WNC Green Industry News

NC Water Workshop

2012-01-09T13:19:00.002-05:00

The University of Florida,Clemson, and NCSU have pooled resources to bring you a VERY informative
regional workshop on treatment of irrigation water- mainly for the use in
woody and floriculture plant production This will be a one day event in the Charlotte area. We will have REAL growers and REAL water treatment situations to show and
discuss, plus a panel of specialists. We are very privledged to have this
kind of workshop available in our state. This will be a big benefit to our
growers because I have been conducting studies across NC and believe many
growers need to start thinking about water treatment options, as recycled
water becomes the industry standards

For more information and link to registration form go to: NC Water Workshop

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC Water Workshop

2012-01-09T13:18:00.000-05:00

The University of Florida,Clemson, and NCSU have pooled resources to bring you a VERY informative
regional workshop on treatment of irrigation water- mainly for the use in
woody and floriculture plant production This will be a one day event in the Charlotte area. We will have REAL growers and REAL water treatment situations to show and
discuss, plus a panel of specialists. We are very privledged to have this
kind of workshop available in our state. This will be a big benefit to our
growers because I have been conducting studies across NC and believe many
growers need to start thinking about water treatment options, as recycled
water becomes the industry standard
http://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/45/NC%20Water%20Workshop%20Agenda%202012%20(3).pdf

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Boxwood Blight

2011-11-30T09:21:00.000-05:00

Boxwoods have been thought of as a virtually indestructible plant. We know about leaf minors, root rots, and nematodes and have found ways to deal with those pests. Now a new boxwood disease has arrived in NC; box blight. For more information and the link to the printable document on this disease go to Box Blight

We'll be keeping you posted on this disease as we know more about it!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

The State of Horticulture Programs

2011-09-08T07:03:00.000-04:00

The State of Horticulture Programs

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

New Red Buds from NCSU

2011-09-07T15:47:00.000-04:00

Visit Nursery Management's video on new Red Buds being grown by Hines Nursery. Most of these came from our own NCSU Red Bud breeding program led by Dr. Dennis Werner.

Nursery Management- Redbuds

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

New Organic Based Animal Repellents-

2011-09-05T18:36:00.000-04:00

Check out this video on new NC produced, bio-friendly, repellents:

Caveat- We do not endorse this product nor can we vouch for its efficacy, but since it is the brain child of a former Master Gardener we wanted to share the video for your own interest and testing.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Vermicompost and Disease Suppression

2011-09-02T13:45:00.001-04:00

Watch this video to understand more about the possibilities of using vermicompost for disease suppression:

There's more to making sure that your soil is alive than you might have thought.

or more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Soil Testing Time!

2011-08-24T21:04:00.001-04:00

It is the time of year to consider taking a soil test. The following video gives you some simple guidelines or you can share this with your clients.

I think the guy in this video may be a poor relative of mine. Seems that I have seen him somewhere a time or two.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News Update July 8, 2011

2011-07-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Dogwood Twig Borer Oviposition

The last couple of weeks I have noticed flagging branch tips on the red twig dogwoods (Cornus sericea 'Baileyi') in front of my house. The damage was characterized by a cleanly girdled branch with a 1 cm oviposition scar just below. Gradually the tip goes from yellow to brown then falls off. Investigation and help from our excellent diagnostician revealed a large egg within each scar containing a round-headed borer larva. This was the dogwood twig borer. Adults have been active lately laying eggs in twigs. The larvae will overwinter within twigs then continue boring down the twig pith in spring killing the affected branch. This is not likely to be a big nursery pest but should be on the radar. It is much better to identify the flagging branches now and prune out the eggs than wait until spring when a whole branch or small tree will be affected.

If you follow me on Twitter, you know this already! Follow @OrnaPests on Twitter for timely updates on ornamental pest activity.

Western Flower Thrips in Greenhouses

Thrips are a constant problem for growers, not just a problem this week. Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is the most important and damaging thrips of greenhouses and has been called the most damaging greenhouse pest in the world. This is true of greenhouse-grown food and ornamental crops. Nearly all floriculture crops are susceptible to thrips damage.

Western flower thrips reproduce rapidly and are difficult to manage because they live in the cracks and crevices of flower heads and foliage. Thus, they are difficult to contact with insecticides. Western flower thrips also develop insecticide resistance rapidly so it is important to emphasize chemical rotation and to have a resistance management plan.

Sanitation is also very important in managing thrips. Because thrips can feed and reproduce on hundreds of plant species weeds in and around a greenhouse, they have a constant supply even if the crop is sprayed. Western flower thrips pupate in soil, so cleaning up spilled potting soil and other debris can deny them a vital part of their lifecycle.

More information and chemical recommendations can be found in Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note at Note 72.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News Update July 1 2011

2011-07-02T14:50:00.001-04:00

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Fall Webworms Hatching

I found small nests of very young fall webworms, Hyphantria cunea, when I was hiking last weekend. Fall webworms feed on over 600 species of trees and shrubs. In North Carolina they are most often found on sourwood, persimmon and pecan. Fall webworms primarily cause cosmetic damage to shade trees because of the unsightly webs they form around the foliage on which they feed. Young caterpillars eat leaf surfaces so that only the tiny veins remain. This residue turns brown and collects in the web. Older caterpillars devour the entire leaf. Because they are most abundant in mid-late summer after the tree has had some time to store food, the weather is hot and rainfall less, a tree's life is rarely in danger. Fall webworms can be easily destroyed or disrupted by pulling down the webs and destroying he caterpillars if the webs are within reach of a stick or pole. This also exposes caterpillars to bird and wasp predation. Insecticides applications will not penetrate the tent so caterpillars can only be exposed by feeding on treated leaves near the nest. For additional information, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information at Note #46

Follow @OrnaPests on twitter for timely updates on ornamental pest activity.

Twospotted Spider Mites Abound!

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, thrives in hot, dry weather like we have had lately. I have found many spider mites in the landscape . . . even on my poor Solomon’s Seal! It is important to scout for twospotted spider mites now because they reproduce most rapidly in hot dry weather. Under these conditions they can mature from egg to reproducing adult in 5 days! Nursery crops are especially susceptible because they may be exposed to more sun than landscape plants and receive more pesticides. Twospotted spider mites feed on over 100 plant species, sucking the fluid out of leaf cells. This ‘stippling’ damage can rapidly cause entire plants to take on a bronzed appearance. Look on the underside of leaves on susceptible hosts or beat foliage on a white piece of paper to scout for spider mites. If you notice mites or their damage, a range of control options are available, the best of which are several new miticides that provide long residuals and efficacy against all mite life stages. Broad spectrum insecticides will make mite populations worse by killing natural enemies. For more information and product suggestions visit the newly revised Ornamental and Turf Insect Information at: Note # 25l.

From: Emily Meineke and Steve Frank, Department of Entomology

Scale Picnic Beetles, Cybocephalus nipponicus (Endrody-Younga)

Scale picnic beetle adults are active now in North Carolina! The scale picnic beetle provides prolonged control of armored scale, such as Euonymous and San Jose scale.

C. nipponicus is native to China and Korea and was introduced into the U.S. in the 1990s to control euonymous scale. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture started a rearing program in the mid-1990s, and since its release, C. nipponicus programs have expanded. Researchers are currently using populations to control elongate hemlock scale, a serious secondary pest of hemlock stands stressed by the hemlock wooly adelgid.

C. nipponicus eat scale as larvae and as adults. Adults live for months and can reproduce several times. Staggered generations provide year-round control, and, unlike other similar beetles, C. nipponicus can survive when prey populations are low. Larvae develop and feed under waxy covers that protect them from direct exposure to pesticides. These tiny beetles are comparatively expensive to purchase, and populations establish over multiple years. However, natural C. nipponicus populations are present throughout North Carolina and provide background control of many landscape scale species.

Assassin Bugs (Family: Reduviidae)

Assassin bugs are members of the diverse, predatory family Reduviidae. They use their long stylet to pierce and liquefy caterpillars, aphids, and other pests. Several of these beneficial species live in North Carolina, including but not limited to the lurid assassin bug (Zelus luridus), the colorful assassin (Rhiginia cruciata), the masked hunter (Reduvius personatus), and the wheelbug (Arilus cristatus). Some species of assassin bug nymphs look similar to herbivorous true bugs, such as the leaf-footed bugs, that use their stylets to suck plant juices. There is a rudimentary way to tell the difference between these groups as immature insects. Pestiferous bugs that eat plants tend to congregate, while assassin bugs hunt alone.

Assassin bugs like varied plant structure to hunt within, and also high humidity. To encourage their populations on the lawn or beside the garden, you can plant tall native grasses and flowers.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

WCHA Irrigation and Pesticide Credit Program

2011-06-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

Consider registering for this program: Irrigation and Pesticide Credit Program This will be an opportunity to get 2 hours of credit in Irrigation and 2 hours of credits for Pesticide Applicators.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News for June 27th

2011-06-27T14:26:00.000-04:00

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Christine Nalepa and Whitney Swink, Research Specialists, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Hemlock Borers Collected by the Native Wasp Cerceris fumipennis in the North Carolina Mountains

The Beneficial Insects Laboratory of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has been using the solitary wasp Cerceris fumipennis as a biosurveillance tool to monitor for the Emerald Ash Borer and other pest Buprestidae throughout the state Solitary Wasp. The wasps nest on the hard-packed sandy soil typical of baseball and softball diamonds. They forage for buprestid beetles in the canopy, bringing them back to the nest to feed their offspring. The pest survey consists of intercepting Cerceris females at the nest when they return from foraging trips, and collecting and identifying the beetles they carry.

In recent weeks Cerceris surveys in the mountains of the state indicate that the wasps are bringing in large numbers of hemlock borers (Melanophila fulvoguttata), a pest of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), throughout its natural range. Hemlock borers are secondary pests that can reach significant levels in hosts weakened by hemlock woolly adelgids and other pests (see the June 11, 2010 issue of the North Carolina Pest News at Hemlock Borer).

The Cerceris surveys suggest that hemlock borers may be at or near outbreak levels in some locations of the North Carolina mountains. Melanophila fulvoguttata to date has been collected in seven sites, in the cities of Andrews, Asheville, Franklin, Murphy, and Bryson City. In the latter, 97% (57 of 59) of the beetles collected from the wasps were hemlock borers. Specimens have been deposited in the North Carolina State University Insect Museum.

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Where are the Green June Beetles?

We know that Mary had a little lamb, a little pork, a little jam. And she probably also had green June beetles. Expect to see them soon. They rarely do harm to landscape plants and do not harm people. They can be handled without fear. There are possible control measures available for larvae in turf and pasture (later in the season). I have rarely ever seen this justified in residential turf (unless your backyard used to be a pasture). Grubs are sometimes a problem in pastures and heavy manure-applied fields because they like the decaying organic matter. Adults are sometimes a problem in fruit trees and grapes. Adult populations should start to decline after two weeks and they should be gone after three to four weeks. Patience 25W* (a.i. time) is the best recommendation and can be applied without environmental concern. No, that's not a new pesticide, it's called waiting. For more information on green June beetles, see the following insect notes available on the web:

Green June Beetles
Green June Beetle Note

* Wait 25 days

Yellowjackets Building

Yellowjacket nests start from scratch each spring, as they do not reuse old nests. I've seen more yellowjackets out foraging recently. I've had one contact who reported disturbing a nest and being stung twice. If this episode had been a few weeks from now, I'm sure the number of stings would have been much greater. The nests are probably at their largest around the end of July. Wasps and yellow jackets are great predators of other flying insects and caterpillars.

Be aware of the potential for yellowjacket nests around shrubs and when mowing the lawn. Undisturbed "natural" areas in the landscape are good spots for them. They generally nest in the ground in loose-rooted areas at the base of shrubs and trees or below-ground rotted wood. Once-containerized plants that are now in the landscape often have voids where the media has degraded away. If the nest poses a stinging threat to humans or pets, control may be appropriate. Spray an aerosol hornet and wasp insecticide directly into the entrance hole at night. Don't use gasoline for a bunch of reasons! (Besides, it is too expensive.) Yellowjacket traps that are sold in stores (or homemade) have not been shown to be effective in North Carolina, though they make great conversation pieces in the yard.

