PEST ALERT

PEST ALERT! September 17, 2010

Declaration of Exterior Quarantine for the Walnut Twig Beetle and the Fungal Pathogen that causes Thousand Canker Disease in Walnut Trees

The Commissioner of Agriculture, the Plant Industry Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), and the Plant Pest Administrator hereby immediately establish an exterior quarantine for the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida sp. nov., that causes Thousand Canker Disease in walnut trees, Juglans spp., for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington and any other state found to be infested or infected. This exterior quarantine is needed to prevent the establishment, dissemination, or potential spread of Thousand Canker Disease ands its vector into North Carolina and other states.

For complete information, go to: http://www.ncagr.gov/paffairs/release/2010/Exterior%20Quarantine-Thousand%20Canker%20Disease%20(25210).pdf
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Internet Marketing Classes

We will be offering 2 classes this fall on Internet Marketing. These classes will be held on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College, Monday evenings October 18th and 25th.
For more information click on this link Internet Marketing Series. There is no cost but space is limited to the first 18 and we would like to have an idea as to who is attending early.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Final Issue for NC Pest News 2010

Your final issue for NC PEST NEWS 2010 is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics this week are Azalea Caterpillars, Oak Stem Galls, Tarsonemid Mites and Aphid Pests of Ornamental Greenhouses.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Landowner Forestry Event, September 21

Bee Tree Community, Landowner Forestry Event
When: September 21, 2010
Where: Bee Tree Fire Department, 510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa
Directions to the Bee Tree Fire Department can be found at: http://www.svfd.net/
What: There will be two afternoon sessions, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., each consisting of the following presentations:
1. Stewardship and Forest Management Opportunities through the NC Division of Forest Resources by Les Hunter, NC Division of Forest Resources
2. Voluntary Protection Strategies for Private Forest and Farmland by Mark Megalos, Extension Forestry Specialist, NCSU
*Speakers will be available to answer a host of questions on assistance, tax plans, etc.

Contact for more information: John Alger, (828)299-0799

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

NC PEST NEWS- Week of September 6

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available. In the Ornamentals and Turf section this week the topics are: Saddleback Caterpillars Are Back, Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillars, Cottony Cushion Scale Activity, Aphidius colemani: Parasitoid of Aphids

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

Mills River Tailgate Market Looking for Vendors

For Immediate Release Subject: Mills River Farmer Market Looking For Nursery Operators
Media Contact: Jim Reed; Chair, Mills River Farmer Market 828-890-4105 The Mills River Farmers Tailgate Market is looking for nursery operators, and growers of shrubs, perennials, and ornamentals. If you are interested in selling to customers at our Market on Saturday mornings, 8 AM - 12 noon, please contact Jim Reed at 828-890-4105 or email at millsriverfarm@yahoo.com for further information.
MRFM started it's second season on May 8th and features locally grown meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs, craft items, goats milk cheeses, jelly, jams & relishes from more than a dozen local farmers, producers and market gardeners. Market hours are every Saturday from 8am - Noon at the Mills River Commons, 5046 Boylston Hwy, Mills River NC. The popularity of the market continues to swell. Earlier this year, the market featured a Tomato Festival that also featured local entertainment. The MRFM features farmers within a 50 mile radius of Mills River, an agricultural town that is 22 square miles in size, and home to approximately 6,600 residents minutes from Pisgah National Forest, Interstate 26, and the Asheville Regional Airport. Vendor space is limited, but the market is continuing to accept day use applications throughout the season. Email millsriverfarm@yahoo.com for an application or call Jim Reed, 828-890-4105.


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

NC PEST NEWS- Week of August 30

Your weekly NC Pest News is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics are: Spiny Oakworms and Blister Beetles on Clematis.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.