A.C.E. Award presented
Haley Goodman of South Lenoir High School has been presented the most recent A.C.E Award.
The Kinston Exchange Club presents this annual award to a deserving student who has overcome obstacles in life and who will complete high school.
Exchange Club members Guy Skinner and Scotty Hill made the presentation.
The Gardening Guru: Is my plant sick?
Concern is frequently expressed about a plant that suddenly shows symptoms of not growing well. Variable symptoms can include change in leaf color, sudden wilting, leaf distortion, death of leaves and branches, discoloration, spots or irregular dead areas, premature drop of foliage, sunken areas, cracks, abnormal tissue, sap, bumps or curling and fuzzy growth.
Many microorganisms — including fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes — cause diseases. For disease to occur, plant pathogens must come in contact with a susceptible host plant. This contact can occur through transplants, soil, humans, animals, insects, infested seed, and wind or water. Pathogens can be introduced alone or in combination of these means. A favorable environment must exist for the pathogen to infect and thrive on the plants.
Many plant disorders can be caused by extremes in temperature, moisture, nutrition or herbicide exposure. These nonparasitic problems stress the plant and can make it more susceptible to diseases. Effective control depends on knowing the difference between abiotic, or nonparasitic, and biotic — fungi, bacteria and other pathogens — causes of plant problems.
Insects often transmit diseases by carrying viruses and bacteria, such as bacterial wilt of cucumbers and squash. Weeds in and around the garden also can harbor disease organisms.
Prevention is the best approach to managing plant diseases, but it isn’t a guarantee. Choosing disease-resistant plant varieties can help avoid some common diseases.
Chemicals are seldom needed and often are not economical for home garden use. If chemicals are chosen, read and follow label directions.
Plants from the same family often are susceptible to the same diseases. Removing diseased plants helps slow the spread of a disease once it appears.
These examples show some plant family groups. The cabbage family includes: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, mustard greens, kohlrabi, radish, rutabaga and turnip. Cucumber includes: cucumber, cantaloupe, gourds, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash and watermelon. Potato includes: eggplant, pepper, tomato and potato. Beet includes: beet and spinach. Bean includes: beans and peas. Carrot includes: carrot, celery and parsnip. The onion family includes chive, garlic, leek, onion and shallot.
Peg Godwin is horticulture agent, Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Center. Reach her at Peg_Godwin@ncsu.edu or 252-527-2191.