*IMPORTANT NOTICE*
The University of Delaware Nematode Assay Service will not accept soil samples for nematode larval enumeration from May 15, 2012 through July 1, 2012. The Nematode Assay service will start accepting samples again July 1, 2012. Trouble-shooting plant samples, including root knot nematode, and SCN egg counts will still be accepted. Upon restart in July, forms will be revised. Fee changes will be as follows, effective July 1, 2012
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Routine nematode assay, includes enumeration of plant parasitic nematode larvae- $20
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Routine nematode assay for plant parasitic nematodes for tree fruits and grape - $25
Counting of individuals is necessary for Xiphinema nematodes often found in these samples which takes more time
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Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) egg assay - $10
- Routine nematode assay plus SCN egg assay - $30
The Diagnostic Clinic will be contact point both for soil and plant samples and the website will continue to be updated for information and forms. Please e-mail with any questions.
May 15, 2012 is the 150th anniversary of the formation of the United States Department of Agriculture, as enacted by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862!! Fighting plant pathogens was important even during the Civil War! Please see the link below:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=USDA150
Swiss Needlecast on Douglas Fir
Swiss needlecast is an increasing problem on Douglas fir trees. This fungal disease results in yellow to brown tips of second and third year needles on lower branches. Needles will drop in late summer. Look for fungal fruiting bodies along the stomates on the underside of the needles. Fungicide sprays must be used to control this disease when spores are released in the early spring during wet weather. Spray when new shoots are 1/2 to 1 inch long and spray again two weeks later. Please contact your local Cooperative Extension office for recommendations on specific fungicides to use.
Image, Susan Hagle, USDA Forest Service
SPRING CLEAN UP
“Starting clean in the spring is something everyone can do to avoid some disease problems. Spring is a good time to clean gardening tools and pruners. A mild soap solution can be used, or a 10% bleach solution, but rinse well and dry tools to avoid rust and corrosion. A 70% alcohol solution can be used to wipe off pruners. Sanitation in the garden is important. Do not re-use soil from pots that had plants with disease last year. Examine plants when you purchase them and avoid wilted or off-color plants, or ones with atypical spots. Avoid plants that are pot bound or with unhealthy roots. Be cautious when dividing perennials, and do not share anything with obvious signs of insects or disease. Do not bring plants or plant parts back from vacation destinations out of state.
NEW PARKING SPOT for 15 minute drop-off is outside the north end of Townsend Hall, next to the motorcycle parking, down the row from the handicapped spots.
Sweet Corn Stewart's Wilt Predictor for 2012
2012 Christmas Tree Production Class covered important insect pests and diseases that affect Christmas Trees in Delaware.
Instructors: Brian Kunkel, Nancy Gregory, Jeffrey Brothers
Click here for the presentation
NEW! Two Nematode Sampling Videos Featuring Bob Mulrooney
Diagnosing Nematode Damage in the Field
UD CANR YouTube Soybean Cyst Nematode
Soybean Cyst Nematode Fact Sheet
SCN Management
September 28, 2011
New virus confirmed in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia soybeans. We have seen samples from DE and MD with unusual leaf spot symptoms that are often limited to the veins. This virus disease, soybean vein necrosis virus, has been confirmed by PCR for samples from all three counties in Delaware. Symptoms can resemble Phyllosticta leaf spot or Cercospora leaf blight caused by Cercospora kikuchii..
Symptoms of soybean vein necrosis virus NFG
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug 2011
Link to University of Maryland Fact Sheet BMSB
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THOUSAND CANKERS DISEASE OF WALNUT IN PENNSYLVANIA AND VIRGINIA
Thousand Cankers Disease of Walnut was confirmed in 2011 in Bucks County, PA. This find comes three weeks after a find in Virginia. This disease may already be present in our area, but has not been detected. Look for dying walnut trees showing thinning of branches in June. Samples should be submitted to the UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Please see the PA press release:
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_75292_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/ProgramDetail.aspx?name=Thousand-Cankers-Disease&navid=12&parentnavid=0&palid=137&
DuPont has created a web site to deal with cutomer questions regarding Imprelis injury
http://www.imprelis-facts.com/
Follow this link to general Plant Disease Info
General Plant Disease Fact Sheets
Control of Artillery Fungus in Mulch!
Link to New Delaware Fact Sheet on Things That Grow in MulchLink to
New for 2011 Fungicides and Bactericides Available for Home Use
Click below for information on:
Fungicide Resistance Management Guidelinesfor Vegetable Crops Grown in the mid-Atlantic region -2012
Click below for information on:
Information on Rust Diseases of Wheat and Barley for Delaware
USDA ipmPIPE Site for Asian Soybean Rust
2011 Delaware Plant Pathology Results and Reports Bulletin
2010 Delaware Plant Pathology Results and Reports Bulletin
2009 Delaware Plant Pathology Results and Reports Bulletin
