Author Archives: mcintyma
October 2018
Ringing in the New Year! The ‘Master Gardener New Year’ That Is!
‘Ringing in the New Year’ may sound like we are pushing the seasons a bit – but for the metro-area Master Gardener program, October 1st is the beginning of our new year. Like the start of any new year – we take the time to reflect on the past and look to a promising future.
As we reflect, we see a dedicated group of garden educators who have provided generous committed service as OSU Master Gardener volunteers! Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and passion with the community and your fellow Master Gardeners.
We look forward to a new year that will be full of fresh opportunities to educate and support our community in successful and sustainable gardening practices!
Thanks for the Volunteer Log Submissions!
Thank you to all of you who used our new online submission system or sent in your volunteer log sheets via email or snail mail! It is very impressive to see all the wonderful ways that you have been educating and serving the community! Immense thanks to you all for your dedicated service to the OSU MG program and the greater community!
It’s Not Too Late…Submit your Volunteer Log! For those of you, who have not submitted your volunteer log sheets, please send in your hours by Monday, October 8th. To review how to submit volunteer logs see the article at the bottom of this newsletter “New MG Volunteer Reporting System”.
We need all logs by that date to allow time to order new Master Gardener badges for those finishing their MG training and to have enough 2019 stickers for Veterans and trainees alike. Plus, we want to include your generous service contributions in the report sent to the state MG Program, which in turn is submitted to Oregon State University! Help us to highlight all the great garden education Metro Master Gardeners are spreading throughout the tri-county region!
Signed, Sealed and Delivered!
Remember every October a Conditions of Volunteer Service form needs to be ‘signed, sealed and delivered’. You can submit your signed form via the new online submission process (see article, ‘New MG Volunteer Reporting System’ at the bottom of this newsletter) or you can mail your signed form via snail mail to 200 Warner-Milne Drive, Oregon City, OR 97045 or email them to marcia.mcintyre@oregonstate.edu
For your convenience:
- How-to Maintain ‘active’ Master Gardener status (both Veterans and 2018 trainees)
- Conditions of Volunteer Service Form 2018-2019
- 2018 Metro-area Master Gardeners Volunteer Log Sheets
Expand your Garden Knowledge at the Fall MG Recertification Training
Our Fall MG Recertification Training is being held Saturday, November 10th, 8:00am to 3:30pm, at Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus, Event Center.
This annual event is a daylong continuing education opportunity. Earn 6 hours of continuing education/recertification credit by attending. Veteran MGs and new Veterans who trained in 2018 need 10 hours of recertification training annually to retain status as an ‘Active’ OSU Master Gardener. Fall Recertification is a great way to earn 6 hours of credit for 2019.
We have a stellar line-up of speakers. This year’s presenters all bring their wealth of experience from their work with OSU Extension Service.
- ‘The Science of Ecological Gardening: updates from the Garden Ecology Lab’ with Gail Langellotto Ph.D., OSU
- Plant ID – Beyond the Basics with Heather Stoven, OSU
- Update Japanese Beetle with Jessica Rendon, Oregon Department of Agriculture
- Pollinator Health with Andony Melathopooulos, OSU Assistant Professor, Pollinator Health Extensions
The event is free to all Master Gardeners both Veterans and those who trained in 2018.
Bring a snack to share on the community table and your own sack lunch.
2019 MG Training Spread the Word!
Some of you have said you have found your tribe, have nurtured a long-time passion or have expanded your garden knowledge through the Master Gardener training. Help spread the word about the MG training program and let your interested friends, family and colleagues know that registration for the 2019 Master Gardener training will open on November 1.
Interested individuals can sign-up for open registration notification on our Metro Master Gardener Website at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7EaeXLdybb-CBKZBje1gTJ8cFPnTqX4j_Gz6bTdHJgsxxOA/viewform
Once again, training classes are held in Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties.
More Continuing Education Opportunities
Many have enjoyed and learned from the Master Gardener Training Webinars, brought to us from Brooke Edmunds and her OSU colleagues.
3 more timely topics are being presented as live webinars in 2018.
- Monday 10/22 at 11am PT. Aaron Anderson (OSU Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticulture) will present First Look: OSU Research on Native Plants in the PNW Garden. Details and pre-registration here: https://learn.extension.org/events/3494
- Monday 11/19 at 11am PT. Melodie Putnam (OSU Plant Clinic) will present on The Weird and Wonderful World of Plant Galls. Details and pre-registration here: https://learn.extension.org/events/3493
- Monday 12/17 at 11am PT. Kaci Buhl (OSU Extension) will present on Weed Management in the Garden & Landscape: Understanding Herbicides. Details and pre-registration here: https://learn.extension.org/events/3501
If you missed any previous live webinars, recordings are also available from earlier 2018 webinars and the 2017 webinar recordings too!
New MG Volunteer Reporting System
We are excited to have a new online volunteer reporting system (via Qualtrics) to ease the process of submitting your volunteer hours and signed 2018-2019 Conditions of Volunteer Service form.
If you still need to submit your 2018 forms, please consider reporting using the online system – follow the links re-sent to you in an email from Marcia McIntyre on October 2nd
The online system prompts you through several questions to record your volunteer hours, a space to upload your volunteer log sheet, plus the opportunity for you to rate your satisfaction with the Master Gardener program. A separate link allows you to upload your signed, Conditions of Volunteer Service Form.
You still need to record your volunteer hours onto a Word or Excel form – but now you can upload those hours via the new online system.
NOTE: You can refer to your CERVIS log to track your hours – but you also need to log all CERVIS hours on your volunteer log sheet. Most “Program” hours are recorded in CERVIS. “Partner” events and activities are not recorded in CERVIS. Be sure to record all your volunteer hours and continuing education hours on your log sheet.
When Pesticides Change
Natter’s Notes
When Pesticides Change
Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener
You know the rule about pesticides: “Read and follow label directions.”
Well, that catchy little phrase has become more critical than ever. Several popular home-use products have changed their formulations with minimal fanfare. There’s no indication of “new” on the label.
To compound the confusion, labels on the revised formulation closely resemble the old ones. Unless the user is more observant than average, it’s very likely something may go awry. The application method may have changed; the precautions may have been modified; and/or the end result may be different than expected.
The explanations below were published in “When Familiar Pesticides Change.” (“Pests in the Urban Landscape;” August 29, 2018. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=28074)
When Sevin is no longer carbaryl
Sevin is a familiar insecticide brand name for home gardeners used to control insects in lawns, on ornamental plants, and on vegetables. Sevin and the active ingredient carbaryl are practically synonymous. Recently, the active ingredient in some Sevin products was changed from carbaryl (a carbamate) to zeta-cypermethrin (a pyrethroid).” . . . This pyrethroid is less toxic to mammals but both carbaryl and zeta-cypermethrin are highly toxic to bees and aquatic species. The new label on Sevin Insect Killer states that it controls more pests than the old product containing carbaryl, which may seem great, but the product may also kill some of the good bugs like lady beetles (ladybugs).
Another very important difference is the time the products can safely be applied on fruits and vegetables before harvest (called preharvest interval or PHI). Following the PHI reduces your pesticide exposure when you eat the food. For fruits such as apples and peaches, the PHI for the zeta-cypermethrin Sevin is 14 days, but for the Sevin with carbaryl it’s 3 days. For other fruits and vegetables, the PHI for the new Sevin label may be shorter than the carbaryl label. Again, check the label.
When Roundup is no longer glyphosate
Another familiar pesticide name is Roundup, a product known historically for containing the herbicide active ingredient glyphosate. Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, now produces an extensive line of Roundup products containing multiple active ingredients, rather than just glyphosate alone. Many of these products contain triclopyr or diquat in addition to glyphosate. Some don’t contain any glyphosate at all
“Roundup Landscape Weed Killer” is a new product which contains pendimethalin instead of glyphosate. It’s both a non-selective herbicide and a pre-emergent.
When Corry’s Slug and Snail Killer is no longer metaldehyde
In 2012, the active ingredient of the well-known Corry’s Slug and Snail Killer was changed from metaldehyde to sodium ferric EDTA, but the general look of the product box didn’t change. This relatively new active ingredient is less toxic and less attractive to dogs and still effective against snails and slugs. However, the amount users apply and how quickly it works both differ from the previous active ingredient. If you are familiar with the old product you may have noticed a change, but unless you read the label, you may not know why.
A Bonus Snippet on a different topic
MGs who volunteered this summer probably received multiple inquiries about the seemingly overabundant wasps this summer. Well, the general public is seriously confused concerning the differences among bees, yellowjackets, and paper wasps. When they see a somewhat elongated yellow and black insect, they assume “wasp;” that is, yellowjacket. (Don’t bother asking how I know.)
