The internet and social media abound with “Do it yourself” “Homemade” “Natural” weed killer and bug control articles. Many will promise that these mixes are easy, safe, and very effective. This blog will not discuss efficacy, but ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
As I drove into the entrance of the Murdock Administration Building, I glanced at the landscape and noticed that something was amiss. The large magnificent crinum lilies normally on display were mere stubs of their former selves. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
As an Extension Educator with the UF/IFAS Extension, clients told me many times that the applied pesticides do not work against the targeted pest anymore. In most cases the pesticide applicators blame pesticide failures on the manufacturer. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf
A pesticide is described as any substance that is used to kill, repel, or control a “pest”. Mosquitos are a pest that Floridians know very well. Around the world there are around 1,000,000 deaths each year from mosquito borne illness, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
As you work in your garden or wander your landscape, be on the lookout for pests and potential problems. Start learning what’s normal and what may seem abnormal. When in doubt, contact your local Extension office for help with gardening questions. For ... READ MORE
Category: , Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Pests & Disease
Out of the Frying-Pan, Into the Fire Have you ever heard the phrase, “Out of the frying pan and into the fire?” Although originating from Aesop’s fables, I immediately think of the chapter in Tolkien’s The Hobbit. In the chapter Bilbo ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension
Water, water, everywhere We are in Florida after all. Who would believe we could run out of water? It seems the sunshine state is practically surrounded by water and inland, the freshwater springs and lakes seem abundant. They are, but the ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Agave Ringspot Virus I seldom miss an opportunity to marvel at a ‘picturesque disease’ on plants. As a classic plant pathologist, I occasionally see plant virus symptoms as a form of artwork. This week across my desk, I was presented with ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & DiseaseOne of the main tasks of the Pesticide Information Office, is to help teach pesticide safety, or applicator safety. Applicator safety involves more than just protecting from pesticide exposure. Safety does include understanding the label, PPE, ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Farm Management, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease