefruit/fruit-thinning-for-high-quality/

» https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/berries-fruit/fruit-thinning

» Thinning Young Fruit

2020 Master Gardener Plant Giveaway - Donations Accepted

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 17, 2020 by Maria Held

Canyon County Master Gardeners are holding a Spring Plant Giveaway at Canyon Springs 1444 Cornell St, Middleton, and Fujishin Winery 15593 Sunny Slope Rd, Caldwell on Saturday April 25th from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Donations are appreciated and can be left at each neighborhood site in the donation jar.
Master Gardeners will not be available to interact with the public, but resource materials will be provided.
Please take only the plants that you will use.
Practice Social Distancing.
For variety information please use the link below.

» https://bit.ly/PlantGiveawayLocation

Free Victory Garden Class 2020

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 9, 2020 by Maria Held

Are you or people you know thinking about starting or expanding your garden? University of Idaho Extension has updated and opened this online course for free public access for the rest of the year. This popular, family-friendly program is packed with instructional videos, activities, readings and more to help you grow, eat, and preserve food at home, while saving money! This program was created with love for our Idaho communities and gardeners, please share. http://bit.ly/IDVictoryGarden

» http://bit.ly/IDVictoryGarden

» Victory_Garden_class_photo.jpg

2020 Peach Leaf Curl Delayed Dormant Spring Application

Landscape & Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: March 5, 2020 by Nic Usabel

If you experienced peach leaf curl during the 2019 growing season, a delayed dormant application before floral buds open is recommended. Spray with an approved copper-based fungicide at the rate listed on the product.

Selecting resistant cultivars offer the best option for backyard growers.

» https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/peach-prunus-persica-leaf-curl

Treasure Valley Hemp Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: February 11, 2020 by Stuart Reitz

The Treasure Valley Hemp Conference is an educational and community building event for the hemp industry being held in Ontario Oregon on February 21st and 22nd at the Four Rivers Cultural Center.

Please see the following website for information http://www.treasurevalleyhempconference.com

» http://www.treasurevalleyhempconference.com

» Hemp Conference Flyer

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

» getting_started_with_cover_crops.pdf

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.

» FarmFestivalProgram2019.pdf

Onion Thrips update 6/28/2019

Onion    Treasure Valley

Onion thrips

Posted on: June 30, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

Below are the results from this past week’s thrips monitoring program. Thrips pressure continues to be strong – as there were increases in adults and immatures in most areas. Please keep in mind that numbers vary from field to field.
This week, we found Iris yellow spot virus in fields in Ontario, Nyssa and Fruitland, with the highest levels around 10% in a couple of fields. Infected plants have been more abundant closer to the edges of fields, which suggests that most transmission at this time is from adults dispersing into fields. That would change later in the season if immature thrips survive on infected plants and then transmit virus to other plants within a field.
As the onions’ canopy develops and leaves start folding over one another, be sure to use sufficient spray volumes and pressure to get insecticides down in the neck of plants. This week some I saw some recently sprayed fields that had dead thrips several inches up on the leaves but still had live ones in the neck at the base of leaves.
The Malheur Experiment Station Annual Farm Fest will be July 10, beginning at 8 AM with drone demonstrations followed by research tours and kids’ activities. ODA Director Alexis Taylor will be our special guest speaker at lunch. She will be there with other ODA representatives, including Susanna Pearlstein, ODA’s Produce Safety Program Manager, and Casey Prentiss. Please call 541-889-2174 to RSVP.



Figure 1. IYSV on leaves 2019-06-28

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

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

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


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


IYSV Incidence (% plants with lesions)
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22 6/29
Oregon Slope/Weiser 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%
Ontario 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.9%
Nyssa 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1%
Adrian 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%
Parma 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%

» Thrips update 6/28/2019

Onion Thrips update 6/22/2019

Onion    Treasure Valley

Onion thrips

Posted on: June 22, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

Below are the monitoring results for this week. Fields were checked Thursday afternoon, Friday, and a few Saturday morning. There are 7 – 10 fields in each area.

Not surprisingly, there’s been a sharp increase in thrips in some areas. In other areas, numbers have held fairly steady. Some of the difference reflects where people are with their insecticide programs. For example, fields that have already received a second Movento application tend to have few immatures. Some of those that haven’t or just had a recent application tend to have more immatures and a higher proportion of immatures relative to adults. One way to see when the residual effect of Movento is declining is to see if the proportion of immatures is increasing.

I did find two Iris yellow spot infected plants this week so be on the lookout for it.

Despite a couple of brisk days this week, the degree days for June have been about the same as last year. For the season, 2019 is a couple of days behind 2018 but still a few days ahead of the historic average.