Return of Oak Blotch Leafminers?

This week we received a report of an infestation of oak blotch leafminers in a Wake County neighborhood. The last outbreak I recall was about five years ago. Caterpillars of a small moth in the genus Cameraria mine in the leaves primarily of white oak (oak leaves with rounded lobes) leaving brown blotches. These blotches start small and may increase to the size of a dime or larger. There can be many blotches per leaf. There are several species of these moths that may attack oak leaves. Some of the caterpillars are gregarious and there may be several caterpillars in each blotch mine.

Now that the caterpillars are a bit larger, the mines are quite noticeable and the silvery blotches will begin to turn brown. A severe infestation can cause most of the leaf area to turn brown by mid-summer. Leaves may drop prematurely. Two or three generations could be possible per season.

Control by insecticides is not effective and not practical. Trees are not likely to be killed. These caterpillars are present every year, but it may be worse this year in some places. This insect overwinters as a larva in the leaf. Collecting and destroying fallen leaves may be a good idea this year. Oak trees often shed their leaves over a long period of time and may not drop them all until spring. If you are in an area surrounded by woods or neighbors with oak trees, there may be a plentiful supply of new caterpillars next year. Hopefully, the normally plentiful supply of parasitoid wasps will keep numbers lower.

Cicada Killer Wasps

The cicada killer wasps are beginning to emerge. Adult cicadas are caught and stung by this wasp, then dragged back to the nest. The most noticeable feature is often the large amount of soil excavated and mounded outside the burrow. Once in the nest, the female wasp lays her eggs on the cicada. Soon the egg hatches and the larva feeds on the cicada. When mature, the wasp larva pupates and another generation of wasps emerges to carry on the life cycle. This is one of our most "showy" wasps and the sight and sound of these coming and going is impressive. These wasps can be regarded as beneficial or neutral. They are also downright interesting. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 63 (see Cicada Killer Wasp) has additional information on the biology and control of cicada killer wasps, but I prefer the entertainment aspect of them.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News Update

2011-06-12T17:54:00.000-04:00

Invasive Pest Found on North Carolina Soybeans Spreading Rapidly

Kudzu bug (aka bean plataspid, Megacopta cribraria Fabricus) has recently been confirmed on kudzu from several North Carolina counties where it was not previously found. In addition, it has been reported on a legume from the North Carolina Arboretum, although this has not been confirmed. Soybean is the main agronomic host for this insect, but it will feed on many other legumes.

This insect was found on flowering volunteer soybean plants on 10 June in Union county by a Wingate University researcher, Erika Scocco, collecting kudzu bug for a molecular study. This is the first confirmed sighting of this insect on soybean in our state. In North Carolina, the pattern of spread is mirroring that of South Carolina in 2010. This insect feeds on the stems and leaves, and may come into our soybean fields earlier, rather than later, during the season.

So far, kudzu bug has been relatively easy to kill with insecticides (except with neonicotinoids), but will often reinvade. A preliminary economic threshold, based on Georgia data, is one bug per sweep with large nymphs present, or three bugs per plant with large nymphs present.

We are tracking this pest and would appreciate you contacting Dominic Reisig (electronic mail at dominic_reisig@ncsu.edu; telephone at 252-793-4428 x133) if you find this pest in a non-confirmed county. If you could also provide GPS coordinates, as well as the plant on which it was found, it would enhance our ability to respond to this new threat. Please use caution not to spread this pest from field to field if you find it.

Although this insect sounds like a possible beneficial pest- eating Kudzu; it has been found on other legumes including desirable ornamental plants. So keep your eyes open!

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Lightning Bugs Are Looking Good

For the first time in several years, most of North Carolina has had a reasonable amount of rainfall in the spring. This year the lampyrids (lightning bugs) seem to be off to a good start. Lightning bugs are beetles. Fireflies are, coincidentally, also beetles! Lightning bug adults produce a heat-free source of light through a biochemical reaction. The light flashes are used to attract mates. Different species have different flash patterns and are active at different times during the evening. What does this have to do with pest management? One of the many great aspects of lightning bugs is that the larvae of some species are predatory on snails and slugs!

Citrus Whiteflies on Gardenia

The citrus whitefly is a tiny, frosty white insect about 2 mm in length. It is not a true fly. Females insert their eggs into the lower surface of the leaves of gardenia and Swedish ivy. Soon the immature stages hatch into scale-like insects that suck sap from the lower leaf surface. They are often mistakenly reported as a scale. Look for ant activity, honeydew, or sooty mold on these plants. There is additional information in Publication AG-136, Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants available on the web at Whitefly.

Citrus whiteflies suck sap from the plant and excrete honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance. Sooty molds go hand-in-hand with infestations of citrus whitefly. Sooty molds grow in the honeydew and cause infested bushes to become dull and dark. Horticultural oils should give some control of the citrus whitefly. Orthene is also effective. Imidacloprid would also be an effective systemic as a root drench.

Cicadas, Act II

Periodical cicadas were a big hit this spring across most of North Carolina. It is now time for the annual cicada to make its appearance. Already spotted, are the larger green annual cicadas that appear every year in low numbers. By now, most of you are familiar with cicadas. Every summer the chunky brown nymphs crawl from under the ground and perform a transformation as dramatic as the change of a chrysalis to a butterfly. Though the individual life cycle may last several years for the annuals, the entire population does not emerge in synchrony as do their famous earlier periodical cousins. You should now be able to enjoy their daytime buzzing and still hear yourself think.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Heat Illness

2011-06-10T10:24:00.000-04:00

The heat of summer has arrived early this year. A lot of concern is out there to prevent farmworkers and green industry personnel from becoming overwhelmed by the heat at becoming ill.
Remember a sick employee is not productive and could cost you thousands of dollars should they die or become disabled because of spending too much time working in the sun. Wendy Laing one of our Extension Specialist in Industrial Extension has this to share:

The heat and humidity of North Carolina summer is here. Three ingredients water, rest and shade - can be the best prevention steps to avoid a heat related illness. OSHA reports that each year thousands of workers suffer from heat related illnesses, including fatalities, that can be prevented.

Take the time now to educate your workforce about the hazards of working outdoors in hot weather and the simple tips to avoid heat related illnesses, including the simple steps below:

Drink Water Often

Rest in the Shade

Report Heat Symptoms Early

Know What To Do In Emergency

The following OSHA resource page provides numerous educational resources that you can download for your workforce. Thanks and have a safe summer!

Heat Illness

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News Update- May 16,2011

2011-05-17T09:08:00.002-04:00

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

White Marked Tussock Moths

Last week we had a report of a minor outbreak of white marked tussock moths. This moth is widely distributed throughout eastern North America and rarely causes a major problem. The larvae feed on foliage of a wide variety of trees, both conifers and hardwoods.
This insect overwinters in the egg stage. Eggs hatch in the spring, usually late April to May. Young larvae skeletonize leaves and older larvae consume entire leaves. Pupation is 5 to 6 weeks later and moths emerge about two weeks following.

Larvae are hairy with red head and shield. The two long black pencils of hairs on the first thorax segment project forward. A single black hair pencil arises from the eighth abdominal segment. The back is mostly yellow, cream, or grayish in color. There are four distinct tufts of white hairs on the first four abdominal segments, and a conspicuous red dot on segments six and seven. Fully grown larvae construct loose tan-gray cocoons on the underside of branches or in bark crevices and pupate.

The male moth is gray with wavy lines across the front wings, about 25 to 30 mm. Antennae are conspicuously feathery. The female moth is wingless, grayish-white to light brown. Females lay eggs in clumps covered with scales and cocoon material. There are probably two generations and a possible third generation per year.

This caterpillar does not "sting", but the hairs can be irritating to skin or the throat of some animal that takes it for a meal.

Keys to Successful Fire Ant Baiting

* Buy fresh bait and only what you will use up within a short time.
* Do not store bait near other pesticides, fuels or products from which it will absorb odors.
* Do not apply it to wet grass or when rain is expected within 24 hours.
* Do not apply directly on top of a mound. Ants do not forage there.
* Do not disturb the mound. Ants that are rebuilding or defending a nest are not busy foraging.
* Do not apply bait when the temperatures are too hot or too cold. Perform the "potato chip test" before baiting. That is, in mid-morning before baiting, drop one or two potato chips near a mound. If ants are consuming the potato chips within 20 minutes, it is a good time to apply bait.

Magicicada Pictures

Reports of periodical cicada are still coming in. It is nice to see how widespread they are (that is, from the viewpoint of an entomologist). J. Reed of Cary, North Carolina wrote us and supplied images of cicadas located around her home. I love her description of the insects and hope she doesn't mind us sharing it.

"They are everywhere; they drop on me from the doors as I leave the house and they especially love the tires on my car. My yard is a landscape of holes. The noise is like listening to heavy traffic from the porch of SpongeBob’s pineapple house (underwater). They are starting to creep me out."

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Job Openings

2011-05-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

Givens Estate has announce 3 new job openings. If you know of someone looking for work please share the attached information with them.

To view the Job Vacancy Announcement go to: Job Announcement

Buncombe County Friends of Agriculture Breakfast

2011-05-06T11:58:00.001-04:00

Are you a part of the agriculture community or a supporter of this great asset? If so consider joining other farmers at the second Friends of Agriculture Breakfast
Contact the Buncombe County Center to register.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Landscape Industry Certification Exam

2011-05-03T16:00:00.000-04:00

There will be a Landscape Industry Certification Exam (previously referred to as CLT ) held in Graham NC on June 8th and 9th. If you have been previously certified and did not get a request to judge you might want to give Kakki Collins at NCNLA a call. The link above will get you to the registration form.
This is a great way to recognize the professional expertise you have in the landscape industry.

We hope to hold pre-testing classes next year but due to time constraints this year are going to forgo this.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News Update- May 2,2011

2011-05-02T10:53:00.000-04:00

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Oak Apple Galls Appealing

Oak-apple gall wasps form large spherical galls on the leaves or leaf petioles of various red, black and scarlet oaks. These galls are up to two inches in diameter, green tinged with red when fresh, and gradually turn brown.

Another common golf ball-sized gall on oak is the wool sower gall. Distinct and unusual fuzzy plant growth is induced by the secretions of the grubs of a tiny gall wasp, Callirhytis seminator. If a fresh wool sower gall is held in a plastic bag out of the sun (so it will not get too hot), within one to three weeks the tiny, harmless gall wasps will emerge. The wool sower gall is specific to white oak and only occurs in the spring. Pulling the gall apart exposes small seed-like structures. The gall wasp grubs develop inside these structures. (This gall is also called the oak seed gall.) Wool sower galls are not abundant and don't cause harm to white oaks. For more information on these galls, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 5 at Oak-apple gall.

Predatory Stink Bug Euthyrhychus floridanus

Euthyrhynchus floridanus is not a pest stink bug, but one that feeds on other insects. It is very colorful, yet different in both adult and nymphal stages.

Normally we don't see this until later in the season, but we have had a report already this spring. This is one of the more attractive stink bug adults with three orange spots on a dark, metallic blue-black background. These insects overwinter as adults probably in some dry, sheltered location. Eggs are laid the following spring. The eggs hatch 19 to 33 days later. Nymphs of Euthyrhynchus floridanus take a long time to develop through five stages (40 to 67 days). New adult females wait 5 or 6 days before mating and the eggs are laid 23 to 67 days later. Total developmental time for this species is much longer than for plant-feeding stink bugs.

Nymphs are metallic blue-green with red and are highly aggregated. They even attack larger prey in concert. Apparently, aggregation behavior allows them to successfully attack prey too large to be subdued by a single nymph. Sometimes the adults aggregate with nymphs, although when times get hard these bugs sometimes feed on smaller individuals. When the bugs jab their prey with their proboscis, they inject a toxin that slowly immobilizes the prey. Euthyrhynchus floridanus bugs have an unusual wagging behavior in which the bug rocks its body from side to side while it grips the substrate firmly with its feet. This is thought to be a defensive behavior. Some other predaceous stink bugs feed on plant tissue when insect prey is not available. Plant feeding is not reported for Euthyrhynchus floridanus.

