Saturday, May 24, 2014

Pest Alert for Week of May 26th

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

New Pest: Daylily Leafminer Active Now

The daylily leafminer is a recent pest from Asia. It was first detected in 2006, but is now spread through much of the Southeast including North Carolina. I spotted some last week on a trip to Georgia. This fly lays its eggs in daylilies and the larvae produce relatively straight, vertical mines. Pruning infested leaves will help prevent the larvae from maturing and infesting new leaves. We are conducting efficacy tests on this pest right now so I should have recommendations for next year. But for now materials targeting other leafminers such could help. A recent article about this pest is in American Nurseryman (http://www.amerinursery.com/article-7705.aspx).

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Daylily leafminer damage. Photo: S. D. Frank.


Cottony Maple Leaf Scale Eggs

Cottony maple leaf scale is one of several cottony scales in the genus Pulvinaria. Last week we mentioned cottony camellia scale. You can find these now on their most common hosts maple and dogwood. Stand under a tree and look up and you will see cottony masses about the size of a cotton swap stuck to the bottom of leaves. These are the egg masses. They each contain many hundred eggs that are hatching as we speak. The crawlers will settle and feed on the leaves all summer then migrate back to branches in fall before leaf-drop.
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Cottony maple leaf scale ovisacs on a maple leaf. Photo: S. D. Frank.


Midge with an Eye on Maples

The ocellate gall midge, Acericecis ocellaris, causes an ocellate (single-spotted), pale green to yellow, often bright red-margined gall. Galls are 5 to 6 mm in diameter and occur primarily on foliage of red maples, but also A. saccharinum, A. spicatum, and A. pennsylvanicum. I found galls this week on trees in central Georgia so if you have not seen it here yet you will soon. Galls typically appear in May and contain a single, translucent midge larva. Larvae exit the gall and drop to the ground to overwinter as pupae. These are actually quite attractive critters that could even improve the appearance of trees. Just think if someone bred a tree with yellow and red eye-shaped dots it would be all the rage. That said, these midges usually only occur a few at a time and will not harm tree health. Find out more about maple pests in a free e-book:http://ecoipm.com/extension/extension-resources/.

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Ocellate galls on a red maple. Photo: S. D. Frank.




For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Pest Alert for Week of May 19th


ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Keep Alert for a New Crape Myrtle Pest

One of the newest pests to plague urban trees is the crape myrtle bark scale, Eriococcus lagerstroemia. It is not yet in North Carolina, but it is probably coming soon. The first detection of crape myrtle bark scale in the U.S. was just outside Dallas, Texas, in 2004. Since then, it has spread throughout much of Texas. It has also spread to Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Last week it was also found in Georgia.  

Crape myrtle bark scale is similar to azalea bark scale and oak eriococcid scale that is common on willow oaks in Raleigh. Female scales produce fluffy white filaments that cover their bodies. In spring, they produce eggs beneath their body then die. Tiny crawlers hatch from the eggs and spread around the plant. Scale crawlers can also be spread by the wind. The crawlers settle in their new spot and begin producing white filaments as they grow. They have at least 2 overlapping generations in Arkansas and probably more in warmer areas.

At low density, crape myrtle bark scale feeds in rough areas around branch collars, but as the population increases, all the bark may be covered. These scales are most often noticed because trees become covered in black sooty mold. At first, many people assume this is from crape myrtle aphids so the scales may go undetected. If you notice unusually heavy honeydew and sooty mold on crape myrtles, take a closer look at the bark.

Since this is such a new pest in the U.S., we do not have a good idea how to manage it. Drench applications of neonicotinoids have provided some control in Texas. However, since crape myrtles flower continually and attract a slew of pollinators, this may not be the best option. Insect growth regulators such as pyriproxyfen and buprofezin are effective for many other scales and may be a good option. Horticultural oil, especially the heavier dormant rate, can reduce scale abundance also. 

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White crape myrtle bark scales on a crape myrtle trunk blackened with sooty mold. Photo: S. D. Frank.


Lecanium Scale Crawlers!