Adults per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.15 2.47 4.41
Vale 0.15 0.55 1.64 2.60 4.79 6.44
Ontario 0.07 0.03 0.78 0.71 1.92 4.35
Nyssa 0.02 0.07 1.32 1.03 3.67 5.20
Adrian 0.02 0.22 1.60 1.67 2.15 2.63
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.19 0.94 1.29 6.12
Parma - 0.09 1.60 0.67 2.75 7.89
Overall Average 0.06 0.15 1.03 1.11 2.72 5.29

Immatures per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.26 5.45 12.55
Vale 0.00 0.41 6.28 4.20 11.16 5.99
Ontario 0.00 0.00 3.60 1.71 8.71 22.81
Nyssa 0.00 0.02 3.56 5.52 8.00 10.58
Adrian 0.00 0.00 8.42 3.64 5.45 1.10
Fruitland 0.00 0.00 0.16 2.20 3.39 7.62
Parma - 0.00 1.97 4.37 1.66 2.90
Overall Average 0.00 0.06 3.43 3.13 6.26 9.08

Total average per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.42 7.92 16.96
Vale 0.15 0.96 7.92 6.79 15.96 12.43
Ontario 0.07 0.03 4.38 2.42 10.63 27.16
Nyssa 0.02 0.09 4.88 6.55 11.67 15.78
Adrian 0.02 0.22 10.01 5.31 7.61 3.73
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.35 3.14 4.68 13.74
Parma - 0.09 3.58 5.03 4.41 10.79
Overall Average 0.06 0.21 4.45 4.24 8.98 14.37

% Plants with Thrips
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15 6/22
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0% 4% 6% 14% 68% 81%
Vale 0% 31% 64% 54% 81% 83%
Ontario 0% 3% 34% 35% 73% 89%
Nyssa 0% 5% 73% 56% 70% 87%
Adrian 0% 19% 57% 53% 70% 86%
Fruitland 0% 3% 17% 50% 54% 94%
Parma 0% 7% 54% 41% 89% 84%
Overall Average 0% 10% 43% 43% 72% 86%

» Thrips_update_6-22-2019.pdf

Onion Thrips update 6/15/2019

Onion    Treasure Valley

Onion thrips

Posted on: June 16, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

With the warmer weather, thrips numbers continue to increase around the valley, with a greater and greater proportion of plants having thrips on them. The sharp increase in abundance in the Slope / Weiser area are from fields that had not been sprayed yet. Similar increases in other areas reflect fields where counts were taken ahead of an insecticide treatment. Keep in mind that adults continue to come into fields from outside sources so their numbers rebound soon after insecticide applications followed by increases in the immatures. Monitoring fields can help you prioritize and schedule fields for applications.

We have not observed Iris yellow spot virus yet in this season’s crop.

Adults per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.15 2.47
Vale 0.15 0.55 1.64 2.60 4.79
Ontario 0.07 0.03 0.78 0.71 1.92
Nyssa 0.02 0.07 1.32 1.03 3.67
Adrian 0.02 0.22 1.60 1.67 2.15
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.19 0.94 1.29
Parma - 0.09 1.60 0.67 2.75
Overall Average 0.06 0.15 1.03 1.11 2.72

Immatures per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.26 5.45
Vale 0.00 0.41 6.28 4.20 11.16
Ontario 0.00 0.00 3.60 1.71 8.71
Nyssa 0.00 0.02 3.56 5.52 8.00
Adrian 0.00 0.00 8.42 3.64 5.45
Fruitland 0.00 0.00 0.16 2.20 3.39
Parma - 0.00 1.97 4.37 1.66
Overall Average 0.00 0.06 3.43 3.13 6.26

Total average per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.42 7.92
Vale 0.15 0.96 7.92 6.79 15.96
Ontario 0.07 0.03 4.38 2.42 10.63
Nyssa 0.02 0.09 4.88 6.55 11.67
Adrian 0.02 0.22 10.01 5.31 7.61
Fruitland 0.05 0.03 0.35 3.14 4.68
Parma - 0.09 3.58 5.03 4.41
Overall Average 0.06 0.21 4.45 4.24 8.98



% Plants with Thrips
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31 6/8 6/15
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0% 4% 6% 14% 68%
Vale 0% 31% 64% 54% 81%
Ontario 0% 3% 34% 35% 73%
Nyssa 0% 5% 73% 56% 70%
Adrian 0% 19% 57% 53% 70%
Fruitland 0% 3% 17% 50% 54%
Parma 0% 7% 54% 41% 89%
Overall Average 0% 10% 43% 43% 72%

» Thrips update 6/15/2019

Potato Psyllids in the Treasure Valley

Potato    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 14, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

Potato psyllids detected in the Treasure Valley.

The potato pest monitoring network in Malheur County found potato psyllids in 45% of checked fields last week (Traps were placed May 31 and collected June 7). A total of 21 psyllids were collected this past week from the 20 fields currently in the monitoring network. The psyllids will be tested for the Zebra Chip bacterium.