Predatory Ground Beetle Calosoma

Beetles in the genus Calosoma are called caterpillar hunters. They are among the largest in the Carabidae ground beetle family. Adults and larvae are active predators. Calosoma sycophanta is a large, metallic green beetle that was imported from Europe to New England for the biological control of the gypsy moth in 1905. The larva feeds day and night, consuming 50 caterpillars during its two-week developmental period. The adult will eat several hundred caterpillars during a life span of two to four years. There are also several native species of Calosoma. (from the Midwest Biocontrol News). We have had several reports of these insects already this spring.

Crane Flies

Periodically, the public will inquire about "those large mosquitoes." They are usually referring to crane flies. Crane fly larvae live in wet areas and can grow to be quite large. They are rarely a pest to anything. The adults are very fragile creatures and may be seen resting on the sides of a house or under an overhang. Occasionally, they make it into a house. They cannot bite and will usually die with 24 hours once inside. They can be gently relocated outdoors or ignored and swept up later. They are frequently missing appendages. For additional information, see the following web site:

Crane Fly

Eastern Juniper Bark Beetles

A sample of eastern red cedar (Juniperus) containing bark beetles was recently sent from Dare County. The eastern juniper bark beetle, Phloeosinus dentatus, usually attacks eastern red cedar, but it also infests arborvitae and even infests Leyland cypress. These small, blackish-colored beetles bore into the tree and then bore upward with the grain. Eggs are laid in short galleries that extend upward from the entrance hole. Infestations are usually found in cut, broken or fire damaged trees. The eastern juniper bark beetle also attacks red cedars infested with Heterobasion annosum fungus. Together, infested trees of all sizes succumb. The beetle/disease correlation is not clearly defined. Keeping trees in a healthy, unstressed condition should help. Protective bark sprays are less than highly effective against the beetles. For more information, see the following web sites:

Juniper Bark Beetle
Eastern Red Cedar

Springtime Fall Cankerworms in Cabarrus County

I'm a little late with this notice, but thought I'd still mention it. Fall cankerworms are small "inchworms" that hatch in the spring and are fond of young oak and maple foliage. Fall cankerworms have three prologs while spring cankerworms have only two at the end of the abdomen. Caterpillars emerge and consume foliage at some time in March and feed through April. The city of Charlotte has been the major center of this population since 1987, for unknown reasons. Cabarrus County also reported a small outbreak again this year. Durham County had a suspected report, too. Natural controls, which regulate outbreaks in uninhabited forests, have not been effective in reducing fall cankerworm populations in this urban environment. Charlotte has a large number of mature willow oaks that provide an almost unbroken canopy over much of the city.

Control strategies for fall cankerworms involve mostly trunk banding for flightless female moth trapping in November through December as flightless female moths crawl up the tree. Pesticide sprays in the spring with B.t. or other foliage protectors can be used, but are expensive on large trees. See Cankerworms on the web for additional information.

Azalea Bark Scales

An infestation of azalea bark scales was recently reported from Wilson County. Heavily infested plants may appear chlorotic and unthrifty. The bushes are often covered with sooty mold, a black fungus that grows in the honeydew excreted by the azalea bark scales as they feed. Eventually twigs may die back. Adult females and eggs are protected inside the egg sac from most pesticides. The key to control is treatment in late spring and late fall when the nymphs are present. Horticultural oil sprays should work while crawlers are present, which is about now. Retreatment may be necessary. Orthene is another choice. Imidacloprid as a soil drench at the base of the plant should be effective. This may also occur on rhododendron. For more information, see the following web sites:

Note 134
Azalea Bark Scale

Seedcorn Maggot Flies – Dead, But Still Alive

This week we have received several reports about dead flies on branches. It is an unusual sight and may cause undue concern to gardeners. These flies are adults of seedcorn maggot (Delia platura), which is sometimes a pest of agriculture. Seedcorn maggot flies are grayish-brown in color and about one-fifth of an inch in length. The legs are black and there are bristles scattered on the body. Some seedcorn maggot flies become infected with a live fungus of the genus Entomophthora. Infected flies are swollen and have pinkish bands on the abdomen. Sometimes, gray Entomophthora spores are visible on the fly and on the substrate nearby. This fungus apparently causes the flies to land on protruding objects such as any twigs, clotheslines, and fence posts. The flies cling there and usually die in the afternoon as their abdomens swell with fungal strands inside.

Early the next morning, the fungal spores are released into the air while the humidity is high. The spores infest other seedcorn maggots. Although the fungus-infected flies appear to be damaging the plant, these adult flies are harmless. The seedcorn maggot is found throughout North Carolina. Seedcorn maggots feed primarily on decaying organic matter, but sometimes infest the seeds and seedlings of berries or vegetables. The dead, fungus-infected flies are sometime abundant on the dead twigs of dogwood and crape myrtle in the spring. For more information, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 20 on the Internet at Seedcorn Maggots.

From: Steven Frank, Extension Entomologist

Lecanium Scales on Oaks

Oak lecanium scale is one of the largest soft scales in our area. Scales are brown and rounded reaching 6 mm in diameter. As soft scales, lecanium scales produce honeydew that can cause sooty mold on oaks or plants below. It primarily infests oaks trees. Large populations can reduce growth and vitality especially in newly planted trees.

Eggs are present now under adult scale covers indicating crawlers will emerge in the next week or so or may be emerging now in your area. The crawler stage should be targeted for best efficacy. On trees small enough to treat the foliage, horticultural oil can be used. On larger trees, a systemic insecticide such as dinotefuran can be applied as a drench or trunk spray. This scale is not easily eradicated and optimal control measures are still unclear. It is attacked by many parasitoids and predators that can reduce scale abundance if protected from insecticides. For more information, see the following web site: Lecanium Scale

Juniper Scale Crawlers are Active

The juniper scale, Carulaspis juniper, attacks some of the most commonly used plants in ornamental landscapes, including all juniper species but also cypress species and false cypress. There is one generation per year in which females fill up their armored cover with eggs in spring from which crawlers hatch and look for new feeding sites. Infestations can lead to foliage that becomes yellow or brown and generally less lustrous than normal. Large infestations can cause the tips of branches to die and the plant to become sparsely foliated. Isolated infestations can be pruned off of plants. Natural enemies will often keep scale below damaging thresholds. However, in environments where natural enemies are not abundant control may be necessary. Horticultural oil will smother crawlers. Other chemicals such as dinotefuran (Safari), acetamiprid (TriStar), pyroproxifen (Distance) and others can be used to manage infestations. More information on armored scale management can be found at: Armored Scale

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Boring Times are Upon Us

2011-04-22T18:45:00.000-04:00

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steven Frank, Extension Entomologist

Boring Times are Upon Us

A number of clearwing borers are active that can damage ornamental trees and shrubs. This week we captured over a hundred lesser peach tree borers in a single trap. The lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes LPTB, is primarily a pest of peach and cherry trees including ornamental cherry. We also caught a lot of dogwood borers, Synanthedon scitula. Dogwood borers have a wide host range that includes dogwood (Cornus florida), but also cherry and apple. In both species adults emerge from tree trunks in spring (now!) and lay eggs on the bark of host trees. Larvae hatch and bore through bark and into trees. Existing bark damage is a preferred oviposition site. The primary means of prevention for susceptible trees is maintaining healthy trees and protecting trees from mechanical damage to bark. In addition, a contact insecticide such as permethrin can be sprayed on tree bark to deter oviposition and successful entry by larvae.

Traps in WNC are also being monitored- an update will be available soon.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Growin' in the Mountains

2011-04-22T13:57:00.000-04:00

Growing in the Mountains is going on today and tomorrow as are several other plant sales events. Just came back from the show with several new plants for my own garden. Got to visit with several of my small growers and meet a few old friends that I had not seen in some time. The mood was very upbeat, sales brisk, and vendors very happy. If you are in the Asheville area today and tomorrow you should drop by the Farmer's Market and make some plant purchases. It will get you into the gardening mood- in spite of the rain.

Would like to take the opportunity to thank nurseryman and sustainability guru, Chuck Marsh from Useful Plants Nursery, in Black Mt for his comments about calling elected official to encourage them to keep funding Cooperative Extension. His calls were fruitful and the office of Mr. Tom Apodoca went the extra mile to let him know that his vote would be in support of NC Cooperative Extension and our efforts to provide the information needed by our growers to stay in business during these lean times. Thanks to both Chuck Marsh and to Senator Apodoca.
In case you are not familiar with Useful Plants Nursery, they are located off Highway 9 near Black Mountain. They are probably the only nursery in this area that focuses almost exclusively on fruiting plants.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Ornamental Pest News for April 15th

2011-04-16T20:24:00.000-04:00

The pests mentioned in this blog may be a little later here in Western NC but be on the lookout!
Read carefully.

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Early Spring Insects

Just to catch you up over the past few weeks, you've probably already noticed the ground nesting bees. Some of the early species are andrenids, but other species will be popping up through the spring. These can upset home owners, but they are not a sting threat. For more information, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 100 at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/lawn/note100/note100.html.

Carpenter bees are very active. Males are marking off territory and looking for females. These bees are good pollinators. They can be very distracting if boring into your porch or deck. It’s time to practice your tennis serve. For more information, see Residential, Structural and Community Pests Insect Note No. 4 at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/carpenterbees.htm.

Tent caterpillars seem late, but the temperatures have been up and down. These hairy caterpillars web the crotches of cherry trees and crabapples, primarily. For more information, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 62 at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/note61/note61.html.

Minute Cypress Scales

The minute cypress scale may be tiny in size, but it can be a headache if you're trying to grow Leyland Cypress. It may also infest other hosts such as arborvitae, juniper and similar evergreens. The minute cypress scale, Carulaspis minima, is a small armored scale with a circular to oval cover (Fig. 13). It has a brown papery appearance with a yellow center. The scales can be found on needles and bark, where they cause yellowing and dieback. This scale overwinters on the needles, and the crawlers hatch in late spring. A recently received specimen at the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at North Carolina State University (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantpath/extension/clinic/) showed eggs still not hatched, so there is a little time in most regions before the crawler stage. For additional information on insect pests of the Leyland Cypress, see Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 133 on the web at
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/specificplants/note133/note133.html.

From: Steven Frank, Extension Entomologist

Boxwood Leafminers are Active!

The boxwood leafminer is the most commonly reported pest of boxwoods in North Carolina. Accidentally introduced from Europe, this small fly seems to prefer American boxwood, although English and Japanese boxwoods are also susceptible. Boxwoods infested with this leafminer develop blisters on the lower leaf surface. Infested leaves are usually smaller, off-color and drop sooner than healthy leaves. Heavily infested boxwoods usually have sparse foliage and poor color.

Adult leafminers are active right now. The flies can be found hovering around boxwoods looking for places to lay eggs. A number of insecticides can be used to prevent the flies from landing and laying eggs or to kill the maggots that mine the leaves and cause damage. More information can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/shrubs/ort016e/ort016e.htm.
Ornamental Pest Alerts on Twitter

I am offering a new pest alert system this year via Twitter. Twitter is a social networking service that allows short messages to be sent to anyone who signs up to receive them. The advantage of Twitter over electronic mail for this purpose is that Tweets arrive on grower smart phones or cell phones while they are in the field working rather than on their office desk in the evening.

I am monitoring landscape and nursery pest activity by degree day calculations and scouting, then “tweet” when I find that pests are active or will soon be active. My Twitter name is @OrnaPests. Sign up for Twitter (super easy) then choose to follow @OrnaPests to receive these valuable alerts.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

North Carolina Agriculture Needs Your Help

2011-04-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

North Carolina Agriculture Needs Your Help!