Oak and European fruit lecanium scale are one of the largest soft scales in our area. Scale ovisacs are brown and rounded reaching 6 mm in diameter. This is the most noticeable stage and is present right now. As members of the soft scale family Coccidae, lecanium scales produce honeydew that can cause sooty mold on oaks or plants below. Oak lecanium scale primarily infests oaks trees. However, European fruit lecanium can infest many tree species including oaks. They are impossible to tell apart without a microscope and even then it is hard. Large populations can reduce growth and vitality especially in newly planted trees.

Eggs are present now under adult scale covers and crawlers are beginning to hatch. The crawler stage should be targeted for best efficacy. On trees small enough to treat foliage, horticultural oil can be used. On larger trees, a systemic such as dinotefuran can be applied as a drench or trunk injection. This scale is not easily eradicated and optimal control measures are still unclear. It is attacked by many parasitoids and predators that can reduce scale abundance if protected from insecticides. A short video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD6I7P6BdKU) by graduate student Emily Meineke describes the scale biology. She is conducting research (http://ecoipm.com/research/urban-ecology/) to understand why lecanium scale outbreaks on urban trees.

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Lecanium scale ovisac on willow oak. Photo: S. D. Frank.


From: Adam G. Dale, Graduate Student and Steve Frank, Department of Entomology

Bagworms Active in Raleigh

Bagworms have been hatching for the last week or so. You can find the tiny caterpillars with tiny upright bags anywhere there are bags left from last year. The bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, is a very common ornamental pest throughout the eastern United States. These pests overwinter as eggs within the mother’s bag. Larvae emerge from the bag during the months of May and June. Once they have emerged, they crawl or drift via a silk strand to nearby foliage where they begin to establish feed. Bagworms are relatively sedentary during their lifetime, most often remaining on the same tree until they pupate. Adult females are wingless and never leave the tree, while male bagworms pupate and develop into a small brown moth. 

Bagworms feed on plant foliage and can cause a significant amount of damage in a relatively short period of time. Some common trees that they infest include: maple, sycamore, oak, poplar and apple while they mostly prefer conifers. The early instar caterpillars produce a silk bag on their posterior end that gradually collects plant tissue debris from them feeding. This creates a leafy bag that camouflages them as plant tissue. Since they don’t move much during their lifetime, they are commonly found in dense populations within the same tree. These dense populations have the potential to kill conifers within one to two seasons due to defoliation and are found more often on ornamental trees rather than in forests. Since they are so discrete and easily mistaken for plant tissue, pest management for these insects can be difficult and/or time consuming. One of the most effective, yet time consuming methods of treatment, are handpicking or cutting the female pupae bags from of the branches. Since this may sometimes be impractical or impossible, there are other methods of treatment to be considered. There are chemical control options available that should be applied during the early instar stages of the caterpillars, typically during June and early July. As with many other pest insects, bagworms are susceptible to predation from parasitoids and birds which can also assist in their control. Now that there has been evidence of these early instar bagworms, it may be time to take action against them.

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Bagworms. Photo: Adam G. Dale.


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Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University or North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
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Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.











For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Job Opening



Carolina Native Nursery: Nursery Manager

Carolina Native Nursery, in the mountains of western N.C., is an industry leader in the production and sales of regionally native shrubs throughout the eastern U.S. Due to our growth and expansion; we are currently searching for the right individual to join our team. We are a dynamic, progressive, and innovative organization and will maintain that mindset as we continue our mission of growing beautiful, garden center quality native plants for our expanding clientele. You will have the opportunity to take the knowledge you have and couple that with what we know from growing these plants for over a decade to make us a better nursery.

Overall review of responsibilities:

Our Nursery manager will determine optimal growing conditions for native plants. Taking into account the sun each area receives, slopes in the landscape, soil type, drainage, and other factors that affect plant growth, you will help decide which plants to grow and how many of each plant are necessary for business operations.  Be an integral part of the calculations based on projected sales or current orders. This includes setting budgets, ordering supplies, and ensuring proper working conditions of equipment.
Decisions about when to plant, fertilize, harvest, and sell could be the responsibility of nursery manager. Because weather conditions greatly affect the success of plant growth, the nursery manager must carefully monitor weather patterns and take proper precautions to ensure the plants are not distressed by unfavorable weather conditions. They examine plants for diseases, insects, wildlife damage, and weeds to protect the health of the plants.
Nursery manager will recruit, hire, train, oversee, and terminate employees of the nursery. They provide new employees with proper gardening equipment and teach correct techniques and procedures for plant care. The nursery manager delegates job duties and ensures that employees do their jobs properly. The nursery manager might also schedule work hours and handle payroll. Nursery managers are responsible for establishing a safe working environment by creating and implementing safety policies that adhere to legal standards.
In other words:
Nursery  Management
  • Continue with overall nursery design and implementation
  • Development of nursery budget
  • System for maintenance of facility and equipment
  • Continue to develop plant list

