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Inside this issue

Diseases of Cucurbits ......................... 1 From the President ............................ 1 What is it?........................................... 2 Vegetable Pollination ......................... 3 MG Survey Results ............................. 4 Choosing Deer-Resistant Plants for your Landscape ........................................... 5 4th Bi-Annual Garden Tour................ 6 Calendar of Events ............................. 6 Pesticide Warning Labels ................... 6 Coordinator Update ........................... 7 Missouri Botanical Highlight .............. 7 June Gardening Calendar .................. 8

JUNE 2019

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Master Gardeners,

Not every year is the same and this is certainly no exception. The first part of May brought us too much rain, not enough sun and tempera-tures in the 40s in the morning and 70s by late afternoon. Mid and late May found us in the 80s and 90s. There were many overcast days and things were planted weeks after they would have normally gone in. It is time to put May behind us and fast forward to June.

In many ways, a garden is like an annual home rehab. Some of the standard stuff will always be there. But then there is the opportunity to try something fresh and new. It is never truly finished. There is always an opportunity to add your unique touch each and every season.

Along with the standards this year, I am growing PINK CELERY! Celery is a long season crop. It is not usually successfully grown in Missouri. It may not work out but I am up for

Anthracnose of Cucumber

Anthracnose is a widely distributed fungal disease of cucurbits. The MU Plant Diagnostic clinic received a sample of cucumber with leaf spots caused by the fungus Colletotrichum orbicula-re (syn. Colletotrichum lagenarium). Anthracnose can cause serious losses of cucumbers, melon, watermelon and muskmelon whenever susceptible cultivars are grown but rarely infects pumpkin and squash. Warm, humid, and frequent rain favors disease develop-ment and spread. Infection can occur on seedlings, leaves, petioles, stems, and fruits.

Leaf symptoms start as a small water soaked lesion with yellowish appearance. As the disease progresses, the lesion expands and turns into brown spots which may coalesce resulting in leaf blighting. Le-sions on the leaf petiole and stem are shallow, elongate and tan. Severe infection of the petiole, stem, fruit and pedicel can cause ex-tensive defoliation, lower fruit quality and yield loss. The fungus survives between crops on seeds, volunteer weeds and on infected crop residues. Spread of the fungus occurs by splashing rain, over-head irrigation, insects, field workers and tools.

Effective management of anthracnose disease involves an integrated pest management strategy. Start with certified clean seeds to re-duce disease incidence on the field. When purchasing transplant seedling, carefully inspect plants for disease symptoms before transplanting. Scout plants regularly for signs of disease. Control volunteer cucurbit weeds and alternate host around the field. Plow

down deeply all infected debris immediately after harvest. Prac-tice crop rotation for at least two years with crops other than cucur-bits. Regular fungicide application as soon as disease is detected can help to reduce disease severity. Information on chemicals registered for anthracnose disease on cucurbits is available in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial

Diseases of Cucurbits

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From the President . . . (continued from front page)

the challenge.

This year let's all try something new and share what we learn with our fellow gardeners. Remember that even a fail-ure is a learning experience. It is nothing in which to be ashamed.

As Master Gardeners, we have a com-mon thread. A generous nature, a de-sire to learn new things and to teach others what we have learned. We vol-unteer in our communities and support each other in our efforts.

While we can’t change the weather there is always something new to learn and lifelong friendships to be made. Keep those hands dirty and garden on.

Linda Klossner

Jefferson County Master Gardener JUNE 2019

Find the answer somewhere in this newsletter

Fusarium fruit rot

Fusarium fruit rot, a common pre and post -harvest disease of many cucurbits, can severely affect fruit quality. The disease is more destructive on pumpkin and squash. Fruit rot losses can occur in the field or in storage after harvest. Several Fusarium species including F. equiseti, F. acumina-tum, F. graminearum,F. avenaceum, and F. solani are associated with fruit rot in cucurbits. The pathogen is seed borne and can survive as chlamydospores in the soil for 2 -3 years.

Symptoms develop on fruit surfaces in contact with soil as firm, dry, sunken lesions of varying sizes covered with white or gray fungal growth. Disease symptoms can vary with host, plant age, envi-ronmental conditions, soil moisture, pathogen population in the soil, and the aggressiveness of the strain.

Effective management of this disease involves an integrated pest management strategy. Plant re-sistant cultivars, start with disease free seeds and do not save seeds from the infected fruit. Prac-tice rotation with non-cucurbits for 4 years. Avoid planting in fields with history of disease. Provid-ing physical barrier between the fruit and the soil can help to minimize the disease and avoid wounding of the fruit during handling.

