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Many landscape maintenance professionals have grown reliant on glyphosate for weed control. Landscape weed control without glyphosate is certainly possible but will require more planning, careful consideration of alternative treatments, more frequent site visits, and higher costs. This publication discusses alternative treatments, their properties, uses and limitations.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses identifying aquatic midges and how to control them.
This article describes and defines the different types of insects that sting and are also often mistaken for honey bees.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses identifying spiders and how to control them indoors.
This manual, updated every year, covers pesticide use and safety information, chemical application equipment, fertilizer use, insect control, chemical weed control, plant growth regulators, animal damage control and disease control.
This publication will help you identify the several species of ticks found in North Carolina and the diseases they transmit. It also describes chemical and non-chemical ways you can protect yourself from ticks outdoors and control ticks in and around your home.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses the steps to take before a pest management company arrives to treat your home for bedbugs.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses different mite pests whose biting and bloodsucking behavior may cause discomfort or allergic reactions to their hosts (domestic animals and people).
This insects chapter from the Extension Gardener Handbook will teach readers to identify insects, understand the value of insects in the garden, and recognize damage caused by insects. Guidance on minimizing insect damage is available in the integrated pest management chapter.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses the biology and control of carpenter bees, which bore tunnels in wood with their strong jaws.
This factsheet covers the type of scorpions found in North Carolina and measures to take to control them, both indoors and outdoors.
This publication discusses the biology, behavior, and control of termites.
This publication answers some frequently asked questions about termite swarmers.
North Carolina’s climate and soils are well suited to grow many types tree fruits. This publication will focus on the three main tree fruits produced for market in North Carolina: peaches, apples, and pecans. In addition to these main crops, information on pears, persimmons, plums, nectarines, Asian pears, and figs is presented as they grow well in North Carolina’s temperate climate. These tree fruits require similar management regimes described in this publication.
This factsheet outlines the history, movement, distribution, and present status of the Africanized honey bee in the United States. (Part 1 of a 3-part series)
This Entomology Insect Note describes the behavior and control of paper wasps, which typically construct honeycomb-like cells under eaves and overhangs.
This integrated pest management (IPM) chapter from the Extension Gardener Handbook familiarizes readers with a systematic approach to managing insect and animal garden pests in an environmentally responsible manner.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of white grubs and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This publication discusses the biology and spread of fire ants and the various methods that can be used to control these ants.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses the biology and control of midges, biting pests prominent along the coast of North Carolina.
Ants are probably the most common insect pests that invade our homes and become an extreme nuisance. Controlling ants can be difficult and frustrating at times but will more likely succeed if you have a basic understanding of ant behavior and some specific information about the particular ant species you have infesting your home.
This publication covers insect control in a variety of crops, as well as household pests.
English ivy (Hedera helix) is a shade-tolerant, woody perennial vine. When established it creates a dense ground cover with attractive dark green foliage. But, left un-checked this introduced plant invades woodlands, climbs (and kills) trees and is considered an invasive species. Pursuing the internet you can find several “recommendations” for controlling English Ivy. Some good, some are questionable. This publication describes cultural and chemical control options.
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Identification and Management: Brief Description: Japanese stiltgrass (also known as annual jewgrass, bamboograss flexible sesagrass, Japanese grass, Mary’s grass, microstegium, Nepal microstegium, or Vietnamese grass) is a summer annual commonly found in shady, moist areas, and is spreading rapidly in woodlands as well as shaded landscapes and low maintenance turf throughout the southeastern U.S., Mid-Atlantic States and north to New England. Japanese stiltgrass germinates in early spring, several weeks before crabgrass, yet flowers and seeds much later, from mid-September through October. It has broader, shorter leaves than most other annual grasses; somewhat resembling broadleaf signalgrass or spreading dayflower. After frost, the foliage and wiry stems turn a distinctive light tan in color and persist through the winter. Vegetative identification characteristics include: rolled vernation, a very short membranous ligule, and leaf blades that are shorter and broader than most other grasses.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Gummy Stem Blight.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in asparagus production.
The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is the most serious pest of honey bee colonies worldwide. This parasite was first detected in North Carolina in 1990, having been introduced to the US only three years earlier. Virtually all feral (or “wild”) honey bee colonies have been wiped out from these mites, and beekeepers continue to struggle with varroa infestations in their hives.
This factsheet describes bacterial blight of cotton, including identification and disease management.