For information on psyllid and other pest management in potatoes, please see the 2019 Integrated Pest Management Guidelines for Insects and Mites in Idaho, Oregon and Washington Potatoes, available at http://www.nwpotatoresearch.com/pest-library/pest-management-options/.

» http://www.nwpotatoresearch.com/pest-library/pest-management-options/

Onion Thrips update

Onion    Treasure Valley

Onion thrips

Posted on: June 1, 2019 by Stuart Reitz

We had a sharp increase in thrips numbers in most areas over the past week. Fields were checked on Thursday and Friday (5/30 – 5/31). Thrips were in 90% of the fields checked this week and are being found on more plants per field now. The overall increase was largely a result of thrips beginning to reproduce in fields (as marked by the increase in immature thrips). Numbers tend to be higher in fields with larger plants. The highest numbers have been in red onion fields with plants at the 4-5 leaf stage and in early onion fields (e.g. Spanish Medallion and other early varieties). The highest numbers in the network were about 32 per plant in a red onion field (about 85% being immatures). The lowest numbers have been in fields at the 1-2 leaf stage, especially those in the Oregon Slope/Weiser area.

Expect additional movement of thrips into onion fields as more alfalfa fields get their first cutting and as rangeland weeds begin to dry down and senesce. Populations will increase rapidly with the warmer, drier weather in the forecast.

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

Immatures per Plant
Growing Area 5/15 5/25 5/31
Oregon Slope/Weiser 0.00 0.00 0.00
Vale 0.00 0.41 6.28
Ontario 0.00 0.00 3.60
Nyssa 0.00 0.02 3.56
Adrian 0.00 0.00 8.42
Fruitland 0.00 0.00 0.16
Parma - 0.00 1.97
Overall Average 0.00 0.06 3.43

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

% Plants with Thrips
Growing Area 5/15/2019 5/25/2019 5/31/2019
Oregon Slope/Weiser 3% 4% 6%
Vale 15% 31% 64%
Ontario 7% 3% 34%
Nyssa 2% 5% 73%
Adrian 2% 19% 57%
Fruitland 5% 3% 17%
Parma - 7% 54%
Overall Average 6% 10% 43%



A couple of notes unrelated to onion thrips
1 – As a result of the cool, wet spring, downy mildew has shown up in some overwinter onions in the Columbia Basin. I haven’t seen signs of it in the Treasure Valley, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for it. Even with the wet weather, I don’t think the bulb crop is at high risk since the crop is relatively small and doesn’t have a dense canopy yet that keeps moisture levels high on the leaves. It could be a greater risk for seed crops that have a denser canopy now. Please let me know if you have concerns about it in your fields.


Thanks to Carrie Wohleb and Lindsey du Toit for the pictures of downy mildew on onion foliage and flower scapes.

2 – if you have sugarbeets, there have been reports of leafminer and armyworms in beet fields.

3 –June 13 2019: Snake River Weed Research Tour, Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave, Ontario, OR, beginning at 8:30 AM
http://www.cropinfo.net/events.php

» Thrips update 5/31/2019

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.

» 2019_FIELD_DAY_FLIER_Parma_R_and_E.pdf

Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 22, 2019 by Maria Held

The Canyon County Master Gardeners Annual Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale takes place on Saturday, April 27th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Canyon County Extension Office in Caldwell on 501 Main St.
A free Gardening 101 class is scheduled for 10 am and 1 pm. Informational tables on tomato trellising, transplanting, composting and more will be offered. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions.
A variety of vegetables (lots of tomato and pepper plants), herbs, annual and perennial flowers including succulents and pollinator plants, houseplants and a few shrubs and conifers are available for sale. Prices start at $1 up to $10 depending on type and size of plant.
All proceeds go to Master Gardener Scholarships.

» Plant Sale Flyer 2019

Worker Protection Standard Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 3, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is hosting a Worker Protection Standard, Train the Trainer session in Caldwell, ID April 9, 2019. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» WPS_training.pdf

2019 Treasure Valley Bean School

Dry Beans    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 11, 2019 by Jerry Neufeld

The 2019 Treasure Valley Bean School will be held at the Hampton Inn in Nampa on January 17. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 2019_Bean_School_Flyer.pdf

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.

» 2018CorePesticideFlyer.pdf

Treasure Valley Tomato Taste Off & Classes

Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley

Posted on: September 10, 2018 by Maria Held

Did you grow an awesome tomato this summer?
Enter it in the 2nd Annual FREE Treasure Valley Tomato Taste Off at the Indian Creek Festival in Caldwell on Saturday, September 15, 2018!

Entries can be dropped off at the Canyon County Extension Office, 501 Main St, Caldwell on Friday September 14th from 1:00 PM-4:30 PM or bring them to our festival booth from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Questions? Contact the Extension Office @ 208-459-6003
Tasting and voting will be from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
There will be prizes for the best Slicing, Cherry, and Paste tomato!

