Weeder’s DigestMarch 2013

Whatcom County Master Gardeners

MG Mentors Welcome Class of 2013

Legal Graft: Vegetables

Children’s Story Garden

My Master Gardener Story: Marcy Plattner

From the Coordinator’s Desk...

I feel so lucky to be a part of the WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener Program. Every day I get to meet new people and learn new things from MG volunteers, program partners, and of course the public. With spring fast approaching, my office is a buzz of activity. At the forefront is the 2013 MG training. We are at week 4 of the 10 week course. The class is full of energy and focus. The second half of the series will include a lecture from Dr. Carol Miles, Entomology with Dr. Peterson, diagnostics, field trips to Green Earth Technologies, Cloud Mountain Farm Center and, of course, our Hovander Demo gardens.

In addition, there seem to be more requests coming in everyday from the community for Master Gardeners to share their knowledge. Schools, clubs, farmer’s markets, community centers are a few of the requests in recent days! I will be compiling the new with the existing to see how we can best serve the community.

Looking forward to a busy spring and getting my hands dirty with you - cultivating plants at the plant sale and in the gardens. Thank you for your generosity. Your time, knowledge and hard work is noticed every day. You keep me from feeling buried in work!!

Mark your calendars!! The annual Potting Day is March 14th, 1-3pm at Karen Gilliam’s place. More details to follow. Thanks Karen! Beth Chisholm

Whatcom County Master Gardeners Program1000 N. Forest Street

Suite 201Bellingham, WA 98225-5594

360-676-6736http://whatcom.wsu.edu/mastergardener/

MISSION: The WSU Extension Master Gardeners Program trains volunteers to be effective community educators in gardening and environmental stewardship.

WSU WHATCOM COUNTY EXTENSION STAFF: Drew Betz: County DirectorChris Benedict: Agriculture Educator Colleen Burrows: Agriculture Special Projects Coordinator Beth Chisholm: Master Gardeners & Community First Gardens ProjectCheryl Kahle: Office Manager

Whatcom County Master Gardener FoundationROLE: The Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County supports the MG program with fundraising and provides information about home horticulture to the public through a demonstration garden, lectures and home gardening advice.

MG FOUNDATION BOARD: Past President: Loretta HoggPresident: Sandy Keathley1st Vice President: Louise Granger2nd Vice President: Chris HurstSecretary: Kay ReddellTreasurer: Pat EdwardsMembers at Large: Linda Battle & Kathleen BanderRepresentative to State Foundation: Linda Bergquist

The WEEDER’S DIGEST is the monthly newsletter of the Whatcom County Master Gardeners Program. Guest articles are encouraged. Please submit to Jo Fleming (jof@uw.edu). Articles are most appreciated if they contain 600 or fewer words and are accompanied by a photo. Editors reserve the right to edit for content and formatting.

COOPERATING AGENCIES: Washington State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office.

Cover photo from Nature @ WSU: Science, Culture, Future. Fall Crocus in the Garden, Posted on October 4, 2011.

Mar7

MG Foundation Board MeetingWSU Whatcom County Extension Office, 10:00am-12:00noon

Mar7 MG Training Class Session – Soils and Plant Nutrition, 9:30am-3:00pm

Mar14 MG Training Class Session – Weed Management, 9:30am-3:00pm

Mar14

MG Foundation General MeetingWSU Whatcom County Extension Office, 6:30pm. Open to all master gardeners and the public.

Mar15

Community First Garden Project Grants DueThe funding supports the development of community gardens in Whatcom County by awarding small garden grants. The grants can be used for such things as fences, raised beds, soil, etc., which must be matched by the group (in the form of dollars, volunteer time, or in-kind donations). For more information, contact Beth Chisholm, CFG Coordinator, at: beth.chisholm@wsu.edu. Application can be obtained at http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ch/assistance.html.

Mar21 MG Training Class Session – Fruit and Vegetable Crops, 9:30am-3:00pm

Mar23

Fruit Tree Grafting WorkshopTennant Lake Interpretive Center, Ferndale, 9:00am-12:00noon. The Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County will sponsor the workshop, Fruit Tree Grafting. Master Gardeners will provide instruction, demonstrate various grafting techniques and assist you in grafting your own tree to take home! Dwarf and mini-dwarf apple & pear rootstock and a variety of scion wood will be available for a nominal fee. Contact: WSU Whatcom County Extension Office, (360) 676-6736, http://whatcom.wsu.edu. See flyer attached to this newsletter.

