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AgAlerts 2002 From Griggs County
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Issue # 9, June 25, 2002
Leaf rust has been found in the western part of Griggs County and eastern Foster County. The fields I looked at are showing very low levels at this time. But if we continue with hot humid conditions, these levels could increase. So at this time monitor the NDSU Small Grains Disease Forecasting Model to see how many days are favorable for rust development. For more information on wheat rust can be found in NDSU Extension publication "PP589, Wheat Rust".
(This article was written by Clint Gienger, Traill County Extension Agent)
Common milkweed has become a
severe weed in cultivated cropland due to an extensive, deep root system,
insulating winter snow, moist to wet summer conditions, tolerance to many
commonly used herbicides, reduced tillage, and lack of human persistence in
chemical, mechanical, and cultural control measures. Common milkweed is tolerant
to most labeled herbicides. Control requires multiple herbicide application.
Preventing establishment and spread of common milkweed patches requires
continuous scouting and persistent control efforts.
Prevent seed production. Milkweed seed
is highly viable and will germinate readily. Pappus on seeds allows
long-distance travel and is responsible for establishment in fields. Common
milkweed becomes perennial (capable of reproducing from underground roots)
approximately 3 weeks after emergence. New shoots developing from established
roots begin emerging in late April and grow more rapidly than spring seeded
crops.
I checked with Rich Zollinger, NDSU
Extension Weed Specialist on his recommendations for multi-year control
strategies. He indicated that his research and other states research shows that
during the small grain year the combination of a
ounce of Express plus ¾ pint 2,4-D and 2 ounces of Banvel gives the best
control. In addition, a pre-harvest treatment of Roundup at 1 quart per acre
will enhance the control of this persistent weed. If soybean follow wheat in
your rotation, Roundup Ready varieties should be considered because most other
soybean herbicides have very little or no activity on milkweed.
For individual plants or small patches,
you may want to try a wick application of Roundup. Either hand or mechanical
wick applicators can be used but be cautioned not to get the herbicide on
growing crops. This method will only work if the milkweed is taller than the
growing crop. For wick applicators you should mix a
Roundup and b water in the applicator.
The following link explains some of the "Uses
of Milkweed".
Bladder galls are caused by mites. The brilliant red color often associated with the bladder galls makes them spectacular and conspicuous. Consequently, they cause much concern among tree owners. They are unaware that the colorful growths on the foliage are rarely detrimental to the health of the tree. Maple gall mites overwinter as adults under bark scales, where they are able to withstand severe weather conditions. Early in the spring they move to unfolding leaves and begin feeding. Mites that cause bladder galls fee on the undersides of the leaves. Initially, a slight depression results. The leaf then rapidly produces a pouchlike gall at that spot, enclosing the mite. The mite continues to feed and lays numerous eggs within the gall. Reproduction is prolific, and as mites mature, they leave the gall and continue infesting new foliage. By July, mite activity on the foliage ceases. Sufficient foliage unaffected by galls is produced during a growing season to sustain the tree without serious harm.
This is a common lawn weed that has an
interesting history. David Van Der Puy, former NDSU Extension Agronomist
compiled a short history about this weed. The following is a summary of
his research.
Chickweed derives its common name from the fact that the
plant was widely fed to poultry in England. The plant has been eaten as a
pot herb by man for centuries. It was one of the few green plants
available during the winter months. The Puritans are thought to have
introduced chickweed to North America and are said to have cultivated it in
gardens. Chickweed is now found throughout many areas of the United States
and Canada. It appears to be best adapted to the east and central
states. However, it has been found growing wild well into the Artic
Circle. The medicinal qualities of chickweed have been touted since early
Greek and Roman days. Chickweed was used as late as the Middle Ages as a
curative ointment for hemorrhoids, sores, sundry and other skin ailments.
There are four of five different kinds of chickweed in the
United States with common chickweed being the most wide spread. Common
chickweed is considered to be a major weed problem in lawns, nursery stock
and a number of specialty crops. The plant can be either an annual
or a winter annual which germinates in the fall and completes its life cycle the
following spring. Chickweed can germinate and grow at very low
temperatures and can even grow slowly in early spring or winter under
snow. The plant often passes unnoticed during the early part of the life
cycle in the late fall or early spring until warmer temperatures cause it to
flower. By this time, the effectiveness of control measures are
significantly reduced. Also, chickweed prefers shaded areas near trees or
shrubs witch prohibits the use of certain herbicides for its control.
Control measures: The following link to Purdue
University Turfgrass department will list controls and pictures of lawn
weeds. Click on common chickweed in the index section for description and
controls. Midwestern
Turfgrass Weed Identification and Control.
Please Contact Our Office For Additional Information
E-mail: griggs@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Go to the 2002 AgAlert Index Page