Goosegrass is a summer annual weed of cool-season turfgrass that has become more problematic in recent years. My conversations with turfgrass managers suggest that goosegrass is firmly entrenched as a top 5 turfgrass weed issue of highly managed systems in the Northeast region. Crabgrass is more prevalent than goosegrass, but is less problematic in highly […]
Archives for January 2018
Best management practices for managing Dickeya dianthicola in potato.
Its the time of year when many potato growers (organic and conventional) are preparing to purchase seed potatoes for the upcoming season. Dickeya dianthicola was detected in ‘Dark Red Norland’ and ‘Kennebec’ seed being sold in retail establishments and in ‘Silverton’ in a commercial seed lot in NJ in 2017. Importantly, all growers are encouraged to follow best management practices for buying seed and best management practices for Dickeya in field production. North American Seed Health Certification records and Dickeya test results should be requested prior to purchasing any seed. If you suspect Dickeya dianthicola in potato seed during purchasing, cutting, or planting please contact your county Extension agent or Extension Specialist. All suspect potato samples should be PCR tested to confirm the presence of Dickeya or Pectobacterium.
This past fall The University of Maine held a Dickeya and Pectobacterium Summit which was attended by over 150 people from all over the world. A nice summary of the meeting by Dr. Angela Madeiras can be found in the January 11, 2018 UMASS Vegetable Notes Newsletter here.
The best method for keeping your potato operation Dickeya-free is to adopt your own 0% Dickeya-tolerance policy.
Winter Salt
Winter Salt
Winter Salt
Winter Salt
At seminar lectures discussing the effects of turf fertilizer on water quality, I am often asked about the impact of de-icing salts on water quality. A recent article on winter road salt indicates that freshwater rivers are becoming saltier and more alkaline. Click here to read the article.