It is the goal of every beekeeper to maintain healthy, productive colonies. This can only be accomplished by reducing the frequency and prevalence of disease within beehives. The following is an outline of recommendations for detecting and treating colonies for economically important parasites and pathogens of honey bees so that beekeepers may achieve this goal, and do so in a sustainable way for the long-term health of their colonies.
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This Entomology Insect Note discusses the behavior and control of paper wasps during times of swarming.
This publication covers chemical weed control and weed response to a variety of crops.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses identifying bedbugs and how to control them in households.
This factsheet provides basic information about prevention and control of Africanized honey bees prior to their expected arrival in North Carolina. (Part 2 of a 3-part series.)
This Entomology Insect Note describes how to identify and control drain flies, a common nuisance in and around homes and commercial buildings.
Botrytis rot, or gray mold as it is often called, is a serious disease in all strawberry production areas and is a disease of concern in most years. The disease is a problem not only in the field, but also during storage, transit, and marketing of strawberry fruit, due to onset of severe rot as the fruits begin to ripen. Other parts infected by the fungus include leaves, crown, petals, flower stalks, and fruit caps.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the cicada killer wasp, a beneficial insect that can also be a pest of lawns and turfgrass.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect carrots.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses identifying black flies and how to control them.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the millipedes and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This organic gardening chapter from the Extension Gardener Handbook provides systematic approach to fertilization, soil, and pest management that views a garden as a working ecosystem.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of anthracnose in cucurbits.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the herbicide, glyphosate.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses the behavior and control of European hornets.
This Entomology Insect Note provides tips on preventing the spread of bedbugs.
This factsheet covers the identification and control of septoria leaf spot of tomatoes.
This factsheet discusses the identification and control of cucurbit powdery mildew.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect bean and pea production.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the granulate (Asian) ambrosia beetle, an insect pest of woody ornamental, fruit, and nut trees throughout North Carolina.
This factsheets offers questions and answers about head lice.
This publication offers information on the biology of carpenter ants and what to do if you have an infestation.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of ground pearls and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This publication explains how termite baits work as an alternative to using conventional liquid treatments to the soil around a building.
This Entomology Insect Note describes how to control camel crickets if they become an indoor pest.
This publication discusses the potential dfficulties and options for treating termite-infested buildings that have wells, cisterns and/foundation drains.
This factsheet describes early blight of tomato, including identification, transmission and disease management, and control.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses how to identify and manage common armored scale insects that feed on ornamental plants in landscapes and nurseries.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect okra.
Seedling diseases are a major disease concern for North Carolina cotton production. Numerous fungi are capable of causing seedling disease, and potential damages are heavily influenced by environmental conditions.
Esta Hoja de Datos de Patología Vegetal fue publicada en inglés en 2013 por la Dra. Lina Quesada, Laboratorio de Patología Vegetal de la NCSU. La Dra. Angela M. Linares Ramírez, de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, tradujo la hoja informativa al español en 2017.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Phytophthora blight of peppers.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses identifying horse and deer flies and how to control them.
Esta Hoja de Datos de Patología Vegetal fue publicada en inglés en 2015 por la Dra. Lina Quesada, Laboratorio de Patología Vegetal de la NCSU. La Dra. Angela M. Linares Ramírez, de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, tradujo la hoja informativa al español en 2017.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the annual bluegrass weevil and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of bagworms, a common ornamental plant pest.
This Entomology Insect Note describes hornets and yellowjackets and how to control them around structures such as barns and houses.
Esta Hoja de Datos de Patología Vegetal fue publicada en inglés en 2015 por la Dra. Lina Quesada, Laboratorio de Patología Vegetal de la NCSU. Traducido y revisado al español por: Angela Linares-Ramírez Catedrática Auxiliar, UPRM Fecha de traducción al español: 23 de marzo de 2017
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect onions.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect potatoes.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of thrips in strawberries.
This Entomology Insect Note provides information on the identification and control of fungus gnats in the household.
Identification and management of Phytophthora in annuals and herbaceous perennials in greenhouses and in the landscape is discussed in this disease fact sheet.
To apply restricted-use pesticides to agricultural commodities, you must be certified or be supervised by someone who is certified. Anyone who accepts compensation for applying any pesticide on someone else's property must be licensed. This factsheet covers certification and licensing for private and commercial pesticide applicators in North Carolina.
This pest control guide was a project of the Southern Nursery IPM Working Group (SNIPM) and collaborators. It is intended to provide up to date information about pest control products used in nursery crops and ornamental landscape plantings, and as a supplement to the more comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) manuals for trees and shrubs. Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of lace bugs, including the azalea lace bug, hawthorn lace bug, rhododendron lace bug, and sycamore lace bug.