Mar25

First Detector Training for Whatcom Mounty Master Gardeners and Other ProfessionalsWSU Whatcom County Extension, 12:30pm-3:30pm. The emphasis of this program is on invasive high-rish disease, weed, and insect species that are not yet introduced, or introduced but not widespread and therefore still controllable or eradicable. Register by visiting this website, http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ch/fdt.html or by mailing a check or money order for $15 payable to “WSU Whatcom County Extension.” Mail to First Detector Training, 1000 N. Forest Street, Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225. See flyer attached to this newsletter.

Mar28

MG Training Class Session – Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Best Practices Pesticides Use9:30am-3:00pm (includes field trip)

Mar28

March Monthly Plant Study GroupCordata Food Cooperative (upstairs meeting rooom), 9:00am-11:00am. Contact Karen Gilliam for more information, kgilliam@gmail.com.

Apr7

Vegetable Gardening Through the YearTennant Lake Interpretive Center and Hovander Homestead, 2:00pm. Alice Wales will discuss when and what to plant, weather considerations and garden problem solving.

May11

Master Gardener Plant SaleHovander Homestead Park, 9:00am-2:00pm. Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer cultivation tips and answers to gardening questions. In addition, gardeners will enjoy food sales, vendors, and displays. The event is sponsored by the WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener Foundation and Whatcom County Parks and Recreation. For more information, please contact 360-676-6736 or visit: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/mastergardener/plant_sale.htm. More information to come about the Plant Sale in April and May newsletters!

MG CALENDAR - MARCH 2013

Previous Plant Sale Previous Plant Sale

uPCoMiNG CoMMuNity EVENtSMar

2

Winter Field Day – Western WA Fruit Research FoundationFruit Garden at WSU Extension, Mount Vernon, 8:30am-4:00pm. Local and Organic - rootstock and scion wood sales, workshops on pruning and grafting, demonstrations on pruning. http://nwfruit.org/winter-field-day/

Mar2

Designing and Planting an Edible LandscapeCloud Mountain Farm Center, 10:30am-12:00pm. Selection, design and cultural practices in integrating edibles and ornamentals. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org

Mar2

Make and Take – A Magazine Inspired Living Wall GardenGarden Spot Nursery, 9:00 am. Ed Keller will demonstrate how to make a living wall in a wood frame using a tapestry of indoor foliages. http://www.garden-spot.com/spring2012classSchedule.html

Mar4

Growing Dry Beans and Grains in Your BackyardDowntown Co-op, Connections Building, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Variety selection, planting, maintenance, harvesting, threshing, storage, cooking methods; taught by Krista Rome. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org

Mar9

Magic in ConifersGarden Spot Nursery, 9:00 am. Fran Sharp will introduce what’s new in conifers and show new ways to use them in your designs. http://www.garden-spot.com/spring2012classSchedule.html

Mar9

Growing Fruit: EspalierCloud Mountain Farm Center, 10:30am-12:00pm. Belgian fence and cherries trained to a fan - construction considerations, training, plants that work and those that don’t. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.orgGrowing GrapesCloud Mountain Farm Center, 1:30pm-3:00pm. Growing grapes in cool climates for wine and eating - cultural practices including soil requirements, pruning techniques, pest management and harvesting.

Mar9

Whidbey Gardening WorkshopOak Harbor High School, Oak Harbor, WA, 8:00am-4:00pm. Workshop sponsored by the WSU Island County Master Gardeners. Keynote speaker is Ciscoe Morris. There will be 52 classes to choose from as well as exhibits.

Mar16

Small Patio, Condo Deck and Apartment Balcony GardensGarden Spot Nursery, 9:00 am. Watering, weight restrictions and lighting, setting up a small drip-watering system, vertical gardening tips, container choices and more. http://www.garden-spot.com/spring2012classSchedule.html

Mar16

Growing Small FruitsCloud Mountain Farm Center, 10:30am-3:00pm. Focus on the smaller fruiting plants: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and kiwis. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org

Mar17

Vegetable Gardening as a Survival SkillWhatcom Folk School, 10:00am-12:00pm. Focus on gardening throughout the year and under adverse conditions. www.whatcomfolkschool.org/farm-garden

Mar 17

Spring Seminar - Forever GreenMichael J. Fox Theatre (Burnaby South Secondary School), 9:00am-3:30pm. Vancouver Master Gardeners offer their 2013 Spring Seminar.