Leaf spots on cucumber caused by Colletotrichum

Fusarium fruit rot caused

by Fusarium species on Pumpkin

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Jefferson County Master Gardener JUNE 2018

By Tim Baker, Field Specialist in Horticulture, Gentry County Occasionally a vegetable gardener will ask me if closely related plants will cross and affect the flavor of the vegetables they are growing in their garden. Usually this is not a problem, unless you are saving seed. Normally even if two plants will cross, the flavor of the vegetable in question will remain the same as its parent for the summer that you planted it. If you save seed, however, the flavor of future crops may change, if new genetics have been introduced through cross-pollination. Some exceptions do exist. One example is corn, where pollen from another type of corn can affect the type you are growing. Plant breeders refer to this trait as xenia. An example of this is where pollen from field corn affects the sweet corn you are growing and produces starchy kernels instead of sugary ones.

The Cucurbitaceae (melons, pumpkins, squash, and gourds) usually do not have this problem. Some of them will not cross naturally anyway. But seed savers have to know what they are doing and insure that possible crosses are guarded against.

Still, rumors about same-year flavor changes in the plant you are growing persist. One, for ex-ample, holds that cucumbers will cross with cantaloupes and ruin their flavor. These plants are both in the same genus (Cucumis), but belong to different species. Normally, these will not cross, and even if they did, it is doubtful that the flavor would be affected in that current year.

Poor flavor in cantaloupes could be due to either genetics or environment. If your cantaloupes have a problem with flavor, try changing varieties, or look for some cultural or environmental factor that is causing the problem.

Watermelons do not cross with other vine crops, except for citron, which is closely related. Since most gardeners don’t grow citrons, that’s usually not a concern.

Pumpkin, squash and gourds present another problem, which can be complex. Some will cross, while others will not. Again, I would not be too concerned about it, unless you are saving seed. If you are doing that, you should get a good book on the subject and learn what to do.

The reason that pumpkins, squash and gourds present a complex situation is that the common classifications do not follow the botanical divisions between species. In other words, what we commonly call pumpkins may occur in several species. In summary, except for corn, don’t worry about cross-pollination affecting the flavor of this year’s crop. However, if you are saving seed, it is best to get a good book on the topic and follow the rules closely.

Vegetable Pollination

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Jefferson County Master Gardener JUNE 2019

Summary of Master Gardener Survey Results

By Paula McBurnett, MG and Secretary

The results of the March Jefferson County Master Gardener Survey were discussed at the May 14 meeting. Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey and the discussion.

The purpose of the online survey, created by the MG officers, and sent via email from Debi Kelly, MU Extension Office, was to measure interest in education topics and volunteerism. Surveys were emailed to 138 MG member and 34 (25%) were received. Here are highlights of the results:

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being most engaged), 78% of respondents ranked “5” or higher on engagement level with MGs.

On average, MGs attend 5 meetings or educational events a year (out of 10). Almost 10% do not attend at all.

The report listed 18 topics of interest for educational programming. Top 5 were Natives, Perennials, Vegetables, Plant propagation and Herbs. In addition, 17 topics were written in as suggested topics of interest for educational sessions.

82% of respondents are involved as MG volunteers at one of the approved sites. The majority of those sur-veyed indicated they may be or are interested in volunteering.

It is interesting to note that more Master Gardeners are engaged as volunteers than attend meetings or educa-tional sessions. To that end, MGs would like to create an Education Program Committee of two or three people, including a chair or co-chair. There are six MG meetings a year and we would like to have one program for each meeting. In summary, we anticipate that enhanced and interesting program topics may attract more MG mem-bers to meetings where they can achieve the education component of MG annual certification, become involved as MGs and continue to grow the program.

A full report is included in the May 14, 2019, minutes of the meeting. If you would like to volunteer for a position on the Education Program Committee or if you have questions about the survey results, please contact Paula McBurnett, secretary, paulamcb@yahoo.com, or Linda Klossner, president, plklossner@gmail.com.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2018 Hats & Pins! The first year a MG volunteers 100+ hours, they

receive a MG baseball cap. Every year after a year of 100+ volunteer hours, they receive a pin to put on their cap. Left to

right: Carol Kuntz, Liz Copeland, Dorothy Schuette, Paula McBurnett, Kim Morris, Suzie Kunderman, Mary Ann Heuer, Jo

Ferguson, and Joe Corio. Those not present in picture: Gaye Counts, Nick Keifer, Linda Klossner, Dave Korenak, Virginia

Korenak, Jerry Riggs, Jeri Schmidt, Sherry Weber.

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Jefferson County Master Gardener JUNE 2019

Choosing Deer-Resistant Plants for your Landscape

Many gardeners, homeowners, golf course superintendents and public park managers express frustra-tion toward deer and the damage they cause from rubbing their antlers on trees and shrubs and brows-ing on plants in the landscape. Unfortunately, there are not many simple solutions to preventing deer damage without eliminating deer. Deer management in landscapes will require an integrated manage-ment (IPM) approach. This includes monitoring deer pressure and the population, fencing or excluding deer from valuable landscape plants, using repellents and planting deer-resistant plants.

Deer are selective feeders. Understanding their feeding habits may be helpful when planning your land-scape. Deer feeding habits are affected by experience and previous movement patterns, geographic ar-ea, weather conditions, nutritional needs, seasonal plant availability and plant palatability. Available food sources change with the seasons, thus changing the level of damage and the types of plants dam-aged. A plant not bothered by deer in the summer, may become a food source during a long, cold win-ter. Snow cover for extended period may cause deer to browse on plants they normally would not feed on.

As deer become a major problem in many gardens, gardeners have begun learning what plants deer prefer and ones they do not like. Deer preference for landscape plants will vary with several factors, but there are some plants that are more resistant to deer. Plants la-beled as "deer resistant" often have common characteristics such as rough, hairy, spiny, or have a presence of aromatic compounds in the stems or leaves. For example, lavender and boxwood are considered aromatic plants, whereas some viburnums and oakleaf hydrangea possess leaf textures thought to be distasteful to deer.

Deer seek plants rich in protein, especially in spring and summer, and as they recover from winter. They get about one third of their water from moisture in plants, which is the reason they prefer moist and tender plant parts and often feed on new growth, usually on the out-er parts of plants, such as new leaves and buds, or immature stems. Certain plant smells attract deer, and other times may just want to sample the newest additions to your landscape. Deer do seem to know which plants are poisonous, and which ones to avoid.

Deer avoid plants they may have tried and did not like, or which made them sick. They usually avoid plants with a strong aroma like marigolds, fuzzy leaves like lamb’s ear, prickly leaves or stems like hollies or barberries, or those with a bitter or alkaloid taste such as yarrow. Deer rely on their sense of smell as an early warning system of approaching danger. Mask this, using aromatic plants, and deer tend to stay clear. Some fragrant plants that generally deter deer in-clude catmint, chives, lavender, mint, sage, and thyme. Gardeners will often interplant these among more desirable deer plants to keep them away.

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Jefferson County Master Gardener JUNE 2019

Calendar of Events June

4-5 - Missouri Master Gardener Conference, Columbia,

MO. Look for flyer on page 5-6.

13 - Native Plant School: Gardening With Native Ground-

covers, Shaw Nature Preserve, Grey Summit, MO.

Call 314-577-5140 (Level II class)

13 - Twilight Tour: Urban Buds City Grown Flowers, St.

Louis, MO. Call 636-797-5391. $10.

15 - Wild Edibles, Shaw Nature Preserve, Grey Summit,

MO. Call 314-577-5140 (Level II class)

22 - Wildflower Identification and Ecology, Shaw Nature

Reserve, Grey Summit, MO. Call 314-577-5140

(Level II class).

22 - St. Louis Master Gardner Garden Tour, St. Louis area,

$10. To register - https://tinyurl.com/yy76qq25

July

9 – Bimonthly Meeting, Viking Room on Jefferson

College Campus, Hillsboro, MO

11 - Native Plant School: Gardening for Insects , Shaw

Nature Preserve, Grey Summit, MO. Call 314-577-

5140 (Level II class)

13 - Wildflower Identification and Ecology, Shaw Nature

Reserve, Grey Summit, MO. Call 314-577-5140

(Level II class). Pesticide Warning Labels

Signal words are “warning signs” on the label that indicate the toxicity of the pesticide to both humans and animals.

Caution – very low toxicity. Lethal dose is one teaspoon to one tablespoon or greater.

Warning – moderate toxicity. Lethal does is one teaspoon to one tablespoon. Usually associate with a rash.

