If you are selling retail or thinking about increasing the visitors to your farm, nursery, or garden center this program may be for you. Please mark your calendars for January 27th-28th to attend the The Business Side of Agritourism Workshop. This program is for any agribusiness that may have public interaction on a regular basis.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Support a Farmer, Buy a Real Christmas Tree!
My husband Phillip and I ventured out to Sandy Mush this past Saturday to get our Christmas Tree. It was the perfect day, cold and snowing! On the way to Sandy Hollar Tree Farm, on North Turkey Creek Road, we passed a sign for a Kiln Sale at Jone Pottery. We are going to have to stop by there after we get our tree! We arrive at Sandy Hollar Tree Farm, by this time the snow has passed and I am upset because I wanted it to be snowing in the back ground of our pictures, oh well. I see Dale Hawkins, owner of the farm, and talk with him a minute. Dale says, "business is pretty good this year and we have sold a lot of trees. Last weekend it was really busy!" There were about 15 cars there at that time. Everyone was so happy and the kids were having fun picking out the "perfect tree". The farm looked beautiful! Neat rows of deep green Fraser Fir and a cute farm store decorated with wreathes and garland. Inside the store you can purchase holiday gifts such as hand knitted wool hats and scarves that Dale's Mom, June makes. June raises Llamas and shears them for the wool. Phillip and I walk around for an hour enjoying the scenery and looking for our "perfect tree". To be honest, all the trees were perfect! We find our tree and Phillip cuts it down, we carry it out of the field, send it through the tree bailer and tie it to the car. When we have children one day, we are going to make it a tradition in our family to go to a local Christmas Tree farm to get our tree. It's so much fun and the famers need our support too. After we left Sandy Hollar Tree Farm, we stopped in at the Kiln sale at Jone Pottery. We found several gifts for our friends and enjoyed some hot apple cider and Christmas cookies. They had a really cool chicken tractor too!! Merry Christmas and remember to support your local farmers, artists and businesses! To find your local Christmas Tree growers go to http://ncchristmastrees.com/
Farm Store
Neat rows of Faser Fir
Nice work Phillip!
Beautiful snow!For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Nov/Dec Edition of Commercial Hort News- now available!
Your November/ December 2009 edition of Commercial Hort News is now available. This newsletter serves the Green Industry in western North Carolina. Buncombe County's Christmas tree growers are highlighted in the Grower Spotlight! You'll also find information about grants, scholarships and cost share programs. Hope you enjoy the newsletter and look for the January/ February edition to post early January 2010.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Starting a CSA
Are you interested in starting a CSA?
CSAs are becoming more and more popular here in western NC. The Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office is holding an Informational Meeting on Starting a CSA, including topics such as the benefits of CSAs, share prices and payment, recruiting and maintaining customers, and developing a crop plan.
Please join us Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 from 9am-11am at Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office, 740 Glover Street, Hendersonville, NC. This is a free workshop. Please RSVP to Ivy Olson at 828-697-4891 or ivy_olson@ncsu.edu. For more information, please click the link below:
CSA Flyer
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
CSAs are becoming more and more popular here in western NC. The Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office is holding an Informational Meeting on Starting a CSA, including topics such as the benefits of CSAs, share prices and payment, recruiting and maintaining customers, and developing a crop plan.
Please join us Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 from 9am-11am at Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office, 740 Glover Street, Hendersonville, NC. This is a free workshop. Please RSVP to Ivy Olson at 828-697-4891 or ivy_olson@ncsu.edu. For more information, please click the link below:
CSA Flyer
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Nursery Pour Through Process
"By routinely measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of growing media and irrigation water for container-grown nursery crops, growers can monitor nutrient availability and scout for problems. This does not have to be time-consuming, complicated, or difficult. Learn how to use the pour-through extraction procedure as part of your nursery’s quality control program". NC Cooperative Extension has a new "Pour Through" publication outlining this process. Print it off and read it at: THE POUR-THROUGH EXTRACTION PROCEDURE.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Energy Grant Available
If you are looking at using alternative energy sources to keep your greenhouse warm, run your equipment, heat your hot-tub, or whatever it is you do with energy consider visiting the following site:
Energy Sources
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Energy Sources
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, September 14, 2009
WNC AgOptions Grants Available
The 2010 WNC Agriculture Options are now available. Visit Ag Options Grants for more information.
If you have an idea that might improve your farm or nursery, look at this grant to see if it fits with that idea.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
If you have an idea that might improve your farm or nursery, look at this grant to see if it fits with that idea.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Green Tips
The newest edition of Green Tips is now on line at: Green Tips
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Agricultural Drought Relief Program
Agricultural Drought Relief Program
The Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District is currently accepting applications for the N.C. Agricultural Drought Recovery Program. This program was made possible through a $6 million grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
This funding can be used for the installation of 4 best management practices:
1. Renovation of pastures killed or damaged by the drought. (Hayland is not eligible). Participating farmers must agree to manage fertility, stocking rates, and start /stop grazing heights to minimize the potential for overgrazing and to ensure that a good stand is maintained.
2. Drilling wells for farmers whose existing water supplies for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or was inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds are currently not eligible)
3. Renovating existing ponds and constructing new ponds for farmers whose existing water supplies for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or were inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds currently are not eligible)
4. Retrofitting existing irrigation systems to Conservation Irrigation and Micro Irrigation. These practices are intended to:
-convert center-pivot and lateral move irrigation systems to employ drop nozzles or low-pressure spray nozzles. This practice can also be used to convert an existing traveling gun system to a center-pivot or lateral move system using drop nozzles or low-pressure spray. The practice can also be used to equip existing irrigation equipment with end-gun shutoff devices.
-And to replace and/or reduce the use of other types of irrigation and fertilization such as the traveling gun, center-pivot and furrow irrigation systems unless agronomic necessity (e.g., frost/freeze protection, soil settling) suggest alternate or temporary methods of irrigation.
A 10-year maintenance agreement is required for each practice in order to receive funding through this program. If you have any questions, feel free to call Jonathan Wallin or Laurie Brokaw the Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District at 697-4949.
Please note that these funds are available in Henderson County only. If you live or have a farm in another county you should contact your Soil and Water District to see what they may have available. Different counties have different funds for distribution.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
The Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District is currently accepting applications for the N.C. Agricultural Drought Recovery Program. This program was made possible through a $6 million grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
This funding can be used for the installation of 4 best management practices:
1. Renovation of pastures killed or damaged by the drought. (Hayland is not eligible). Participating farmers must agree to manage fertility, stocking rates, and start /stop grazing heights to minimize the potential for overgrazing and to ensure that a good stand is maintained.
2. Drilling wells for farmers whose existing water supplies for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or was inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds are currently not eligible)
3. Renovating existing ponds and constructing new ponds for farmers whose existing water supplies for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or were inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds currently are not eligible)
4. Retrofitting existing irrigation systems to Conservation Irrigation and Micro Irrigation. These practices are intended to:
-convert center-pivot and lateral move irrigation systems to employ drop nozzles or low-pressure spray nozzles. This practice can also be used to convert an existing traveling gun system to a center-pivot or lateral move system using drop nozzles or low-pressure spray. The practice can also be used to equip existing irrigation equipment with end-gun shutoff devices.
-And to replace and/or reduce the use of other types of irrigation and fertilization such as the traveling gun, center-pivot and furrow irrigation systems unless agronomic necessity (e.g., frost/freeze protection, soil settling) suggest alternate or temporary methods of irrigation.
A 10-year maintenance agreement is required for each practice in order to receive funding through this program. If you have any questions, feel free to call Jonathan Wallin or Laurie Brokaw the Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District at 697-4949.
Please note that these funds are available in Henderson County only. If you live or have a farm in another county you should contact your Soil and Water District to see what they may have available. Different counties have different funds for distribution.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Helping Clients go Green!
Are your clients interested in a more sustainable "Green" approach to landscaping and lawn care? If so consider viewing this video from Gardener's Guild Inc. a California based landscape company and learn how they adopted organic lawn care in their business.
Going Green
If after you visit this video you want assistance in making the switch let us know.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Going Green
If after you visit this video you want assistance in making the switch let us know.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Drought Conditions Still Real
Although we have got several inches of rainfall in most of our Western North Carolina counties, dry conditions still prevail. Some areas of Henderson and Transylvania County are still experiencing levels of drought of limited rainfall. Over 67 counties in NC are listed as abnormally dry with 7 considered to be in moderate drought stages.
Visit NC Drought Map to see the changes going on across the state. As we continue to experience reduced rainfall in many areas, we must all continue using water conserving practices. If you are still using a lot of overhead irrigation you may want to revisit converting to drip or low input systems.
These systems can save you time, energy, and money as well as "liquid gold".
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Visit NC Drought Map to see the changes going on across the state. As we continue to experience reduced rainfall in many areas, we must all continue using water conserving practices. If you are still using a lot of overhead irrigation you may want to revisit converting to drip or low input systems.
These systems can save you time, energy, and money as well as "liquid gold".
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Speaking of Gardening Symposium: August 28- 29, 2009
Explore great plants at this year's Speaking of Gardening symposium. Two days of garden lectures by six highly regarded designers, research specialists and nurserymen will provide participants with great new ideas and inspiration.
Symposium topics include private and public garden design, new plants from NCSU plant research program, designing with grasses, new perennials from Jelitto and the Human Flower Project. Visit The NC Arboretum Website to register for these two days of workshops. The classes qualify for CEUs in a number of different areas including PLANET. Speaking of Gardening
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Symposium topics include private and public garden design, new plants from NCSU plant research program, designing with grasses, new perennials from Jelitto and the Human Flower Project. Visit The NC Arboretum Website to register for these two days of workshops. The classes qualify for CEUs in a number of different areas including PLANET. Speaking of Gardening
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Water Harvesting Workshop
Water Harvesting Workshop in Asheville! A half-day water harvesting workshop is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2009 sponsored by NC State University Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and NC Cooperative Extension. Professional engineers will earn 4 professional development hours (PDHs) for successful completion of this workshop. NCSU-BAE is also an approved continuing education provider for the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Approval of PDHs is pending from the NC Board of Landscape Architects. Approval pending for Irrigation Contractor CEUs.
Location of workshop- The NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayAsheville, NC 28806. To register and for more information click HERE.
Location of workshop- The NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayAsheville, NC 28806. To register and for more information click HERE.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Rust on Native Azaleas in Nursery
This week, Rust disease was identified on native deciduous azaleas and smooth hydrangea in a nursery in western North Carolina. Most guidebooks list it as either Rust, hemlock-blueberry rust (Pucciniastrum vaccinii) or hemlock-hydrangea rust (Pucciniastrum hydrangeae). Apparently it affects hemlock needles in early spring and summer, then the infected needles inoculate both wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)(photo) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) during the summer (Sinclair et al 1987). Because Rhododendron are in the Ericaceae family along with blueberry, these plants also seem to be infected. Additionally, blueberry grown as an ornamental in nurseries has been a "hot" trend lately, which could contribute to the renewed presence. On native deciduous rhododendron, for example, R. canescens (piedmont azalea), R. periclymenoides (pinxterbloom azalea), R. runifolum (Plumleaf azalea), R. viscosum (Swamp azalea), and R. calendulaceum (flame azalea), symptoms resemble these photos. Symptoms of leaf rust first appear in mid-summer as circular yellow flecks about an 1/8 inch in diameter on the upper leaf surface. .JPG)
The fungus can be found forming spores in rust-colored pustules on the undersides of the leaf below the yellow flecking (photo below). .JPG)
The fungus can be found forming spores in rust-colored pustules on the undersides of the leaf below the yellow flecking (photo below). The orange-colored spores in the pustules are disseminated by air currents to other azalea leaves. If the leaf remains wet overnight, new infections (pustules) can form repeating the cycle throughout the remainder of the summer and fall. When conditions are favorable for severe disease development with numerous pustules early in the summer, extensive defoliation of infected leaves can occur. In mild climates, the fungus may over winter as spores in pustules of fallen leaves. So removing leaves from deciduous azalea blocks or plantings in the spring can help reduce the severity of disease later in the season. However, the fungus also can be re-introduced to azaleas in the nursery/landscape each year from nearby hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) that serve as a second (alternate) host of the fungus. Normally, fungicides are not needed to control leaf rust (Benson and Creswell). It is possible to let the foliage die back and fall off this year without control, especially if plants are not going to be sold until spring 2010. In a study conducted by Jones, Bir and Benson in 1981, Plantvax 75W (oxycaboxin; Class: Carboxamide), Mancozeb 80W (Manganese ethylenebis; Class: carbamate), and Ferbam 76W (Ferbam; Class: carbamate) provided the best control for rust on the hybrids mentioned above when applied from mid-August through September according to label recommendations. Heritage (Azoxystrobin; Class: QOI-strobilurins), is only labeled for Puccinia sp. of rusts and not Puccinastrum spp. of rusts. Please read the labels of all fungicides applied and always wear personal protective equipment required on the label.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, August 7, 2009
New Products for Ornamental Greenhouse, Nursery, and Landscape Pests
New Products for Ornamental Greenhouse, Nursery, and Landscape Pests
From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist, NCSU
A new product Kontos is available to manage most sucking pests in greenhouses. It is also labeled for use in nurseries. Kontos from OHP is effective against whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and other insects. Kontos has a unique mode of action (IRAC group 23) that makes it an important tool in resistance management programs. This could be particularly important as a product to rotate with Conserve (spinosad) to kill thrips. It is also soft on beneficial organisms. More information on Kontos can be found at:Kontos.
