Central Region Greenhouse and Nursery News
Upcoming NC State Educational Events
Spanish Language Pesticide School

A Spanish language pesticide school will take place at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office on Fri, April 17, 2020, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This school is for any Spanish speaking person who would like to obtain a private pesticide applicator license (V/X). Many growers might want to send their employees or H-2A workers.


I had the pleasure of working with Cintia Aguilar, Cesar Asuaje (UF/IFAS), Wayne Buhler, and Norman Harrell to organize this program. Thanks also to Amy-Lynn Albertson for hosting the school and setting up the Eventbrite page.


Sandhills Turf & Ornamental Conference

March 17, 2020
8:00 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

Moore County Agriculture Center
707 Pinehurst Avenue, Carthage, NC
Call for registration information (910)-947-3188

8:10 Welcome and Introductions

8:15 John Allran, Environmental Toxicologist, NCDA&CS. "Glyphosate: Evaluating its risks versus its reputation." Glyphosate, among the most widely applied herbicides, has been the subject of numerous lawsuits. Toxicology can reveal the true risk of glyphosate for cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

9:05 Travis Gannon, Professor and Extension Specialist, NCSU. "How Glyphosate moves and persists in the environment". Risks to humans and the environment from glyphosate depends in large part on its behavior in soil and water. Dr. Gannon will review his current studies.

10:00 Break

10:05 Mike Waldvogel, Professor and Extension Specialist, NCSU: Fire Ant Biology and IPM Demonstration (on Grounds of Ag Center). Fire ant management starts with a basic understanding of its biology and foraging behavior. Dr. Waldvogel will help us see the world through the eyes and antennae of the ant.

11:05 Fred Yelverton, Professor and Extension Specialist, NCSU "Are there alternatives to Glyphosate?" If not glyphosate, what? Dr. Yelverton will offer insight on the efficacy and costs associated with other weed management options.

12:05 Adjourn

Pesticide CEU Approved: AGHO 3 Hours , ILNDX 4 Hours.
NC Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board 4 L CE’s Approved.


Ambrosia Beetles

Ambrosia beetles can emerge and infest new trees when temperatures reach 65-70 degrees for three days in a row. With the stress of excess rain, infestations could be heavy this year. Preventative sprays are the only way to keep beetles from attacking new trees. You should consider starting your preventative sprays programs this week due to the warm weather. Please see the websites below for more information.


Boxwood Dieback

Boxwood dieback was first found in 2015 in Louisiana. We had our first case in central NC this past February. Boxwood dieback is a foliar disease caused by a fungal pathogen, Colletotrichum theobromicola. Please see the link below for more information.

NC State Horticulture Department Student Internships

Many of you have asked about hosting interns from the Horticulture Department. A new database has been developed to link students with opportunities. 


USA National Phenology Network Aids Management of Pest Insects With Life-Stage Forecast Maps

This program provides daily maps and forecasts for target pest species that forest managers and integrated pest management professionals can use to optimize their pest-control efforts. The program presently focuses on pests of woody species, but plans are in development to expand the program to include other categories of insects.

Stacey Jones | NC Cooperative Extension | 704-920-3310 | 704-920-3323 | stacey_jones@ncsu.edu | https://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/profile/stacey-jones/ |