When seedlings fail, Rhizoctonia damping-off, root and stem rot may be the cause There is so much hope for the future when we plant seeds, but that can be dashed when they don’t emerge, or when they fall over soon after popping out of the media. There are many fungi that live and survive in […]
The cold shoulder season
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Nursery growers effectively use cold storage to support sales of deciduous trees Plants in the Pacific Northwest experience a wide range of temperatures, from hot, dry summers to cold, wet winters. Deciduous plants grow when conditions are favorable. They enter dormancy when environmental conditions are too cold, dark, or otherwise unsuitable for growth. Deciduous trees, […]
The battle with Bambi
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Growers have several tools available to defend against plant damage from deer and elk Oregon’s deer and elk are prized by hunters and non-hunters alike, and thus represent an income-generating game and wildlife-viewing species for many communities across the state. But for many nursery operators, these majestic animals are a serious detriment. Deer, elk, and […]
Knowing your cedar pests
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Grower awareness of problems can protect both grower and customer It’s important to be aware of issues in the landscape and forest, as they can become problems in the nursery or for your customers. Cedar trees have a number of pest and problems to be aware of, from abiotic disorders to insects and diseases. Some […]
Silicon: the non-essential beneficial nutrient for plant defense?
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Rhododendrons and azaleas are the backbone of many ornamental landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, since 2016, a beautiful little insect has been plaguing the genus Rhododendron, causing aesthetic and physiological damage, which may lead to plant death if left unchecked (Figure 1). Preliminary studies suggest that cultivars vary in their tolerance to azalea lace […]
Managing epidemics
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Whether dealing with plant pathogens or COVID-19, common principles apply The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it, threatening human health, causing disruption to our society, and resulting in economic challenges. While impacts of plant pests and diseases may pale in importance compared to COVID-19, they still cause large-scale ecological and economic damage […]
Pollinator plant trials
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Researchers test the value of Willamette Valley natives and nativars Interest in native plant gardening is at an all-time high. For example, native plants were ranked as the top landscape garden trend for 2017–2018 by the American Society of Landscape Architects, and for 2018–2019 by Garden Media Group’s Garden Trends Report. The demand is such […]
Sense and sensor ability
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NWREC’s Irrigation Classroom evaluates how to best use soil moisture sensors to improve water use efficiency Perhaps it goes without saying, but the millions of trees, vines and shrubs — growing on thousands of acres — require large amounts of water and fertilizer. As a large consumer of water, agriculture has been vilified for assumed […]
An important partnership
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In 1888, the Oregon Agriculture College (OAC) established a horticulture department with sights on building a single greenhouse and creating its own laboratories to conduct experiments. In the subsequent 132 years, OAC became Oregon State University (OSU) and the horticulture department has grown. When I graduated from OSU in horticulture 20 years ago, there were […]
Pest management tools for minor crops
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How IR-4 and OSU are working for you With a 2018 farm gate value just shy of $1 billion, it is no secret that the ornamental plant industries in Oregon (nursery and greenhouse) are important and viable enterprises that contribute greatly to the state’s economy. Controlling insect, disease, and weed pests is an important part […]