N.C. Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES), N.C. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (NCDA & CS) budgets maybe cut drastically, this week! The State Budget, including the Higher Education Budget will be considered early next week. The Higher Education Budget is where the College’s Agricultural Programs, which include NCCES and ARS budgets reside. Potential state cuts may result in a 25-30% budget reduction to these programs. For NCCES these reductions would result in the loss of over $13 million and 300-400 positions. Similar cuts face research.

Agriculture is the #1 industry in N.C., providing $74.3 billion and 688,000 jobs to our state. The NCCES, NCDA&CS and the ARS programs support agriculture in N.C. everyday through current research and cutting-edge technology, services that maximize on-farm efficiency and education. On average, it costs N.C. consumers only 2 cents per day to conduct these programs that contribute to the success of not only local farmers, but local communities. Needless to say, a 25-30% budget reduction would be devastate the ability of these programs to meet the current and future needs of the citizens of N.C.

The NCCES partners with communities to deliver research-based education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians. NCCES delivers programming in 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Natural Resources and Agriculture. The accomplishments and impacts of NCCES include:
Assisting in the creation of the school lunch program in rural communities and library system (Family and Consumer Sciences)
In 2011, the construction of the WNC Regional Livestock Center was completed. In its first sale over 1,200 head of livestock were sold accounting of $1 million, all staying in the local economy. (Agriculture).

The following are “talking points” you can use to discuss with your N.C. Representative and Senator.

1. N.C. ranks 3rd nationally in agriculture representing 8 major commodities.

2. N.C. has one of the best extension service and research programs in the country. A recent study showed that the productivity of N.C. agriculture has gained more that 2% per year since 1960. This increase is directly related to the state’s investment in research and extension.

3. In 2010 NCCES reported over 5.8 million contacts.

4. The primary research, extension, marketing and development organizations supporting agriculture are not only effective, but frugal. NCCES and the Research budget account for only 0.23% and 0.30% of the General Fund, respectively. Combining this with the NCDA & CS (0.31%) and NCA&T SU budgets, the total budget for these programs this equals to only 1% of the General Fund!

5. Agricultural research helps families save money. Agricultural productivity is largely responsible for the fact that the percentage of U.S. household income spent on food has decreased 22.3 to 9.5% at the same time that total food consumption increased.

6. For every $1 invested in public agricultural research $32 is returned back to society!

7. 4-H is one of the Nation’s premier youth development programs. Compared to their peers, youth engaged in 4-H stay in school longer, have higher graduation rates and college attendance and graduation, smoke less, have significantly lower rates of criminal conduct and arrests, and are more involved in their communities..

Everyone has your own personal story about how these programs have impacted your life. NOW is the time to share your story with your N.C. Representative and N.C. Senator. Handwritten notes and phone calls are the most effective means of reaching these individuals.

If you have written you elected officials or plan to do so please let us know so we can keep a record of our supporters. Thank you letters directed to agents and carbon copied to our administrators and elected officials go a long way in keeping up the morale of all of our staff during times of uncertainty like we are currently facing.

We realize that all of you are also facing economic hardships and having the pain of laying off good employees. Hopefully, by keeping relevant programs we can help each other through this crisis.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Talk with an Expert Series- Business Planning

2011-03-30T09:45:00.000-04:00

Most Green Industry Businesses are experiencing stagnant sales and business growth. As part of the Transylvania Business Resource Partners we are cosponsoring "Talk with an Expert Series" to help grow your business in 2011, at no charge to your business due to sponsor support.

Talk with an Expert Series

Branding
Topic: Reach more new customers with less marketing dollars.
Day: Thursday April 7th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Branding

Topic: Increase sales with right marketing strategy and materials with less marketing dollars.
Day: Thursday April 14th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Marketing

Web Marketing
Topic: Improve your website to reach more new customers and increase company sales
Day: Thursday April 28th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Web Marketing

Social Media
Topic: Connect with more new customers and existing customer to increase sales
Day: Thursday May 5th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link:Social Media

Bookkeeping
Topic: Bookkeeping that will help improve your business and cashflow
Day: Thursday May 12th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Bookkeeping

Capital
Topic: Finding money to open or expand your business in 2011
Day: Thursday May 19th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Finding Money

Accountant
Topic: Learn how to lower your 2011 taxes
Day: Thursday May 26th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link:Tax Accountant

Attorney
Topic: 2011 Business Legal Check-up
Day: Thursday June 2nd
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Legal Checkup

Sales and Customer Service
Topic: Learn how to increase new sales and repeat customer sales
Day: Thursday June 9th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Customer Service

Global Sales
Topic: Learn how increase sales and attract customers outside of Transylvania County
Day: Thursday June 16th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Global Sales

Human Resources
Topic: Learn how to attract, manage and retain good employees that increase company sales
Day: Thursday June 23rd
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Human Resources

Investments
Topic: Learn how to take use the tax laws to lower your taxes and save money for retirement
Day: Thursday June 30th
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Location: Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus in Brevard
Room: Applied Technology Building Room 206
Registration Link: Investments

Sponsors: Transylvania Business Resource Partners include: Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center, Blue Ridge Innovation Network, Brevard College, Mountain Bizworks, NC Cooperative Extension Service, Senior Resource Network, Transylvania County Economic Development and United Way.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Alert

2011-02-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

This is the first alert from the Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Monitoring and
Alert program.

Granulate ambrosia beetles were captured in Pitt Co. which is in the
eastern, warmer part of the state zone 8A or 7B. Growers in this area
should begin protecting susceptible trees with preventative applications
of a pyrethroid insecticide.

Growers in colder regions 7B, 6A, and 6B may have weeks before beetles
emerge and do not have to begin preventative applications at this time.
Other alerts will be sent when beetles emerge in these areas.

Recommendations: A landscape borer spray containing a pyrethroid such as
permethrin or bifenthrin can be used and may have to be reapplied every
three weeks while beetles are active.

Astro, Permethrin Pro (permethrins), and Onyx (bifenthrin) are registered
for use on tree trunks in the landscape.

For nursery sites Perm-Up (permethrin) is labeled for field grown nursery
stock. OnyxPro (bifenthrin) is labeled for application to tree trunks in
landscape and nursery sites.

Generic equivalents to the above products are also acceptable.

More details can be found at Granulate Ambrosia Beetle

If you have other questions DO NOT reply to this email. Contact me at
sdfrank@ncsu.edu

Steve

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Rain Garden Certification Training

2011-02-17T13:43:00.001-05:00

RG 201: Residential Rain Garden Certification for Professionals
Formally entitled “Rain Garden Certification Workshop” (1.5 day workshop)
Training Dates/Locations:
Asheville, NC - March 17-18, 2011
Chapel Hill, NC - March 24-25
Oak Ridge, NC - April 26-27, 2011
About the workshop: As homeowners and property managers become more aware of the issues of stormwater management many of them are choosing to manage the runoff from their homes and businesses with rain gardens. Rain gardens are shallow depression landscape features that can effectively collect and treat stormwater and reduce localized flooding. Rain gardens can be integrated into the existing landscape as a retrofit or be included in the initial landscaping plan. To effectively manage stormwater, rain gardens must be accurately sized and properly constructed. This workshop will present a simple method for sizing and designing rain gardens and detail proper construction techniques. Participants will design and install a rain garden as part of the training. As a result of this training participants will:
· Understand why stormwater needs to be managed,
· Understand the principles of rain garden location, design, construction and maintenance,
· Be able to select appropriate vegetation,
· Tour several local rain gardens, and
· Be eligible to take a test at the conclusion of the training to be certified in rain garden design and construction
These workshops are sponsored by NC State University Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and NC Cooperative Extension. The certification is awarded by NC State University Cooperative Extension. For RG 201 only, 8 C.E.U.s are approved by the NC Board of Landscape Architects.
For more information and to REGISTER ONLINE, please go to: Rain Garden Training
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Sharing New Blog

2011-02-04T09:07:00.000-05:00

If you scroll down the right hand side of this Blog, you'll see that we are constantly adding new blogs that we enjoy or feel would be of interest and value to you. The latest of these comes from our own NCSU Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. This new blog has been created and managed by a Graduate Student in the Plant Pathology Program and offers some insight to both commercial folk and home gardeners. I think you will enjoy it and possibly subscribe to it directly.
Here's the link: NCSUPDIC Blog

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Does Your Forest Talk Money

2011-01-31T14:10:00.000-05:00

Do you have forestland that may be suitable for some kind of alternative crop? If so then this workshop might have some interest to you. Visit the link below and click on "more information" to get a copy of the registration materials and agenda.

Woodland Products Workshop

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Employees Wanted

2011-01-31T14:01:00.000-05:00

Looking for employment or know someone that is? Snow Creek Landscaping is a proactive local landscaping firm with a mission for sustainability. They are looking for some good people to join their staff. If one of these jobs is something that fits your qualifications then visit their website Snow Creek Employment for an on-line application.

Gardeners
Snow Creek Landscaping seeks experienced gardeners who enjoy being creative and helping nature through their knowledge of gardening techniques, IPM principles, plant identification, and will welcome physical outdoor work.

Reactive Crew Leaders
Snow Creek is seeking an individual to coordinate small projects that would include rock work, plant installation, pruning and irrigation. Ability to organize and multi-task. Clean driving record required.

Landscape Crew Leaders
Snow Creek is seeking experienced Crew Leaders. Knowledge of rock work, plant installation, irrigation, and equipment experience needed. Bi-lingual a plus. Clean driving record required.

Mow Crew Leaders
Snow Creek is seeking an experienced individual to run a Mow Crew. Ability to multi-task, attention to detail and a leader. Ability to run various mowers and small equipment. Bi-lingual a plus. Clean driving record required.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Job Opening

2011-01-25T16:16:00.000-05:00

This is the first time in several months that I have had a request to post a job opening. However,
Kelly Laughter, Fletcher Grading Contractors has indicated that they have an opening for a andscape Maintenance Foreman with a firm knowledge of plant material and turf. This company has s
few private developments and need someone to supervise the crews on shrub/tree and turf maintenance. Both experience and professionalism is required. If you are looking for a job or have a former employee that you feel has the qualifications and can recommend them, please let Kelly know at: 654-7777 x-111 office, 273-7744 cell- or by e-mail: kelly@fletchergrading.com

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

New Green Industry Video Posted

2011-01-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

Check out the new video posted on the NC Green Industry Council website:
NC Green Industry Council
The video features a lot of what is going on across NC in our industry and features several of the green industry businesses that we all recognized. Many from right here in Western NC. I hope you will share it with your customers to increase their awareness of what our industry is doing.
The video also mentions several of the certifications, licenses, or registrations that many of you have already acquired. We are continuing to offer classes to prepare any of you that wish to obtain any of these certifications as well as CEUs for those needing them. So keep in tuned.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Business Side of Agritourism

2011-01-18T13:21:00.000-05:00

Looking for a different way to make your farm or nursery make money? Consider attending this class:
Business Side of Agritourism

It could be that Agritourism is the market niche you should consider.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Nursery Management Workshop

2011-01-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!
For those of you waiting to see what the new year would bring. Here's the first of many programs being offered for the green industry in Western NC. Nursery Management Workshop This class will start your year off with 3 hours of pesticide credits and loads of information about scouting principles.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Irrigation Workshop

2010-10-28T08:47:00.000-04:00

Looking for irrigation credits. Good news! NC Cooperative Extension and Carolina's Irrigation Association has teamed up for a 6 hour session on December 1st to offer 5-6 hours (pending final credit approval) to offer a whole day of irrigation credits. This class will be at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center from 8:30 to 4:30 with lunch. The cost is only $25.00. Registration form and agenda will be sent out very soon!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Landscape Workshop on December 1

2010-10-27T10:56:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday Dec, 1 2010, Madison County Cooperative Extension in conjunction with Zink Outdoor Power and Equipment will hold the annual Landscape Pesticide Workshop and Small Engine Maintenance Training. Pesticide Classes (with 3 hours of credit for Subcategories L, N, O, D, and X) run from 9am - noon with no RSVP and no charge. For those participating in lunch and the afternoon small engine maintenance training please call Bill Zink at 689.3237 to register. This event will be held at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Center.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Grafting Workshop at NC Arboretum

2010-10-18T15:16:00.008-04:00

Link to online NC Arboretum education calendar

Grafting Woody Ornamental Plants: a 2-day workshop

Instructor: Brian Upchurch of Highland Creek Nursery

Saturday and Sunday, November 6 and 7

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day

$195 Member/$225 Public

Limit: 18 students

This comprehensive course is appropriate for advanced gardeners and horticultural professionals, and will cover all aspects of grafting ornamental plants. Award-winning instructor and nurseryman Brian Upchurch hosts this hands-on workshop that gives students a complete understanding of grafting woody plants. He will include detailed discussion of grafting theory, choosing and growing rootstocks, compatibility issues, maintaining stock plants, collecting and storing scion material, grafting techniques and materials, and aftercare of completed grafts. Each student will graft 20 plants of 5 different species to take home. Students should bring a grafting knife and pruners.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent

Van Wingerden's Open House

2010-10-11T15:22:00.000-04:00

Van Wingerden International will once again hold their open house event on November 13th 2010.
This is a quality event that attracts home gardeners and plant lovers for many miles around. The folk there have graciously extended an open invitation to all green industry businesses to have marketing booths (no selling on site) for distribution of literature and displays of plants or other products. Please call the Van Wingerden office at (828) 891-4116 to reserve a space.

