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This publication provides information on budding and grafting techniques, which can be used successfully in commercial operations.
The following management practices will help you care for your lawn throughout the year. Location, terrain, soil type and condition, age of the lawn, previous lawn care, and other factors affect turf performance, so adjust these management practices and dates to suit your particular lawn.
This factsheet provides instructions on how to properly care for tall fescue grass year round. It includes recommendations for mowing, fertilization, watering, pest control, and renovation.
This comprehensive guide offers information on different grasses for North Carolina lawns, as well as how to establish, care for, maintain, and renovate a new lawn.
This propagation chapter from the Extension Gardener Handbook explains how and why to grow new plants from seed (sexual reproduction) and from cuttings (asexual propagation).
An introduction to soil acidity and liming for farmers and gardeners to increase crop income and improve lawn and garden performance. Topics covered include soil pH, soil testing, liming standards and application and incorporation of lime into soil.
This calendar provides detailed information for the proper care of centipedegrass.
This publication for homeowners and landscapers describes how to mow, fertilize, irrigate, and control weeds in a zoysiagrass lawn.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the wool sower gall wasp, Callirhytis seminator, and provides residential management recommendations.
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.
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are native to the eastern North American mountains. They can be found growing in patches in rich, moist, deciduous forests and bottoms from as far north as Canada, west to Missouri and Minnesota, and south to North Carolina and Tennessee. In early spring, ramps send up smooth, broad, lily-of-the-valley-like leaves that disappear by summer before the white flowers appear. The bulbs have the pleasant taste of sweet spring onions with a strong garlic-like aroma.
This factsheet identifies several varieties of the ornamental Callery Pear tree and their impacts on native ecosystems.
This publication, chapter 7 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various trellis systems for blackberry and raspberry production.
This factsheet describes early blight of tomato, including identification, transmission and disease management, and control.
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 article describes and defines the different types of insects that sting and are also often mistaken for honey bees.
This publication focuses on the management techniques and economic analysis of orchards with more than 150 to 180 trees per acre.
This factsheet describes the biology of the green June beetle, Cotinus nitida, and provides residential management recommendations.
This third in a series on pruning offers general tips on pruning most landscape plants.
Commercial blueberries are generally planted in low areas with high organic-matter content. These sites satisfy the cultural requirements of blueberries for a constant and uniform moisture supply. However, on cold, still nights when radiation frosts occur, heavy cold air from higher surrounding areas "drains" into the low areas causing lower temperatures. Also, the high organic content, especially if the soil is dry, acts as an insulator to restrict heat in the soil from moving up around the plants. The cultural requirement for a uniform soil moisture makes selecting higher sites that are less subject to radiation frosts much less practical than with other fruit crops. This factsheet discusses protecting blueberry plants from freezing.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of tomato late blight.
Turfgrass, trees, and shrubs are desired in most landscapes because they are attractive and useful. Unfortunately, growing turfgrasses in the presence of trees and shrubs can be a formidable task because each plant group competes with the other for the light, water, and nutrients that are essential for survival and growth. Even so, homeowners can take steps to improve the performance of a lawn growing in shade.
This publication discusses growing and harvesting head lettuce, the most important salad vegetable grown in the United States. Per-capita consumption exceeds 25 pounds annually. In North Carolina, the crop can be grown as both a spring and fall crop in eastern North Carolina and even during midsummer in western North Carolina at elevations higher than 3,000 feet.
This chapter of, How to Manage a Successful Bee Hotel, describes building materials and features of different bee hotels. It covers tunnel size, shelter, shade, orientation, navigation, and other features.
Phorid flies are small flies that breed in moist, decaying organic matter and can be a problem in and around homes. This factsheet covers their identification, biology, habits, management and control.
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.
This factsheet covers the identification, distribution, and control of Mugwort (also known as chrysanthemum weed), an aggressive, perennial weed that spreads by persistent rhizomes.
This factsheet offers information on the identification and management of various flatworms that may be found in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of the catalpa worm or catawba worm or catalpa sphinx, Ceratomia catalpae.
This factsheet describes the biology of the whitemarked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma, and provides residential management recommendations.
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.
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 factsheet describes the biology of the spiny elm caterpillar or mourning cloak butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa.
This factsheet describes the biology of the yellow and black flat millipede, Apheloria tigana.
This factsheet discusses symptoms and control of several leaf diseases common in North Carolina blueberry production.
This factsheet describes the biology of the multi-colored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of mealybugs, an insect pest of greenhouse, nursery and landscape plants.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of strawberry production in the Southeastern United States. It covers topics like cultivars, marketing, economics, production techniques, and additional considerations such as cropping and food safety. The guide is structured into four chapters, each addressing different aspects of strawberry farming, with useful resources in the appendix.
This Fruit Disease Information factsheet discusses blueberry stem blight, the primary disease limiting establishment of blueberry plantings in southeastern North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of the puss caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication discusses growing and harvesting bloodroot, a spring wildflower used to produce natural red, orange, and pink dyes, in North Carolina. It can grow in full sun, but is more often found in semi-shaded, light-wooded areas with moist, acidic soil. The root, consisting of a thickened rhizome covered with fibrous roots, is known for its reddish-orange color.
This factsheet offers information on damping off in flower and vegetable seedlings, a result of fungi present in the growing medium.
This factsheet describes the biology of the buck moth, Hemileuca maia, and provides residential management recommendations.
An overview of honey bee dancing, a behavior that constitutes a language telling other workers the location of a food source.
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 factsheet provides brief descriptions of common insect pests of maple (Acer spp.) in North Carolina. Pest descriptions are brief but provide links for readers to learn more.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect tomatoes.
Black cohosh is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. It is a native medicinal plant found in rich woodlands from as far north as Maine and Ontario, south to Georgia, and west to Missouri and Indiana. It is a popular woodland botanical that is wild-harvested throughout its native range. In North Carolina it can be found at elevations up to 4,000 feet and is most common in the western part of the state. The demand for black cohosh as a medicinal herb is increasing and the industry is looking for more forest farmed black cohosh to meet the rising demand.
This calendar contains suggestions designed to help in the care and maintenance of St. Augustinegrass throughout the year. It includes recommendations for mowing, fertilization, watering, pest control, and renovation.
This publication explains how to start and maintain a successful pecan orchard on a large or small scale.
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 Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the black vine weevil, an insect that stunts and kills plants by feeding on the roots.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Saddleback caterpillar,Acharia stimulea, and provides residential management recommendations.
This annual guide supplies information concerning pesticides that can be used for controlling pests in turfgrasses. Revised for 2025.
This factsheet describes the biology of trombidiid mites— velvet mites, red velvet mites, large red velvet mites, brick mites, and patio mites.
This factsheet describes the biology of the American dagger moth, Acronicta americana, and provides residential management recommendations.
Manual removal of weeds is time consuming, expensive, and often results in damage to landscape plants when intertwined roots of both the weed and the ornamental plant are pulled up. Nonselective herbicides (which must be selectively applied to avoid injury to desirable plants) are typically used for postemergence annual and perennial weed control. This publication covers choosing the right herbicide for this situation.
Anthracnose is an important disease of strawberry with all parts of the plant (fruit, crowns, leaves, petioles and runners) being susceptible to the disease. Disease control is difficult when environmental conditions are favorable for disease development and if inoculum is present. The disease can be especially destructive to susceptible California strawberry cultivars (e.g. Chandler, Camarosa, Albion) when grown on black plastic.
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, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in rhododendron.
This publication covers information on hydraulic ram pumps and offers guidelines on installation and purchasing a system.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect okra.
This disease factsheet is a brief description of Verticillium wilt of tomato and eggplant. Symptoms, causal agent, and management are included.
Honey bees, like all other living things, vary in traits such as temperament, disease resistance and productivity. The environment has a large effect on differences among bee colonies (for example, plants in different areas yield different honey crops), but the genetic makeup of a colony can also impact the characteristics that define a particular group. Beekeepers have long known that different genetic stocks have distinctive characteristics, so they have utilized different strains to suit their particular purpose, whether it be pollination, a honey crop or bee production.
This factsheet describes bees in the family Colletidae.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Imperial moth, Eacles imperialis, and provides residential management recommendations.
Recommended maintenance practices for a lawn that consists of a blend of tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the same as those for a tall fescue lawn. The following management practices will help you care for your lawn throughout the year.
With training and pruning, fruit trees will develop the proper shape and form to yield high-quality fruit sooner and will live longer. Learn how to train your trees for productivity and prune to remove dead, diseased or broken limbs. This publication includes descriptions of dormant pruning, summer pruning, types of pruning cuts and different training systems.
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 offers information on the top-performing tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, and fine fescue turf cultivars in North Carolina.
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.
Neopestalotiopsis leaf, fruit, and crown rot is an important emerging fungal disease of strawberry that can affect every part of the plant (crown, roots, leaves, fruit). The pathogen is thought to be introduced via infected planting stock. The emergence of Neopestalotiopsis, especially the aggressive forms, has resulted in significant crop loss throughout the southeastern US. This publication outlines the disease cycle and best management practices for growers.
This factsheet discusses the identification and control of cucurbit powdery mildew.
This factsheet discusses the symptoms and control of bacterial spot of peppers and tomatoes.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of potato late blight.
A step-by-step guide to propagating true-to-type muscadine vines from cuttings or from layering.
Most commercial onions produced in North Carolina are seeded in the fall and harvested in mid- to late-June. Weed competition can reduce onion yields up to 96 percent, and weeds must be controlled throughout the growing season. Learn about the cultivation and herbicide options growers can use to keep onions weed-free in both wide and narrow rows.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect cucurbits.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of barklice, insect pests of smooth-barked shrubs and trees.
This factsheet describes the biology of the tersa sphinx moth, Xylophanes tersa., and provides residential management recommendations.
This guide for farmers describes the advantages and disadvantages of using plasticulture to grow vegetables. It includes information on equipment needed, recommended ways to set up a fertigation system and best management practices.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of cucurbit downy mildew.
The Southeastern Vegetable Extension Workers Group (SEVEW) is proud to offer you the 25th edition of the Southeastern U.S. 2024 Vegetable Crop Handbook. We are excited to provide growers, crop advisers, county educators, Extension agents, and specialists throughout the southeastern United States with this handbook. This handbook represents a joint effort among Extension specialists and researchers from 15 land-grant universities in the U.S. who work in the area of vegetable production. These specialists and researchers represent a wide array of disciplines: agricultural engineering, entomology, food safety, horticulture (vegetable production), plant pathology, postharvest physiology, soil science, and weed science.
This publication covers chemical weed control and weed response to a variety of crops.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of springtails, an insect pest of lawns and turf and occasionally the home.
This factsheet covers the identification and control of septoria leaf spot of tomatoes.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of ground pearls and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes darkwinged fungus gnats, an insect pest of some field crops, shrubs, and houseplants.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the oak treehopper, Platycotis vitata, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication, chapter 5 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, offers information on the growth cycle of blackberry and raspberry plants for proper training and pruning.
This publication, chapter 6 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, discusses how and when to prune blackberry and raspberry canes.
This factsheet describes the biology of the azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides, and provides residential management recommendations.
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 summarizes the characteristics of white grubs and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This factsheet provides brief descriptions of common insect pests of oak (Quercus spp.) in North Carolina. Pest descriptions are brief but provide links for readers to learn more.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in asparagus production.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the herbicide, glyphosate.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Fusarium wilt of watermelon.
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.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of bagworms, a common ornamental plant pest.
This publication covers insect control in a variety of crops, as well as household pests.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of anthracnose of pepper.
This factsheet provides recommended practices and management strategies for protecting wine grapes from spring frost damage.
This factsheet describes the biology of the yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli, and provides residential management recommendations.
Organic farmers cite weed management as their number one research priority. This publication in the Organic Production publication series describes weed control strategies for organic farms based on weed characteristics and an integrated cropping system approach. A special section on cultivation practices that limit emerged and future weeds is based on research by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems.
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 describes the biology of the boxelder bug, Boisea (Leptocoris) trivittata, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet covers the growth, planting, shaping and pests of Leyland cypress, a popular Christmas tree variety.