Mar 17

Basic Seed SavingWhatcom Folk School, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Learn to plant your garden for seed saving, how to select seeds and how to process and store them, and fundamentals of vegetable breeding. www.whatcomfolkschool.org/farm-garden

Mar23

Whatcom Conservation District 20th Annual Plant Sale and ExpoWhatcom Community College at the Roe Studio, 9:00am-2:00pm. Currently accepting pre-orders for Native Plant Sale; Open Sale is March 23. For more information, visit www.whatcomcd.org, or call 360-354-2035, ext. 3.

Mar23

Growing Apples and PearsCloud Mountain Farm Center, 10:30am-12:00noon. Planting, growing techniques, and pruning of apples & pears, techniques for pruning newly planted dwarfs to renovating older trees. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.orgGrowing Stone Fruits: Cherries, Peaches and PlumsCloud Mountain Farm Center, 1:30pm-3:00pm. Planting, growing techniques, and pruning of stone fruits.

Mar30

Sustainable GardeningCloud Mountain Farm Center, 10:30am-12:00noon. Beautiful and productive food and/or ornamental gardens while being sensitive to the environment. www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.orgGrowing Beans and Grains in Your BackyardCloud Mountain Farm Center, 1:30pm-3:00pm. Selection, planting, maintenance, harvesting, threshing, storage, and cooking methods for dry beans and grains, taught by Krista Rome of The Back Yard Beans and Grains Project.

Apr13

Kiwanis Mushroom Compost SaleSehome High School Parking Lot off McDonald Parkway, Bellingham.10:00am-4:00pm. Mushroom compost sale sponsored by the Kiwanis. Bags weigh approximately 40 lbs. and cost $5 each.

Master Gardener Foundation Notes

At last! The official start of gardening in the Northwest – the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle! The Master Gardener Foundation once again had a bus for us on the first day, February 20. A great time was had by all – checking out the gardens, attending seminars, visiting the vendors and doing our part to help the economy.

March will see some more events with Whatcom County offering its annual Fruit Tree Grafting Clinic and Native Plant Sale both on Saturday, March 23, as well as First Detector Training on Monday, March 25. We’re not the only ones gearing up for summer this month.

Snohomish County has Growing Groceries with Graham Kerr and Carol Miles, PhD on Saturday, March 9; Island County will host Whidbey Gardening Workshop (with Ciscoe Morris) on March 9, and Skagit County offers weekly Plant Diagnostic Clinics on Wednesdays. To the north, the Vancouver Master Gardeners Spring Seminar will be held on Sunday, March 17.

So many choices! I hope you can enjoy some of them!Sandy Keathley, MGF President

MG Clinic NewsSusan Palmer (MG 2012) went to Yakima for a day-long Train-the-Trainer class on February 25 to learn to use the new software developed by the Yakima Master Gardener Clinic. It’s an electronic logbook that they are using in their Disagnostic Plant Clinic. They have found that this software provides an easy-to-use way to log clinic calls and visits. It has actually replaced their paper logbook. They can quickly and easily search the history of calls to find similar issues and have data quickly retrievable for reporting to WSU, to local county officials and others. It also serves as a learning tool for volunteers who staff the clinic.

Susan will train a few Whatcom County Master Gardeners and they will train other mentors and interns. Everyone is excited about incorporating this new software into our Diagnostic Clinic.

All the Latest MG & Foundation News!

Mark the Date!Master Gardener

Plant SaleSaturday, May 11th is the date for the 2013 Master Gardener Plant Sale.

Proceeds from the sale keep our programs going through the year, so we need all the help we can get from everyone - even a little helps! You can help with Set-up, Table Management, Loading, and Cleanup.

Contact friends and neighbors who may have plants to donate. Plant clumps can be taken to the Old Greenhouse for Wednesday potting.

For more information or to arrange to donate your time or your plants, please contact Loretta Hogg, 756-8449.

Those of you who have helped in past sales know what fun it is, so pick up the phone and talk to Loretta!

Give us your tired, used tools!

There is something new happening at the Master Gardener Plant Sale this year. So we’re asking for your help.

We’re going to be selling used, but still serviceable, garden tools. Seems like every gardener has at least a few things they don’t use, or that are unneeded duplicates, that they can give to the cause. Since there is still time inside before the siren of Spring is upon us, now’s a good time to do an inventory.

