September 14, 2018
Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus on the Rise in Iowa
The Iowa State University Medical Entomology Laboratory has conducted mosquito surveillance in Iowa since 1969 by collecting mosquitoes in monitoring traps and testing for mosquito-borne disease pathogens. The program is done in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the University of Iowa Hygienic Lab.
Algae in Turfgrass
Algae are primitive green plants. They can be a problem in turfgrass when surface conditions are overly wet. They tend to occur in low, shaded, or compacted areas. Algae form a greenish to black scum on the soil or in thin turf. As this blackish scum dries, it appears as a crust that later cracks. Turfgrass plants may become chlorotic (yellowed), weak, and eventually die.
Algal scums can be controlled by:
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Grundy County
The emerald ash borer, a destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees, has been detected for the first time in Grundy County in the town of Dike.
Fall Mums
Garden mums offer gardeners a wide range of colors and flower forms when other annuals and perennials are past their peak. Learn more about maintenance and wintering ability of fall-planted mums in in the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Yard and Garden news release from September 12, 2108.
Forcing Tulips to Bloom Indoors
The bright colors and fragrances of spring flowering bulbs can be enjoyed indoors during winter by the process of bulb forcing. Tulips can be forced indoors from December through March, if steps are taken in the fall to prepare the bulbs. .Learn more about bulb forcing in the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Yard and Garden news release from September 6, 2108.
Fall Lawn Care
Home lawn weed control, mowing and fertilization are maintenance activities that continue through late summer and fall. Learn more about proper fall lawn maintenance that will contribute to an attractive, healthy lawn next season in the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Yard and Garden news release from August 30, 2108.