Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is a problem wherever apples are grown; it’s more serious, however, in temperate areas that experience cool, wet weather in spring and early summer.
Pests & Diseases
Greenhouse Whitefly
The greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) is one of the most common house-plant pests. Read Article
Brown Soft Scale
This common scale (Coccus hesperidum) attacks a wide range of houseplants, including anthuriums, citrus, dieffenbachia, ferns, orchids, and ornamental figs. Read Article
Meadow and Pine Vole
BIOLOGY: Voles, also known as meadow or field mice, have stocky, furry bodies, short legs, and short tails. There are 23 species of voles in the United States, but the two of greatest consequence to gardeners are the meadow and … Read Article
Cabbage Maggot
Introduced from Europe, the cabbage maggot (Delia radicum, formerly Hylemya brassicae) is a serious pest of vegetable gardens in the northern United States and Canada. The fly primarily feeds on crucifers such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collards, kale, … Read Article
Wild Garlic
The garlic aroma of crushed or mowed leaves readily identifies this introduced weed.
Euonymus Scale
This armored scale (Unaspis euonymi) from Asia is a serious pest of euonymus throughout the United States and Canada. Read Article
Black Vine Weevil
Introduced from Europe, the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is a widespread pest in the northern half of the United States, where it attacks a wide variety of landscape shrubs, especially evergreens such as rhododendrons, hemlocks, and yews.
Fairy Ring Fungi
The sudden appearance of mushrooms on the lawn can sometimes seem magical, especially when they are arranged in a circle. These so-called fairy rings may be a foot in diameter or 100 feet across. They typically enclose darker green grass.
Blossom End Rot
This common affliction of tomatoes is the result of a physiological disorder rather than a disease. First described over a century ago, blossom end rot is linked to low levels of calcium in the young fruits as well as to … Read Article
Eastern Mole
The eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) can be found from Ontario to Florida. Of the seven species of moles present in the United States, it is the most widespread, and the one that is most likely to disrupt lawns and landscapes with its tunneling. Read Article