But yellowjackets have a near twin: European paper wasps, Polistes dominulus, invasive insects officially identified in Oregon years ago. Most paper wasps are mild-mannered whereas P. dominulus is nasty. To easily differentiate them from yellowjackets, check the antennae. Text and images are at “Invasive paper wasp responsible for increasing yellow jacket complaints.” (http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=11412 )
PDF Version:
When Pesticides Change
Horticultural Updates – October 2018
By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener
October 2018
Find the identity of a mystery tree! Try your hand at identifying a tree genus using a dichotomous key. Great practice! (Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest, OSU) https://bit.ly/2p1ogVe
Chemicals found in vegetables prevent colon cancer in mice. “Chemicals produced by vegetables such as kale, cabbage and broccoli could help to maintain a healthy gut and prevent colon cancer, a new study shows.” (The Francis Crick Institute via sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2QnsVNV
The chemistry of aubergine (eggplant) colour, bitterness and browning. (Compoundchem.com) https://bit.ly/2ol9OXY
When the seed becomes a plant, it has 48 hours to survive. “When a seed germinates, it only has two days to turn into a seedling capable of photosynthesis, before having exhausted its reserves. In a new study, researchers reveal the underlying mechanism of this process.” (University of Geneva via sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2oXrCZo
The rewards of chasing nectar. “We know that flowers entice pollinators with nectar, but how much and what causes a flower to produce as much or as little nectar as it does.” (Amy Parachnowitsch, Jessamyn Manson & Nina Sletvold via Botanyone) https://bit.ly/2x7B1Bw
The walking and jumping of Equisetum (Horsetail) spores-watch the cool video! (Philippe Marmottant, youtube.com) https://bit.ly/2QiqnAy
The Polish entomologist who invented puppet animation films. (Jacek Borowski, thefirstnews.com) https://bit.ly/2QkMlmB
Photo credit: Purdue Extension
Bringing houseplants back indoors. “Many houseplants thrive during the long, bright summer days, especially when properly moved outdoors. But these plants may have some trouble adjusting back to indoor conditions when colder weather strikes.” (Rosie Lerner, Purdue Extension) https://bit.ly/2x7s5gd
Ladybug, where have you gone? Aphid fighters tend to roam. (Dean Fosdick, phys.org) https://bit.ly/2x5xQLf
The Poison Gardens of Alnwick Garden– behind a locked gate, there’s the Poison Garden: it contains only poisonous plants. Watch the video tour. (Tom Scott, youtube.com) https://bit.ly/2QnMsh3
Rhododendron? Hydrangea? America Doesn’t Know Anymore. “The country has a growing case of ‘plant blindness’—a term used by botanists to describe the inability to identify basic plants. Even biologists struggle.”(Douglas Belkin, wsj.com) https://on.wsj.com/2nLv1u3
Save your vegetable seeds for next years’ planting. “You can save vegetable seeds from your garden produce to plant next year. Seed saving involves selecting suitable plants from which to save seed, harvesting seeds at the right time and storing them properly over the winter.” (University of Minnesota Extension) https://bit.ly/2N58ash
Parasitic vines that feed on parasitic wasps that feed on trees (Veronique Greenwood, nytimes.com) https://nyti.ms/2NDc7DY
Bees love blue fluorescent light, and not just any wavelength will do. (OSU via sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2QjysoR
How eggplants became Asian: Genomes and elephants tell the story. “The evolutionary context of the eggplant was until recently very poorly known. Historical documents and genetic data have shown that the eggplant was first domesticated in Asia, but most of its wild relatives are from Africa.”(University of Helsinki, via sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2QkszYm
Why mosquitoes bite some people more than others. (Richard Halfpenny, Staffordshire University, via theconversation.com) https://bit.ly/2N5r3vp
New process in root development discovered. Scientists uncover communication at the root tip. “As the plant root grows, a root cap protects its fragile tip. Every few hours, the old cap is lost and a new one replaces it. Researchers have now, for the first time, observed regular cycles of root tip loss and regrowth in real time. In doing so, they uncovered the signal and receptor that coordinate this process.” (Institute of Science and Technology, via sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2xbw8ID
A dangerous parasitic illness spread by bugs that bite people’s faces at night is spreading in the US, doctors warn. (iflscience.com) https://bit.ly/2QmNhHe
Why Victorian gardeners loathed magenta. “For decades, British and American gardeners avoided magenta flowers. The color had associations with the unnatural and the poisonous.” (Allison Meier, Sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2MUmQdC
