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Plant diseases : article

A gnawing problem

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The mouth of a termite might be small, but an infestation can take a big bite out of a home if left undetected.

A problem with patches

Discover how improper fertilizing and watering can worsen lawn diseases like brown patch and large patch, and learn effective prevention strategies.

Aid for ailing plants

COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you have the sniffles or a bad infection, a visit to your doctor can usually put things right. Plants can get sick too and the University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic is where you can turn for help.

Breakthrough in fight against global disease of citrus trees

Researchers test heat treatment to combat citrus greening, aiming to save trees and support global citrus production.

Check for brown patch in your lawn before reaching for garden hose

COLUMBIA, Mo.—Homeowners who see parts of their lawn turning brown may reach for a garden hose, thinking the grass needs a drink. But that might just make the problem worse, warns a University of Missouri Extension regional agronomist.

Combating common pests of cucumbers, melons and squash

Manage pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs with trap cropping, hand removal, and selective insecticides to protect your cucurbit crops.

Does that plant ‘fill in quickly’ or is it invasive?

Learn how to spot plants that may be invasive, understand labels like “fills in quickly,” and choose species wisely for your garden.

Fighting moles is an uphill battle

Controlling moles is challenging; effective methods include traps, baits, and repellents to mitigate lawn damage.

Fruit with bacterial spot not pretty, but safe to eat

COLUMBIA, Mo.—Consumers used to picture-perfect fruit at the supermarket might shy away from homegrown or locally produced fruits blemished by a common disease of peach, nectarine, apricot or plum, but fruits affected by bacterial spot are safe to eat.

Galls on oak trees unsightly but harmless

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Those unsightly round, brown growths seen on oaks this time of year won’t harm the tree, says a University of Missouri Extension fruit specialist.

Garden critters: 'Frenemies' in grow places

COLUMBIA, Mo.

Grant aims to share pest management information with more diverse audience

The University of Missouri’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen its reach to diverse clientele with sustainable pest management practices.

Grow your own veggies to ease COVID-19 financial stress

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In response to the tremendous interest in home food production, University of Missouri Extension now offers a free online course in basic vegetable gardening.

Grubs may pay unwelcome visit to lawns

COLUMBIA, Mo. –During August, homeowners may notice signs of grubs, an unwelcome annual visitor to healthy, green lawns.“The earliest symptoms of white grubs feeding on turf grass roots are wilted patches,” said Brad Fresenburg, University of Missouri Extension turf researcher.

Hard cider fermenting in Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fermented apple juice, known as hard cider, is growing more popular in Missouri. “Several breweries and wineries in the state have ramped up production to satisfy the demand,” said Michele Warmund, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. 

High tunnel workshop offered in St. Peters

ST. PETERS, Mo. – A high tunnel workshop will be held 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the University of Missouri Extension Center in St. Charles County, 260 Brown Road, St. Peters.

Hostas: Emperors of the Shade

Discover hostas, hardy perennials that thrive in shade, offering diverse foliage, fragrant blooms, and easy care for any garden.

How to help your trees recover from drought

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Dry soil conditions can significantly reduce the life span of valuable landscape trees. “Because they are difficult and expensive to replace, your trees need attention during and after periods of drought,” says University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist Hank Stelzer.

Master Gardener training begins Feb. 26 in Hillsboro

HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in Jefferson County will hold Master Gardener classes Monday evenings at Jefferson College’s Hillsboro campus. Weekly classes will be 6:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 26 to May 7, said MU Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly.

Mow or compost leaves for best results

Learn how mowing or composting leaves can enrich soil, control disease, and support healthier lawns and gardens.

MU Extension launches Crop & Pest text alert system

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers have a new tool to alert them to insects, crop diseases and other important information from University of Missouri Extension specialists.

MU Extension, MDC continue to offer free testing for oak diseases

MU Extension’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, offers free testing for all common oak tree diseases.

MU Extension: Do not plant seeds you did not order

Warns people not to plant unsolicited seeds from abroad to avoid invasive pests, diseases, or viruses.

MU plant diagnostic clinic helps Amish producers in Clark

On-site crop health clinic at Clark Produce Auction offering Amish growers insect, disease diagnosis and tailored guidance.

MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic is now open

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Like humans, plants can get sick and need someone to diagnose their illnesses, says Peng Tian, the new lab director of the University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic.

New MU Extension guide available on ticks

COLUMBIA, Mo. – There’s a new University of Missouri Extension guide to discuss one of summer’s old pests.

Ounce of prevention in fall is best medicine for garden success in spring

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ben Franklin’s adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could be gardeners’ theme song for November.

Practice good garden hygiene by sanitizing tools

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Just like surgeons and dentists, gardeners sho

Prevent peach leaf curl

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Leaf curl is a troublesome disease of peach, nectarine and related plants. "Leaf curl is worse when the weather is cool and wet," said Lala Kumar, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. Leaves infected with the fungus Taphrina deformans become thickened,…

Prune fruit trees in midwinter

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The best time to prune fruit trees in Missouri is midwinter, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Debi Kelly.

Report mystery seeds to the Missouri Department of Agriculture

Report unsolicited seed packages to Missouri officials. Do not plant or open seeds and follow MDA guidance.

Rose rosette continues to plague garden roses

A viral disease transmitted by microscopic mites is destroying garden roses—learn symptoms, transmission, and what actions gardeners should take.

Rotten tomatoes star in garden horror show

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Your beautiful tomato plant is setting fruit and soon has nice green tomatoes. Then, to your horror, a dark sunken spot shows up at the bottom of the fruit.

Safe gardening grows your mindfulness

Gardening enhances physical and mental well-being by providing exercise, time in nature and healthy food. Follow safety guidelines to maximize these benefits.

Sanitize tools for good garden hygiene

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Just like surgeons and dentists, gardeners sho

Snakes on a flood plain

Floods displace wildlife, prompting snakes and rodents to seek shelter near homes. Learn prevention and control tips to protect your property.

Stink bugs try to find warm home for the winter

Brown marmorated stink bugs seek to overwinter indoors; prevent entry with caulking, screens, and vacuuming to reduce nuisance infestation.

Thatch management is key to maintaining zoysia grass lawns

COLUMBIA, Mo.—Due to warm, humid days this spring, homeowners and lawn managers might notice an off-yellow or orange coloring of zoysia grass lawns, said a University of Missouri turf researcher.

Thousand cankers disease threatens Missouri walnut trees

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s black walnut trees could be in trouble if thousand cankers disease (TCD) moves in from bordering Tennessee. TCD is a serious threat to one of the state’s most valuable hardwood species, says Hank Stelzer, University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist.

Tips for a healthy lawn

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Homeowners looking forward to a lush, green lawn this spring and summer should take care not to overdo it, says a University of Missouri Extension turfgrass specialist.

Top 10 horticulture tips from veteran MU Extension agronomist

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – During her 23 years as a University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist, Pat Miller has answered a lot of questions and looked at a lot of plants. Here are her top 10 horticulture tips.

Tuesday Tip videos bring gardening tips alive

Get expert gardening tips in short, engaging videos covering topics like plant care, pest control, and seasonal advice for gardeners at every level

Wet weather conducive to tomato diseases

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Wet conditions make tomato plants susceptible to devastating diseases such as early blight and Septoria leaf spot. Now is the time to combat them in the vegetable garden, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.
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