News
The dingo may be forestry's best friend
Researchers at Curtin University of Technology and Chemistry Centre WA may have found a new way to help protect reforestation areas from kangarros, wallabies and possums - fresh dingo urine. Presumably warning the animals that a predator is nearby (aged urine had no effect), the active chemicals could be used to develop wildlife-friendly deterrents and alternatives to the controversial 1080 poison used by the logging industry in Tasmania. Unfortunately for gardeners, trials suggested that the Brushtail Possum may be less susceptible than the other marsupials studied. More information Curtin University of Technology here: Dingo urine offers humane solution to kangaroo cull (June 2008)
Blow-up man at work in Sydney's Botanic Gardens
An air-powered windsock is being used in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens to deter flying foxes from roosting in vulnerable trees. The "inflatable man" is a temporary measure until the animals can be relocated. While there is no intention to stop the animals feeding, roosting has proven to be a big problem. Some of the trees that have already been damaged are the among the oldest and most significant in the Gardens. More from Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, available here. (July 2008)
Canada gets greener
With residential use already banned in many Canadian municipalities, retail chain The Home Depot® has decided to phase out "traditional" pesticides in all its Canadian stores. This includes fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and slug baits. More environmentally friendly alternatives will compliment the range of other "green" products and programs offerrd by the company. Media release here: Home Depot Canada Voluntarily Phases Out Pesticides Across Canada and Provides Consumers Over 50 Options in Natural Lawn Care (April 2008)
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Some common types of pests & diseases
Fruit Fly
Aphids
Scale
Mealybugs
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Mites University of Florida
Spider Mites Washington State University Clark County Extension
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Weeds section of the Qld Dept of Primary Industries website dealing with weeds, including information on declared weeds
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Whitefly Department of Agriculture Western Australia
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To net or not to net Download a PDF report on netting against birds, bats and insects from this page. Qld DPI
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Some treatments
Remember, read the label carefully and always follow the directions. The following links are intended as background information only, as legally permissable formulations, application rates, withholding periods and so forth may vary from one jurisdiction to another.
Insecticides Some general information concerning the types of insecticides from University of Sydney
Responsible Chemical Use
You might find more information regarding specific plants by checking the page dealing with that group. List of Plants