Pulse electric field (PEF) employs bursts of high-voltage electricity to inactive microorganisms. Primarily used in the food industry, some researchers have reported promising results in nematode and plant disease control (Riga et al. 2020). We are collaborating with Lisi Global to adapt an existing technology for a new use in the ornamental nursery industry.
Customers will pay more for the green label
By — Posted
Will retail customers pay more for plants that are labeled “water conserving” or “disease free?” According to Dr. James Pease, professor of agricultural and applied economics at Virginia Tech, the answer is yes. Dr. Pease conducted a survey and found that the difference, in fact, could vary from 9 percent to as high as 60 […]
Extension workshop on April 29 to cover biological controls
By — Posted
For those interested in using biological control to manage pests in the greenhouse or nursery, Oregon State University will be hosting an all-day program titled Bugs in the System from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (15210 NE Miley Rd., Aurora, Ore.). Those attending will learn […]
1-866-INVADER’s Greatest Hits
By — Posted
It takes many eyes to spot all the invasive pests, plants and pathogens that might possibly come into Oregon and cause damage. That’s why, 15 years ago, the founders of the Oregon Invasive Species Council decided to enlist the public’s help. They set up a hotline at 1-866-INVADER, where people could call in and report […]
Website educates public on invasive pest threats
By — Posted
Although the agriculture community is well aware of invasive pests and pathogens — including the emerald ash borer, sudden oak death, the giant African snail, the citrus psyllid, the Asian longhorned beetle and many others — agriculture cannot fight them alone. These pests can be transported unwittingly by the general public; therefore, public awareness is needed to […]
House approves bill creating Pollinator Health Task Force
By — Posted
As reported recently in the Capital Press (Salem, Ore.), a proposal to reclassify neonicotinoids as “restricted use pesticides” has been removed from a bill currently before the Oregon Legislature. The classification would have meant that only licensed applicators could use the class of chemicals. Instead, the bill calls for creation of a Pollinator Health Task […]
Officials keep an eye on invasive Japanese beetle
By — Posted
Photo by Randy L. Rasmussen / The Oregonian Presently, Oregon remains officially Japanese-beetle free, thanks to the efforts of the state’s insect pest prevention and management program. According to an in-depth story recently published by The Oregonian, workers for the Oregon Department of Agriculture use pheromone and scent traps to catch any adult beetles, and […]
Oktoberpest lineup announced
By — Posted
Oregon State University and the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) have announced the lineup for this year’s Oktoberpest series of pest management workshops. A workshop on beneficial insects will be taught in English on Oct. 4 and Spanish on Oct. 11. That will be followed by a workshop on reducing the risk of […]
One stinky bug
By — Posted
Here’s some good information on the brown marmorated stink bug and how to fight it. (Photo by David R. Lance, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
OAN announces 2012 NW Ag Show seminars
By — Posted
The Oregon Association of Nurseries will present three hours of grower seminars from noon–3:10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the NW Ag Show. The show runs Jan. 24–26 at the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland, Ore. Your paid seminar registration includes admission to the expo floor. The seminars are as follows: Noon–1:10 […]
