July 24, 2020

Online Workshops Planned for Safe Mushroom Foraging


Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering the second of a two-part online workshop on August 4, 2020.  Anyone interested in learning more about identifying and foraging local mushrooms is encouraged to register.  The August 4 workshop will be held from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM via Zoom video conferencing.

Lily Leaf Beetle Likely in Iowa

A bright red lily leaf beetle on the tip of a lily leaf. Photo by Richard A. Casagrande, University of Rhode Island, Bugwood.org.

The Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic has confirmed a likely infestation of the lily leaf beetle, Lilioceris lilii, in Cedar Rapids based on photographic evidence and is asking for reports of the invasive insect. 

Barklice on Trees

small striped insects on tree bark are barklice

Psocids, also known as barklice, are small, soft-bodies insects commonly found on trees.  They usually go unnoticed because of their small size and low numbers, but occasionally, very large populations will develop and cause concern by their presence.  Such has been the case this summer with several inquiries in the past few weeks.

New Mushroom Guide to Help Foragers

Savory Sweet Corn

Poor Fruit Set in the Garden