Keeping weeds out early in the season is very important for cole crops that are marketed by size. Learn how to use both cultivation and herbicides to achieve good early-season weed control and avoid losses in yield and profits.
In North Carolina, pole beans are grown commercially in the mountain counties and, on a limited scale, in a few of the eastern counties. They are produced in home gardens throughout the state. With the rising interest in heirloom vegetables, pole beans are increasing in popularity. Pole beans are grown for their distinctive flavor, long pods, high yield, long harvesting season, and high price.
This calendar offers suggestions regarding management practices for all-season care of a bermudagrass athletic field.
La antracnosis es una enfermedad importante de la fresa con todas las partes de la planta (fruto, coronas, hojas, pecíolos y estolones) siendo susceptibles al patógeno. Tres especies relacionadas del hongo Colletotrichum, incluyendo C. acutatum, C. gloeosporioides y C. fragariae pueden asociarse con la antracnosis. Sin embargo, C. acutatum es el principal patógeno asociado con la fase de podredumbre de la fruta por antracnosis (AFR) y el tema principal de esta hoja informativa.
This guide presents basic facts about seeds, including how they develop, how to store and germinate seeds successfully and the factors that influence seed quality. It also summarizes the North Carolina laws that affect seed collecting and distribution.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of pillbugs and sowbugs, insect pests that feed on decaying vegetation.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the earthworm and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
The onion is a cool season crop that will withstand moderate freezes. It may be grown either by seeding directly in the field, or by setting transplants. North Carolina growers have an excellent market opportunity in June and July when very few onions are available. Yield will range from 400 to 800 (50-pound) sacks per acre depending on the year and cultural practices. A premium is paid for large onions during our harvest season.
Orchard management guide for apples, with information on insect, disease, weed, and mammal control, plus horticultural and fertility practices, use of IPM, prevention of insecticide resistance, and sprayer calibration.
The predominant method for strawberry production in North Carolina and throughout the United States is annual hill plasticulture. However, growers continuously face challenges such as escalating labor and production costs, heavy pest and disease pressure, and recurrent yield losses due to extreme weather events and climate change. Transitioning to a soilless greenhouse production system (e.g. table-tops) could be an avenue to alleviate some of these challenges. However, greenhouse strawberry production in North Carolina faces a host of other challenges, one of which is the lack of knowledge on cultivar performance. To help growers better understand cultivar behavior in greenhouse conditions in NC, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of seven commonly grown cultivars (‘Albion’, ‘Brilliance’, ‘Camino Real’, ‘Fronteras’, ‘Monterey’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Sweet Charlie’) in a commercial strawberry greenhouse setting in Eastern North Carolina. The greenhouse was a multi-bay, mid tech, double poly plastic covered facility. The trial, which was planted in September 2022 and concluded in May 2023, was conducted on-farm using a randomized complete block design with four replicates per treatment. Although overall yield comparisons did not reveal any significant differences among cultivars for the season as a whole, there were notable differences during specific months of the harvest period which lasted from December through May. The two everbearing varieties in the trial, Albion and Monterey, were the earliest producers of fruit, while the standard short day varieties, Camino Real and Fronteras, had almost no early yields, but demonstrated substantial peak season production in April. Postharvest quality evaluation included pH, TA (total acidity) and Brix (soluble solids content). Although pH and TA were fairly similar over all cultivars, brix was more variable, with Sweet Charlie having the highest average brix and Brilliance having the lowest average brix.
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 of the genista broom moth that is also called the genista caterpillar and sophora worm—Uresiphita reversalis.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Botrytis gray mold of tomatoes.
Many ornamental crop species (including trees, shrubs, and bedding plants) are susceptible to diseases caused by Phytophthora, a genus of plant-pathogenic oomycetes (also known as water molds) that can persist in soil for several years. This publication rates common bedding plants, shrubs, and trees on their resistance to Phytophthora.
This factsheet describes the biology of the roseslug caterpillars, Endelomyia aethiops, also called common roseslugs and American roseslugs.
This publication provides information you will need for measuring soil water: types of soil-water measuring devices, how to select the right measuring device and how to prepare and install these devices.
This publication covers the different types of bermudagrass, uses of bermudagrasses, planting methods and the grasses' pests and diseases.
This publication describes the signs, symptoms and disease cycle of Mummy berry, a fungal disease of blueberry species. Recommendations for best management practices are included.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Phytophthora blight of peppers.
This publication provides information about unmanned aerial vehicles and what to consider when choosing a drone for precision agriculture applications. Topics include restrictions, definitions, needs assessment, equipment options, and information processing.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri, an insect pest of citrus and gardenia in North Carolina.
This publication answers common questions dog owners may have about lawn care. Topics include what kinds of grasses to use in high traffic areas; how to deal with damage to lawns caused by dogs; dogs' exposure to pesticides; and why dogs occasionally eat turfgrass.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Fusilade II (fluazifop-P-butyl).
This insect note describes the biology of the Granulate (Asian) Ambrosia Beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, and provides management recommendations.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses how to identify and manage common armored scale insects that feed on ornamental plants in landscapes and nurseries.
A guide to maintaining quality turf on athletic fields, including recommendations for establishing and caring for new fields, maintaining established fields, and managing pests.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying thrips in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, and provides residential management recommendations.
Phytophthora root rot is the most significant biotic threat to Fraser fir Christmas trees in western North Carolina. This publication covers the symptoms of the Phytophthora root rot, how to avoid an infection, and how to treat it if Phytophthora root rot develops.
This factsheet describes the biology of the witchhazel leaf gall aphid, Hormaphis cornu, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication presents basic information on factors (veil, water and plant relationships) to be considered in developing an effective irrigation schedule.
Intensive Vegetable Production refers to a system of marketing and producing vegetable crops in which great attention is placed on detail and optimization of resources such as land, capital, labor, equipment, transportation to market and management time. The objective of such a system is maximum profit for the farm. The system you choose should take into account your location, availability of markets, production seasons and personal interest. This publication covers irrigation, plastic mulch, pest management, precision seeding, market preparation and many other facets of intensive vegetable production.
Being related to cotton, okra can be a poor competitor with weeds, particularly early in the growing season. As the crop is harvested, more sunlight can reach the soil and increase late-season weed interference. Learn about the cultivation options and herbicides that growers can use for weed control in okra.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the postemergent herbicide Acclaim Extra (fenoxaprop-p).
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect peppers.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in conifers.
This vegetable disease factsheet discusses collar rot and Alternaria stem canker of tomato, which are caused by different species of fungi belonging to the genus Alternaria. Both pathogens can cause large, irregularly shaped stem lesions with pronounced concentric rings. However, the concentric rings may not always be pronounced with collar rot.
This factsheet describes the biology of the pavement ant, Tetramorium caespitum, and provides residential management recommendations.
Italian honey bees are susceptible to two deadly parasitic mites, while Russian bees have shown promise in resistance to these mites. This factsheet offers comparisons between Italian and Russian honey bees.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of cottony cushion scale, an insect pest that debilitates plants by sucking out sap.
This factsheet describes the biology of crane flies, also called daddy-long-legs or mosquito hawks, in the genera Limonia and Tipula.
This factsheet describes the biology of the cottony camellia scale, Pulvinaria floccifera, and provides residential management recommendations.
This guide is designed to help identify the most troublesome diseases associated with cool-season turfgrasses. This includes such grasses as tall fescue, fine fescue (chewings, creeping red), Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. A description of the disease symptoms, a list of specific management practices that can be used to prevent or reduce turfgrass injury by disease and a chart to indicate when the disease is most likely to occur are presented.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of Bermudagrass and addresses how to control it as a weed.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of aphid pests of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers.
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 factsheet offers information on the biology and management of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive agricultural, ornamental, and nuisance pest in the United States.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect carrots.
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 factsheet describes the biology of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, and provides management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the European hornet, Vespa crabro, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet, part of the Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests that affect crucifers.
This factsheet describes the biology of the golden rain tree bug or red shouldered bug, Jadera haematoloma, and provides residential management recommendations.
This field note for farmers published by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) describes the composting process, how to make compost, and how to use it. Included are instructions for determining an application rate and the results of research by CEFS on integrating cover crops and compost.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the crapemyrtle aphid, a common pest of crapemyrtles that reduces plant vigor.
This publication discusses production of winter annual cover crops, their benefits and management. Research has shown several important benefits of planting winter annual cover crops, chief among them erosion control, addition of nitrogen (N) to the soil for use by a subsequent crop, removal of nitrogen from the soil to prevent nutrient loading, buildup of soil organic matter and buildup of residue that acts as a mulch for water conservation or retention.
Identification and management of Phytophthora in annuals and herbaceous perennials in greenhouses and in the landscape is discussed in this disease fact sheet.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the western flower thrip, an insect pest of plants that can also transmit tomato spotted wilt virus and impatiens necrotic spot virus.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Gummy Stem Blight.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of anthracnose in cucurbits.
This plant disease fact sheet discusses southern blight, a soil-borne fungus that attacks tomatoes and peppers, and several other economically important crops, including beans, cantaloupe, carrots, peppers, potatoes, sweet potato, and watermelon.
This factsheet describes the biology of the azalea caterpillar, Datana major, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet covers management of bacterial spot on ornamentals.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in azalea.
Botrytis blight, or gray mold, is a fungal disease that is widespread in the United States and globally. This fungus spreads via spores in the air and can result in economic losses if not managed early. In North Carolina, this pathogen is most threatening in the spring when temperatures are cool. This factsheet provides information about the disease, how it spreads, when it is a problem, and how to manage it through cultural and chemical practices.
This factsheet provides brief descriptions of common disease pests of maple (Acer spp.) in North Carolina. Pest descriptions are brief but provide links for readers to learn more.
Water is an essential component for plant growth. In turfgrasses it comprises 75 to 90 percent of the fresh weight of the plant, and irrigation is a key cultural practice in turfgrass management. Only 1 percent of the water absorbed is utilized for metabolic activity. By considering the factors that contribute to water loss, turfgrass managers can devise effective irrigation plans for specific sites.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of crane fly larvae and addresses how to control them as insects in turf.
General guidelines on how to conduct a bioassay for herbicide residues in soil.
This Fruit Disease Information factsheet describes twig blight, a fungal disease that causes dieback in blueberry bushes in North Carolina.
This factsheet covers the description, biology, and management of the jumping earthworm, a common pest in North Carolina gardening.
Beekeeping is a very enjoyable and rewarding pastime that is relatively inexpensive to get started. Moreover, it’s a hobby that can eventually make you money! This factsheet is a primer on how to start your first hive and begin keeping bees.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of slugs and snails, insect pests of ornamental, vegetable, and field crops.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica, and provides residential management recommendations.
Black root rot impacts a range of woody and herbaceous ornamental plant species primarily in greenhouse ornamental plant production, but also in home and commercial landscapes and nurseries. This disease causes decay of the root system and leads to yellowing, wilting, and necrosis of foliage. It is widely distributed and has been described on approximately 30 plant families in many parts of the world. Some of the most frequently impacted ornamentals are pansy, viola, Calibrachoa, annual vinca (periwinkle), Salvia, petunia, Persian cyclamen, snapdragon, Begonia, Verbena, Phlox, and Gerbera daisy. In addition to ornamental plants, some vegetable and other agricultural crops are also susceptible to infection.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of Japanese beetle adults, which feed on many species of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the twolined spittlebug, an insect pest of turf and ornamentals in North Carolina.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in boxwood.
This factsheet describes the biology of the yucca plant bug, Halticotoma valida, and provides residential management recommendations.
Though impossible to measure the incidence of neighbor complaints against farmers, North Carolina public policy to protect production agriculture rests on the presumption of a legal pathway by which one landowner can curtail the farming practices of another. These concerns may arise when a neighbor complains to the farm operator about aspects of their land use they find displeasing. Other times when a neighbor discovers that the landowner plans to expand or implement new farming practices on land in their proximity, the neighbor may threaten to “sue” the farmer, or may call local authorities (e.g. zoning office, sheriff’s office, animal control) demanding they use their power to stop the offending farming activity. Such complaints call into force North Carolina’s Right to Farm Law, as well as the Bona Fide Farm exception to county zoning regulations. This short fact sheet provides an overview and contrast between these two policy concepts in farm operation support.