The bark side of the force “-What forces enable trees to stand upright? To grow straight, plants need a motor system that controls their posture by generating forces to offset gravity. Scientists have long thought that this motor force was controlled only by the internal forces induced in wood. In a new study, scientists show that bark is also involved in the generation of mechanical stresses in several tree species.” (CNRS, via sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2ASZsaT
When roots crack and worms crunch. “Roots can be “listened to” while growing – and worms when burrowing. Researchers … present a new method for soil analysis.” (Michael Walther, ETH Zurich, via phys.org) https://bit.ly/2MixFkI
Insectivorous birds consume annually as much energy as the city of New York! (University of Basel, phys.org) https://bit.ly/2Ms8hcs
A conversation between plants’ daily and aging clocks. “Scientists have found out how the two clocks talk to each other genetically…”(Institute for Basic Science via sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2N47IdK
Control Freaks-Scientists spent years on a plan to import this wasp to kill stinkbugs. Then it showed up on its own in New Jersey. (Kelly Servick, Sciencemag.org) https://bit.ly/2p1oNXe
Great photos of spiders found in Oregon! (ODA, via flickr.com) https://bit.ly/2CHQ8Yi
Great info on how design a school garden. (kidsgardening.org) https://bit.ly/2p2rU17
Celebrating and Honoring Jordis Yost
After 22 years as the Metro-area, OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, Jordis Yost retired on July 31st and is starting a new chapter in her life.
We are both excited for Jordis and her family, yet very sad to see her go!
Jordis started her adventure (career) with OSU by taking the Master Gardener training in 1992 with her husband Michael. Their goal was to get a handle on how to maintain their amazing property in rural Multnomah County.
Jordis believed so strongly in the power of community-based outreach and engagement that she applied for a job with the MG program in 1996. Since then, she has supported 1000s of volunteers in the Master Gardener training and volunteer experience.
Jordis has embodied the spirit of community and volunteerism during her tenure with OSU. Patience, a sense of humor, and purpose-driven investment of time and energy are just some of the traits that Jordis has brought to her work. Jordis also served in volunteer support roles for the Master Recycler, Master Watershed Stewards, and Metro Natural Gardening programs along the way.
Jordis has guided, and educated Master Gardeners with a delightful sense of humor, levelheaded perspective, kindness, and grace. We are immensely grateful to Jordis for her dedicated service, hard work and steadfast commitment to the OSU Master Gardener program and the Master Gardener volunteers.
Our heartfelt thanks to you Jordis!
Wishing you a wonderful retirement!
On September 2nd, OSU Master Gardeners, OSU Extension staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate and honor Jordis. Here is a snippet of photos from the festivities…
Photo courtesy of Sharon Andrews
September 2018
It’s Harvest Season!
Not only in the garden, but also as an OSU Master Gardener volunteer – it’s harvest season! Time to gather and record your hours of volunteer service and submit your volunteer log sheet, prior to the October 1st deadline.
Metro-area Master Gardeners, you are stellar in your contributions educating and supporting the gardening public, and we want to share that fantastic fact!
The October 1st deadline allows the metro MG program office enough time to compile and share the great news of your tremendous contributions with the state Master Gardener program and OSU Extension Service.
Help us get those statistics to the state level by recording and submitting your hours this month! We will share the grand totals at our Fall Recertification Training.
New MG Volunteer Reporting System
We are excited to have a new online volunteer reporting system (via Qualtrics) to ease the process of submitting your volunteer hours and signed 2018-2019 Conditions of Volunteer Service form.
To report using the online system – follow the links sent to you in an email from Marcia McIntyre on August 28th.
The online system prompts you through several questions to record your volunteer hours, a space to upload your volunteer log sheet, plus the opportunity for you to rate your satisfaction with the Master Gardener program. A separate link allows you to upload your signed, Conditions of Volunteer Service Form.
You still need to record your volunteer hours onto a Word or Excel form – but now you can upload those hours via the new online system.
NOTE: You can refer to your CERVIS log to track your hours – but you also need to log all CERVIS hours on your volunteer log sheet. Most “Program” hours are recorded in CERVIS. “Partner” events and activities are not recorded in CERVIS. Be sure to record all your volunteer hours and continuing education hours on your log sheet.
A special thank you to those who have already submitted your hours! Great going early birds!