The link to this event is at: Van Wingerden's Open House

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Greenhouse Management Workshop

2010-10-08T10:15:00.003-04:00

If you have a greenhouse and are looking for information on increasing the sustainability of that greenhouse then this program is for you. We will have a general session in the morning dealing with releasing biological controls and using organic substrates and wrap the day up after lunch with concurrent sessions divided between ornamental growers and vegetable growers. The link here takes you to the registration flyer and more information:

Greenhouse Management Workshop

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Fall 2010 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design Workshop

2010-10-05T13:46:00.000-04:00

Fall 2010 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design Workshop
We will be holding a workshop this fall dealing with issues related to erosion and sedimentation control. If you are actively involved in issues related to these issues please consider attending.
The information, agenda, and registration information is attached at: Erosion and Sedimentation Control

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

PEST ALERT

2010-09-17T11:51:00.004-04:00

PEST ALERT! September 17, 2010

Declaration of Exterior Quarantine for the Walnut Twig Beetle and the Fungal Pathogen that causes Thousand Canker Disease in Walnut Trees

The Commissioner of Agriculture, the Plant Industry Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), and the Plant Pest Administrator hereby immediately establish an exterior quarantine for the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida sp. nov., that causes Thousand Canker Disease in walnut trees, Juglans spp., for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington and any other state found to be infested or infected. This exterior quarantine is needed to prevent the establishment, dissemination, or potential spread of Thousand Canker Disease ands its vector into North Carolina and other states.

For complete information, go to: http://www.ncagr.gov/paffairs/release/2010/Exterior%20Quarantine-Thousand%20Canker%20Disease%20(25210).pdf
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Internet Marketing Classes

2010-09-16T10:24:00.000-04:00

We will be offering 2 classes this fall on Internet Marketing. These classes will be held on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College, Monday evenings October 18th and 25th.
For more information click on this link Internet Marketing Series. There is no cost but space is limited to the first 18 and we would like to have an idea as to who is attending early.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Final Issue for NC Pest News 2010

2010-09-13T11:38:00.004-04:00

Your final issue for NC PEST NEWS 2010 is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics this week are Azalea Caterpillars, Oak Stem Galls, Tarsonemid Mites and Aphid Pests of Ornamental Greenhouses.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Landowner Forestry Event, September 21

2010-09-10T15:23:00.003-04:00

Bee Tree Community, Landowner Forestry Event
When: September 21, 2010
Where: Bee Tree Fire Department, 510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa
Directions to the Bee Tree Fire Department can be found at: http://www.svfd.net/
What: There will be two afternoon sessions, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., each consisting of the following presentations:
1. Stewardship and Forest Management Opportunities through the NC Division of Forest Resources by Les Hunter, NC Division of Forest Resources
2. Voluntary Protection Strategies for Private Forest and Farmland by Mark Megalos, Extension Forestry Specialist, NCSU
*Speakers will be available to answer a host of questions on assistance, tax plans, etc.

Contact for more information: John Alger, (828)299-0799

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS- Week of September 6

2010-09-10T11:13:00.003-04:00

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available. In the Ornamentals and Turf section this week the topics are: Saddleback Caterpillars Are Back, Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillars, Cottony Cushion Scale Activity, Aphidius colemani: Parasitoid of Aphids

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Mills River Tailgate Market Looking for Vendors

2010-09-09T09:26:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release Subject: Mills River Farmer Market Looking For Nursery Operators
Media Contact: Jim Reed; Chair, Mills River Farmer Market 828-890-4105 The Mills River Farmers Tailgate Market is looking for nursery operators, and growers of shrubs, perennials, and ornamentals. If you are interested in selling to customers at our Market on Saturday mornings, 8 AM - 12 noon, please contact Jim Reed at 828-890-4105 or email at millsriverfarm@yahoo.com for further information.
MRFM started it's second season on May 8th and features locally grown meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs, craft items, goats milk cheeses, jelly, jams & relishes from more than a dozen local farmers, producers and market gardeners. Market hours are every Saturday from 8am - Noon at the Mills River Commons, 5046 Boylston Hwy, Mills River NC. The popularity of the market continues to swell. Earlier this year, the market featured a Tomato Festival that also featured local entertainment. The MRFM features farmers within a 50 mile radius of Mills River, an agricultural town that is 22 square miles in size, and home to approximately 6,600 residents minutes from Pisgah National Forest, Interstate 26, and the Asheville Regional Airport. Vendor space is limited, but the market is continuing to accept day use applications throughout the season. Email millsriverfarm@yahoo.com for an application or call Jim Reed, 828-890-4105.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS- Week of August 30

2010-09-02T11:23:00.003-04:00

Your weekly NC Pest News is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics are: Spiny Oakworms and Blister Beetles on Clematis.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Rain Garden Certification Workshop, Sept 29-30 in Asheville

2010-08-27T10:48:00.009-04:00

Rain Garden Certification workshops will be offered by NC State University Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and NC Cooperative Extension. This certification is awarded by NC State University Cooperative Extension. 8 C.E.U.s are approved by the NC Board of Landscape Architects for this 1.5 day workshop (Course # 6379).

About the workshop: As homeowners and property managers become more aware of the issues of stormwater management many of them are choosing to manage the runoff from their homes and businesses with rain gardens. Rain gardens are shallow depression landscape features that can effectively collect and treat stormwater and reduce localized flooding. Rain gardens can be integrated into the existing landscape as a retrofit or be included in the initial landscaping plan. To effectively manage stormwater, rain gardens must be accurately sized and properly constructed. This workshop will present a simple method for sizing and designing rain gardens and detail proper construction techniques. As a result of this training you will:

* Understand why stormwater needs to be managed,
* Understand the principles of rain garden location, design, construction and maintenance,
* Be able to select appropriate vegetation,
* Tour several local rain gardens, and
* Be eligible to take a test at the conclusion of the training to be certified in rain garden design and construction

Workshop Dates/Locations:

September 29-30, 2010 Asheville, NC
October 12-13, 2010 Holly Springs, NC
October 18-19, 2010 Winston-Salem, NC
November 10-11, 2010 Mt. Holly, NC

To view an Agenda and to REGISTER ONLINE, please visit our website at:
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater/training/raingarden.html

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News for August 23rd

2010-08-23T15:48:00.000-04:00

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Orangestriped Oakworms Return

Over the last two seasons, I haven't seen much of the orangestriped oakworm. I think the ground has been too hard and dry for the insect to move into and out of the soil. That's good in a way, because the oak trees had a break from defoliation. They are somewhat back this year and devouring foliage. I see them most on willow oaks and pin oaks.

The moth is brown in color with a white spot and a dark stripe on each forewing. The moths emerge in June and July and deposit their eggs in clusters of several hundred on the underside of oak leaves. The eggs hatch in about a week. The tiny, green caterpillars eventually grow into attractive black caterpillars with yellow or orange stripes running lengthwise along their bodies. Young caterpillars feed in groups whereas older caterpillars tend to be solitary, although there may be thousands of caterpillars on a single tree. Small trees are sometimes defoliated completely by midsummer.

As the caterpillars mature, they are often seen crawling along sidewalks, driveways and yards. These caterpillars may wander for a considerable distance while searching for a place to pupate. They can drop a lot of black fecal pellets on a sidewalk. You can step on these without fear, as long as you have on shoes. They dig into the soil three or four inches and pupate there. There is usually one generation per year, and the caterpillars overwinter as pupae in the soil. Control is complicated by the size of many of the infested trees. Most people do not have sprayers that can reach very high into shade trees, and by the time the caterpillars descend and crawl about on the soil they are extremely resistant to pesticides. Fortunately, late summer defoliations are much less damaging to the health of trees than early spring defoliations. In most cases it is probably better to rely on birds, diseases and parasites to lower the population next year. A long pole can knock many out of a tree, if you can reach them. (If you're extremely tall, you could use a short pole.)

For more information, see http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/note139/note139.html. If you would like to consider boosting the paper wasp predator population with nest boxes in the spring, see http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Other/note121/note121.html.

European Hornets

European hornet populations have grown and so have nest sizes. This large hornet is attracted to lights and windows at night which terrifies some people. The European hornet, Vespa crabro, is an introduced species into North America. It builds large, tan, paper nests that are usually not free hanging. Nests are often located in hollow trees, but partially exposed. Sometimes they nest in structures such as a wall or outbuilding. Tom Daly of Wake County, North Carolina, was kind enough to send in a picture of his hornets that built a nest in a bird house. Like all wasps and hornets, they can be considered beneficial because they eat other insects. These hornets often eat other stinging insects. They may strip bark from soft-barked twigs. A normal foraging hornet, if left to tend to its own business, is usually not a threat. For more information about these mahogany and yellow-colored hornets and their control, if necessary, see Residential, Structural and Community Pests Insect Note No. 11 at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/eurohornet.htm.

An eye catching solitary wasp is the tarantula hawk. This is just one of a group of pompilid wasps that prey upon spiders to provision a burrow. Pepsis menechma is dark metallic blue-purple with bright yellow antennae. It is easily twice the size of a paper wasp. When not hunting spiders, this wasp may be seen on flowers collecting nectar or pollen, especially milkweed and allium. Males may be territorial toward each other, but there is no aggression toward people and they won't sting unless handled roughly. As described in the August 13, 2010 issue of North Carolina Pest News, on the Schmidt pain index, the sting is at the top of the chart, akin to having a hair dryer dropped into your bathtub. Interestingly, in Bolivia, the common name of this type of wasp is "amigo del hombre," or "friend of man."

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Beetles Attack Drought Stressed Trees

Yesterday I received a call about a cherry laurel that was riddled with very tiny holes. The tree had dead brown dead leaves on some branches and the grounds manager initially assumed the tree was drying from drought. Upon closer inspection he found the many small holes about the size of mechanical pencil lead that had little tufts of sawdust. The holes were concentrated at old twig scars though they occurred throughout the lower third of the branches. The cause of the holes was a bark beetle in the genus Hypothenemus. We recovered adults from shallow incomplete galleries which they must have just started in the past few days. These beetles made the holes, but may not have killed the tree. Although we have not determined the species, this group of beetles often target trees that are already stressed or in decline due to drought or other causes. Drought can make many plants more susceptible to pest attack. Thus, it is important to keep plants healthy and watered and investigate drought-like symptoms to determine if other problems exist.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

August 16- NC PEST NEWS

2010-08-17T14:42:00.005-04:00

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, this week's topics are: Fall Armyworms in Turf and Pastures, Spiders in the Landscape, Schmidt Sting Pain Index.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Grant Opportunity for Nurserymen and Farmers

2010-08-12T14:01:00.005-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2010
Contact: Megan Riley, WNC AgOptions, (828) 333-4151, info@wncagoptions.org
Or the local Cooperative Extension Center

Grants to boost local agricultural system
WNC AgOptions application deadline November 22

MARSHALL — WNC Agricultural Options is introducing a new community grants program that will support projects that are improving the local agricultural system. WNC AgOptions will fund at least three farmer-led group projects that address processing, marketing, packaging and other distribution needs in the mountain region.

