(UF-IFAS/GAINESVILLE, Fl/Feb. 28, 2022) — In Florida, pesticide licensing exams help ensure the state’s approximately 70,000 pesticide applicators follow state regulations and best practices for mitigating the impact of chemicals on the environment. Historically, the exam has only been offered in person at pre-scheduled times. The UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office has announced that applicators will now have the option of …
Plant Materials Center Provides Diverse Climate Plant Solutions
The center providing plant solutions in a diverse climate. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Lockeford Plant Materials Center is a 106-acre facility located in the Central Valley of California. It’s about an hour southeast of the state’s capitol, Sacramento, and is the only plant materials in the state. The center provides plant solutions for the diverse …
Pear Tree Pests that Could Ruin a Harvest
The pear tree pests that could ruin a harvest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Pear trees are one of the easiest fruits to grow in an orchard. They are also easy targets for Aphids, Codling Moth, Leafrollers, and Pear Psylla which is a very destructive pest. Aphids will suck the plants juices leaving a secretion behind called …
USDA Funding Projects to Protect against Invasive Pests and Diseases
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they are allocating more than $70 million to support 372 projects under the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 program to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure for pest detection and surveillance, identification, and threat mitigation; to safeguard the nursery production system; and to respond to plant pest emergencies. Universities, states, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, …
Pests and Diseases to Watch Out for This Spring
Some pests and diseases to watch out for this Spring. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Spring garden pests are with us all year. In the winter, many of them sleep cozily in our gardens, waiting for the cool rains and sun to wake them up. One thing we can do to reduce the spring pest population is to …
Wireworms: A Destructive, Slimy Critter with a Very Bad Reputation
A slimy critter with a very bad reputation in the garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Wireworms, are destructive pests for farmers and gardeners, especially those growing corn. Wireworms are the larvae of the click beetle. Wireworms are found everywhere throughout North America; they’re most common in fields and grass pastures. They may be tiny, but they cause …
Broccoli Plant Problems that Could Threaten Your Harvest
The broccoli plant problems that could threaten your harvest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are two primary types of problems you may encounter when growing your own vegetables: pest problems and health issues. And, Broccoli is no exception. Pests seem to love this member of the brassica family. Especially slugs, cabbage flies, and aphids. When seedlings …
Common Scallion Plant Problems to Watch Out For
Some common Scallion Plant problems to watch out for. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Scallions – also known as green or spring onions – are tasty, immensely versatile, and easy to grow. They fend off a number of different garden pests and are invaluable companion plants. Still, scallions are no stranger to problems. For example: Wilting leaves …
Groups Want Dicamba Lawsuit Revived
A group of environmental organizations led by the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Biological Diversity wants new life given to their lawsuit over dicamba registrations. DTN says the groups are asking a federal court to lift a stay and speed up their lawsuit demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency vacate the 2020 dicamba registrations of Engenia, Tavium, …
Common Pests that Pose a Threat to Your Strawberry Crop
Some common pests that pose a threat to your Strawberry crop. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Strawberry plants are one of the easiest fruit plants to add to your garden, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter common strawberry pests and diseases. The pests that love to feast on your berries are aphids, army worms, Japanese Beetles, …