Propagation
·      Research into liner, seed, cutting, and other propagation materials
·      Continue and maintain established propagation program
·      Manage propagation facilities

Fields
  • Supervise all growing facilities and employees
  • Manage all fertility, insect, disease, pruning, watering, and other concerns for optimum growth rates
  • Develop written systems to insure top quality plant material

Staff
  • Hiring and management of all field staff


Resume's
Send all resume's to Bill Jones
 President 
Carolina Native Nursery



For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Pest News for Week of May 12th

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Cottony Camellia Scale Eggs

Cottony camellia scale is one of several cottony scales in the genus Pulvinaria. You can find these now on their common hosts including holly and camellia. Flip over leaves and you will see cottony masses about the size of a cotton swap stuck to the bottom of leaves. These are the egg masses. They each contain many hundred eggs that will hatch soon. Note that the holly this ovisac was on is still flowering. Thus, you cannot make foliar applications of neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, dinotefuran, or thiamethoxan or really most insecticides since bees will be foraging. So check for flowering in a week or two when the eggs actually hatch when choosing your insecticides.

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Cottony camellia scale ovisacs on a holly. Photo: Steve Frank.


Cottony Cushion Scale Eggs Hatching

Cottony cushion scale is an exotic pest that became a very important pest of citrus. However, it is quite generalist and does affect several ornamental plants such as nandina, euonymus, boxwood, rose, and others. Cottony cushion scale is very noticeable when female egg sacs are present. They are present now and most of the time since there are several overlapping generations per year. Cottony cushion scale is an example of a relatively successful biological control program in the U.S. The vedalia beetle was captured in its homeland of Australia and released to bring the pest under control. Although cottony cushion scale can still be found and remains a pest it is often kept in check by this wide-spread beetle. These are in a different family (Mararodidae) than other soft scales (Coccidae). However, control measures are similar to those outlined in the soft scale management note posted here: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/shrubs/note156/note156.html.

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Cottony cushion scale on euonymus stems. Adult ovisac is present behind a darker less cottony juvenile. Photo: Steve Frank.


New Free IPM Book and Other Resources

The Southern Nursery IPM working group (SNIPM) includes research and extension professionals from many Southeastern states who work in horticulture, plant pathology, and entomology related to nursery crops. Last year we published a book called IPM for Select Deciduous Trees in Southeastern US Nursery Production that is available as “pdf” here:


This month we published another booked focused on shrubs called IPM for Shrubs in Southeastern US Nursery Production: Vol. I that is available here:http://wiki.bugwood.org/IPM_Shrub_Book

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There are many other extension resources such as factsheets, articles, North Carolina Pest News, and presentations consolidated as links on my websitehttp://ecoipm.com/. In addition you can visit the site to read my blog or twitter feeds. You can also sign up to follow my pest alert Twitter feed @OrnaPests and my general ecology and IPM twitter feed @ecoIPM via Twitter or by clicking the ‘Follow’ buttons on my website. @Ornapests provides short timely alerts when new pests become active in the field accompanied by pictures and links to management information.


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For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Plastic Container Recycling

Plastic Recycling 

Waste Reduction Partners (WRP), is partnering with the NC Nurseryman and Landscapers Association, the Department of Agriculture, and NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to expand opportunities for recycling agricultural plastics (http://wastereductionpartners.org/agriculture). The event will be held at Appalachian Creek Nursery in Swannanoa on May 24th.  This event was initiated by Rainbow Recycling in Black Mountain.  WRP is helping to plan and market the event.  

There is also a series of nursery container recycling collection events on Saturdays throughJune 28 at B.B. Barns in Arden.  This collection program is geared more towards home gardeners (i.e. customers and future customers of B.B. Barns).  

