By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener
December 2018
Just say ‘no’ to bad gardening practices. Learn what ‘not to do’ from OSU experts. (Kym Pokorny, OSU) https://bit.ly/2Dij9IQ
Are plants conscious? “We tend to think of plants as passive organisms, the backdrop for looking at more interesting animals roaming around in the foreground. But the world of plants is by no means docile, it is simply working on a separate time scale and in a different medium, and we’re only just starting to decipher it.” (Josh Davis, iflscience.com) https://bit.ly/2pQZjwr
Red meat allergy associated with tick bites could also be passed on by tiny mites. “After a series of strange medical cases, researchers discovered that bites from the lone star tick can induce a severe and persistent allergy to red meat. In the six or so years since this was identified, it has been determined that bites from multiple other tick species can also cause it. Now, evidence indicates that bites from another type of small, parasitic arachnid known as a “chigger” may do the same.”(iflscience.com) https://bit.ly/2zLQokc
New Ohio State app helps users identify, prevent and control Bed Bugs. (Ohio State U) https://bit.ly/2DhsHUi
Large cells for tiny leaves–Scientists identify protein that controls leaf growth and shape. (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/2PqLQdS
Freeze versus frost: A primer on how cold affects plants. (Beth Botts, Chicagotribune.com) https://trib.in/2DnkbmG
Interpreting soil testing analysis of compost. While this publication is written for commercial growers, it has great general information on soil tests. (EM 9217, Dan M. Sullivan, Andy I. Bary, Robert O. Miller, and Linda J. Brewer, OSU) https://bit.ly/2JZYlat
Study finds fungi, not plant matter, responsible for most carbon sequestration in northern forests. (Bob Yirka, phys.org) https://bit.ly/2qJnzB7
Insecticidal soap vs dish detergents. (Note: MGs do not recommend home remedies) (Matt Borden, Facebook.com) https://bit.ly/2PUiB2E
Native vs. nonnative – can’t we all just get along? Probably the most contentious gardening topic dealt with online is the native vs. nonnative plant debate. Here is an expert’s take on the topic. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/2K255EP
The myth of curative Kelp: “Seaweed extracts reduce disease, improve production, and increase stress resistance in landscape plants.” Learn the true facts. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/2Tb9Rnm
Bagged potting mixes and garden soils for home gardeners-what’s in them? “There are many types of bagged potting mixes and garden soils available. Some are intended to be used in the ground to supplement or fill areas for gardens. Other products are intended for plants growing in containers and pots. It is important to read the label before purchasing to learn the intended use for the product.” (Tina Smith and Dr. Douglas Cox, UMassAmherst) https://bit.ly/2qHiCso
Become familiar with the pests in your area. Don’t let pests surprise you! Become educated. Become prepared. (NPIC, OSU) https://bit.ly/2QDL4qv
The butterflies that hear with their wings. “A petite group called the satyrines uses swollen veins to channel sound into tiny ears.” (Ed Yong, Theatlantic.com) https://bit.ly/2ECJ9kh
What are short day and long day plants? (Ann Marie VanDerZanden, OSU) https://bit.ly/2z37vP9
Test tube trees’: An insurance policy against extinction? (Helen Briggs, BBC News) https://bbc.in/2B31aEy
New, detailed snapshots capture photosynthesis at room temperature- Scientists use SLAC’s X-ray laser to watch water-splitting reaction-. Watch the video! (Stanford University) https://stanford.io/2OFsnRn
Negative gravitropism demonstration showing how mustard shoots react to change in pot position. “Gravitropism is growth or movement response to gravity, observed in plants and fungus.” Watch the video. (Gphase, Youtube.com) https://bit.ly/2PUiPa0
Plants find ways to survive no matter the terrain. (Royal Holloway U) https://bit.ly/2OF5L3D
Cacao analysis dates domesticated chocolate trees back 3,600 years. (Eric Sorensen, WSU) https://bit.ly/2DkZrMp
The world’s largest organism, Pando (an Aspen), is dying. (Trevor Nace, Forbes.com) https://bit.ly/2PvvzEI
Moss rapidly detects, tracks air pollutants in real time. (ACS.org) https://bit.ly/2RSSBSu
Meet the invasive insect that is changing an entire forest bird community. (GrrlScientist, Forbes.com) https://bit.ly/2RUUwpL
PDF 2018 December Horticultural Updates
