22 Jul 2011

Yard and Garden: Tomato Disorders

By Joy Venhorst

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable crop in Iowa. Many diseases and disorders can affect tomatoes during the growing season. Iowa State University Extension specialists describe the symptoms and management of common problems. To have additional questions answered, contact the experts at hortline@iastate.edu or call 515-294-3108.

Why are my tomatoes cracking?
Fruit cracking is a common problem on tomatoes. Cracks usually appear at the top or stem end of the fruit. Cracks radiate out from the stem (radial cracks) or circle the fruit in concentric rings (concentric cracks). Fruit cracking is associated with wide fluctuations in soil moisture levels. A heavy rain or deep watering after a long, dry period results in rapid water uptake by the plant. The sudden uptake of water results in cracking of ripening fruit. Generally, fruit cracking is most common on the large, beefsteak-type tomatoes.

Fruit cracking can be prevented by supplying the tomato plants with a consistent supply of moisture during the summer months. During dry periods, a thorough soaking once every seven days should be adequate for most tomato plants. Conserve soil moisture by mulching the area around tomato plants with dried grass clippings, straw, shredded leaves or other materials. Also, plant tomato varieties that possess good crack resistance. Tomato varieties that possess good to excellent crack resistance include Jetstar, Mountain Spring and Mountain Fresh.

Several of my tomatoes are misshapen. Why?
Misshapen (catfaced) fruit may be due to cool weather during fruit set. Exposure to 2,4-D or similar broadleaf herbicides is another possibility. Catfacing is most common on large-fruited tomato varieties. Affected fruit show leathery scars, bulges, or holes at the blossom end of the fruit. The incidence of catfacing is typically highest on the early maturing fruit and declines during the remainder of the growing season.

A blackish spot develops on the bottom of my tomato fruit. What is the problem and how can it be prevented?
Blossom end rot is probably responsible for the blackish spots on the tomato fruit. Blossom end rot is a common problem on tomatoes. It appears as a brownish black spot on the blossom end (bottom) of the fruit. Secondary organisms invade the brownish black spot and cause the fruit to rot. Blossom end rot is most common on the earliest maturing fruit that ripen in July and early August.

Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. Wide fluctuations in soil moisture levels impair calcium uptake by the root system of the tomato plant. Excessive nitrogen fertilization may also contribute to blossom end rot.

To reduce blossom end rot, water tomato plants on a weekly basis during dry weather to provide a consistent supply of moisture to the plants (tomato plants require about 1 to 1½ inches of water per week during the growing season). Mulch the area around the tomato plants to conserve soil moisture. Avoid over-fertilization. There is no need to apply calcium to the soil as most Iowa soils contain more than adequate levels of calcium.

Pick and discard fruit affected with blossom end rot. The removal of the affected fruit will allow the tomato plant to channel all of its resources into the growth and development of the remaining fruit.

Blossom end rot can also occur on pepper, eggplant, summer squash and watermelon.

My tomatoes are developing white or yellow areas on the sides of the fruit exposed to the sun. Why?The white or yellow areas on your tomatoes are due to sunscald. Sunscald occurs on fruit exposed to the sun during periods of extreme heat. Initial symptoms of sunscald are the development of shiny white or yellow areas on the fruit. Later, the affected tissue dries out and collapses, forming slightly sunken, wrinkled areas. Secondary organisms invade the affected areas causing the fruit to rot.

Losses due to sunscald can be reduced by growing tomatoes in wire cages. Cage-grown tomato plants provide good foliage protection for the fruit. Also, control Septoria leaf spot and other foliar diseases which defoliate the plants and expose the fruit to direct sunlight.

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22 Jul 2011

Learn about the Restoration and Preservation of Iowa's Tallgrass Prairies

By Robert Jackson Jr.

