Rhododendrons and azaleas are some of the most beautiful plants in our spring landscape. They are tough and the deer don't prize their foliage. However, they do have problems. Most often the issues are caused by poor growing conditions which invite disease to take hold. We go over some of the big ones today. Images and more details can be found here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/azaleas-and-rhododendrons-identify-and-manage-problems/

Turf grass takes effort. If you want a healthy lawn, there are some steps you can't ignore. Sharpening your mower blades is just one of them. Please check out our website: https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/lawn for more information after the show.

Storm damage can be rough. A tree failure in a storm can be devastating. There are several things you can do to help your trees weather storms better, but you may be thinking of the wrong ones and making the risk greater.

Guest Erika Lyon from OSU Extension joins us to discuss the news surrounding highly pathogenic avian influenza including symptoms and biosecurity steps. We also give some quick tips for consumers.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock

https://u.osu.edu/poultry/files/2022/04/Avian-Influenza-Trifold.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/inhumans.htm

https://u.osu.edu/poultry/2023/02/23/understanding-the-current-avian-influenza-outbreak-and-its-impact/

Quickly remove all flood debris, including poisonous plants, from fields. Vaccinate all livestock, including horses, exposed to flooded areas during or immediately after the flood. Check with your veterinarian about which clostridial and tetanus vaccines to use for your animals and if you will need boosters. Closely inspect all livestock that were exposed to flooded areas for injuries. Open wounds need a tetanus antitoxin. Always follow label directions.

Learn more at your local extension office, or online at https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-preparedness/flooding/forage-livestock-management-after-flooding

Flooded hay and baleage can cause illness or death to livestock. Discard dry hay that has been soaked by flood water, do not use for feed. Inline wrapped baleage that was not fully sealed on both ends should not be fed to livestock. Individual baleage rolls wrapped in undamaged plastic may be useable if certain conditions are met. Contact your local extension agent for details.

If in doubt, don’t risk it, throw it out. Document all lost forage.

For more information contact your local extension office or visit: "http://ext.wvu.edu/disasters/flooding/forage-and-livestock-management-post-flooding":http://ext.wvu.edu/disasters/flooding/forage-and-livestock-management-post-flooding

Following are Flood Recovery tips from the W.V.U. Extension Service.

Until tested, flooded feeds should be considered harmful to animals. After a flood, wet feed and grain will begin to heat and mold very quickly, leading to spoilage, mycotoxins, and potential spontaneous combustion. Remove unaffected grain and bales immediately and store them separately; moisture will quickly spread.

Flooded seed grain, hay, and silage are likely a complete loss. When in doubt, don’t risk it, throw it out!

Learn more at your local extension office, or online at https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-preparedness/flooding

If flood waters have covered your garden, consider the produce unsafe to eat for humans or animals. If flood waters have contacted the edible portion of a crop it is illegal to sell.

If touched by flood waters discard: leafy vegetables, fleshy fruits or vegetables (like tomatoes, berries, & summer squash), corn, grains, and even produce with a hard protective skin. Root crops that are ripe or near harvest should also be discarded. Record all losses.

If the edible portion develops after flood waters recede it should be safe to eat. Underground vegetables roughly four months from harvest should be safe at maturity. Discard greens, wash, and disinfect in a weak bleach solution. Then peel and cook thoroughly before eating.

Segregate non-flood affected crops and sanitize yourself and your equipment between fields to avoid cross contamination

When it comes to food safety: When in doubt, throw it out.

Your county Extension agent has more information. https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-preparedness/flooding/managing-gardens-after-flooding