Weekend Gardening: Catering To Stink Bugs
April 9, 2011
There are some insect pests that simply laugh at insecticides. One such group is the stink bug family. Stink bugs are naturally tolerant of many pesticides; therefore, few insecticides are available to manage these damaging pests.
Several different species of stink bugs occur in Florida including the brown stink bug, the green stink bug, the Southern green stink bug and the omnipresent leaffooted bug. This group alone damages 21 important commodities in the U.S. They are major pests of beans, peas, okra, soybean, cotton, peach, pecan, and tomato.
Stink bugs live through the winter as adults huddled in grass clumps, leaf litter and under tree bark. Adults emerge in the spring just as crops are starting.
Members of the stink bug family have piercing mouthparts. They insert their mouthparts into the plant tissue and ‘suck’ liquids from the plants. Damaged foliage often will turn yellow and eventually brown in color or become malformed in shape.
Curled, distorted okra pods are often the result of stink bug feeding. Tomatoes develop white or yellow, corky spots underneath the skin as a result of stink bug feeding and this damage imparts an off flavor to the fruit. Depending on the size of the seed when attacked, feeding on pea and bean seed may result in complete shriveling of the seed or cause sunken, ‘stung’ spots on the seed. This latter type of damage is often confused with that caused by cowpea curculio. Okra is seldom damaged extensively, but heavy infestations of stink bugs can cause serious damage to tomatoes, beans, and peas. Stink bugs also feed on corn, and can cause death of seedling plants or curled, ‘cowhorned’ ears.
One non-traditional way of dealing with these pests is through the use of “trap crops”. Trap crops are composed of one or more plant species that are grown to attract insects in order to protect the desired crop from the pest. Protection may be achieved either by preventing the pest from reaching the crop or by concentrating the pests in a certain part of the garden where they can be managed. The idea is to lure and cluster the pests by providing them a more desirable food source.
Buckwheat, sunflower, millet and sorghum all serve as host plants for the four major stink bug and leaffooted bugs. Stink bugs are apparently very finicky with respect to plant growth stages and the quality of their food. Therefore, it is better to plant multiple trap crop species in order to maintain a continuously competitive food source to out compete your prized vegetable plants.
There are a couple of methods of planting these trap crops. They can either be planted to encircle the crop or interspersed among the crop plants. Research has shown that stink bugs exhibit a pronounced ‚edge effect‛ while moving through your garden. They tend to congregate their populations in the border rows. Therefore, it is recommended that trap crops be placed between the suspected sources of stink bugs and the planted vegetables to intercept moving stink bugs. With smaller plots, it is probably better to plant the trap crop around the entire garden.
Just remember, once the trap crop attracts the pest stink bugs, it’s best to eliminate them by hand removal or other methods.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County. Photos by Theresa Friday.
Cancer, The Detour: Our View On Allegations That Woman Faked Cancer For Years
April 7, 2011
“How would you feel if you knew Sonja Luker did not have cancer?”
That’s the question an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigator asked us prior to the arrest of Sonja and Chris Luker on fraud charges after she allegedly faked cancer for financial gain. (Read story..)
The answer lies in the photographs and the video you see on this page.
We’ve all been touched by someone with cancer. A friend, a neighbor, a family member. Ourselves. This one hits close to home for all of us. I’m stepping out of the role of publisher and editor to answer that question as one of many touched by someone with cancer.
How did I feel about allegations that a woman I know had faked cancer for her own financial benefit? I fought back the tears until I got back to the office.
Then I cried, thinking of a girl named Ashley.
Meet the young lady on this page. Her name is Ashley. She’s my niece, now a high school senior and soon to be graduate of LaVergne High School outside Nashville. She was a healthy kid, one of those that seemed to have her head on straight. She was a star softball player at her high school with a promising future on a college softball field and a promising future in life. She’s smart and loves to write like her uncle (got to be proud of that one!).
On March 26 of last year, she injured herself playing softball like she loves. Off to the doctor she went, everyone thinking she had a cracked rib. There was a different diagnosis on April 1 — April Fools Day. But it was no joke.
“Stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma Cancer” were the words I heard on the phone. I had never heard of it, but Stage 4 sure sounded serious. As my parents talked, I type “Ewing’s Sarcoma” into Google. Malignant. Rare. Less than 2 cases per one million kids around the world.
“Long term survival rate: 10%”
One day you have a healthy niece with a promising life, and the next day you read “Long term survival rate: 10%”. Her life changed in an instant. It was a lot to comprehend. But when reality hit, Ashley, 17, announced that her life was still under construction and this cancer was just a detour along the way.
