Where Have All the Bees Gone? Pollinators in Crisis March 2020 By Rebecca E. Hirsch Twenty-First Century Books, 2020 104 pages, library bound, $37.32 Bees are disappearing, and not just honey bees. Bumblebee populations are in decline, too. For those of us who like to eat, this is a problem because bees pollinate 75 percent
Ending the War on Artisan Cheese March 2020 By Catherine W. Donnelly, Ph.D. Chelsea Green, 2019 224 pages, paperback, $24.95 “It’s terrifying to think that, with the stroke of a pen, the FDA could wipe out centuries of traditional [cheesemaking] practice. It’s even more frightening to think that this could be accomplished through the incorrect
Modified March 1, 2020 Produced and directed by Aube Giroux, Peas in a Pod Films, Inc., 2017 “Modified” follows the personal and poignant mother-daughter journey into the world of genetically engineered foods. Filmed over 10 years (including in Maine) and anchored in Giroux’s relationship with her mother (a gardener and food activist who battled cancer during
August 14, 2020 With the hot sunny summer we’re having (please rain…), winter squash development has progressed quickly for many. Make sure that your squash is truly ready for harvest to ensure peak flavor, thanks to the research of Brent Loy, who sadly, recently passed away. One caveat that isn’t mentioned in the squash entry
With the summer’s warm weather, growing degree days have accumulated more quickly then previously, and pests like european corn borer will be flying earlier than last year. I am not yet aware of powdery mildew showing up in cucurbits in Maine, but it is only a matter of time, and prevention at the first sight
Basil downy mildew, discussed in the previous Pest Report, has been confirmed in Cape Cod, so be aware that it could be in Maine, or arriving with future storms. Hornworm moths have been spotted, and young larvae are not far behind, or likely already present. While we usually call them both ‘tomato hornworms’ the most
We’ve finally had relief from the prolonged dry weather, though extended periods of rain bring their own potential problems as prolonged leaf wetness is often a key factor in plant diseases taking hold. I haven’t had any questions about early blight yet, but I anticipate that people will be noticing it soon, if they haven’t
The dry continues, and with a lot more heat showing up. Remember that most pests will grow, develop, and reproduce more quickly in warmer conditions. Crystal Stewart from Cornell Cooperative Extension reminds us that with the continued dry weather, providing consistent water is very important for alliums to size up well. Potato leafhoppers have started
Though not addressed in this edition of the Pest Report, Spinach downy mildew was spotted in Maine this week. It would be good to scout your spinach if you get a chance, as we want to make sure that this isn’t spreading to other farms. More info on spinach downy mildew here. Onion thrips have
Leek Moth Spinach/Beet Leafminers Sunscald/Windwhip Garden Springtails Help Track Diseased Browntail Moth Caterpillars The previous Pest Report discussed some issues created by cool and cloudy weather. With the much welcomed change towards warmer and sunnier days, take steps to avoid sunscald and/or windwhip on tender new transplants. David Fuller of UMaine Cooperative Extension is reporting
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