This factsheet covers commercial goldenseal production in North Carolina, a highly valued medicinal herb which has been collected from the forests in North America for hundreds of years. The historical range for goldenseal in the United States was very broad, ranging from as far north as Vermont and Wisconsin, south to Alabama and Georgia, and west to Kansas. It can still be found growing in patches in moist, rich, hardwood forests in much of this area.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the southern red mite and the spruce spider mite, insect pests of a number of shrubs and herbs.
This factsheet describes the biology of the yellownecked caterpillar, Datana ministra., and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of root mealybugs in the genus Rhizoecus including the ground mealybug, Rhizoecus falcifer, Rhizoecus americanus, and the newly introduced hibiscus mealybug, Rhizoecus hibisci.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of wheel bugs, an insect pest that preys upon other plant pests.
Fine-ground basalt rock has recently become available as a soil amendment in North Carolina. This publication discusses the agricultural application of fine-ground basalt rock, the results of an incubation study to determine its lime equivalence, and its effects on soil nutrients and fertility.
The factsheet covers the basics of Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) biology and behavior. It provides key information to help you understand this invasive pest, and make choices about it's management in and around built structures.
This publication, chapter 2 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, covers the characteristics of recommended blackberry and raspberry cultivars in the Southeast.
This publication offers information on water quality challenges in irrigation water.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of bahiagrass and addresses how to control it as a weed.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of twospotted spider mites on ornamental landscape plants.
This publication explains how you can make the most efficient use of water and energy by applying the right amount of water to cropland at the right time.
This factsheet covers Phomopsis leaf blight, a fungus that causes lesions and defoliation in strawberries.
This fact sheets details the identification and management of a common group of fungal diseases, anthracnose.
Soil-less growing practices have opened up new possibilities for many specialty crops, including strawberries. US strawberry growers are facing a number of challenges that threaten the future of the industry. These include increasing labor and production costs, increased competition from imports, short production seasons, new emerging pests and diseases, extreme weather patterns and new government regulations. Soil-less production of greenhouse-grown strawberries has the potential to address some of those issues. While soil-less greenhouse strawberry production has been common for many years in a number of European and Asian countries, it has yet to become commonplace in the US. Reasons are high upfront cost as well as a general lack of technical knowledge, resulting in grower reluctance to make a transition into greenhouse strawberry production. One horticultural key for a successful soil-less strawberry production system is the choice of optimal substrate options. Therefore, the presented study evaluated the impact of six substrate blends on the growth and yield of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Albion) in a commercial greenhouse in Eastern North Carolina. Following substrate blends were used: (1) 100% Coco Fiber; (2) 50% Canadian Peat / 50% Perlite; (3) 50% Canadian Peat / 50% Coco coir; (4) 50% Canadian Peat / 50% Wood Fiber; (5) 50% Canadian Peat / 50% Bark; (6) European Peat. Tray plants (250 cc) were grown in a modified tabletop system inside a poly-covered greenhouse with basic climate control infrastructure. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design during the growing season 2020-2021 and repeated in 2021-2022. Our results show that strawberries grown in 50% Canadian Peat / 50 % Wood Fiber yielded similar high to 100% Coco Fiber and 100% European Peat, both grower standards. Based on the research, strawberry greenhouse production could use more cost effective, local available woodfiber and Canadian peat substrates instead of coconut coir or European peat that are sourced and shipped overseas. This option can be a more cost effective option for growers in the Southeast, considering making a shift to greenhouse strawberry production.
This factsheet describes the biology of the yellow poplar weevil (also called the tuliptree leafminer, magnolia leafminer and the sassafras weevil), Odontopus calceatus.
La antracnosis es una enfermedad importante de la fruta de fresa, coronas, hojas, pecíolos y estolones. Tres especies relacionadas del hongo Colletotrichum, incluyendo C. acutatum, C. gloeosporioides y C. fragariae pueden asociarse con plantas de fresa. Esta hoja informativa destaca la antracnosis de la corona (ACR) causada principalmente por C. gloeosporioides y ocasionalmente por C. fragariae (algunos los clasifican dentro del mismo grupo de especies; otros los consideran especies diferentes).
La pudrición de la raíz negra (BRR) es un complejo de enfermedades en la fresa, lo que significa que uno o más organismos pueden estar involucrados en la infección, incluidos los hongos Pythium spp., Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp. y varias especies de nematodos. Es una enfermedad común en Carolina del Norte y la razón principal por la que los productores fumigan en la región sureste. En los sistemas anuales, la enfermedad se acumula con el tiempo y generalmente alcanza un pico de daño el punto máximo de la cosecha. Sin embargo, el daño temprano causa retraso en el crecimiento de la planta que es evidente dentro de 1-2 meses después de la siembra. BRR puede causar reducciones de rendimiento de hasta 20 a 40%.
This publication covers insect and disease control in apples, blueberries, caneberries, grapes, peaches, pecans and strawberries.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in gardenia.
This factsheet describes the biology of the hickory horned devil, Citheronia regalis, the caterpillar of the regal moth. Because hickory horned devils are harmless to humans and are relatively rare, no control measures are needed.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of Green June beetles (GJB), Cotinis nitida. The larvae can cause direct damage to turfgrass by feeding on plant roots and organic matter in the soil.
This brochure goes over calibration guidelines for backpack or knapsack sprayers.
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 publication will outline sustainable management practices that are appropriate for strawberry growers in the Southeast, the benefits of these practices, and how they may be incorporated into plasticulture production systems.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the greenhouse whitefly, an insect pest of greenhouse-grown ornamentals and vegetables.
This factsheet describes the biology of the southern purple mint moth, Pyrausta laticlavia, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the redheaded ash borer, Neoclytus acuminatus, and provides residential management recommendations.
Crapemyrtle bark scales are wide spread disfiguring pests of crape myrtles in landscapes.
Muskmelons, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, watermelons, pumpkins, and okra are vegetable crops that have shown significant increases in earliness, yield, and fruit quality when grown on plastic mulch. Some less valuable crops such as sweet corn, snap beans, and southern peas have shown similar responses. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic mulches are outlined in this publication.
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.
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.
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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 publication discusses irrigation decisions that affect water and energy efficiencies.
This entomology insect note describes the biology and control of march flies, insect pests of ornamental and fruit crops.
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 describes the biology of the oleander aphid, Aphis nerii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet covers leaf scorch, a fungus that weakens strawberry leaves and plants.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Florida predatory stink bug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication discusses the causes of poor irrigation system performance. Some of these causes can be identified and corrected by the irrigator. Others require specialized evaluation equipment, and the corrections should therefore be performed by specially trained technicians.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of black rot in sweetpotatoes.
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 factsheet describes the biology of the hibiscus sawfly, Atomacera decepta, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the rose midge, Dasineura rhodophaga, and provides residential management recommendations.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Segment (sethoxydim).
This publication for nursery managers and homeowners describes how to protect nursery plants and keep them healthy through the winter.
Anthracnose crown rot is caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This disease can cause significant economic damage to strawberry nursery and fruit production systems, particularly in the southeastern production region. This article highlights the symptoms and signs of the disease, disease cycle, methods for diagnosis and integrated management recommendations.
La mancha angular de la fresa, causada por la bacteria Xanthomonas fragariae, a menudo se confunde con otras enfermedades comunes como la Mancha foliar y el Tizón de la hoja. Una vez que se establece la infección, poco se puede hacer hasta que las condiciones de frío y alta humedad disminuyan. Afortunadamente, esta enfermedad generalmente no afecta severamente los rendimientos.
Gray Mold or Botrytis Rot is a serious fungal disease in all strawberry production areas and is the primary disease of concern in most years. The fungus can infect fruit, leaves, crown, petals, flower stalks, and fruit caps and is most severe during cool bloom and harvest seasons with lengthy periods of clouds and rain. Best management practices include clean plants, cultural practices, sanitation, fungicidal control, timely harvest and post-harvest cooling.
It can be a challenge to manage a perennial garden to look tidy and maximize benefit to wildlife. To benefit native, solitary bees, we recommend trimming perennial stems in their first winter to a create a 12"-24" stubble. Bees occupy these cut stems as nesting space over the following year. Recommendations are based on participatory research conducted with Extension agents and Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers in North Carolina.
Proper application of pesticides and fertilizers is possible only with a sprayer or spreader that is accurately calibrated. When equipment is not correctly calibrated, it is easy to apply too much or too little of a chemical, which may result in the lack of pest control, damage to turf, wasted money, and/or contaminated environment. This publication explains how to calibrate boom sprayers and granular spreaders used on turfgrass.
This factsheet describes the biology of the detachable woolly leaf gall wasp, Andricus quercuslanigera, and provides residential management recommendations.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the herbicide Dismiss (sulfentrazone).
This factsheet discusses the symptoms and treatment of powdery mildew in strawberries.
Black root rot is caused by a complex of pathogens. These pathogens cause damage to the root structure reducing the fibrous structure and turning roots black. Dysfunctional roots leads to plant stunting and decreased yields.
This Insect Note describes the biology and management of greenstriped mapleworm, a caterpillar pest of maple trees.
This factsheet covers the use of horticultural oils to control insects on plants in North Carolina.
More than 40 sedge species may be found in North Carolina landscapes. Although grass-like in many ways, and the nutsedges are often referred to as “nutgrass”, they are not grasses and require different control measures than grasses. Sedges are easily distinguished from grasses by their leafy shoots that produce leaves in “3s” resulting in stems that are triangular in cross section. In contrast, shoots of grasses are flat or round in cross section.
This factsheet describes the biology of the elm sawfly caterpillar, Cimbex americana, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the flatheaded appletree borer, Chrysobothris femorata, and provides residential management recommendations.
Blueberries are a native North American fruit, and North Carolina is one of the largest producers of highbush blueberries. Although commercial production is mostly limited to southeastern North Carolina, blueberries can be grown anywhere in the state if the right blueberry species and proper soil modifications are used. Limiting factors include pH, water availability and cold-hardiness.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Fusarium root rot of sweetpotato.
Infestations of moss in turf are associated with unfavorable conditions for growing healthy, dense turf. This publication offers control options.
La podredumbre de Botrytis, o Moho gris como se le llama a menudo, es una enfermedad grave en todas las áreas de producción de fresas y es una enfermedad preocupante en la mayoría de los años. La enfermedad es un problema no solo en el campo, sino también durante el almacenamiento, el tránsito y la comercialización de la fruta de fresa, debido a la aparición de podredumbre severa a medida que las frutas comienzan a madurar. Otras partes infectadas por el hongo incluyen hojas, corona, pétalos, tallos de flores y frutas. La podredumbre de la corona se discute en otra parte. La enfermedad es más grave durante la floración y la cosecha en temporadas con largos períodos de nubes y lluvia complementados por temperaturas frescas.
This factsheet provides a brief summary of the various trees often grown in North Carolina for Christmas tree production.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Scythe (pelargonic acid) or Axxe (ammonium nonanoate).
This PDIC factsheet describes the biology and management of the rosy wolf snail, Euglandina rosea.
This publication reports the results of an annual survey of sod growers in North Carolina to determine and track relative inventory levels and project price changes for the year.
This publication discusses the practice of fraise mowing to remove thatch from Bermudagrass. It covers considerations for turfgrass managers, such as costs and debris, and explores specific uses, effects on aesthetics and soil physical properties, and recovery rate.
Forest farming is an emerging agroforestry practice that fits well in the North Carolina landscape. There is a growing number of forest landowners planting and expanding forest farms with native woodland botanicals (e.g., ginseng, goldenseal, and black cohosh), forest food crops (e.g., ramps and elderberry), and decorative/florist plants (e.g., galax). Finding wholesale suppliers of seeds and planting stock for commercial operations, however, is challenging. We created this publication to help forest farmers find the seeds and nursery stock they are seeking. Companies are listed by region: North Carolina, South, Midwest, and Northeast. This resource will be updated regularly.