In ornamental landscapes we now have Acelepryn by Dupont. This unique chemical has a very low vertebrate toxicity. So low in fact that it does not require a signal word on the label. It is effective on many landscape pests and can be used as a foliar spray or drench to provide translaminar and systemic plant protection. Acelepryn also is soft on beneficial organisms compared to older products. More information about Acelepryn can be found at Acelepryn.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist, NCSU
A new product Kontos is available to manage most sucking pests in greenhouses. It is also labeled for use in nurseries. Kontos from OHP is effective against whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and other insects. Kontos has a unique mode of action (IRAC group 23) that makes it an important tool in resistance management programs. This could be particularly important as a product to rotate with Conserve (spinosad) to kill thrips. It is also soft on beneficial organisms. More information on Kontos can be found at:Kontos.
In ornamental landscapes we now have Acelepryn by Dupont. This unique chemical has a very low vertebrate toxicity. So low in fact that it does not require a signal word on the label. It is effective on many landscape pests and can be used as a foliar spray or drench to provide translaminar and systemic plant protection. Acelepryn also is soft on beneficial organisms compared to older products. More information about Acelepryn can be found at Acelepryn.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Weekly Word on Weeds
Weekly Word on Weeds, from Dr. Joe Neal, NCSU Department of Horticulture
Want an overview of weed control in container nurseries?
Here is a link to video of one of my presentations at the SE Greenhouse conference on weed management in container nurseries. BASF corporation taped the presentation and posted it on their web site. I just saw it today. Here is the link:
Joe Neal Video
Editor's footnote: Dr. Joe Neal's daughter Marie, desperately needs a liver transplant. If you wish to help out go to Marie Neal and check out the procedure to make a contribution.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Want an overview of weed control in container nurseries?
Here is a link to video of one of my presentations at the SE Greenhouse conference on weed management in container nurseries. BASF corporation taped the presentation and posted it on their web site. I just saw it today. Here is the link:
Joe Neal Video
Editor's footnote: Dr. Joe Neal's daughter Marie, desperately needs a liver transplant. If you wish to help out go to Marie Neal and check out the procedure to make a contribution.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Notable Blogs
Blogs are one way to find information and keep up to date in this new electronic age. Below are five blogs to consider subscribing to if you have already. The last in the list is primarily for your customer- the home gardener but well worth visiting and sharing with those clients.
Alternatives and Organics
Open Register
Making Cents
Project Green Industry
WNC Vegetable News
Master Your Garden
If you are not blogging or using one of the other Social networking tools such as Facebook or Twitter, you may want to consider doing so. These tools are not just for the techni-geek but are becoming popular marketing tools.
We can discuss offering a class on getting started- possibly on-line!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Alternatives and Organics
Open Register
Making Cents
Project Green Industry
WNC Vegetable News
Master Your Garden
If you are not blogging or using one of the other Social networking tools such as Facebook or Twitter, you may want to consider doing so. These tools are not just for the techni-geek but are becoming popular marketing tools.
We can discuss offering a class on getting started- possibly on-line!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Speaking of Gardening
Speaking of Gardening Symposium
Explore great plants at this year's Speaking of Gardening symposium. Two days of garden lectures by six highly regarded designers, research specialists and nurserymen will provide participants with great new ideas and inspiration.
Symposium topics include private and public garden design, new plants from NCSU plant research program, designing with grasses, new perennials from Jelitto and the Human Flower Project.
For more information visit this link on the NC Arboretum's website:
Speaking of Gardening
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Explore great plants at this year's Speaking of Gardening symposium. Two days of garden lectures by six highly regarded designers, research specialists and nurserymen will provide participants with great new ideas and inspiration.
Symposium topics include private and public garden design, new plants from NCSU plant research program, designing with grasses, new perennials from Jelitto and the Human Flower Project.
For more information visit this link on the NC Arboretum's website:
Speaking of Gardening
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Western Flower Thrips
Western Flower Thrips in Greenhouses- from Dr. Stephen Franks, NCSU Dept of Entomology
Thrips are a constant problem for growers. Not just this particular week, but all the time. Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is the most important and damaging thrips of greenhouses and has been called the most damaging greenhouse pest in the world. This is true of greenhouse-grown food and ornamental crops. Nearly all floriculture crops are susceptible to thrips damage. Western flower thrips reproduce rapidly and are difficult to manage because they live in the cracks and crevices of flower heads and foliage. Thus they are difficult to contact with insecticides. Western flower thrips also develop insecticide resistance rapidly so it is important to emphasize chemical rotation and to have a resistance management plan. Sanitation is also very important in managing thrips. Because they can feed and reproduce on hundreds of plant species, weeds in and around a greenhouse will provide a constant supply of thrips even if the crop is sprayed. Western flower thrips pupate in soil, so clean up spilled potting soil and other debris to deny them this vital part of their lifecycle. More information and chemical recommendations can be found in the newly-revised Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 72 at Western Flower Thrips
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Thrips are a constant problem for growers. Not just this particular week, but all the time. Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is the most important and damaging thrips of greenhouses and has been called the most damaging greenhouse pest in the world. This is true of greenhouse-grown food and ornamental crops. Nearly all floriculture crops are susceptible to thrips damage. Western flower thrips reproduce rapidly and are difficult to manage because they live in the cracks and crevices of flower heads and foliage. Thus they are difficult to contact with insecticides. Western flower thrips also develop insecticide resistance rapidly so it is important to emphasize chemical rotation and to have a resistance management plan. Sanitation is also very important in managing thrips. Because they can feed and reproduce on hundreds of plant species, weeds in and around a greenhouse will provide a constant supply of thrips even if the crop is sprayed. Western flower thrips pupate in soil, so clean up spilled potting soil and other debris to deny them this vital part of their lifecycle. More information and chemical recommendations can be found in the newly-revised Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 72 at Western Flower Thrips
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Weekly Word on Weeds
New Weekly Word on Weeds from Dr. Joe Neal
Lontrel Update – Field Nursery Uses Allowed
Lontrel herbicide (active ingredient: clopyralid) has been labeled for controlling legume and aster weeds in turf and landscape settings for several years. Some of the susceptible weeds include clovers, sicklepod, hemp sesbania, vetch, eclipta, groundsel, horseweed, dogfennel, and thistles. It is generally safe when used as a directed spray around most established woody ornamentals but treatments near plants in the legume family, such as red bud, should be avoided.
The Lontrel label was recently amended to allow for use in nurseries; but, only in FIELD nurseries. Lontrel is very active in low concentrations on susceptible species. So, when using Lontrel, read and follow the instructions and precautions on the label. Some important precautions include:
Do not contaminate irrigation ditches or water used for irrigation
Do not use in greenhouses
Do not make broadcast applications to ornamental plantings; however, spot and directed applications are permissible
Do not allow sprays of this product to contact exposed suckers or roots of susceptible trees or shrubs as injury may occur
Do not collect treated grass clippings for mulch or compost
Do not apply to container grown ornamentals.
What does this mean to nursery crop growers?
Lontrel is another “tool” that field producers may use to control legume and aster weeds. It may be particularly useful in fields with a history of sicklepod, hemp sesbania or glyphosate-tolerant horseweed. Use it as a directed spray around woody crops only. But keep it off of actively growing foliage. I’ve seen significant injury on many broadleaf crops from directed sprays that contacted low hanging limbs (picture field grown hollies here). And, do not use Lontrel around red bud trees; plants can be damaged from root uptake of the herbicide.
Of course, read the label before you use Lontrel. This is a very good herbicide but a little bit of spray drift can cause significant damage to susceptible crops.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Lontrel Update – Field Nursery Uses Allowed
Lontrel herbicide (active ingredient: clopyralid) has been labeled for controlling legume and aster weeds in turf and landscape settings for several years. Some of the susceptible weeds include clovers, sicklepod, hemp sesbania, vetch, eclipta, groundsel, horseweed, dogfennel, and thistles. It is generally safe when used as a directed spray around most established woody ornamentals but treatments near plants in the legume family, such as red bud, should be avoided.
The Lontrel label was recently amended to allow for use in nurseries; but, only in FIELD nurseries. Lontrel is very active in low concentrations on susceptible species. So, when using Lontrel, read and follow the instructions and precautions on the label. Some important precautions include:
Do not contaminate irrigation ditches or water used for irrigation
Do not use in greenhouses
Do not make broadcast applications to ornamental plantings; however, spot and directed applications are permissible
Do not allow sprays of this product to contact exposed suckers or roots of susceptible trees or shrubs as injury may occur
Do not collect treated grass clippings for mulch or compost
Do not apply to container grown ornamentals.
What does this mean to nursery crop growers?
Lontrel is another “tool” that field producers may use to control legume and aster weeds. It may be particularly useful in fields with a history of sicklepod, hemp sesbania or glyphosate-tolerant horseweed. Use it as a directed spray around woody crops only. But keep it off of actively growing foliage. I’ve seen significant injury on many broadleaf crops from directed sprays that contacted low hanging limbs (picture field grown hollies here). And, do not use Lontrel around red bud trees; plants can be damaged from root uptake of the herbicide.
Of course, read the label before you use Lontrel. This is a very good herbicide but a little bit of spray drift can cause significant damage to susceptible crops.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure, Compost
Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure,
Compost, and Grass Clippings.
Home gardeners and landscapers may feel they are doing the right thing, organically, when applying manure or compost to their gardens but- knowing something about the herbicides applied to the hay that the animals that produced the manure, ate can impact your choice of using the compost. The same goes for grass clippings of other plant debris that may end up in the compost. The attached article below describes the results being seen by many farmers and gardeners alike:
Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure, Compost, and Grass Clippings
Check your compost sources before using them!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Compost, and Grass Clippings.
Home gardeners and landscapers may feel they are doing the right thing, organically, when applying manure or compost to their gardens but- knowing something about the herbicides applied to the hay that the animals that produced the manure, ate can impact your choice of using the compost. The same goes for grass clippings of other plant debris that may end up in the compost. The attached article below describes the results being seen by many farmers and gardeners alike:
Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure, Compost, and Grass Clippings
Check your compost sources before using them!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Blue Ridge Community College landscape class designed a plan for the Hospice Elisabeth House. They would like to install it this fall in the landscape construction class. I was hoping you could help me through your blog by posting this along with a materials list in hopes that some nurseries will have things they would be willing to donate.
Here's their wish list:
Thuja occidentalis – 2
Liriope muscari – 100 1 gal.
Erica carnea – 18
Nandina domestica ‘Nana Purpurea’ or ‘Firepower’ – 9
Perovskia atriplicifolia – 1
Fothergilla gardenia ‘Mt. Airy’ – 5
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris – 3
Echinacea purpurea – may have enough
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ – 6
Delosperma cooperi – 61 1 gal.
Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burfordii’ – 14
Crytomium fortunei - 13
Potentilla tridentata – 575 1 gal. or in flats
Heuchera sanguinea – may have enough
Pansy/Impatiens – 2 flats
Hemerocallis ‘Stella De’Oro’ – 26 1 gal.
Clematis x jackmanii – 2
Other items:
Shredded mulch
Bird baths
Bird feeders
Shepherd’s hooks for feeders
Fertilizer
Organic matter – compost, peat moss, etc. to amend soil
Trellis
If you have any of these items that you would care to donate to the Elisabeth House project please let Carolyn know. Her number is: (828) 694-1840 or you may contact her by e.mail at cm_evans@blueridge.edu .
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Here's their wish list:
Thuja occidentalis – 2
Liriope muscari – 100 1 gal.
Erica carnea – 18
Nandina domestica ‘Nana Purpurea’ or ‘Firepower’ – 9
Perovskia atriplicifolia – 1
Fothergilla gardenia ‘Mt. Airy’ – 5
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris – 3
Echinacea purpurea – may have enough
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ – 6
Delosperma cooperi – 61 1 gal.
Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burfordii’ – 14
Crytomium fortunei - 13
Potentilla tridentata – 575 1 gal. or in flats
Heuchera sanguinea – may have enough
Pansy/Impatiens – 2 flats
Hemerocallis ‘Stella De’Oro’ – 26 1 gal.
Clematis x jackmanii – 2
Other items:
Shredded mulch
Bird baths
Bird feeders
Shepherd’s hooks for feeders
Fertilizer
Organic matter – compost, peat moss, etc. to amend soil
Trellis
If you have any of these items that you would care to donate to the Elisabeth House project please let Carolyn know. Her number is: (828) 694-1840 or you may contact her by e.mail at cm_evans@blueridge.edu .
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Maple Mites
Maple Mites
From Dr. Stephen Franks:
Mid-summer damage to maples is often attributed to the twospotted spider mite. However, I visited several nurseries this week and found the culprit was actually the maple mite, Oligonychus aceris. This mite feeds on maples and causes severe damage to maple leaves in midsummer. Leaves are yellow and stippled and mite debris is evident on the underside of leaves. Growers report more damage on “Autumn Blaze” than other maple varieties. However it is common on October Glory and most commonly grown varieties. Management recommendations are the same as for the twospotted spider mite discussed in previous articles in the June 5, 2009 and June 26, 2009 North Carolina Pest News. However, to my knowledge no efficacy tests have been conducted on this particular species. Remember that any damage done to the leaves will remain for the rest of the season and will not be corrected by treatments, nor will the debris wash off from treatments or irrigation. Therefore, be sure to determine if live mites are present before repeating a treatment bases on damage or debris.
For additional information, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 25 on twospotted spider mites at Twospotted Spider Mite
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
From Dr. Stephen Franks:
Mid-summer damage to maples is often attributed to the twospotted spider mite. However, I visited several nurseries this week and found the culprit was actually the maple mite, Oligonychus aceris. This mite feeds on maples and causes severe damage to maple leaves in midsummer. Leaves are yellow and stippled and mite debris is evident on the underside of leaves. Growers report more damage on “Autumn Blaze” than other maple varieties. However it is common on October Glory and most commonly grown varieties. Management recommendations are the same as for the twospotted spider mite discussed in previous articles in the June 5, 2009 and June 26, 2009 North Carolina Pest News. However, to my knowledge no efficacy tests have been conducted on this particular species. Remember that any damage done to the leaves will remain for the rest of the season and will not be corrected by treatments, nor will the debris wash off from treatments or irrigation. Therefore, be sure to determine if live mites are present before repeating a treatment bases on damage or debris.
For additional information, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 25 on twospotted spider mites at Twospotted Spider Mite
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Mills River Tailgate/Farmer's Market
A new tailgate/farmer's market will be located in Mills River, NC. The information, rules, and market applications is on the Mills River website at Mills River. If you are looking for another marketing venue this may be one worth visiting. The market is located at the town hall on NC highway 280. Vendors need to be located within 30 miles of the market and grow their own products.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Green Industry IPM Survey
Hello NC Nursery Crop Growers
The nursery science working group at N.C. State University is working with a regional group of extension specialists from GA, SC, KY, & TN to survey current pest (insect, disease, & weed) management practices and current pest priorities of growers in southeastern, wholesale, ornamental nurseries. Our efforts have been funded by the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center (SRIPMC) and supported by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (NCNLA) and each cooperating state’s nursery and landscape trade organization.
All responses are anonymous and kept confidential. Results for each state will be combined and made available as an average. Combined results for grower initiated priorities for future pest management issues will be available to research, teaching, and Extension professionals, as well as the entire green industry. This insight into current and emerging pest priorities will allow research and extension professionals to design their programs to investigate and resolve the most pressing pest issues in the green industry. Growers will be able to compare their pest management practices between states.
Your efforts will allow us to develop a multi-state crop profile (CP) and pest management strategic plan (PMSP). The CP and PMSPs developed will be for the most pressing pest problems in the nursery industry. The tools produced will be available in print and on-line and should give you the information that you need to manage pests in a cost-effective manner and maintain or even increase quality. We need your help to make developing this pest management strategic plan a success.
Please click in this link: IPM Survey
A test pool of nursery growers completed the survey in 15-20 minutes, so a little investment in time now will pay big dividends later.
Completion and submission of the survey is implied consent. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Your efforts will benefit you, as well as benefit other growers in North Carolina and the southeast.
Thank you from the Nursery Science Regional Working Group collaborating on this project:
Drs. Anthony LeBude, Joe Neal, Kelly Ivors, Steven Frank, NCSU and Craig Adkins, NCSU Cooperative Extension
Amy Fulcher and Dr. Win Dunwell, University of Kentucky
Drs. Sarah White, JC Chong, and Steven Jeffers, Clemson University
Drs. Matthew Chappell, Kris Braman, and Jean Williams-Woodward, University of Georgia
Drs. Alan Windham and Frank Hale, Tennessee
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
The nursery science working group at N.C. State University is working with a regional group of extension specialists from GA, SC, KY, & TN to survey current pest (insect, disease, & weed) management practices and current pest priorities of growers in southeastern, wholesale, ornamental nurseries. Our efforts have been funded by the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center (SRIPMC) and supported by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (NCNLA) and each cooperating state’s nursery and landscape trade organization.
All responses are anonymous and kept confidential. Results for each state will be combined and made available as an average. Combined results for grower initiated priorities for future pest management issues will be available to research, teaching, and Extension professionals, as well as the entire green industry. This insight into current and emerging pest priorities will allow research and extension professionals to design their programs to investigate and resolve the most pressing pest issues in the green industry. Growers will be able to compare their pest management practices between states.
Your efforts will allow us to develop a multi-state crop profile (CP) and pest management strategic plan (PMSP). The CP and PMSPs developed will be for the most pressing pest problems in the nursery industry. The tools produced will be available in print and on-line and should give you the information that you need to manage pests in a cost-effective manner and maintain or even increase quality. We need your help to make developing this pest management strategic plan a success.
Please click in this link: IPM Survey
A test pool of nursery growers completed the survey in 15-20 minutes, so a little investment in time now will pay big dividends later.
Completion and submission of the survey is implied consent. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Your efforts will benefit you, as well as benefit other growers in North Carolina and the southeast.
Thank you from the Nursery Science Regional Working Group collaborating on this project:
Drs. Anthony LeBude, Joe Neal, Kelly Ivors, Steven Frank, NCSU and Craig Adkins, NCSU Cooperative Extension
Amy Fulcher and Dr. Win Dunwell, University of Kentucky
Drs. Sarah White, JC Chong, and Steven Jeffers, Clemson University
Drs. Matthew Chappell, Kris Braman, and Jean Williams-Woodward, University of Georgia
Drs. Alan Windham and Frank Hale, Tennessee
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Recycling Nursery Greenhouse Plastics
Igor Beylin with Universal Commodity Services, Inc in interested in collecting your old nursery and greenhouse containers for recycling purposes. I currently work with multiple municipalities (Iredell County & Haywood County) and commercial recycling companies in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh... all these locations have large baling machines and can serve as consolidation centers for small lots of plastic waste.
Here is a quote from him regarding this service in Western North Carolina:
"My company provides education on how to handle these products to minimize contamination and make them recyclable.
For small facilities, we would pay for the roll off service. For larger facilities we would pay a rebate for the scrap based on weight/contamination levels... price depends on market conditions and specifics of the circumstance.
Currently I'm working with Monrovia but wish to expand my horizons and introduce this program/option to more growers in NC to help them become Greener and a link in the sustainability chain." His contact information is: Igor Beylin
Universal Commodity Services, Inc
1421 Sheepshead Bay Rd #264
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Tel: (347) 587-5987
Fax: (347) 587-3877
ibeylin@ucsincny.com
or you can visit their website at: US Commodity Services
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Here is a quote from him regarding this service in Western North Carolina:
"My company provides education on how to handle these products to minimize contamination and make them recyclable.
For small facilities, we would pay for the roll off service. For larger facilities we would pay a rebate for the scrap based on weight/contamination levels... price depends on market conditions and specifics of the circumstance.
Currently I'm working with Monrovia but wish to expand my horizons and introduce this program/option to more growers in NC to help them become Greener and a link in the sustainability chain." His contact information is: Igor Beylin
Universal Commodity Services, Inc
1421 Sheepshead Bay Rd #264
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Tel: (347) 587-5987
Fax: (347) 587-3877
ibeylin@ucsincny.com
or you can visit their website at: US Commodity Services
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Frost and Chill Injury
Blackberry Winter is the term old timers call the period of cold weather that typically occurs when blackberries are in full bloom. This year the cold settled in several places in Western NC with temperatures as low as 27 in a few valleys and mid 30s in many areas. We had reports of light frost but not "killing frosts". However, the chill caused some damage to a lot of tender vegetation, particularly our in vegetable gardens. We continue to get calls regarding small yellow or necrotic (dead) spots on garden plants from Ageratum to Zinnias. Mostly on things like corn, tomato, pepper, and bean plants. Most of the plants will grow out of the damage, but remember damaged cells can be ideal incubator sites for pathogens such as botrytis, which could spread to other parts of the plant. If you notice damage on your plants or get calls from customers experiencing damage, monitor the issue and use preventative fungicides to keep pathogens in check. While most plants will grow out of the chill injury, expect delays in harvest time.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Team Work
Sometimes it takes economic down turns to make us look at ways to help each other. I heard a story, this evening, about team work that I think needs sharing to all in our industry!
....There was a farmer who desperately needed to move his barn several dozen feet away from its old location. He dreaded the job as his only means of doing so was to dismantle the barn and rebuild on a new foundation. His neighbors heard about his need and came to his rescue. Did they help tear down the barn and rebuild it? No. Over 300 of them came together, jacked up the barn using various tools, and lifted it from its moorings, and then together carried it to the new location....
So who needs your shoulder today?
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
....There was a farmer who desperately needed to move his barn several dozen feet away from its old location. He dreaded the job as his only means of doing so was to dismantle the barn and rebuild on a new foundation. His neighbors heard about his need and came to his rescue. Did they help tear down the barn and rebuild it? No. Over 300 of them came together, jacked up the barn using various tools, and lifted it from its moorings, and then together carried it to the new location....
So who needs your shoulder today?
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Nutsedge is Back Again
From Dr. Joe Neal:
Yellow and purple nutsedge are up and growing vigorously. Hand weeding nutsedge is possible early in the season before rhizomes have formed. But, plants have already started producing rhizomes and “daughter” plants. Once this occurs, hand weeding usually results in breaking the stem below ground and a new plant emerging in a day or two.
Spot spraying with a systemic herbicide such as glyphosate will control emerged nutsedge, but the sprouts below ground generally keep emerging. Many landscapers prefer halosulfuron (Sedgehammer) because it controls emerged nutsedge as well as leaving a residual that prevents new nutsedge from emerging for about 4 weeks. Sedgehammer works slowly but can be tank mixed with faster acting postemergence herbicides to achieve rapid kill and residual control. Combinations with glufosinate, glyphosate, or bentazon have been effective for this purpose.
If you have nutsedge in your beds, it is also a good idea to consider preemergence treatments. Pennant Magnum, Freehand, and Tower each will suppress yellow nutsedge. Note I said suppress not “control”. Perhaps a more accurate term would be “partial control”. So even if you have used one of these preemergence herbicides, you will need to be prepared to return to the bed with a postemergence control program -- that will likely even require some hand weeding.
For more information on yellow and purple nutsedge identification and control, follow this link to Horticulture Information Leaflet number 647 -- Nutsedge
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Yellow and purple nutsedge are up and growing vigorously. Hand weeding nutsedge is possible early in the season before rhizomes have formed. But, plants have already started producing rhizomes and “daughter” plants. Once this occurs, hand weeding usually results in breaking the stem below ground and a new plant emerging in a day or two.
Spot spraying with a systemic herbicide such as glyphosate will control emerged nutsedge, but the sprouts below ground generally keep emerging. Many landscapers prefer halosulfuron (Sedgehammer) because it controls emerged nutsedge as well as leaving a residual that prevents new nutsedge from emerging for about 4 weeks. Sedgehammer works slowly but can be tank mixed with faster acting postemergence herbicides to achieve rapid kill and residual control. Combinations with glufosinate, glyphosate, or bentazon have been effective for this purpose.
If you have nutsedge in your beds, it is also a good idea to consider preemergence treatments. Pennant Magnum, Freehand, and Tower each will suppress yellow nutsedge. Note I said suppress not “control”. Perhaps a more accurate term would be “partial control”. So even if you have used one of these preemergence herbicides, you will need to be prepared to return to the bed with a postemergence control program -- that will likely even require some hand weeding.
