Search Results

Pea Yellowing #397483

Asked May 05, 2017, 11:36 AM EDT

Every year my pea plants turn yellow, even though I rotate the plants every year. What can I do to get a productive crop that stays green?

Sussex County Delaware

Lightning rods? #381635

Asked January 18, 2017, 11:55 AM EST

Do lightning rods protect a house in open country plains?

Alfalfa County Oklahoma

Chewings Fescue #353335

Asked August 18, 2016, 9:58 AM EDT

8/15/2016 Hello. I am an agronomist in southern Illinois. My son and daughter-in law recently moved to Rochester, MN. They asked me which lawn turf grass is best for their area and pressure on a lawn from dogs. Their lot is sunny, no trees or significant shade. I did some research: http://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0196866-sustainable-turfgrass-systems.html http://turf.umn.edu/2012/09/maggie-reiter-fine-fescues-for-use-on-golf-course-fairways/ http://turf.umn.edu/files/2012/09/Evaluation-of-alternative-turfgrass-species-for-low-input-golf-course-fairways.pdf Seems to me chewings fescue is a good choice for wear from dogs and a lower maintenance turf. But the general literature does not give chewings fescue good marks for turf. So I need a tie-breaker? Is chewings fescue a good, lower maintenance grass for lawns in Rochester, MN? If yes please provide a link to establishment from seed and maintenance. TY Donald G. Purdy 314.302.4606

Madison County Illinois

garden help #348577

Asked August 02, 2016, 5:17 PM EDT

Hi-

I mixed up the bottles and sprayed our garden with scotts lawn builder with plus 2 weed control.  (http://scottsturfbuilder.blogspot.com/2012/07/scotts-co-5620160-scotts-liquid-turf.html)  I sprayed the plants for about 2 min before i realized my mistake.  I immediately sprayed them with water for like 10 min.  Is it possible to save the garden and eat the veggies or do i need to dig the all out.

Thanks for your help.




Denver County Colorado

Black Iridescent Wasp? #326438

Asked May 31, 2016, 10:05 AM EDT

I know that Mike Merchant answered this question that was previously posted but I am trying to figure out how these can possibly be solitary insects?  I am assuming they are black iridescent wasps as they have a black body with bluish-blackish iridescent wings.  Just from 11pm last night to 4pm today I have found 2 more wasps in the apartment and finding they are entering the apartment from the other window as well.  They are now becoming more active and this is the same type wasp that out right attacked a friend of mine who has a scar from it.  Any more information would be helpful as I am finding out that someone else on the same property is having issues with these wasps.  


My original question - 


I live in an apartment in Irving (Dallas-Ft. Worth area) and keep finding black iridescent wasps entering in through one window. They are lethargic and end up dying. I am afraid they won't always be this way. I can find no visible nest outside. What can I do to keep them outside in their habitat and not in mine? What could they possibly be attracted to with that one particular window? I am allergic and want to take care of the situation before being rushed to the ER.

Dallas County Texas

1 Response

If the wasps you are seeing are iridescent, they should belong to a group of wasps known as solitary wasps. Many of these are mud dauber wasps, and none of the solitary wasps are likely to sting unless actually handled. Screening on your window should keep them out, and if one does make it in, a fly swatter or cup and cardhttp://citybugs.tamu.edu/2012/06/12/a-simple-technique-for-insect-removal/ should effectively remove them. They will not sting in retaliation to a missed swat. I don't think you have much risk here.

Dallas County Texas

well water rights #315166

Asked April 21, 2016, 4:39 PM EDT

I have a question about well water rights
my neighbor had 2000 dairy cows up until 2012 when they added 1500 more.
The well on our property was working properly until the summer of 2013 when it was pumped 
dry and the water becomes cloudy and is a mixture of air and water. Sometimes during the
summer months even filling up the washing machine will take up to 1/2 hour to fill.
we never had any issues before 2013,the well is 44 years old but works great the rest of the year.we only have problems with quantity during june through august. We believe it is due to more cattle after 
2012 and during the summer months due to the cows drinking more and through natural evaporation.They are now planning a 4000 plus dairy expansion only 200 yards away from the existing dairy.I have talked to the DNR and they aren't much help...they just seem to want the new dairy set up.I am frustrated to say the least.Are there laws or situations like this you are aware of? The Dnr thinks I should drill a new well, but If my neighbor is sucking my well dry I shouldn't be footing the bill. I had the well tested and it had coliform and .7 arsenic and is deemed unsafe to drink.











Lafayette County Wisconsin

interaction between wisteria + English ivy as goat forage explored further #291607

Asked December 07, 2015, 2:06 PM EST

there was a question posted in 2013 asking about potential toxic effects of goats eating wisteria and english ivy. concern was expressed that toxic interactions may result from metabolites of compounds found in these plants if both are eaten by the same animal 'at the same time'. the query cited (without citations) a ruminant farmer and a university source. this link is where I believe the 'information' was derived: http://www.crozetgazette.com/2012/09/goat-busters-carves-its-niche/ 

As a goat herder and goat-scaper (I employ goats to eat invasive plants in parks, gardens and private landholdings) I have not yet tested whether these two plants can or cannot be eaten together. However, I have been asked to employ goats on a site that has both plants and I would like to investigate this before accepting the job.

None County Virginia

Phragmites #286657

Asked October 30, 2015, 5:10 PM EDT

Hello,
My fifth grade class would like to embark on a year-long investigation/culminating project where our results could possibly have a positive impact on Lake St. Clair. All of our students live on/near the lake. I would like an expert opinion on an investigation idea. I've read the phragmite has a rhizome root system. Is it viable to bring phragmite into the classroom and: 1) identify insects that kill other plants with rhizome root systems that can survive in our climate and will have minimum impact on the ecosystem and see if they have a negative impact on sample plants and 2) identify different plant diseases that effect rhizome plant systems and again, test them on sample plants?

If this is possible, are there particular insects (native weevils, etc.) you would recommend we use? Any suggestions on where we could purchase insects? Also, do you think we can recreate conditions in the classroom to cause a plant disease (i.e. 'soft rot' that destroys rhizomes of bearded irises)? Any advice is welcome.

Note:  Phragmite are tall.  Is it possible to work with young phragmite we can keep in an enclosure when working with insects? Not sure how we could house mature phragmite and test with insects.

Disclaimer:  I am scientifically challenged!!

Cheers,

Liz Willoughby
Ardmore Elementary
Saint Clair Shores, MI  




Macomb County Michigan

Fruit damage from BMSB #286003

Asked October 20, 2015, 8:15 PM EDT

Are there any recommended precautions to take now in hopes of minimizing damage from brown marmorated stink bugs on next years fruit crops? We had extensive damage on our asian pears, european pears, apples, quince, grapes, corn, peppers, squash and tomatoes this year.

Clackamas County Oregon

How do I successfully pru... #284920

Asked October 16, 2015, 4:51 PM EDT

How do I successfully prune an overgrown barberry plant (front west side of house)? It appears to be past the trim-select branches phase. I have read to do a severe remedial prune, cutting back all stems to 12" from ground - do you recommend this and if so when? It's a very visible and important anchor plant by the front porch and I don't want to mess it up!

Hennepin County Minnesota