Danger – high toxicity. Lethal does is a taste to a teaspoon. Usually associated with skin or eye damage.

Danger-Poison – high toxicity. Lethal dose is a few drops. It can kill you.

When purchasing a pesticide, use the Signal Word and labeling to help you determine the best toxic and most effective product that will address your situation.

The 4th Bi-Annual Garden Tour is June 8 from 9-5. There are 10 gardens on the tour with a bonus garden across the street from

one of them.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the Extension Office, Kress

Farm, or the Hillsboro Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30. For more infor-

mation call Suzie @ 314-799-1594

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Jefferson County Master Gardener JUNE 2019

Master Gardener Coordinator Update

Warmer weather is upon us and the sun is shining from time to time. With all the cool temperatures and wetness, we are seeing a lot of fungus diseases appearing such as fire blight, entomosporium leaf spot, apple cedar rust and more. You may also notice of yellowing of leaves and/or leaf drop from trees. This is from saturated soils. The soils are so full of water filling all the air pockets. This essentially is causing trees and shrubs to “suffocate”. As a preventative measure for survival, trees will drop leaves so there are less leaves in which to provide nutrients. The trees will keep enough leaves to make it through the growing season to next year. If soils dry out soon, many trees may bud out new leaves. The Mis-souri Master Gardener Conference is June 4-5. I hope to report on this in the July newsletter.

In the meantime, Happy Gardening!

What am I? - I’M A BEARDED IRIS!

Facts About Bearded Iris

There are 260 to 300 of iris.

It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, which is also the name for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.

As well as being the scientific name, iris is also very widely used as a common name for all Iris species, as well as some belonging to other closely related genera.

Most of iris species originate from temperate parts of Europe and Asia.

Party all summer long as the Missouri Botanical Garden becomes your after-hours destination for drinks, lights, music, and dynamic multimedia Thursday-Sunday evenings beginning July 6. Doors open at 6 pm. Light show starts at dusk. Member preview is July 5.

July 5—October 19

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-Missouri Botanical Garden-

June Gardening Calendar

Jefferson County Master Gardener JUNE 2019

Ornamentals

Deadhead bulbs and spring flowering perennials as blossoms fade.

Thin seedlings to proper spacings before plants crowd each other.

Apply a balanced rose fertilizer after the first show of blooms is past.

Rhizomatous begonias are not just for shade. Many varieties, especially those with bronze foliage, do well in full sun if given plenty of water and a well-drained site.

Most houseplants brought outside prefer a bright spot shaded from afternoon sun. Check soil moisture daily during hot weather.

Softwood cuttings can be taken from trees and shrubs as the spring flush of growth is beginning to mature.

Continue spraying roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease.

Trees and shrubs may still be fertilized before July 4th.

Pruning of spring flowering trees and shrubs should be completed before the month's end.

Lawns

Mow lawns frequently enough to remove no more than one-third the total height per mowing. There is no need to remove clippings unless excessive.

Mow bluegrass at 2 to 3.5 inch height. Turfgrasses growing in shaded conditions should be mowed at the higher recommendations.

Zoysia can be fertilized now while actively growing. Do not exceed 2 -3 pounds of actual nitrogen fertilizer per l000 sq. ft. per year.

Vegetables

As soon as cucumber and squash vines start to 'run,' begin spray treatments to control cucumber beetles and squash vine borers.

Set out transplants of Brussels sprouts started last month. These will mature for a fall harvest.

Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems make the most efficient use of water during dry times.

To minimize diseases, water with overhead irrigation early enough in the day to allow the foliage to dry be-fore nightfall.

Start seedlings of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. These will provide transplants for the fall garden.

Control corn earworms. Apply several drops of mineral oil every 3 to 7 days once silks appear. Sprays of Bt are also effective.

To maximize top growth on asparagus, apply 2 pounds of 12 -12-12 fertilizer per l00 sq. ft., water well and re-new mulches to conserve moisture.

Fruits

Oriental fruit moths emerge. They are most serious on peaches where the first generation attacks growing tips. Wilted shoots should be pruned out.

Thinning overloaded fruit trees will result in larger and healthier fruits at harvest time. Thinned fruits should be a hands-width apart.

Renovate strawberries after harvest. Mow the rows; thin out excess plants; remove weeds; fertilize and apply a mulch for weed control.

Summer fruiting raspberries are ripening now.

Begin control for apple maggot flies. Red painted balls that have been coated with tanglefoot may be hung in apple trees to trap egg-laying females.