Search Results

2022 Pruning Deciduous Trees & Shrubs

General Landscape and 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

Treasure Valley Virtual IPM Meeting

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: January 25, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

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

» Treasure_Valley_IPM_flyer.pdf

Idaho Potato Conference

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: January 13, 2022 by Nora Olsen and Mike Thornton

Early
registration ends tomorrow Friday January 14^th. Register Now!

The 54^th
annual Idaho Potato Conference and Eastern Idaho Ag Expo presented by the
University of Idaho and Spectra Productions will be live and in-person in 2022.
Set your calendars to attend the 2022 Idaho Potato Conference January 19 and 20
in Pocatello, ID. Attend your choice of educational presentations and workshops
from three concurrent sessions over the one and half-day conference and take
some time to visit the adjoining trade show that features over 70 booths and
displays highlighting agricultural products and services.

2022 highlights of the Idaho Potato
Conference:

·   There
will be several seminars and workshops on the impact of the 2021 season
including heat impact on potatoes, soil health, storage losses, and irrigation
efficiency.

·   Invited
speaker Dr. Carrie Wohleb from Washington State University will present on the Impacts
of Wildfire Smoke on Potatoes.

·      Current
outlooks on water, economics, labor and sustainability from industry leaders
will bring us up to date on major topics for the potato industry.

·      Special
guests from the National Potato Council, Potatoes USA, Idaho Potato Commission
will provide industry updates.

·      Multiple
pest protection presentations and workshops including tank mixing
considerations, rotational crops and herbicide carryover issues, pollinators
and potatoes, Fusarium dry rot aggressiveness, managing Rhizoctonia, diagnosing
crop injury, pesticide resistance management, alternatives to fumigation,
rotation and potato cyst nematode control, and comprehensive disease and weed
management workshops.

·      Economists
will present a workshop on the profitability implications of fertilizer cost
increases in addition to a discussion on the seasonality of retail rejections.
The latter discussion will dovetail with a one-hour workshop on the impact of
bruise on quality.

·      A
workshop dedicated to ‘Everything you wanted to know about potato viruses, but
were afraid to ask.’ Come with questions to ask a panel of experts on the topic
of tuber necrotic diseases.

·      Seminars
and workshops in Spanish will be held both days and include a wide variety of
topics from beneficial insect identification to farm safety discussions.

·      Earn
CCA (CEU) and pesticide recertification credits at seminars and workshops
throughout the in-person conference.

·      Select
theater presentations will be recorded and available at the conference website
after the conference. Registration for the conference will be required to gain
access to the recorded presentations.

·     
Cost for
pre-registration is $40 per person. Pre-registration will close at 5 pm MT on
January 14. After that time, please plan to register in-person at the
conference (cost increase to $50). We strongly encourage everyone to
pre-register and avoid the lines at the conference. Additional details
regarding the agenda, topics, and registration can be found at https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/idaho-potato-conference.

» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/idaho-potato-conference.

2022 Idaho Potato Conference

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: January 6, 2022 by Nora Olsen and Mike Thornton

Register
Now!

The 54^th
annual Idaho Potato Conference and Eastern Idaho Ag Expo presented by the
University of Idaho and Spectra Productions will be live and in-person in 2022.
Set your calendars to attend the 2022 Idaho Potato Conference January 19 and 20
in Pocatello, ID.  Attend your choice of educational presentations and workshops
from three concurrent sessions over the one and half-day conference and take
some time to visit the adjoining trade show that features over 70 booths and
displays highlighting agricultural products and services.

2022 highlights of the Idaho Potato
Conference:

·   There
will be several seminars and workshops on the impact of the 2021 season
including effect of the weather on soil fertility, heat impact on potatoes,
soil health, storage losses, and irrigation efficiency.

·   Invited
speaker Dr. Carrie Wohleb from Washington State University will present on the Impacts
of Wildfire Smoke on Potatoes.

·      Current
outlooks on water, economics, labor and sustainability from industry leaders
will bring us up to date on major topics for the potato industry.

·      Special
guests from the National Potato Council, Potatoes USA, Idaho Potato Commission
will provide industry updates.

·      Multiple
pest protection presentations and workshops including tank mixing
considerations, rotational crops and herbicide carryover issues, pollinators
and potatoes, Fusarium dry rot aggressiveness, managing Rhizoctonia, diagnosing
crop injury, pesticide resistance management, alternatives to fumigation, rotation
and potato cyst nematode control, and comprehensive disease and weed management
workshops.

