Landscaping for Life Series

Earn CEUs (FNGLA) and learn how to work with nature in your landscape.   

Conventional landscapes often work against nature. They can damage the environment's ability to clean air and water, reduce flooding, combat climate change, and provide all the other natural benefits that support life on earth-including us. The good news is that even one home landscape can begin to repair the web of life. It's possible to create a great–looking garden that's healthier for you, your family, your pets, and the environment-and that saves you time and money."  

This class is offered in the evening from 6 to 8:30 PM and starts on Tuesday, February 4th. This is a series of 6 classes.   To learn more and to register visit this link:  http://www.eventbrite.com/e/landscape-for-life-a-series-of-6-classes-february-4-1118-25-march-4-18-2014-tickets-9911641988

Rose Rosette Virus (RRV)- Confirmed in Florida!

Rose rosette (witches’ broom) symptoms were first observed in 1940 in Canada on wild roses. Subsequently symptomatic plants were discovered in California in 1941 and many other states in the U.S. In 2011, the disease was confirmed to be caused by an Emaravirus. The virus was named Rose Rosette Virus (RRV).

RRV is vectored by an Eriophyid mite (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus). Rose multiflora (multiflora rose) is the most susceptible host for RRV. 

The disease and the presence of RRV was confirmed for the first time in Florida in November 2013 by the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, NFREC, Quincy.  This was subsequently confirmed by the Division of Plant Industry-FDACS lab in Gainesville. All the infected plants belonged to the Knock Out® series.  Three counties have confirmed cases of RRV as of Jan 15th, 2014.

ABOVE: Severe thorn proliferation is characteristic to rose rosette disease.

Learn more about symptoms and  how to respond with this UF/IFAS Pest Alert document.

If suspected plants are noted, send close-up pictures to Dr. Paret (paret@ufl.edu). Upon instructions submit a sample for diagnosis.

This Pest Alert document developed by:

Mathews Paret, Binoy Babu, Hank Dankers, UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Lab, NFREC – Quincy

Tim Schubert and Carlye Baker, Division of Plant Industry – FDACS, Gainesville

Carrie Harmon, UF/IFAS Dept. of Plant Pathology, Gainesville

Marjorie Hoy and Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman, UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville

Gary Knox, UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture, NFREC – Quincy

Roots to Shoots Tree Program

We have a very interesting day planned for you on Friday, January 24, 2014.  We will be covering sticky wickets such as "Who's tree is it when it is hanging over the fence line?" and "What do ANSI standards and best management practices actually mean when fulfilling a tree work assignment?" Learn about the new ISA tree hazard assessment training and more. Several ISA CEUs are offered and the cost is only $20.00

For more information and to register visit this link:  http://www.eventbrite.com/e/roots-to-shoots-fourth-annual-tree-program-tickets-9047237531?aff=eorg