Freezes Can Kill Plant Tissues but do You Know How? by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas We all know that freezes can kill plant tissues but do you know how? According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension horticulturist, when the water inside a plant freezes it causes ice crystals to form that pierce the cell walls of the plant....
Tips For Making Your Home A Mosquito-Free Zone
If you haven’t been outdoors much lately, you may not have notices that it’s nigh on mosquito season in Texas (although some would argue based on the number of flies buzzing about of late that it’s fly season). As more people are out and about, Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people to take precautions to avoid not only the discomfort of mosquito bites but also the potential of contracting illness...
Texas A&M System Inks Deal For Free COVID-19 Testing For All Students, Faculty And Staff
COMMERCE, Texas — Students, faculty and staff at all 11 Texas A&M System universities across the state will soon have quick and easy access to free testing for COVID-19. Texas A&M System logo “Ensuring the health and safety of our students is our top priority,” said John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. “Facilitating increased accessibility and availability of COVID-19 testing will help us mitigate the...
Powdery Mildew Symptoms of Cucurbits (Cucumbers, Squash, Watermelons)
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources Powdery mildew symptoms of cucurbits first appear in as pale, chlorotic spots on leaves that soon turn powdery-white in appearance (fungal spores) and spread to petioles and stems. The disease starts on the crown and lower leaves, mainly on the under-leaf shaded surface. Young plants may turn yellow, stunted, and may die. Severely...
What To Do About Those Pesky Mosquitoes Lingering In Standing Water
By Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D. Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR 1200B Houston Street Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 903-885-3443 As we move along into our warmer days, a concern with recent rain is the accumulation of standing water. Concerns about mosquito-borne diseases this spring are prompting many of us to learn what to do to reduce the chances of mosquito bites in our own backyards and gardens. Fortunately, there are...
Hannah Kirby Among Artists Featured At March 14 Freedom Folk Music Festival
If you enjoy listening to singer-songwriters perform, be sure to put the Freedom Folk Music Festival on your calendar. The event begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, and continues until 8 p.m. at the Texan Theater, located at 2712 Lee St. in Greenville. Among this year’s performers will be local resident Hannah Kirby, performing with Brad Thompson, who along with his band received the Star Telegram’s Fort Worthy Best Local...
JetTribe Receives Approval To Host Jet Ski Watercraft Event At Coleman Lake
JetTribe Core Watercraft Company officials have been given the go-ahead to host a jet ski watercraft exhibit on Coleman Lake in the spring. Dinh Tran, senior partner of Vosh International Corp, told Sulphur Springs City Council that with the help of the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Tony and Sarah Whitehead, founders of JetTribe, have established a distribution center in Sulphur Springs. Tran...
Water loving weeds in lawns and pastures By Mario Villarino
Last week I share some information related to moisture loving weeds known as buttercups and Senecio. Another common weed in wet lawns and pastures are the Kyllingas. During a recent field day in Sulphur Bluff I notice even waterlogged pastures covered with them. According to North Carolina Extension, green kyllinga and false green kyllinga are very similar in appearance, and both are referred to as green kyllinga. Both species are...
Freeze Warning Issued for Hopkins and Widespread Area Monday 6 p.m. Until Tuesday 9 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a Freeze Warning, which is in effect from 6 PM Monday to 9 AM CST Tuesday. Widespread freezing temperatures are expected Monday night into Tuesday morning. Lows will drop into the lower 20s northwest of the Metroplex. Mid 20s to near 30 can be expected elsewhere. Sensitive outdoor plants will be susceptible to the freezing conditions and should be brought indoors or protected. If...
Freeze Damage & How to Spot It By Mario Villarino
Fall, winter, and spring bring the danger of frosts and freezes to Texas gardens, orchards, and landscapes. Although sporadic and unpredictable, these cold spells have left their mark on horticulture in Texas by wiping out peach crops, freezing pecans in their shucks, forcing the replanting of spring vegetables, killing valuable landscape plants, and necessitating the replacement of beloved avocado, citrus, and fig trees. Home...
