• Detection and Recommendations for Mitigation of Laurel Wilt Disease read more ...
• Abandoned Citrus Groves: According to the USDA, an estimated 140,000 acres of citrus groves go untended in Florida. The state has estimated 550,000 acres of active groves. read more...
• PEST ALERT The FDACS/DPI has positively identified the presence of two Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata, collected during routine fruit fly monitoring. The origin of these flies, which were collected in the Pompano Beach residential area of Broward County, has not been determined. read more...
• Link to: Online Volunteer Time Management System read more...
• The Neighborhood Gardener
  
• Growing Citrus, and Other Hosts of Citrus Greening (State of Florida Requirements)
  
• UF Gardening information can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and Wordpress.
  
• Links
  
• Download the monthly activity sheet
  
• Need a speaker?

• An Asian Citrus Psyllid Parasitoid: Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam and Agarwal) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) (EENY 505/IN907)This 5-page fact sheet describes this imported biological control agent to combat the Asian citrus psyllid, a serious pest of citrus. Written by Eric Rohrig, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in907
• Jatropha: An Alternative tSubstitute to Fossil Fuel (HS 1193) Jatropha is a tropical plant and can be grown in low to high rainfall and diverse soil types, but the plant is susceptible to freezes. The plant produces seeds containing inedible oil that can be convered to biodiesel. The cake by-product from oil extraction can be used for fish and animal feed, biogas, or as an organic fertilizer. This 10-page fact sheet describes the plant morphology, species adaptability, cultural practices, and crop uses. Written by Kamrun Nahar and Monica Ozores-Hampton, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, December 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1193
  
• 'Wright's Nutrush: An Invader of Seasonal Wetlands in Florida (SSAGR342/AG352) This non-native sedge has been increasing in Florida wetlands. This 9-page fact sheet describes its distribution, history and impacts, ecological overview, integrated management, and identification. Written by Colette C. Jacono, Kenneth A. Langland, and Jeffrey Hutchinson, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November, 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag352
• Florida Predatory Stink Bug (unofficial common name), Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) (EENY157/IN314)
  The predatory stink bug is considered a beneficial insect because most of its prey consists of plant-damaging bugs, beetles, and caterpillars. It seldom plays more than a minor role in the natural control of insects in Florida, but its prey includes a number of economically important species. Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by Frank W. Mead and David B. Richman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in314
• Big-Eyed Bugs, Geocoris spp. (Insecta: Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) (EENY252/IN517)
  Big-eyed bugs are among those insects receiving research attention in Florida (and elsewhere) for their value as predators. To aid in identification of big-eyed bugs in Florida, a key to adults and late instar nymphs is provided in this publication. This 6-page fact sheet was written by F. W. Mead, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2011.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in517
• Common Green Bottle Fly Sheep Blow Fly Luciia sericata (Meigen) (Insecta: Diptera: Calliphoridae) (EENY502/IN903)
  The common green bottle fly is a common visitor to carrion, feces, and garbage. Like many of the other blow flies, it plays an important role in forensic, medical and veterinary science. Larvae or maggots help forensic scientists to determine the period of insect colonization as it relates to the time of death, aiding law enforcement in their investigations. Medical treatment using maggot therapy can help to heal infections that are otherwise incurable. Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by Matthew Anderson and Phillip E. Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2011.. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in903
• Assessing the Survival of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Pathogen in Wood Chips (FOR289/FR351) What is the best way for homeowners to dispose of dead redbay trees to avoid spreading laurel wilt? This 4-page fact sheet summarizes a UF/IFAS study providing evidence that a simple technique — chipping the dead trees — can help contain the disease within a small area and that there is a low probability of long-distance movement of LW via wood chips. Written by Don Spence, Jason Smith, Albert Mayfield III, Jiri Huler, Randy Ploetz and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr351
• Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Trace Organic Chemicals (SL352/SS554)
  Trace organic chemicals are potentially harmful to human and ecosystem health. They frequently occur in wastewater from septic systems and can be found in concentrations orders of magnitude higher than typical concentrations reported in centralized treatment plant wastewater. This 7-page fact sheet identifies common trace organic chemicals of concern in wastewater and their sources, and summarizes current research on the fate and transport of these chemicals in septic systems. Written by Gurpal S. Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss554
• Baiting the Nine-banded Armadillo (WEC317/UW362)What is the tastiest treat to tempt an armadillo? Armadillos are one of the most significant nuisance pests in Florida and much of the Southeast. There are no repellents, toxicants, or fumigants registered for use with them. They are good at both burrowing beneath and climbing over fences. There are also no effective methods for baiting them into traps. So the authors of this 3-page fact sheet set up a test to determine which materials have the greatest potential to serve as bait. Written by Holly K. Ober, Lucas W. DeGroote, and Russell F. Mizell III, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw362
• 2012 Florida Policy Issues and Elections (FE899)Since the legislative session will convene on January 10, rather than on the typical start date in March, it’s time for all Florida residents to begin thinking and educating themselves. This 4-page fact sheet explains some of the key 2012 policy issues. Written by Rodney L. Clouser, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, November 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe899
• A Guide to Living with Wildcats [brochure] (WEC314/UW359)
  In Belize, the Lamanai Field Research Center and University of Florida are studying cats using camera traps placed in a variety of locations on private lands. This research suggests that more wild cats live near farms than people are aware of. This 3-page informational brochure highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw359
• Production of Giant Reed for Biofuel (SSAGR318/AG327)
  Giant reed is currently being evaluated as a potential biomass energy crop in Florida, even though some scientists and those in other states consider it to be a noxious or invasive weed. This 4-page fact sheet discusses the adaptation and production of giant reed as a potential energy crop and presents measures for controlling giant reed as an escaped weed. It does not give specific recommendations on whether it is better to control giant reed or produce it for biofuel. Written by Dennis Odero, Robert Gilbert, Jason Ferrell, and Zane Helsel, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag327
• Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Containers for the Nursery Industry (ENH1193/EP454)
  Biodegradable containers are an increasingly attractive option for consumers and growers alike. This 5-page fact sheet looks at the past, present, and future of containers used in container nursery production. Written by Gary W. Knox and Matthew Chappell, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, November 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep454
  