Ashley was blessed to live in Nashville near some of the nation’s top doctors at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. She underwent almost a year of treatments that were literal hell. The tumor was removed, along with ribs and part of her lung. Fourteen rounds of aggressive chemo just ended.
The detour is now over for Ashley. Doctors give her a 98% all clear.
Understand it’s not about my family. It’s about everyone with cancer. There are thousands of Ashleys. A friend, a neighbor, a family member. Maybe you as you read this. This one hits close to home for all of us.
“What they did was a disgrace to the people who died and have fought through the most deadliest thing.” — That was a comment made on our story about the Lukers shortly after it was posted Wednesday night. The person that made the comment chose not to post their real name, and I will respect that need for privacy. But I know that they recently watched a parent stolen from them in just weeks by cancer. This one hits home for all of us.
The allegations that Sonja Luker faked cancer will be a detour for our communities.
It’s more than a woman accused of taking money dishonestly and praying upon the generosity of good people. It will cost more than just the money that’s already alleged to be stolen. The cost and burden will fall upon the legitimate charities like the American Cancer Society that are working to fight the dreadful disease as skeptical people make fewer contributions. Every dollar given to Sonja Luker, if she is guilty of the alleged fraud, was a dollar that could have worked to find a cure for cancer.
Hundreds or thousands of us were victims of this alleged, almost unfathomable fraud to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. It’s no secret that NorthEscambia.com named Sonja Luker as one of our Persons of the Year for 2009. We were among the victims, and we have cooperated fully with law enforcement and their investigation.
Don’t be swayed by the guilt or innocence of Chris or Sonja Luker when it comes to future donations to fight cancer. The courts will decide that one; they are, under our laws, innocent until proven guilty. That’s not the point here.
Cancer continues to sneak into our lives and steal our loved ones away. I ask you to remember the Ashleys and all of the others that are on life’s detour with cancer. Take your anger, your rage, your pain and step up and be heard. Our communities will soon hold Relay for Life events, fully sanctioned and under the watchful eye of the American Cancer Society.
If you did not already, please watch the video at the top of the page and see what research by the American Cancer Society can accomplish.
Donate your time or money to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). You will know that your donation will without a doubt help real cancer victims and will go toward research to one day rid our world of cancer.
Cancer is a detour on the road of life. Do your part to get thousands back on the path.
William Reynolds
Publisher, NorthEscambia.com
Pictured above: Ashley, niece of NorthEscambia.com publisher William Reynolds as she battled cancer. Pictured below: Ashley, declared likely cancer free, back on the pitcher’s mound last Friday at her high school near Nashville. The photo was taken exactly one year after her diagnosis. Photos courtesy Carla Lynn Photography, click to enlarge.
Jay Winterguard Places At Guard Championships
April 7, 2011
The Jay High School Winterguard participated in the Gulf Coast Guard and Percussion 2011 Circuit Championships at Tate High School recently.
The Jay guard unit placed first in the Scholastic AA division as well as well as the Sweepstakes Award for their division. The unit is under the direction of Rachael Belveal and is assisted by Britny Bruner and Rebecca Belveal.
Pictured top: Guard participants (L-R, bottom row) Micah Herring, Jami Wessel, Leely Travino, Courtney Penton, (middle row) Megan McGee, Hannah Barnes, Mikayla Paul, Dallas Bellinger, (top row) Tori Raught, Cara Cassady, and Laura Wessel. Pictured below: The Jay High School Winterguard performs. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Releases Third Nine Weeks Honor Roll
April 5, 2011
The following students were named to the third weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Mrs. Barberree-Kindergarten:
- Leah Anderson
- Drake Allen Driskell
- Audrey Goetter
- Chase Hampton
- Destiny Hanks
- Johnnie Howell
- Emily Levins
- Sarah Long
- Zane Rolin
- Bryan Romeros
- Aleigh Thornton
Mrs. Dawson-Kindergarten:
- C.J. Bell
- Josh Diamond
- Aloysia Dortch
- Marina Franklin
- Jamarkus Jefferson
- Kayla Johnson
- Emily Lambeth
- Jessica Loftis
- Kaden Odom
- Aubrey Stuckey
- Cheyanne Thomas
- Savannah Watters
Mrs. Rogers-First Grade:
All A’s:
- Kayli Rodgers
