This year is almost certain to be the warmest on record for the earth as a whole, although there are still a few days in December that could slightly affect the final numbers. As we close out 2023 I want to spend a few minutes reviewing the weather and climate of the past year, both the average conditions and some of the extremes we saw. While this is skewed towards the United States, I did include some events happening in other parts of the world for our non-US readers.… Continue reading this article “The warmest year on record ends–will 2024 be hotter?”
Month: December 2023
Plant Disease Primer Part 5: Malicious Misfits
Over the last several months, I’ve covered plant disease basics and discussed plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In this fifth and final installment, I’m going to talk about diseases caused by anything but those three different agents. There are a few diseases caused by pathogens that fall outside of those well-known classifications. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good start to show you just what is out there.… Continue reading this article “Plant Disease Primer Part 5: Malicious Misfits”
Underrated Beneficial Arthropods Part 1: Pollinators
The world of beneficial arthropods (insects and their relatives) far exceeds some of the common critters that we often associate with this category. Many of them perform vital functions in our own yards, gardens, and ecosystems all over the world. A very small sliver of all arthropods are considered pests of any kind though there are certainly some pretty devastating pests in this category. Most of these other organisms are either providing benefits or maintaining important ecosystem functions.… Continue reading this article “Underrated Beneficial Arthropods Part 1: Pollinators”
People and Plants
In this late fall edition of People and Plants we’ll take a look at an early American female botanist, Martha Daniell Logan.
She was born in 1704 in St. Thomas Parish, South Carolina, the second child of Robert Daniell and his second wife Martha Wainwright. After her father died in 1718 she inherited his land along the Wando River. In 1719, Martha married George Logan, Jr.… Continue reading this article “People and Plants”