Jumping worms are real and a threat to the garden

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – As gardeners spend time in their flower beds and landscapes, they might uncover some worms in the soil – and not just any worm, the invasive Asian jumping worm. Unlike native earthworms, this and other non-native earthworm species, can wreak havoc in the soil. And yes, they do jump. Asian jumping worms are somewhat new to the United States, said Scott Loss, associate professor with Oklahoma State University’s Department of…

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Use caution with poison hemlock, ivy and oak

Use caution with poison hemlock, ivy and oak By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Flowers are blooming and vegetables are ripe for picking out of the garden, but unfortunately, poison hemlock and other toxic plants are also blooming across the state. Poison hemlock is one of the most toxic plants found in Oklahoma, excluding the Panhandle, said Laura Goodman, Oklahoma State University Extension range specialist. “Poison hemlock is toxic to many different livestock species. In fact, some…

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Watch for heat stress in livestock as temps climb

Watch for heat stress in livestock as temps climb By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – The heat of summer is setting in, and after a cool spring, livestock are not yet fully acclimated to warmer temperatures. In a recent edition of the Oklahoma State University Extension Cow-Calf Corner newsletter, Paul Beck, Extension beef nutrition specialist, said cattle could suffer from heat stress. “In hot summer conditions, heat transfer failures cause accumulation of body heat resulting in heat…

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Honey bees are famous, but native bees are powerful pollinators

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – The world’s fascination with honey bees is linked to a population decline during the past decade that threatens the production of fruit, nut, forage, vegetable and other crops that rely on pollination. The permanent disappearance of pollinators would be detrimental to society. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture report not only bees but also wasps, butterflies, other insects and birds are all responsible for pollinating more than 100…

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