June 26, 2015
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Poweshiek County, Iowa
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been positively identified in Grinnell (Poweshiek County) bringing the total of confirmed counties to 25 since it was first detected in Iowa back in 2010. This metallic green insect, which only measures about half-inch long and an eighth-inch wide, kills all ash tree species and is considered to be one of the most destructive tree pests ever seen in North America.
False Japanese Beetles Present Again This Year
More samples and inquires concerning false Japanese beetle (Strigoderma arbicola) have been received this year than in the recent past. Inquiries have been primarily from eastern and central Iowa. As the name implies, false Japanese beetle is very similar in appearance to the true Japanese beetle. The major difference is the coloration. False Japanese beetles do not have the bright green and copper coloration of the Japanese beetle.
Chemical Injury in Vegetables
Did you mulch your garden or field with grass/pasture clippings or wood chips? Or did you use animal manure? That may explain why your vegetables are looking funky.
Iowa Master Gardener Growing Season Webinars
Join Iowa Master Gardeners in a three-part webinar series this summer offered at multiple locations across Iowa during June, July and August. The two-hour courses will be offered at ISU Extension and Outreach county offices around the state. See the news release below for a list of communities where you can attend. Presentation dates and time vary by community.
White Clover in Lawns
A prominent plant in many Iowa lawns in late spring/early summer is white clover. White clover (Trifolium repens) is a creeping perennial. Plant stems root at the nodes where they touch the soil. The leaves are composed of 3 leaflets. Plants bloom profusely in late spring/early summer. Flower heads consist of 20 to 40 individual white to pinkish-white, fragrant flowers. White clover is common in many lawns because it is a prolific seed producer and adapts well to mowing and other lawn care practices. Its presence is often a sign of low nitrogen fertility.