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 …
Natural Pest Traps to use in an Organic Garden
Some natural pest traps to use in an organic garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are some homemade pest traps that will help you get rid of pesky ants, flies, gnats, and other insects without having to worry about chemicals harming your plants. For fruit flies, you can use a clear plastic bottle to hold a vast …
Florida Forest Service Now Accepting Applications to Help Landowners Prevent Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks
Tallahassee, Fla.– Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention program for non-industrial, private forest landowners. They will be open through June 18. Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service made the announcement on Monday for the program. It is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, which is the known range …
How to Deal with Sawflies in Your Garden
How to deal with Sawflies in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Sawflies are pests that are related to wasps. They deposit eggs into plants that eventually hatch into larvae and eat away at your garden. The larvae measure 1/2 inch long and are greenish-black, long, slim, and look like a hairless caterpillar. Gradually, the sawfly …