This factsheet describes tarnished plat bugs, also known as lygus bugs, and their impact on strawberry crops.
This document is presented to answer some commonly asked questions about repellents and mechanical devices that allegedly repel insects and ticks.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of Japanese beetle adults, which feed on many species of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Gloomy scale is an armored scale insect pest of ornamental trees, most commonly red maple trees. These pests are much more abundant and damaging in urban landscapes than natural forests. This insect note describes an integrated pest management approach to identifying, monitoring, and managing these pests.
This Entomology Insect Note describes common aspects of biology and management of soft scale insects on ornamental plants in landscapes and nurseries with summaries of several example species.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of tomato late blight.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the chinch bug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This publication covers insect and disease control in apples, blueberries, caneberries, grapes, peaches, pecans and strawberries.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the crapemyrtle aphid, a common pest of crapemyrtles that reduces plant vigor.
This publication covers disease control in a variety of crops.
This appendix from the Extension Gardener Handbook will help readers to understand the impact of pesticides on our environment, know when to use a pesticide, how to read its label, and how to apply it safely and to understand the signal words and their associated levels of toxicity.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of cucurbit downy mildew.
This factsheet covers management of bacterial spot on ornamentals.
This factsheet discusses how to identify and conserve squash bees, an important pollinator of squash, zucchini, pumpkins and many gourds.
This Insect Note describes the biology and management of greenstriped mapleworm, a caterpillar pest of maple trees.
This factsheet provides information on whiteflies and their impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This Entomology Insect Note offers tips for baiting ants in an around homes.
Maple spider mites are a common arthropod pest of landscape and nursery-grown maple trees, most commonly red maple and red maple x silver maple hybrids (Freeman maples). This pest factsheet provides an integrated pest management approach to identify, monitor, and manage maple spider mites.
Pest management involves more than just applying pesticides. This publication provides advice on how to select pest control services.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses the life cycle, habits, and management of millipedes in the house.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Botrytis gray mold of tomatoes.
This publication discusses a number of options that are available to the greenhouse manager for controlling weeds such as creeping woodsorrel, hairy bittercress, spotted spurge, and others. Not only are these persistent problems in greenhouses but they detract from the perceived quality of plants produced, and also are known to harbor insects, such as whitefly and thrips, and other pests such as mites, slugs and snails.
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This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying different caterpillars and moths in commercial garden and plant production.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Casoron (dichlobenil).
Soybean cyst nematode limits yields in every major soybean production region worldwide. This disease note describes SCN in North Carolina and its management.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect tomatoes.
This vegetable disease fact sheet discusses three foliar fungal diseases (Botrytis gray mold, leaf mold, and powdery mildew) of high tunnel and greenhouse tomatoes.
This insect note describes how to identify and control powderpost beetles and wood fungi.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying slugs and snails in commercial flower and plant production.
This publication describes the lifecycle, scouting and treatment of the balsam wooly adelgid, a tiny, soft-bodied insect, which appears when adult as a white, woolly spot on true firs.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the scoliid wasp and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note addresses mosquito biology and how to control mosquitoes around homes and in communities.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of crane fly larvae and addresses how to control them as insects in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of caterpillars that feed on trees and shrubs.
By far, nitrogen (N) is the most widely applied nutrient for plant growth. It should come as no surprise, that symptoms of nitrogen deficiency readily develop with tobacco plants.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the Japanese beetle and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the mole cricket and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of fire ants and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
Japanese maple scale is an exotic, armored scale insect pest of several ornamental trees and shrubs, most commonly in urban landscapes. This insect factsheet provides an integrated pest management approach to identifying, monitoring, and managing Japanese maple scale.
This appendix from the Extension Gardener Handbook includes tables to help gardeners identify common problems and management strategies for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of fall armyworms and addresses how to control them as an insect.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect cucurbits.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect eggplant.
This brochure goes over calibration guidelines for backpack or knapsack sprayers.
Annual and perennial grasses can be selectively controlled in most broadleaf crops and landscapes using postemergence herbicides that control only grasses -- chemicals often referred to as “postemergence graminicides”. There are four graminicides labeled for use in horticultural crops – fenoxaprop, fluazifop-p, sethoxydim and clethodim. Each graminicide is systemic (translocated) and has short-term soil residual (about 2 weeks). Although each herbicide kills grasses in the same way (acting upon the same site of action), they differ in their effectiveness on grass weeds, safety on crops, and labeled uses.
