|
Laguna Hills Nursery
|
|
|
Global Warming Pales in Comparison
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
In this issue I am going to introduce the latest invader to our local ecology. We get bombarded daily by the attention assigned to global warming and the specter of penalties being created to thwart this potential environmental problem. The ecology and agriculture of North America, however, has already been greatly impacted by the invasion by foreign animals, plants and diseases all due to human travel and trade.
One century ago there were approximately 800 million American Chestnut trees in the eastern forests. Today there are perhaps 100 adult trees in existence. American Elm trees have been under heavy attack by the Dutch Elm Disease for over 50 years.
In agriculture the Glassy Winged sharpshooter is threatening the entire wine industry of North America. The Lerp Psyllid, Spotted Psyllid and Tortise Shell Beetles have heavily damaged local trees. The Ash Whitefly and Giant Whitefly have been scary pests in landscapes. The Myoporum Thrips has been severely damaging and even killing Myoporum shrubs and groundcover. Another new pest seen in San Diego is the Tipu Psyllid. This psyllid could cause major damage to thousands of Tipu trees that shade parks and roads in Orange County.
In California alone, a potentially economically devastating bug or plant disease seems to entering at an ever increasing rate. If only the USDA and CDFA had the money that TSA agents are using to frisk grandma!
|
Red Palm Weevil Invades Orange County
Last month a dying Canary Island Date Palm tree in Laguna Beach was discovered to be infested with a very large beetle never before identified in the US. The Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is thought to be native to either tropical Africa or India. It has been causing severe damage to palms used in agriculture and in landscapes in Africa, Asia and Europe. It is also one of the largest beetles, the adults ranging from 1.4 to 1.6 inches long. The adults can be various color patterns although most are red and black. The larvae are about 2 inches long but can stretch over 6 inches. Neither is dangerous to people or pets.
The USDA, CDFA along with local agencies removed and dissected the infested palm. There was extensive damage with probably hundreds of larvae creating a hollow area inside the trunk about a foot in diameter. Unfortunately, by that time all the beetles had left the tree. This means that local neighborhoods can already be infested.
Red Palm weevil adults eat palm foliage and lay eggs in the trunk or crown. The larvae hatch and quickly eat large tunnels through the interior of the trunk, often killing the plant. Unfortunately the symptoms aren't apparent until the plant is fatally injured. One adult female weevil can lay 250 eggs on a single palm tree. The most common symptom is a collapse of the crown with all the fronds hanging to the sides. They prefer young or injured or diseased specimens but even healthy mature plants can be targeted. see photos and additional information at http://www.cdfaca.gov/phpps/rpw/index.html
The following palm species have been attacked in other parts of the World: Areca, Arecastrum (Syagrus, or Queen), Caryota (Fishtail), Livistonia, Roystonia (Royal), Phoenix, Trachycarpus. It appears that the native Washingtonia as well as the European Chamerops palms may not be on its menu.
The following plants have also been attacked: Agave, Sago Palm, Sugar Cane
In tropical regions there can be up to 20 generations in a single year. The adults are strong fliers.
If you see this insect or know of palm specimens that exhibit the symptoms call the CDFA Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
|
Last Chance to Order Onion Seedlings
I'd like to thank everyone who has ordered the onion seedlings and sent us a check. For those of you who are still thinking about it, this is your last chance. These seedling onions will develop into huge bulbs by late spring-early summer. They can also be harvested earlier as green onions and spring onions. I will deliver each order to your home December 17-20. The ideal date for planting locally is December 20. The bunches can be stored for up to 2 weeks if you are not able to plant right away.
When grown properly all of the following varieties are very sweet and mild:
Candy yellow globe to 5-6" in diameter.
Contessa white globe to 5" in diameter, early harvest.
Red Candy Apple flattened red bulb to 3-4" in diameter.
Super Star white globe to 4" in diameter.
Texas Super Sweet yellow globe to 5-6" in diameter, early harvest.
White Bermuda flattened white bulb to 3-4" in diameter, early harvest.
Yellow Granex flattened yellow bulb to 4-5" in diameter, early harvest.
Each bunch ordered is approximately 60 plants of a single variety. You can order different varieties.
The delivered prices are as follows:
1 bunch $10.70
2 bunches $14.70
3 bunches $20.00
4 bunches $24.00
5 bunches $27.50
6 bunches $32.00
7 bunches $36.40
8 bunches $40.80
We'll need to receive your order and payment by December 1. Please include the delivery address.
For best results onion plants require excellent drainage, ample sun, ample fertilizer and moisture. The faster the plants grow, the larger and sweeter the bulbs will become. I've grown onions in pots as small as 6" in diameter with excellent results. Onions are attractive enough to be grown in a flower bed.
|
|
|
|
SEE YOU AT THE GREAT PARK FARMERS MARKET EVERY SUNDAY 10 am - 2 pm
Sorry about last Sunday. The storm made it impossible to set up. This coming weekend looks more promising.
We will have the following:
Laguna Hills Nursery ACID MIX POTTING SOIL
Laguna Hills Nursery TROPICAL POTTING SOIL
Laguna Hills Nursery PLANTER MIX
(if you need a lot of soil, order before sunday)
Worm Castings
Ornamental Trees
A few fruit trees including the white fleshed Vietnamese Dragon Fruit.
Purple Sugar Cane
Gardenias
Strelitzia juncea (reed-leafed Bird-of-Paradise)
Plus much more.
Free diagnosis of garden problems
SEE YOU SUNDAY!
and HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING DAY!
|
26285 Verona Place
Mission Viejo, California 92692
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