For those of you who are still seeking Recertification/continuing education or volunteer opportunities look for some great opportunities below.
How to Maintain Master Gardener Certification
Need a refresher on how to maintain your Master Gardener certification? Here you can find the details. Whether you are a 2018 trainee or a Veteran MG, to continue to serve as a “current” OSU Master Gardener you must submit an annual, signed Conditions of Volunteer Service form. A 2019 certification sticker will be given to all MGs who meet the criteria and submit their signed forms.
Fun fall volunteer opportunities, sign-up on CERVIS!
- MG Clinic Table @ Hillsboro Ace Hardware Grand Opening! Friday and Saturday, September 7th and 8th. Fun event with the opportunity to educate the eager gardening public. Sign-up on CERVIS.
- Farmers Markets – opportunities to volunteer at a Farmers Market remain for Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsdale, Lake Oswego, Lents, and Tigard. Grab an open slot on CERVIS
Guide home gardeners through the fall and winter season!
As the days shorten and the temperatures cool, a new host of gardening conundrums perplex the home gardener. You can assist and expand your own knowledge, collaborating with other MGs as you research and advise gardeners. Sign-up on CERVIS or contact a phone coordinator.
- Clackamas County Phones, Janet Hohman, 503-655-8631 janet.hohman@oregonstate.edu
- Multnomah County Phones, Susan Marcus, 503-703-4937 susanmultphones@gmail.com
- Washington County Phones, Jenifer Halter, 503-821-1112 jenifer.halter@oregonstate.edu
Celebrating and Honoring Jordis
We bid a fond and grateful farewell to Jordis Yost – Read more here!
Save the Date! Saturday, November 10th – FALL RECERTIFICATION!
Gail Langellotto will be presenting ‘The Science of Ecological Gardening’ at the 2018 Fall Recertification
Our annual Master Gardener Fall Recertification Training is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th, 8:00am to 3:30pm, at Portland Community College – Rock Creek Campus. This annual event is a daylong continuing education opportunity. Earn 6 hours of continuing education/recertification credit by attending.
A great line-up of speakers is forming. We are thrilled to announce that OSU’s Andony Melathopoulos, Gail Langellotto and Heather Stoven will be part of our line-up of guest presenters.
*Attendance and participation at the November 10th, Fall Recertification Training counts as 6 hours continuing education credit for the 2018-2019 Master Gardener Volunteer Season. Record your attendance on your 2019 Volunteer Log.
2018 Master Gardener Trainees to Receive OSU MG Badges
Our November 10th, Fall Recertification Training (see details above), also gives us the opportunity to congratulate the new class of Master Gardener interns as they step-up to Veteran status after completing their volunteer requirements.
We will present 2018 Interns with their OSU Extension Service Master Gardener badges and a big shout-out for successfully completing the program. 2018 Interns are cordially invited to attend the full day of training – which will count toward your continuing education/recertification hours for 2019.
Two of Our Own Honored
We know very well, the tremendous contributions metro-area Master Gardeners accomplish through their volunteer service. Now the public knows a bit more after two of our very own metro-area Master Gardeners were honored.
Eve Freeman and Nancy Muir received the Fox News 12 “Be the Change Award” for their dedicated work, growing vegetables for area food banks – along with their fellow MG volunteers, at the Clackamas County Master Gardener’s “Grow an Extra Row” garden.
Congratulations Eve and Nancy for your remarkable dedication and service!
Continuing Education Opportunities
Are you a Veteran MG who is seeking opportunities for continuing education (recertification) credits before September 30th? Here are a few great options to further your education and help to fulfill the annual minimum requirement to maintain your OSU MG certification.
- Advanced Training Webinars
A great way to further your garden education – watching recordings of the OSU Master Gardener Advanced Training Webinars. The webinars focus on a garden pest or disease, with an OSU expert recommending Integrated Pest Management techniques for control. Each webinar viewed earns 1 hour of continuing education credits.
2018 Advance Training Webinars
If you did not get a chance to watch the 2017 training webinars – you can also view those webinars for continuing education credit.
2017 Advance Training Webinars
*List any Advanced Training Webinars that you view on your Volunteer Log Sheet.
- Metro-area Master Gardener Online Training Modules
Another great way to earn continuing education credit is to view the 2018 metro-area Master Gardener training modules. Each module that you view and successfully pass the module’s quiz, counts for 2 hours continuing education. Earlier in the year, you received an email with a link to access the online content, along with instructions. If you no longer have that link and access, please email: marcia.mcintyre@oregonstate.edu
Two more great videos with garden tips and tricks.