This factsheet describes the small hive beetle, its life cycle and how to prevent infestations of beehives by the beetle. It includes summaries of recommended treatments to control the beetles inside and outside the hive.
This factsheet describes sap beetles and their impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of nematodes and addresses how to control them in turf.
Posters available to print regarding industrial hemp in North Carolina.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of aphid pests of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers.
This publication covers the identification, life cycles and treatment of several species of insects, such as May and June beetle grubs and root aphids, that feed on and affect root growth of Fraser fir Christmas trees.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying mites in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the earthworm and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of twospotted spider mites on ornamental landscape plants.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the elm leaf beetle and the larger elm leaf beetle, the most serious defoliators of elm in the United States.
This publication includes a key to identifying insects that can affect vegetable production. Asparagus, beans and peas, carrots, crucifers, cucurbits, eggplant, lettuce, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes, sweet corn, sweetpotatoes, and tomatoes are covered specifically.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect sweetpotatoes.
Calcium (Ca) is essential for proper plant development and leaf expansion. A calcium deficiency will first manifest in the youngest foliage because Ca is an immobile element within the plant. As calcium deficiency progresses, the developmental damages will also advance. The integral role of Ca in leaf development makes its early diagnosis vital to tobacco production.
The Formosan subterranean termite is considered to be one of the most destructive termite species in the world today. This publication discusses the biology and control of this pest.
This publication covers the identification, distribution and control of mulberryweed, an erect, branching, summer annual weed of landscapes and container nurseries that resembles a mulberry tree (Morus spp.) seedling. A native of eastern Asia, it was introduced into North America in the latter half of the 20th century.
This publication explains control measures that can be taken due to animal damage of crops.
This publication discusses the symptoms and management of septoria leaf spot in stevia production in North Carolina.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the azalea leafminer.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of basil downy mildew.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of root knot nematode of sweetpotato.
Phosphorus (P) deficiency in tobacco begins as a noticeable stunting when compared to a plant with a sufficient supply of P. Additionally, a P deficient tobacco plant may develop a darker green coloration of the upper foliage. Lower leaves will become chlorotic with a mottling of olive green leaf spots. The initial symptoms appearing on the lower foliage may be attributed to the fact that P is mobile within plant tissues and is translocated from these older leaves to the young developing tissues under periods of low P.
Potassium (K) is one of the three core macronutrients, and consequently, deficiency symptoms manifest relatively quickly in tobacco. Potassium is a mobile element, which means it will translocate from mature tissues to the younger tissues where it is needed. This movement of K from older to younger foliage is what causes deficiency symptoms to develop first on the lower foliage.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of moles and addresses how to control them in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the twolined spittlebug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
Black shank is an economically important disease of tobacco that threatens production in North Carolina. This factsheet provides information about the causal organism (Phytophthora nicotianae) and its management.
This publication discusses flying unmanned aerial vehicles (drones, model aircraft) for commercial purposes. You'll learn about the requirements becoming a commercial UAV pilot and how to obtain a remote pilot certificate.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the cutworm and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
Nematodes are an economically important pest for flue-cured tobacco production. Root knot nematode is particularly damaging due to the wide host range and number of species of root knot nematode found in North Carolina.
Zinc (Zn) deficiency has not been reported under field conditions. Most of the time, the soil will have enough micros to supplement any gaps in the chosen fertilizer plan. To present a more robust set of data, we induced zinc deficiency under controlled greenhouse studies for accurate diagnosis if the problem should arise. In NC State University trials, ornamental tobacco developed a silver cast to the leaves as the initial symptom of zinc deficiency.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses the life cycle of human lice and how to treat infestations.
This publication, chapter 1 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about the costs of cotton production in 2019.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the cicada killer wasp and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of an ALS inhibitor herbicide injury.
This publication discusses the symptoms and control of stem and root rot of stevia in North Carolina.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of boxwood leafminers, the most common pest of boxwoods in North Carolina.
This document discusses the description, life history, damage, and control of the woolly apple aphid.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be defined as a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining cultural, biological, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, aesthetic, health, and environmental risks. A first step in implementing an effective IPM program is to maintain healthy, vigorous plants, which are much less likely to have pest problems. Therefore, an integrated pest management program will also consider cultural practices that lead to healthy and resilient plantings.
This publication describes the spittlebug and its impacts on the North Carolina strawberry crop.
This book contains detailed drawings and descriptions to aid growers and homeowners with identifying and controlling pests and insects on flowers and foliage plants.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the yellow jacket and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
2019 Cotton Information is meant to help growers plan for the coming year and make management decisions based on the unique opportunities and challenges the year might bring.
