April 27, 2018

Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic On The Move


As you read this the specialists and staff in the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic are packing their microscopes, reference books, Sharpie markers and assorted diagnostic supplies for the grand move to their new location.

Finally.

Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic Update – April 27, 2018

Gray mold canker signs in tomato stem 

The following are highlights and updates about samples and questions recently received in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic. Visit the PIDC's Facebook page for updates and more pictures. For more information on a particular disease or insect problem listed, follow the article cited.

The following are plant diseases and insect damage highlights of last month's sample submissions from fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals.  

Care of Newly Planted Trees


The first 2 or 3 years are the most important period in the establishment of newly planted trees.  Good cultural practices during this period help reduce transplant stress and create a favorable environment for tree growth. 

Watering

Midwestern Arboreta

Entrance sign to Iowa Arboretum, Madrid Iowa

When planning your next weekend getaway, stop and visit one of the arboreta in Iowa and surrounding states.  (Arboreta are outdoor living collections consisting mainly of trees and shrubs.)  Spring is an especially good time to visit an arboretum with their colorful spring-flowering trees and shrubs. 

New Field Guide: Mammals of Iowa

Cover of Extension pamphlet, Mammals of Iowa

There are 57 species of wild mammals routinely found in Iowa.  Learn more about their identification and habits in the new ISU Extension and Outreach publication titled “Mammals of Iowa” that can be downloaded for free at the Extension Store.  Read more about the 132-page publication in the ISU Extension and Outreach news release from March 18, 2018.

Yard and Garden News – Geraniums and Peppers


Growing Geraniums

Garden geraniums are popular flowering plants for beds, borders, containers, hanging baskets and window boxes. Geraniums are easy to grow and provide color in the garden from May to frost.  Learn more about geraniums including types to grow in the home garden, when and where to plant, and required maintenance in the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Yard and Garden news release from April 26, 2018.

Master Gardener News


Plant Sales!

You can find good plants for your garden and excellent advice on how to select and care for them at your local Master Gardener plant sale. Fourteen plant sales are already listed with more to be added.  See the Master Gardener Plant Sale list on the Iowa Master Gardner website.

Summer Webcasts

Worker Protection Greenhouse Videos Available


The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a federal regulation issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enforced, in Iowa, by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). The WPS applies whenever a pesticide is used in the production of agricultural plants that has an “Agricultural Use Requirements” section on the product label.