By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Plant lists that shouldn’t exist. (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU; gardenprofessors.com)
https://bit.ly/3oM7NEo

The contrarian rosarian–debunking rose mythology. (Jim Downer, U of CA; gardenprofessors.com)
https://bit.ly/3dH9KLI

Why insects are more sensitive than they seem. (Zaria Gorvett, BBC)
https://bbc.in/3oKm3xe

NEW PUBLICATION: A PNWBBA Guide to Habitat Management for Bumble Bees in the Pacific Northwest. (Downloadable PDF) (Rich Hatfield, Kurt Merg, and Joel Sauder, Xerces Society)
https://bit.ly/3GE2OeL

NEW PUBLICATION: The Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas: Summary and Species Accounts-A collaboration between the Xerces Society, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. (Downloadable PDF) (Rich Hatfield, Leona Svancara, Leif Richardson, Joel Sauder, and Ann Potter; Xerces Society)
https://bit.ly/3GE7FNo

Genetic Analysis Reveals the Origins of the World’s Most Common Honeybee Species.  “The western honeybee hailed from western Asia seven million years ago, ending the contentious debate over where these buzzy critters originated.” (Rasha Aridi, Smithsonianmag.com)
https://bit.ly/3IRPYMa

Myth Busting for Extension Educators: Reviewing the Literature on Pruning Woody Plants.
(Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU & Jim Downer, U of CA; Journal of the NACAA)
https://bit.ly/3q6R3XZ

Prevalence of Different Horticultural Taxa of Ivy (Hedera spp., Araliaceae) in Invading Populations. “‘English’ ivy (Hedera spp.) is a complex of invasive plant pests that are separated into several distinct taxa. To better understand the invasion by ivy of Pacific Northwest native forests, we investigated the taxonomic identity of 58 selected invasive populations in the Pacific Northwest.” (Midori M. Clarke, Sarah Reichard, Clement W. Hamilton; via researchgate.net)
https://bit.ly/3rVtpjB

Symptoms and Signs for Plant Problem Diagnosis – An Illustrated Glossary.  A great resource for diagnosticians! (Janna Beckerman and Tom Creswell, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University)
https://bit.ly/3ygsrPU

“Your Christmas tree may be adorned with lights and glitter. But 25,000 insects, mites, and spiders are sound asleep inside the tree.” (University of Bergen via Sciencedaily.com)
https://bit.ly/3dHMQnx

Why Giant Hornets Rub Their Abdomens on Beehives Before Attack. (Paige Embry, Entomologytoday.com)
https://bit.ly/3rTWqw5

VIDEOS:

Basics of Tree Identification-Twigs (Mo_Plant_Daddy_ via Youtube.com)
https://bit.ly/3oNyQzc

Basics of Tree Identifcaiton-Leaves (Mo_Plant_Daddy via Youtube.com)
https://bit.ly/3GyW9Th

Binomial Nomenclature: sp. vs. spp. (Mo_Plant_ Daddy via Youtube.com)
https://bit.ly/3IJHnuC

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Pruning Established Trees. (Jim Downer, Gardenprofessors.com)
https://bit.ly/30nJQcS

The Northeast’s Hemlock Trees face extinction.  A tiny fly could save them. (Zoya Teirstein, Grist.org)
https://bit.ly/31RGeAs

Back-Seat Driver: The Parasite That Makes Bees Drop Off Its Babies. (Paige Embry, Entomologytoday.org)
https://bit.ly/3qsBsn1

VIDEO: Born Pregnant: Aphids Invade with an Onslaught of Clones. (PBS.org)
https://to.pbs.org/3qrl7zh

Are the honeybees raised in urban environments beneficial or detrimental?  As a native species.
(Jeanine Farley, Cabridgeday.com) https://bit.ly/30mOiZr

MORE ABOUT BEES…The Truth About Honey Bees.  “Raising nonnatives does not “save the bees”—and may harm them.” (Laura Tangley, nwf.org) https://bit.ly/3n4rPZW

Garden Logic – understanding correlation and causation in our gardens and landscapes (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/2YAAsC1

Prion-like protein acts as water sensor in seeds. (Jyoti Madhusoodanan, PNAS .org)
https://bit.ly/3wBUwQM

Pitcher Plant Moths and their Pitcher Plant Homes. (Indefenseofplants.com)
https://bit.ly/3n0KntY

