January 18, 2008

**Water Testing Lab: We periodically get questions about where to have water tested for horticultural purposes. Analytical Services, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, 82070 or phone 307-742-2984 can help. http://wyagric.state.wy.us/divisions/aslab.htm.

**Another question is about the use of muriatic acid. Here is a Q&A on the subject.

Q - It has been suggested that we use a muriatic acid (HCl) mixture but when I research this I am receiving conflicting information on its use with evergreens as well as the recommended ratio. What are your thoughts about muriatic acid and evergreens?

A - Muriatic acid is not a fertilizer but is hydrochloric acid, the same stuff that's in your stomach. To give you an idea of how potent it is, it is the active ingredient in concrete cleaners and has a very low pH. It is used in horticulture to temporarily lower the pH of soil, or in other words, to temporarily make it a bit more acid. What this does is temporarily make some plant nutrients more available to plants, especially micronutrients like iron and zinc.

This stuff is strong and we would recommend using it sparingly as it has the potential to damage tree root systems. Its effects are short-lived as well. Our soils are very resistant to pH changes and muriatic acid is not a permanent solution.

We would also recommend using a sulfate fertilizer such as iron sulfate or other type of sulfate fertilizer. These have a temporary pH lowering effect plus provide iron or other nutrients the plants need. Soils in Wyoming usually have enough chloride (the nutrient in muriatic acid). Chloride may be needed in small amounts by some plants, mainly small grains.

Are you sure your evergreens need fertilizing? If plant growth is normal and there is no yellowing of the needles, it may not be needed.

**Washing Fresh-Cut Produce: It’s Official: Don’t!
Although bags of fresh-cut leafy greens may be labeled “washed” or “ready-to-eat,” many people feel more secure about avoiding food-borne bacteria by giving such products another wash. However, a distinguished panel of scientists with expertise in microbial safety says no additional washing is necessary. The panel advised that additional washing of ready-to-eat green salads produced in an inspected facility that operates under GMPs is not likely to enhance safety. In fact, consumers could be putting themselves more at risk, according to an article in the November issue of “Food Production Trends,” which is published by the International Association for Food Protection. “The risk of cross contamination from food handlers and food contact surfaces used during washing may outweigh any safety benefit that further washing may confer,” the authors conclude.  David Eddy, Nov 26, 10:19

** Identifying Winter Damage on Plants: Michigan State University Extension released a new bulletin explaining how various abiotic disorders in plants can cause problems. Bert Cregg and Robert Schutzki, MSU horticulturists, worked together to compile the 16-page booklet, "Abiotic Plant Disorders: Symptoms, Signs and Solutions" (bulletin E2996). "Over and over, we are asked about the same plant problems, but we've had no comprehensive bulletin to teach people about those problems," Cregg said. "We wanted to teach them how to identify the problems and included recommendations, such as proper planting techniques, to help avoid some problems." To purchase: (517) 353-6740 or online. Do a Search By Publication and type in E2996.

Upcoming Events:

*Wyoming Groundskeepers and Growers Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, January 30-February 1, 2008, Parkway Plaza, Casper, Wyoming. Contact: www.wgga.org.

*ProGreen Expo, January 21-25, 2008, Colorado Convention Center, Denver. Contact: www.progreenexpo.com

*Turfgrass Producers International Midwinter Conference, February 4-8, 2008, Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida. Contact TPI www.TurfGrassSod.org.

*Organic Seed Growers Conference and Fundamentals of Organic Seed Production Short Course, February 13-15, 2008, Salem Conference Center, Salem, Oregon. Contact: http://www.seedalliance.org/.

*Society of American Florists Annual Conference on Pest and Disease Management in Ornamentals, February 28-March 1, 2008, Marriott Atlanta Northwest, Atlanta, Georgia. Contact: www.safnow.org.

*National Agricultural Plastics Congress, March 7-10, 2008, Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, Tampa, Florida. Contact: http://www.plasticulture.org/
 
*GrowerTalks Sustainability Conference, November 7-9, 2008, Frisco, Texas. Contact: mmazza@ballpublishing.com.

*International Plant Propagators Society conference, September 14-17, 2008, Denver, Colorado. Contact: www.ipps.org.


Karen L. Panter, Ph.D., C.P.H.
Extension Horticulture Specialist
University of Wyoming
Plant Sciences - Department 3354
1000 East University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071
307-766-5117 office
307-766-5549 fax