Search Results

2022 Spring Plant Sales

General Landscape and 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

General Landscape and 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.

Ag Talk Tuesdays resume for 2022

All Crops    All Locations

General announcment

Posted on: April 19, 2022 by Kasia Duellman

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

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

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

https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk 

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

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

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

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

For questions, please contact one of the organizers: 

Kasia Duellman (kduellman@uidaho.edu)

Doug Finkelnburg (dougf@uidaho.edu) 

Pam Hutchinson (phutch@uidaho.edu)

Juliet Marshall (jmarshall@uidaho.edu) 

Olga Walsh (owalsh@uidaho.edu) 

» https://www.uidaho.edu/ag-talk

Seeking help for a research project

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: April 7, 2022 by Jeff Miller

A research project funded by the tri-state (ID, WA, and OR) research consortium is looking for some help (see below). If you are able and interested, please contact David Wheeler (contact info below).

Good luck with planting!

Jeff

2022 Dry Spring Conditions

General Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 25, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Much of Idaho has experienced below average precipitation this past winter and it continues into early spring. The Treasure Valley is no different. During periods with low water resources, it is important to prioritize watering needs. While some lawn conditions appear dry it is not yet time to begin the watering of residential lawns. Consider the following as a prioritization to follow during times of low water resources:

• Young or newly transplanted trees which have a limited root system. Ensure to proper application of water and water deeply and infrequently based on soil texture.
• Established trees and shrubs should also be given consideration to priority watering as established plants are high value and take many years to replace. When applying water to trees and shrubs apply at an appropriate rate that allows water to soak into the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Frequency of water depends on soil texture and if water restrictions are in place. General guides are as follows: April once per month, May through September up to twice per month.
• Fruit gardens, vegetables gardens, and flowers are generally next on the list of prioritizations. Consider using a wood mulch or organic matter around trees, small fruits, and plants to reduce water evaporation from the soil. Avoid direct stem to mulch contact. Fruit trees and small berries may benefit from an early water now if soil conditions are dry. Early spring bulbs may also benefit from an early water if dry conditions are present. 
• Lawns finish out the priority list. If watering the lawn, ensure that sprinklers are operating correctly and applying water to desired location. Make water applications so that water is applied deeply and infrequently. Increase the mowing height of the grass and consider mulching the clippings versus bag removal. 

Resources:

• Watering a Home Landscape During Drought, Colorado State University Extension
• Watering Home Lawns and Landscapes, University of Idaho Extension 
• Watering Home Lawns: How Much and How Often, University of Idaho Extension

» Idaho SNOTEL Current Snow Water Equivalent

2022 Rose & Grapevine Pruning

General Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 25, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Across the Treasure Valley it’s time to prune grapevines and roses. See below for more resources for pruning these landscape & garden plants.

ROSES:

Rose pruning should occur when the buds are starting to swell in early spring. Below are a few resources that can be read or viewed for rose pruning.

• How to Prune Roses, Utah State University Extension video
• Early Spring Pruning of Roses, University of Maryland Extension video
• Guide to Pruning Roses, University of Maryland Extension
• Pruning Roses, Colorado State University

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. Below are a few resources that can be read or viewed for grape pruning.

• Grape Pruning Four Cane System, Utah State University Extension video
• Grape Pruning, USU Garden Guys & Gal video
• Pruning Grapevines, University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension video
• Yard and Garden: How to Prune Grapevines, Iowa State University 
  
• Grape Vine Management, Utah State University Extension
• Grape Trellising and Training Basics, Utah State University Extension

2022 Spring Lawn Fertilization & Care

General Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: March 22, 2022 by Nic Usabel

Spring lawn fertilization for cool season grasses recommend that fertilization be made while energy is being directed to root growth, which is followed by 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. 

The proper rate of fertilizer application is best achieved when using a soil test result to identify the fertilizer needs of the soil. UI Extension publication Using Soil Test Results for Garden Fertilization will help guide the steps.  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 Southern Idaho Lawns Fertilizer Guide 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. 

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: 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 visit UI Extension publication Core Aeration of Lawns-Benefits & Procedures.

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 during the spring as compared to the fall when seeding or over-seeding.

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

2022 Delayed-Dormant Oil Application

General Landscape and Garden    Treasure Valley - Idaho

Posted on: February 27, 2022 by Nic Usabel

In the coming weeks areas across the Treasure Valley could reach temperatures desirable for applying a delayed-dormant oil spray. The use of horticultural oil as a delayed-dormant spray can target many insect pests at a time when beneficial insects are not yet active. Use of the term “delayed-dormant” indicates that the oil should be applied after bud swell. This timeframe coincides with the increasing activity of the overwintering insect stages, such as aphid eggs, scale nymphs, and peach twig borer larvae.

The two factors of temperature and bud stage must correspond before application of horticultural oil is made.

TEMPERATURE: 

Only apply oil if temperatures remain above freezing (ideal is above 40°F) for 24 hours after application and on a clear, non-windy day in the 50 to 70°F temperature range. 

BUD STAGE: 

The window of application extends from bud swell to when the leaves just start emerging. The last point you can safely apply oil based on fruit tree crop are:

• Apple: Half-inch green, but ideal application at green tip stage. 
• Pear: Cluster bud. 
• Cherry: White bud. 
• Peach/nectarine: pre-bloom. 

Refer to the Critical Temperatures for Frost Damage on Fruit Trees by Utah State University to view images of each bud stage mentioned.

Oil should be applied at a rate of 2% (5 Tbs in 1 gallon water) and thoroughly cover all cracks and crevices. 

If aphids and scale have been a serious problem in previous years an insecticide could be added, see Chemical Control of Landscape Pests for chemical products available by pest. Read and follow label instructions for preparation and application.

If fire blight was an issue in the previous year add in a copper product for fire blight. 

If you have additional questions, contact your localUniversity of Idaho Extension office. 

Additional Resource:

• Insect Control: Horticultural Oils, Colorado State University

Potato soil health survey - your help is requested!

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: February 18, 2022 by Jeff Miller

Researchers from the University of Idaho, Montana State University, and the University of Minnesota would like your feedback on potato production and soil health. The results of this survey will influence the important research done by these teams. They'll ask questions about crop rotations, soil health management practices, and fumigation in this brief survey. As a token of their appreciation, you'll be eligible to enter into a drawing for a $100 Cabela's (or equivalent) gift card after you've completed the survey.  If you have any questions, please contact Alex Maas at alexmaas@uidaho.edu.

Click Here to Begin Survey

» https://uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8bQye9iBZ5UHI0K

UI Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program

All Crops    All Locations

Posted on: February 2, 2022 by Jerry Neufeld

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

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

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

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

Click on the pdf below for more information.

» 2022-PreLicense_OnlineTraining_POSTER.pdf

2022 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting Final Notice

Potato    All Locations

Posted on: January 31, 2022 by Jeff Miller

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 credits have been awarded for CCA (integrated pest management), Idaho, Oregon, and Washington pesticide recertification.

For those not able to attend in person, a virtual option will be available. If you want to participate by Zoom, contact Cheryn Suarez (cheryn@millerresearch.com) after registration and she will send you the link to attend. Virtual attendees will need to answer questions on Zoom to verify participation. Thus, each person desiring credits needs to be logged in. Contact us if you need to make other arrangements.

Registration is $20 to cover the cost of the meeting. After covering meeting costs, 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_Seminar_Announcement.pdf

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