Hail pounds parts of Dona Ana County

Hail in Las Cruces on May 18, 2016

On May 18, 2016 a storm moved through Dona Ana County dropping pea to marble sized hail. In some locations, crops and garden plants sustained significant damage from this storm. In addition to the physical injury created by the hail and wind, the plants are now vulnerable to infection by fungi and bacteria that can take advantage of the wounds. In some situations, the use of fungicides/bactericides may be helpful in preventing or reducing additional losses to these organisms.

Onion field one week before hail storm (left) and 2 days after hail storm (right)
(Photos: Jason French, NMSU - PDC)

Hail damage on grapes - approximately 30% of the grapes at the
Fabian Garcia Ag Science Center were damaged by the storm
(Vine photos: Jason French, NMSU - PDC;
Fruit photo: Daniel Goodrich, NMSU - Viticulture Program)

Pecan leaves damaged by hail (Photos: Jason French, NMSU - PDC)

Tomato leaf damaged by hail: photo on left was taken immediately
following the hail storm and the photo on the right, of the same leaf, was
taken 3 days later (Photos: Natalie Goldberg, NMSU - PDC)

Hail damage on tomato fruit
(Photo: Natalie Goldberg, NMSU - PDC)

Hail damage on sage
(Photo: Natalie Goldberg, NMSU - PDC)

First Detector Training & Field Pest Identification Workshops Offered by NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service

NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service is offering two plant health workshops the first week of June in Albuquerque. On June 7, there will be a First Detector Training Workshop for Master Gardeners, Pest Control Operators, landscape managers, crop producers and the general public. This training is part of the National Plant Diagnostic Network's education and training program. Participants who attend the training workshop will become a Certified First Detector and be part of a national registry of trained first detectors. The training will be conducted at the Albuquerque Garden Center from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. The cost for this is $20 - morning coffee and refreshments, and lunch is provided.

On June 8, there will be a Field Pest Identification Workshop which will allow participants to learn the process of identifying pest problems in the field. This hands-on training will be held outdoors at the Hubble House from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM - participants are advised to dress appropriately and the bring a hat and sunscreen. This event is free - light refreshments and water will be provided.

The deadline to register for either or both of these events is June 1. For more information on these events, please view the Registration Form 

Three newly certified First Detector's proudly
display their First Detector Field Packs 

First Detector Training Class

Master Gardeners participating in a pest ID workshop

NMSU Plant Clinic Assists with Pest Identification

Spring has sprung and the plant are growing! If your plants start to look stressed, test, don't guess! Symptoms alone are usually insufficient for diagnosis, because they are not specific to the causal agent. Proper identification is important in developing management plans. The NMSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic is here to help. We can assist with disease, arthropod and weed identification. Submission of samples for diagnosis is facilitated through the County Extension Agents. Check here for the location of NM County Extension Offices

Test, don't guess! Symptoms caused by pathogens may look alike.
They are not specific to the causal agent!