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EAB or Native Borer? New Publication Shows the Difference

July 1, 2014

AMES, Iowa — The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that, in a matter of time, will destroy all ash trees. Because the bug has begun making its way across Iowa, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach entomologist, in collaboration with an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship entomologist, has written a new publication to help Iowans identify signs of the pest under the bark.

Turfgrass Rust

August 8, 2014

Rust is a fungal disease caused by several species of Puccinia.  All turfgrass species are susceptible to rust.  However, it is most commonly seen on perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. 
 
From a distance, rust infected turf has a yellow-brown color.  Close examination of rust-infected grass blades reveals numerous yellow-orange pustules.  Rust can be easily diagnosed by walking across the lawn.  As one walks across the lawn, bright orange spores of the rust fungus rub off onto one’s shoes. 

Control of Foliar Diseases on Tomatoes

July 25, 2014

Septoria leaf spot and early blight are common foliar diseases of tomatoes in home gardens.  Fungal diseases overwinter on plant debris in the soil.  Fungal spores are splashed onto plant foliage by raindrops or splashing water and invade the plant tissue when leaf surfaces are wet.  Rainy weather in spring and early summer favors development of foliar diseases on tomatoes. 

 

Grasshoppers in the Home Garden

July 23, 2014

Grasshoppers are an occasional pest in Iowa farms and gardens.  The number of grasshoppers varies greatly from year to year and from place to place.  This appears to be one of the years when at least some growers and gardeners are going to see more than the usual number.

Periodical Cicada Flagging - The End is Near!

July 1, 2014

“All good things must come to an end” and that includes the cicada emergence of 2014.  Most of us will be sad to see them go, though many living in the midst of the emergence will be relieved that the cacophony of cicada singing will soon be over. 

Yard and Garden: Tackling Common Summer and Fall Tree Issues

August 7, 2014

Trees can become afflicted with problems that can change their appearance and overall health. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on fighting these issues. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu.

My magnolia is infested with magnolia scale.  What are my control options?

Magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum) is the largest scale insect in Iowa. Adult magnolia scale females are pinkish orange to brown, elliptical and up to one-half inch in diameter. Females give birth to their young (known as nymphs or crawlers) in late summer.

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed In Boone County

August 4, 2014

DES MOINES – Two adult Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetles have been collected from a trap in a residential tree in Boone and have been positively identified as EAB by a federal identifier. The trap was placed in the tree this summer after suspect galleries were found in an ash tree branch that fell during a storm.

A statewide quarantine restricting the movement of hardwood firewood, ash logs, wood chips and ash tree nursery stock out of Iowa into non-quarantined areas of other states was issued on Feb. 4, 2014 and remains in place.

 

Yard and Garden: Maintaining Your Yard in Summer

July 1, 2014

Summer marks the season when your lawn can look its best – if you know how to maintain it properly. Here are some tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on how to keep your lawn looking sharp during the year’s hottest months, with help from ISU Extension horticulturists.

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Johnson County

June 13, 2014

EAB, emerald ash borerDES MOINES – An adult Emerald Ash Borer submitted by an Iowa City resident to the Iowa EAB Team has been positively identified as the destructive beetle by a federal identifier. A follow-up examination of ash trees growing in the vicinity of where the beetle was collected has failed to confirm an infestation.

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Muscatine County

July 23, 2014

Iowa now has 11 infested counties after larva found in Muscatine

DES MOINES, Iowa – A larva collected by the Iowa EAB Team from a residential tree in Muscatine has been positively identified as the Emerald Ash Borer by a federal identifier. A statewide quarantine restricting the movement of hardwood firewood, ash logs, wood chips and ash tree nursery stock out of Iowa into non-quarantined areas of other states was issued on Feb. 4, 2014 and remains in place.

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