Spiders on Tiny Treadmills Give Scientists the Side-Eye.  “Jumping spiders see more in their periphery than previously known.” (Maddie Bender, scientificanamerican.com)
https://bit.ly/3qnFi0V

MORE ON SPIDERS…Spiders are much smarter than you think.  “Cognition researchers are discovering surprising capabilities among a group of itsy-bitsy arachnids.” (Betsy Mason, knowablemagazine.org)
https://bit.ly/31VfPBX

Beetle Proves It’s Possible To Survive Millions Of Years Without Having Sex. (Rachael Funnell, Iflscience.com)
https://bit.ly/3oAp4z9

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By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Rooting around- the differences between taproots and mature roots. (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU via Gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/3vq4HFS

Is your Landscape Sustainable? (Jim Downer, Gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/2U5bYOG

Water, water, everywhere.  Learn an easy trick to determine soil moisture. (Sylvia Thompson-Hacker, Gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/3wpt08z

Contain Yourself: Vegetable gardening in containers and small spaces. (John Porter, Gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/2TzRuNS

How do we know which invasive plant pests will be the next big threats? (Rosyln Noar, et al, Entomologytoday.org) https://bit.ly/3DRT1l3

Signs and symptoms of plant disease: Is it fungal, viral or bacterial? (Jim Isleib, Michigan State University Extension) https://bit.ly/35s6qQt

Diagnosing Sick Plants. (Sarah D. William, et al, Ohio State U) https://bit.ly/35l4461

20 Questions on Plant Diagnosis. (Joy Bogg, et al, Ohio State U) https://bit.ly/3gmpCFG

Wasps are valuable for ecosystems, economy and human health (just like bees.) (UCL) https://bit.ly/3wlHkia

Bumble bees damage plant leaves and accelerate flower production when pollen is scarce. (Foteini G. Pashalidou et al, via Sciencemag.org) https://bit.ly/3gC0A4a

Ancient Wollemi Pines Resurgent.   “Ten years after its discovery, a vanishingly rare tree from the Cretaceous Period is a scientific darling and may soon become a commercial success too.” (Stephen McLoughlin & Viva Vajda, Americanscientist.org) https://bit.ly/35ibSFP

Plants Grown in Containers Course: Online (FREE and at your own pace course.) (NCSU) https://bit.ly/3gCLI5X

The DNA of lettuce unraveled: in 6000 years from weed to beloved vegetable. (Wageningen Plant Research) https://bit.ly/3voYzhk

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By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

An Unusual Tree Company- Bartlett Tree Experts.  “In addition to providing tree services, this company also maintains the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum. The latter includes over 300 acres of tree collections and ongoing research trials.  Here’s a sampling of the tree research…” (Linda Chalker-Scott, Gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/3hg35LG

Bidding goodbye to the dreaded Bindweed- “The white, trumpet-shaped flowers called bindweed that seem to bloom everywhere can be one of the most frustrating weeds for home gardeners.” (Andy Hulting, OSU) https://bit.ly/2ResDyb

Millipede Swarms Once Stopped Japanese Trains in Their Tracks.  “A team of scientists say they have figured out the cicada-like life cycles of the many-legged arthropods.” (Veronique Greenwood, Nytimes.com) https://nyti.ms/3bk7jOs

Leave Your Lawn Alone! (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/3y4fOHj

My Soil is Crap-Part II. (Jim Downer, gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/3ff6Tu3

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Revised publication: How to Control Slugs in Your Garden.  Practical tips on how to deal with slugs in your garden, given in both English and Spanish. (EM 9155-Neil Bell, Amy J. Dreves, OSU) https://bit.ly/3t32tfr

“Can we just quit with the vinegar-epsom salts weed-killer nonsense?  It doesn’t matter how safe it sounds if it doesn’t work.”n(Ohio State University Extension) https://bit.ly/3dbXuUp

Soil bacteria could improve crop yields, via fungi (Michael J. Hass, Cornell University) https://bit.ly/3uFaTtN

NEW SECTION IN THE PNW HANDBOOK: Plant Viruses: Dead or Alive? (Jay Pschdeidt, OSU) https://bit.ly/2PKMnsF

Dirty Dozen? Not so fast… Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) issues a list of foods – the so-called ‘Dirty Dozen’ – which it considers to have the highest pesticide residues.  (Cornell University) https://bit.ly/3tc7qCH