The new Family Farm Innovation Fund, which Gov. Beverly Perdue announced on Monday, will provide $100,000 to WNC AgOptions, in addition to the $225,000 that the program distributes annually. RAFI-USA's Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, with which N.C. Cooperative Extension partners to manage WNC AgOptions, was included in the $18.4 million package to five state and federal programs assisting farmers.

"This initiative builds on the legacy of innovation in North Carolina's family farms, and it is another step forward in our JobsNOW economic recovery efforts," Perdue said in making the announcement at the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center.

The WNC AgOptions steering committee determined that logistical challenges related to distribution are the main barriers in improving the local agricultural system. "Solving distribution issues is often more challenging than growing the product," said Ross Young, Madison County Cooperative Extension Director and leader of the WNC AgOptions steering committee. "We hope applicants will use this opportunity to create systems that help local farmers respond to the high demand for local products, as well as improve the availability of locally grown products to consumers."

The size of the community grant is dependent upon the expenses associated with the project. The maximum amount to be awarded per applicant group is $20,000.

In addition, WNC AgOptions is continuing its grant program for individual farm businesses, and will award approximately 40 grants ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 for farm diversification projects. Since 2004, WNC AgOptions has administered more than 250 grants in 17 counties and the Cherokee Indian Reservation to mountain farmers diversifying or expanding their operations.

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has supported WNC AgOptions since 2003. "We're proud to be the funding partner for the WNC AgOptions program," said William Upchurch, Executive Director of the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. "Over the past few years, the farmers in western North Carolina have developed very innovative projects and have shown that their ideas can generate some great results."

Applications are available at www.wncagoptions.org or at county Cooperative Extension Centers. The postmark deadline of November 22 is earlier than previous years, and the 2011 grant cycle is from January to November. Interested applicants should contact their local Cooperative Extension Agents by November 1 to express their intent to apply.

Priority will be given to projects that provide demonstration to other farmers and encourage the economic sustainability of cooperating farm businesses. Applicants should extensively research the logistics, markets, expenses and timelines for their projects.

Successful community grant projects will require participation from a diversity of people, organizations, and institutions. Groups of farmers, farm coops, farmer associations, churches, local businesses, civic organizations, non-profit organizations or combinations of these are eligible and encouraged to apply. Western North Carolina farmers must be active in the leadership of the group.

Individual farm business projects awarded in 2010 include: a produce packaging facility for improving sales to local grocery chains, a propagation house for food and medicinal plants, hops production for steep terrains, a maple syrup finishing cooker, no-till production of specialty winter squash, and a screened greenhouse for commercial disease-free strawberry plants.

The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises. Members of the WNC AgOptions steering committee include: representatives from the N.C. Cooperative Extension, HandMade in America, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and other agricultural business leaders.

For more information, see the following: N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers: www.ces.ncsu.edu; Family Farm Innovation Fund: www.ncruralcenter.org; Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, RAFI-USA: www.ncfarmgrants.org; N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission: www.tobaccotrustfund.org.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

August 9- NC PEST NEWS

2010-08-11T13:57:00.004-04:00

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section the topics this week are: Red Headed Ash Borers, Post-Oak Grasshoppers, Walnut Twig Beetle and Thousand Cankers Disease Now in Tennessee, Argentine Ants in the Landscape, Crapemyrtle Aphids. Please pay special attention to the new disease called Thousand Cankers Disease on Black Walnut. Also from last week, I hope you read the article on Emerald Ash Borer. It was found in East Tennessee and attacks Ash trees. We need to be on alert here in Western North Carolina for it's arrival. If you suspect either Thousand Cankers Disease or Emerald Ash Borer, please contact your local extension agent!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC Pest News- Week of August 2

2010-08-02T10:53:00.005-04:00

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available. In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section the topics this week are: Field Crop Caterpillars on Ornamentals, Formica integra Ants, Cecropia Moths, Emerald Ash Borer Reported in East Tennessee.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Water Issues Webinars

2010-07-30T09:22:00.000-04:00

Free online presentations for growers to help you deal with water issues
A new series of online water quality and recycling webinars begins August 18 to help growers successfully manage water quality issues and recycle irrigation water.
This education program to promote water conservation is co-sponsored by the Water Education Alliance for Horticulture (a collaborative program hosted by the University of Florida with industry partners), OFA – an Association of Horticulture Professionals, the Society of American Florists, and the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association. The series of 30-minute live presentations will feature both new research and practical guidelines.
Registration is free at www.watereducationalliance.org (click on “workshops”) for this series of online presentations. Space is limited, so sign up early.

Workshops at a Glance

Please be advised that these workshops may require high speed internet connections so if you are on dial up, you may encounter problems with downloading time.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Local Foods Movement

2010-07-28T11:46:00.001-04:00

NC State University and the NC Cooperative Extension have launched a program encouraging consumers to buy at least 10% of their food from a local producer. To learn more about this program visit the following link: Local Foods

While there is not a similar program for locally grown plants, this is something to consider.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

FEE Increase for NC Pesticide License and Exam- Effective August 1

2010-07-19T10:54:00.004-04:00

**FEE INCREASES*

With the signing of the 2010-2011 State Budget by Governor Beverly Perdue on June 30 2010, the General Assembly has mandated fees for administered examinations and an increase in licensing fees in accordance to General Statutes 143-448, 143-452, and 143-455 of the NC Pesticide Law of 1971. The fees below went into effect July 14th 2010.

EXAMINATION FEES:
(Applies to all Testers, regardless of license type)

Core, Dealer, Worker Protection Designated Trainer, Aerial, and Consultant...$50.00

Ornamental and Turf, Right of Way, Forestry, Public Health,
Ag Pest Animal, Pet Grooming, Poultry, Ag Pest Plant, Seed Treatment,
Demonstration and Research, Wood Treatment, Regulatory, and Aquatic..........$20.00

Private......................................................................$10.00

LICENSE FEES:

(026) Ground, (027, 028, 029) Aerial, (030) Consultant, (033) Public Utility,
and (037) Dealer................................$75.00

(038) Private Applicator........................$10.00

(031, 032) Public...............................No Charge

Aircraft Inspections............................$25.00

Questions? Contact:
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Structural Pest Control & Pesticides Division
1090 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1090
919-733-3556

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Commercial Horticulture Newsletter- Summer Edition

2010-07-19T10:00:00.004-04:00

Your Summer Edition of Commercial Horticulture Newsletter is now available! Learn about upcoming events, grant & cost share money available, show stopper plants and more! The Grower Spotlight is Hop'n Blueberry Farm in Black Mountain. If you would like to have this newsletter mailed or emailed directly to you contact Amanda Stone, amanda_stone@ncsu.edu or (828)255-5522 and we'll get you signed up.

HOPS CONES

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS - July 19

2010-07-19T09:13:00.002-04:00

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available!! Highlighted in the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section this week is: Cranberry Rootworms, The Cicada Killers Are Coming!, Green June Beetles Delayed?, Are Katydids Keeping You Up at Night?, Chinch Bugs in Turf, Walnut Caterpillars, Lace Bugs of Summer, and Green Lacewings. Please take a minute and check it out!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC Pest News- Week of July 12

2010-07-12T13:09:00.003-04:00

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available. In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics this week are: Fall Webworms,Elephant Stag Beetles and Ladybird Beetles. Stay tuned next week for more PEST NEWS!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Become a Certified Turfgrass Professional

2010-07-06T11:10:00.001-04:00

MAKE THIS YEAR THE YEAR YOU BECOME AN NCCTP!

There are dozens of reason why you should pursue your NCCTP designation and become an NC Certified Turfgrass Professional. Enhanced credibility, the promotion and publicity TCNC provides you to help you market your expertise in the media and with consumers, and of course, the ability to be grandfathered into the Landscape Contractor's Licensing Bill when it passes next year.

Enrolling in the NCCTP program has never been easier. Open to everyone with a Regular Member status or more, once accepted you have 6 months to study the materials and pass the exam. Contact Lynn at TCNC's office (lynn@ncturfgrass.org or (919) 380-9446) to learn more and get started today!

Check out the link to the Turfgrass Professional Short Course- Short Course

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS- Week of July 5

2010-07-06T11:07:00.003-04:00

Your weekly NC Pest News is available! Please check it out! This week's topics for Ornamentals and Turf are: Redbud Leaffolders, Maple Mites, Rhododendron Tip Midges.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Green Tips

2010-06-28T16:15:00.000-04:00

The bi-monthly on-line edition of GreenTips has now been posted for July and August of 2010. Please read all of the links as some have changed since last being posted.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Its the Economy Stupid

2010-06-25T09:09:00.000-04:00

You don't have to go far to hear somebody talking about the economy and it's impact on the green industry. Sales are down for many growers; Landscapers are scrambling for jobs; and Consumers are making do with less.
Last week I attended the Southeast Greenhouse Conference. As has been my habit for a number of years I try to attend at least one session where Dr. Charlie Hall is presenting. His talks are always refreshing as he does not candy coat what is really going on in the economy like the mass medial seems to do. As many of you are aware, Charlie is a native of our mountains and understands our industry, not because of his classroom and research experiences but because of growing up working in his family's nursery; I like to think that he is one of us.
I sat in on the first presentation on the following link Presentations and found it one that all of us need to visit and learn from. I ask Dr. Hall if he could post it somewhere that I could share it and just received this link to pass on to you.
Enjoy!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

New Communicatons Technology

2010-06-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

Check out Master Tag's new communications technology:

New Tag Technology
Using a smart phone your clients can determine where and if the plant will fit into their gardens.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News for June 14th

2010-06-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

The weekly edition of NC Pest News has been posted.

In addition this week we have gotten word that the insecticide Endosulfan (active ingredient in Thionex) has been terminated: "EPA has concluded that endosulfan poses unacceptable risks to agricultural workers and wildlife, and can persist in the environment. New data generated in response to the agency’s 2002 decision have shown that risks faced by workers are greater than previously known. EPA also finds that there are risks above the agency’s level of concern to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, as well as to birds and mammals that consume aquatic prey which have ingested endosulfan. Farmworkers can be exposed to endosulfan through inhalation and contact with the skin."

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Week of May 31 PEST NEWS

2010-06-02T09:50:00.004-04:00

Check out the NC PEST NEWS for your weekly update on pests or beneficials that maybe active in your area now. For Ornamentals and Turf, the topics, pests and beneficials highlighted this week are:
Do Not Move Firewood, Spined Soldier Bugs Have a Point,Giant Resin Bees,Time Flies and Fireflies, Hemlock Woolly Adelgids in North Carolina, Gloomy Scales and Indian Wax Scales.

Firefly larvae are good they eat slugs!

Firefly larvae eat slugs!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Vegetable Transplants and Flowers for Sale

2010-06-02T09:47:00.003-04:00

If you are looking for vegetable transplants like tomatoes and peppers or hanging flower baskets or herbs please call Icenhower's Farm in Leicester, NC at (828)683-3237 and ask for Ricky or Joy.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Week of May 24 PEST NEWS

2010-05-25T13:49:00.003-04:00

Click HERE for the NC PEST NEWS. Highlighted this week in the Ornamentals and Turf section is: Cottony Camellia Scales on Holly,Jaw-dropping Dobsonflies,General Comments Regarding Insects on Ornamentals and Southern Red Mites.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Just Announced! Urban Landscaping Update!

