Now is a good time to control scale insects on evergreen shrubs and trees through use of a horticultural oil spray. Also, fruit trees may be sprayed at this time of year in order to control insect eggs that may have been laid in bark and twig crevices.
Usually, the oil treatment will need to be applied only once a year, and is an excellent way to smother a pest that is difficult to eradicate. Horticultural oils also have the benefit of being less environmentally harsh than pesticides.
There are several thousand species of "Scale insects". Armored scale insects are capable of navigating to fresh feeding grounds when very small, but then live and feed under a protective hard, waxy shield as adults. Tea scales, oyster scales, eunonymous scales and wax scales are examples of these.
Trees and shrubs are often unable to withstand the continual drain of sap from these sucking insects, and may ultimately be killed. Treatment consists of thoroughly spraying with horticultural oil according to directions, from every direction over the leaves and twigs.
For successful spraying, look for a period in the late winter or early spring that will be relatively warm, but without a forecast of rain for at least two days (45 - 70 degrees F). Carefully follow the label directions in order to apply the correct dilution formula, especially if you plan to spray fruit trees beginning to break dormancy. If there are any doubts, spray a small area and wait a few days to check the results.
After a few weeks, check to see if spraying has killed most of the scale present. Pry off a domed scale with a thumbnail and press. If the shell is dried, the treatment has worked. If there is still yellow, orange or white viscid material, the scales are still living.
Another pest eradication project that is good to accomplish at this time of year is bagworm control. Check junipers and other narrow-leaf evergreens for bagworm pouches. The insect eggs overwinter in the pouch, and start the cycle again by emerging in the spring to begin feeding on the foliage. Hand removal and burning of the pouches are ways of reducing the potential damage next spring.
2nd Annual Foaling
seminar scheduled
Equine enthusiasts from around the area will have an opportunity to learn more about issues relevant to their industry. This program set for 6:30 p.m., Feb. 9 at the First State Bank Conference Center will feature informative speaker presentations, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities for professional and recreational horse owners.
The First State Bank Conference Center is located at 837 California St. in Gainesville.
The speaker schedule for the night includes:
• Dr. Khris Crowe, DVM — She will be discussing care of the pregnant mare prior to foaling, normal and abnormal foaling events, and post birth care of foal and mare.
• Dr. Joe Manning – He will provide information about the current parasite resistance dilemma as it pertains to horse management.
• Wayne Becker, County Extension Agent – He will discuss pasture management for parasite control.
The program is free to the public and all are invited to attend. The program is sponsored by Dr. Crowe and Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Grayson and Cooke Counties. Please RSVP to Dr. Crowe at (903) or Texas AgriLife Extension Service at (940) 668-5412.
Agriculture
January 28, 2010
Control scale insects now using horticulture oil
- Agriculture
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Cattle deaths blamed on natural poisoning
Local cattle are being poisoned by something they eat every day — grass.
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GHS FFA attends state convention
Six members from the Gainesville FFA chapter attended the 82nd annual Texas FFA Convention held July 13-16 in Corpus Christi.
- Control scale insects now using horticulture oil Now is a good time to control scale insects on evergreen shrubs and trees through use of a horticultural oil spray. Also, fruit trees may be sprayed at this time of year in order to control insect eggs that may have been laid in bark and twig crevices.
- Master gardners meet The Cooke County Master Gardeners met Thursday, January 14 in the North Central Texas College Library Lyceum.
- 4-Hers compete in stockshow dairy judging The Cooke County 4-H dairy judging teams participated in the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth on January 17. Three teams competed — two senior division teams (14 and over) and one junior team.
- Now's the time to plan for vegetable gardens Even though we are still in the middle of winter, it is time to start thinking about a vegetable garden, if you plan to grow one this year.
- Farm Bureau calls for scholarship applicants Texas Farm Bureau invests large amounts of money and time in developing youth leadership.
- Cold weather not always a cure for insect woes I have heard the comment made that this cold weather should, at least, help minimize the insect problem next year. That may be true…but before you get your hopes up; you should know some of the facts.
- Mistletoe infestations rob landscape trees of nutrients Mistletoe is a common evergreen parasitic plant which grows on a number of landscape trees in Mississippi and is often a source of concern to homeowners with infected trees
- Making mulch from leaves is greener alternative to bagging Right now there are plenty of leaves in everyone’s yard.
- More Agriculture Headlines
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