This robot uses AI to pollinate greenhouse tomatoes. (Agrotectire.com) https://bit.ly/3mCGBVZ

My soil is crap. Or is it? (Jim Downer, Garden Professors.com) https://bit.ly/3g1MYk3

Bizarre ‘worm tornado’ in New Jersey has scientists baffled. (Mindy Weisberger, livescience.com) https://bit.ly/3wOksJ0

The AAS (All-America Selections) judges pick their favorite plants. (All-America selections.org_ https://bit.ly/3g6xb3P

To mulch or not to mulch? It shouldn’t even be a question. (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/3t7r0A9

Understanding mysteries of plant diseases: Diagnosis and Detection (Part 2 of 3 in this blog series)- Something is wrong? (Jim Dower, Garden Professors.com) https://bit.ly/3t7TucX

Watch the Video! -The Uncommon Berry Patch.  A presentation that covers some less-commonly grown berries for the home garden as well as some native fruits found in western Oregon. (Neil Bell, Dr. Bernadine Strik, OSU) https://bit.ly/3fZCNwH

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master

Beneficial wasp found in Asian giant hornet hunt. (Calvin Bratt, Lynden Tribune) https://bit.ly/3vpTUNj

WATCH!- A Zoom presentation with Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott on Arboricultural Myths. (State of Missouri) https://bit.ly/2OTp4fe

New Study Illuminates Dung Beetles’ Attraction to Death. (By Ed Ricciuti, Entomology Today) https://bit.ly/38JXQ1H

The Dirt on Rock Dust. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Garden Professors blog) https://bit.ly/38HAgTs

VIDEO: Introduction to Lichen: Growth Forms, Reproduction, and Value. (Microcosmic via youtube) https://bit.ly/3rQU5iy

Silencing the alarm- An enzyme in the saliva of certain insects prevents their food plants from warning neighboring plants of an attack. (Sara LaJeunesse Penn State News) https://bit.ly/3vsN0H5

Why seasonal climate forecasts aren’t always accurate. (Pam Knox, The Garden Professors) https://bit.ly/2ODGAEp

Paleontologists discover new insect group after solving 150-year-old mystery. (Simon Fraser University, Phys.org) https://bit.ly/3qW9g92

VIDEO:  Bypass vs. anvil pruners. (Oklahoma Gardening via Youtube) https://bit.ly/2OQKCZX

Cambridge moonflower: Wait over for ‘UK’s first’ bloom. (BBC) https://bbc.in/2OU5nUL

Monarch Winter 2020–21 Population Numbers Released. (Susan Day, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum) https://bit.ly/38DxlLp

WATCH: I Cannot Tell a Lie But Cherry Trees Do Die. (Jay Pschdeit, OSU via Youtube) https://bit.ly/3eHVkNa

Scientists discover attacking fungi that show promise against emerald ash borer. (University of Minnesota, via Phys Org) https://bit.ly/3eHSuYs

Compost in Seed Starting Mix: Recipe for Success…. or Failure? (John Porter, The Garden Professors) https://bit.ly/30OE1C5

To Fruit or Not to Fruit – The Story of Mast Seeding (Awkward Botany) https://bit.ly/38IiKhw

January warm spells, March freezes: How plants manage the shift from winter to spring (Richard B. Primack, Boston University via The Conversation) https://bit.ly/3qRilQn

The contrarian rosarian–debunking rose mythology. (Jim Downer, The Garden Professors) https://bit.ly/3bRhJ9c

Catnip repels insects. Scientists may have finally found out how.  The plant triggers a receptor that, in other animals, senses pain and itch. (Erin Garcia de Jesus, Science News) https://bit.ly/3eHMI9p

Cold Comfort  (How Bees survive cold temperatures) (Jon Zawislak, U of Arkansas Extension) https://bit.ly/3cxQwYe

Parasitic plants conspire to keep hosts alive-Mistletoe sends treemail.(Jules Berstein, UC Riverside) https://bit.ly/3tkstCM

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master

Pheromone treatment puts up the “No Vacancy” sign for Douglas-Fir Beetles. (Darrell Ross, quantamagazine.org) https://bit.ly/3qkDcft

Amazing root drawings! (Wageningen University-Image Collection) https://bit.ly/37azCwK