During July and August, purple coneflowers and prairie blazing star add touches of lavender to Iowa road ditches planted in native prairie plants. Clusters of bright orange butterfly milkweed, compass plants extending large yellow, daisy-like flowers high above yellow seas of gray-headed coneflowers create mid-summer interest along roadways and prairie areas.

Iowans curious about the use of native plants and the state's work restoring and preserving prairie vegetation should attend the Iowa Master Gardener (MG) summer series webinar July 26. The webinar will be hosted by the ISU Scott County Extension office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane Bettendorf from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The webinar is open to the public and the cost is $5.00. Master Gardeners can earn two hours of update training by attending.

"Tallgrass Prairies of Iowa" is the topic of the webinar, the third in a series of four Garden Natives and Invasives 2011 sessions offered by the Master Gardener program. Daryl Smith, from the Tallgrass Prairie Center and University of Northern Iowa, is the July 26 presenter. He will share the history and reach of the Tallgrass Prairie Center and tell how the mission of the center to 'develop research, techniques, education and Source Identified seed for restoration and preservation of prairie vegetation' is carried out in the state.

The webinar series is made possible by the Iowa Master Gardener program, Iowa State University Extension and Department of Horticulture. The final webinar in the series, scheduled for August 23, will highlight the importance of native species, discuss the problems and related issues with invasive species in Iowa.

Contact your county extension office for more information about Iowa Master Gardeners or the webinar series.

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22 Jul 2011

2012 Community Visioning Program Applications Available

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa`s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program is currently accepting applications for the 2012 program. Eligible communities are those with populations of fewer than 10,000, existing transportation-related issues and a committee of volunteers willing to dedicate their time and talent to the visioning process.

The Visioning Program integrates technical landscape planning and design techniques with sustainable community action to empower local leaders through a planning process that results in an enhancement plan that reflects the values and identity of the community.

Communities selected to participate are required to contribute $2,000 toward program implementation. In return, the visioning program provides professional services valued at more than $60,000. Since 1996, 172 communities throughout the state have benefited from the program.

The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation in partnership with Iowa State University Landscape Architecture Extension and Trees Forever, an Iowa-based nonprofit with a mission to plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community and promoting stewardship.

Communities interested in applying to the 2012 Community Visioning Program or the Renewing Community Vision Program can download an application at www.communityvisioning.org/visapps.html.

Applications must be postmarked by Sept. 30. Selections will be announced in October.

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22 Jul 2011

Updated Soybean Aphid Field Guide Available

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) have released a collaborative second edition of the Soybean Aphid Field Guide.

The guide's authors are Erin Hodgson, ISU Extension entomologist, and Matt O'Neal, ISU research entomologist.

"Every year we learn more about the biology of soybean aphids and new ways to prevent this pest from causing yield loss," O'Neal said. "These insights have been made possible through funding from the soybean checkoff program. We have incorporated these discoveries and tools into the revised edition of the guide in an effort to return this checkoff-funded research back to soybean farmers."

The second edition of the Soybean Aphid Field Guide is expanded in every section. "We incorporated research from around the region and developed a more comprehensive management program," Hodgson said. "We encourage growers to use multiple tools to protect soybean yield against the soybean aphid."

One of the biggest additions to the toolbox of aphid management strategies is aphid-resistant soybeans. The guide includes a review of the research that led to aphid resistance becoming a common component of soybean genetics for many current and future commercial soybean varieties. "This resource is a must-have for all Iowa soybean producers. It is the most comprehensive reference guide available for sustainable management of Iowa's most serious soybean insect pest," said David Wright, ISA director of contract research.

Funding for printing and distribution of the guide was provided by the Iowa soybean checkoff and ISU Extension. Printed copies of the Soybean Aphid Field Guide can be ordered from the ISU Extension Online Store at www.extension.iastate.edu/store/ or by calling 515-294-5247; or obtained by contacting the Iowa Soybean Association at 800-383-1423. The guide can also be viewed online at www.iasoybeans.com/productionresearch/

To learn more about ISA, visit its website at www.iasoybeans.com.