WRP is also interested in working with nurseries, landscapers or farms that might need assistance with recycling agricultural plastics. They have already worked with several nurseries statewide on recycling overwintering greenhouse films in the spring, and we have just begun to work with a few farms to recycle black mulch films in late fall.  Their assistance is free (grant-funded).  

Waste Reduction Partners is a part of the Land of Sky Regional Council.  Jan Foster is the solid waste manager. Her contact is below:

Jan Foster, Solid Waste Manager

Waste Reduction Partners, Land of Sky Regional Council
828-553-3530
www.wastereductionpartners.org


SMALL NURSERIES ..... LANDSCAPERS FARMERS ..... GARDENERS
Plagued by piles of used flower pots?
Lots of Pots
Recycling Event Saturday, May 24, 2014, 8am-5pm
Appalachian Creek Nursery
8 Mimidis Lane, Swannanoa
(off Hwy 70, just west of Warren Wilson Rd, across RR tracks)
PLASTIC flower pots & trays
(intact or broken) Also available for REUSE (“as is”)
Before arriving: Shake or tap to remove most dirt. Must bag or box.
If quantity is larger than pickup truck load --
advance notice by May 22 & additional preparation required
Contact Rainbow Recycling, 828-669-5459, info@rainbowrecycling.org for instruction sheet on proper sorting and stacking 
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

NC Ag Agents Meeting in Asheville NC

Hello Green Industry Professional 
We're still looking for support from local agricultural related companies.  As the green industry is such a rich a diverse part of our economy, I would love to get a good representation of donors that could help us.  Donations do not have to be large; in fact a few plants for door prizes would be great.  

Dear Friend of Cooperative Extension.
Each year the NC Agricultural Agents Association hosts an annual educational meeting somewhere in the state.  On June 17,18,19  the West District is hosting this year's event.  Extension Agents from all over the state will travel to Western NC ready to tour our farms, visit our businesses, and learn how it's done in the Mountains.  We are excited to host this event but we cannot do it alone.  We are very grateful to our many partners; without you we would not be as successful as we are.  If you are inclined to contribute to this event please reference the information below:

Diamond - $1000+
Ruby - $750-1000
Platinum - $500-750
Gold - $250-500
Silver - $100-250
Bronze - <$100

All sponsors will be included in a rolling power point being shown prior to the awards banquet.
Any sponsor at the $750+ level will be given the opportunity to speak at one of the activities.
Any sponsor at Silver level and above will have the opportunity to set up a display during the exhibit sessions on Wed.  There are two exhibit sessions planned: 10am - 2pm and 2pm - 6pm; however, if participation is low they may be allowed to set up for the entirety of the exhibit sessions.  Space is limited so request a spot early!
All sponsorships are fully tax deductible as NCACAA is considered a non-profit organization.  They will be sent a letter on our letterhead acknowledging their contribution.
Also, in-kind donations such as snacks, beverages, etc. that can be used in the hospitality room or as door prizes are greatly appreciated.  Small tokens that represent the area's rich diversity of agriculture and tourism are welcome as door prizes or for participant bags.  

Make checks payable to NCACAA and mail to Ross Young, NC Cooperative Extension Center,  258 Carolina Lane, Marshall, NC 28753.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Monday, May 5, 2014


ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Rose Sawflies

I found these sawflies on knockout roses this week in Georgia. I also found some on my roses in Raleigh that were slightly smaller. They are probably the curled rose sawfly, Allantus cinctus, but I am waiting on a positive identification. In any case you can look for damage to leaves by these and other sawflies. Small larvae typically skeletonize the leaves. Larger larvae consume entire leaves. Scout for this damage and also for feces which are a sure sign of something feeding on your plants. If infestations are large a contact insecticides such as a pyrethroid or acephate can be applied. Conserve is also labeled for sawflies. Small infestations in home landscapes could be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

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Tiny rose sawfly larva on knockout rose leaf. Photo: S. D. Frank.


Azalea Lace Bugs

Azalea lace bugs (Stephanitis pyrioides) are one of the most damaging pests of evergreen azaleas. They overwinter as eggs in azalea leaves and begin hatching in Spring. This is actually late compared to some other years, but I found the very first ones yesterday. I found them near HVAC units that blow hot air behind our administration building. This is my monitoring spot for azalea lace bugs because they always hatch here first. In addition the high temperature always leads to greater abundance and damage, too. This is a great example of how high temperature increases advances pestphenology and increases development rate leading to more generations per year.

