Recent News

Alert reader and careful insect observer Patrick O'Malley sent the picture below showing a particularly large cluster of large milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus).

The appropriately named invasive weed called mile-a-minute weed" (Persicaria perfoliata) has been found for the first time in Iowa in Marion County.  Mile-a-minute weed is an herbaceous, annual vine in the smartweed family.  It can grow

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Turfgrass Institute will host their annual Iowa Turfgrass Field and Demo Day on Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When the Lawn Is Orange or Brown

Training for new Iowa Master Gardener will take place at 43 Iowa locations this fall.  Classes start in September so the time to register is now!  Learn more about the Iowa Master Gardener program online and read more about registration

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a monarch and pollinator field day on Aug. 21 at the Prairie Ridge Care Center, 1005 7th Street NE, Orange City.

The invasive species of earthworm described in Horticulture & Home Pest Newsletter on May 7, 2017, has now been confirmed in Iowa.  

We earlier reported that bagworms have hatched and are feeding on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

The following are highlights and updates about sample submissions from fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals, and questions recently received in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.

The newly revised and updated version of the Category 3 Greenhouse Pest Management – Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator Manual (CS 0015B) is available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Our rainy spring weather was great for crabgrass and other weeds that grow in the home lawn.  Learn more about crabgrass and other weeds and various control measures to minimize weed populations in the Iowa State University Extension & Ou

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host its annual Iowa State Fair Weed Identification Contest on Friday, Aug. 10, from 9-11:30 a.m. in front of the John Deere Agriculture Building.

Alert and curious people in Iowa have noticed that the bagworm eggs have hatched and that the small, bag-carrying caterpillars are feeding on tree foliage.

The green-striped mapleworm is the caterpillar stage of the rosy maple moth, Dryocampa rubicunda.  This is not a common pest in Iowa with a small handful of reported maple tree defoliations over the past 40 years.  The cate

Deadheading, watering and pest control are activities that will increase the enjoyment of roses in your yard or landscape.

Seeding, fertilizing, weeding, watering and mowing are common activities for home lawn maintenance that we do more or less well, depending on time, patience, experience and training.  An expert management and action plan for your home lawn ca

Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award Winners - Denny Schrock and Susan DeBlieck

The following are highlights and updates about sample submissions from fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals, and questions recently received in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.

Pollinators and natural enemy insects play a vital role in our ecosystem. Pollinators, like honey bees and native bees, contribute an estimated $20 billion to agricultural production in the US annually.

The following are highlights and updates about sample submissions for our different services (identification or Plant problem diagnosis from fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals), and questions recently received in the Plant and Insect Diagnost