April 11, 1997
Controlling Physiological Disorders of Apple Fruit
Physiological disorders are abnormalities of the fruit that are not associated with diseases or insect pests. They can appear during the growing season or after harvest when the fruit are being stored, and affect the appearance and usability of the fruit. In apples, such disorders include cork spot, bitter pit, Jonathan spot, water core, internal breakdown, and storage scald.
Feather reed grass: a special landscape feature
Ornamental grasses have become popular features in the landscape and garden. Their vertical growth and form, beautiful flower spikes, winter color, easy care make ornamental grasses both interesting and functional. One of the most attractive and versatile ornamental grasses is feather reed grass, Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'. It can be used in many different landscape situations and always performs well.
Africanized Bee Update
Africanized honey bee (AHB), nicknamed the "killer bee" because of widely publicized incidents of mass stingings in South America, is a threat in the United States to beekeeping and agricultural practices, as well as a fatal threat to people. Since the first detection of a permanent colony in Texas in October 1990, the AHB has established in southern portions of New Mexico, Arizona, and California. While AHB northward movement has slowed dramatically in recent years, the ultimate extent of their range remains uncertain.
Planting Grapes
The grapevine is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Grapes can be eaten fresh or processed into jam, jelly, juice, or wine. Home gardeners can successfully grow grapes in Iowa. Basic requirements include a good planting site, hardy varieties (cultivars), and proper culture.