This entomology insect note discusses various methods for termite prevention in new home construction.
This Entomology Insect Note offers information on how to identify and control earwigs in the household.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of hop downy mildew.
Root knot nematodes can cause significant damages to soybean fields in North Carolina. This factsheet describes the different species of root knot nematodes and their management in soybean production.
This factsheet provides information on crickets and their impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This apple pathology factsheet describes Glomerella leaf spot and fruit rot in apple, including identification and disease management.
This publication describes restricted-use pesticides, the safe use of pesticides and evaluating the potential for groundwater contamination.
This publication covers cleaning and calibrating chemical application equipment, such as dusters, spreaders and sprayers.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology, behavior and management of silverfish infestations.
This publication describes the symptoms and control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the production of stevia.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the sugarcane beetle and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of Sclerotinia Drop of lettuce.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Rhizopus soft rot of sweetpotatoes.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect eggplant.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect peppers.
This publication offers information on phytoplasmas, organisms that multiply in the phloem of strawberry plants and are carried from plant-to-plant by leaf hoppers (vectors).
Green apple and spirea aphids - description, life history, damage, and control.
Cicada impacts on apple - description, life cycle, damage, and control.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Gallery (isoxaben).
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying different flies and maggots in commercial garden and plant production.
This publication deals with measures you can take to help prevent problems with termites.
This publication describes the life cycle and control of the hemlock rust mite, which causes needles to turn a dusty rust color and drop from several species of Christmas trees.
This publication describes the life cycle, scouting and treatment of the balsam twig aphid, a small, pale green aphid that feeds on fir trees in the spring.
Tobacco that is deficient in magnesium (Mg) will initially develop symptoms on the lower or older foliage. These symptoms occur as an interveinal chlorosis that begins on the leaf margin, typically toward the leaf tip. Mg is mobile within plant tissues and will readily translocated from older leaves to the young developing tissues during limited Mg conditions.
Tobacco plants that are B deficient are stunted very early on in production when compared to healthy plants. Initial symptoms involve a noticeable distortion at the growing point. The youngest leaves will develop kinks and other unusual growth patterns. Additionally, the upper leaves will be very thick and brittle to the touch. It has a very distinct “ridged” feeling compared to healthy plants. Symptoms can progress very quickly once initial symptoms are observed. The distorted terminal bud will quickly become necrotic and may abscise from the plant. The older foliage will often become darker green in coloration and will also become distorted. The leaves will begin to curl downward and will take on a crinkled appearance.
Healthy plants are important components of urban landscapes. These plants, however, are subjected to attacks by a myriad of pests while they are being grown in a nursery or maintained in a landscape. The ultimate goal of a successful ornamental plant pest management program is to improve the quality of plants (nurseries and greenhouses) and plant care services (landscape care operations) while minimizing pesticide use and the negative impacts of pesticide use to the environment, workers, clients, and other non-target organisms. To do so, ornamental plant growers and landscape care professionals have to understand the basic operating principles of integrated pest management, or IPM. The results of IPM can be spectacularly effective when well designed and executed.
This chapter of the North Carolina Organic Grain Production Guide discusses cultural, mechanical and chemical tactics used for weed control in organic farming.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a photosystem II (PS II) inhibitor herbicide injury.
This soybean disease factsheet describes southern stem canker, a disease of soybeans in North Carolina.
This apple pathology factsheet describes fire blight in apple, including identification and disease management.
This publication, chapter 7 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about fertilization for cotton crops.
This factsheet provides information on the sugarcane beetle and its impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This Entomology Insect Note contains information about booklice, a small household pest that feeds on fungi and mold but does not bite or transmit disease.
Brown marmorated stink bug description, life history, damage, and control.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a lipid biosynthesis (Acetyl CoA carboxylase or ACCase) inhibitor herbicide injury.
Esta Hoja de Datos de Patología Vegetal fue publicada en inglés en 2013 por la Dra. Lina Quesada, Laboratorio de Patología Vegetal de la NCSU. La Dra. Angela M. Linares Ramírez, de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, tradujo la hoja informativa al español en 2017.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of bees and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This apple pathology factsheet describes flyspeck and sooty blotch in apple, including identification and disease management.
Common and southern corn rusts may affect corn in North Carolina. Management for each is specific to the rust, and proper identification is necessary to determine the appropriate tools to use.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of black rot in sweetpotatoes.
