Southern Blight
Southern blight is a lethal fungal disease that is most common in the tropics and subtropics, but can cause problems in temperate locations like Wisconsin during periods of warm, moist weather. Learn more here.
Small Fruits
Many different types of small trees can be grown in the home garden, depending on the space and growing conditions available. From blueberries, to strawberries to grapes there is sure to be a small fruit you can successfully grow at home. Read up to make sure you have the right soil, sun and winter conditions for each fruit, then select cultivars for your growing area.
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Articles
Crown Gall
Crown gall is the most widely distributed bacterial disease of plants in the world. This factsheet describes what crown gall looks like and how to avoid problems with this disease.
Bird’s Nest Fungi
Bird’s nest fungi are not harmful to plants, but grow on decomposing organic matter, such as on mulch in planting beds with damp, shady conditions. Learn more in this factsheet.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are slow-moving, small, oval insects covered in white cottony wax. This factsheet describes the identification, biology and management of this insect pest.
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle
Multicolored Asian lady beetles are a nusiance when clustered in large numbers on buildings in fall. While beneficial as a predator of pests in the landscape, they can also damage fruits. Learn more here.
Four-Lined Plant Bug
Four-linied plant bug attacks a wide variety of herbaceous and woody plants. Learn to identify and manage this pest in this factsheet.
Pear Slug (Pear Sawfly)
Pear slugs are not true slugs, but are larva of the pear sawfly. They damge many kinds of ornamental and fruit trees. This factsheet describes appearance, damage and control.
Periodical Cicadas
Every 17 years, Wisconsin experiences a massive emergence of periodical cicadas. These insects are generally harmless, but can be quite loud. Adult females can cause some damage to young plants through their egg-laying activities. Learn about the life cycle of cicadas and their management in this factsheet.
Downy Mildew
The downy mildews are a group of fungal diseases that cause destruction of the leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of many plants, including grapes, cucumbers and roses. Learn symptoms and controls in this factsheet.
Guignardia Leaf Spot
Guignardia leaf spot is a fungal leaf spot that affects vining plants such as Boston ivy and Virginia-creeper, and is associated with a leaf spot and fruit rot of grape called black rot. Learn more here.
The Basics of Micro Irrigation
Micro irrigation has numerous advantages in greenhouses, orchards, vineyards, fields, lawns, and gardens. Learn about components of micro irrigation systems and benefits and drawbacks these systems provide.
Mighty Mites
Did you know that there are mites that eat other mites? Barely visible to the naked eye, these little predators help keep spider mites and other pests in check. Read on to learn more about this fascinating world of tiny predatory mites…