For more information on yellow and purple nutsedge identification and control, follow this link to Horticulture Information Leaflet number 647 -- Nutsedge
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
New Pestcide Record Keeping Regulation
Press Release:
CONTACT: Jim Burnette, Jr., director
NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division
(919) 733-3556
N.C. Pesticide Board adopts pesticide record-keeping rule
changes for growers and aerial applicators
RALEIGH — Several new pesticide record-keeping rules went into effect May 1 following approval by the N.C. Pesticide Board. The new rules involve recording the ending time of applications, the recording of daily applications and how long growers must maintain records.
The changes reflect recommendations of the 2008 Governor’s Task Force on Preventing Agricultural Pesticide Exposure and implement the requirements of Senate Bill 847.
Growers making applications that fall under the scope of the federal Worker Protection Standard must now add the actual “end time” of application to the records under the change. This is in addition to the “time of the application” that is required to be posted before the application takes place under the current WPS regulations.
Also each day of application must be recorded as a separate application record. After application information has been displayed for the appropriate time (30 days after the restricted-entry period expires), the application information must now be maintained for a period of two years. This coincides with the USDA Requirements for Restricted-Use Pesticides.
Also effective May 1, aerial applicators must record the year, month, date and time of day when each pesticide application was completed for every pesticide application. Additionally, each day of aerial applications must be recorded as a separate record. The commercial ground applicators regulation addressing the same issues for restricted-use pesticides became effective April 1.
Revised record keeping forms may be downloaded from the Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division’s Web page, www.ncagr.gov/SPCAP/pesticides/Cmfo.htm#RecordKeeping, or from your local Cooperative Extension Service. Applicators requiring assistance with these or any pesticide regulation, may contact the NCDA&CS Pesticide Section at (919) 733-3556 for help.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
CONTACT: Jim Burnette, Jr., director
NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division
(919) 733-3556
N.C. Pesticide Board adopts pesticide record-keeping rule
changes for growers and aerial applicators
RALEIGH — Several new pesticide record-keeping rules went into effect May 1 following approval by the N.C. Pesticide Board. The new rules involve recording the ending time of applications, the recording of daily applications and how long growers must maintain records.
The changes reflect recommendations of the 2008 Governor’s Task Force on Preventing Agricultural Pesticide Exposure and implement the requirements of Senate Bill 847.
Growers making applications that fall under the scope of the federal Worker Protection Standard must now add the actual “end time” of application to the records under the change. This is in addition to the “time of the application” that is required to be posted before the application takes place under the current WPS regulations.
Also each day of application must be recorded as a separate application record. After application information has been displayed for the appropriate time (30 days after the restricted-entry period expires), the application information must now be maintained for a period of two years. This coincides with the USDA Requirements for Restricted-Use Pesticides.
Also effective May 1, aerial applicators must record the year, month, date and time of day when each pesticide application was completed for every pesticide application. Additionally, each day of aerial applications must be recorded as a separate record. The commercial ground applicators regulation addressing the same issues for restricted-use pesticides became effective April 1.
Revised record keeping forms may be downloaded from the Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division’s Web page, www.ncagr.gov/SPCAP/pesticides/Cmfo.htm#RecordKeeping, or from your local Cooperative Extension Service. Applicators requiring assistance with these or any pesticide regulation, may contact the NCDA&CS Pesticide Section at (919) 733-3556 for help.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, April 27, 2009
NC Vegetation Management Association Field Day
Thursday May 21, 2009, 8:00am- 4:15pm at the Biltmore Estate and NC Arboretum. Learn about tree removal and proper tree pruning, how to control various invasive plant species, treatment methods/techniques, communicating the benefits of vegetation management and herbicide safety.
Various professionals and exhibitors from the vegetation management industry will be in attendance to offer knowledge/expertise and discuss their products and services.
Pesticide recertification (NCDA & SCDA), SAF, and ISA credits are being applied for. Please visit http://www.ncvma.net/ for more details on the meeting agenda. Registration is $20
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Various professionals and exhibitors from the vegetation management industry will be in attendance to offer knowledge/expertise and discuss their products and services.
Pesticide recertification (NCDA & SCDA), SAF, and ISA credits are being applied for. Please visit http://www.ncvma.net/ for more details on the meeting agenda. Registration is $20
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Sign-Up for N.C. Agricultural Cost Share
If you would like to sign-up for the NC Ag Cost Share Program the District will be taking applications from July 1-July 31 2009. Call or come by the office to fill out an application and set up a time to meet on your farm and discuss how the program can benefit your operation while improving water quality in Buncombe County. Conservation practices that can be cost-shared include: animal waste management systems, cropland conversion to grass, livestock watering tanks (with stream protection measures), conservation tillage, filter strips, stream bank stabilization, critical area treatment or establishment of vegetation on bare areas, riparian buffers, agrichemical handling facilities, and several others. If you want more information, call the District office at 250-4785. Please call in time to get your application to us before the deadline. It only takes a few minutes to complete the application form. Forms can be mailed to you and accepted for consideration if they are received back in our office by July 31, 2009.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
NEW!!! INVINCIBELLE™ Spirit hydrangea
For years gardeners and landscapers have dreamed of an Annabelle Hydrangea with pink flowers. The dream has come true! INVINCIBELLE™ Spirit hydrangea is a new release from researcher Tom Ranney. Tom Ranney is the Ornamental Plant Breeder for NC State University.
INVINCIBELLE™ Spirit hydrangea is the first pink flowered, mop-head form of Hydrangea arborescens. Unlike other selections it continues to produce new flowers right up until frost. It is very hardy and easy to grow. Unlike many hydrangeas, the flower buds are produced on new wood, so it will still produce flowers even if the stems die back to the ground by extreme weather. It is useful as a specimen, mass planting or incorporated perennial gardens or into a woodland setting. The blooms are extremely attractive both in the landscape and as a cut flower. It is a durable choice for both fresh and dried arrangements.It is a remarkable plant considering all of the preceding cultivars of Hydrangea arborescens were white flowered.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Pesticide Record Keeping Requirement Change
Please note the new changes to this law.
02 NCAC 09L .1402 RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS
All licensed pesticide applicators, as defined in G.S. 143‑460 which includes public operators, utilizing ground equipment shall keep for three years and make available to the commissioner for like period records of all applications of restricted use pesticides showing the following:
(1) name of licensed pesticide applicator or licensed public operator;
(2) name and address of the person for whom the pesticide was applied;
(3) identification of farm or site(s) treated with pesticide(s);
(4) name of crop, commodity, or object(s) which was treated with pesticide(s);
(5) approximate number of acres or size or number of other object(s) treated;
(6) the year, month, date and the specific time of day when each pesticide application was completed and each day of application shall be recorded as a separate record;
(7) the brand name of the pesticide(s) and EPA registration number(s);
(8) amount (volume or weight) of pesticide formulation(s) or active ingredient(s) applied per unit of measure; and
(9) name(s) of person(s) applying pesticide(s).
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
02 NCAC 09L .1402 RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS
All licensed pesticide applicators, as defined in G.S. 143‑460 which includes public operators, utilizing ground equipment shall keep for three years and make available to the commissioner for like period records of all applications of restricted use pesticides showing the following:
(1) name of licensed pesticide applicator or licensed public operator;
(2) name and address of the person for whom the pesticide was applied;
(3) identification of farm or site(s) treated with pesticide(s);
(4) name of crop, commodity, or object(s) which was treated with pesticide(s);
(5) approximate number of acres or size or number of other object(s) treated;
(6) the year, month, date and the specific time of day when each pesticide application was completed and each day of application shall be recorded as a separate record;
(7) the brand name of the pesticide(s) and EPA registration number(s);
(8) amount (volume or weight) of pesticide formulation(s) or active ingredient(s) applied per unit of measure; and
(9) name(s) of person(s) applying pesticide(s).
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tent Caterpillars, Fore!
From Dr. Steven Bamabara
Be alert for tent caterpillars. Put down the tennis racquet and bring out the golf clubs. A golf club (or a stick) works great for destroying the web masses of tent caterpillars.
Tent caterpillars are in full swing. This cool, wet spring has many plants and insects delayed weeks past where they were, compared to some years. These hairy caterpillars can make a cherry tree look a little ugly, but most trees seem to recover and re-foliate. Unless trees are taller than 15 feet or you have dozens to deal with, that golf club in the garage that you haven't used since the neighbor's dog got into your garbage can, or a long stick or pole can be used to destroy the web masses quite effectively. Resist the temptation to burn them out! See Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 61 on the web at: Be alert for tent caterpillars. Put down the tennis racquet and bring out the golf clubs. A golf club (or a stick) works great for destroying the web masses of tent caterpillars. Tent caterpillars are in full swing. This cool, wet spring has many plants and insects delayed weeks past where they were, compared to some years. These hairy caterpillars can make a cherry tree look a little ugly, but most trees seem to recover and re-foliate. Unless trees are taller than 15 feet or you have dozens to deal with, that golf club in the garage that you haven't used since the neighbor's dog got into your garbage can, or a long stick or pole can be used to destroy the web masses quite effectively. Resist the temptation to burn them out!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Spot Anthracnose on Dogwood in FULL BLOOM
From Dr. Kelly Ivors:
In case you haven’t noticed, we're having a good year for spot anthracnose on flowering dogwood, caused by Elsinoe corni, which can be attributed to a mild wet spring. The most prevalent foliage and flower disease of dogwood is indeed spot anthracnose. Dogwood anthracnose, caused by Discula species, occurs in the western part of North Carolina and causes similar foliar symptoms as spot anthracnose, but also causes lower limb dieback.
In most situations, spot anthracnose does not cause permanent damage to the tree; however, it can be unsightly and interfere with the beauty of flowering dogwood. Severe infections, especially if they occur in consecutive years, eventually weaken the tree.
Symptoms
Tissues of the flower petals are usually infected first; eventually infection spreads to other flower bracts, leaves, young shoots, and fruit. The initial symptoms are small (less than 1 or 2 mm), circular to elongated, reddish-purple spots which are first noticed in early spring. As additional infection occurs, the spots become numerous and eventually merge together forming larger leafspots. Therefore “spot” size cannot be used as the criterion for disease diagnosis. The centers of these spots are yellowish in color with margins a much darker color – brown to black. Severely infected flower bracts usually fall prematurely from the plant.
Preventative cultural practices
A healthy vigorous dogwood is better able to withstand infection from spot anthracnose than a weakened tree growing under stress conditions. Maintain tree health through proper watering, mulching, and fertilization. If possible, do not use overhead irrigation since this may increase the potential for disease infection and spread. Mulching to a depth of 2 to 4 inches can help maintain uniform soil moisture as well as help protect trunks from mechanical injury; however, be sure to keep the mulch away from the tree trunk. Fertilize as needed, using a balanced fertilizer with fairly low nitrogen content for moderate growth. Rapidly growing, succulent twigs which have been stimulated by excessive fertility are more susceptible to anthracnose infection.
Good sanitation is especially important for trees infected with spot anthracnose. Prune out and destroy dead and dying twigs and branches and rake up fallen leaves to help reduce potential sources of inoculum and improve tree appearance. It is also advisable to prune out water sprouts which develop on the trunk or main scaffolding limbs since they are very susceptible to infection from anthracnose. Prune only under dry conditions and sterilize pruners between pruning cuts.
Chemical control
In most years control is not necessary; however, if disease was severe the previous year or if a cool, wet spring is “predicted,” fungicides may be warranted. It’s a little bit too late to be thinking about preventative fungicide applications now in North Carolina, but keep this in mind next year in late winter. Since weather conditions cannot be anticipated, it may be wise to follow a regular spray schedule if disease control is desired. Spot anthracnose can be controlled preventatively with chlorothalonil (e.g., Daconil), mancozeb (e.g., Fore, Dithane), or thiophanate methyl + mancozeb. Spraying should begin when buds begin to open and be repeated when bracts have fallen, four weeks after bract fall, and in late summer after flower buds have formed. The recommended interval between sprays will vary depending on the fungicide and the rate of application. Make sure the fungicide you use has dogwood listed on the label. Follow all label instructions regarding amounts of pesticide to use, method of application and safety warnings.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
In case you haven’t noticed, we're having a good year for spot anthracnose on flowering dogwood, caused by Elsinoe corni, which can be attributed to a mild wet spring. The most prevalent foliage and flower disease of dogwood is indeed spot anthracnose. Dogwood anthracnose, caused by Discula species, occurs in the western part of North Carolina and causes similar foliar symptoms as spot anthracnose, but also causes lower limb dieback.
In most situations, spot anthracnose does not cause permanent damage to the tree; however, it can be unsightly and interfere with the beauty of flowering dogwood. Severe infections, especially if they occur in consecutive years, eventually weaken the tree.