Classes will be held in the afternoon
2:00 PM Pollinators: More than Bees
3:00 PM Tomato Basics: From Seed to Salsa
4:00 PM Growing Tomatoes on a Trellis
5:00 PM Canning Tomatoes

» Tastoff_Flyer_2018.pdf

corn earworm counts 8/9/18

Corn    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: August 9, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The pdf below has the corn earworm adult moth counts from this morning. There does not appear to be many corn earworm moths in the area. However, scout your fields to be sure.

» CEW_counts_2018.pdf

Thrips Update 7/13/18

Onion    Treasure Valley

thrips

Posted on: July 16, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

Stuart Reitz, from OSU Malheur County Extension, is monitoring Treasure Valley onion fields for thrips this summer. Click on the pdf below for an update on this project as of 7/13/18.

» thrips_update_7-13-18.pdf

University of Idaho onion workshop and field tour

Onion    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 27, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho is hosting an onion workshop and field tour on July 13 at the Parma R and E Center. You are encouraged to RSVP since seating in limited. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» U_of_I_FD.pdf

Hail damage to onions

Onion    Treasure Valley

Hail Damage

Posted on: May 7, 2018 by Stuart Reitz

A strong thunderstorm with high winds and hail crossed through parts of the valley Sunday evening. According to the National Weather Service, it went from Nyssa to the Fruitland and Payette areas.

If your onions were damaged in the storm, remember that the plants will benefit from a protective bactericide/fungicide application. Hail can create small and large wounds that leave plants extremely vulnerable to diseases.

As soon as you can get on the field, apply a copper containing protectant spray. Copper protects against bacterial and fungal diseases so it is a better option than fungicides that do not contain copper. This will help prevent infections while those wounds heal. The sooner after any damage occurs, the better.

Allium (Onion) Leaf Miner

Onion    Treasure Valley

Allium Leaf Miner

Posted on: March 27, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

Allium Leaf Miner, or Onion Leaf Miner is one of the worst onion pests in Europe. It is currently found in several counties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This pest was recently deregulated by USDA-APHIS, meaning it will not be stopped when found at port inspections, thereby posing a threat to other onion producing areas in the U.S. Click on the link below for more information about this pest from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

» http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/AlliumLeafminerPestAlert.pdf

Cull Onion Disposal Deadline - March 15

Onion    Treasure Valley

Onion Maggot

Posted on: March 9, 2018 by Stuart Reitz

March 15th is the deadline for disposing of cull onions in Malheur County, and in Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Owyhee and Washington counties of Idaho, according to Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) rules. That means there must be no culls – onions deemed waste or not useable for human consumption – on hand at any packing sheds, in fields or at animal feed facilities on the morning of that date. Onions sorted after March 15th must be properly disposed of within one week. Trucks transporting onions should be covered to prevent spillage along roadsides.

ODA Rules: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=158227

ISDA Rules: https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/02/0617.pdf

» https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=158227

» https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/02/0617.pdf

2018 Southern Idaho Cropping School

All Crops    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 15, 2018 by Olga Walsh

» 2018_Cropping_School_Flyer_-_LONG.jpg

2018 Treasure Valley Bean School

Dry Beans    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 11, 2018 by Jerry Neufeld

The 2018 Treasure Valley Bean School is January 18 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa. There are 2 Idaho Pesticide License credits. Click on the pdf below for more information about the program.

» 2018_Bean_School_Flyer.pdf

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.

» 2017_TV_Irrigation_Conference_Brochure.pdf

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

corn earworms counts for August 1

Corn    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: August 1, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

Corn earworm traps with pheromone lures were set out at 7 locations two weeks ago. Below are the moth counts taken from these traps as of August 1. Moth counts are higher this year than they have been for several years.

Location 7/25, 8/1

Melba 51, 3
South Nampa 3, 17
South Caldwell 12, 15
Huston 15, 6
Homedale 10, 22
Wilder 41, 23
Middleton 5, 12

Totals 137, 98

Iris yellow spot virus in Onion bulb fields

Onion    Treasure Valley

Iris yellow spot virus / Onion thrips

Posted on: July 10, 2017 by Stuart Reitz

Iris yellow spot virus was detected at the end of last week in commercial onion fields in Malheur County, Canyon County, Payette County and Washington County. So far, only a few infected plants were found but no widespread outbreaks were found.

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 juveniles 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.

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.

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

Snake River Weed Research Tour at the Malheur Experiment Station on June 14

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: June 7, 2017 by Bill Buhrig

It is time for the annual Weed Research Tour at the Malheur Experiment Station! The public is invited to attend. Read on for more information!

