Black Knot
Black knot is a disfiguring and potentially lethal disease of trees and shrubs in the genus Prunus, such as plums and cherries. This factsheet describes symptoms and management.
Articles
Moss in Lawn
Mosses prefer damp, shaded areas, but can also grow in dry, sunny locations. When lawns are not healthy, often due to poor drainage or shade, moss can move in. Learn about moss in lawns in this factsheet.
Earthworms in Lawn
R. Chris Williamson, Turf and Ornamental Specialist Revised: 4/26/2010 Earthworms belong to the Phylum Annelida; Class Oligochaeta; Family Lumbricidae which consists of over 7000 species. Their bodies are long and tube-like, tapering on both ends and typically ranging in length from one to six inches. Earthworms are found in a wide range of habitats adapting […]
White Grub Control in Turfgrass
Several species of white grubs are considered turfgrass pests in the Midwest due to their feeding on grass roots. Learn about management and control techniques in this factsheet.
African Violets
Amy Gibbs* and Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant PathologyRevised: 4/26/2010Item number: XHT1034 What are African violets? African violets (Saintpaulia spp.) are popular flowering houseplants in the Gesneriad family (Gesneriaceae), native to Tanzania in East Africa. Their compact forms make them ideal for use on tabletops, windowsills, and hanging baskets. There are many varieties of African violets, […]
Red Thread
Red thread is a foliar disease of cool-season turfgrasses such as fescue, perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. Learn to identify and manage red thread here.
Damping Off
Damping off is a common and fatal disease of all types of plant seedlings, infecting them near the soil line causing them to collapse quickly. Learn how to avoid damping off here.
Controlling Carpenter Ants
Large black ants in your home may be carpenter ants. This helpful publication will help you identify and control these household pests.
Sudden Oak Death
Sudden oak death (aka Ramorum) is mostly in California, but can be spread on a variety of nursery plants. This disease should be reported immediately. Learn what to look for in this factsheet.
Trichopoda pennipes, Parasitoid of Squash Bug
There are all kinds of flies in the Midwest. One interesting species is a medium-sized black and orange tachinid fly that develops in a number of true bugs, including squash bug. Although not really common, you may have this in your garden and not even know it! To learn more about this parasitoid, read this article…
Hairy Toad Lily, Tricyrtis hirta
What’s blooming in your late season garden? There aren’t as many choices of shade-loving perennials that flower in the fall as those that bloom in spring or summer, but one to consider is Tricyrtis hirta. Learn more about this Japanese species of toad lily with exotic-looking, orchid-like flowers by reading this article….
Using Manure in the Home Garden
Manures are a good source of organic matter that can also be used as a fertilizer. To learn more about using manure in the home garden, read this article…