Fall Into Gardening
Master Gardeners Invited to Join Parade
Needed: A dozen Extension parade walkers!
Beaver supporters of any age or ability are welcomed and from any town or city! Wagon to wheel chair!
If you would enjoy walking slowly in 1.5 mile “Celebrate Beaverton” parade route for one hour representing OSU Extension in Washington County with Benny Beaver, signs and balloon decos, lots of swag to hand out we need YOU!!
Saturday, September 8
Meeting at 9 am at Beaverton Christian Church
Parade begins at 10 am
Last entry finishes at 12pm at Griffith Park
Only requirement is that you dress for your program area (MG shirts, 4-H shirts, Food Hero, Porta Potty Princess,….hold a tree branch, bring your dog – you get the idea and we’ll help) OR in a provided Extension t-shirt….and have fun!
We hope to have each program area represented through some type of creative signage, decorated hat or clothing. Historical dress is great as the parade theme is “Looking Back, Stepping Forward”.
Our goal is showing our program areas to the viewers.
If interested or questions please see or contact Vicki 503-821-1127.
Thank you for your spirit!
Horticultural Updates – September 2018
By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener
September 2018
Drought driving more yellowjackets into backyards this year. (Kym Pokorny, OSU) https://bit.ly/2B572zw
More wasp news– Why are there so many wasps right now, and why do they seem to be getting angrier? (Iflscience.com) https://bit.ly/2OXxDkO
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets, Oh My! – 2018 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series. (Lynn Braband, learnextension.org) https://bit.ly/2nqmzQu
UK heatwave exposes ancient Chatsworth House gardens. (BBC.com) https://bbc.in/2Abe9FO
New invasive ‘aggressive biter’ tick spreads across multiple US states, sparks concern. (Whew! It’s not in Oregon yet!) (James Rogers, Foxnews.com) https://fxn.ws/2Megapv
Genomic study ties insect evolution to the ability to detect airborne odors. (U of Illinois via Eurekalert.org) https://bit.ly/2AXc9BF
Fossils shine light on the history of gall-making wasps (Indefenseofplants) https://bit.ly/2OYGgM7
30 Oregon plant species at risk of extinction. (Kale Williams, oregonlive.com) https://bit.ly/2KFzeZc
Step inside 12 of England’s most beautiful gardens. (Alex Schechter, smithsonianmag.com) https://bit.ly/2vSiM2s
The horticulture industry’s age problem is bigger than you think. “There’s an age gap in commercial horticulture, a drastic and obvious lack of people under the age of 40.” (Adrian Higgins, washingtonpost.com) https://wapo.st/2OV8BTp
Tiny paragliding beetle that lived with dinosaurs discovered in amber. (Eurekalert.org) https://bit.ly/2vXLoaC
What is growing in my landscape mulch? Possibly Mushrooms, Slime Molds, Bird’s Nest Fungus, or Artillery Fungus. (Elizabeth A. Brantley, Donald D. David and Larry J. Kuhns; Penn State U) https://bit.ly/2OnVgli
The chemistry of spinach: the iron myth and ‘spinach teeth.’(Compoundchem.com) https://bit.ly/2MyOgla
More discussion and research on barerooting/rootwashing plants– shrubs, woody perennials, and herbaceous perennials. Learn what WSU’s Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott has to say. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/2AVks0F
Conventional and organic product overview for home vegetable gardeners in Tennessee. While specific to Tennessee this pdf has a lot of helpful info on different pesticides.
NOTE: Master Gardeners only use OSU references for pesticide recommendations, and only refer brand names if included in such references.)