·        
Economists will present a workshop on
the profitability implications of fertilizer cost increases in addition to a
discussion on the seasonality of retail rejections. The latter discussion will
dovetail with a one-hour workshop on the impact of bruise on quality.

·        
A workshop dedicated to ‘Everything
you wanted to know about potato viruses, but were afraid to ask.’ Come with
questions to ask a panel of experts on the topic of tuber necrotic diseases.

·        
Seminars and workshops in Spanish will
be held both days and include a wide variety of topics from beneficial insect
identification to farm safety discussions.

Earn CCA (CEU) and pesticide
recertification credits at seminars and workshops throughout the in-person
conference.

Select presentations will be recorded
and available at the conference website after the conference. Registration for the
conference will be required to gain access to the recorded presentations.

Cost for pre-registration is $40 per person ($50 at the
door). We strongly encourage everyone to pre-register and avoid the lines at
the conference. Additional details regarding the agenda, topics, and
registration can be found at https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/idaho-potato-conference.

» https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/idaho-potato-conference

Chloryrifos (Lorsban) Uses

All Crops    Northern Idaho

Posted on: December 22, 2021 by Stuart Reitz

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

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

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

 Thanks for your help!

» https://beav.es/U6w

2022 Pre-License Training for Ornamental Pesticide Applicators

All Crops    All Locations

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

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

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

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

For questions contact:

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

» 2021-PreLicense_URBAN-Training_POSTER.pdf

2022 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: December 17, 2021 by Jeff Miller

After meeting virtually in 2021, Miller Research will be
holding its annual Potato Pest Management Meeting in person on February 10,
2022, at the Historic Wilson Theater in Rupert, ID. The meeting will run from
8:30 am to 12:00 pm with a 30-minute break at 10:00 am. Three CCA (integrated
pest management) credits and three ISDA pesticide recertification credits have
been awarded for the meeting. Oregon and Washington credits have been requested.

We are working on making a virtual option available. If this
works, virtual attendees will still need to pay the registration fee and answer
questions during the presentation as proof of attendance.

Registration is $20 to cover the cost of the meeting.
Additional proceeds will be donated to the 4-H program.

Meeting agenda:

8:00 am – 8:30 am: Registration

8:30 am – 9:00 am: Seed treatments for Fusarium dry rot
management

9:00 am – 9:30 am: The impact of anastomosis group on
Rhizoctonia canker management

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Verticillium wilt control

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Break

10:30 am – 11:00 am: Control options for powdery scab and
potato mop-top virus

11:00 am – 11:30 am: PVY and Seed Health (Dr. Jonathan
Whitworth, USDA)

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Managing pesticide resistance

» https://millerresearch.com/event/2022-miller-research-potato-pest-management-meeting/

» 2022_MR_Seminar_Announcement.pdf

2022 Idaho Horticulture Expo

General Landscape and 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

General Landscape and 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 Annual Survey Winners

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: December 10, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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

Register for the in-person 2022 Idaho Potato Conference

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: November 29, 2021 by Nora Olsen and Mike Thornton

Registration
is now OPEN!

The 54^th
annual Idaho Potato Conference and Eastern Idaho Ag Expo presented by the
University of Idaho and Spectra Productions will be live and in-person in 2022.
Set your calendars to attend the 2022 Idaho Potato Conference January 19 and 20
in Pocatello, ID. Attend your choice of educational presentations and workshops
from three concurrent sessions over the one and half-day conference and take
some time to visit the adjoining trade show that features over 70 booths and
displays highlighting agricultural products and services.

Seminars and workshops in Spanish will
be held both days and include a wide variety of topics from beneficial insect
identification to farm safety discussions.

Earn CCA (CEU) and pesticide
recertification credits at seminars and workshops throughout the in-person
conference.

Select presentations will be recorded
and available at the conference website after the conference. Registration for the
conference will be required to gain access to the recorded presentations.

Cost for pre-registration is $40 per person ($50 at the
door). We strongly encourage everyone to pre-register and avoid the lines at
the conference. Additional details regarding the agenda, topics, and
registration can be found at https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/news/idaho-potato-conference.

2021 Protecting Trees from Sunscald

General Landscape and 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 Association of Plant Protection registration now available online

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 25, 2021 by Jeff Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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

» 2021-IAPP-Meeting-Agenda.pdf

» Hotel_Flyer_-_IAPP.pdf

2021 Pesticide Fall Recertification Webinar Series

General Landscape and Garden    All Locations

Posted on: October 22, 2021 by Nic Usabel

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

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

Pesticide Fall Recertification Webinar Series

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: October 22, 2021 by Kimberly Tate

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

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

» PSEP Flyer

2021 Idaho Master Gardener Programs in the Treasure Valley

General Landscape and 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

Bird cherry-oat aphids on the move; time to inspect fields

Small Grains    All Locations

Bird Cherry Oat Aphids

Posted on: October 8, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

The winged from of bird cherry-oat aphids has been observed in winter wheat in Twin Falls County, Idaho; the wheat was planted in late-September. 

