OTERO SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT 20

10

3501 Mesa Village Drive, Alamogordo, NM 88310 (575) 437-3100 x 3

Welcome Mary Sanchez, NRCS Rangeland Management Specialist

Mary Sanchez comes to the Alamogordo Field Office from the Las Cruces Field Office. We are happy to have her as she is capable of assisting with both the soil conservation and the range conservation responsibilities; Mary comes to Alamogordo with 27 years of experience in rangeland, cropland, and pastureland management. Mary has worked in northern New Mexico and also in the States of Idaho and Arizona. She is a graduate of NMSU with a degree in Range Management and a minor in soils. Mary is a native New Mexican born and raised in Anthony, New Mexico where she lives caring for her mother.

Welcome Mary !

Inside this issue:

NRCS Grassland Initiative, Part I

2

NMSU Cooperative Extension Service Update

3-4

Hickory Shuckworm

5-6

Otero SWCD Annual Luncheon

7

“Helping People Help the Land”

We are online! Check us out on the web @ oteroswcd.org/

Page 2 NRCS Grazing Initiative: Part I

Page 3

NMSU Cooperative Extension Service Otero County Agricultural Agent Update Beth Gordon, Otero County Agricultural Agent

The dry mild fall we had in Otero County this year was just right for the development of certain insect pests like aphids, grape leaf skeletonizer, grape leafhopper, white fly, and others. It seemed like we had aphids on everything – ornamental trees and shrubs as well as fruit and nut trees and crops. These small insects that feed by sucking the sap from leaves (or tender stems) and excrete a syrupy substance called honeydew as a by-product of their feeding which leaves a sticky silvery sheen on the leaves of plants and sometimes on the ground under your plants, can be washed from the tree with a strong stream of water. This also washes the honeydew from the leaf and

stem surfaces which is attractive to ants, wasps, flies and other insects that eat the honeydew. Washing with a strong stream of water will not remove all the honeydew and aphids, but it should drastically reduce the problem, since the aphids, that are knocked off/blasted off the plant and onto to the ground and must climb back up the plant to do their damage, are not good climbers. The wingless aphids

sucking the juices from the plants were hatched out in their locations up in the plant as a result of a mature winged female flying in and depositing her eggs. There are also insects that eat the aphids themselves, so spraying with an insecticide will kill off the beneficial insects that are working on reducing the population themselves. By avoiding insecticides to manage aphids, permits the development of healthy populations of the predator insects that will help

keep aphid infestations to a less damaging level.

Many folks in the county found little fuzzy/wooly balls on the underside of the leaf mid-rib of their Live Oak trees. These were Live Oak Wooly Leaf Galls caused by a tiny wasp that lays its eggs on the leaf bud, the eggs hatch, the tiny larvae drill into the leaf, secrete a chemical that forms the wooly gall, and by the time most of us see the galls, the insect is gone. The leaf where the gall is will turn brown and may drop prematurely but the galls really do very little damage to the tree. The wasp population varies greatly from year to year so we may see none next year. As with any insect pest the best prevention is to keep your plants in good health by deep watering and fertilization when needed. According to Dr. Carol Sutherland, NMSU &

NMDA Entomologist, “Gall wasps and oaks have ‘worked out’ a sort of truce over the millions of years such that the wasp gets a fairly safe and secure spot to reproduce and feed its offspring (the various galls) while the oak protects itself from potential damage (the gall tissue is ‘extra,’ a bone for the gall wasp larva to eat harmlessly).”

If you had these little white egg-shaped formations encircling the foliage of your juniper trees as some folks in the county did, you most likely had Juniper scale, Carulaspis juniperi. University of Washington entomologists say, “Juniper scales have white oval females with a distinct yellow spot in the center. The males

are elongated. All plant parts are attacked, but scales feeding on the leaves and leaf stems are noticeable. Loss of vigor and ultimately plant death can occur. Honeydew producers will result in sooty mold on the shrubs.

Treatment of heavily infested shrubs should take place in late spring to early Summer when the immature crawler stage is present. They resemble tiny aphids. The crawlers molt into mature scales which are harder to manage. The adult females produce eggs within their body and over winter filled with eggs. Oil sprays in early spring are effective but may burn the foliage.”

Oak Wooly Leaf Gall

Photo: Henderson State Univ.

Oleander aphid, Aphis nerii, with predatory coccinellid larvae. Photo: Anne W. Gideon, , www.forestryimages.org

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The Western Grape leaf Skeletonizer appeared in October in the county on some grape vines in backyard vineyards and on Virginia Creeper. In the NMSU publication, Growing Grapes in New Mexico, Esteban Herrera says, “The grape leafhopper is the most common insect pest of grapes in New Mexico. These tiny insects are narrow and less than 1/8 inch (1/4 cm) long. The adults are yellow with red and black markings on their wings. They spend the winter as adults in weedy, grassy areas near the vineyard and move into the vines as soon as growth begins. Eggs, which are laid in the leaves, hatch in about two weeks. The pale wingless nymphs (immature stage) feed on the lower surface of the leaves, casting skins five times before becoming adults. It takes three or four weeks for the young to reach the adult stage.