• A Flesh Fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart (Insecta: Diptera: Sarcophagidae) (EENY503/IN905)
  Sarcophaga crassipalpis is commonly used in laboratories to study gene expression, diapause processes, and physiological processes. It also has a significant impact in other areas of science including parasitology and forensic entomology. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Lazaro A. Diaz and Phillip E. Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2011. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in905

Your help is needed in the following areas. Unless otherwise stated, you can sign up or get more information on any of the following by contacting Cindy Flores[e-mail] 561-233-1759.

Next Master Gardener Educational meeting: Thursday, February 2, 2012, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Mounts Auditorium. "Master Gardener Volunteering Etiquette & Protocols" by Mounts Botanical Garden volunteer coordinator Barbara Fricker and Master Gardener volunteer Laure Hristov.

Congratulations go out to alumni Master Gardener Volunteers:

Celebrating 10 years of volunteer service: Seymour Bartlett, Tony Dagher, Geraldine Geiger, Charles Holzschuh, Bubbles Kreisman, Maria Mitsinicos, Sheila Olsen, and Margaret Siemon.

Celebrating 15 years of volunteer service: Susan Casamento, Teresa Cecil, Larry Grosser, Teri Jabour, Dick Pase, Linda Spillance, and Diane Nichols.

Celebrating 20 years of volunteer service: Donnie Brown, Alice Finst, Edith Pekin, and Paton White.

First Saturday Mounts Botanical "Garden Grooming Party" will be Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Lunch provided. For more information, please contact the Mounts Botanical Garden at 561-233-1757.

Master Gardener Volunteer needed to assist with Delray Green Market Master Gardener Plant Clinic Booth Saturdays, hours: set-up 8:50 A.M.then 9:00 A.M. - 12 noon. Call Alice Finst for schedule and location details, 561-498-7140.

MG Hotline - ongoing help needed. more info ...

• Master Gardener monthly educational meeting: Thursday, March 1, 2012, 9 AM - 3 PM, at the Clayton Hutcheson Agricultural Exhibit Hall A, 559 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Please note the time and location change. Please commute together to avoid possible parking problems.

Master Gardener 6-hour 'Palm School Condensed for Master Gardeners'. Dr. Monica Elliott and Dr. Tim Broschat will focus on palm anatomy, nutritional deficiencies, other physiological disorders, and fertilization. Call Cindy Flores, 561-233-1759, to reserve your seat today.

Palm School Agenda - topics and approximate times

9 - 10 AM	Welcome announcements, Palm Anatomy & Morphology/Diagnosing problems
10 - 11 AM	Palm Psyiological Disorders
11 - 12 noon	Palm Nutritional Deficiencies
12 - 1 PM	Lunch - on your own
1 - 2 PM	Palm Fertilization and Pruning
2 - 3 PM	Palm Diseases

The University of Florida Deans' Office is compiling your Master Gardener volunteer service to Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service. This information will keep the Master Gardener program in our county funded. Enter your hours into the VMS system. Let me know if you have any problems loggin in or with any passwords. Call Deborah levulis 561-233-1758. You can access the Master Gardener Volunteer Management system to log in your volunteer and educational hours at: http://florida.volunteersystem.org Log in with your email address. There is also a hot link to access VMS on the Palm Beach County Master Gardener website, http://www.pbcgov.com/coextension/mastergardener/

Spring 2012 Master Gardener Training Program beginsFebruary 29, 2012!
click here for schedule