2010-05-25T11:41:00.005-04:00

The Carolina Canopy Workshop Series just announced the Urban Landscaping Update to be held in Asheville at the NC Arboretum on August 10! Hot topics and speakers not to be missed! Join us inside on this hot summer day to learn about using edible plants in the urban landscape and integrated pest management. Hear updates about Sudden Oak Death, the honeybee situation, the proposed Landscape Contractors License and updates on the Sustainable Sites Initiative and LEEDS Certification. Landscapers, urban foresters, professional gardeners, nurserymen and plants people alike are encouraged to attend. North Carolina pesticide credits and ISA credits will be available. To register, click HERE. Early bird registration (before July 21) is $20 for members of the NC Urban Forestry Council or $30 for nonmembers.
This update is sponsored by the NC Urban Forestry Council, Asheville GreenWorks and NC Cooperative Extension.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

USDA Implements Tree Assistance Program

2010-05-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

USDA Implements Tree Assistance Program

Orchardists and nursery tree growers can begin applying for benefits under the Tree Assistance Program. The signup began Monday, May 10, at Henderson-Polk-Transylvania County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The phone number is (828) 693-1406, ext. 2.

The program provides cost-share assistance to orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant and rehabilitate after natural disasters. It provides assistance for trees, bushes and vines grown for commercial purposes and covered by crop insurance or NAP. The program has been expanded to include Christmas tree and nursery tree growers that were ineligible before. Trees grown for pulp or timber or not grown for commercial purposes are

not eligible.

Eligible losses must have occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011. To qualify for TAP, there must have been actual tree, bush, vine, etc. deaths in the stand and those losses must have been in excess of 15 percent mortality (plus adjustment for normal mortality) from an eligible natural disaster for the individual stand.

The deadline to apply for losses that occurred in 2008, 2009, or in 2010 prior to May 7 is July 6, 2010.

For more information contact Kelly Springs, (828) 693-1406 ext. 2
kelly.springs@nc.usda.gov

Week of May 17 NC PEST NEWS

2010-05-20T10:28:00.004-04:00

NC Pest News is published weekly by NC State University. NC Pest News is a great integrated pest management tool that helps you to stay informed about pests, diseases, and beneficials that are occuring in our area. For Ornamentals and Turf, these pests and beneficials are highlighted this week:Imported Willow Leaf Beetles,Cottony Cushion Scales,Fire Ants to Ignite Soon, Wheel Bugs Begin to Roll,Red Erythraeid Mites and Oak Lecanium Scales.In Western NC, we are typically about two weeks behind the Raleigh area on pest and disease emergance. So, over the next two weeks keep your eyes out for these critters.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

GreenTips Newsletter

2010-05-08T21:01:00.000-04:00

The May/June version of Green Tips is now online at GreenTips
Of particular importance is the Pest Management Tips article referring to Hemlock Borers.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

How to Create a Blog

2010-04-16T09:23:00.001-04:00

Honeybee Swarming Season

2010-04-07T10:51:00.007-04:00

Swarming is an instinctive part of the annual life cycle of the honeybee colony and is necessary for the species to survive. Swarming occurs when a colony of honeybees divides and 30 to 70 percent of the bees, along with their queen, leave the hive to start a new colony. You may find a swarm of honeybees hanging from a tree branch or resting on your clothes line while they are looking for a new home. The swarm can be the size of a softball or as large as a basketball. The tendency to swarm is usually greatest when the bees increase their population rapidly in the period before the honey- flow. Therefore the cause of swarming is normally associated with a crowded brood (eggs/ larvae/ pupae) nest. Most swarming takes place in our area during April – June. There are many other reasons why a honeybee colony will swarm. A lack of food, age of the queen, bad odors, a heavy infestation of wax moths, repeated attacks by bears and other predators, and sometimes disease.

*** If you notice a swarm in Buncombe County, please call the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension office at (828) 255-5522. We have a list of local beekeepers who we can contact for catching the swarms. If the honeybees decide to take up residence inside the wall of your home or storage building, the local beekeepers can help with that too. If you notice a swarm in another county, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.

Swarm resting on the bottom of a picnic table.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Disaster Prepardness and Recent Storms

2010-03-30T09:51:00.004-04:00

If the recent storms have left you with downed trees or you need information on chainsaw safety, visit NC State University's Urban Forest website for this information.

EDEN, the Extension Disaster Education Network, working through eXtension has released four new fact sheets regarding the impact of floods on farms and methods of preparing for and recovering from flooding on the farm. In preparation for spring and the severe weather that potentially lies before us, you may want to revue the resources available through eXtension and EDEN. Their URL's are listed below.
EDEN - http://eden.lsu.edu/Pages/default.aspx
eXtension - https://www.extension.org/disasters

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Irrigation Workshop - Chlorination Systems for Nursery and Vegetable Crop Production

2010-03-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

Many of you are pumping water from non-potable sources. Whether this is from a pond, cistern, or stream, some of these sources contain both plant and human pathogens.
This class will provide you some insight into methods that you can use to reduce the risks that these pathogens can have on both your crops, your family, and your customers. The class has been granted 2 hours of commercial and/or private pesticide x credits as well as 2 hours of irrigation contractor credit. So- for a morning of your time you could earn 2 hours of credit for each of these two licenses.
Irrigation Workshop
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Internet Marketing Series

2010-03-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Looking at ways to expand your market? If so you may want to consider marketing on the internet. The NC Cooperative Extension is offering as series of classes on Monday mornings to assist with the idea of internet marketing. You may find the information at: Internet Marketing Series
Come and join us, you might be tweeting before summer!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Town Hall Meeting

2010-02-18T13:48:00.002-05:00

This is a notification to all landscapers of an up-coming town hall meeting where the proposed Landscape Contractor Practice Act will be discussed. This event will be in the Bo Thomas Auditorium on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College. The meeting will take place from 6:30 until 8:30 on Thursday evening,
March 18th. RSVP requested. If possible please car pool with a colleague as parking may be limited. The Bo Thomas Auditorium is in the Sink Building on the Flat Rock Campus. If you need additional directions please call me or visit the College's website: BRCC
Note: Blue Ridge Community College is a tobacco free campus.

This is an informational meeting sponsored by the Green Industry Council of North Carolina and only facilitated by the Cooperative Extension offices. For an overview of the legislation please visit their website at: NC Landscape Contractor's License.
NC Cooperative Extension remains an educational organization only and not a regulatory one. Regardless of the outcome of this legislation we will continue to strive to provide the educational programs that will give all green industry professionals an equal opportunity to achieve their professional goals, learn new practices and/or skill and obtain or retain any required certifications or licenses.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Weather Alert

2010-01-28T21:43:00.002-05:00

Another winter weather event is headed our way. This one could surpass the size and damage of the one in December. If you have nursery/greenhouse structures be prepared to add additional bracing and keep your brooms handy for snow removal. Check to make sure that all generators are working and that you have them full of fuel. It is hard to tell when the storm will arrive- but early predictions show it hitting in full force by early afternoon. This should allow you the morning to purchase any supplies, extra fuel, food etc. Check the link above in the title line for more information about the track of this storm event. While driving back from the Turf Conference in Raleigh, I noticed that NCDOT were out in full force "salting" the highways. They are preparing for a severe weather event for the entire state.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Green Tips

2010-01-06T13:56:00.002-05:00

The Green Tips Newsletter is now posted at: GreenTips.
With all of the winter weather we have had, we are still gathering information about damage to crops, structures, etc. Please visit the survey at:
Weather Survey

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Business Side of Agritourism

2009-12-10T12:44:00.002-05:00

If you are selling retail or thinking about increasing the visitors to your farm, nursery, or garden center this program may be for you. Please mark your calendars for January 27th-28th to attend the The Business Side of Agritourism Workshop. This program is for any agribusiness that may have public interaction on a regular basis.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Support a Farmer, Buy a Real Christmas Tree!

2009-12-07T13:45:00.015-05:00

My husband Phillip and I ventured out to Sandy Mush this past Saturday to get our Christmas Tree. It was the perfect day, cold and snowing! On the way to Sandy Hollar Tree Farm, on North Turkey Creek Road, we passed a sign for a Kiln Sale at Jone Pottery. We are going to have to stop by there after we get our tree! We arrive at Sandy Hollar Tree Farm, by this time the snow has passed and I am upset because I wanted it to be snowing in the back ground of our pictures, oh well. I see Dale Hawkins, owner of the farm, and talk with him a minute. Dale says, "business is pretty good this year and we have sold a lot of trees. Last weekend it was really busy!" There were about 15 cars there at that time. Everyone was so happy and the kids were having fun picking out the "perfect tree". The farm looked beautiful! Neat rows of deep green Fraser Fir and a cute farm store decorated with wreathes and garland. Inside the store you can purchase holiday gifts such as hand knitted wool hats and scarves that Dale's Mom, June makes. June raises Llamas and shears them for the wool. Phillip and I walk around for an hour enjoying the scenery and looking for our "perfect tree". To be honest, all the trees were perfect! We find our tree and Phillip cuts it down, we carry it out of the field, send it through the tree bailer and tie it to the car. When we have children one day, we are going to make it a tradition in our family to go to a local Christmas Tree farm to get our tree. It's so much fun and the famers need our support too. After we left Sandy Hollar Tree Farm, we stopped in at the Kiln sale at Jone Pottery. We found several gifts for our friends and enjoyed some hot apple cider and Christmas cookies. They had a really cool chicken tractor too!! Merry Christmas and remember to support your local farmers, artists and businesses! To find your local Christmas Tree growers go to http://ncchristmastrees.com/

Farm Store

Neat rows of Faser Fir

Nice work Phillip!

Beautiful snow!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Nov/Dec Edition of Commercial Hort News- now available!

2009-12-07T13:35:00.003-05:00

Your November/ December 2009 edition of Commercial Hort News is now available. This newsletter serves the Green Industry in western North Carolina. Buncombe County's Christmas tree growers are highlighted in the Grower Spotlight! You'll also find information about grants, scholarships and cost share programs. Hope you enjoy the newsletter and look for the January/ February edition to post early January 2010.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Starting a CSA

2009-11-16T15:52:00.002-05:00

Are you interested in starting a CSA?

CSAs are becoming more and more popular here in western NC. The Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office is holding an Informational Meeting on Starting a CSA, including topics such as the benefits of CSAs, share prices and payment, recruiting and maintaining customers, and developing a crop plan.

Please join us Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 from 9am-11am at Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office, 740 Glover Street, Hendersonville, NC. This is a free workshop. Please RSVP to Ivy Olson at 828-697-4891 or ivy_olson@ncsu.edu. For more information, please click the link below:

CSA Flyer

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Nursery Pour Through Process

2009-09-21T13:29:00.002-04:00

"By routinely measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of growing media and irrigation water for container-grown nursery crops, growers can monitor nutrient availability and scout for problems. This does not have to be time-consuming, complicated, or difficult. Learn how to use the pour-through extraction procedure as part of your nursery’s quality control program". NC Cooperative Extension has a new "Pour Through" publication outlining this process. Print it off and read it at: THE POUR-THROUGH EXTRACTION PROCEDURE.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Energy Grant Available

2009-09-16T14:33:00.002-04:00

If you are looking at using alternative energy sources to keep your greenhouse warm, run your equipment, heat your hot-tub, or whatever it is you do with energy consider visiting the following site:

Energy Sources

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

WNC AgOptions Grants Available

2009-09-14T13:18:00.002-04:00

The 2010 WNC Agriculture Options are now available. Visit Ag Options Grants for more information.
If you have an idea that might improve your farm or nursery, look at this grant to see if it fits with that idea.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Green Tips

2009-09-14T12:54:00.001-04:00

The newest edition of Green Tips is now on line at: Green Tips

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Agricultural Drought Relief Program

2009-09-14T12:44:00.001-04:00

Agricultural Drought Relief Program

The Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District is currently accepting applications for the N.C. Agricultural Drought Recovery Program. This program was made possible through a $6 million grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

This funding can be used for the installation of 4 best management practices:
1. Renovation of pastures killed or damaged by the drought. (Hayland is not eligible). Participating farmers must agree to manage fertility, stocking rates, and start /stop grazing heights to minimize the potential for overgrazing and to ensure that a good stand is maintained.
2. Drilling wells for farmers whose existing water supplies for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or was inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds are currently not eligible)
3. Renovating existing ponds and constructing new ponds for farmers whose existing water supplies for livestock watering or irrigation either went dry or were inadequate to meet existing water supply needs. (Spray ponds currently are not eligible)
4. Retrofitting existing irrigation systems to Conservation Irrigation and Micro Irrigation. These practices are intended to:
-convert center-pivot and lateral move irrigation systems to employ drop nozzles or low-pressure spray nozzles. This practice can also be used to convert an existing traveling gun system to a center-pivot or lateral move system using drop nozzles or low-pressure spray. The practice can also be used to equip existing irrigation equipment with end-gun shutoff devices.
-And to replace and/or reduce the use of other types of irrigation and fertilization such as the traveling gun, center-pivot and furrow irrigation systems unless agronomic necessity (e.g., frost/freeze protection, soil settling) suggest alternate or temporary methods of irrigation.
A 10-year maintenance agreement is required for each practice in order to receive funding through this program. If you have any questions, feel free to call Jonathan Wallin or Laurie Brokaw the Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District at 697-4949.