Symptoms
Tissues of the flower petals are usually infected first; eventually infection spreads to other flower bracts, leaves, young shoots, and fruit. The initial symptoms are small (less than 1 or 2 mm), circular to elongated, reddish-purple spots which are first noticed in early spring. As additional infection occurs, the spots become numerous and eventually merge together forming larger leafspots. Therefore “spot” size cannot be used as the criterion for disease diagnosis. The centers of these spots are yellowish in color with margins a much darker color – brown to black. Severely infected flower bracts usually fall prematurely from the plant.
Preventative cultural practices
A healthy vigorous dogwood is better able to withstand infection from spot anthracnose than a weakened tree growing under stress conditions. Maintain tree health through proper watering, mulching, and fertilization. If possible, do not use overhead irrigation since this may increase the potential for disease infection and spread. Mulching to a depth of 2 to 4 inches can help maintain uniform soil moisture as well as help protect trunks from mechanical injury; however, be sure to keep the mulch away from the tree trunk. Fertilize as needed, using a balanced fertilizer with fairly low nitrogen content for moderate growth. Rapidly growing, succulent twigs which have been stimulated by excessive fertility are more susceptible to anthracnose infection.
Good sanitation is especially important for trees infected with spot anthracnose. Prune out and destroy dead and dying twigs and branches and rake up fallen leaves to help reduce potential sources of inoculum and improve tree appearance. It is also advisable to prune out water sprouts which develop on the trunk or main scaffolding limbs since they are very susceptible to infection from anthracnose. Prune only under dry conditions and sterilize pruners between pruning cuts.
Chemical control
In most years control is not necessary; however, if disease was severe the previous year or if a cool, wet spring is “predicted,” fungicides may be warranted. It’s a little bit too late to be thinking about preventative fungicide applications now in North Carolina, but keep this in mind next year in late winter. Since weather conditions cannot be anticipated, it may be wise to follow a regular spray schedule if disease control is desired. Spot anthracnose can be controlled preventatively with chlorothalonil (e.g., Daconil), mancozeb (e.g., Fore, Dithane), or thiophanate methyl + mancozeb. Spraying should begin when buds begin to open and be repeated when bracts have fallen, four weeks after bract fall, and in late summer after flower buds have formed. The recommended interval between sprays will vary depending on the fungicide and the rate of application. Make sure the fungicide you use has dogwood listed on the label. Follow all label instructions regarding amounts of pesticide to use, method of application and safety warnings.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Drip Irrigation Discussions
Wondering about drip irrigation and the "how to-", then here is the website for you:
Drip Irrigation. Check it out for design, install, and maintenance in Greenhouses, Nurseries, Vegetable farms, and Landscapes.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Drip Irrigation. Check it out for design, install, and maintenance in Greenhouses, Nurseries, Vegetable farms, and Landscapes.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Weekly Word on Weeds
Winter Annuals and Hand Weeding
Where did all that chickweed come from??? This time of year I look at my lawn and am surprised at how much chickweed there is in the yard. It didn’t seem like very much last fall or even just a month ago. But, when winter annual weeds begin to grow in the spring, they can grow very rapidly. AND, produce seeds for next year very quickly as well.
Now is the time to get the winter annual weeds out of the beds before they produce the bulk of their seeds for next year. Hand weed, spot spray with herbicides, hoe or shovel – regardless of the method you choose, do it now before they drop their seeds. Now is also the time to ask yourself -- “Why are these weeds here?” And, “what can I do differently next year to prevent these weeds”? Knowing that winter annual weeds germinate in the fall and early spring provides the opportunity to suppress or control them with a fresh lay of mulch applied in September or October. Where weed populations are heavy, a preemergence herbicide may be used in most landscape bed situations. Common herbicides containing pendimethalin (Pendulum & others), prodiamine (Barricade & others), trifluralin (Treflan or Preen), or isoxaben (Gallery, Snapshot & others) are labeled for use around many woody ornamentals. These herbicides control most winter annual weeds before they emerge. Granular formulations of trifluralin and pendimethalin can also be used around many herbaceous ornamentals. It is especially important to select the right herbicide based on the safety to ornamental plants. Horticulture Information Leaflet 644 (HIL644) provides some guidance for selecting safe and effective herbicides for color beds.
So, while you are spending this weekend hand weeding the beds, you will have plenty of time to think about what you can do differently next year to prevent all those pesky weeds from establishing.
Speaking of hand weeding – I have often said it is a futile effort to try and hand weed vetch. Typically, when you try to hand weed vetch, it just breaks off at the ground. But, the recent rains have provided an opportunity to control this and other hard to pull weeds. In wet soil, I’ve found that the vetch can be removed (yes, roots and all) if you grasp the tap root at the soil line and pull. The tap root comes up. Ok, not easily, but it does come out of the soil. When the soil dries out a bit more it is much more difficult to remove this weed, roots and all.
From: Dr. Joe Neal, Department of Horticultural Science, NCSU
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Where did all that chickweed come from??? This time of year I look at my lawn and am surprised at how much chickweed there is in the yard. It didn’t seem like very much last fall or even just a month ago. But, when winter annual weeds begin to grow in the spring, they can grow very rapidly. AND, produce seeds for next year very quickly as well.
Now is the time to get the winter annual weeds out of the beds before they produce the bulk of their seeds for next year. Hand weed, spot spray with herbicides, hoe or shovel – regardless of the method you choose, do it now before they drop their seeds. Now is also the time to ask yourself -- “Why are these weeds here?” And, “what can I do differently next year to prevent these weeds”? Knowing that winter annual weeds germinate in the fall and early spring provides the opportunity to suppress or control them with a fresh lay of mulch applied in September or October. Where weed populations are heavy, a preemergence herbicide may be used in most landscape bed situations. Common herbicides containing pendimethalin (Pendulum & others), prodiamine (Barricade & others), trifluralin (Treflan or Preen), or isoxaben (Gallery, Snapshot & others) are labeled for use around many woody ornamentals. These herbicides control most winter annual weeds before they emerge. Granular formulations of trifluralin and pendimethalin can also be used around many herbaceous ornamentals. It is especially important to select the right herbicide based on the safety to ornamental plants. Horticulture Information Leaflet 644 (HIL644) provides some guidance for selecting safe and effective herbicides for color beds.
So, while you are spending this weekend hand weeding the beds, you will have plenty of time to think about what you can do differently next year to prevent all those pesky weeds from establishing.
Speaking of hand weeding – I have often said it is a futile effort to try and hand weed vetch. Typically, when you try to hand weed vetch, it just breaks off at the ground. But, the recent rains have provided an opportunity to control this and other hard to pull weeds. In wet soil, I’ve found that the vetch can be removed (yes, roots and all) if you grasp the tap root at the soil line and pull. The tap root comes up. Ok, not easily, but it does come out of the soil. When the soil dries out a bit more it is much more difficult to remove this weed, roots and all.
From: Dr. Joe Neal, Department of Horticultural Science, NCSU
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
NCSU Experts Team up Against Ornamental Diseases
NCSU Experts Team up Against Ornamental Diseases
Kelly Ivors, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist; kelly_ivors@ncsu.edu
It’s time to get the word out! In case some of you don’t know, as of last fall my extension program in the Department of Plant Pathology transitioned to include state-wide responsibilities for disease management in ornamentals, including commercial greenhouses and nurseries. My assignment is 80% extension and 20% research, and also includes Christmas trees and vegetables in western North Carolina. For the past 5 years my research has focused on applied and molecular disease diagnosis, monitoring pathogen populations for the development of fungicide resistance, and integration of fungicides, cultural control and host resistance in disease management practices (IPM), with an emphasis on Phytophthora diseases. Currently I am directing two research specialists: Dreama Milks provides assistance in the laboratory and Chris Holmberg provides assistance in field and greenhouse trials. In addition, research assistant Landis Lacey conducts DNA based studies in my lab, and I co-advise PhD student Brantlee Richter with Mike Benson on a project involving biological and cultural control of Phytophthora root rot of Fraser fir.
A little bit about me. I received my PhD from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001, and started working as an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Plant Pathology at NCSU’s Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River in July 2004 after conducting post-doctoral research at the University of California- Berkeley on the population genetics of Phytophthora ramorum, causal agent of sudden oak death and ramorum blight. It was at UC Berkeley where I learned how much ‘I love to hate Phytophthora’.
As a new extension pathologist to the NC ornamental industry, one of my goals is to gain a better understanding of the various methods both greenhouse and nursery growers use to sanitize irrigation water, as well as gaining a better understanding of the water quality issues facing this industry. Due to the diversity and complexity of irrigation systems and monitoring methods, I believe this is the first logical step in optimizing recommendations for managing water-borne diseases of ornamentals in both the greenhouse and nursery. This summer I will be conducting a state-wide survey to collect and analyze irrigation water samples from commercial greenhouses and nurseries. So, watch out! I hope to meet with many of you soon.
Kelly Ivors
A little bit about ornamental plant pathology resources at NCSU. The Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) provides disease diagnostic and insect identification services to help you grow healthy plants and make good pest control decisions. Long time staff members include plant disease diagnostician Shawn Butler, entomologist David Stephan, and turf disease diagnostician Lee Butler.
We are very pleased to announce that Mike Munster joined the staff of the PDIC in February 2009, with primary responsibilities in disease diagnosis of commercial ornamentals. Mike will work closely with Dr. Mike Benson and I. Mike Munster comes to the PDIC with broad experience in plant pathology and disease diagnosis, both in North Carolina and in parts of Mexico. He has an M.S. degree in plant pathology from NCSU and gained diagnostic experience while working in the clinic from 1996 – 1999. In his most recent position he honed his mycological skills as a research specialist for Dr. Larry Grand. Mike looks forward to diagnosing your plant disease problems and hopes to meet many of you at site visits, workshops, and field days.
Mike Munster
All ornamental samples for diagnosis should be submitted to the PDIC. Information and instructions for sample submission, clinic location, hours and fees, diagnosis of digital images, and a virtual tour of the PDIC can be found at http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/clinic/. Together with extension specialists from Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Crop Science and Soil Science, the clinic staff is dedicated to providing accurate and rapid diagnosis of plant health problems. Dr. Barbara Shew in the Dept. of Plant Pathology is the director of the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. Please contact her barbara_shew@ncsu.edu for further information about clinic services and programs.
Mike Benson, Professor in the Dept. of Plant Pathology, also conducts research on diseases of both floriculture and nursery crops, with an emphasis on the epidemiology, ecology and control of root-infecting fungi, including Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora and Pythium. In addition, Mike evaluates disease control products for root rot diseases on a number of crops through support from the IR4 project. IR4 is a cooperative project involving the federal government, universities, agriculture chemical companies and grower stakeholders with the mission to provide safe and effective pest management solutions for growers of specialty crops so that growers will have the tools they need to protect their crops from plant diseases, insects, and weeds.
Mike Benson
The Dept. of Plant Pathology recognizes the importance of the greenhouse and nursery industry in North Carolina and is committed to providing the best disease management support and services possible. Our goal is to develop innovative programs that utilize the expertise of our personnel to address emerging and critical plant disease issues facing this Green Industry. Please let us know how we can help you!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Kelly Ivors, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist; kelly_ivors@ncsu.edu
It’s time to get the word out! In case some of you don’t know, as of last fall my extension program in the Department of Plant Pathology transitioned to include state-wide responsibilities for disease management in ornamentals, including commercial greenhouses and nurseries. My assignment is 80% extension and 20% research, and also includes Christmas trees and vegetables in western North Carolina. For the past 5 years my research has focused on applied and molecular disease diagnosis, monitoring pathogen populations for the development of fungicide resistance, and integration of fungicides, cultural control and host resistance in disease management practices (IPM), with an emphasis on Phytophthora diseases. Currently I am directing two research specialists: Dreama Milks provides assistance in the laboratory and Chris Holmberg provides assistance in field and greenhouse trials. In addition, research assistant Landis Lacey conducts DNA based studies in my lab, and I co-advise PhD student Brantlee Richter with Mike Benson on a project involving biological and cultural control of Phytophthora root rot of Fraser fir.
A little bit about me. I received my PhD from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001, and started working as an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Plant Pathology at NCSU’s Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River in July 2004 after conducting post-doctoral research at the University of California- Berkeley on the population genetics of Phytophthora ramorum, causal agent of sudden oak death and ramorum blight. It was at UC Berkeley where I learned how much ‘I love to hate Phytophthora’.
As a new extension pathologist to the NC ornamental industry, one of my goals is to gain a better understanding of the various methods both greenhouse and nursery growers use to sanitize irrigation water, as well as gaining a better understanding of the water quality issues facing this industry. Due to the diversity and complexity of irrigation systems and monitoring methods, I believe this is the first logical step in optimizing recommendations for managing water-borne diseases of ornamentals in both the greenhouse and nursery. This summer I will be conducting a state-wide survey to collect and analyze irrigation water samples from commercial greenhouses and nurseries. So, watch out! I hope to meet with many of you soon.