All we ask is that they be clean and sharpened. Please drop them off at the Extension Office, and know your donations will help both old and new Master Gardener programs.

MG Foundation March Meeting

Thursday, March 14, is our General Foundation Meeting. The evening will begin with our non-formal social time at 6:30 pm, the meeting at 7:00 pm, with the guest speaker following. The meetings are at the WSU Whatcom County Extension Office, 1000 North Forest Street, Bellingham. Please use the Laurel Street entrance. Our meetings are free and open to the public. All Master Gardeners, new and veteran, are encouraged to attend.

MG Mentors Welcome the Class of 2013

Story by Jo Fleming, MG 2012; Photos by teresa Rohwer, MG 2012

Alex Burrows Barney Fleming

Millard Shires

Allie Pasquier

Jerry Fenwick Matthew StrumJulie Turner

Jacqui MacConnell

Rebecca Snodgrass

Alex Dupont

Jason Peterson

Jessie Gifford

David Kisling

Esther Faber

Angela Roche

Cathy Steele David KellerLinda Versage Shannon Fox

Frank Hubka Sarah Bolton

Meilani Obra

The Whatcom County Master Gardener Mentorship Program has been launched as the new class of master gardener students began their classes. And what an impressive group of “sprouts” they are! The twenty-two mentors welcomed these new students to the community of master gardeners by sponsoring a luncheon on their first day of class on February 7 at the YWCA Ballroom.

The mentor group consists of veteran master gardeners who wish to assist the students as they progress through their classes and internship, to make them feel a part of the master gardener organization from the very beginning. In case you are wondering, the mentor group includes: Kay Reddell, Teresa Rohwer, Mimi Roelof, Alicia Lanz, Elsie Konzelman, Linda Battle, Jo Fleming, Linda Bergquist, Karen Gilliam, Kathleen Bander, Marilyn Johnson, Harriet Arkley, Andi Elliot, Andrea Fenwick, Jean Andresen, Susan Ediger Blum, Shelley Fishwild, Dave Hardman, Ken Salzman, Stephanie Salzman, Barb Schickler, and our very own coordinator - Beth Chisholm.

Mentors are ready to provide individual attention to their students for such activities as: navigating through course materials on the internet, networkng within the community, learning to become effective clinic diagnosticians, determining projects that match their individual interests, and many more. We have a feeling that we are already creating the desire to become a future mentor in some of these dynamic students. WELCOME TO ALL OF YOU!

Legal Graftby Kathleen Bander, MG 2012

No, you won’t get arrested for this grafting. In fact, no one in the history of grafting, which began at least 7,012 years ago, was ever arrested for it.

Get the idea we’re talking about plants? And yes, the Chinese were adept at grafting peach trees in 5000 B.C.! These days, plants most grafted are roses, fruit trees, grapes, and many assorted woody plants.

But there’s an emerging American interest in grafting vegetables in the U.S., though it’s been done extensively for years in Europe, India, Japan and Korea. 81% of all vegetables grown in Korea are grafted; 95% of Japanese-grown watermelon, tomatoes, eggplant, and cucumber are grafted. Finally, U.S. growers are catching on, and after much experimentation, have produced a great product: grafted tomatoes. Log House Plants in Cottage Grove, Oregon, is so thrilled with their grafted tomatoes that they’re now branching out into grafted eggplants and peppers. Soon they’ll begin with cucumbers, squashes, and melons.

Grafting is accomplished by attaching the top part of one plant (the scion) to the root system of another plant (the rootstock). Grafting yields better flavor, quality of fruit, vigor, and disease resistance.

Grafting is relatively simple, though precise. All grafting is done by hand. The conditions under which the newly grafted plants must be kept is more difficult, as the temperatures, humidity, and light must be precise to successfully heal the grafting scar.

If you’re a Northwest vegetable gardener, you know how dicey the growing of tomatoes is. Some years are great, while others never deliver a summer which allows tomatoes to grow and ripen. Here’s where grafted tomatoes come in. Because of their superior root system and plant vigor, grafted tomatoes can be harvested over a longer period of time, and they are tougher, allowing them to withstand inclement weather and disease. Maybe we can outwit those chilly years, after all.

Several nurseries in the local Bellingham area will carry grafted tomatoes this year. They are more expensive than non-grafted plants, but with care they will reliably out-produce normal plants. Last year, nurseries sold grafted tomatoes for around $10-13. If you’re adventurous, you can try grafting your own. Territorial Seed sells seeds for the rootstock (20 seeds for $11.95). Good information on grafting is included in every order, or can be accessed on their website. You can also buy grafting clips made of silicon, which help in the ease and success of grafting.