A’s and B’s:
- Hunter Borelli
- Nevaeh Brown
- Tessa Flowers
- Jace Gifford
- Dalton Hanks
Mrs. Thornton–First Grade:
All A’s:
- Shelby Cotita
A’s and B’s:
- Taylor Levins
- Lillie McCall
- Torka Mills
- Dillon Spears
- Harley Walker
Mrs. Lambeth–Second Grade:
All A’s:
- Sophia Cotita
- Maille Kilcrease
- Abigail Levins
- Ty Rolin
A’s and B’s:
- Danielle Barrow
- Logan Bryan
- Maggie Mae Cufr
- Heather Knowles
- Tyler Merchant
- Trevor Scott
- Cash Wilson
Mrs. Dunsford–Third Grade:
All A’s:
- Lea Nall
- Ian Gifford
A’s and B’s:
- Skyler Busbee
- Steven Cotita
- Alexis Lee
- Hannah Merchant
- Cloe Smith
Mrs. Weaver–Third Grade:
All A’s:
- Alex Glidewell
- Nicholas Trump
A’s and B’s:
- Madicyn Bell
- Jacob Coleman
- Jake Lambeth
- Valorie Padilla
- Olivia Watson
Mrs. Gilmore–Fourth Grade:
- Seth Killam
- Tanner Levins
- Olivia Porter
A’s and B’s:
- Austin Adams
- Kris Baxter
- Patton Goetter
- Destiny Payne
- Faith Watters
Ms. Levins–Fourth Grade:
All A’s:
- Courtney Payne
A’s and B’s:
- Jacob Borelli
- Matthew Caine
- Rebecca Diamond
- Colby Graham
- Paige Killam
- Sarah Nelson
- Peyton Newsome
Mrs. Johnston–Fifth Grade:
All A’s:
- Anna Belle Barberree
- Logan Calloway
- Kayla Galvan
- Abby Hammond
- Shellie Harrelson
- Beau Henderson
- Bailee Hinote
- Alaina Rolin
- Jayda Warner
A’s and B’s:
- Jenna Black
- LeeAnne Lassiter
- Patience Newsome
- Meagan Reid
- Destiny Watson
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
April 4, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month for March. They are (L-R) Yhsyionia McConico,Dakota Dempsey and Ashley Davis. Submitted photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cat Country 98.7 Wins ACM Radio Station Of The Year
April 4, 2011
Cat Country 98.7 received their Academy of Country Music Radio Station of the Year trophies Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. Accepting the trophies from Sony recording star Sara Evans were Mary and Dave Hoxeng, owners of Cat Country 98.7. The ACM Station of the Year honor was the third for the station. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Homemakers Learn About Guardian Ad Litem Program
April 3, 2011
Guardian Ad Litem was the topic at a recent Molino Homemaker Meeting. Speaker Laura Knisbell has been a Guardian Ad Litem in the area for over seven years and has thoroughly enjoyed being a spokesperson for children. Laura is certified by the Florida Supreme Court to represent the best interest of children.
When the need arises for a child to have a spokesperson, such as an abusive or negligent parent or even drugs in the home, the guardian will gather information, put it into a report that will help a judge make the decision as to what will happen in the best interest of the child. The Guardian Ad Litem monitors the child through the court process until jurisdiction is terminated by the court. They are considered the “eyes and ears” of the court.
If you are interested in more information or would like to become a Guardian Ad Litem you may contact (866) 341-1425 or visit their website www.beaguardian.org.
The next Molino Homemaker’s meeting will be on Wednesday April 6, 2011 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. Dues are $5 per year. Visitors are welcome.
Pictured: Laura Knisbell receiving a homemade gift of jams from Becky Dorch. Submitted photo by Terri Brown for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
18th Annual 4-H and FFA Youth Livestock Show And Farm Expo Scheduled
April 3, 2011
The Gulf Coast Agriculture & Natural Resources Association will host the 18th Annual 4-H and FFA Youth Livestock Show and Farm Expo at the Langley Bell 4-H Center on Saturday, April 9.
The schedule of events is as follows:
- Swine Show: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
- Poultry & Rabbit Show: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
- Goat & Lamb Show: 11:00-11:30 a.m.
- Lunch
- Market Steer Show: 12:00-1:30 p.m.
- Preview Steer Show: 1:30-2:00 p.m.
- Beef Breeding Show: 2:30-5:00 p.m.
- Livestock Sale: 5:30 p.m.
The Langley Bell 4-h Center is located at 4810 West 9 Mile Road, one mile west of I-10. The public is invited to attend.
Featured Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Ring
April 3, 2011
This weekend’s featured recipe is a Chicken Enchilada Ring. It’s a full-flavored blend of ingredients. Adjust the chiles for milder taste.
To print today’s recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Photo Gallery: Training Wheels Takes Part In St. Judge Trike A Thon
April 2, 2011
The pre-kindergarten class at Training Wheels of Northwest Florida in Jay took part in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Trike-A-Thon Friday.
Submitted photos by Michele Edwards for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
