Stripe Rust Alert

by Dr. Juliet Marshall

Stripe rust was found (thanks Dr. Oliver Neher for being so observant!) in the Parma area, on the Parma research station in winter wheat in the boot stage. While not yet severe, I fully expect it to be widespread. Be prepared to spray susceptible varieties as it heads east.

Information on variety reactions is available in our small grains report (in variety descriptions and in an appendix table that describes spring wheat reactions). http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho/sgr

Also check the disease page on our website for additional information: http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/cereals/scseidaho/disease

Dr. David Hole, USU, has found stripe rust in a breeding nursery in Logan, UT. Heading has started. Varieties affected included Lewjain, Lucin CL, and an advanced breeding line. Scouting is recommended throughout southern and eastern Idaho.

Please report additional finds to .Marshall, Juliet (jmarshall@uidaho.edu)

Grasshopper / Mormon Cricket Control for 2015

Grasshopper/Mormon Cricket Control

Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets continue to be on of the most serious pest problems in Idaho rangelands and adjacent croplands.

Idaho State Department of Agriculture Mormon Cricket and Grasshopper Control Program offers help to ranchers, farmers, and the general public in the suppression of economically damaging infestations on private or state owned lands. The program provides pest management information, insecticide bait and helps organize aerial cost share projects with private landowners to control damaging populations of these pests. Our program also strives to minimize negative environmental impacts from application of insecticides. Participants are required to abide by the EPA approved product labels and follow principles of sound pesticide stewardship.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is an important partner in the overall program. APHIS conducts statewide surveys to determine the density and species composition of grasshopper populations on rangelands as well as suppression projects.

If you need help with grasshopper or Mormon cricket infestations go to our contact information and complaint form page.

2015 ISDA Program Policy

Barely Yellow Dwarf Update for 2015

from  Dr. Juliet Marshal

Barley yellow dwarf symptoms are now appearing in additional areas in eastern Idaho (Hamer, Idaho Falls, Shelly, Blackfoot, Pocatello Valley, Soda Springs, Preston, Northern Utah) in winter wheat and winter barley (although there is less winter barley in these areas). As fields in southern and western Idaho start to develop flag leaves and initiate heading, you may see a reappearance of symptoms in the flag leaves. (See the picture of Stephens just prior to heading in the CIS 1210 at: http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS1210.pdf ).

The symptoms do not seem to be as severe or extensive in eastern Idaho, but we are keeping an eye on the situation, especially due to the complications of cold weather and snow causing tips burn and freeze damage. Also being seen is leaf purpling that may be phosphorus deficiency.

Gophers in the Garden: Those Mountains in Your Garden Are NOT Mole Hills

Charles Cheyney

Extension Educator, Butte County

           

In the spring and early summer, we often get calls about "moles" in peoples' lawns, gardens, and alfalfa fields.  This identification is based on the large number of mounds created.  Not withstanding personal preference for naming critters, these crescent shaped eruptions of mulched up dirt are probably NOT mole hills, and they are not the burrows of ground squirrels.  They are mounds formed by pocket gophers, Mother Nature's fabulous subterranean engineers.  If you see the animals making the mounds often, they are probably ground squirrels, or if the volcanoes are circular with irregular lumps, you probably really do have moles.

Nevada Cattlemen Seeking Executive Director

Nevada Cattlemen's Association

Executive Director Position

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) is currently accepting applications for the position of Executive Director for their dues-based membership organization.  Candidates should be self-starters, motivated with knowledge, interest and background in the livestock industry.  Candidates should be advanced planners proficient with computers and must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Important aspects of the job include: budget development, event planning, membership recruitment, monthly publications, website maintenance, manage a two employee office, liaison between other associations, state and federal agencies, policy development and membership support.  The position requires extensive travel in and out of state.  The successful candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to represent NCA at the local, state, and national levels. The salaried position is based in Elko with pay commensurate with experience and skill level. NCA is a not-for-profit organization that works to protect the future of ranching in the state of Nevada with a mission to promote, preserve and protect a dynamic and profitable Nevada beef industry. 

Start date: as soon as possible. Applications should be sent to ncapresident@nevadabeef.org or P.O. Box 310, Elko, Nevada 89803. For additional information contact the NCA president Ron Torell at 775-385-7665 or NCA president elect Dave Stix Jr. 775-741-7849.  Deadline for applications is June 1, 2015. Please visit our web page www.nevadacattlemen.org for an overview of our association.