Kelly IvorsA little bit about ornamental plant pathology resources at NCSU. The Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) provides disease diagnostic and insect identification services to help you grow healthy plants and make good pest control decisions. Long time staff members include plant disease diagnostician Shawn Butler, entomologist David Stephan, and turf disease diagnostician Lee Butler.
We are very pleased to announce that Mike Munster joined the staff of the PDIC in February 2009, with primary responsibilities in disease diagnosis of commercial ornamentals. Mike will work closely with Dr. Mike Benson and I. Mike Munster comes to the PDIC with broad experience in plant pathology and disease diagnosis, both in North Carolina and in parts of Mexico. He has an M.S. degree in plant pathology from NCSU and gained diagnostic experience while working in the clinic from 1996 – 1999. In his most recent position he honed his mycological skills as a research specialist for Dr. Larry Grand. Mike looks forward to diagnosing your plant disease problems and hopes to meet many of you at site visits, workshops, and field days.
Mike MunsterAll ornamental samples for diagnosis should be submitted to the PDIC. Information and instructions for sample submission, clinic location, hours and fees, diagnosis of digital images, and a virtual tour of the PDIC can be found at http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/clinic/. Together with extension specialists from Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Crop Science and Soil Science, the clinic staff is dedicated to providing accurate and rapid diagnosis of plant health problems. Dr. Barbara Shew in the Dept. of Plant Pathology is the director of the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. Please contact her barbara_shew@ncsu.edu for further information about clinic services and programs.
Mike Benson, Professor in the Dept. of Plant Pathology, also conducts research on diseases of both floriculture and nursery crops, with an emphasis on the epidemiology, ecology and control of root-infecting fungi, including Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora and Pythium. In addition, Mike evaluates disease control products for root rot diseases on a number of crops through support from the IR4 project. IR4 is a cooperative project involving the federal government, universities, agriculture chemical companies and grower stakeholders with the mission to provide safe and effective pest management solutions for growers of specialty crops so that growers will have the tools they need to protect their crops from plant diseases, insects, and weeds.
Mike BensonThe Dept. of Plant Pathology recognizes the importance of the greenhouse and nursery industry in North Carolina and is committed to providing the best disease management support and services possible. Our goal is to develop innovative programs that utilize the expertise of our personnel to address emerging and critical plant disease issues facing this Green Industry. Please let us know how we can help you!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Working Lands Protection Program Survey Deadline Approaching
FORT BRAGG, NC (MAR 26) - The Fort Bragg/Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force today announced that the deadline to complete Working Lands Protection Program survey is approaching. The BRAC RTF, in conjunction with the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center at Mount Olive College, is working to develop a Working Lands Protection Plan for each of our eleven counties.
Surveys are available online at www.bracrtf.com, at each participating agency's Web site, and at each county's Cooperative Extension office. All surveys must be completed online or delivered to a county extension office by April 15.
The survey responses will provide a better understanding of agriculture and will also be used to evaluate the types of economic incentives offered to farmers and agri-businesses.
Non-farm resident participation is essential to ensure that issues such as green space and planned development are part of the plan as well. Farms and forests provide the ideal 'compatible land use' around Fort Bragg and at the same time provide numerous benefits to the county and its residents.
To receive a survey or for additional information, please contact Grace Lawrence, WLPP Director at (919) 518-6463 or glawrence@bracrtf.com.
The BRAC Regional Task Force was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope AFB. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. For more information go to http://www.bracrtf.com.
Contact:
Renee Lane
BRAC RTF Communications Outreach Coordinator
rlane@bracrtf.com
910-436-1345
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Surveys are available online at www.bracrtf.com, at each participating agency's Web site, and at each county's Cooperative Extension office. All surveys must be completed online or delivered to a county extension office by April 15.
The survey responses will provide a better understanding of agriculture and will also be used to evaluate the types of economic incentives offered to farmers and agri-businesses.
Non-farm resident participation is essential to ensure that issues such as green space and planned development are part of the plan as well. Farms and forests provide the ideal 'compatible land use' around Fort Bragg and at the same time provide numerous benefits to the county and its residents.
To receive a survey or for additional information, please contact Grace Lawrence, WLPP Director at (919) 518-6463 or glawrence@bracrtf.com.
The BRAC Regional Task Force was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope AFB. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. For more information go to http://www.bracrtf.com.
Contact:
Renee Lane
BRAC RTF Communications Outreach Coordinator
rlane@bracrtf.com
910-436-1345
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Who influences purchases of native plants?
MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS--Native plants are a growing niche market in the
southeastern United States. Researchers have documented recent trends toward
increased interest in native plants by landscape architects, wholesale and
retail nursery owners, and home gardeners. But landscape professionals and
amateur gardeners purchase native plants for distinctly different reasons.
Statistics reveal that landscape architects most often select native species
because they are suited to difficult or unique growing conditions, while
retail plant buyers purchase native plants based on recommendations from
landscape architects and contractors.
Check out the data files for this question at: ASHS Horticulture File
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
southeastern United States. Researchers have documented recent trends toward
increased interest in native plants by landscape architects, wholesale and
retail nursery owners, and home gardeners. But landscape professionals and
amateur gardeners purchase native plants for distinctly different reasons.
Statistics reveal that landscape architects most often select native species
because they are suited to difficult or unique growing conditions, while
retail plant buyers purchase native plants based on recommendations from
landscape architects and contractors.
Check out the data files for this question at: ASHS Horticulture File
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Water Wise Works
Two new brochures are out from the NC Green Industry Council; Water Wise Works and Watering Tips Guide. These brochures can be ordered along with a banner, display racks and other marketing materials. Contact the Green Industry Council for ordering information regarding these materials. Water Wise Works If you have not visited their informative site do so by linking to NC Green Industry Council
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Weekly Word on Weeds
English Ivy Control – Best Done in the Spring
Although English ivy is a popular ornamental ground cover, it can also be an invasive and aggressive weed of woody parks and landscapes. Woody evergreen plants like English ivy can be quite tolerant of common herbicides such as glyphosate. In fact, I recall hearing recommendations in the 1970’s for over the top applications of glyphosate to remove poison ivy in English ivy beds (not something we currently recommend by the way). In response to many requests for information on how to control this weed, Dr. Walt Skroch, Professor Emeritus at NCSU directed his young and inexperienced graduate student (that was me in 1983) to find out how to kill this pest.
We found that English ivy was controlled by glyphosate applied in the spring, when plants had 2 to 4 new leaves. Later applications were much less effective. Late summer and Fall applications were essentially ineffective. I’ve not seen anything better since those experiments.
So, here is my recommendation for control of English ivy:
Glyphosate -- use any of the 41% or greater active ingredient formulations
Ø Mix 2 to 3 percent by volume with water
Ø Apply in the spring when plants have 2 to 4 new leaves, thorough coverage is essential but NOT to the point of run off
Ø Re-treat when re-growth appears (about 6 weeks later)
Ø Repeat next spring if needed.
Will this recipe work for other evergreen vines like common periwinkle (Vinca minor)? Had you asked me this question two years ago, my answer would be “most likely”. But recent research at NCSU has show otherwise. Vinca was best controlled with glyphosate applied in the fall but poorly controlled by spring applications. So, sometimes our “best guesses” turn out to be wrong and there is no substitute for actually doing the research to find the most effective treatments.
Joseph C. Neal
Professor and Extension Specialist -- Weed Science
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Although English ivy is a popular ornamental ground cover, it can also be an invasive and aggressive weed of woody parks and landscapes. Woody evergreen plants like English ivy can be quite tolerant of common herbicides such as glyphosate. In fact, I recall hearing recommendations in the 1970’s for over the top applications of glyphosate to remove poison ivy in English ivy beds (not something we currently recommend by the way). In response to many requests for information on how to control this weed, Dr. Walt Skroch, Professor Emeritus at NCSU directed his young and inexperienced graduate student (that was me in 1983) to find out how to kill this pest.
We found that English ivy was controlled by glyphosate applied in the spring, when plants had 2 to 4 new leaves. Later applications were much less effective. Late summer and Fall applications were essentially ineffective. I’ve not seen anything better since those experiments.
So, here is my recommendation for control of English ivy:
Glyphosate -- use any of the 41% or greater active ingredient formulations
Ø Mix 2 to 3 percent by volume with water
Ø Apply in the spring when plants have 2 to 4 new leaves, thorough coverage is essential but NOT to the point of run off
Ø Re-treat when re-growth appears (about 6 weeks later)
Ø Repeat next spring if needed.
Will this recipe work for other evergreen vines like common periwinkle (Vinca minor)? Had you asked me this question two years ago, my answer would be “most likely”. But recent research at NCSU has show otherwise. Vinca was best controlled with glyphosate applied in the fall but poorly controlled by spring applications. So, sometimes our “best guesses” turn out to be wrong and there is no substitute for actually doing the research to find the most effective treatments.
Joseph C. Neal
Professor and Extension Specialist -- Weed Science
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Support Landscape Tree Health, Seminar on April 14!!
Understanding and managing for environmental stress and pests. This workshop is presented in partnership with The NC Urban Forestry Council, NC Cooperative Extension, The NC Arboretum and Asheville Green Works. Speakers include Barbara Fair, NCSU Department of Horticulture, Anthony LeBude, NCSU Extension and Paul Merten, USFS. CEU's available: 3.0 ISA, 3.0 SAF and 1 NC Pesticide credit (LNDX). Please register through the NC Urban Forest Council: http://www.ncufc.org/ (336)774-0215. Earlybird registration by April 7: $20 for NCUFCmembers/ $40 for nonmembers.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Alert
This message from Dr.Steven Frank. Please note that Granulate Ambrosia Beetles have been found here in Henderson County. Be on the look-out for these insects and let us know if you suspect that you have them. Please note the preventative measures recommended in the article below!
This is the second alert from the Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Monitoring and
Alert program.
Granulate ambrosia beetles were captured in Henderson Co. which is in the
Western part of the state zone 7a-6b. Ambrosia beetle damage was seen in
Johnston Co. also. These at least one detection has been made at each end
of the state. That in combination with current warm weather suggests
growers should begin protecting susceptible trees with preventative
applications of a pyrethroid insecticide.
Recommendations: A landscape borer spray containing a pyrethroid such as
permethrin or bifenthrin can be used and may have to be reapplied every
two to three weeks while beetles are active. A surfactant or sticker may
help the insecticide adhere to bark and provide longer protection.
Astro, Permethrin Pro (permethrins), and Onyx (bifenthrin) are registered
for use on tree trunks in the landscape.
For nursery sites Perm-Up (permethrin) is labeled for field grown nursery
stock. OnyxPro (bifenthrin) is labeled for application to tree trunks in
landscape and nursery sites.
Generic equivalents to the above products are also acceptable.
More details on Granulate Ambrosia Beetle can be found at
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle
If you have other questions DO NOT reply to this email. Contact me at
sdfrank@ncsu.edu
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
This is the second alert from the Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Monitoring and
Alert program.
Granulate ambrosia beetles were captured in Henderson Co. which is in the
Western part of the state zone 7a-6b. Ambrosia beetle damage was seen in
Johnston Co. also. These at least one detection has been made at each end
of the state. That in combination with current warm weather suggests
growers should begin protecting susceptible trees with preventative
applications of a pyrethroid insecticide.
Recommendations: A landscape borer spray containing a pyrethroid such as
permethrin or bifenthrin can be used and may have to be reapplied every
two to three weeks while beetles are active. A surfactant or sticker may
help the insecticide adhere to bark and provide longer protection.
Astro, Permethrin Pro (permethrins), and Onyx (bifenthrin) are registered
for use on tree trunks in the landscape.
For nursery sites Perm-Up (permethrin) is labeled for field grown nursery
stock. OnyxPro (bifenthrin) is labeled for application to tree trunks in
landscape and nursery sites.
Generic equivalents to the above products are also acceptable.
More details on Granulate Ambrosia Beetle can be found at
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle
If you have other questions DO NOT reply to this email. Contact me at
sdfrank@ncsu.edu
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
What Was The Marketing Department Thinking?
Weekly Word on Weeds from Dr. Joe Neal.
"I was just looking through a catalogue from one of the major suppliers to our industries and was surprised by what I found in the herbicide section – “Image” herbicide -- but not exactly the Image herbicide we know.
OK, first a bit of background. If you manage warm season turf you are probably familiar with this herbicide – it contains the active ingredient “imazaquin”. Imazaquin is a postemergence herbicide with foliar and root absorption, used to control nutsedge, dollar weed (penny wort) and several other hard to kill weeds in warm season turf and around some established woody plants. I generally do not recommend this herbicide for use in landscape beds because of the risk of damage to many species of woody and herbaceous ornamentals from root uptake.