This final publication in the Pruning Trees & Shrubs series gives tips for pruning specific plants.
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 Entomology Insect Note describes flower thrips, insect pests of grasses and flowering plants.
This factsheet describes the biology of the crowned slug caterpillar, Isa textula.
This document provides essential information on broccoli cultivation, including optimal planting dates for North Carolina, soil and nutrient requirements, and cultivation techniques. It emphasizes proper spacing, high nitrogen levels, and effective harvesting and postharvest methods. This guide offers practical advice for maximizing broccoli yield and quality.
The elm zigzag sawfly is an invasive species first reported in North America in 2020. This fact sheet details what is known about its biology, identification, and management.
This PDIC factsheet describes the biology and management of the white peach scales, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona.
This chapter from the North Carolina Organic Commodities Production Guide discusses the organic standards for soil management.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of basil downy mildew.
Gnomonia causes leaf blotch and stem-end rot of strawberry. The pathogen typically is introduced on transplant material and can build up in plug facilities and in fruiting fields. It rarely becomes an economic concern.
This factsheet describes the biology of the redbud leaffolder, Fascista Cercerisella, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the maple bladder gall mite, Vasates quadripedes, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes Orangestriped oakworms, which are often noticed crawling about in August and September
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying whiteflies in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in rose.
The decisions of when to turn an irrigation system on and off for frost protection are complex and difficult. This guide presents a procedure to follow in making these decisions. This guide is based on the assumption that you have completed certain tasks prior to the night of the decision making. These tasks encompass important planning decisions that are made well ahead of the frost season.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Sedgehammer (halosulfuron).
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 publication provides information and guidance on using computer code to access the National Agricultural Statistics Service's survey data to view data from multiple years, crops, and other categories.
This factsheet describes the biology of the white pine aphid, Cinara strobi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes and gives the biology and management of the Southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis.
This factsheet describes the biology of the rhododendron borer moth, Synanthedon rhododendri, and provides residential management recommendations.
Manganese (Mn) is a critical micronutrient essential for the growth, development, and productivity of vegetable crops. Despite being required in trace amounts, manganese plays a pivotal role in key physiological processes, including photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and plant stress mitigation. Its availability in soils is influenced by several factors, particularly soil pH, redox conditions, and organic matter content, making proper management vital for optimal crop performance. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of manganese’s role in plant physiology, its forms and availability in soils, and practical strategies for managing manganese in vegetable production systems.
This first of four publications in the Pruning Trees & Shrubs series introduces basic pruning concepts and key terms. Subsequent publications in the series provide more information on woody plant biology, necessary tools and pruning guidelines for general purposes and specific species.
This factsheet describes the biology of acrobat ants. Although acrobat ants are not considered pests of trees and shrubs, they do protect scales and other insects that are pests.
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 pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Sureguard (flumioxazin).
This publication provides information on the impacts wind-driven events have on the soil fertility. Salt water from storm surges, ocean spray, and tidal surges may increase sodium levels in coastal soils, which can be toxic to plants.
This publication provides an overview of the Present-Use Value (PUV) property tax program in North Carolina, with an emphasis on disposition and transfer situations that may imperil continued enrollment.
This factsheet describes the biology of the question mark butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, and provides residential management recommendations.
The center pivot and linear-move type irrigation systems are usually the most practical system for irrigating large, rectangular or regular shaped fields. Selection and management considerations for center pivot and linear-move type systems are discussed in this article.
By routinely measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of growing media and irrigation water for container-grown nursery crops, growers can monitor nutrient availability and scout for problems. Learn how to use the pour-through extraction procedures as part of your nursery's quality control program.
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 scoliid wasp and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
Establishing and maintaining quality annual color beds requires a plan to prevent and control weeds. Weeds compete with ornamental plants for water, light, and nutrients, reducing aesthetic quality and plant growth. To minimize these problems, this publication presents a weed management program that should be developed and implemented prior to planting.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of take-all root rot in turf.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Florida fern caterpillar, Callopistria floridensis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication, chapter 12 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, offers information on the time from flowering to fruit harvest for blackberry and raspberry production.
This guide for blackberry and raspberry growers in the Southeast provides information on bramble cultivars, growth, and production practices. Topics covered include recommended cultivars, site selection and preparation, plant establishment, trellis systems, fertility management, harvesting, and postharvest management.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the cutworm and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in ligustrum.
This factsheet describes the biology of the black onion fly, Tritoxa flexa, and provides residential management recommendations.
The publication explores how temperature affects viticulture in North Carolina, focusing on regional temperature conditions as key factors in grape and wine quality. The study includes four models that outline temperature regimes across the state, discusses climate change implications for viticulture, and recommends winegrape cultivars for new and replacement plantings.
This guide provides North Carolina bell pepper growers with a comprehensive approach to nutrient management through foliar analysis. Foliar analysis offers a precise method for assessing nutrient levels within plants, enabling targeted nutrient adjustments at key growth stages—vegetative, flowering, and early fruit set. This document covers essential sampling techniques, including optimal leaf selection, handling, and transportation, to ensure accurate results. It also provides recommended nutrient sufficiency ranges, allowing farmers to interpret foliar analysis data effectively and adjust fertilization practices to enhance crop health and yield. Additionally, guidelines for foliar fertilization are provided, emphasizing timing, solution preparation, and application methods to prevent plant damage and ensure nutrient uptake. By integrating foliar analysis into regular crop management, bell pepper growers can optimize nutrient application, improve fruit quality, and support sustainable production.
This publication describes the composting process, how to make compost that meets National Organic Program standards, and how to apply and utilize compost.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Dimension (dithiopyr).
This publication discusses the biology, damage, and control of fire ants in pastures.
Diagnostic procedures and treatment of phytopthora crown rot of strawberry are discussed in this factsheet.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of caterpillars that feed on trees and shrubs.
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 Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of tea scale, an insect pest of camellias and hollies.
This factsheet describes the biology of the larger yellow ants, Acanthomyops interjectus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication, chapter 8 of the North Carolina Soybean Production Guide, discusses disease management in soybean production.
This Entomology Insect Note describes false spider mites, insect pests ornamental, fruit and vegetable crops.
Fusarium wilt is an emerging disease of blackberry in commercial plantings in southeastern North Carolina. This factsheet covers symptoms, signs, and best management practices for Fusarium wilt of blackberry.
This publication covers the basics of leasing land for farming operations, from both a landowner and tenant perspective.
This factsheet describes the biology of the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the sugarcane beetle, Euetheola rugiceps, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma ellectellum, and provides residential management recommendations.
Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient required for numerous physiological processes in plants, including chlorophyll synthesis, respiration, and enzymatic activity. While iron is necessary in small amounts, its availability is often a limiting factor in vegetable production due to its interactions with soil pH and other nutrients. Proper management is crucial for crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, and cabbage to ensure optimal growth, yield, and quality. This publication explores the importance and dangers of iron, adequate levels in soil and foliage, fertilizer sources, methods for identifying deficiencies and correcting them, and the influence of soil pH and water management on iron availability.
Cool-season leafy greens face a different weed spectrum than warm-season crops. The presence of weeds in harvested greens can result in lower prices or rejection at market. Learn about the cultivation and herbicide options that growers can use to avoid weed competition and contamination.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses how to control fire ants in the homeowner's yard.
This publication, chapter 4 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, discusses soil testing, nursery stock, and spacing for blackberry and raspberry production.
This Appendix from the Extension Gardener Handbook will explain a brief history of land development and its influence on landscape design.
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 summarizes the characteristics of the chinch bug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet discusses the biology and control of ocellate gall midges, which cause red and yellow spots on the surface of red maple leaves.
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.
This publications contains detailed drawings and descriptions to aid in identifying pests and insects of shrubs. It summarizes recommended practices for eliminating those pests or insects.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of cylamen mites in strawberries.
This publication offers fertilizer suggestions for a variety of crops, including field, pasture and hay crops, tree fruit, small fruit, ornamental plants and vegetable crops.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the black turpentine beetle, an insect pest of several types of pines in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the rustic sphinx, Manduca rustica, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of wireworms, a worm-like larvae of click beetles that are pests of turfgrass.
Efficient irrigation is crucial for vegetable production in North Carolina, where weather variability demands careful water management. This publication explains the concept of evapotranspiration (ET)—the combined water loss from soil and plants—and its significance in determining crop water needs. Key topics include the types of ET, the role of the crop coefficient (Kc) in tailoring ET calculations for specific crops and growth stages, and practical steps for using ET and Kc to optimize irrigation. By understanding these principles, farmers can improve water use efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance crop yields while promoting sustainable farming practices.
This factsheet offers information on the biology and management of the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive forest pest in the United States.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Persimmon psyllid or persimmon psylla, Baeoalitriozus diospyri or Trioza diospyri, and provides residential management recommendations.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Casoron (dichlobenil).
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of Rhizopus soft rot of sweetpotatoes.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in dogwood.
This factsheet describes the biology of the columbine leafminer, Phytomyza miniscula, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the fern scale, Pinnaspis aspidistrae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This second in a series on pruning offers tips on selecting the right tool for the job and for evaluating a tool’s quality.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Reward (diquat dibromide).
This factsheet provides instructions on how to properly care for carpetgrass year round. It also includes information on fertilization and integrated pest management.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of geotrichum sour rot of sweetpotato.
This publication discusses how to find information about frost and freeze probability data in North Carolina and how to use these resources to make planting and harvesting decisions.
This Factsheet discusses the steps in forming an LLC in North Carolina for your farm.
This publication details strategies for to prevent and manage soilborne diseases in greenhouse crop production using soilless media. Tactics include sanitation measures, cultural practices, and the application of treatments to limit the development and spread of these diseases in the greenhouse.
This publication offers a discussion on how to lime Fraser fir Christmas trees. Fraser fir Christmas trees require a lower soil pH than most crops grown in North Carolina. Special management strategies for soil pH, calcium, and magnesium are needed to provide proper nutrition without over-liming.
Proper application of pesticides and fertilizers, which protects water quality, is possible only with a sprayer or spreader that is accurately calibrated. Pesticides applied with equipment that has not been calibrated may be misapplied by more than 10 percent. That may lead to repeat applications, damaged plants, excess cost, and contamination of the environment.
Leather rot, though occurring rarely in North Carolina, can cause substantial losses of fruit yield. This factsheet covers the identification and control of the disease.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of Indian wax scale, a tiny insect that detracts from a plant's appearance due to white scales and honeydew secretions.
This factsheet describes the biology of the lantana lace bug, Teleonemia scrupulosa, and provides residential management recommendations.
The red-headed flea beetle (RHFB), Systena frontalis, is a serious pest of broadleaved ornamental plants in nurseries. This document describes current knowledge of the pest and best practices for its management in nurseries.
La infección de fresa por Phytophthora cactorum ocurre en suelos mal drenados, sobre riego, o durante largos períodos de lluvia en climas cálidos. Los síntomas de la enfermedad aumentan durante los períodos de alta necesidad de agua, como después de que se establecen los trasplantes, durante el clima cálido y seco o a medida que aumenta la carga de fruta. El patógeno se ha vuelto muy importante en los últimos 10-15 años (1999-2014).
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in holly.
This factsheet describes the biology of the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus echinopus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication describes the evaluation of plant survival and vigor on 11 extensive green roofs in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina and provides plant selection guidelines for future green roof installations.
Vegetable Disease Fact Sheet
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of nematodes in turfgrasses.
This publication offers information on the various insect pests and their management in rhododendron.
This factsheet describes the biology of the phlox plant bug, Lopidea davisi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, and provides residential management recommendations.
Planting date, pre-plant soil and bed preparation and plant quality are the three important pillars that make the foundations for a successful crop. In this guide we will describe what to do before and after a late planting, as well as how to use floating row covers to improve growing degree days and plant growth.
