October 5, 2005
Fall Care of the Poinsettia and Christmas Cactus
In order to bloom during the upcoming holiday season, the poinsettia and Christmas cactus must be given proper care this fall.
Upcoming Programs for Commercial Pesticide Applicators
Commercial pesticide applicators must attend one continuing instruction course each calendar in order to maintain their certification without retesting. Please see the following listing for more information or call Extension Entomology at 515-294-1101.
Greenhouse and Ornamental ApplicatorsOctober 26, Cedar Rapids, IA
October 27, Council Bluffs, IA
Categories: 3G, 3O, 7E, 10
Contact person: Linda Naeve, 515-294-8946
Powdery Mildew on Trees and Ornamentals
Powdery mildew on maple leaves. (Scott County Extension)
Powdery mildew is one of the easiest plant diseases to diagnose. This fungal disease appears as a white, dusty growth on the leaves and stems, often with tiny black dots. Nearly all plants can get powdery mildew, but it is especially common on lilac, phlox, turf, and zinnia.
Puffballs
Many Iowans have recently noticed large, white fungal spheres emerging from the ground in lawns, prairies, and forests. These puffballs are the fruiting structure of a fungus, and come in a variety of sizes.