Taking care of grafted tomato plants isn’t much different than regular tomato plants. They will be huge, so prune, stake, and cage them in accordance with this growing vigor. Plant them in the ground so their extensive root system has adequate room to spread out.

Local growers are predicting that soon more and more grafted vegetables will make their way into both commercial and home gardens. Growers around the world are onto something and it’s high time we got in on the deal.

My guess is that we’re at the beginning of a new plant revolution, where techniques such as grafting will change the landscape. Still, it doesn’t hurt to remember that this is nothing new: remember the Chinese. Though we’re just a little slow to catch on, I’m willing to wager that we’ll be running fast in the next few years!

If you’re interested in learning more about grafted vegetables, read a great article entitled “Grafting for Disease Resistance in Heirloom Tomatoes”: www4.ncsu.edu/~clrivard/TubeGraftingTechnique.pdf.

Grafting VegetablesMount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, Vegetable Research and Extensionhttp://agsyst.wsu.edu/graftingVegetables.html

Grafting TomatoesBy Valerie Rose, March 25, 2011http://skagit.wsu.edu/mg/2011AA/032511.pdf

Vegetable Grafting - Eggplants and Tomatoes, FS052EWASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION FACT SHEET •http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/FS052E/FS052E.pdf

Side-by-side tests run by Ball Horticultural Co. show at least 50 percent higher yields from grafted tomato transplants, left, over non-grafted varieties, right, as seen here at Log House Plants Nursery, in Cottage Grove, OR. Ball Horticultural Co., Robin Bachtler Cushman.

Registration for this limited enrollment class opened on February 15. The fee is $50 for a parent or adult and one child, and $60 for a parent with more than one child.

Wednesday visits are available at no cost for special groups such as schools, 4-H groups and home schoolers. Reservations are made through ChildrenStoryGarden@yahoo.com.

The Family Activity Table is the first of the free programs offered. It will be a part of our Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11, 9 am – 2 pm.

For additional information and to register for Veggie Patrol, visit the website http://whatcom.wsu.edu/mastergardener/csg.

Harriet Arkley and Kathy Barrett

Just five years ago Master Gardeners and community partners met at Hovander Homestead Park to cut a ribbon and welcome guests to the Children’s Story Garden. It was a bright summer day and there was much to celebrate. Since that day dozens of children and adults have learned how to open, plant, maintain, harvest, donate to the Ferndale Food Bank, and winterize a vegetable garden. Hundreds of others have visited to admire the scarecrows, dip into the sunflower house, or to greet the Potter Family.

These hour-long classes include fun activities such as making worm bins, building scarecrows, and planting miniature take-home gardens. Basic gardening skills and knowledge are woven into these activities. Master Gardeners and some talented community members teach these lessons.

Children’s Story Gardenby Harriet Arkley,MG 2005

My Master Gardener Storythank you, Whatcom County Extension

by Marcy Plattner, MG 1983

A lucky break came my way in the spring of 1983. I was given the opportunity to take over the management of the nursery at Clark’s Market on James Street. It was so tiny — no more than 30 square feet -- at the corner of the parking lot. Basically, a cyclone fence filled with spring plants. When Mr. Clark hired me to run his nursery that April, I thought I knew a bit about plants. I had grown up a farm girl after all! It did not take long for me to realize that I was totally unprepared for the complexity of questions that I would be asked. My most common reply to a question was: “What’s your phone number? I will get back to you with the answer.”

Maybe folks just felt empathy for me inside this little fenced nursery that first year. Everyone who came in probably knew they had more garden background than me! I got through that season thanks to two books: The Sunset Garden Book and Right Plant Right Place. I also made the smart decision to enroll myself in a Master Gardener course. The format of the Master Gardener course was just what I needed to help me quickly access information that was up to date and accurate. Whenever I meet someone who is just discovering their passion for gardening, I always recommend they sign up early to be at the top of the list for the next Spring Master Gardener course.

A special thank you to all my MG friends who have invited me into their gardens to share a story, a start of their favorite plant, or trade a favorite gardening book.