Despite the popularity and necessity of landscaping, it can be quite daunting thinking through how to select plants for a chosen site. The purpose of this factsheet is to provide both consumers and landscapers with a few hints to select landscape plants that will best fit their current project. Several takeaways include understanding the importance of the environment and location of the planting area, mature size of the plant and its characteristics, as well as how layering can increase seasonal interest and diversity of the landscape. These tips will ensure that gardeners are better equipped to make the best selection for their landscapes.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the preemergence herbicide Barricade, Prodiamine or Regalkade G (prodiamine).
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the black twig borer, an insect pest of many trees typically found in southeastern and coastal North Carolina.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the herbicide Oxadiazon (oxadiazon).
This factsheet describes the biology of the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar, and provides residential management recommendations.
One of the more enjoyable Christmas traditions is to replant a living Christmas tree into your landscape after the holiday season. This article describes the process of successfully selecting, caring for and replanting a living Christmas tree.
This factsheet provides information on whiteflies and their impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of Sclerotinia Drop of lettuce.
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 centipedegrass.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of annual sedge and addresses how to control it as a weed in turf.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of an ALS inhibitor herbicide injury.
This factsheet describes the biology of the cattail toothpick grasshopper, Leptysma marginicollis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of amber snails in the family Succineidae.
This factsheet describes the biology of the juniper scale insect, Carulaspis juniperi, and provides residential management recommendations.
Las hojas jóvenes son muy susceptibles al tizón de la hoja de Phomopsis. La enfermedad también puede debilitar las hojas más viejas en las plantaciones perennes, lo que resulta en rendimientos reducidos al año siguiente. En el sureste durante la producción de viveros, puede ocurrir una defoliación severa y las plantas hijas pueden marchitarse y morir debido a la infección de estolones con síntomas que a menudo se confunden con antracnosis.
Growing strawberries as an annual crop on black plastic requires a different weed management strategy than the perennial matted row strawberries. Weeds that have hard seed coats, such as vetch and clover, emerge for long periods of time can establish in the row. They emerge in late fall or spring, grow under the plastic for a period of time, and emerge from any holes in the plastic.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of pythium root dysfunction.
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 factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in euonymus.
This fachseet offers information on alternaria black spot of strawberry, a fungus that grows on injured fruit.
Weed competition in lettuce reduces both yield and head quality. This cool-season crop faces competition from winter annuals as well as early summer weeds. Learn about the cultivation and herbicide options that growers can use to control weeds in lettuce, including advice for lettuce grown with plastic mulch.
This factsheet describes the biology of the barnacle scale, Ceroplastes cirripediformis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the boxwood psyllid, Cacopsylla buxi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Hyperaspis lady beetle, which feeds on the egg masses of scale insects.
This factsheet describes the biology of the eastern six-spined engraver, eastern five-spined engraver, and southern pine engraver— Ips calligraphus, Ips grandicollis, Ips avulsus.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Lontrel (clopyralid).
This factsheet describes the biology of claycolored leaf beetles, a sporadic pest in the landscape.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of fire ants and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
Angular leaf spot is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas fragariae and occurs frequently in North Carolina and surrounding states. The pathogen is introduced on infected plant material and is difficult to control but economic damage is often low.
This factsheet describes the signs and symptoms, as well as control, of Botrytis crown rot in strawberry production.
This factsheet provides information on the red imported fire ant and its impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Magnolia scale, Neolecanium cornuparvum, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the elm leafminer sawfly, Kaliofenusa ulmi or Fenusa ulmi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the leafroller weevil and the oak roller weevil, Attelabus bipustulatus and Homoeolabus analis.
This publication discusses botrytis blossom blight and fruit rot of blueberry in North Carolina. It includes signs and symptoms, the disease cycle, and best management practices.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Marengo (indaziflam).
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the imported willow leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolor, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the giant conifer aphid, Cinara spp, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the eastern pine looper, Lambdina pellucidaria, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes Southern bacterial wilt, a widespread and destructive disease affecting multiple crops, and gives management options.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Goal and GoalTender (oxyfluorfen).
This publication covers disease control in a variety of crops.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the clover mite and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in camellia.
This factsheet describes the biology of the black swallowtail, American swallowtail, parsnip swallowtail, parsley swallowtail, celeryworm, caraway worm, and eastern black swallowtail, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the citrus flatid planthopper, Metcalfa pruinosa, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the greenhouse thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the butternut woollyworm, Eriocampa juglandis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the variegated cutworm, caterpillar of the pearly underwing moth Peridroma saucia, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the palm leaf skeletonizer, Homaledra sabalella, and provides recommendations for management.
Clavibacter michiganensis, commonly known as bacterial canker, is considered one of the most necessary-to-manage diseases in the greenhouse tomato industry. Bacterial canker spreads quickly to infect both transplanted and directly seeded crops, especially through pruning practices when shears are not properly disinfected. An epidemic can begin with a single infected seed, so disease prevention should always remain a top priority for all growers.
Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, playing a critical role in numerous physiological processes, including enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and hormonal regulation. While required in small amounts, zinc is indispensable for high-quality vegetable production. Deficiencies can severely affect crop performance, leading to reduced yields and quality. This publication focuses on zinc management for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, and cabbage, addressing its importance, adequate soil and foliage levels, fertilizer sources, and strategies for identifying and correcting deficiencies.
This publication, chapter 11 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, discusses fertilization and soil fertility for blackberry and raspberry plants.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of leaf and sheath spot in turf.
This factsheet provides information about control strategies for dealing with common ragweed, particularly for Fraser fir production operations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the pales weevil, Hylobius pales, and provides residential management recommendations.
Growing tomatoes during the summer in North Carolina presents significant challenges due to high temperatures and irregular rainfall. These conditions can shorten the growing season, reduce yields and fruit quality, and increase pest pressure. This guide provides insights into selecting the most suitable plastic mulch to mitigate these issues.
As a part of the humid Southeast, North Carolina’s climate, topography, soils, cropping systems, and water sources require special consideration when considering and implementing a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system. This publication is not a step-by-step design manual, but it will help you in the design process of an SDI system appropriate to North Carolina.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discusses identifying scale insects in commercial flower and plant production.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a photosystem II (PS II) inhibitor herbicide injury.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the yellowjacket and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the cyclamen and broad mites, insect pests of many flowering shrubs and plants.
This Entomology Insect Note describes brown soft scale, a common insect pest on trees, shrubs and indoor plants.
This factsheet describes the biology of the spruce spider mite, Oligonychus ununguis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the brownheaded ash sawfly, Tomostethus multicinctus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the native elm bark beetle, Hylurgopinus rufipes, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the dogwood sawfly, Macremphytus tarsatus, and provides residential management recommendations.
The purpose of this bulletin is to summarize the specific characteristics of the cultivars released by the NCARS. A brief description of the important characteristics will be followed by a review of each cultivar in order of ripening sequence. Ripening dates provided are average dates calculated from years of observation at the Sandhills Research Station.
This publication, chapter 1 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, offers an introduction to caneberry (blackberry and raspberry) production in the Southeast.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of globe sedge and addresses how to control it as a weed in turf.
Maintenance contracts for turfgrass areas should be written to provide security for all parties involved. The person or company receiving services (the contractor) should be aware of everything it has agreed to and therefore is required to do. This publication provides basic guidelines on how to write a good contract regarding turfgrass maintenance.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a photosystem I (PS I) inhibitor herbicide injury.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Basagran T/O (bentazon).
This factsheet describes the biology of the pine needle scale insects, Chionaspis pinifoliae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the spring rose beetle, Strigoderma arboricola, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the cabbage palm caterpillar, cabbage palm worm, or palmetto borer, Litoprosopus futilis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Australian cockroach, also known as a waterbug and the shad roach, Periplaneta australasiae.
This factsheet describes the biology of the whitefly parasite, Encarsia formosa, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet discusses the symptoms and treatment of catfacing, an abiotic disorder in strawberries that causes misshaped fruit.
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 publication contains step-by-step guidelines for field calibration of stationary sprinkler irrigation systems. Proper calibration is required by law.
This guide to lawn maintenance for North Carolina contains information on establishing a new lawn, maintaining it, and controlling lawn pests using organic methods. It also provides information on renovating an existing lawn.
This factsheet describes the biology of the bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication discusses the signs and symptoms as well as management of a variety of strawberry viruses including Strawberry Mild Yellow Edge, Strawberry Mottle Virus and Raspberry Ringspot Virus.
Lawns are ecosystems that impact surface and groundwater systems. The grasses found in lawns clean the environment by absorbing gaseous pollutants and intercepting pesticides, fertilizers, dust, and sediment. Irrigation water properly applied to lawns remains on site to recharge water supplies. In addition, grasses release oxygen and reduce glare, noise, and summer temperatures. Proper management practices need to be developed and followed to protect this environment. The purpose of this publication is to provide you with management strategies to preserve and protect water resources.
This publication, chapter 3 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, discusses the benefits and limitations of selecting various sites to plant blackberries and raspberries.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the hunting billbug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This publication discusses the impacts of yellow nutsedge on sweetpotato crops and includes information on weed identification and management.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of fall armyworms and addresses how to control them as an insect.
This factsheet describes the biology of the adult lilac borer, Podosesia syringae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the greater peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitisoa, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of Cotesia Congregata, a parasitoid.
This factsheet describes the biology of the giant strong-nosed stink bug, Alcaeorrhynchus grandis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the camellia scale, Lepidosaphes camelliae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the locust leafminer, Odontota dorsalis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Japanese maple leafhopper, also called the Asian maple leafhopper—Japananus hyalinus.
This factsheet describes the biology of the ailanthus webworm, Atteva aurea, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes and gives the biology and management of the Japanese cedar longhorned beetle (also called the smaller Japanese cedar longhorned beetle, the small Japanese cedar longhorned beetle, or the Japanese cedar longhorn)—Callidiellum rufipenne.
Precision agriculture (PA), often referred to as "smart farming" or "precision farming," represents a transformative paradigm shift in the field of horticultural sciences, particularly when applied to vegetable cultivation. The fundamentals of PA involve site-specific management of inputs such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Nowadays, PA leverages advances in remote sensing, robotics, and data science to optimize crop production, enhance both yield and resource efficiency, and minimize environmental impacts. This article introduces PA technologies and recent advances, along with the potential benefits they bring to vegetable production. It also provides considerations for growers interested in adopting PA technologies in their operations.
This factsheet about Fraser fir pests covers white pine cone beetles, bagworms, gypsy moths, Botrytis shoot blight, sooty molds, fern/fir rust, Rhizosphaera needlecast, Annosum root and butt rot, Rosellinia blight, Nectria canker, Armillaria, and Phomopsis.
This factsheet describes the symptoms, life cycles and control of needle cast diseases in Christmas trees.
This publication, chapter 13 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, offers tips on harvesting and handling blackberries and raspberries postharvest.
This appendix to the collection, How to Manage a Successful Bee Hotel, summarizes the best practices suggested throughout the document.
This factsheet describes the biology of the juniper webworm, Dichomeris marginella, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the powdery pine needle aphid, Eulachnus rileyi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the garden fleahopper, Microtechnites (formerly Halticus) bractatus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the hickory spiral borer, Agrilus torquatus., and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the tuliptree aphid, Illinoia liriodendri, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication discusses research on under trellis cover crops at a North Carolina commercial vineyard and the impact of the practice on grapevine vigor, yield, vine balance, and fruit chemistry. It also covers under trellis cover crop management, common pitfalls, and mistakes to avoid.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of strawberry clipper weevils in commercial strawberry production.
This publication discusses best practices for managing and controlling weeds in container nurseries and greenhouses, focusing on woody plant propagation and containerized liner production.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the ash whitefly, an insect pest of Bradford pear trees in North Carolina.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in lilac.
This fruit disease information factsheet discusses several disease problems when growing figs in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Chinese praying mantid, Tenodera sinensis, which are sold as biological controls.
This factsheet describes the biology of the solitary oak leafminer, Cameraria hamadryadella, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the redbanded thrip, Selenothrips rubrocinctus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of carpenterworms, an insect pest of hardwood trees in North Carolina.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Devrinol (napropamide).
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 publication is a compilation of ideas from a few specialists based on research, reports in the landscape, experience, and intuition on how to manage storm and disaster damage in landscapes and nurseries.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of bees and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This factsheet describes oystershell scale insects (Lepidosaphes ulmi).