Occasionally, the western grape-leaf skeletonizer becomes a problem, especially in small backyard or home vineyards. In the larva or worm stage, this insect is black and yellow (six-banded) and feeds only on the underside of the leaves. It eats the cells and leaves, but not even the smallest veins, creating a skeleton effect.

When applying an insecticide, apply the material on leaf portions where insects are feeding.” Always apply insecticides according to label directions.

Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer - Photo from University of California IPM Online

This fall we had growers with white flies in greenhouses, vegetable gardens, and landscapes this year. Since the management of heavy whitefly infestations is very difficult and they are not well controlled with any available insecticides, the best strategy is to prevent whitefly problems from developing in gardens, greenhouses, and landscapes. The following websites should be helpful for white fly prevention:

Whiteflies, University of Calif. IPM - http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7401.html

Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable Whitefly Control, National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/gh-whitefly.html

Greenhouse Whitefly, Colorado State Univ.- http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05587.html

Managing Whitefly on Indoor and Outdoor Plants, Univ. of Missouri - http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G7275

Whiteflies, Univ. of Florida - http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/agriculture/whiteflies.html

Greenhouse whitefly nymphs.

Black forms are parasitized.

Photo: Colorado State Univ.

Whitefly, adult.

Photo: University of Florida

Otero County Ag Agent Update Continued...

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Hickory Shuckworm---It’s Back in New Mexico; Please Submit Suspect Specimens Now! Dr. Carol Sutherland, Extension Entomologist, NMSU & State Entomologist, NM Dept. Agriculture

With New Mexico, alternating with Texas and Georgia from year to year, being the largest producer of pecans in the U.S. and pecans bringing $3.00 and more per pound this year, pecans are a very important crop for us here in southern New Mexico. Therefore keeping up on the latest pecan insect pests in our county and surrounding counties is extremely important. The latest such pest is the Hickory Shuckworm and the following information recently released from Dr. Carol Sutherland, NMSU & NMDA entomologist is of great importance to all of us growing pecan in southern New Mexico. HICKORY SHUCKWORM (HSW) attacks developing nuts of hickory and pecans. This year, these pests have been confirmed---again--- from commercial pecan nuts collected in October near Roswell and in backyard pecan nuts collected in Carlsbad in late November. HSW was previously confirmed from central and southeastern New Mexico pecans in the early 1990s; it persisted for several years before ‘disappearing’ for unknown reasons. The pecan harvest presents an excellent time to survey for these potentially significant pests, answer questions and possibly assist growers, large and small, as they plan their pecan management strategies in the future. If you are receiving this note, you could be asked about these pests, receive damaged nuts and specimens from clients, or have opportunities yourself to collect and submit specimens and nuts (see below). WHY IS HICKORY SHUCKWORM IMPORTANT TO PECAN GROWERS? Many producers have little or no experience with HSW, symptoms of infestation and the impact these pests can have on harvest quantity or quality. HSW can be overlooked. Caterpillar tunneling in nuts before shell hardening can cause significant nut drop. After shells harden, shuck tunneling can cause increased incidence of ‘stick tights’ on trees, shuck adhesion to harvested nuts, darkened or stained nuts shells, poor kernel development, and delayed nut maturity. SYMPTOMS OF HICKORY SHUCKWORM INFESTATION OF PECANS (after ‘killing frosts’; pictures next page) 1)Shucks adhering to nuts or failing to split and release nuts; higher incidence of ‘stick-tights’ on trees 2)Shucks exhibiting one or more pin-hole sized exit holes 3) Shucks mined with small, winding trails, the largest slightly larger than a pencil lead in diameter; some parts of the shuck also may be hollowed out 4)Small white, multi-segmented caterpillars with light reddish-brown head capsules; 3 pairs of short thoracic legs visible with magnification. Caterpillars may be barely visible to abt. ¼” long. Some shucks may have partially embedded, shiny reddish-brown, bare pupae, abt. ¼” long, rounded on the head end and tapered terminally. LIFE CYCLE & BIOLOGY OF HSW HSW overwinter as mature larvae or pupae in shucks left on the trees, fallen nuts and shuck debris from cleaning plants or at-home pecan nut processing. The first generation of adults emerges the following spring as trees leaf out; the 3/8” long, dark gray moths are nocturnal and are unlikely to be observed. Larval survival is poor until small nuts are available, after which HSW populations continue to build until shuck split. Three to five generations/growing season are possible. HOW DO PRODUCERS DEAL WITH HSW NOW? Destruction of fallen nuts during the growing season and nut and shuck trash at harvest can significantly reduce local HSW infestations the following spring. Commercial producers may till this trash into a waste area on their premises; tillage close to trees can significantly damage root systems. Backyard growers should gather and dispose of their fallen immature nuts and nut trash by deep burial or bagging this waste for the landfill.

