Close Encounters of the Herbicide Kind
Plants sometimes decline and/or die for no apparent reason. Differentiation of the plethora of plant problems we encounter in our landscapes may be quite challenging. Sometimes the causal factors are not pests and diseases. Herbicides are, perhaps, the most poorly understood input in our management of landscapes….especially because our clientele, the public, are often involved in their (mis)application. And when herbicide misapplications occur, they can be “Humdingers”. Accurately diagnosing Herbicide Kerfuffles requires some basic in-field tests, which will be shared in this program.
Join the Plant Doctor (aka The Tree Doctor) as he shares some of his interesting “Encounters of the Herbicide Kind” in his entertaining, storytelling style.
Dr. Dave Roberts
Dr. Roberts has researched many issues in Michigan’s plant industry, including Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, and Diplodia Tip Blight of Pines, along with a variety of cultural problems such as plant nutrition and herbicide toxicity. During his career, he has discovered a variety of new diseases and pests such as Phomopsis Canker of Spruce and the first bacterial wilt disease of turfgrasses in North America.
In the early 2000s, his research on Ash Decline in Southeast Michigan led to the discovery of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer in North America. In his retirement, Dr. Roberts intends to remain active with the Green Industry. Dr. Roberts is President, CEO and CBW (Chief Bottle Washer) of The Plant Doctor, LLC…aka the Tree Doctor.