Please note that these funds are available in Henderson County only. If you live or have a farm in another county you should contact your Soil and Water District to see what they may have available. Different counties have different funds for distribution.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Helping Clients go Green!

2009-08-26T12:49:00.003-04:00

Are your clients interested in a more sustainable "Green" approach to landscaping and lawn care? If so consider viewing this video from Gardener's Guild Inc. a California based landscape company and learn how they adopted organic lawn care in their business.
Going Green
If after you visit this video you want assistance in making the switch let us know.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Drought Conditions Still Real

2009-08-21T16:26:00.003-04:00

Although we have got several inches of rainfall in most of our Western North Carolina counties, dry conditions still prevail. Some areas of Henderson and Transylvania County are still experiencing levels of drought of limited rainfall. Over 67 counties in NC are listed as abnormally dry with 7 considered to be in moderate drought stages.
Visit NC Drought Map to see the changes going on across the state. As we continue to experience reduced rainfall in many areas, we must all continue using water conserving practices. If you are still using a lot of overhead irrigation you may want to revisit converting to drip or low input systems.
These systems can save you time, energy, and money as well as "liquid gold".

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Speaking of Gardening Symposium: August 28- 29, 2009

2009-08-19T15:07:00.001-04:00

Explore great plants at this year's Speaking of Gardening symposium. Two days of garden lectures by six highly regarded designers, research specialists and nurserymen will provide participants with great new ideas and inspiration.

Symposium topics include private and public garden design, new plants from NCSU plant research program, designing with grasses, new perennials from Jelitto and the Human Flower Project. Visit The NC Arboretum Website to register for these two days of workshops. The classes qualify for CEUs in a number of different areas including PLANET. Speaking of Gardening

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Water Harvesting Workshop

2009-08-19T13:44:00.003-04:00

Water Harvesting Workshop in Asheville! A half-day water harvesting workshop is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2009 sponsored by NC State University Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and NC Cooperative Extension. Professional engineers will earn 4 professional development hours (PDHs) for successful completion of this workshop. NCSU-BAE is also an approved continuing education provider for the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Approval of PDHs is pending from the NC Board of Landscape Architects. Approval pending for Irrigation Contractor CEUs.
Location of workshop- The NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayAsheville, NC 28806. To register and for more information click HERE.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Rust on Native Azaleas in Nursery

2009-08-14T11:01:00.014-04:00

This week, Rust disease was identified on native deciduous azaleas and smooth hydrangea in a nursery in western North Carolina. Most guidebooks list it as either Rust, hemlock-blueberry rust (Pucciniastrum vaccinii) or hemlock-hydrangea rust (Pucciniastrum hydrangeae). Apparently it affects hemlock needles in early spring and summer, then the infected needles inoculate both wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)(photo) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) during the summer (Sinclair et al 1987). Because Rhododendron are in the Ericaceae family along with blueberry, these plants also seem to be infected. Additionally, blueberry grown as an ornamental in nurseries has been a "hot" trend lately, which could contribute to the renewed presence. On native deciduous rhododendron, for example, R. canescens (piedmont azalea), R. periclymenoides (pinxterbloom azalea), R. runifolum (Plumleaf azalea), R. viscosum (Swamp azalea), and R. calendulaceum (flame azalea), symptoms resemble these photos. Symptoms of leaf rust first appear in mid-summer as circular yellow flecks about an 1/8 inch in diameter on the upper leaf surface.

The fungus can be found forming spores in rust-colored pustules on the undersides of the leaf below the yellow flecking (photo below).

The orange-colored spores in the pustules are disseminated by air currents to other azalea leaves. If the leaf remains wet overnight, new infections (pustules) can form repeating the cycle throughout the remainder of the summer and fall. When conditions are favorable for severe disease development with numerous pustules early in the summer, extensive defoliation of infected leaves can occur. In mild climates, the fungus may over winter as spores in pustules of fallen leaves. So removing leaves from deciduous azalea blocks or plantings in the spring can help reduce the severity of disease later in the season. However, the fungus also can be re-introduced to azaleas in the nursery/landscape each year from nearby hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) that serve as a second (alternate) host of the fungus. Normally, fungicides are not needed to control leaf rust (Benson and Creswell). It is possible to let the foliage die back and fall off this year without control, especially if plants are not going to be sold until spring 2010. In a study conducted by Jones, Bir and Benson in 1981, Plantvax 75W (oxycaboxin; Class: Carboxamide), Mancozeb 80W (Manganese ethylenebis; Class: carbamate), and Ferbam 76W (Ferbam; Class: carbamate) provided the best control for rust on the hybrids mentioned above when applied from mid-August through September according to label recommendations. Heritage (Azoxystrobin; Class: QOI-strobilurins), is only labeled for Puccinia sp. of rusts and not Puccinastrum spp. of rusts. Please read the labels of all fungicides applied and always wear personal protective equipment required on the label.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

New Products for Ornamental Greenhouse, Nursery, and Landscape Pests

2009-08-07T20:38:00.001-04:00

New Products for Ornamental Greenhouse, Nursery, and Landscape Pests

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist, NCSU

A new product Kontos is available to manage most sucking pests in greenhouses. It is also labeled for use in nurseries. Kontos from OHP is effective against whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and other insects. Kontos has a unique mode of action (IRAC group 23) that makes it an important tool in resistance management programs. This could be particularly important as a product to rotate with Conserve (spinosad) to kill thrips. It is also soft on beneficial organisms. More information on Kontos can be found at:Kontos.

In ornamental landscapes we now have Acelepryn by Dupont. This unique chemical has a very low vertebrate toxicity. So low in fact that it does not require a signal word on the label. It is effective on many landscape pests and can be used as a foliar spray or drench to provide translaminar and systemic plant protection. Acelepryn also is soft on beneficial organisms compared to older products. More information about Acelepryn can be found at Acelepryn.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Weekly Word on Weeds

2009-08-05T16:20:00.002-04:00

Weekly Word on Weeds, from Dr. Joe Neal, NCSU Department of Horticulture

Want an overview of weed control in container nurseries?
Here is a link to video of one of my presentations at the SE Greenhouse conference on weed management in container nurseries. BASF corporation taped the presentation and posted it on their web site. I just saw it today. Here is the link:

Joe Neal Video

Editor's footnote: Dr. Joe Neal's daughter Marie, desperately needs a liver transplant. If you wish to help out go to Marie Neal and check out the procedure to make a contribution.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Notable Blogs

2009-07-14T13:12:00.005-04:00

Blogs are one way to find information and keep up to date in this new electronic age. Below are five blogs to consider subscribing to if you have already. The last in the list is primarily for your customer- the home gardener but well worth visiting and sharing with those clients.
Alternatives and Organics
Open Register
Making Cents
Project Green Industry
WNC Vegetable News
Master Your Garden

If you are not blogging or using one of the other Social networking tools such as Facebook or Twitter, you may want to consider doing so. These tools are not just for the techni-geek but are becoming popular marketing tools.

We can discuss offering a class on getting started- possibly on-line!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Speaking of Gardening

2009-07-14T11:55:00.002-04:00

Speaking of Gardening Symposium

Explore great plants at this year's Speaking of Gardening symposium. Two days of garden lectures by six highly regarded designers, research specialists and nurserymen will provide participants with great new ideas and inspiration.

Symposium topics include private and public garden design, new plants from NCSU plant research program, designing with grasses, new perennials from Jelitto and the Human Flower Project.

For more information visit this link on the NC Arboretum's website:

Speaking of Gardening

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Western Flower Thrips

2009-07-13T10:35:00.002-04:00

Western Flower Thrips in Greenhouses- from Dr. Stephen Franks, NCSU Dept of Entomology

Thrips are a constant problem for growers. Not just this particular week, but all the time. Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is the most important and damaging thrips of greenhouses and has been called the most damaging greenhouse pest in the world. This is true of greenhouse-grown food and ornamental crops. Nearly all floriculture crops are susceptible to thrips damage. Western flower thrips reproduce rapidly and are difficult to manage because they live in the cracks and crevices of flower heads and foliage. Thus they are difficult to contact with insecticides. Western flower thrips also develop insecticide resistance rapidly so it is important to emphasize chemical rotation and to have a resistance management plan. Sanitation is also very important in managing thrips. Because they can feed and reproduce on hundreds of plant species, weeds in and around a greenhouse will provide a constant supply of thrips even if the crop is sprayed. Western flower thrips pupate in soil, so clean up spilled potting soil and other debris to deny them this vital part of their lifecycle. More information and chemical recommendations can be found in the newly-revised Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 72 at Western Flower Thrips

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Weekly Word on Weeds

2009-07-13T10:31:00.001-04:00

New Weekly Word on Weeds from Dr. Joe Neal

Lontrel Update – Field Nursery Uses Allowed

Lontrel herbicide (active ingredient: clopyralid) has been labeled for controlling legume and aster weeds in turf and landscape settings for several years. Some of the susceptible weeds include clovers, sicklepod, hemp sesbania, vetch, eclipta, groundsel, horseweed, dogfennel, and thistles. It is generally safe when used as a directed spray around most established woody ornamentals but treatments near plants in the legume family, such as red bud, should be avoided.

The Lontrel label was recently amended to allow for use in nurseries; but, only in FIELD nurseries. Lontrel is very active in low concentrations on susceptible species. So, when using Lontrel, read and follow the instructions and precautions on the label. Some important precautions include:
Do not contaminate irrigation ditches or water used for irrigation

Do not use in greenhouses

Do not make broadcast applications to ornamental plantings; however, spot and directed applications are permissible

Do not allow sprays of this product to contact exposed suckers or roots of susceptible trees or shrubs as injury may occur

Do not collect treated grass clippings for mulch or compost

Do not apply to container grown ornamentals.

What does this mean to nursery crop growers?

Lontrel is another “tool” that field producers may use to control legume and aster weeds. It may be particularly useful in fields with a history of sicklepod, hemp sesbania or glyphosate-tolerant horseweed. Use it as a directed spray around woody crops only. But keep it off of actively growing foliage. I’ve seen significant injury on many broadleaf crops from directed sprays that contacted low hanging limbs (picture field grown hollies here). And, do not use Lontrel around red bud trees; plants can be damaged from root uptake of the herbicide.

Of course, read the label before you use Lontrel. This is a very good herbicide but a little bit of spray drift can cause significant damage to susceptible crops.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure, Compost

2009-07-13T10:24:00.002-04:00

Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure,
Compost, and Grass Clippings.

Home gardeners and landscapers may feel they are doing the right thing, organically, when applying manure or compost to their gardens but- knowing something about the herbicides applied to the hay that the animals that produced the manure, ate can impact your choice of using the compost. The same goes for grass clippings of other plant debris that may end up in the compost. The attached article below describes the results being seen by many farmers and gardeners alike:
Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure, Compost, and Grass Clippings

Check your compost sources before using them!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.