So, what surprised me enough to make this a topic for my weekly word on weeds? There were three “Image” herbicides, each with a different active ingredient but the same Trade Name. One contained MSMA, a postemergence herbicide for crabgrass and nutsedge control in warm season and cool-season turf. The second “Image” contained atrazine, a preemergence herbicide for broadleaf weed control in warm season turf but not cool-season turf. The third “Image” is the one we are familiar with containing imazaquin.
So, what does that have to do with weed control in ornamentals you might wonder (since I don't recommend the use of any of these in landscape beds anyway). This underscores the need for you, the user, to read the label.
Here is another example. Have you used the herbicide Vantage for over the top applications in ornamentals for crabgrass control in the past? If so, you will be surprised to learn that Vantage is now another name for glyphosate – NOT sethoxydim. The new name for sethoxydim in ornamentals is “Segment”. But, there is still Vantage = sethoxydim in warehouses and on the shelves.
Why does this sort of thing happen? Fortunately this is name changing is not common in the ornamentals market, but it does happen. Marketing departments often like to capitalize on brand name recognition, sometimes (in my opinion) casting common sense to the wind. So, before you buy, read the label and list of ingredients. Make sure you are purchasing the active ingredient you actually want. "
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
"I was just looking through a catalogue from one of the major suppliers to our industries and was surprised by what I found in the herbicide section – “Image” herbicide -- but not exactly the Image herbicide we know.
OK, first a bit of background. If you manage warm season turf you are probably familiar with this herbicide – it contains the active ingredient “imazaquin”. Imazaquin is a postemergence herbicide with foliar and root absorption, used to control nutsedge, dollar weed (penny wort) and several other hard to kill weeds in warm season turf and around some established woody plants. I generally do not recommend this herbicide for use in landscape beds because of the risk of damage to many species of woody and herbaceous ornamentals from root uptake.
So, what surprised me enough to make this a topic for my weekly word on weeds? There were three “Image” herbicides, each with a different active ingredient but the same Trade Name. One contained MSMA, a postemergence herbicide for crabgrass and nutsedge control in warm season and cool-season turf. The second “Image” contained atrazine, a preemergence herbicide for broadleaf weed control in warm season turf but not cool-season turf. The third “Image” is the one we are familiar with containing imazaquin.
So, what does that have to do with weed control in ornamentals you might wonder (since I don't recommend the use of any of these in landscape beds anyway). This underscores the need for you, the user, to read the label.
Here is another example. Have you used the herbicide Vantage for over the top applications in ornamentals for crabgrass control in the past? If so, you will be surprised to learn that Vantage is now another name for glyphosate – NOT sethoxydim. The new name for sethoxydim in ornamentals is “Segment”. But, there is still Vantage = sethoxydim in warehouses and on the shelves.
Why does this sort of thing happen? Fortunately this is name changing is not common in the ornamentals market, but it does happen. Marketing departments often like to capitalize on brand name recognition, sometimes (in my opinion) casting common sense to the wind. So, before you buy, read the label and list of ingredients. Make sure you are purchasing the active ingredient you actually want. "
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Weekly Word on Weeds
Even though the record cold weather may damage some of our desirable landscape plants – don't worry about those weeds. They will be just fine.
Winter annuals will need to be controlled
Chickweed, henbit, annual bluegrass and vetch are lurking; insulated under a blanket of snow they are protected from the harsh weather and will be ready to grow, flower and seed when the snow melts. Control these weeds while they are small and before they set seeds. Most winter annual weeds can be controlled with non-selective postemergence herbicides such as diquat (Reward) or glufosinate (Finale). What about glyphosate you may ask. Glyphosate does work on these weeds but it works very slowly in this cold weather.
Annual bluegrass can be selectively controlled in landscape beds with clethodim (Envoy). It will take several weeks for the annual bluegrass to die, but Evoy is selective and can be applied over the top of many broadleaf ornamental plants.
Vetch can be particularly difficult to control in landscape plantings. Clopyralid (Lontrel) controls vetch but must be used as a directed application around woody plants – not over the top of ornamentals. Lontrel works by foliar absorption but has some root uptake as well, so follow the label directions for dose and avoid applications near sensitive species – particularly herbaceous perennials in the aster and legume families.
Sureguard – a new herbicide labeled for use in landscapes:
Sureguard is a sprayable formulation of flumioxazin. This herbicide has been labeled for directed applications in field nurseries for preemergence control of broadleaf weeds. It has also been popular as a sanitation treatment in gravel areas of container nurseries. It is now labeled for use around woody landscape plants and for weed control in and around hardscapes. Advantages include good broadleaf weed control, no staining, some postmergence as well as preemergence weed control. Disadvantages: Sureguard will injure herbaceous ornamentals, will injure woody ornamentals if applied to the foliage or green stems, and will damage turf if applied directly to the grass.
My highly opinionated advice on Sureguard for landscape use:
This may be a good option for weed control in hardscapes where weeds emerge in the cracks around brick or stone pavers. Also, in woody plant beds such as tree islands, median strips, or along fence rows. Sureguard is a good partner with postemergence herbicides such as glyphosate, glufosinate or diquat.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Winter annuals will need to be controlled
Chickweed, henbit, annual bluegrass and vetch are lurking; insulated under a blanket of snow they are protected from the harsh weather and will be ready to grow, flower and seed when the snow melts. Control these weeds while they are small and before they set seeds. Most winter annual weeds can be controlled with non-selective postemergence herbicides such as diquat (Reward) or glufosinate (Finale). What about glyphosate you may ask. Glyphosate does work on these weeds but it works very slowly in this cold weather.
Annual bluegrass can be selectively controlled in landscape beds with clethodim (Envoy). It will take several weeks for the annual bluegrass to die, but Evoy is selective and can be applied over the top of many broadleaf ornamental plants.
Vetch can be particularly difficult to control in landscape plantings. Clopyralid (Lontrel) controls vetch but must be used as a directed application around woody plants – not over the top of ornamentals. Lontrel works by foliar absorption but has some root uptake as well, so follow the label directions for dose and avoid applications near sensitive species – particularly herbaceous perennials in the aster and legume families.
Sureguard – a new herbicide labeled for use in landscapes:
Sureguard is a sprayable formulation of flumioxazin. This herbicide has been labeled for directed applications in field nurseries for preemergence control of broadleaf weeds. It has also been popular as a sanitation treatment in gravel areas of container nurseries. It is now labeled for use around woody landscape plants and for weed control in and around hardscapes. Advantages include good broadleaf weed control, no staining, some postmergence as well as preemergence weed control. Disadvantages: Sureguard will injure herbaceous ornamentals, will injure woody ornamentals if applied to the foliage or green stems, and will damage turf if applied directly to the grass.
My highly opinionated advice on Sureguard for landscape use:
This may be a good option for weed control in hardscapes where weeds emerge in the cracks around brick or stone pavers. Also, in woody plant beds such as tree islands, median strips, or along fence rows. Sureguard is a good partner with postemergence herbicides such as glyphosate, glufosinate or diquat.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
The Importance of Farmland in Your Community
April 2, 2009
The Importance of Farmland in Your Community
7 - 8:30 pm
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center Auditorium
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Farmland is important to residents of Henderson and Transylvania Counties. At this meeting we will report on the findings of two three-year studies on the value of farmland and ways to keep farming prosperous in your community. The Farmland Values Project is led by Leah Greden Mathews at UNC Asheville and the Farm Prosperity Project is led by Jeanine Davis at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River. The Farmland Values Project will share results from surveys and focus groups about what local residents and visitors value about farmland, including their willingness to contribute to local farm protection efforts. Results confirm the importance of farmland for maintaining residents’ quality of life, access to local food, and the scenic beauty of our region. The Farm Prosperity Project will explain how they worked with local farmers to develop tools to help farmers make decisions about their farms, how to preserve them, and what to grow. They will also discuss the research that has been conducted on organic and heirloom tomatoes. This meeting and three others in surrounding counties are designed specifically for the general public. There will also be a meeting for farmers (March 12) and one for local officials (April 15). Please call Terri Schell at 684-3562 to reserve a seat. Walk-ins are welcome, but we can plan better if you call ahead. Directions can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher. More information is available about these projects at http://www.unca.edu/farmlandvalues and http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/specialty_crops/farmprosperity/index.htm. These projects are funded by grants from the USDA-CSREES Small and Mid-Sized Farms Program. The Farmland Values and Farm Prosperity projects are supported by the National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, grants #2005-35618-15647 and #2005-35618-15645.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
The Importance of Farmland in Your Community
7 - 8:30 pm
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center Auditorium
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Farmland is important to residents of Henderson and Transylvania Counties. At this meeting we will report on the findings of two three-year studies on the value of farmland and ways to keep farming prosperous in your community. The Farmland Values Project is led by Leah Greden Mathews at UNC Asheville and the Farm Prosperity Project is led by Jeanine Davis at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River. The Farmland Values Project will share results from surveys and focus groups about what local residents and visitors value about farmland, including their willingness to contribute to local farm protection efforts. Results confirm the importance of farmland for maintaining residents’ quality of life, access to local food, and the scenic beauty of our region. The Farm Prosperity Project will explain how they worked with local farmers to develop tools to help farmers make decisions about their farms, how to preserve them, and what to grow. They will also discuss the research that has been conducted on organic and heirloom tomatoes. This meeting and three others in surrounding counties are designed specifically for the general public. There will also be a meeting for farmers (March 12) and one for local officials (April 15). Please call Terri Schell at 684-3562 to reserve a seat. Walk-ins are welcome, but we can plan better if you call ahead. Directions can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher. More information is available about these projects at http://www.unca.edu/farmlandvalues and http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/specialty_crops/farmprosperity/index.htm. These projects are funded by grants from the USDA-CSREES Small and Mid-Sized Farms Program. The Farmland Values and Farm Prosperity projects are supported by the National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, grants #2005-35618-15647 and #2005-35618-15645.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Keeping Our Local Farms Viable: A Meeting for Farmers
March 12, 2009
Keeping Our Local Farms Viable: A Meeting for Farmers
6 to 8 pm
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center Auditorium
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Farmers are invited to a dinner meeting to hear the results of two research projects that examined the importance of farming in our community and how to keep farming viable in the future. The Farm Prosperity Project is led by Jeanine Davis at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River and Farmland Values Project is led by Leah Greden Mathews at UNC Asheville. Working with six other organizations, including three land trusts, the Farm Prosperity Project sought to develop an integrated approach to help farmers identify the best combination of farmland protection techniques and new agricultural opportunities to help keep their farms viable. At this meeting, the group will report on the tools that they developed to help farmers make decisions about their farms, including how to preserve the farm for future generations and how to make choices about new agricultural enterprises. Results from the demonstration research project on organic and heirloom tomatoes will also be presented. The Farmland Values Project will share what local residents and visitors think about farming and farmland. You might be surprised! Because a dinner is being served, reservations are required. Please call Terri Schell at the Research and Extension Center at 684-3562 to make your reservation. This meeting is designed specifically for farmers. There will also be four other meetings for the general public (March 19, March 26, April 2 and April 9) and one for local officials (April 15). Directions can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher. More information is available about these projects at http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/specialty_crops/farmprosperity/index.htm and http://www.unca.edu/farmlandvalues. These projects are funded by grants from the USDA-CSREES Small and Mid-Sized Farms Program. The Farm Prosperity and Farmland Values projects are supported by the National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, grants #2005-35618-15647 and #2005-35618-15645.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Keeping Our Local Farms Viable: A Meeting for Farmers
6 to 8 pm
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center Auditorium
455 Research Drive
Mills River, NC 28759
Farmers are invited to a dinner meeting to hear the results of two research projects that examined the importance of farming in our community and how to keep farming viable in the future. The Farm Prosperity Project is led by Jeanine Davis at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River and Farmland Values Project is led by Leah Greden Mathews at UNC Asheville. Working with six other organizations, including three land trusts, the Farm Prosperity Project sought to develop an integrated approach to help farmers identify the best combination of farmland protection techniques and new agricultural opportunities to help keep their farms viable. At this meeting, the group will report on the tools that they developed to help farmers make decisions about their farms, including how to preserve the farm for future generations and how to make choices about new agricultural enterprises. Results from the demonstration research project on organic and heirloom tomatoes will also be presented. The Farmland Values Project will share what local residents and visitors think about farming and farmland. You might be surprised! Because a dinner is being served, reservations are required. Please call Terri Schell at the Research and Extension Center at 684-3562 to make your reservation. This meeting is designed specifically for farmers. There will also be four other meetings for the general public (March 19, March 26, April 2 and April 9) and one for local officials (April 15). Directions can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher. More information is available about these projects at http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/specialty_crops/farmprosperity/index.htm and http://www.unca.edu/farmlandvalues. These projects are funded by grants from the USDA-CSREES Small and Mid-Sized Farms Program. The Farm Prosperity and Farmland Values projects are supported by the National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, grants #2005-35618-15647 and #2005-35618-15645.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Weekly Word on Weeds
This is the first article this season from Dr.Joe Neal, weed scientist with the Horticulture Department from NC State University.