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

Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Registration starts at 8:00am with coffee and donuts

The tour will start promptly at 8:30AM and end at 12:00PM.
A complementary lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour.
Pesticide recertification credits for Idaho and Oregon will be available

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

Please call 541-889-2174 or email janet.jones@oregonstate.edu if you need more information. Please check out the link for more events coming your way from the good folks at the Malheur Experiment Station.

» http://www.cropinfo.net/events.php

U of Idaho Parma Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: May 25, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho will be hosting a Field Day at the Parma R and E Center on June 21, 2017. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by calling 722-6701 or emailing laphillips@uidaho.edu to let them know you plan to attend. For additional information click on the pdf below.

» parma_field_day.pdf

Native Wildflower Seed Production Field Day

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: May 11, 2017 by Bill Buhrig

The Annual Malheur Experiment Station Native Wildflower Seed Production Field Day is only one week away!

You are welcome to attend on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the Experiment Station located at 595 Onion Ave just a few miles out of Ontario.

Registration begins at 8:30 AM, Event begins at 9:00 AM and complimentary lunch will be served. Please reserve lunch by calling Janet Jones at (541) 889-2174 or by emailing her at janet.jones@oregonstate.edu.

Check out the link for more info!

» http://www.cropinfo.net/events.php

Western Cherry Fruit Fly (WCFF) Anouncement

Cherry    Treasure Valley

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Posted on: May 8, 2017 by Dian Roberson

This week the Idaho State Department of Agriculture set out traps for its annual Western Cherry Fruit Fly (WCFF) survey in Canyon and Gem counties. They will be monitoring the traps for first capture of WCFF as an indication that the flies are emerging in those locations and that treatment should begin.

Online phenology and degree-day modeling for WCFF predicts first flight on May 25 in Ontario/Parma, May 26 in Nampa, May 27 in Caldwell/Emmett and
May28 in Boise.

For more information contact Paul Castrovillo at paul.castrovillo@isda.idaho.gov or call 208-332-8627

Nampa Chamber of Commerce Ag Forum

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 13, 2017 by Jerry Neufeld

The Nampa Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an “Ag Forum” on Wed, February 8, 2017 at the Ford Idaho Center. Lt. Governor Brad Little and ISDA Director Celia Gould will be speaking. The keynote speaker is Michael Swanson, Ph.D. Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» AG_Forum_2017_Flyer.pdf

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!

» 2016_PAT_recert_flyer.pdf

» Registration_Form-flyer_2016.pdf

» pat_recert_and_irrigation_conference_agenda.pdf

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.

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.

» 2016Tourflyer.pdf

Onion Variety Day at the Malheur Experiment Station

Onion    Treasure Valley

Posted on: August 22, 2016 by Bill Buhrig

The annual Onion Variety Day at the Malheur Experiment Station will be Tuesday, August 30th. It is free to attend and you are invited to check things out. The field portion starts at 9am and there will be lunch starting at noon in the barn. It will be a good time to see how the varieties performed and visit with your neighbors!

» http://cropinfo.net/pdf/events/OnionDay2016.pdf

» OnionDay2016.pdf

Corn Earworm moth counts for August 10

Corn    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: August 10, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

Below is the final corn earworm count for this year. There didn’t seem to be a lot of corn earworm this year. That is what I have found for the last couple of years. I would appreciate hearing from you if you had a different experience.
Dry Lake 4
Kuna 1
Melba 10
Homedale 14
Wilder 8
Parma 2
Caldwell 0
total 39

Corn Earworm moth counts for July 27

Corn    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 27, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

I am still not seeing much in the way of corn earworm moths. Below is the count that was taken this morning.


Location 7/27

Dry Lake 1
Kuna 0
Melba 4
Homedale 2
Wilder 2
Parma 2
Caldwell 0

Total 11

Corn Earworm 2016

Corn    Treasure Valley

corn earworm

Posted on: July 11, 2016 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 will be set out in corn fields at various locations near Dry Lake, Kuna, Melba, Wilder, Homedale, and Caldwell. 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). These moths will then 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 7/23 and 1300 GDD in the Caldwell area on 7/23. Egg laying in most, if not all, Treasure Valley locations will take place about this same time. This is about 9 days later than 2015.

The second model simply uses 8/1 as the default date that 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.

Traps will go out early next week. The first moth counts will be posted a few days after the traps are set out.

The links below will take you to the websites where you can view the growing degree day model and also view various treatment methods based on the type of corn that you are growing.

» http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.us?sta=KEUL&mdt=all&spp=cew&cal=S1&tlow=55&thi=92&stm=1&std=1&styr=16&enm=12&end=31&cel=0&fcast=1&spyr=0&shd=1&mkt=0&mkg=1&ipc=1&evnts=3

» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/vegetable-seed/corn/corn-seed-corn-earworm-sweet-corn-only

» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-and-pests/corn-sweet-corn-earworm

» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/agronomic/field-and-silage-corn/field-and-silage-corn-corn-earworm

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

» Peach Twig Borer Larva

» Flagging caused by borer

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.