The observed aphid numbers were relatively low (averaging one per young seedling), but it indicates that the aphids are on the move, and that the numbers could increase, if the mild weather continues. 

Although bird cherry-oat aphids rarely cause significant damage to small grains by direct feeding, they are efficient vectors of Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).

See below publication for more information on BYDV symptoms and the aphid vectors. 

» https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/CIS/CIS1210.pdf

Artificial Intelligence for Insect Identification

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 30, 2021 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: September 28, 2021 by Jeff Miller

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

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

» 2021-IAPP-Meeting-Agenda.pdf

» Hotel_Flyer_-_IAPP.pdf

Psyllid Update September 17, 2021

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: September 17, 2021 by Erik Wenninger

This is the final report of the 2021 Idaho psyllid monitoring program. 

From our samples from last week, we found our first Lso-positive psyllid of the season, on a site in Owyhee County. All other psyllids tested from last week were negative for Lso, the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC). The total percent positive among all sites for the season was 0.08%, which is the lowest incidence of Lso we have observed during the past decade. 

During mid- to late July, it appeared that overall psyllid captures would be relatively high this year; however, captures were lower during August, which is the time of year that our psyllid captures are often highest. It is possible that the high temperatures during June to July contributed to higher captures and the more moderate temperatures in August contributed to more modest captures. In the end, overall captures across the season were relatively modest compared to other seasons, and similar to overall captures last year.

Greater abundance of psyllids earlier during the season should generally contribute to greater risk of ZC disease development over the season. However, risk of ZC is a function of both psyllid abundance over the season and Lso incidence. The extremely low incidence of Lso observed in psyllids coupled with relatively modest captures overall, suggests relatively low risk of ZC in the crop this season. 

To dive more deeply into the capture data over the season, you can view contour maps that illustrate relative psyllid abundance across the landscape each week here: https://potatoes.decisionaid.systems/

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

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

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

2021 Fall Lawn Fertilization & Care

General Landscape and 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

General Landscape and 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

Psyllid Update September 9, 2021

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: September 9, 2021 by Erik Wenninger

This week we had traps deployed in 48 fields, though we are still waiting for traps from one Treasure Valley field. We found a total of 66 psyllids across 15 (32%) of the 47 fields for which we have data. With many fields undergoing vine kill, this is our last week of retrieving sticky traps. We will, however, report on Lso results and a season recap next week.

Overall psyllid captures this week were similar to the last two weeks, with considerably lower captures than for most recent weeks. We recorded moderate captures in parts of the Treasure Valley and Owyhee to Elmore counties as well as near Twin Falls. We recorded low captures elsewhere. 

Psyllids were captured in the following counties: Canyon (3 fields), Owyhee (3 fields), Elmore (1 field), Twin Falls (5 fields), Minidoka (2 fields), and Cassia (1 field).

All psyllids tested from last week were negative for Lso, the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC). Testing of late-arriving psyllids from one field in Canyon County is pending. Thus far, all of our psyllid samples have been negative.

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

To view contour maps that illustrate relative psyllid abundance across the landscape, set up a free account here: https://potatoes.decisionaid.systems/

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

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

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

» 2021-sep-09_minus.pdf

Psyllid Update September 2, 2021

Potato    All Locations

potato psyllid

Posted on: September 3, 2021 by Erik Wenninger

This week we had traps deployed in 58 fields, though we are still waiting for traps from one Treasure Valley field. We found a total of 72 psyllids across 13 (23%) of the 57 fields for which we have data. Many fields have undergone vine kill and will no longer be sampled.

Overall psyllid captures this week and last week have been considerably lower than for recent weeks. Contour maps (see links below) graphically reflect relatively high abundance of psyllids collected in Elmore County. We recorded moderate to low captures in other parts of the state and zero captures in eastern Idaho. 

Psyllids were captured in the following counties: Canyon (3 fields), Owyhee (3 fields), Elmore (2 fields), Gooding (1 field), and Twin Falls (4 fields).

We expect to get Lso results tomorrow, and we will post them on our sites (below) as soon as they are available. Thus far, all of our previous psyllid samples have been negative for Lso, the bacterium associated with zebra chip disease (ZC).

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

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

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

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

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

» 2021-09-08_minus.pdf