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University of Missouri Plant Clinic

Cool wet weather may result in an increase in plant disease problems this spring, particularly fungal and bacterial diseases that thrive during these conditions. After last spring’s unusual freeze, as well as droughts, flooded soils, ice storms and other stressful environmental conditions over the past few years, we may also see an increase in other plant stress related problems including root rots, cankers, insect infestations such as bark beetles and borers, and other issues. Recently in the diagnostic clinic we have received an influx of samples that have been submitted from severely stressed pines and other conifers that have turned yellow and brown over the winter. In some cases the problems are related to environmental conditions and little can be done to save the tree. In other cases treatable diseases are present. Proper disease identification and careful timing of treatment applications can make a difference in protecting susceptible plants from damage, especially in a year with favorable conditions for disease development. The time for treatment applications for some of these diseases may occur within the next few weeks.

Sample submission to the diagnostic clinic can provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your plant problems and management recommendations. Please refer to the sample submission section of our website http://soilplantlab.missouri.edu/plant/index.htm or contact us for more information on sample submission. See Pest Alert for weekly "pertinent posts"
Simeon Wright, MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic 573-882-0623

MLNA member, Powell Gardens celebrates Missouri Arbor Day by partnering in “Go Green” carbon conscious initiative with KMOS TV and 90.9 the Bridge

For Immediate Release:

MLNA member, Powell Gardens celebrates Missouri Arbor Day by partnering in “Go Green” carbon conscious initiative with KMOS TV and 90.9 The Bridge April 4th, 2008.

MLNA Executive Director, MaryAnn Fink joined Powell Garden staff, volunteers and this year’s honorees , the members of KMOS TV and 90.9 The Bridge to celebrate Missouri Arbor Day. The day was celebrated by planting a grove of 27 lindens (Tilia spp). KMOS TV and 90.9 The Bridge. By harnessing the support of contributing members, the stations have join forces with Powell Gardens to finance an innovative project that will create an ongoing effort to reduce the “carbon footprint” of the stations. “KMOS-TV viewers and 90.9 The Bridge listeners are being given the opportunity to chip in an extra $5 with their membership contributions,” said Donald W. Peterson, director of Broadcasting Services at UCM. “Each contribution will be used to plant trees, under the supervision and direction of the experts at Powell Gardens.”The “Go Green” initiative kicks off in August during KMOS-TV’s membership drive. “We’re happy to be partnering with UCM’s public broadcasting stations,” said Eric Tschanz, president and executive director of Powell Gardens. “The additional funds will be used to incorporate more seedling and sapling planting projects in Powell Gardens’ educational programs. This will have the added benefit of teaching children the value of reducing carbon in the atmosphere.” Lindens are wonderful choice for carbon banking in Missouri because linden trees also have very nectar rich flowers in late spring-early summer when there is a lull of flowering. The flowers are important for our declining honeybee populations as well as for a plethora of other pollinators and beneficial insects. (Remember how important these creatures are to pollinating our fruits and vegetables that we all too often take for granted!) They make a fine honey and the blossoms are listed as edible, especially used for teas. Powell Garden, MLNA Green Leader has taken an active role planting carbon-reducing trees which will help maintain the natural environment for generations of viewers and listeners. Powell Gardens' Director Eric Tschanz (right) and Senior Gardener Janet Heter place the first shovel of soil. Janet led the program with her

"Top Ten Reasons to Celebrate Arbor Day:"10. Trees are TREEific. 9. Trees provide a cool and beautiful place to live, work and play. 8. Trees improve our air and water quality. 7. Trees are renewable resources for paper, fuel and countless wood products. 6. Trees reduce heating and cooling costs. 5. Trees increase property values. 4. Trees provide habitat for wildlife. 3. Trees are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. 2. Trees enrich our lives. 1. PLANT a TREE! Janet closed with this poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes:"When we plant a tree we are doing what we can to make our planet a more wholesome and happier dwelling place for those who come after us, if not for ourselves."
For more information about Powell Garden visit http://www.powellgardens.org/

The Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association, founded in 1921, is a not-for-profit professional trade association representing the green industry throughout Missouri. Its mission is to enhance the success of its members through knowledge, advocacy and communication. It promotes horticulture education, professionalism, integrity, and environmental stewardship.