Delaware Forest Service tree health update: Sycamore anthracnose
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Date Posted: Tuesday, May 28, 2013
American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a native tree that can be affected by a fungal disease known as anthracnose. Several factors such as wet weather and lower average temperatures have combined to make this a more severe year for this condition. While many of the trees in the sycamore family are showing signs of stress, experts at the Delaware Forest Service believe that the majority of these will recover and leaf out normally as temperatures warm toward summer.
Farmers, animal owners urged to prepare for storm season
Department of Agriculture | Newsroom | Date Posted: Thursday, May 23, 2013
With hurricane season about to begin, Delaware agricultural authorities are urging farmers and pet owners to plan ahead and prepare for weather emergencies. Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 26 to June 1, with hurricane season beginning June 1. The Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Animal Response Program works with state emergency officials and animal welfare organizations to assist animal owners with preparation, sheltering in place and evacuation. “Preparing and acting early can save animals’ lives,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee. “The time to take action is now, before storms create disaster conditions.”
Residents should check for pesticide applicator licenses
Department of Agriculture | Newsroom | Date Posted: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Delaware residents should ask pesticide contractors for their state pesticide business license information before hiring them, state agricultural officials advise. “Spring and summer are a busy season for pesticide applicators, as many people get their lawns spruced up,” said Dave Pyne, pesticides administrator for the Department of Agriculture. “We want homeowners to know that all pesticide applicators in Delaware should be licensed and certified, which ensures everyone is working by approved standards.”
Gov. Markell, cabinet secretaries join Delmarva Wellnet to celebrate success of food-scrap recycling program REPLENISH
Department of Agriculture | Department of Justice Press Releases | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Monday, May 20, 2013
Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee joined Delmarva Wellnet Foundation-EDEN Delmarva members to celebrate the success of the foundation’s food recycling project REPLENISH.
Specialty crop grants available
Department of Agriculture | Newsroom | Date Posted: Friday, May 17, 2013
State officials are accepting applications from agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies and educational institutions for projects promoting or enhancing the production of and access to Delaware specialty crops.
