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By Kim Kaplan
Total losses of managed honey bee colonies nationwide were 31.1 percent from all causes for the 2012/2013 winter, according to the annual survey conducted by the Bee Informed Partnership and the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Read the rest of this entry »
From Delta Farm Press
In 2012, Cotton Belt entomologists reported the lowest percent loss to insects since annual surveys of Cotton Belt entomologists began 33 years ago, according to entomologist Mike Williams, who compiles the annual survey, Cotton Insect Losses.
Gardeners can expect to find impatiens in short supply this year.
A fast-spreading disease is threatening the favorite flower, prompting some area garden centers to cut back on supplies or forgo selling the plants altogether.
The disease, impatiens downy mildew, is caused by a fungus-like organism. The disease stunts the plants’ growth, causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop, and eventually causes the plants to collapse.
“Protecting Your Loved Ones from Fire Ants” from the “Don’t Bug Me Webinar Series”. The webinar will begin at 1:00 pm central time on Friday, May 3rd . Here is a link to a promotional story about the webinar: http://www.extension.org/pages/67916/learn-how-to-protect-loved-ones-from-fire-ants
Through support from Genentech and the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Lung Association is excited to launch the 2013 Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (AFSI) Champion Awards. The AFSI Champion Awards recognize schools that have taken positive strides to create a healthier learning environment using the strategies outlined in the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative. Silver and Gold level winners are schools that have gone above and beyond to protect the health of their students, faculty and staff.
From Southeast Farm Press
The continual evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds is one of the most daunting problems faced by weed management practitioners.
According to Aaron Hager, associate professor of weed science at the University of Illinois, biotypes of 12 weed species in Illinois are known to be resistant to one or more herbicide action mechanisms.
With the continued prevalence of bed bugs in schools, it’s important all schools and school systems are proactive in developing a bed bug plan. Join the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs and NPMA for a webinar on Thursday, April 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT that will address:
- Proactive Approaches to Planning for Bed Bugs
- Bed Bug Hot Spots in Schools
- Bed Bug Management Strategies
- Monitoring and Inspecting for Bed Bugs in Schools
- School IPM and Bed Bugs
- Communication to Families and Staff About Bed Bugs at School
- What to Expect in Working with a Pest Management Professional
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have found an effective method to infect house flies with a virus that stops the flies from reproducing.
House flies can transmit hundreds of animal and human pathogens like Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Shigella bacteria, which cause foodborne illnesses. Insecticides are used to help control flies, but the pests can develop resistance to chemicals.
From Southeast Farm Press
In the March 27 Federal Register, EPA announced the availability of a document entitled, “Enhancing Stakeholder Input in the Pesticide Registration Review and ESA Consultation Processes and Development of Economically and Technologically Feasible Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives.”
The paper was jointly prepared by EPA, USDA and the National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish & Wildlife Service (the Services).
From Growing Produce
Raspberry and blackberry growers are encouraged to share their experiences that will review control needs and where labeling can be expanded.
Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is becoming a serious insect pest in commercial production of berries and several other crops. A multi-state effort is underway with state small fruit Extension specialists and the EPA to review short-term and long-term needs for insecticides to control SWD and determine where labeling can be expanded.