Cull Onion Disposal 2016

Onion    Treasure Valley

onion maggot

Posted on: February 22, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has prepared a news release reminding the onion industry about the rules for cull onion disposal to control onion maggot in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. Click on the pdf below for more detailed information.

» Cull_onion_disposal_deadline_2-12-16.pdf

7th Annual Soil Health Symposium

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 19, 2016 by Jerry Neufeld

The 7th annual Soil Health Symposium will be held at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario, Oregon on February 18, 2016. Click on the pdfs below for more information.

» 7th_Annual_Soil_Health_Symposium_Flyer.pdf

» 7th_Annual_Soil_Health_Symposium_Registration_Form.pdf

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.

» http://extension.oregonstate.edu/malheur/121115-applicator-recert-class-mc-extension

University of Idaho, Snake River Sugarbeet Conference

Sugarbeets    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 18, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for more information about the University of Idaho, Snake River Sugarbeet Conference. The conference is being held in Boise on December 9 and in Burley on December 10.

» Sugarbeet_School_Participants_redo.pdf

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.

» Registration_Form-flyer_2015.pdf

» 2015_PAT_Registration_Brochure.pdf

» Soil_Health_Symposium_Registration_Form-flyer.pdf

Black Mold on Onion

Onion    Treasure Valley

Black Mold of Onion - Aspergillus niger

Posted on: August 21, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Black mold has been found in some early harvested onions in the Treasure Valley.

Black mold is caused by the fungus Aspergillus niger. This disease can develop in the field or during storage. The predominant symptom is a black discoloration of tissue. Infected bulbs may show blackening at the neck, streaks or spots of black fungal spores on or beneath the outer scales, and black discoloration in bruised areas.

Bulbs usually get infected by the fungus through wounds, especially through the neck as onions mature and tops fall over or are cut. The fungus is common in the soil and on dead plant material and spores can readily spread through the air.
Therefore, keeping bulbs in good condition will help prevent disease development.
It is critical to promptly and adequately dry bulbs after harvest so there is not too much moisture in the necks to promote disease development. Remember, warmth and moisture favor disease development.

It is also important to avoid wounding and bruising when bulbs are harvested, transported, or stored.

Storing bulbs at low temperatures (35°F to 55°F) and low humidity helps to control black mold if the bulbs have been cured properly.

» Onion with Black Mold

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.

» http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/

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.

» 1214_1.pdf

Iris yellow spot in bulb onions

Onion    Treasure Valley

IYSV and Onion thrips

Posted on: June 13, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Iris yellow spot virus was detected in commercial bulb fields in Payette County.

The advanced symptoms (dried necrotic tissue) seen on some infected plants suggests the infection has been present for at least 2 weeks.

The early appearance of virus points out the need for onion growers to be vigilant in their thrips control programs.

Insecticides won't prevent movement of virus-infected thrips into fields, but can help reduce the secondary spread of virus within fields by reducing plant to plant movement of thrips and their reproduction within the crop.

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.

» IYSV lesions on onion

» Developing IYSV lesions on onion (note green islands within necrotic tissue)

Iris yellow spot in bulb onions

Onion    Treasure Valley

IYSV and Onion thrips

Posted on: June 13, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Iris yellow spot virus was detected in commercial bulb fields in Payette County.

The advanced symptoms (dried necrotic tissue) seen on some infected plants suggests the infection has been present for at least 2 weeks.

The early appearance of virus points out the need for onion growers to be vigilant in their thrips control programs.

Insecticides won't prevent movement of virus-infected thrips into fields, but can help reduce the secondary spread of virus within fields by reducing plant to plant movement of thrips and their reproduction within the crop.

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.

» IYSV lesions on onion

» Developing IYSV lesions on onion (note green islands within necrotic tissue)

Weed tour at Malheur Experiment Station

Announcements    Treasure Valley

weeds

Posted on: June 4, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Weed tour at Malheur Experiment Station on Thursday, June 11, 2015

Tour Agenda

Pesticide recertification credits for Oregon (2 hrs) and Idaho (3 hrs) will be issued at the conclusion of the tour. This tour is open to the public. Lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour.

8:30 – 8:50 AM Registration

Session One
9:00 –10:00 AM
Studies for yellow nutsedge control in dry bulb onion; by Joel Felix

This session of the tour will involve walking through three studies that are being conducted to evaluate yellow nutsedge control in direct-seeded onion.
Onion studies: Evaluate the use of Dual Magnum, EPTAM, and Ethofumesate plow down after wheat harvest to control yellow nutsedge in fields intended for direct-seeded onion production. Evaluate herbicide combinations for weed control in onion.