With freezing temperatures still in the forecast it is difficult to think about summer weeds. But, now is the time to begin summer annual weed management.
First line of defense: Mulches
Before ornamental plants leaf out, and herbaceous plants emerge, this is also a good time to apply a fresh layer of mulch to landscape beds. Not only does this conserve soil moisture and improve the aesthetics of the beds, it also will cover and shade weed seeds to prevent germination and establishment.
When mulches are not enough:
Preemergence herbicides work by preventing the establishment of weeds from seed. That means the herbicides must be applied several weeks before weeds germinate. Apply preemergence herbicides now to control spring-germinating weeds such as crabgrass, spurge and oxalis.
Common herbicides used in landscape beds include Barricade, Pendulum, Surflan, and Snapshot TG. Each works on summer annual grasses (like crabgrass) but differ in how well they control broadleaf weeds. Generally, Snapshot and Surflan are better on broadleaf weeds; Barricade tends to excel on spurge, pendulum may be a little better on horseweed. These herbicides also differ in their safety to ornamental plants. Granular formulations of herbicides are safer on ornamental plants than spray applications. But, when applied before budbreak, liquid applications may be made over the top of most woody ornamentals. In herbaceous ornamentals, you must be careful in your choice of herbicides. See Hort Information Leaflet No. 644 http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/landscape-index.html for more information on weed management in color beds.
Freehand – a new herbicide labeled for use in landscapes and nurseries:
Freehand is a granular combination of pendimethalin plus dimethenamid-p. It controls many summer annual weeds including crabgrass, oxalis, and spurge. It is one of the few herbicides that controls doveweed. It is also as effective as Pennant Magnum for the suppression of yellow nutsedge.
WWWeeds notes will be archived on my web site. http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jcneal/
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
With freezing temperatures still in the forecast it is difficult to think about summer weeds. But, now is the time to begin summer annual weed management.
First line of defense: Mulches
Before ornamental plants leaf out, and herbaceous plants emerge, this is also a good time to apply a fresh layer of mulch to landscape beds. Not only does this conserve soil moisture and improve the aesthetics of the beds, it also will cover and shade weed seeds to prevent germination and establishment.
When mulches are not enough:
Preemergence herbicides work by preventing the establishment of weeds from seed. That means the herbicides must be applied several weeks before weeds germinate. Apply preemergence herbicides now to control spring-germinating weeds such as crabgrass, spurge and oxalis.
Common herbicides used in landscape beds include Barricade, Pendulum, Surflan, and Snapshot TG. Each works on summer annual grasses (like crabgrass) but differ in how well they control broadleaf weeds. Generally, Snapshot and Surflan are better on broadleaf weeds; Barricade tends to excel on spurge, pendulum may be a little better on horseweed. These herbicides also differ in their safety to ornamental plants. Granular formulations of herbicides are safer on ornamental plants than spray applications. But, when applied before budbreak, liquid applications may be made over the top of most woody ornamentals. In herbaceous ornamentals, you must be careful in your choice of herbicides. See Hort Information Leaflet No. 644 http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/landscape-index.html for more information on weed management in color beds.
Freehand – a new herbicide labeled for use in landscapes and nurseries:
Freehand is a granular combination of pendimethalin plus dimethenamid-p. It controls many summer annual weeds including crabgrass, oxalis, and spurge. It is one of the few herbicides that controls doveweed. It is also as effective as Pennant Magnum for the suppression of yellow nutsedge.
WWWeeds notes will be archived on my web site. http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jcneal/
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Erosion Control Workshop
Landscapers should be familiar with Erosion Control Options!. This workshop will focus on some of the basics to consider when performing duties as a grading contractor and/or landscaper that result in soil disturbance. Please mark your calendars and attend.
To see registration for go to: Erosion Control Workshop
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
To see registration for go to: Erosion Control Workshop
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Henderson County Farmland Preservation Meetings
Interested in preserving our agriculture heritage and the farm land in Henderson County? If so come and attend one of the following meetings: Whether you are still active in agriculture, just an interested citizen, or an active farmer; these meetings will provide an opportunity to give input to keeping our agricultural lands sustainable.
February 17
Fruitland Baptist Church
Basement Fellowship Hall (or Family Life Center)
150 College Road
Turn north off Hwy 64 onto Gilliam Road
Turn right onto College Road
February 19
Refuge Baptist Church
30 Oleta Road
685-8544
Intersection of Dana/Oleta and Upward/Ridge roads
February 24
Mills River Elementary School
96 School House Road
Between Boyleston Hwy and Banner Farm Rd
February 26
Crab CreekCommunity Center
53 Jeter Mountain Road
Off Crab Creek Road
All of the above meetings will begin at 7:00. Complimentary dinner will be served at 6:00. Those wanting dinner will need to RSVP at least three days prior to the relevant meeting. RSVP to me at 697-5777 or john@carolinamountain.org No RSVP is necessary to attend the meeting. All residents of Henderson County are welcome to attend the meetings
March 4th. (3:00 p.m.)
Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center
745 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River. This meeting also open to Transylvania County residents to discuss the same issue there.
Green River meeting TBA. If you wish to attend the Green River meeting please let us know and the information will be shared with you as soon as this meeting is scheduled.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
February 17
Fruitland Baptist Church
Basement Fellowship Hall (or Family Life Center)
150 College Road
Turn north off Hwy 64 onto Gilliam Road
Turn right onto College Road
February 19
Refuge Baptist Church
30 Oleta Road
685-8544
Intersection of Dana/Oleta and Upward/Ridge roads
February 24
Mills River Elementary School
96 School House Road
Between Boyleston Hwy and Banner Farm Rd
February 26
Crab CreekCommunity Center
53 Jeter Mountain Road
Off Crab Creek Road
All of the above meetings will begin at 7:00. Complimentary dinner will be served at 6:00. Those wanting dinner will need to RSVP at least three days prior to the relevant meeting. RSVP to me at 697-5777 or john@carolinamountain.org No RSVP is necessary to attend the meeting. All residents of Henderson County are welcome to attend the meetings
March 4th. (3:00 p.m.)
Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center
745 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River. This meeting also open to Transylvania County residents to discuss the same issue there.
Green River meeting TBA. If you wish to attend the Green River meeting please let us know and the information will be shared with you as soon as this meeting is scheduled.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Greenhouse Product Magazine
We have added a link to the Greenhouse Product Magazine at the right. The online magazine has various informative video clips that will be worth visiting for many of you. Check them out.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Monitoring and Alert Program
A new scouting/alert program is coming from Dr. Steven Frank, our ornamental entomologist from the NCSU campus. For more information about this program and/or to sign up to participate please visit this link: GAB
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
WNC Turfgrass Conference
The registration for the annual WNC Turfgrass Conference is now on line. Please consider joining us for this conference this year. We have a very good line up of timely topics. To access the registration form link here: WNC Turfgrass Conference
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Seed Collection Workshop
Wilkes Community College will be hosting a native seed workshop on March 17. The classroom for this will be 1602 in the Horticulture Complex. The workshop will last from 8:30 till 5:30. Vic Vankas from the National Seed Testing Lab will be speaking along with others. The major topic is the collection and cleaning of seeds from cones, pods, etc. down to clean seeds. We will use a variety of machines to perform this process. We will also discuss sites where one can purchase and sell seeds, different manufacturers of equipment and other sites where more information can be gained on seed collecting and sowing. X-ray analysis and purity tests will be performed also that day to show the procedures that are done to obtain those results.
Call Ronald Dollyhite at the Wilkes Community College to pre-register. (336) 838-6281
or email: ronald.dollyhite@wilkescc.edu
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Call Ronald Dollyhite at the Wilkes Community College to pre-register. (336) 838-6281
or email: ronald.dollyhite@wilkescc.edu
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Landscape Management Workshop
Mark your calendars for the Landscape Management Workshop on February 26, 8:30am - 4:30pm with lunch, at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center, Mills River (formerly Fletcher, same place), NC. This program is a collaboration between NC Cooperative Extension and the Green Industry. Attendees will learn to manage pesticide drift in the landscape, understand the principles of sustainable landscaping and how to scout for pests in the landscape. Learn the fundamentals of pruning and practice hands-on pruning with ornamental plants. Pesticide credits for North Carolina pesticide license will be available- 3 in LNDX categories. This workshop can be offered in Spanish using a translator. Let us know if you need these services. Registration is $20, includes lunch.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Nursery Management Workshop
Mark your calendars for the Nursery Management Workshop on February 25, 8:30am - 4:30pm with lunch, at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center, Mills River (formerly Fletcher, same place), NC. Topics to be covered include managing diseases and weeds, pour-through sampling for nutrient and pH management and irrigation. Registration fee of $20 includes lunch. Registration deadline is February 20. This program can be offered in Spanish using a translator. Let us know if you need this service. Contact Cliff Ruth, 828-697-4891 or Amanda Stone, 828-255-5522. NC Pesticide credits will be available, LNDX categories.For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Value Added Agriculture
Value Added Agriculture has come to full focus in NC. Our new research facilities and staff in Kannapolis is already gearing up to give NC's agriculture economy an extra boost. Visit this link to see more Value Adder Agriculture
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Market Gardening Workshop
Thinking About a Market Garden?
Attend First Steps in Starting a Market Garden Business
Saturday, January 31 to learn how.
The North Carolina Arboretum launches its 2009 adult education series with a new workshop on January 31, "First Steps in Starting a Market Garden Business," led by Peter Marks, director of the Local Food and Farm Campaign for the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP).
Participants will learn five important first steps every young or second-career farmer should consider before embarking on a market garden business.
"Many people dream of farming, but few succeed in building viable farm businesses that contribute to or provide their income," Marks said. "For anyone who has thought about growing food to earn part or all of their income, this workshop will take an honest look at what is involved to turn a dream into reality."
Topics during the two-hour workshop include marketing options, the regulatory environment, expectations for income and profit, basic farm business planning tools, and more.
Free but registration required. Space is limited. Call (828) 665-2492 x317 to register.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Attend First Steps in Starting a Market Garden Business
Saturday, January 31 to learn how.
The North Carolina Arboretum launches its 2009 adult education series with a new workshop on January 31, "First Steps in Starting a Market Garden Business," led by Peter Marks, director of the Local Food and Farm Campaign for the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP).
Participants will learn five important first steps every young or second-career farmer should consider before embarking on a market garden business.
"Many people dream of farming, but few succeed in building viable farm businesses that contribute to or provide their income," Marks said. "For anyone who has thought about growing food to earn part or all of their income, this workshop will take an honest look at what is involved to turn a dream into reality."
Topics during the two-hour workshop include marketing options, the regulatory environment, expectations for income and profit, basic farm business planning tools, and more.
Free but registration required. Space is limited. Call (828) 665-2492 x317 to register.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Additional Link
We have added a new link to our blog that some of you might find interesting.
Cane Creek Organics
This farm has a new service that some of you might find interesting. They are now offering produce through a CSA. If you (or someone you know) want fresh organically grown vegetables but don't have time to grow them you may want to consider this option.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Cane Creek Organics
This farm has a new service that some of you might find interesting. They are now offering produce through a CSA. If you (or someone you know) want fresh organically grown vegetables but don't have time to grow them you may want to consider this option.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Landscape Irrigation and Rain Water Harvesting Workshops
Landscape Irrigation and Rain Water Harvesting Workshops
Two days of workshops focused on irrigation and rain water harvesting will be held at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center in February.
Continuing education credits are being pursued for the Irrigation Contractor credit requirements. More information will be added as it comes available.
These workshops are as follows:
February 11th
8:30 Registration/Coffee
9:00-12:00 Rainbird Drip Irrigation (Design and Install) Jason Gibson
12:00-1:00 Sponsored lunch
1:00-4:00 Rainwater Harvesting Systems, GreenTec, Bruce Templeton
February 12th
8:30 Registration/Coffee
9:00-12:00 Permeable Pavers, Belgard Pavers, Ashley Sneed
12:00 Sponsored Lunch
1:00 Smart Irrigation Systems/ Hunter Industries, William Hobgood
Both of these workshop days require pre-registration, (for a meal count) otherwise there is no charge. Lunch is sponsored by John Deere Landscapes and their vendors.
Call Cliff Ruth at 697-4891 to pre-register or e-mail at Cliff_Ruth@ncsu.edu
http://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/content/Irrwork
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
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