95 Years WSU Whatcom County Extension …You Rock!

Follow-up Story by Jo Fleming, MG 2012

I decided to follow-up on the above story to see where Marcy ended up. From her garden management beginnings, she went on to work at Youngstock’s Country Farm. While a consultant for Cost Cutter, she participated in management training and got some great practice in buying, pricing and working with vendors. She opened her first seasonal plant market in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, but eventually expanded to three more seasonal markets in Bellingham - on the corner of James and Alabama, at Clark’s Market and at Bellis Fair Mall.

Through all the hard work of running these markets, Marcy became more confident in her ability to manage a successful plant business. She realized that she had survived what she described as “a good time” without an illness or a divorce and so she decided to expand once more. Mr. Clark (her original garden employer) rented (and eventually sold) to her the property on Alabama that had previously been the home of Alabama Lockers, a meat slaughterhouse. She constructed the present nursery and retail shop and started the Garden Spot Nursery which she has been expanding and improving for the past 24 years. Marcy is so enthusiastic about what she calls “her people-oriented” business where gardeners come to admire her plants but also to connect with each other. She still attributes her present success to her Master Gardener training. Stop by and introduce yourself to this delightful lady and enjoy the beautiful environment she has created!

Sponsored by:

Join us on Monday

March 25, 2013 12:30 - 3:30pm

WSU Whatcom County Extension

1000 N. Forest St., Ste. 201 Bellingham, WA 98225

http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ch/fdt.html

Protecting Agriculture & Natural Areas from exotic pest species in our region...and beyond

WSU WHATCOM COUNTY EXTENSION

First Detector Training

First Detector Training: Scientists and federal officials are always on the lookout for exotic or locally occurring high-risk pests that could spell trouble for the nation's crops and landscape plants. Karen Ward, WSU Plant Pest Diagnostician, will explain the national “First Detector Training Program,” which is a network that con-nects the people on the ground, the professionals in the labs, and the regulators at the state and federal level. There are too few professional agricultural and nursery inspectors to intercept all the pests gaining entry, and often it's a lay person who first spots a high-risk pest. Learn about this important network, receive tips on diagnosing new plant pests, and earn your First Detector certification.

WSU Master Gardeners

Cultivating plants, people and communities since 1973.

WSU Whatcom County Extension, Master Gardeners Beth Chisholm, Education & Clinic Coordinator

1000 N. Forest Street, Suite 201 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-6736, ext. 12

Persons with a disability requiring special accommodation while participating in this program must call (360) 676-6736.

If accommodation is not requested at least three weeks in advance,

we cannot guarantee the availability of accommodation on-site.

WSU Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation.

Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office.

Agenda Introduction to the First Detector Program

General discussion of high-risk pests

Diagnostic labs and plant pest sample submission

Digital imaging of invasive species

Identification of specific high-risk, invasive and/or exotic pests, which may include:

Thousand Cankers Disease of Walnut

Bacterial Wilt of Geranium/Brown Rot of Potato

Chrysanthemum White Rust

Wheat Stem Rust/Barberry Rust

White Rot of Allium crops

Plum Pox Virus

Chrysanthemum White Rust

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Emerald Ash Borer

Asian Gypsy Moth

Invasive Snails

Various invasive weeds specific to the area, for example:

Bryonia

Tansy Ragwort

Perennial Pepperweed

Puncturevine

. . . and others as dictated by circumstances

First Detector Training

Name _______________________________ Daytime phone _______________________ Email _______________________________ Address _____________________________ _____________________________ City _________________________________ State ____________ Zip ______________

Website: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ch/fdt.html

To register by mail: Please make check or money order for $15 payable to,

WSU Whatcom County Extension

Mail to: First Detector Training

1000 N. Forest Street, Suite 201 Bellingham, WA 98225

If special accommodations for attendance are required, please call (360) 676-6736 at least three weeks prior to this event.

Seating is limited!

Registration DEADLINE

March 20, 2013

First Detector Training The emphasis of the First Detector program is on invasive high-risk plant disease, weed, and insect species that are not yet introduced, or introduced but not widespread and therefore still controllable or eradicable.

Karen Ward is the coordinator of the WSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic eNetwork and plant disease diagnostician. She is responsible for diagnosing plant health problems, collecting and reporting data on occurrences of plant diseases in Washington, especially those deemed to pose a threat to agricultural security in the state.

Formerly a plant disease diagnostician at Utah State University, Ward holds a master’s degree in plant pathology from University of California Davis and a bachelor’s degree in plant protection and pest management from the University of Idaho.

Karen Ward, WSU Plant Pest Diagnostician