Session two
10:15 – 11:15 AM
Evaluation of herbicides for weed control in potato and corn; by Joel Felix

This session will showcase a study to evaluate different herbicides for weed control in potato. The study includes several herbicide combinations being evaluated for weed control in potato. A corn study to evaluate herbicides registered for weed control in field corn will be showcased.

Session three
11:20 – 12:20 PM
Herbicides for weed control in sugar beet and direct-seeded onion; by Joel Felix

Tour participants will visit two studies to evaluate different registered herbicides for weed control in sugar beet. The treatments are designed to control glyphosate resistant kochia in sugar beet. The session will also showcase two studies to evaluate onion response to various herbicides applied prior and after onion emergence.

Weed tour at Malheur Experiment Station

All Crops    Treasure Valley

weeds

Posted on: June 4, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Weed tour at Malheur Experiment Station on Thursday, June 11, 2015?

Tour Agenda
Pesticide recertification credits for Oregon (2 hrs) and Idaho (3 hrs) will be issued at the conclusion of the tour. This tour is open to the public. Lunch will be served at the conclusion of the tour.

8:30 – 8:50 AM Registration

Session One
9:00 –10:00 AM
Studies for yellow nutsedge control in dry bulb onion; by Joel Felix

This session of the tour will involve walking through three studies that are being conducted to evaluate yellow nutsedge control in direct-seeded onion.
Onion studies: Evaluate the use of Dual Magnum, EPTAM, and Ethofumesate plow down after wheat harvest to control yellow nutsedge in fields intended for direct-seeded onion production. Evaluate herbicide combinations for weed control in onion.

Session two
10:15 – 11:15 AM
Evaluation of herbicides for weed control in potato and corn; by Joel Felix

This session will showcase a study to evaluate different herbicides for weed control in potato. The study includes several herbicide combinations being evaluated for weed control in potato. A corn study to evaluate herbicides registered for weed control in field corn will be showcased.

Session three
11:20 – 12:20 PM
Herbicides for weed control in sugar beet and direct-seeded onion; by Joel Felix

Tour participants will visit two studies to evaluate different registered herbicides for weed control in sugar beet. The treatments are designed to control glyphosate resistant kochia in sugar beet. The session will also showcase two studies to evaluate onion response to various herbicides applied prior and after onion emergence.

Potato Pest Update

Potato    Treasure Valley

Colorado potato beetle & Potato psyllid

Posted on: June 2, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

1) Dr. Mike Thornton reports that adult Colorado potato beetles are being found on volunteer plants in the Treasure Valley. They have not yet been seen in commercial fields, but this is the time of year that growers should be out actively scouting field edges for insects. This is especially true if fields did not receive an at-planting insecticide application.

2) A single potato psyllid adult was captured on a sticky trap in Malheur County. Potato growers in the Treasure Valley are encouraged to closely monitor their fields. For management information, please see: http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/news/psyllid-management/recommendations or contact your local extension office.

test email

All Crops    Treasure Valley

this is a test email

Posted on: May 22, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

We are testing the system. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope you have a good weekend!

Western Cherry Fruit Fly Treatment Forecast

Tree Fruits    Treasure Valley

Western Cherry Fruit Fly

Posted on: May 21, 2015 by Paul Castrovillo

According to the degree-day model from the Online Phenology and Degree-Day Models published at the OSU Integrated Plant Protection Center Website the forecasted dates for beginning treatment against Western Cherry Fruit Fly are: Ontario (May 25), Caldwell (May 29), Boise and Parma (June 4), Nampa (June 5) and Emmett (June 9). These are based on recommended first treatment at 1060 degree-days per "Orchard Pest Management" as published by the "Good Fruit Grower", Yakima 1993.

The first Idaho Western Cherry Fruit Fly for 2015 was recently found in a trap in Homedale on May 19.

Onion Bulb Mites

Onion    Treasure Valley

Onion Bulb MIte

Posted on: May 15, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Onion bulb mites have been found in several onion fields across the Treasure Valley. So far numbers appear to be low but they may be a contributing factor to stand losses.

Bulb mites can overwinter in the soil on decomposing vegetation or on volunteer onions in the field and in cull piles. Mild winter weather may have reduced their natural overwinter mortality.

Management relies on preventative measures, such as field sanitation and fumigation of fields with a history of problems.

If you have questions or concerns about onion bulb mites, please contact Stuart Reitz, Malheur County Extension, 541-881-1417, stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu.

Parma Cereal Field Day - June 25

Small Grains    Treasure Valley

Posted on: May 13, 2015 by Olga Walsh

» 1168_1.jpg

ISDA pesticide disposal program

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: April 13, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the link below for information about Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s pesticide disposal program which will be conducted in SW and North Idaho during May, 2015.

