Great Workshop at Noble Foundation!

Pecan Nut Casebearer

Pecan growers and homeowners with backyard trees can rest easy for a couple more weeks.  The need for spraying the 1^st generation pecan nut talebearer has past and we did not see much of a problem.  This once again seems to be another result of the drought of 2011.  However pecan specialists do seem to think that we need to be on the lookout for the 2^nd generation of the pecan nut casebearer.  The pecan nut casebearer is a perennial pest that can significantly damage a pecan crop if not controlled.

            The PNC (Pecan Nut Casebearer) came early this year according to reports from South Texas, thankfully populations were not significant in the first generation.  Insecticide spray dates are determined by the PNC moth flight that starts in the south and moves north. The second generation moth flight will usually move fairly quickly, so they should soon be arriving in Wise County the second or third week of June.  Based on Extension Entomologist’s historical predictions the second generation of pecan nut casebearers generally will come 35-40 days following the first moth flight.  This would most likely put the possible spray dates around June 16-23.  If you would prefer to spray according to the egg lay on your particular trees and to determine if spraying is necessary, check pecan clusters for eggs and nut entries on a daily basis.  Eggs are usually found on the tips of nutlets and are about the size of the end of a ball point pen.  The eggs are white when first laid, and then turn pink to red over a three to five day period before hatching.

            Apply an insecticide the third day after the first eggs hatch to kill the larvae before they enter the nutlets.  Since larvae will be hatching over a week-long period or more, a second spraying may be necessary.

            Suggested insecticides for homeowners include:  Bt which has been effective in several tests and when timed accurately will not harm beneficial insects, also sprays containing Spinosad, Malathion and Sevin.  Suggested insecticides for commercial growers include:  Bt, Lorsban, Sevin, Imidan, Confirm 2F, Intrepid and Malathion.  The Bt, Sevin and Malathion would be better choices if livestock are grazing in the orchard.

            Follow label directions when using pesticides.

For more information concerning the movement of the PNC in Texas you can follow it through http://pecanipmpipe.org/ and you can go to http://pecan.ipmpipe.org/pesticidelist/resultsall.cfm for a list of products and see the attachments for other products to use.

And as always if you have any questions or concerns please contact the Extension office 940-627-3341

Water Camp is Back!!!

Come have a great time! Learn about the importance of water then have fun playing with it!!

Summer camp - Workshop Series

Below is the summer camp/workshop series! Please take the time to look through the excellent opportunities for youth and encourage your youth to invite a friend!

 

Wise County will host a 2-day Horsemanship camp this summer! The cost is $55 per youth and it will be held south of Decatur on June 15-16. This camp is for youth 8-18 that have a sincere interest in improving riding and horsemanship skills. I have heard nothing but tremendous reviews from families who have participated in the past! For more information or if you have questions, please contact the Wise County Extension office (940.627.3341) or adult leader Jori Dearing (rjdearing@netzero.net).

Horizons is five day, four night camp (July 3-7) that focuses around project enhancement, career exploration, and personal/professional development at the 4-H Center in Brownwood. Participants (youth that have completed grades 4-8) choose their focus area where they will receive approximately 16 hours of instruction and introduction to careers in the field. Each workshop is limited to 20 youth and are filled on a first come, first served basis.  Evening activities are geared towards professional development and workforce preparation, and of course, camp recreation and games! Dances each night! Project focused workshops on: Natural Resources, Robotics, Culinary Arts, Creative Leadership, Clothing & Textiles, and Dog Project. The informational flyer can be found at: http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu/files/2012/02/Horizons-one-page1.pdf and to register: https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/%28S%28mudua155iye54sbdthoaqj55%29%29/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE378wNjTYCkFkMw%3d%3d&qid=5035. I will be attending this camp as an instructor and will be able to transport youth to camp.

Multi - County Camp will be held at the Sid Richardson Boy Scout Camp in Bridgeport on July 13-14. The camp is open to 4-H youth 8-18 . Participants will enjoy canoeing, swimming, the climbing wall, archery, arts and crafts, games, special events and more!  The cost will be $65 per 4-H member and $50 for adult chaperones. This includes meals, snacks, lodging, limited accident insurance, a resource fee, facilities fee, and program items. The price and activities are tentative – look for a follow up flyer! You can begin signing up at the Extension Office.

Water Camp is a day camp held in Decatur that focuses on conserving our #1 natural resource – Water! This fun filled day will be packed with sessions on water conservation as well as fun water games. Water camp is open to all youth ages 8-13 and we are also looking for youth 14 and up to serve as group leaders. Join us on July 19^th for Water Camp! You can begin signing up at the Extension Office.