This factsheet shares the symptoms and control of Granville Wilt, a devastating disease of tobacco in North Carolina.
This publication describes scouting for and controlling the spruce spider mite, an insect that causes yellow spots on needles of Fraser firs.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of garden symphylan in strawberries.
This publication is intended to help you manage diseases and pests of peaches. In choosing a management program, you must weigh the extent of pesticide use against the amount of risk of crop damage you are willing to accept. A rigorous spray program provides the least risk of loss, whereas a minimal spray program using less effective but possibly less hazardous pesticides involves a greater risk of loss.
Iron (Fe) deficiency does not readily occur under field conditions. To better catalog this deficiency, we induced Fe stress under a controlled greenhouse study. In NC State University trials, interveinal chlorosis (yellowing) developed on the youngest leaves. Over time the chlorotic areas became more pronounced.
Sulfur (S) deficiency can easily be mistaken for nitrogen (N) deficiency in tobacco. The ability to distinguish between the two is very important to determining a corrective measure.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor herbicide injury.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect crucifers.
This publication, chapter 10 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, covers weed management practices for cotton production.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the cyclamen and broad mites, insect pests of many flowering shrubs and plants.
This publication discusses the impacts of yellow nutsedge on sweetpotato crops and includes information on weed identification and management.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the brown marmorated stink bug, insect pests of trees and shrubs as well as homes.
This factsheet provides information on the red imported fire ant and its impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of geotrichum sour rot of sweetpotato.
This publication offers information on the description, life history, and control of the apple maggot.
Supplemental hand weeding accounts for the majority of landscape bed maintenance costs. When used exclusively, it can cost 10 to 100 times as much as an effective herbicide or mulching program. However, many of the costly and unsightly weed problems can be avoided or at least minimized with a little planning. Developing a landscape weed management plan involves five basic steps.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of European corn borer in strawberries.
Manganese (Mn) deficiency begins as an interveinal chlorosis on the upper leaves. As the symptoms progress, the interveinal chlorosis takes on a white netting type appearance. With advanced symptoms, small white spots develop and over time the spots enlarge into larger white spots.
Boron (B) is an essential element that frequently exhibits deficiency symptoms if it is in limited supply. Growers often apply additional B to avoid deficiencies, but if too much B is applied, there is the risk of B toxicity symptoms developing. Boron toxicities initially appear on the lower, older leaves. Early symptoms of boron toxicity will appear as wrinkling of the lower leaves and interveinal chlorosis along the leaf margin. The wrinkling is most likely caused by the lack of cell expansion when toxic levels of B are present. This wrinkling will develop across the leaf’s surface resulting in leaf deformation. Over time the interveinal chlorosis will move inward and develop over most of the leaf. Cells will rapidly die when excess B is supplied, resulting in necrotic spotting. With advanced symptomology, chlorosis and necrosis will progress up the plant to other leaves.
Efficacy of preemergence herbicides labeled for use in nursery crops and landscape plantings
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of springtails and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of voles and addresses how to control them in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the hunting billbug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the identification, biology, behavior and control of the kudzu bug.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses the life cycle, habits, and control of springtails in the household.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of nuisance ants and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the ash whitefly, an insect pest of Bradford pear trees in North Carolina.
This apple pathology factsheet describes apple powdery mildew, including identification and disease management.
This publication describes the control of the rosette bud mite, a mite that destroys the buds of Fraser firs resulting in holes in the canopy, flat sides, weak bottoms and uneven and/or light density.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Ornamental Herbicide II (oxyfluorfen + pendimethalin).
Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency has not been reported under field conditions. (Descriptions based on the book, Hunger Signs of Crops, 3rd Edition, edited by H.B. Sprague.) Under controlled greenhouse conditions, tobacco plants are slightly stunted when Mo is limited. The lower foliage of the plant develops a chlorosis, initially as a pale green, then the spots progress to a necrosis. The leaves may be crinkled and become bent or twisted.
For calibration to be successful, several items need to be taken care of before going to the field. Calibration will not be worthwhile if the equipment is not properly prepared. Calibration should be performed using water only. Follow the steps outlined below to prepare spraying equipment for calibration.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of hornets and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of cellulose-inhibiting herbicide injuries.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of crayfish and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Devrinol (napropamide).
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the clover mite and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the symptoms and control of charcoal rot in stevia.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses how to control multicolored Asian lady beetles in households.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of potato late blight.
This factsheet offers information on the signs, symptoms, and control of cylindrocladium black rot in peanut production.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect sweet corn.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of native drosophila species in strawberries.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Broadstar (flumioxazin).