This factsheet describes the biology of the azalea plant bug, Rhinocapsus vanduzeei, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the walnut caterpillar, Datana integerrima, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the black thread scale, Ischnaspis longirostris, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the oak shothole leafminer, Japanagromyza viridula.
This factsheet describes the biology of the shining flower beetles, of the family Phalacridae.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Spiny Oakslug, Euclea delphinii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This publication details how to achieve accurate and uniform application of herbicides using hand-held applicators in container nursery settings.
This vegetable pathology factsheet describes the identification and treatment of hop downy mildew.
This factsheet provides information on crickets and their impact on North Carolina strawberries.
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 9 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide,
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor herbicide injury.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the cicada killer wasp and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of purple nutsedge and addresses how to control it as a weed in turf.
This publication describes the best management practices (BMP) to reduce sediment and keep nutrients and pesticides applied to turf from contaminating North Carolina's water resources.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the azalea leafminer.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the cicada, an occasional pest of trees when laying eggs.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of leafminer flies, an insect pest of many flowers and ornamentals.
This publication provides information about what biopesticides are, how they control plant diseases, and how they are used to control diseases of vegetables.
This factsheet describes the biology of the woolly oak aphids, Stegophylla spp, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the chrysanthemum lace bug, Corythuca marmorata, and provides residential management recommendations.
This Entomology Insect Note offers information on scouting and trapping the granulate (Asian) ambrosia beetle, an insect pest that can cause significant damage in nursery and orchard settings.
This factsheet covers how and when to shape, prune and shear Virginia pine Christmas trees.
Although groundwater and surface waters are rarely polluted by turfgrass pesticides, turf managers should consider the potential for environmental contamination when choosing a pesticide.
This factsheet describes sap beetles and their impact on North Carolina strawberries.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the millipedes and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This publication reviews the results of a survey conducted to assess the distribution of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaV) and grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) in North Carolina. It provides information on identifying disease symptoms, collecting samples, submitting samples for virus testing, and best grapevine virus management practices for new vineyards and established mature vineyards.
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This factsheet describes the biology of the pansyworm, Euptoieta claudia, the immature stage of the variegated fritillary butterfly, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the banded sphinx moth or lesser vine sphinx, Eumorpha fasciatus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the snowy planthopper, Flatormenis proxima, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the purplespotted lily aphid, Macrosiphum lilii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the oak vein pocket gall midge, Macrodiplosis quercusoroca.
This factsheet describes the biology of the mulberry whitefly, Tetraleurodes mori, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the purple mite (also known as the purple camellia mite, the purple tea mite (camellia and tea are closely related plants), and cha-geom-eun-hog-eung-ae, Calacarus carinatus.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the preemergent herbicide Princep, Simazine (simazine).
This publication, chapter 8 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, discusses growing blackberries and raspberries in high tunnels, semi-permanent structures made of steel pipe arches and covered with polyethylene plastic.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of springtails and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of cellulose-inhibiting herbicide injuries.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of euonymus scale, insect pests of euonymus, pachysandra and celastrus in North Carolina.
This fact sheet compiles common arthropod pests of dogwood trees (Cornaceae) in North Carolina. It contains brief descriptions with links to reputable and more thorough fact sheets.
This factsheet describes the of the giant bark aphid, Longistigma caryae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the bristly roseslug, Cladius difformis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the banded greenhouse thrips, Hercinothrips femoralis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Cottony Azalea Scale, Pulvinaria ericicola, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of spotted wing drosophila in strawberries.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Ornamental Herbicide II (oxyfluorfen + pendimethalin).
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Snapshot TG (isoxaben +trifluralin).
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 nuisance ants and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the azalea stem borer.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Finale XL or Cheetah Pro (glufosinate).
This factsheet describes the biology of the juniper tip dwarf mite, Trisetacus juniperinus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of StriCore (pethoxamid).
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Pendulum, Aquacap, Corral (pendimethalin).
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Tower (dimethenamid-p).
Nutrient analysis of soil and plant tissue should be an integral part of any tree crop management plan. While this publication was designed for apple growers, the principles outlined here may be easily applied to other tree crops.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Gallery (isoxaben).
This factsheet covers the basics of constructing a propagation / winter protection structure in a quonset design.
This publication provides a step-by-step description of how to use the gravimetric method to calibrate soil-water measuring equipment.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of yellow nutsedge and addresses how to control it as a weed in turf.
This publication will help you choose the correct type of lawn maintenance service for your home or business.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the twobanded Japanese weevil, an insect pest of many trees and shrubs.
This factsheet discusses the identification and management of southern blight of sweetpotato.
This factsheet describes the biology of the European corn borer adult, Ostrinia nubilalis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of earwigs (order Dermaptera), and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the elm-grass root aphid, Tetraneura ulmi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the deodar weevil or eastern pine weevil, Pissodes nemorensis, and provides residential management recommendations.
The twig pruner, Elaphidionoides villosus, is a slender grayish-yellow, longhorned beetle about 1/2" long that is normally considered a secondary invader of declining trees and shrubs. The twig pruner attacks healthy twigs and small branches. The female lays an egg in the bark by slitting the surface at leaf axils in late spring. When these eggs hatch, the legless grubs bore into the twig.
This factsheet describes the biology of the scarab beetle, Anomala flavipennis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Asiatic oak weevil, Cyrtepistomus castaneus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the hemlock rust mite, Nalepella tsugifoliae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the daylily leafminer, Ophiomyia kwansonis., and provides residential management recommendations.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Pennant Magnum (S-metolachlor).
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of cottony maple leaf scale, Pulvinaria innumerabilis, an insect pest that feeds primarily on maple and dogwoods in North Carolina.
This publication explains how to plan and maintain subirrigation systems by providing information on types of water supplies and pumps and water quality.
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.
The self-propelled gun type traveler system is usually the most practical system for irrigating irregular shaped fields. Selection and management considerations for self-propelled gun type systems are discussed in this article.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a carotenoid pigment inhibitor herbicide injury.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a lipid biosynthesis (Acetyl CoA carboxylase or ACCase) inhibitor herbicide injury.
This factsheet describes the bandedwinged whitefly (Trialeurodes abutiloneus).
This factsheet describes the biology of the woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet provides general guidelines for obtaining soil samples in Christmas tree fields, a summary of soil test result categories, and information for evaluating those results to develop an efficient Christmas tree fertilization program.
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).
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, chapter 10 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, points users to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) resources for blackberry and raspberry production.
This factsheet describes the biology of the boisduval scale, Diaspis boisduvalii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the introduced pine sawfly, Diprion similis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the red oak clearwing borer, Paranthrene simulans, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the pittosporum psyllid, Cacopsylla tobirae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Cuban laurel thrips, Gynaikothrips ficorum, and provides residential management recommendations.
The symptoms and treatment techniques of southern stem blight in strawberries are discussed in this factsheet.
This muscadine grape production guide will help the increasing number of North Carolina farmers who are considering growing and marketing this fruit as a farm diversification option.
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 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 the silverleaf whitefly, an insect pest of ornamentals and vegetables grown in commercial greenhouses.
This factsheet, part of the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in crape myrtle.
This factsheet describes the biology of the latania scale insect, Hemiberlesia lataniae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the palmetto scale, Comstockiella sabalis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the pearslug, Caliroa cerasi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the American plum borer, Euzophera semifuneralis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of several species of grasshopper, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the life cycle and control of the pine tortoise scale, insects which accelerate the development of an unsightly black fungus on Christmas trees.
Golf courses provide a unique setting for wetlands that can be used to provide both an environmental benefit and an aesthetic amenity. The research-based recommendations in this publication are intended to help you optimize concepts and designs for your next project.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of voles and addresses how to control them in turf.
This publication explains plant growth regulators for a variety of crops.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the sugarcane beetle and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of hemispherical scale, an insect pest of many flowering trees and shrubs, as well as greenhouse plants.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of the herbicide Fortress (isoxaben + dithiopyr).
This publication gives an overview of sour-rot management in European-style grapevines in North Carolina. We explain what the causes of sour rot, show pictures, discuss susceptible cultivars and give management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the longtailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the redheaded pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the baptisia seed pod weevil, also called baptisia weevil, wild indigo weevil, or Say’s weevil, Trichapion Rostrum.
This factsheet describes the biology of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda., and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the green appple aphid, Aphis pomi, and provides residential management recommendations.
La podredumbre del cuero, causada por Phytophthora cactorum, puede causar pérdidas sustanciales de rendimiento de fruta en años húmedos, y es particularmente problemática para las operaciones de recolección, donde la fruta enferma no detectada mezclada con fruta sana puede resultar en mermeladas y jaleas de sabor amargo.
La pudrición de la corona de Botrytis ocurre esporádicamente en los sistemas de producción anual. La enfermedad ocurre a principios o finales del invierno o principios de la primavera en condiciones frescas y húmedas. La enfermedad se ve favorecida en el invierno si las floraciones mueren por heladas; si se produce un crecimiento excesivo de las plantas o si las plantas están en una alta densidad; o si el tejido muerto en invierno es colonizado por el patógeno.
This factsheet describes public programs designed to reduce barriers for growers wanting to implement practices like cover crops and conservation tillage and enhance the adoption of conservation practices.
A new group of cover crops for winter and summer use include mustards, oilseed radishes and turnips. When young, these plants resemble turnip greens, are very succulent and have a low C:N ratio, resulting in rapid decomposition when incorporated into the soil. However, if allowed to mature, bolt and flower, they produce a large amount of biomass in a short period of time and become woody, resulting in slower decomposition than when killed at an immature stage.
2,4-D herbicide injury described and management provided.
There are many species of bamboo sold in the nursery trade, some more invasive than others. The plants spread by thick, tough, underground stems (rhizomes). These rhizomes are resilient to adverse environmental conditions and most herbicides. To control such aggressive weeds you must eradicate or contain the entire infestation. Bamboo control programs will require an intensive control strategy over several years.
This publication explains the weight-area method, one of the two methods in which solid or semi-solid applicators can be calibrated. Proper calibration is required by law.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of cylindric sedge and addresses how to control it as a weed in turf.
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.
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 pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Fuerte (fumioxazin + prodiamine).
This factsheet describes the biology of the minute oak bark beetle or the small oak bark beetle, Pseudopityophthorus minutissimus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the lesser canna leafroller, Geshna cannalis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the peony scale insect, Pseudaonidia paeoniae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This insect note includes a pest management calendar for pests of pine in North Carolina.
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.
Durable athletic fields begin with sound construction and careful planning. Good management practices can increase a field's durability. The basic concepts presented in this guide can help field managers extend the usability of athletic fields.
Even the best herbicides will not provide effective weed control if they're not applied accurately and uniformly. This publication describes the steps required to calibrate hand-held spreaders commonly used in container nurseries.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of crayfish and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
Hand-move irrigation systems are normally used to irrigate small fields. Solid-set and permanent sprinkler irrigation systems are used for irrigation, frost/freeze protection, evaporative cooling, and land application of nutrient-rich effluent. Selection and management considerations for hand-move solid-set and permanent sprinkler irrigation systems are discussed in this article.
Low volume irrigation systems are normally used for fruits, vegetables, container nursery plants and in the landscape. For all these uses, growers are interested in highly controlled water management systems. Selection and management considerations for low volume irrigation systems are discussed in this article.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of green kyllinga and addresses how to control it as a weed in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of dollarweed.
Producing asparagus crowns for sale or use is simple and profitable. Careful attention to details described here is important so that all requirements for certified plant production can be met. Certified plants are most saleable and bring a premium price. One-year-old crowns will produce a healthy asparagus planting.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of a dichlobenil herbicide injury.
The per-capita consumption of processed tomatoes has increased steadily in recent years. This has been due to changes in eating habits and development of new and better products. Over 8 million tons of processed tomatoes are produced in the United States annually. Average yields for the United States are 25 tons per acre while the range is 9 to 40 tons per acre. North Carolina growers can produce high yields of processing tomatoes. Satisfactory color, pH, sugar and acid content needed to produce a fine quality canned product can be attained if tomatoes are grown according to recommended practices.
