Weeds and Their Control: Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Karen This trailing or climbing perennial is a native of Eurasia introduced into North America by 1739 and now found in all states except Alaska. It is classified as a noxious…
Pest Control: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Beneficial Bacterium
One of the tools available to the organic farmer is Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as Bt. It is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces a protein that is toxic to…
Weeds and Their Control: Wild Buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus)
Wild buckwheat is a summer annual vine native to Asia that spread to Europe and then North American. It is found throughout the United States and is especially troublesome in…
Beneficial Insects: Yellow Jackets
If you have ever been chased and stung by a yellow jacket you must be surprised that the title of this post suggests that they are good insects. The truth…
Weeds and Their Control: Dodder (Cuscuta spp.)
Dodder is a unique weed because of its parasitic nature. It twines itself around another plant and attaches itself by means of haustoria, root-like structures that penetrate the host plant…
Insects and their Control: Blister Beetles (Epicauta spp.)
The common name “blister beetle” is given to 7,500 species of beetles in the Meloidae family that secret cantharidin, a chemical that causes blistering of the skin. They have a…
Weeds and Their Control: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
The origin of purslane is somewhat obscure. It appears to be indigenous to North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia but archaeological evidence suggests that it may have…
Garden Pests: Pocket Gophers and How to Control Them
If you have ever had gophers in your garden you know what a terrible menace they can be. They dig extensive tunnels, eating roots as they go, even pulling plants…
Ten Interesting Facts about Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invictato)
The aggressive behavior and painful sting of the red imported fire ant (RIFA) makes it an unwelcome guest in gardens, woods, and fields. In addition to the pain the RIFA…
Insects and Their Control: Fall Army Worm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
The fall army worm is the caterpillar of a moth. It is native to the tropical regions of the western hemisphere from the United States to Argentina but overwinters in…