Attack of Green June Beetles

Green June beetle adults often emerge in large numbers following a period of rainy weather that softens the soil. Henderson County residents are already reporting them. They buzz around the yard and may seem menacing, but they are completely harmless to humans. Green June beetles are most common in older lawns and pastures with high organic content soils or which have been fertilized with manure. The adult June beetle is an attractive green and gold-colored beetle, which feeds as a minor chafer on the foliage and fruit of trees in mid summer.

Sevin insecticide can be used to protect foliage and fruit, also, if needed. Ornamentals and Turf Insect Note No. 67 provides information on controlling green June beetle grubs, which is rarely necessary for the homeowner.

The amazing behavior of grubs crawling above ground on their backs is also characteristic of this insect. Click here for a link to a movie clip of this behavior on the University of Arkansas website.

Henderson County Pesticide Collection Day

NC Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce our annual Pesticide Disposal Collection Day will be held this year on Tuesday, July 29th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The collection will be located in Jackson Park in the parking lot of fields 8 & 9 (behind the Extension Center). There is no charge and we will collect any pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.) that are in original containers and are clearly labeled. Materials of unknown identity, paints, or other hazardous waste will NOT be accepted.

Garden Tour 2009

This year’s garden tour was a great success thanks to our tour committee. We had well over 500 people attend this annual tour that is designed to educate and inspire participants to improve on their own gardens. Our committee has already begun to search out gardens for the 2009 tour. If you would like to have your garden considered for the next tour or if you know of someone who would, please contact me at 456-3575.

Concerned about Salmonella and tomatoes...check this out!

FDA has issued a warning to consumers nationwide that an outbreak of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella, has been linked to consumption of raw red plum, red Roma, round red tomatoes, and products containing these raw tomatoes.

At this time, FDA recommends consuming raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw red round tomatoes only if grown and harvested from the following areas that HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE OUTBREAK!

States that are not associated with the outbreak include North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and many others. Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their home are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information. If consumers are unable to determine the source of the tomatoes, they should not be eaten.

Click on the link below to read the full article.
FDA article - June 11. 2007

Haywood County Garden Tour

The Haywood County Garden Tour is approaching fast. The date for this years tour is Saturday, June 28th from 9am-4pm (rain or shine). The cost of the tour is $10 per person. You will enjoy seven beautiful gardens filled with flowers, organic vegetables and stunning water features. Bring your cameras and notebooks and take home a wealth of new ideas. This year the tour will begin at Junaluska Elementary School garden located at 2238 Asheville Highway, Waynesvile. Here you will pick up directions to all the other gardens. Your can purchase tickets for the tour by calling the Haywood County Extension office at 828-456-3575 or on the day of the tour at Junaluska Elementary.

Fun Online Tree Pruning Guide

One of my fellow extension agents sent me a link to this website about pruning. I thought it was great and I think you will enjoy it. The virtual pruning lesson is especially fun.

http://www.arborday.org/trees/pruning/animation/launch.cfm

For additional information about pruning trees and shrubs, contact your local extension agent.

Look out for rhododendron borers

Adult rhododendron borers active in May and June, are small black moths with white and yellow markings. These moths lay their eggs on the bark of rhododendrons, azaleas, and mountain laurels. Tiny caterpillars hatch from the eggs, bore into the sapwood, and develop into inch-long "worms." The boring by the caterpillars may cause the stem to wilt. If the stem is large enough it may not wilt. However, sometimes the first indication of rhododendron borer infestation is that the stem breaks off. Pruning and destroying heavily-infested parts of the plants is component of the management for this pest.

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist, NCSU