What they lack in speed, they make up in ability to eat and procreate. Giant African land snails — and by giant, we mean up to a foot long — have proliferated in several neighborhoods in Miami, Fla. Like all slugs and snails, these ghastly gastropods do eat plants, but these are also a threat […]
OSU publishes gardener’s guide to invasives
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Oregon State University has published a new guide aimed at helping gardeners prevent the introduction of invasive plants. “Invasive Species: What Gardeners Need to Know” is a free, downloadable PDF. “Biologists estimate that between 30 and 80 percent of invasive plant species introduced to the United States originated as garden plants,” said Linda McMahan, one […]
Learn about integrated pest management at Oktoberpest workshops
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It’s almost that time of year again, for beer, sausage … and bugs. That’s right — the lineup for the annual OktoberPest workshop series is all set. Sessions will be offered every Thursday in October at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center, 15201 N.E. Miley Road, Aurora, Ore. The series is aimed at helping nursery, […]
ODA approves seven butterfly bush cultivars
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The Oregon Department of Agriculture today approved seven butterfly bush selections. They are: FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Blueberry Cobbler Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Peach Cobbler Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY™ Pink Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY PETITE™ Snow White Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Sweet Marmalade Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Tangerine Dream Nectar Bush FLUTTERBY GRANDÉ™ Vanilla Nectar Bush Since the end […]
Emerald ash borer detected in Iowa
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The emerald ash borer has been found in another state for the first time.
OSU scores $5.8 million grant to research fruit fly
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Oregon State University tentatively has scored a $5.8 million grant to battle the spotted wing drosophila. As we reported last fall, this fruit fly has been attacking ripe fruit in the Pacific Northwest and causing widespread damage. Fruit and berry growers are the main victims, but nurseries growing fruit trees and shrubs also have reason […]
Approval process announced for legal butterfly bush cultivars
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Some say the butterfly bush is beautiful, but in Oregon, it’s also invasive. On January 1, 2010, the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s ban on butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii and Buddleja varabilis) as a noxious weed took effect. This means the plant no longer can be transported, sold, offered for sale, grown or propagated in Oregon, […]
Missouri bans walnut products from nine states
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In an attempt to halt the devastating spread of thousand cankers disease, which afflicts black walnut trees, the state of Missouri has issued an emergency quarantine banning the importation of “walnut products” from nine Western states. According to Missouri officials, “The ban applies to nursery stock, unprocessed lumber, logs, wood chips, mulch and other products […]
Pest management techniques for the deadly Gnomis elegantis
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Perhaps the most deadly invasive pest seen in decades is invading the United States, but don’t worry, Utah State Extension is on the case, as the video shows. (Courtesy of Ed Jahn of OPB, via Robin Rosetta of NWREC.)
Handbooks deal with insects, diseases and weeds (oh my)
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Oregon State University has published three new handbooks, aimed at gardeners, which provide the latest ways of dealing with insect pests, weeds, and plant diseases. There are print editions that can be purchased from bookstores, from an online store, or by calling the OSU Extension and Experiment Station Communications at 800-561-6719. There are also online […]