This publication describes the symptoms, life cycle and control of the elongate hemlock scale, a pest that causes white, waxy spots on the upper surface of Christmas tree needles.
Copper (Cu) deficiency is extremely rare, consequently it is not normally seen in field conditions. To help with the diagnosis and treatment of Cu deficiency, we induced Cu stress under controlled greenhouse studies. In NC State University trials, symptoms first developed in the middle part of the plant. The middle region of the leaf developed brown veins, which quickly turned black. The tissue surrounding the veins became chlorotic. Symptoms progress up the plant to the younger leaves.
The spined stilt is the most abundant predator insect in tobacco and is found in other economically important crops covered with trichomes, including tomatoes. This factsheet offers information on this pest.
This publication, part of the 2017 Southeastern US Pest Control Guide for Nursery Crops and Landscape Plantings, discusses the safe use, handling, and disposal of pesticides.
This table includes a list of fungicides labeled for use on ornamental plants and trees to control specific diseases as noted. The table is organized alphabetically according to plant disease common name or a pathogen. Fungicides labeled to control the disease and their labeled rate are provided in the table as a general guide only. Not all information provided on the fungicide label is duplicated within this table. It is the user’s responsibility to consult the current label for rates and restrictions and follow all directions provided on the label. This table is also not meant to be an all-inclusive listing of every fungicide name brand available to green industry professionals. It is impossible to include all brands, particularly generic brands.
Fuller rose beetle is a generalist herbivore pest of many ornamental trees and shrubs. These pests feed are primarily nocturnal and feed on leaves, although they are not often economically damaging. This insect note describes an integrated pest management approach to identifying, monitoring, and managing these pests.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the rhodesgrass mealybug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This publication lists abbreviations used in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.
This publication explains plant growth regulators for a variety of crops.
This publication will help you identify voles and vole damage and determine when, where, and how to control vole populations using environmentally sound and economical methods.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Fusarium root rot of sweetpotato.
This Entomology Insect Note describes brown soft scale, a common insect pest on trees, shrubs and indoor plants.
A foundation of IPM in urban landscapes is to put the right plant in the right place. This reduces plant stress and thus the long term costs of pest management. Impervious surface cover is linked to red maple condition and scale insect infestations. This publication describes impervious surface thresholds to use when selecting sites for planting red maples in urban landscapes.
Weeds reduce the aesthetic qualities of landscape plantings and compete with nursery crops for nutrients, water, and light. Root systems compete for nitrogen and water. Even seemingly non-competitive weeds like bittercress (Cardamine spp.) have been shown to reduce growth of container-grown plants. Tall weeds and vines shade crops, reducing photosynthesis and growth. Vining weeds such as morningglory (Ipomoea spp.) are particularly damaging because they disfigure stems and new growth. In landscape plantings, weeds must be controlled or removed to maintain quality aesthetics. Weeds may also need to be removed for health and safety reasons
This question and answer worksheet is designed to help farmers evaluate their pest management practices and figure out how to implement an effective pest management program. Pest identification, life cycles, pesticide application, soil testing and implemented integrated pest management are discussed in the publication.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying mealybugs in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the sod webworm and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This publication, chapter 12 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, discusses defoliation practices in cotton production.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a dichlobenil herbicide injury.
Esta Hoja de Datos de Patología Vegetal fue publicada en inglés en 2015 por la Dra. Lina Quesada, Laboratorio de Patología Vegetal de la NCSU. Traducido y revisado al español por: Angela Linares-Ramírez Catedrática Auxiliar, UPRM Fecha de traducción al español: 23 de marzo de 2017
This entomology insect note describes the management of Japanese beetles in commercial nursery and landscape operations. Scouting, monitoring and control of these insect pests is discussed.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of sooty molds, fungi that grow microscopic threads that form easily visible black spots on many plants.
Cotton root knot nematodes are capable of causing significant losses to cotton production. In addition to direct damage, root knot nematode can allow for secondary pathogens to impact yields, as well. This publication describes root knot nematodes and their management in cotton.
Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) first appeared in Arkansas in 1971 and has since spread to almost every soybean producing state. SDS rarely affects plants in North Carolina, but losses are seen when infections are concurrent with soybean cyst nematode infections or cool, wet environmental conditions. This factsheet describes SDS and its management in North Carolina.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Pendulum, Aquacap, Corral (pendimethalin).
Apple rust mite description, life history , damage, and control.
This publications offers the latest wheat recommendations based on variety tests conducted in North Carolina in the last few years.