This publication discusses the biology and control of zoysiagrass mites, occasional pests of turfgrass in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of the lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the willow bladdergall mite, Aculops tetanothrix, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the hickory peach gall midge, Cariomyia persicoides, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the red bay triozid, Trioza magnoliae, and provides residential management recommendations.
Every nursery needs to have someone who routinely checks Electrical Conductivity (EC) also called soluble salts, and pH of container crops, potting inventories and irrigation water. Checking EC and pH should be considered part of the quality control and scouting program in the nursery. Results from testing 3 to 5 containers in a irrigation zone each week can be used to schedule irrigation the following week. Comparing leachate solution collected from containers to water collected from irrigation nozzles provides a good insight into nutrient levels in the containers. Checking EC and pH of nursery crops grown in containers doesn't have to be time consuming, complicated or difficult. The intention of this article is to review the procedure and update growers on the Virginia Tech Extraction Method (VTEM), also called the PourThru extraction procedure.
North Carolina has one of the most varied climates of any eastern state, and a diverse number of grape species and varieties can be grown. But to be a successful commercial winegrape grower, it is critical that you select varieties that grow well in your region and that have an established market.
This publication contains step-by-step guidelines for determining irrigated acreage for hard hose traveler irrigation systems are presented. Proper calibration helps protect the environment and is required by law.
This factsheet, part of Insect and Related Pests of Flowers and Foliage Plants, discussing identifying and controlling beetles in commercial flower and plant production.
Appendix 5 of, How to Manage a Successful Bee Hotel, provides a list of additional resources about bees, wasps, and pollinator gardening.
This publication provides a simplified tool that can quickly guide farm managers, handlers, workers, and family farmers in understanding compliance with the Worker Protection Standard.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the privet mite, Brevipalpus obovatus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the bald cypress rust mite, Epitrimerus taxodii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the blackgum Leafslug Sawfly, Caliroa nyssae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This fact sheet describes the biology, identification and management of gouty vein gall midge.
El coquillo amarillo (Cyperus esculentus) es la segunda maleza más problemática después del amaranto Palmer (Amaranthus palmerii) y la tercera maleza más frecuente en el cultivo de camote en Carolina del Norte después del amaranto y la maleza alfombra (Mollugo verticillata).
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Surflan (oryzalin).
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is the practice of installing drip irrigation below the ground. SDI may be used below planting and tillage operations even in standard row-crop production systems. This publication is the first in a series that examines how North Carolina growers can use the technology.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the twolined spittlebug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This Entomology Insect Note discusses common pests of holly in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of the bayberry leaftier, Strepsicrates smithiana, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Mexican mealybug, Phenacoccus gossypii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the maskell scale, Lepidosaphes maskelli, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the common barklouse, Cerastipsocus venosus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the orange-shouldered sherbet moth or white palpita moth, Phalaena costata (Diaphania costata), and provides residential management recommendations.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for azalea insect and mite pests.
Vineyard establishment involves careful planning, thorough site preparation, vineyard design, planting, and trellis construction. Unlike dormant pruning or other annual activities, designing and establishing a vineyard must be done correctly the first time. In addition, the process must be tailored to the particular site and the grower’s intentions. This chapter discusses the basic steps in establishing a vineyard and offers suggestions for practical methods and materials.There are many alternatives. Although this chapter may be used as the sole source of information for vineyard establishment, it is advisable to obtain and compare information from additional sources before beginning. References provided here include more detailed information on particular aspects of vineyard establishment, such as trellis construction. It is also helpful to visit existing vineyards to examine their design, compare trellising materials, and discuss plant and row spacing.
Grapevines require 16 essential nutrients for normal growth and development (Table 9.1). Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are obtained as the roots take in water and as the leaves absorb gases. The remaining nutrients are obtained primarily from the soil. Macronutrients are those used in relatively large quantities by vines; natural macronutrients are often supplemented with applied fertilizers.The micronutrients, although no less essential, are needed in very small quantities. When one or more of these elements is deficient, vines may exhibit foliar deficiency symptoms, reduced growth or crop yield, and greater susceptiblity to winter injury or death. The availability of essential nutrients is therefore critical for optimum vine performance and profitable grape production.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Envoy Plus (clethodim).
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Broadstar (flumioxazin).
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 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 the publication Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs publication, includes an identification key and descriptions of pests in pyracantha.
This factsheet describes the biology of the chestnut brown bark beetle, Pityogenes hopkinsi, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the privet rust mite, Aculus ligustri, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the pine witches' broom mite, Trisetacus floridanus, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the dogwood twig borer, Oberea tripunctata, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the yellow scale insect, Aonidiella citrina, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet shows when common pests of rhododendron are likely to be present.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for Leyland cypress.
This factsheet describes the biology of the potato leafhoppers, Empoasca fabae., and provides residential management recommendations.
In the Southeast United States (USA), strawberries are grown as an annual crop. Several on-farm research studies have been conducted over the last 15 years to develop economically viable non-fumigant soil-borne disease management programs. Researchers discovered ‘Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD)’, also known as ‘Biological Soil Disinfestation (BSD)’, is a ‘game changer’ alternative for managing several soil-borne diseases, plant-parasitic nematodes, and weeds in vegetable and fruit crops.
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.
Knowing a few basics and having some appropriate tools is all that is necessary before you can build your own baseball field. These illustrated instructions can be used to set up a baseball field on a relatively level, open area of ground.
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 summarizes the characteristics of nematodes and addresses how to control them in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of microdochium patch (pink snow mold).
This factsheet provides information on the sugarcane beetle and its impact on North Carolina strawberries.
Color guide to identification of weeds common in container nursery crop production. Also includes a table of preemergence herbicide efficacy on these species.
Este mapa presenta la ruta más rápida para satisfacer la Ley de Protección al Trabajador sin complicaciones. Esta es una herramienta de descripción general simplificada para orientar rápidamente a los ger-entes de fincas, manipuladores, trabajadores y agricultores familiares en la dirección correcta.
This factsheet describes the biology of the rhododendron gall midge, Clinodiplosis rhododendri, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the poplar tentmaker moth, Clostera inclusa, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the greedy scale, Hemiberlesia rapax, and provides residential management recommendations.
This review presents the key steps involved in pruning a mature Carlos vine for maximum production of top-quality fruit.
Grapes grown in North Carolina are sometimes exposed to unfavorable climatic conditions and biological pests that can reduce crops and injure or kill grapevines. Climatic threats include low winter temperatures, late spring frosts, excessive summer heat, and unpredictable precipitation. Biological pests include fungal pathogens and insects that attack the foliage and fruit of vines, as well as birds, deer, and other wildlife that consume fruit and shoots.Vineyard site selection greatly affects both the frequency and severity of these problems and is one of the most important factors affecting profitability in viticulture.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Regal O-O (oxyfluorfen + oxadiazon).
This publication summarizes design considerations, system operations and information on monitoring controlled drainage and subirrigation systems.
Drought has always caused nursery crop producers great concern. If irrigation water becomes limiting, growers producing nursery crops in containers may lose their entire crop. Newly planted field-grown crops also sustain heavy losses if they are not irrigated frequently during the first year of production. Although established field-grown nursery stock will survive if not irrigated during periods of drought, they will not grow under these conditions. Adequate moisture during field production will produce field-grown shade trees of marketable size in three to five years. Poorly irrigated plants will take longer to reach marketable size, thus lengthening the time cost of production.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of hornets and addresses how to control them as an insect in turf.
This publication contains step-by-step guidelines for field calibration of center pivot and linear move irrigation systems. Proper calibration is required by law.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Gemini (isoxaben + prodiamine).
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of the cypress weevil, an insect pest of Leyland cypress in North Carolina.
This factsheet describes the biology of the hawthorn lace bug, Corythucha cydoniae, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the whitefly Aleuroplatus vaccinii, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the dogwood clubgall midge, Resseliella clavula, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Asian oak leaf beetle, Demotina modesta, and provides residential management recommendations.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for boxwood insect and mite pests.
This guide introduces readers to some of the most common visitors to gardens in North Carolina, particularly in turfgrass-dominated areas. Readers will glean basic information about bees, wasps, butterflies, flies, beetles, and true bugs found among wildflowers in these locations.
This factsheet discusses the symptoms and treatment of drought injury in strawberries.
Crop prediction or estimation is the process of projecting as accurately as possible the quantity of crop that will be harvested. Why estimate the crop? The most obvious reason is to know how much crop will be present for sale or utilization. Beyond that fundamental reason, it is also important to know whether vines are undercropped or overcropped. In the absence of methodical crop estimations, the experienced grower can rely on past vineyard performance.This approach is subject to error, however, especially in grape regions subject to spring frosts or winter injury, which can greatly affect a vineyard’s productivity from year to year.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Freehand (dimethenamid-p + pendimethalin).
This publication explains the load-area method, one of the two methods in which semi-solid animal waste applicators can be calibrated. Proper calibration is required by law.
While research has shown that pollution of surface and groundwater supplies from turfgrass pesticide application is uncommon, the turf manager should still strive to avoid potential environmental contamination when choosing a pesticide.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of moles and addresses how to control them in turf.
A good source of water is a necessity for producing quality vegetables. During periods of drought, crop diversification and mulches can be used to cope with drought situations, but nothing will substitute for the timely application of water. This publication covers some guidelines for irrigation systems to help offset periods of drought in the Southeast United States.
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.
Every nurseryman should know how to prune trees and the reason for the various pruning practices. Many landscape problems can be avoided if correct pruning is performed, while the tree is growing in the nursery. Incorrect pruning practices or lack of pruning diminish the quality of the plant material.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for crape myrtle insect and mite pests.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for dogwood pests.
This poster-sized landscape management calendar is a guide to keeping your landscape healthy with sound management practices. It discusses proper establishment and maintenance practices as well as monitoring and targeted treatment of pests.
This factsheet describes the biology of midges in the genus Macrodiplosis, which cause vein "pocket" galls on the leaves of oaks.
This factsheet describes the biology of pitch gall midges or resin gall midges in the genus Cecidomyia.
This factsheet describes the biology of the pine needle gall midge, Thecodiplosis brachynteroides, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of the rudbeckia triozid, Bactericera antennata, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the alder lace bug, Corythucha pergandei, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the strawberry rootworm, Paria fragariae., and provides residential management recommendations.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for juniper insect and mite pests.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for camellia insect and mite pests.
This factsheet discusses the symptoms and management of water damage in strawberry production.
This factsheet describes the biology and management of native drosophila species in strawberries.
Field preparation using low-till practices, cover crops and soil amendments improves quality of both soils and ornamentals plants during production. Correct planting techniques and useful planting density scenarios are suggested. Guidelines for pruning during production are given so growers can create a niche by improving plant quality during field production of nursery stock.
This guide is designed to help turf managers identify the major turfgrass pests found in North Carolina and better understand their life cycles, symptoms, and biology.
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is a relatively new system that may give North Carolina producers similar or higher crop yields while using less water than other irrigation systems. Proper site selection helps ensure optimum system performance and crop yield while minimizing expenses. This publication will help you consider the characteristics of your field, soil, crop, cropping system and irrigation water resources as they apply to SDI.
Preemergence herbicide efficacy summary chart, Ranking the efficacy of preemergence herbicides on most weeds of nursery and landscape plantings.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the rhodesgrass mealybug and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This factsheet summarizes the characteristics of the sod webworm and addresses how to control it as an insect in turf.
This survey was conducted online from June 30, 2019 to July 15, 2019 to ask muscadine fresh-market growers about heir largest issues of concern. Marketing and consumer education as well as the development of extended seasons through new breeding material were among the highest ranked priorities for muscadine growers in NC.
European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis) is a pest of ornamental and vegetable crops with nearly worldwide distribution. In the US, it is most common in the Southeast but can live in greenhouses in northern regions. European pepper moth caterpillars feed on hundreds of plant species in many families. The caterpillars near the soil surface where they feed on lower leaves, stems, and roots. Management of this pest is difficult because it is hard to detect and it is protected from insecticides within silk webbing.