(Natalie Bumgarner, Zachariah Hansen & Karen Vail; University of Tennessee Extension) https://bit.ly/2vSj35u
Nature really doesn’t like Hard Rock music (but Folk is OK.) (iflscience.com) https://bit.ly/2MyGIyI
With a sniff and a signal, these dogs hunt down threats to bees. “In Maryland, a state employee is training dogs to inspect hives for harmful bacteria — a crucial job as honeybees are sent around the country to pollinate crops.” (Tejal Rao, New York Times) https://nyti.ms/2KMQ6Oj
Fierce weapon: New wasp species with giant stinger discovered in Amazon region. Ouch! (Bret Mollina, USAtoday.com) https://usat.ly/2KIdaxb
The botanical artist who translates plant science into beautiful art. The Smithsonian’s first and only botanical illustrator brings her subjects to life in all their scientific glory. (Leila McNeill, Smithsonianmag.com) https://bit.ly/2OQPCtb
After 17 years and 1,800 tests, researchers find Cat flea pesticide remains effective. (Ed Ricciuti, Entomologytoday.org) https://bit.ly/2AXXB4H
Are there plants that produce nectar that is poisonous to either honey bees or humans? (John Skinner, University of Tennessee; extension.org) https://bit.ly/2tuYgoc
Insect Identification: Experts and guides to ID that bug you found. Great list of resources! (Entomologytoday.org) https://bit.ly/2M7Ypcw
Host plants tell insects when to grow longer wings and migrate (Laura Lavine & Scott Weybright, WSU; new.wsu.edu) https://bit.ly/2MzqGF1
Insect invaders: Perils of global trade– Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Spotted Wing Drosophila and more. (David Eddy. Growing produce.com) https://bit.ly/2M7MM5k
Want to know why your plant is not setting fruit? Sex and the Single Squash: A study in plant sex, sexuality, reproduction, and seed saving. (John Porter, gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/2nw7UUd
Why do tumbleweeds tumble? (Deeplook via youtube.com) https://bit.ly/2nqpNnl
Tropical forests suffered near-record tree losses in 2017. (Brad Plumer, nytimes.com) https://nyti.ms/2MdZ4sa
Beyond dead dirt: healthy soil is alive. “Most people would probably be surprised to know that bacterial cells out number human cells in our bodies by 10-to-1 and that just one teaspoon of healthy soil contains more than 1 billion bacteria and fungi (microbes for short). Yuck, right? Well, not exactly.” (Sara Via, U of MD; Marylandgrows.umd) https://bit.ly/2M4vMwG
How do you name an insect? Bry the Fly Guy explains. (Lish Fejer, abc.net) https://ab.co/2AXYvy7
Another rough year for Willamette Valley trees, Part 1. (Brad Withrow-Robinson, OSU Extension; blogs.oregonstate.edu) https://bit.ly/2nqqoFv
What do Earwigs do with those pincers anyway? (Josh Cassidy, Kqed.org) https://bit.ly/2KjWWuB
Pesticides, People, and Pollinators: Answers to tricky pesticide questions for Master Gardeners. (Alicia Leytem & April Strid, NIPC; youtube.com) https://bit.ly/2OUikt4
How spiders use silk to fly-VIDEO. James Gorman & Christopher Whitworth, nytimes.com) https://nyti.ms/2no647F
Don’t touch! a scientist’s advice for spotting poison ivy before it ruins your summer. (Blake Farmer, npr.org) https://n.pr/2noPhkQ
New research showcases the best and brightest fathers of the insect world! (Adrienne Antonsen, Entomologytoday.org) https://bit.ly/2tl7cLI
A host of Hostas. Hostas are a go-to plant for almost any gardener dealing with shade to part-shade in the garden (Carol Papas, Master Gardener; Penn State University) https://bit.ly/2MyPjl6
How many ant species are there on Earth? About 20,000 (myrmecologicalnews.org) https://bit.ly/2OTkJUK
Mans’, and now, plants’ best friend: Dogs can detect agricultural diseases early. Study shows dogs can sniff out laurel wilt-infected avocado trees well in advance. (Sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2sV4jRD
Aloe or Agave? “Convergent evolution is the process by which unrelated organisms evolve similar traits in response to similar environmental constraints. One amazing example of convergent evolution has occurred among the Aloe and Agave.” (Indefenseofplants.com) https://bit.ly/2M7ZPnm
Huge, hollow Baobab trees are actually multiple fused stems. “Young trees, the researchers note, are usually single-stemmed. But as the trees grow, they produce new stems from roots or fallen stems. And over time, those stems grow and fuse with the older ones, producing the mammoth trees now found across Africa.” https://bit.ly/2AXLkND
Camouflaged plants use the same tricks as animals. (University of Exeter, United Kingdom; Exeter.ac.uk/news) https://bit.ly/2AXZ9f1
Popular OSU publication REVISED for 2018: Vegetable Variety Trials-2017, EM 8777-10 (Brooke Edmunds, Shinji Kawai, Jim Myers, OSU) https://bit.ly/2IWEYgR
How to remove a tick (More tick info at link also). “If you find a tick attached to your skin, there’s no need to panic—the key is to remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers work very well.” (cdc.gov) https://bit.ly/2nSlO3S
