Stress, fungal pathogen(s) or both?

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Mid-September 2015 The last four weeks, I got at least 3 questions regarding why junipers or pines are dying.  Often the story is that there is one or two plants that are affected in amongst a bunch of trees.  Symptoms usually begins with several branches exhibiting die-back, gradually gets worse.Some narrative states that the plant appear to die quickly one the dieback started. SO what is going on….   I remember back in 2007… The scenario = 2005/2006 hard drought years and 2007 wet spring, mild temperature thru… Read More →

Why are the leaves falling?

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In the past few weeks, I have been getting calls about poor looking and unhealthy oak trees… all kinds of oaks (mostly live, red and post).  In the last 7 days, I think I got at least 3 phone calls asking about post oaks loosing their leaves.  I hear panic and worry.  At home, I look to Mr. Tree.  Mr. Tree is our post oak (a name affectionately given by the wife to describe the tree to our youngling).  The home that we have is about 14 years… Read More →

2015 Texas – Bacterial blight of cotton

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Posting some news about bacterial blight of cotton issues that is currently going on in Texas. The URL link below point to a pdf document containing information (brief update) provided by Dr. Jason Woodward (Extension Plant Pathologist) and Dr. Terry Wheeler (Research Pathologist), both located at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center in Lubbock, TX. They have made some “peculiar observations” of bacterial blight on cotton varieties that were previously documented as resistant.  This note provide growers, consultant and county agents descriptions and images to help with recognizing… Read More →

New TPDDL employee

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Please welcome Ms. Joyce Soliz who joins us on June 22, 2015 as the TPDDL Secretary (Extension Business Assistant III).  Ms. Soliz will be assisting in the data entry of samples.  She will also be providing client inquiry support and redirecting client to appropriate TPDDL personnel. TPDDL client sample  inquiry (phone) support is available from 9:00am -12:00noon  and 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.  

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

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The definition of beauty has become a rather obsessive paradigm that has affected present society. It is a constant desire to reach what is perceived to be “perfection.” This infectious ideal has given rise to profitable industries of cosmetics, heavy research of youth enhancing serums, even to the extent of affecting our perspective of healthy food products. The slightest blemish or spot on a fruit may discourage fellow consumers, potentially preventing their purchase and leaving the fruit to rot in the produce isle. What a waste. One such… Read More →