something interesting: http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=17188162 Management of Meloidogyne incognita in Artemisia pollens with bio-organics Auteur(s) / Author(s) PANDEY Rakesh ; Résumé / Abstract The sedentary endoparasitic root-knot nematode [RKN], Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, is worldwide an economically important agri-pest, reducing the yield and quality of crops. The traditional method ofRKN control is based mainly on chemical nematicides, which will not be frequently available from 2005 onwards; their use is highly objectionable due to their major contribution to ground water contamination, and dangers to the environment and to human and animal health. Consequently, new and environmentally safe tools for RKN management are urgently needed. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate different bio-organic wastes on RKN infestation and the growth / oil yield of A rtemisia pallens Wall. The tested wastes were: 1. Distillation waste of Mentha arvensis (menthol mint); 2. Murraya koengii (meethi neem / curry leaf); 3. Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass); 4. C. martinii (palmarosa); 5. C. winterianus (citronella); 6. Pelargonium graveolens (geranium); 7. Pogostemon patchouli (patchouli); 8. Tagetes minuta (marigold); 9. Vermicompost of M. arvensis, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (pyrethrum), Tagetes minuta and C. winterianus; 10. Trichoderma harzianum isolate U; 11. VA fungi Glomus aggregatum; G. fasciculatum. The results obtained with these different bio-organics were compared with three controls: untreated - uninoculated, untreated - inoculated and the chemical pesticide carbofuran. Results revealed a considerable enhancement of herbage biomass, flower bud and oil yields when plants were treated with the distillation waste of C. martinii, C. winterianus, M. koengii, M. arvensis, vermicompost of C. cinerariaefolium, T. minuta, M. arvensis and bio-agent T. harzianum. Least nematode infections were recorded with the distillation waste of M. koengii, C. martinii, C. flexuosus, and vermicompost of T. minuta, C. cinerariaefolium and M. arvensis. The results revealed that these environmentally sound bio-organics could be used for replacement of chemical nematicides. Revue / Journal Title Phytoparasitica (Phytoparasitica) ISSN 0334-2123 CODEN PHPRA2 Source / Source 2005, vol. 33, no3, pp. 304-308 [5 page(s) (article)] Langue / Language Anglais Editeur / Publisher Priel Publishers, Rehovot, ISRAEL (1973) (Revue)

Oh, thank you so much York Rose in particular. Yes I researched after your reply and found out more about this June Bug. They are the ugly fat grub buggers that we kept finding in the soil this last Winter/Spring season. I did not know if they were baddens or not. Now we know, and we will rid. But my gosh the June Bug itself is very interesting to look at. I now realize that they were probably the culprits that could divulge just about a whole leaf on my Daturas overnight. Interesting what you learn. Oh and thanks again for your kind comments on my pictures. I adore the macro on my camera, though my husband said, I was practically touching the creature with my lens when I took those shots! Oops! Thanks again. Pauline - Vancouver Island. PS Mexicanhat. Website was when we had our B&B business. It is gone now, though I do miss it. Would love to have another, "personal" one - garden related of course. It is on my wish list along with more roses! :)

Morning Everyone! Justayoungroot, Thank you for the information regarding your husband's camera. I think I'm going to venture out and look at other brands, not just Kodak. The Cannon Powershot is a good place to start. I am like you, rather new to this forum and new to identifying the little jewels. For the most part, I've gotten pretty good when it comes to identifying adult males (all because of the photos that the regulars post on this board) but when it comes to the females and the youngins, not so good. *smile* Mnktx, WOW, those photos, right down to the pollen---Incredible!!! Tess wrote: "blue for black chin's and red for rubys...it doesn't take a genius!" Too Funny! LOL (Note to self: Avert eyes from reading board while taking a sip of coffee.) Organic Hummingbird, Hello, Good morning and Welcome to this fantastic board! I'm rather new to posting here myself (lurked for quite awhile and learned a lot from the regulars here before I got the nerve to post). The photo your husband took is spectacular! Looks as though that little jewel is looking right at your husband telling him "I'm posing for you. Look how purdy I am. Quick, take a picture cuz I've got places to go, people to see!" Texashippie, Um.... what's the definition of "show-off" ??? LOL Just joking with ya. Only in my dreams could I see what you actually have! And your feeding system - the raising and lowering of the feeders, I HAVE to show this pic of yours to my husband when he gets home from work! Kristin, Steve and all the rest of you without hummers yet: I know it's hard for you, but I can wait for your pictures while you wait for your hummers-I'm patient. *smile* When you finally see your first for the year, you'll be excited and I'll be just as happy and excited for you!

OP said "Well, the spray we were told to use didnt do anything anyway. Its supposed to be more of a mold and black spot preventative than an insecticide. " Oh my, you need to locate a resource who can provide accurate information. Perhaps your county's Extension Service office. Find your county's office with this map: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/ Okay, back to your curled leaves and black mold. Please stay with me; take time to thoroughly digest each step to learn what occurred. It goes like this: 1. The diagnosis for your cherry tree is most likely aphids on the undersides of the cherry leaves. Those aphids were drinking plant sap and excreting the excess that they didn't need. That excess excreted sap is called honeydew. It's clear and it's sticky. 3. Then, a mold that's ever-present in the air, landed on the sticky stuff, fed on it, then produced the sooty mold (the black stuff) on the leaves. No way was that stuff black spot! Ladybugs, both adults and youngsters feed on aphids. The thing stuck on the leaf was a pupa as was already explained. Please don't try to scrape them loose as you may damage them and end up with a deformed ladybug rather than a healthy one. So, in the future, when you see similar curled leaves, please unroll them and look at what's inside the curls. Aphids, Lots and lots. Often very small. The best & safest remedy: Keep alert for curled leaves, then wash off the aphids. Insecticide sprays likely won't work because they are well protected within the curled leaves. Oh yes, as was said, the ladybugs don't make holes in leaves. Here is a link that might be useful: USDA map to locate Extension Service offices