When we are caught up in the everyday routine of our jobs, it can be easy to forget some essential safety precautions that all agricultural employees should be taking. All agricultural employees could be exposed to pesticides while working in a grove. Proper training is essential to ensure employees understand the risks associated with their jobs and know how to …
Pests That Can Plague Your Corn Crop
Some pests that can plague your corn crop. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Some annoying problems when it comes to growing your own corn, include dealing with pesky insects. If some of your kernels have germinated, but the seedlings seem weak, dig around in the soil a bit. You may be dealing with seed corn maggots or …
Citrus Grove Protection Involves Looking Out for Pests
The pests to watch out for to protect your citrus grove. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Living in subtropical or tropical regions gives you the advantage of growing citrus fruits. But there is a downside – plenty of pests and diseases. And, some of these problems can make growing citrus trees troublesome, if not impossible. Aphids are one …
Scouting Key in Management of Stink Bugs in Cotton
By Clint Thompson Scouting remains the best management tactic for cotton producers against stink bug pressure. It also ensures that stink bugs are present so growers can avoid applying insecticides when they are not needed, says Brock Ward, retail business representative at Syngenta. “In this area it’s pretty dynamic the different species that we see of insects that hit us …
Better Disease Surveillance of Animals May Help Prevent Future Pandemics
USDA has announced a proposed framework for a project that could help prevent future human pandemics stemming from diseases in animals. Gary Crawford has the story. Dr. Mike Watson, Associate Administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, saying that setting up an early warning system to detect diseases in animals that might threaten humans is a long term …
Problems and Solutions When Growing Artichokes
Some problems and solutions when growing your own artichokes at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Artichoke seedlings are particularly susceptible to disease, and unless you’re taking proper care to sanitize tools and supplies, you may end up with limp, lifeless seedlings due to damping off. Slugs are a common issue for fragile young artichoke plants and are …
Before You Spray
We often think about pesticide safety and best management practices when we are in the field spraying. You’re outside, you’re potentially exposed to the pesticide, and a gust of wind in the wrong direction could send it flying back into your face. However, your first interaction with pesticides on spray day takes place well before you step foot in the …
Bats are Nocturnal Creatures Providing Natural Pollination and Pest Control
How to attract bats to your yard. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. After dark, Bats are nocturnal creatures that provide natural pollination and pest control for your yard. They love mosquitos, too! And because bats can eat in amounts up to half of its body weight, that means that a single bat could eat 1,000 to 3,000 insects …
Dealing with Aggressive, Destructive, Japanese Beetles
Some ways to deal with Japanese Beetles. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Japanese beetles are aggressive, destructive pests in the summer garden. They are known for ruining our favorites things like roses, perennial hibiscus, raspberry bushes and any fruit tree. When Japanese beetles appear each summer, you have two opportunities to deal with them effectively: Attack adults in …
Natural Ways to Keep Some Bothersome Bugs at Bay
Some natural ways to keep some bothersome bugs at bay. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Instead of spraying the whole yard with toxic pesticides in order to enjoy your time outside, try these natural solutions that will keep mosquitos away. Plant things that they won’t like. For example, Lemon Balm, Basil, Mint, Cat Nip, Rosemary and Lavender. Citronella …