Prime Time is an age-specific, four day three night residential camp experience. Session I is for youth who have completed grades 5-8, while Session II is for youth who have completed grades 2-5. Yes, those youth completing grade 5 can choose which session to participate in. Camp activities include swimming, kayaking, challenge course, rifle, archery, arts & crafts, dancing, games and lots more. Evening activities involve all youth in team building, dorm challenges and the nightly dance. Alternative activities are available during the dance. Youth are housed in dormitories with other youth from the same county, where possible. You may also request cabin mates during the registration process. Those requests will be met, if possible. Prime Time I, July 22-25 youth who have completed grades 5-8 and Prime Time II, July 25-28 youth who have completed grades 2-5. The flyer with more information can be found here: http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu/files/2012/02/Prime-Time-one-page.pdf and to register: https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/%28S%28mudua155iye54sbdthoaqj55%29%29/Form.aspx?regkey=RpYOYPxE378wNjTYCkFkMw%3d%3d&qid=5035. I will not be attending this camp and transportation will be up to the families registered.

D.I.Y. Mondays (Day Camp Series) are back this year with five fun filled sessions. DIY Mondays day camp is open to all youth ages 8-12 and will be held on the following days from 1pm-5pm.

June 18 – Upcycle, Recycle

July 7 – Wild About Water and Plants

July 16 – Up, Up, and Away (Rocketry)

July 23 – Mad Scientists

July 30 – Kitchen Boot Camp

Sessions will be $15 each or youth can sign up for all 5 sessions for $60. Please contact the Extension office to sign up.

For more information please contact the Extension office at 940-627-3341

Summer Canning Safety

If your summer includes plans to can your home grown vegetables, I hope you also find time to test your pressure canner dial gauge.

The pressure canner is used to process foods under pressure at temperatures higher than boiling. A pressure canner is the only safe method for processing low acid foods such as vegetables, meat, poultry and fish. The pressure canner can supply enough heat to destroy spores of bacteria that causes botulism as well as other types of spoilage.

To have your pressure canner tested, bring the canner lid to the Extension office located at 206 S State Street in Decatur.  The test will help you determine the accuracy of your pressure canner and therefore be confident in your ability to properly can food. 

Pressure canners with a dial gauge, should be checked once a year before the canning season. Also check it during the season if you use the canner frequently. If you do not have an instruction book for your canner, write for one.

The weighted pressure control on canners does not need to be checked. Keep it clean and rust free. In most canners there is a gasket. These gaskets are made of rubber or rubber-like compounds to keep steam from leaking out around the cover. You can remove and replace most gaskets as needed. Some only need to be turned to ensure a tight seal. Replace a worn, stretched or hardened gasket with a new one. Refer to the canner instructions for directions.

For more information on testing your pressure canner or for tips on canning your summer produce, call the Extension office at 940/627-3341.

DIY events

A fun and exciting programs held this summer at the Extension Office. For more details please contact us!.

Grasshoppers

Apparently we’ve had another favorable year for grasshoppers to hatch and develop.  Egg hatching began in February and will probably continue through June in the North Texas counties.  However, populations do appear to be spotty across Wise County.  If left untreated grasshoppers can cause severe damage to pastures in a short amount of time.  Entomologists with Texas A & M usually advise to treat when you can count 15-20 grasshoppers per square yard.

            Watch for grasshoppers in your pastures and home landscapes where they will feed on shrubs, flowers, and grasses.  If you’ve treated for grasshoppers in the past, you realize the importance of treating while they are small to prevent treating the adults later in the season.  Once they become adults, they are able to migrate, making control much more difficult.

            There are a number of products labeled for grasshopper control in pastures.  Some products such as Malathion will provide a quick kill, but offers no residual while Sevin 805 will control grasshoppers and has some residual control for grasshoppers migrating into an area.  Mustang Max is another good option for forage and hay production. Be sure to read the label for grazing and haying restrictions. Good coverage is a must to achieve effective results; apply 12-15 gallons of water per acre to guarantee good coverage.  For home owners a carbaryl bait may be an option. 

  The following recipe has provided good results in orchards, fencerous, and around home       landscapes.

            1.         19 pounds of wheat bran

            2.         One quart of Sevin XLR

            3.         One gallon of molasses

            4.         Sufficient water to make a moist mash

            5.         Mix with rubber gloves

            6.         Spread mixture in 2 to 3 table spoon clumps

            7.         Apply bait to open areas (grasshoppers won’t be able to find the bait in tall grass or                     weeds)

            8.         Start applying bait when nymphs (young wingless grasshoppers) are observed

   

 To request a list of approved products for grasshopper control, call the Extension office at 627-3341.

Wrap up Newsletter

2012 Teacher Workshop

We are excited to be offering this again!!! We have expanded to 2 days and look forward to everyone joining us!

AG 101 Series

It's just around the corner don't forget to sign up before its too late!!!