Avoid wearing this color if you hate spiders. (Rosie McCalll, Iflscience.com) https://bit.ly/2nm2meG
Trees in the rainforest make their own rain. (Wochitnews, via Youtube) https://bit.ly/2vXO2NA
Six years ago, about four of these butterflies existed. This is how science saved them. (David Goodhue, miamiherald.com) https://hrld.us/2OWBLkU
Beautiful plant species newly discovered in India; Brachystelma ananthapuramense. (novataxablogspot.com) https://bit.ly/2MxGw2W
Coping with the Heat; Leafrollers on Succulents; Japanese Beetle Update
Natter’s Notes
Coping with the Heat; Leafrollers on Succulents;
Japanese Beetle Update
Jean R. Natter, OSU Master Gardener
Japanese Beetle Update from ODA
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has completed its main treatment operations for Japanese beetle for 2018. From April 2 to June 1, ODA and General Tree Service, a contracted pesticide applicator, treated approximately 5,800 residences, 5 schools and 4 parks, 2 shopping centers and 1 golf course for Japanese beetle in Washington County. This number was increased from the 2,100 homes treated in 2017. In addition, an area of Portland International Airport and about 30 homes in Oakland, OR, were also treated due to beetle detections in 2017.
Community support for the project is very positive. We received consent to treat from over 5,100 residents! This success of this project depends on this kind of support from the community. We also served around 400 administrative warrants to residences from which we had not received a response. Residents have been sending in reports of beetle sightings. Thankfully, almost all of the reports of “serious infestations” of Japanese beetle have been determined to be box elder bug or other pests. [Editor’s emphasis.]
The project has entered trapping and detection phase for 2018. Seasonal survey staff are in the process of deploying 5,900 traps to detect Japanese beetle throughout the greater Portland metro area and the northern Willamette Valley. . .
It’s still too early to make any conclusions about success of the project from this season’s data, but early numbers are very encouraging. Our first detection of JB in Washington County this year was on June 17. . . As of July 21, 2018, we have captured 386 beetles total in the 9 traps. At the same time in 2017, we had captured 2961 . . . these numbers are early and there are many more traps to check, but a reduction is good news, especially in the most active beetle areas. Final trap catch numbers will tell the whole story, and will be available late Summer/early Fall . . .
Our containment operations are also in full swing. Curbside yard debris bin contents are being redirected to Hillsboro landfill, as they were in 2017. Debris moved offsite by landscapers working in the quarantine area are being reminded and encouraged to take debris to our drop-off site at Northwest Landscape services. Residents in the area and landscapers that we have contact information for have been sent two reminders this season. Flyers in English and Spanish are also available on our project website, https://www.japanesebeetlepdx.info/prevention.html.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture would like to express its sincere appreciation to the residents in the Japanese Beetle treatment area for their cooperation, as well as all of the partner agencies that have offered support, advice, time and energy to the project. This eradication is one of the largest ever undertaken by the department and would not be possible without the help of the community and partner agencies. This is a multi-year project, and is proposed to continue until 2021. . . In the meantime, . . . check for updates on www.JapaneseBeetlePDX.info.
Coping w/ the continuing heat:
– Water early morning (by 6 am) or late day.
– Don’t assume a droopy plant is dry; check the soil with a trowel or finger. Excess soil water can kill.
– Realize that plants (and soil or potting mix) are drying more rapidly than usual. (Blossom end rot is rampant during heat waves because of erratic water supply.)
– Move containers to the shade and/or rig temporary shade 18 inches above sensitive plants.
– Mulch: Add two inches of bark dust or, for shrubs and trees, 4 inches of bark chips.
– Don’t fertilize.
– Mow the lawn high, at 3 inches or so.
Oblique banded leafroller on succulents
Leafrollers and leaftiers are common minor pests of various trees but, this year, the oblique banded leafroller has targeted several succulents, making an unsightly mess of tip growth, precisely where the flower buds should be. The victims: two rather stately sedum cultivars, ‘Matrona’ and ‘Autumn Joy.’ The remedy is simple: Pull the webbing apart and squish the little beasts. See “leafroller and leaftier” in the PNW Insect Management Handbook: https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-leafroller-leaftier.
PDF version
Coping with the Heat; Leafrollers on Succulents; Japanese Beetle Update PDF
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