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22 Jul 2011

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office

July 26                                  
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

August 5                               
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

August 23                             
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

September 2                       
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

September 27                     
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 5                             
Aquatic, Forest and Roadside Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 9/28/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

October 7                             
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

October 25                           
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 27                           
Mosquito & Public Health Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 10/20/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 4                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

November 9                        
Ornamental & Turf Applicators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/2/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 1:30pm-4pm 

November 16                      
Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management CIC, $35 if registered by 11/9/11, after that
$45, at the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 29                      
Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by 11/22/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension Office,
9am-11:30am 

December 2                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

December 7                        
Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/30/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension
Office, 9am-11:30am 

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

22 Jul 2011

Up With Families Fundraiser Dance is September 17

By Amy Plett

Up With Families Dance  

Fun for the Whole Family and a Great Cause!  

DAVENPORT, IA....Up With Families will host a fundraiser/dance on Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the Expo Building, Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.  The tropical-themed dance features the popular country-rock-pop band, "Pulse-Ox."  Tickets, available at the door only, are $5 for adults and $2 for kids 3-12. Doors open at 5 PM with music from 6 to 10 PM.  In addition to music, the dance will feature food, tropical-themed children's games, a silent auction, raffle and more!  For more information, visit www.upwithfamiliesdavenport.com or call Deb Meyne at 319-481-0200.

About Up With Families

 Up With Families is a local volunteer, non-profit organization that supports families with children with special needs through a weekend retreat.  It is designed to help them connect with peers and community resources.

Amy Plett
Account Assistant
Karen Bernick Marketing Communications
563-320-2247

22 Jul 2011

Local students make Spring Arbor University's Academic Honors List

By readMedia

SPRING ARBOR, MI (07/21/2011)(readMedia)-- Spring Arbor University is pleased to announce students from the area who are on the Spring 2011 Academic Honors List. The Academic Honors List recognizes full-time students who have received a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for the semester. Part-time students must receive a 3.7 GPA for the semester and carry a cumulative 3.7 GPA.

Spring Arbor University is a private, four-year Christian liberal arts university located eight miles west of Jackson, Mich. With total enrollment around 4,200, the University is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church of North America and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students from the area are listed below with their full name, hometown, class, major and parents (if supplied by student):

Zachary Sandry, of Bettendorf, a Junior majoring in Youth Ministry. Son of William and Karla Sandry
22 Jul 2011

LOCAL CHURCH CONNECTION HOSTS NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY IN CONJUNCTION WITH SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY

By Jason Holtgrewe
On August 5th, 2011, Connection Church throws a party. In effort to build neighborhood community and to help kids in need, Connection will host a Block Party featuring free food, fun games, an outdoor movie, and a school supply giveaway.

At 7pm the party begins with free food and exciting games for the whole family. Two inflatable bounce houses, a dunk tank, as well as other games will provide children a fun and safe place to play. Walking tacos, fruit, and snow cones will be available for free to eat.

At 9pm the movie will start. An award-wining DreamWorks Animation film will be shown outside on the lawn. People are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit on while enjoying the movie.

Besides having fun, the Block Party will be an opportunity to give school supplies to children in need. Quad City families in need of supplies can come to the party and pick up a backpack and some classroom essentials. For those who want to donate money towards this effort, stop by Connection's Food Pantry on Tuesdays from 9am-1pm. The Food Pantry is located at 4373 State Street, Bettendorf, which is also the location of the party.

Jason Holtgrewe, a pastor at Connection, believes the Block Party is a great way to help those in need. "Not only is this party a way to bring neighbors together for a little fun, it's also an opportunity to be there for others," says Jason. "There are more families in our city than we realize who need support in meeting the financial demands of another school year."

