Horticulture pests focus of local webinar series

As summer begins, most gardeners focus their attention on the various insects, diseases, weeds and other pests that affect their plants’ health, vigor and productivity. The Marinette and Oconto county office of UW-Madison, Division of Extension is providing all area home gardeners a series of opportunities to learn more about the pests they might find on the various plants they are growing.

The live lunch-and-learn webinar series will focus on a group of plants and the primary pests that afflict them. Participants will have the opportunity to view the pests, see the damage they cause and then discuss management possibilities.

The four plant groups and their program dates are:

Thursday, July 2 — Vegetable Garden Pests

Tuesday, July 7 — Fruit Crop Pests

Thursday, July 9 — Flower Bed Pests

Thursday, July 16 — Shade Tree Pests

The live discussion will be led by Scott Reuss, Marinette County agriculture and horticulture agent, starting at noon. He will focus on local timing of primary pests, how to properly identify the pests or their symptoms and realistic management options that can keep damage to your plants to a minimum. Participants will be able to share their concerns, questions and experiences as part of the interaction.

These programs will be offered as webinars to maximize the number of individuals who are able to partake in the discussion. Registration is free and will include follow-up emails with resources regarding the topics discussed and links to management publications and factsheets. Register by emailing scott.reuss@wisc.edu or nservais@marinettecounty.com by 10 a.m. the day of the program. The webinar link will be sent to you prior to the start of the webinar.

If you have questions about the program content or delivery methods, contact Reuss at the email above or via phone at 715-732-7510. You can also view local horticulture information at https://marinette.extension.wisc.edu/horticulture.