Rice is a minor crop in the state of North Carolina with less than an estimated 2000 acres in the entire state. Unfortunately this means there are very few resources for growers. There are currently no insecticides or herbicides registered for use on rice in the state of North Carolina. Due to legal and liability issues we are not allowed to recommend any brand or chemistries of insecticide or herbicide to be used. Since rice is usually a second or third priority crop behind flowers and vegetables we are tailoring these recommendations in a way where you can grow your crop and receive the maximum yield benefits possible given the circumstances. What follows are a series of cultural and non-chemical controls for weed and pest management.
This publication, chapter 4 of the 2018 Cotton Information handbook, covers factors to consider when planting cotton.
How often are you weeding? Is it frequently enough to prevent the next generation of weeds? Many of the most common weeds of container nurseries flower and produce seeds within 30 days. Our research suggests that you should be removing emerged weeds every 2 to 3 weeks. This publication offers information on some common container weeds.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discussing identifying and controlling beetles in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying thrips in commercial flower and plant production.
This publication explains how and where to send specimens for disease, insect and weed identification.
This publication, chapter 16 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, is a glossary of terms used throughout the 2018 Cotton Information book.
This publication, chapter 15 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about the classing system used in the cotton industry.
This publication, chapter 3 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, covers management practices for cotton production considering short-season timeliness.
This publication, chapter 2 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, covers information about the cotton plant, including development, fruiting, and blooming.
Spotten tentiform leafminer description, life history, damage, and control.
This publication provides an illustrated key to the major groups of ground beetles found in eastern North Carolina agricultural fields.
Ground beetles are a common, but often overlooked, beneficial insect in agricultural areas. This publication provides a quick guide to the various ground beeetles that inhabit agricultural fields of the piedmont and eastern North Carolina.
This factsheet answers basic questions about Africanized honey bees. (Part 3 of a 3-part series)
A table of efficacy rankings for preemergence herbicides labeled for use in nursery crops and/or ornamental landscape plantings.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be defined as a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining cultural, biological, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, aesthetic, health, and environmental risks. A first step in implementing an effective IPM program is to maintain healthy, vigorous plants, which are much less likely to have pest problems. Therefore, an integrated pest management program will also consider cultural practices that lead to healthy and resilient plantings.
This publication, part of the 2017 Southeastern US Pest Control Guide for Nursery Crops and Landscape Plantings, discusses control measures for deer, rabbits, voles, and beavers in the landscape.
Impervious surface cover increases tree stress and reduces tree condition. We developed an impervious surface threshold to help tree care professionals select planting sites where red maples will thrive. In this publication we describe how to estimate impervious surface cover, on site, with the Pace to Plant technique.
Immediately after a flood, most farmers, nursery crops producers and grounds maintenance staff have much more urgent matters to worry about than weeds. But, eventually the questions arise: Has my preemergence herbicide washed away? How do I know? Should I re-treat? What’s going to happen now? Unfortunately there is no way to provide definitive answers to these questions. But this publication offers some tips and suggestions that will help you plan a response.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying whiteflies in commercial flower and plant production.
This publication, chapter 11 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, discusses insect management practices for cotton production.
This publication, chapter 8 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, discusses considerations for using growth regulators in cotton production.
This publication, chapter 5 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, provides information about selecting cotton varieties.
This publication discusses keeping mite pests at bay in worm beds for vermicomposting.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of southern blight of sweetpotato.
This factsheet provides a review of strategies for designing and maintaining stormwater facilities to limit mosquito populations.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying aphids in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying different bugs in commercial garden and plant production.
This publication, chapter 14 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, provides information on sprayer calibration for applying chemicals in cotton production.
This publication, chapter 13 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, covers the role of conservation tillage as it relates to cotton production.
This publication, chapter 9 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, covers disease management practices for cotton production.
This publication, chapter 6 of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, discusses the role of seed quality in making planting decisions for cotton production.
This publication, part of the 2019 Cotton Information handbook, lists North Carolina county Extension personnel working with cotton.
This publication describes how cotton growers in the Southeast can use a pocket-size scouting decision aid to assess and manage stink bug damage based on thresholds for different cotton growth stages.
This comprehensive guide will help master gardeners diagnose many insect and mite problems and to decide whether to bring a particular problem to the attention of a county agent.
This publication describes how to enhance the activity of mite predators in North Carolina apple systems, and how to determine if natural enemies alone can maintain pest mites below damaging levels, or if miticides also will be needed.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying leafhoppers in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying scale insects in commercial flower and plant production.
