Newsy Notes features quick explanations of research related to the growing of plants. I come across this research during my daily sweep of plant-related information. I found the items noted below of particular interest. Follow the links for more in depth reading on each topic. The following were all published by ScienceDaily.
This time of year the undergrowth of Connecticut woodlands begins to show a tinge of green. This color is certainly welcome relief after a long winter. Too bad so much of this color is due to invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii de Candolle). This thorny shrub dominates unmanaged wooded areas. Deer don't eat it and birds spread it by eating and dispersing the shrubs' prolific fall berries. Japanese barberry quickly grows into large thickets that provide cover for mice and an ideal environment for immature blacklegged ticks - the very ticks that carry Lyme disease. In their early life, ticks are susceptible to desiccation – they need high-humidity at the ground level to thrive. Japanese barberry accommodate young ticks by leafing out earlier than most native shrubbery. The early leaves help maintain moisture levels at ground level by blocking drying sunshine.
Here's a list of few opportunities for local gardeners and wanna-be gardeners to hone their organic veggie growing skills and for those seeking outdoor invasive plant ID training, plus there's a peek into a new and very cool technology.
The Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA) recently called for a voluntary ban of 25 cultivars of Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). The parent species – in photo to the right - has overtaken much of Connecticut forestland and large stands of the thorny green woody shrub appear to act as optimal host areas for Lyme-disease carrying ticks. As reported by CNLA, the 3-year phase-out includes the 25 cultivars that are most prolific at seed production. Another 18 cultivars – those at the bottom 10% for seed production – are not included in this voluntary ban. Click here to read the full CNLA report and the list of banned and permitted barberry cultivars.
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