Watch the video:  Scientists are discovering new species in the ancient canopies of Canada’s tallest trees.  “On BC’s coast, giant trees have been fed by rain for over 700 years and are home to an incredible micro-world.” (Wild Canadian Weather, cbc.ca) https://bit.ly/3daaiLa

Rhododendrons as thermometers. “Did you know that some rhododendrons can act as a living thermometer, showing you just how cold it is by the curl of their leaves?” (Melissa Reckner, Brandywine.org https://bit.ly/377m4lN

The Mystery of Mistletoe’s Missing Genes.  “Mistletoes have all but shut down the powerhouses of their cells. Scientists are still trying to understand the plants’ unorthodox survival strategy.” (Christie Wilcox, quantamagazine.org) https://bit.ly/3b4FtEV

Microscopic wrinkles in leaves ward off insects.  “Researchers identify a new insect-defense mechanism.” (Monique Brouillette, Scientificamerican.com) https://bit.ly/3rQIwHB

Beepocalypse myth handbook: Assessing claims of pollinator collapse. (Jon Entine, geneticliteracyproject.org) https://bit.ly/3tgmf6Y

Learn the terms on seed packets to make the right selection. (Kym Pokorny, OSU; via Nichole Sanchez, OSU) https://bit.ly/2NtLPG4

Houseplant Hubub: The rage about variegation. (John Porter, gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/3d88nXy

Gardening with Native Plants book inspires perennial passions (Linda Chalker-Scott). (WSU) https://bit.ly/3qklMzA

Insects in flight-11 incredible species in SLOW MOTION-Watch!  “Takeoff and flight sequences of insects spanning 5 different taxonomic orders captured at 3,200 fps!” (Ant Lab, via Youtube) https://bit.ly/3ag5p1a

The bumble bees of the Oregon Bee Atlas.  Watch the video! (Lincoln Best, via Youtube) https://bit.ly/3b4FZml

Stickiness is a weapon some plants use to fend off hungry insects. (Eric Lopresti, the conversation.com) https://bit.ly/3ai3QA7

Natural wonder: Wing ‘clap’ solves mystery of butterfly flight. (Matt McGrath, BBC.com) https://bbc.in/2ZfDCI4

Extension foresters note trend in redwood plantings, plan needs assessment. (Alicia Christiansen, OSU Extension) https://bit.ly/2LNgOfA

Five things to know about: Spotted Lanternfly – Oregon IPM Center.  See the video. (Christ Hedstrom, OSU via Youtube) https://bit.ly/3pimdcj

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master

Caterpillars mimic leaves or offer rewards for protection by ants.  “Study reveals different forms of interaction between insect groups: some caterpillar species have bodies covered with molecules identical to those of the plants they inhabit and are ‘invisible’ to ants.” (Eurekaalert.org) https://bit.ly/3nBvhbt

Soil: The dirty secrets of a living landscape. (Gordon Jones, Scott Goode, OSU; EM 9304) https://bit.ly/3sjpY46

What food and gardens trends are predicted for 2021? (Samantha Murray, US/IFAS) https://bit.ly/3brKIR2

Move over murder hornets:  There’s a new bug in town- at it’s coming for your lawn. (Sandi Doughton, Seattle Times) https://bit.ly/38weEcN

Catching hope: Possible ally in fight against harmful fruit fly discovered in Asian giant hornet trap (Karla Salp,WSDA) https://bit.ly/3nAmpmf

Extremely rare, one-of-a-kind flower found in Maui’s rugged mountains. (Mark Price, Sacramento Bee) https://bit.ly/2XuP1D5

This drone sniffs out odors with a real moth antenna. “Researchers slap a living antenna on a drone to give the machine an insanely keen sense of smell. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the ‘Smellicopter.’” (Matt Simon, Wired) https://bit.ly/2MYqXqd

Thrips on Salal.  The following is OSU Plant Pathologist Jay Pscheidt’s response to a client regarding damage on Salal: “We have heard about this in the south west part of the state near the coast. The cause is not azalea lace bug (although the damage is surprisingly similar) but the greenhouse thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis. As the common name suggests, this pest is predominantly associated with greenhouses in temperate climates as it is supposedly not cold hardy. It can be a significant pest in warmer climates, such as California in the avocado areas and in Florida. It predominantly attacks shrubs or trees. We’ve seen it in greenhouses for years but found it in outside samples from Hoyt Arboretum several years ago. Many years ago, it was causing substantial landscape damage in the Seattle area to viburnum and salal among other shrubs.” (Jay Pscheidt Facebook 1-4-21) PNW Disease Management Handbook: https://bit.ly/39lRc17