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Composting shuck and nut waste may not kill overwintering HSW if the pile is not correctly prepared and maintained. Since damage to this year’s nut crop has already occurred, no insecticide treatments are needed now. Various insecticides already labeled and registered for pecans in New Mexico, and likely used for pecan nut case bearer, may be applicable to HSW, both for commercial conventional and organic producers.

READ YOUR PESTICIDE LABELS!

SUBMITTING NUT, HUSK & INSECT SAMPLES FOR IDENTIFICATION Keep samples dry; package husks and nuts with husks in paper bags. Label bags with collection sites and dates. Submit samples through your County Agent, if possible. Pack bags in small boxes (prevent crushing) and ship to: Regular Shipping For Overnight UPS or Fed Ex New Mexico State University New Mexico State University Attn: Plant Diagnostic Clinic Attn: Plant Diagnostic Clinic Box 30003, MSC 3AE 945 College Avenue Las Cruces, NM 88003 Skeen Hall Room N140 Las Cruces, NM 88003 Photo Credits:

Jason French, NMSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic, Las Cruces. Louis Tedders, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

New Mexico State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educator. NMSU and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. If you have questions about the agricultural pests mentioned in this article are any agricultural inquiries please contact the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service Otero County Agricultural Agent at 575-437-0231.

Hickory Shuck worm Continued...

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Winter 2010

The Otero SWCD hosted its Annual Luncheon on December 1st, 2010. In attendance were representatives from US Senators Jeff Bingaman’s and Tom Udall’s offices, NM Senator Vernon Asbill, as well as Otero County Commissioners Elect Susan Flores and Tommie Herrell. The district’s annual report was

presented. Melanie Goodman from Senator Bingaman's office read a letter supporting the Sacramento Mountains Hydrogeology Study as well as conservation programs “fostering ecological, economic and social stability” throughout the state. Talon Newton, Geoff Rawling and Peggy Johnson from the NM Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources presented initial findings and answered questions regarding the completion of the study. The Sacramento Mountains Hydrogeology Study report is out for peer review and finalization is

expected in March of 2011.

NRCS Range Conservationist John Hartung spoke regarding a very successful year of conservation in Otero County before presenting the Cooper Brother’s Land LLC with the Outstanding Land Stewardship award.

In conclusion, the district’s Chairman Bill Mershon stressed the importance of the Hydrogeology Study and our water resources, and thanked everyone for their continued support.

OUTSTANDING LAND STEWARDSHIP

Cooper Brothers Land LLC

“In Appreciation of Your Diligent Efforts & Unmatched Performance In Making Conservation a

Priority”

MELANIE GOODMAN OF SENATOR BINGAMAN'S OFFICE AND THE OTERO SWCD’S CHAIRMAN BILL MERSHON.

TALON NEWTON , NM BUREAU OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES.

JOHN HARTUNG , NRCS RANGELAND MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST.

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TO FIND THE MOST RECENT STUDY REPORTS, GO TO OTEROSWCD.ORG UNDER THE “PROJECTS” TAB AND

SELECT THE HYDROGEOLOGY LINKS ON THE TOP OF THE PAGE.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipient:

OTERO SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL LUNCHEON

The USDA Alamogordo Service Center will be closed: January 17 - Martin Luther King Day; February 21 - President’s Day

District board meetings are generally, the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 am. The meetings are held at the District office on 3501 Mesa Village Dr. in Alamogordo.

The Otero SWCD is an equal opportunity

employer.

Current SWCD board of supervisors: Bill Mershon, Chairman Rick Baish, Vice Chairman Eddie Vigil, Secretary/Treasurer Bob Nichols, Supervisor Clyde Davis Jr, Supervisor James Evrage, Supervisor Jeff Rabon, Supervisor

NRCS Staff: Don Ashby, District Conservationist John Hartung, Rangeland Management Specialist Jonathan Walker, Soil Conservation Technician Mary Sanchez, Rangeland Management Specialist Rita Stone, Farm Bill Specialist

District Employees: Victoria Milne, District Manager Amanda Wylie-Largeteau, Conservation Aide

FSA Staff: Lynn Muncy, County Executive Director Carol Ruiz, Program Technician

Otero Soil and Water Conservation District

Otero Soil and Water Conservation District

3501 Mesa Village Dr.

Alamogordo, NM 88310

3501 Mesa Village Drive, Alamogordo, NM 88310 (575) 437-3100 x 3