Connection is throwing a party on August 5th at 7pm. The location of the party is 4374 State Street, Bettendorf. Please call the church at 563.209.6384 or email jason@connectionqc.org for more information, including movie details.
19 Jul 2011

First Army celebrates new "firsts" as Arsenal and Quad City neighbors

By Administrator
ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILL.  - First Army will uncase its organizational colors Thursday, July 21 at 9 a.m. at First Army headquarters (Bldg. 68) signifying the official arrival of the unit here.

First Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Mick Bednarek and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr., will uncase the unit's colors in a time-honored ceremony attended by invited VIPs and guests from the Arsenal and the Quad-Cities community.

____________________________

*************EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS*****************

There will be a brief media availability with Lt. Gen. Bednarek after the uncasing ceremony.

Arsenal Access instructions:

-- Thu, Jul 21, Uncasing ceremony:  meet at Moline Gate vehicle registration area (fenced area to the right of gate)  NOT  LATER  THAN 8:30 a.m.

-- Fri, Jul 22, Organization Run:  meet at Moline Gate vehicle registration area (fenced area to the right of gate)  NOT  LATER  THAN 6:15 a.m.
19 Jul 2011

Grassley is Lead Co-sponsor of Bipartisan Measure to Strengthen Child Support Enforcement

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is the lead Republican sponsor of legislation introduced today that would give states the tools they need to collect child support from parents who do not pay their support orders.   

"Ineffective enforcement of child support orders is a serious problem that threatens children's well-being," Grassley said.  "Oftentimes a child support payment can help keep a struggling family out of poverty and off of welfare.  The purpose of this legislation is to improve child support collections while also focusing on the fact that noncustodial parents should have regular opportunities to see their children."  

Sen. Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, and Grassley introduced the Strengthen and Vitalize Enforcement of Child Support (SAVE Child Support) Act.   

"It is essential that children's basic needs are met, and our bill helps ensure that all parents fulfill their responsibility in providing for them," Menendez said.  "The bill streamlines child support enforcement by supplying states with new tools for interstate child support orders.  With these improvements in place, dead-beat parents will not be able to hide from their obligations to their children."  

Under the senators' legislation, each state would use a child support lien registry so that liens placed against property because of overdue child support can be easily found.  Additionally, the bill would make it easier for states to intercept payments made to individuals in order to satisfy child support orders by requiring automated data matches with state child support agencies.  The bill strengthens the procedures by which certain licenses, permits, and passports can be revoked by requiring greater coordination between child support agencies and license-issuing agencies, as well as requiring a passport to be restored only after complete repayment of arrears.  The bill also encourages state child support agencies to coordinate with state correction agencies to assist individuals with a support order to manage and fulfill their support obligations.   

According to the Health and Human Services Office of Child Support Enforcement FY 2010 Preliminary Report, over 11.3 million cases had child support arrears due in FY 2010. The total amount of child support due for FY 2010 was over $32 billion and 62 percent of that amount was collected and distributed. The total amount of child support due for all previous fiscal years was over $110 billion and only $7 billion of these arrearages were collected and distributed in FY 2010, a decrease of 0.5 percent in comparison with FY 2009.  

The SAVE Child Support Act would give states the tools they need to effectively collect child support.  

The bill would:  

  • make enforcement of child support liens more effective by requiring states to access a centralized database to check for liens placed against real property;   
  • clarify state jurisdictional rules to facilitate the collection of outstanding child support orders, expedites procedures for redirecting child support payments if the child has relocated, and streamlines and improves the ability of the courts to enforce child support orders. 
  •  increase the efficacy of withholding mechanisms by strengthening existing passport denial procedures and expediting the process by which states can suspend driver and professional licenses for non-payment;  
  • encourage increased coordination between child support agencies and corrections facilities to manage child support orders;
  • protect the right of non-custodial parents to visit with their children by requiring states to report on plans to facilitate access to and visitation of children by their parents; and  
  • protect vulnerable families from the deceptive and harassing practices of private child support collection agencies by extending federal debt protection laws to cover these companies.   

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