Meet the World’s Least-Charismatic Orchid. “This newly described species has been dubbed “the ugliest.” (Jessica Leigh Hester, Atlas Obscura) https://bit.ly/3i5Odhl

WSU Extension publications has a wealth of peer reviewed gardening information.  Check out a sampling:

Do Black Walnut Trees Have Allelopathic Effects on Other Plants? (Home Garden Series) (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/3sgGvWs

Epsom Salt Use in Home Gardens and Landscapes. (Dr. Linda Chalker- Scott, Rich Guggenheim, WSU)https://bit.ly/3nBbJE6

Gypsum Use in Home Gardens and Landscapes. (Dr. Linda-Chalker-Scott, Rich Guggenheim WSU https://bit.ly/3sfk6bM

Home Pruning: Reasons to Prune Trees and Shrubs (Home Gardening Series.) Tim Kohlhauff, WSU; et al. https://bit.ly/38zmlPu

Hugelkultur: What is it, and should it be used in home gardens?  “Hügelkultur is an increasingly popular way of using organic material to create mounded home gardens and landscapes.” (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/35yoWXZ

Lady Beetles: Should We Buy Them For Our Gardens? (Home Garden Series.)  “Lady beetles are a popular biocontrol method for aphids in home gardens and landscapes. Many gardeners purchase these insects at nurseries, garden centers, and online.” (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Michael R. Bush, WSU) https://bit.ly/2XyQQyN

Vegetables: Growing Peppers in Home Gardens (Home Garden Series.)   “Looking for a way to spice up your home garden? There are few vegetables more colorful or easier to grow than peppers.” (Michael R. Bush, WSU; et al) https://bit.ly/3ovJ4Bz

By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU Master Gardener

Cornmeal magic – the myth that will not die.  Learn the facts! (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/37cOJX4

The complicated issue of heavy metals in residential soils, part 2: How plant species and environmental variables complicate the issue. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/2K4vHsZ

Soil Myth Busting for Extension Educators: Reviewing the Literature on Soil Nutrition. (Dr. Linda-Chalker Scott, WSY ; A.J. Downer, U of CA via NACAA.com) https://bit.ly/3mf2RmV

Reviewing the literature on tree planting- Landscape Trees. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU & A. J. Downer, U of CA; via NACAA.com) https://bit.ly/3mblJmB

Soil Myth Busting for Extension Educators: Reviewing the literature Soil Structure and Functionality. (Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU & A. J. Downer, U of CA via NACAA.com) https://bit.ly/3qMXL4G

Check out some new and exciting new plants! (National Garden Bureau) https://bit.ly/2WdksBa

The horrors of mass-produced bee houses. (Note: while a commercial, has useful info and links) (Collin Purrington.com) https://bit.ly/37ZCKLJ

REVISED PUBLICATION: Growing Blueberries in Your Home Garden. (Bernadine Strik, OSU; et al: EC 1304) https://bit.ly/37hpu61

Hummingbird Drone Films Half a Billion Monarch Butterflies Taking Flight. (Deanschneider.com) https://bit.ly/3a9ILbg

Just for fun: Bugs and Organisms look like Monsters Under a Microscope.  Ever wondered what an ant or wasp looked like up close?  Have a look! (fotoscapes.com) https://bit.ly/37cXosw

Soil fungi act like a support network for trees. New research is first to show that growth rate of adult trees is linked to fungal networks colonizing their roots. (U of Alberta, via sciencefdaily.com) https://bit.ly/3mfVQCb

Pollinators of Butterfly Bush (and Other Questions) (stillca, OSU) https://bit.ly/347hUZq

20 Questions on Plant Diagnosis– “This is the third fact sheet in a series of 10 designed to provide an overview of key concepts in plant pathology. Plant pathology is the study of plant disease including the reasons why plants get sick and how to control or manage healthy plants.” (Joe Boggs, Ohio State, et al) https://bit.ly/3qMXX3U

The Deciduous Conifer Conundrum. (Indefenseofplants.com) https://bit.ly/2K4vXrX