Ramsey County

July 17, 2006

Howdy!!!!!
I am writing this and still hoping for a little rain for some folks in our fine state of North Dakota.  Last week we rains move through that left with as little as nothing to nearly ¾ of an inch.  The crops are still looking good at this point but additional rains will be needed to get the warm season crops to maturity.

I was able to take a vacation day this past Friday and do a little fishing with friends out west.  Don’t get me wrong, fishing is not any better than here, but a little get away isn’t always bad.  We had a great time but did not take very long to realize that age does creep up on us all.  The same old group of K.O, Bryce, Dale and I, along with our wives ventured away from home.  Fishing was good but the company of each other was what the trip was about.  It can really get hot on the sand in western North Dakota.

Spider Mite damage!!!!!
I have had many questions this past couple of weeks about spruce tree damage.  If you look really close you will find webbing and your tree turning a dull gray color.  These are all signs that Spider Mite infestation may be taking place. Adults are very small and feed on older needles.  Females live for about a month and lay around 40 eggs with the complete life cycle taking approximately 2-3 weeks.  Mites are cool season insects and, with proper temperatures, can produce many generations a summer.  A very fine webbing can be found around the base of the needle.  Mite damage can be noticeable during hot, dry weather as the needles start to turn brown and may fall off.  Parts of the spruce tree branch will have discoloration as illustrated below.  To determine if you have spider mites place a white paper plate under the branch you are concerned about and shake it.  If spider mites are present you will see tiny little insects crawling on your plate. If mites are present hosing down the tree can be very useful in getting rid of the Mites. Insecticidal soaps can be used to manage mites during warmer periods.  Be very careful to apply only labeled insecticides as damage to spruce trees could occur.  Contact your local Extension Agent for further help with Spider Mites.

Calendar!!           

            July 13             Garden Tour

            July 20-29        North Dakota State Fair

            July 20             Langdon field Days

            July 26             Ramsey County Field Day       

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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