Weeds, Diseases and Pests Resources
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Currently, European gypsy moth is one of the top quarantine species in the United States. Thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Forest Service and other organizations, such as the Slow the Spread Foundation, the spread of European gypsy moth has slowed dramatically and has yet to become established in Georgia. However, residents and commercial landscape/nursery persons should continually monitor for the pest. This review is intended to provide an introduction to European gypsy moth for residents and green industry professionals in the Southeast. It provides information on European gypsy moth identification, life cycle, means of spread, methods of control, and what can be expected in the Southeast if/when the insect arrives and becomes established.
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David R. Coyle, A. Brady Self, James D. Floyd, and John J. Riggins
Four species of Ips bark beetles (also commonly known as Ips engraver beetles or Ips beetles) occur throughout pure and mixed pine forests in the southeastern U.S.: the six-spined ips (Ips calligraphus), the pine engraver (Ips pini), the eastern five-spined ips (Ips grandicollis), and the small southern pine engraver (Ips avulsus). Ips beetles appear similar to other bark beetles in this region, including the southern pine beetle (SPB), black turpentine beetle, and red turpentine beetle. These beetles occur throughout the entire southeastern U.S., with the exception of the pine engraver and red turpentine beetle, which are found only in the Appalachian region.
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J. Holly Campbell and David R. Coyle, Southern Regional Extension Forestry
Littleleaf disease is a forest health concern for several pine species in the southeastern United States. This disease is a particular problem for shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) and is one reason why this species is less widely planted compared with other pines. Littleleaf disease results from a combination of biological factors and site characteristics, when combined with a susceptible host tree. Some factors are more important – i.e., they have a primary role in disease formation – while others have a secondary role, and mostly contribute to making disease symptoms worse.
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Hophornbeam copperleaf has become an increasing problem in agricultural fields throughout Georgia. It can occur at densities that have the potential to reduce yields and influence harvest efficiency. Hophornbeam copperleaf is also known as three-seeded mercury.
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This publication includes a summary of the impact of plant disease on the major crops produced in Georgia. It’s published annually by the Department of Plant Pathology and is compiled based on input from department Extension personnel.
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The implementation of horn fly control measures, such as aerosols, bait, strips, foggers, dust bags, traps, oilers, ear tags, pour-ons, natural predators, and insect growth regulators is instrumental in reducing the new infection rate, while existing mastitis cases can be eliminated with antibiotic therapy. Such management practices will promote animal health and well-being, enhancing producer profits by ensuring that heifers calve with low sec and the potential for maximum milk yield.
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The diamondback moth is a common pest of crops including cabbage, collards, turnip greens, mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower and other leafy greens.
This insect has a long history of becoming resistant to insecticides beginning with DDT in 1953. Since then, DBM has become resistant to each new class of insecticide arriving to the market whenever those insecticides were used intensively and repeatedly to control a DBM population.
Prevention is critical. To delay the onset of resistance follow the practices listed in this circular. Even if resistance is detected in an area, these tips can inhibit its spread and preserve insecticide effectiveness.
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Weed management is one of the most critical and costly aspects for container nursery production. Weeds can quickly outcompete the crop for light and other resources, reducing the rate and amount of crop growth as well as salability. Preventative practices are most effective, primarily with the use of preemergent herbicides. Weed management alternatives to synthetic herbicides include sanitation, exclusion, prevention, hand weeding, mulching and use of cover crops, heat, and nonsynthetic herbicides. Only some of these alternative methods can be used to control weeds in containers, but all can be used to manage weeds around containers and in noncrop areas.
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Even with today’s technology, it is critical that growers use directed herbicides in their cotton crop to improve coverage of weeds hiding under the cotton canopy. Precision applications maximizing spray coverage of weeds and minimizing spray contact with cotton, which can cause injury, is critical. Spray fender/cultivator and shield/hood sprayers are commonly used for precision, directed-spray applications.
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