This factsheet describes the biology of the brown planthopper, Cyarda melichari., and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the sycamore leaf beetle, Neochlamisus platani, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the tufted apple budworm moth, Platynota idaeusalis, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Venus flytrap cutworm, Hemipachnobia subporphyrea.
Recent soil treatment experiments in NC pursue the development of integrated and biologically based systems compared to standard or optimized fumigation systems that can restore “tired soils” and reduce high pathogen inoculum pressure by researching how grower inputs, plant genetics, and microbiomes are interconnected. We seek to explore the usefulness of Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) in current production systems to suppress soilborne pathogens (and weeds) and enhance carbon inputs in soils and yields.
Fumigation related injury of strawberries is described with fumigant management and corrective measures provided.
Like other perennial plants, mature grapevines have extensive root systems and therefore, unlike shallow-rooted annual plants, they are fairly tolerant of mild droughts. Nevertheless, a certain amount of moisture is necessary to support growth and development. Lacking sufficient moisture, vines will suffer water stress, which can reduce productivity as well as fruit quality. Supplemental moisture can be provided by permanent (solid-set) or temporary irrigation systems. Drip irrigation has become the standard water delivery system for North Carolina vineyards in recent years. Drip irrigation can represent a substantial investment (see chapter 2 for details), but the benefits can far outweigh the costs in many vineyards. In 2005, it was estimated that drip irrigation would cost $22,743 to purchase and install the equipment required for a 10-acre drip system, or $2,274 per acre. Drip irrigation can be as effective on steep slopes as on rolling and flat surfaces.
This online publication describes how cover crops affect the soil, how to establish cover crops, and how to manage their residue. It includes a review of the winter and summer cover crops recommended for North Carolina. The authors also discuss the economics of planting cover crops and some concerns to consider when planting cover crops.
Nutrient analysis of soil and plant tissue should be an integral part of any tree crop management plan. While this publication was designed for Christmas tree growers, the principles outlined here may be easily applied to other tree crops.
This publication contains step-by-step guidelines for field calibration of hard hose and cable tow irrigation systems. Proper calibration is required by law.
This factsheet describes the symptoms of natural oil and acid herbicide injuries.
This factsheet describe the biology of the nutgrass borer moth, Bactra venosana, and the javelin moth, Bactra verutana.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for oak insect and mite pests.
This factsheet describes the biology of the cherry lace bug, Corythucha associata., and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the poinsettia thrip, Echinothrips americanus, and provides residential management instructions.
This factsheet describes the biology of the striped mealybug, Ferresia virgata, and provides residential management recommendations.
To grow more consistent crops and improve your cash flow in years with damaging frost events, this chapter will show you how you can: 1) identify an active protection system to protect your vineyard during budbreak and early shoot development, 2) use the basic principles of frost and frost/freeze protection to deal with complex cold protection scenarios, so that you use your active protection system(s) efficiently, and 3) operate the equipment correctly.
This pesticide factsheet covers the use and characteristics of Biathlon (oxyfluorfen + prodiamine).
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.
Although subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is in its infancy in North Carolina, it is becoming more popular as growers learn of its many benefits, which include increased irrigation efficiency. Proper management is imperative with an SDI system. Many components of an SDI system are underground; therefore, you must carefully monitor pressure and flow rates to ensure that the system is operating properly. This publication addresses water management, chemigation, system management and maintenance, and system evaluation.
This publication, chapter 14 of the 2023 Southeast Regional Caneberry Production Guide, offers resources for Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in blackberry and raspberry production.
This Entomology Insect Note describes the biology and control of fungus-infected seedcorn maggot flies, an insect pest that feeds on the seeds and seedlings of vegetables.
This factsheet provides general information about scorch or marginal burning on leaves of shade trees.
This factsheet describes the biology of spinose scales, Oceanaspidiotus spinosus, also called spined scales and avocado scales.
This factsheet describes the biology of the ligustrum weevil, Ochyronmera ligustri, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the ironweed longhorn borer, Hemierana marginata, and provides residential management recommendations.
This insect note contains a pest management calendar for hemlock insect and mite pests.
Experimentos recientes de tratamiento de suelos en Carolina del Norte bucan el desarrollo de sistemas integrados y de base biológica en comparación con los sistemas de fumigación estándar u optimizados que pueden restaurar "suelos cansados" y reducir la alta presión del inóculo de patógenos mediante la investigación de cómo se interconectan los insumos de los productores, la genética de las plantas y los microbiomas. La investigación busca explorar la utilidad de la desinfestación anaeróbica del suelo (ASD) en los sistemas de producción actuales para suprimir los patógenos (y las malezas) transmitidos por el suelo y mejorar los aportes de carbono en los suelos y los rendimientos.
Growing Chardonnay grapes, the number one vinifera variety grown in North Carolina, can be a profitable venture in certain areas of the state.The profitability analysis in this chapter, based on 2005 costs, shows that it will take an estimated $12,876 per acre to bring a vineyard up to full production in the fourth year.The vineyard would begin to yield $1,097 per acre in the eighth year, and the producer may be able to break even by the eighth year.
This chapter discusses the principles of grapevine dormant pruning, reviews reasons for vine training, and describes systems appropriate for use in North Carolina. Profitable grape production requires that grapevines be managed so that a large area of healthy leaves is exposed to sunlight. Such vines are likely to produce large crops of high-quality fruit each year. Grapevines must be trained and pruned annually to achieve this goal. The training system chosen generally dictates how the vines are pruned. Thus, pruning practices and training systems are discussed together in this chapter.
This publication contains contact information for the authors of The North Carolina Winegrape Grower's Guide.
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.
This factsheet describes walnut scales (Quadraspidiotus juglansregiae).
This factsheet describes the biology of the spotted fireworm, Choristoneura parallela, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the cane lace bug or bamboo lace bug, Leptodictya simulans, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet describes the biology of the Leaf crumpler, Acrobasis indiginella, and provides residential management recommendations.
Effective frost protection methods exist, however, each year, a portion of the state's fruit and vegetable crop is lost to low-temperature damage. This leaflet explains the principles of frosts and freezes and provides information on protection methods.
Research has shown that up to 75% of the preemergence herbicides broadcast-applied to container nursery crops falls to the ground between the pots. As the size of the crop increases, the space between pots increases - -resulting in greater and greater percentages of the applied herbicide falling between pots. This factsheet covers how to apply preemergence herbicides to individual pots uniformly and accurately.
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 factsheet describes the biology of the white-lined leafroller, Amorbia humerosana, and provides residential management recommendations.
This factsheet shows when common insect and mite pests of pyracantha are likely to be present.
This publication includes photos of pages from The Lace Bugs (Hemiptera: Tingidae) of North Carolina and Their Hosts, a 6" X 8.5", soft-back, perfect-bound publication that the NC State University Libraries had hard bound in1987 by Heckman Bindery Inc, N. Manchester, Indiana.
Each of us are subjected to stresses and pressures every day in our home, work, and living environment; plants are no different. Unfortunately, there is no "stressless" environment, and there is no totally stress-resistant bedding plant. Each site has its stress level and each plant has its tolerance level. There are steps that can be taken to reduce or avoid stress in the landscape. However, no program can prevent all problems, and the key to successful landscape color using bedding plants is to match the particular site with specific plant species.
High-quality wines — those that command premium prices — can be produced only from high-quality grapes. Grape quality can be defined in various ways, but ripeness and freedom from rots are two of the chief qualities. Producing ripe fruit with minimum rot and maximum varietal character is not easy in North Carolina. As described elsewhere in this publication, the combination of climate, soils, and vine vigor often leads to excessive vegetative growth. For reasons that will be discussed, luxurious vegetative growth can reduce vine fruitfulness, decrease varietal character, degrade other components of fruit quality, and hamper efforts at disease control. Canopy management practices can help alleviate these problems.
This table presents information on preemergence herbicides registered for use on woody ornamentals.
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 the safe use, handling, and disposal of pesticides.
Efficacy of preemergence herbicides labeled for use in nursery crops and landscape plantings
This factsheet describes dogwood eyespot galls caused by an ocellate gall midge, Parallelodiplosis subtruncata.
La “desinfestación anaeróbica del suelo (DAS)”, también conocida como “desinfestación biológica del suelo (DBS)” es una alternativa a la fumigación química para controlar varias enfermedades transmitidas por el suelo, nemátodos, parásitos de plantas y malezas en cultivos de hortalizas y frutas.
Grapes are subject to attack by many different pests, including nematodes, fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens, insects, and wildlife, such as deer and birds.Weeds, which compete with the vines for soil moisture and nutrients, may also be included in this list. Recognizing and understanding the nature of these pests is essential to minimizing crop losses.This chapter briefly describes the major pests that routinely threaten bunch grapes in North Carolina and discusses control measures.
Before installing a dual-purpose subsurface drainage and subirrigation system on your farm, have your site evaluated by the local Soil Conservation Service (SCS) to determine whether this option is suitable for your farm and your needs. If your site is found to be physically suitable, this publication will help you determine whether installing this type of system will be a wise investment.
This factsheet describes the biology of the eastern velvethead lady beetle, Zilus horni.
This publication contains a glossary of the terms used in The North Carolina Winegrape Grower's Guide.
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.
This publication covers the identification and control of Florida betony, an aggressive, rhizomatous perennial in the mint family categorized as a category B noxious weed in North Carolina.
This table presents information on preemergence herbicides for herbaceous ornamentals.
In container nurseries -- frequent hand weeding reduces cumulative weeding costs by an average of ~ 36% compared to weeding only before herbicide reapplications. Based on research conducted at North Carolina State University.
Sanitation is an under-utilized component of container nursery weed management. Nursery sanitation is a commitment to weed prevention and management throughout the nursery and throughout the production cycle. This publication describes strategies to prevent weeds from spreading into and within container nurseries.
Various mulches, including fabric or organic disks, plastic pot-toppers, and organic mulches, have been investigated for weed control in containers. Advantages, disadvantages, and cost estimates, of using mulches in container nursery crops are presented.
New and current grape growers will find practical information on site appraisal, establishment, and operation of commercial winegrape vineyards in the North Carolina Winegrape Grower’s Guide. This publication focuses on production of vinifera and hybrid wine grapes.
A table of efficacy rankings for preemergence herbicides labeled for use in nursery crops and/or ornamental landscape plantings.
This publication provides guidelines and recommendations for proper irrigation scheduling of wastewater.
Phoma macrostoma, a potential biocontrol agent for turfgrass weeds, was isolated from Cirsium arvense plants in Canada and is being tested in other regions of North America for control of broadleaf weeds in turf. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of varying temperature conditions on Phoma macrostoma control of seedling broadleaf weeds. Experiments were conducted in growth chambers to compare the efficacy of three doses of Phoma macrostoma on two species, Senecio vulgaris and Lamium amplexicaule grown in 4 temperature regimes – 15/20, 20/25, 25/30 and 30/35°C (dark / light period) temperatures. These data suggest that high temperatures common in the southeastern United States should not be an impediment to activity of Phoma macrostoma efficacy, and may actually improve the control of some broadleaf weed species.
Monitoring leachate can be a helpful tool to successfully schedule irrigation and avoid the inefficiencies associated with over-irrigation. This publication, a collaboration between several states, describes irrigation scheduling and the factors that affect it, explains the concept of leaching and methods for measuring leaching fraction and how to use that information to schedule irrigation, and illustrates how to manage high salinity in irrigation source water through leaching.
This table presents information on postemergence herbicides registered for use on woody ornamentals.
This document was developed in workshops with North Carolina growers to provide a framework for them to develop their own food safety plans. Each grower's conditions are different. Some may find that th eplan does not adequately address their specific conditions. In those cases, the plan will need to be supplemented.
This publication offers information on the Jerusalem artichoke, (Helianthus tuberosus L.), also known as sunchoke, which can be produced throughout the United States. However, the plant is better adapted to the northern two-thirds of the country than the southern third. Most areas of North Carolina are satisfactory for producing the crop although yields are not as good as in cooler climates where the crop is better adapted. Jerusalem artichokes are also often used for pickling purposes.