» http://www.idahoag.us/Categories/Pesticides/Documents/PDP%20Doc/2015PDPSpringFlyer.pdf

tomato and potato late blight brochure

Potato    Treasure Valley

late blight

Posted on: April 7, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Attached is a pdf from Dr. Phill Wharton, U of Idaho Potato Pathologist, with information about Tomato and Potato late blight, and 10 tips to prevent late blight.

» 1158_1.pdf

Onion thrips on volunteer onions

Onion    Treasure Valley

Onion thrips

Posted on: March 17, 2015 by Stuart Reitz

Onion thrips are present on volunteer onions that have resprouted from last year's onion fields. Both adult and immature thrips are present.

Volunteer onions can serve as a reservoir for thrips and Iris yellow spot virus to infest nearby onion fields. Control of volunteer onions may help to reduce thrips and Iris yellow spot pressure this season.

Climate Trends in the Pacific Northwest

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: February 26, 2015 by Bill Buhrig

Please check out the attachment talking about Climate Trends in the Pacific Northwest coming up in Ontario on March 3rd from 1-5pm. This will be held at the Four Rivers Cultural Center. The workshop will focus on regional observations in the field of climate research by scientists associated with Oregon State University. The workshop will address recent/current conditions and how changing trends may affect the long term production in Northeast Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Geologic mapping and the use of this technology to estimate ground and surface water trends and recharge will be covered. The workshop will close with an open discussion to allow you an opportunity to contribute to your thoughts/ideas regarding climate trends and the opportunities & challenges agriculture could face in the future. Setting up to be pretty interesting and we hope to see you there!

» 1153_1.pdf

cull onion disposal in the Treasure Valley

Onion    Treasure Valley

onion maggot

Posted on: February 25, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has prepared a news release reminding the onion industry about the rules for cull onion disposal to control onion maggot in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. Click on the pdf below for more detailed information.

» 1152_1.pdf

Precision Agriculture Seminar

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: February 2, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for more information about the Precision Agriculture Seminar sponsored by the U. of Idaho Extension on February 24, 2015.

» 1150_1.pdf

Idaho and Oregon Alfalfa and Clover Seed Growers Association

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 8, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The Idaho and Oregon Alfalfa and Clover Seed Growers Association Winter Meeting is January 13, 2015 at the Hampton Inn in Nampa. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1147_1.pdf

Pre licensing training for pesticide applicators

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 8, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

A Pre-licensing training for Pesticide Applicators will be held in Caldwell, ID from March 17 to 20. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1146_1.pdf

Spanish Pesticide Safety Training

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 8, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

A Spanish Pesticide Safety Training will be held February 25, 2015 at the University of Idaho, Caldwell Complex Education Center from 8 am to 4:15 pm. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1145_1.pdf

Treasure Valley Bean School

Announcements    Treasure Valley

non3

Posted on: January 8, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The Treasure Valley Bean School will be held on January 30, 2015 from 8 am to 1 pm at the Hampton Inn in Nampa, ID. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1144_1.pdf

Soil Health Symposium

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 8, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

Various Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the Treasure Valley are offering the 6th Annual Soil Health Symposium in Ontario, OR on February 12, 2015. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1143_1.pdf

Farm Safety-Net Programs

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: January 8, 2015 by Jerry Neufeld

The University of Idaho Extension and the USDA Farm Service Agency are offering training for the new farm safety-net programs. Training will be held January 30, 2015 from 10 am to 12:30 pm in Payette. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1142_1.pdf

2014 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: December 1, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld

The Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference will be held Dec. 18 at the Nampa Civic Center. Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 1137_1.pdf

Core Pesticide Recertification Class

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 26, 2014 by Stuart Reitz

Malheur County Extension will be conducting a Core Pesticide Training Class on December 12th from 8 AM to 12 PM.

The class has 4 credit hours for Oregon and for Idaho license holders, and it will satisfy the Core requirements for Oregon private applicators.

To register, please call the Extension office at 541-881-1417, submit the registration form on the attached pdf. There is a $10 registration.

» 1136_1.pdf

2014 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference

Announcements    Treasure Valley

Posted on: November 5, 2014 by Jerry Neufeld

Click on the pdf below for information about the 2014 Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference on Dec 18 at the Nampa Civic Center. Six CCA credits will be available.

» 1135_1.pdf

Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day

Onion    Treasure Valley

Posted on: August 15, 2014 by Stuart Reitz

You are invited to the Malheur Experiment Station Onion Variety Day presented by the OSU Malheur Experiment Station. The Variety day will be Tuesday August 26, 2014 from 9 AM to 1 PM.

At 10 AM there will be an overview of research trials related to E. coli bacteria in irrigation water and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Complimentary lunch will be served. Please reserve lunch by calling Janet Jones at the Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Ave., Ontario OR 97914, (541) 889-2174.

» 1108_1.pdf