Autumn is officially here; cue the falling leaves, cool nights, and yellowing pine trees. Knowing the cause of the discolored needles will help to know if it is nature taking its course or if it is a disease infecting your trees. Continue reading
Category Archives: Diseases
Troubled Tomatoes?
Tomatoes were once thought to be poisonous and were avoided at all cost. Today tomatoes are grown in over 86 percent of home gardens in the United States. This popular plant has many common diseases and problems that can plague it. With a little help, you can keep your tomatoes in tip top shape. Continue reading
Polka Dotted Pears
Pear rust on the leaf
Pears with polka dots? Apples with chicken pox? What’s going on? There is fungus among us. Find out what you can do now that infection has happened and if there is anything you can do to prevent it in the future. Continue reading
Peony Problems
Peony leaves. Photo courtesy of S. Cochran
The first days of autumn will be here before we know it. If your peonies have seen better days, there are several tasks you can be doing now to ensure bountiful blooms next spring. Continue reading
The Bad Kind of Fungus…Turf Fungus
Summer Patch disease
Fungus can be both a good and a bad thing. Mushrooms on pizza are an example of good fungus. Fungus in lawns, on the other hand, are nearer the other end of the spectrum. If your turf is looking a little thin and brown in spots; you are not alone. Fungus and hot temperatures have wreaked havoc on lawns this year, but there is still time to make your lawn look full and lush for this fall. Continue reading
Spooky Looking Plants
Powdery Mildew on lilac
Spooky looking plants have been sighted all across Central Nebraska. Ghostly white peonies and lilac aren’t possessed, they are infected. Find out what is causing this whitish cast to many favorite landscape plants.
To-MAY-to or To-MAH-to?
Blossom end rot on tomato. Maintain consistent moisture, try mulching tomatoes first. Don’t reach for the Epsom salts.
Whether you pronounce it to-MAY-to or to-MAH-to, either way you say it they are both delicious. Tomatoes are grown in over 86 percent of home gardens in the United States, but there are many common diseases and problems that can plague tomatoes. With a little help, you can keep your tomatoes in tip top shape.
Powdery Plants
Powdery mildew on lilac. Photo by S. Cochran
Spooky looking plants have been sighted all across Central Nebraska. Ghostly white peonies and lilac aren’t possessed, they are infected. Find out what is causing this whitish cast to many favorite landscape plants.
The ‘F Word’ of the Year: Fire Blight
This year has been a tough one on our landscapes. The fluctuating temperatures this winter caused death and dieback in euonymus and willow. Then the prolonged cool, wet spring has brought about fungal infections including ash rust and cedar/apple rust. Now a bacterial infection is rearing its ugly head in apple, crabapple, and their relatives. Find out what fire blight is, the symptoms to be on the look-out for, and what can be done to trees once infected. Continue reading
Husker Hort 