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Azaleas planted next to HVAC equipment that blow hot air. The azaleas always get lace bugs first and worst. Photo: S. D. Frank.

Control is best targeted early in the season when nymphs are present for two reasons. First, nymphs are easier to kill than adults and if you kill nymphs before they mature and lay eggs you have a better chance of clearing up the infestation. Second, the longer azalea lace bugs are on your plant the more damage they do. On evergreen azaleas this damage sticks around for a long time so plants may be permanently damaged. So scout your azaleas and get those lace bugs cleared up before damage occurs. 

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Photo: S. D. Frank.


Juniper Scale Crawlers are Active

Juniper scale, Carulaspis juniper, attacks some of the most commonly used plants in ornamental landscapes including all Juniper species, but also cypress species and false cypress. There is one generation per year in which females fill up their armored cover with eggs in spring from which crawlers hatch and look for new feeding sites. Infestations can lead to foliage that becomes yellow or brown and generally less lustrous than normal. Large infestations can cause the tips of branches to die and the plant to become sparsely foliated. Isolated infestations can be pruned off of plants. Natural enemies will often keep scale below damaging thresholds. However, in environments where natural enemies are not abundant control may be necessary. Horticultural oil will smother crawlers. Other chemicals such as dinotefuran (Safari), acetamiprid (TriStar), and pyroproxifen (Distance) and others can be used to manage infestations. More information on armored scale management can be found at:http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/shrubs/note157/note157.html.

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Heavy infestation of juniper scale on Leyland cypress. Adult females are white and round with a yellow center and resemble a fried egg. Photo: S. D. Frank.









For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News for Week of May 5th

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Cool Season Mites

In North Carolina, the most important cool season mites are the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) and southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis). These are among the earliest and most damaging pests in nurseries and landscapes. As their name implies, cool season mites are active in spring and fall when they suck fluid from cells on plant leaves and needles. In hot summer months these mites are dormant. However, it is summer when their damage becomes apparent as chlorophyll bearing cells die. Thus, by the time plants exhibit aesthetic damage the mites are gone and treatment is wasted.

Southern red mite feeds on broadleaf evergreens such as azalea, camellia, holly, and rhododendron. Spruce spider mite feeds on coniferous evergreens such as spruce, juniper, hemlock, and arborvitae.

Scout plants that had mites or mite damage the previous year as they are likely to have them again because the mites have overwintered as eggs. Cool season mites reproduce very quickly so it is important to identify populations early before they reach eruptive levels and cause severe damage. Throughout spring you will find egg, juvenile, and adult mites due to their rapid, overlapping generations. In addition, you may find silk webbing and shed skins. On broadleaf evergreens, look on the underside of leaves for the southern red mite. Look for spruce spider mite on conifers by inspecting last year’s needles.

The most efficient method of scouting for cool season mites (and other mites) is to hold a piece of white paper or a paper plate below a branch and strike it with a pencil or stick to dislodge arthropods. Spider mites will appear as tiny moving specks about the size of the period at the end of this sentence.

For more information and control options consult the North Carolina State University insect note at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/ort077e/ort077e.htm. More pictures and information on southern red mite at http://ecoipm.com/.

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Southern red mite on cherry laurel. Photo: S. D. Frank.


Tulip Poplar Aphids in the Landscape

Tulip poplar aphids are becoming abundant in their annual cycle of boom and bust. They start to boom in spring since natural enemies are not very active or abundant. As aphids become abundant, predators and parasitoids home in on them and tend to keep their numbers under control. However, trees in highly urban areas or those tended by fire ants may become more abundant since nature predation and parasitism will be limited. General information about managing aphid in the landscape is here. Other aphids to watch out for soon are crape myrtle aphids and rose aphids.

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Lady beetle eggs positioned next to a family of tulip poplar aphids. Photo: S. D. Frank.


Fire Ant Mounds Abound

Fire ants are making lots of fresh new mounds this time of year. Often like this one pictured they develop in just a day or so. A frequent location for fire ant mound is in the mulch around landscape trees, particularly when too much mulch is applied as shown in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK5W5WItcbs&feature=youtu.be).


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Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University or North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.





For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.