Recent News

Last week's newsletter article dealt with colors, patterns and design techniques.

A number of hackberry samples showing symptoms of witches'- broom have been arriving in the Plant Disease Clinic. As the common names implies, witches'-broom is characterized by a dense clustering of twigs.

Interlocking concrete pavers are versatile sections of compacted concrete that are used to pave paths, patios, driveways and steps. They are available in numerous colors and shapes and simulate bricks, tiles, cobblestones and granite blocks.

Hollyhock rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia malvacearum. The undersides of infected leaves show raised brown spots about the size of a pinhead.

Symptoms of anthracnose, primarily on ash and sycamore, have been evident on samples arriving in the Plant Disease Clinic. The disease may occur on sycamore, ash, maple, oak, walnut, linden, hickory, and other deciduous trees.

For 20 years, scientists have been exploring the possibility that compost may help control some diseases. The addition of compost has reduced disease levels in potting mixes.

For many years Milorganite, a biosolid fertilizer product, has had warnings on its label not to use the product on food crops.

Wildflower plantings can provide a colorful alternative to high maintenance, mowed areas. The beauty of a wildflower display will often be more spectacular during certain times of the year, depending on the species composition.

Several new fungicide products have appeared in the marketplace during the last 6 months, and some significant label changes have occurred, too. A brief summary:

The SBI fungicides (Bayleton, Funginex, Orbit, Nova, Rubigan, and Procure) are widely used for disease control on apples and stone fruits because of their protectant and eradicant properties, wide spectrum of disease control, and their low toxicity t

The "millipede migration" that has caused considerable concern for the past 3 - 4 years continues this spring.

Rhododendrons and azaleas are spectacular flowering shrubs. Unfortunately, most rhododendrons and azaleas (there are over 900 species and innumerable varieties) cannot be successfully grown in Iowa because of a lack of cold hardiness.

May is an important month in the control of insect pests of pine trees.

In most cases, fields do not have to be posted under the Worker Protection Standard. Review the Agricultural Use Requirements box on the pesticide label to determine if posting is required.

Training manuals and safety posters are among the free Worker Protection Standard publications you can order from ISU's Extension Distribution office.

Apples, pears, and cherries are examples of trees that produce edible fruit. Ornamental trees also produce fruit. In some cases, these fruit become annoyances.

Strawberry jars are clay or ceramic containers available in numerous sizes with varying numbers of planting pockets in their sides.

Petunias have been one of the most popular flowering annuals for years. Their popularity can be attributed to several desirable traits.

Swiss needle cast, caused by the fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, is a disease that we see on Douglas fir in Iowa. The symptoms are very similar to Rhizosphaera needle cast on blue spruce.