James Dill, an entomologist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, was interviewed for a Portland Press Herald story about how the warm winter will impact pest populations. Dill said there are some pests, such as mosquitoes, ticks and white grubs, about which he fields more phone calls this time of year, which could pose some problems for homeowners this spring. Dill also gave recommendations on how to deal with the pests.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, (207) 581-3777

An opinion column in the weekend edition of the Bangor Daily News by University of Maine Cooperative Extension Director John Rebar discussed the resurgence of farming in Maine and the role UMaine Extension researchers play in helping farmers and food producers with the latest science-based advice and agricultural methodology, in addition to nutritional food choice options for the public. In the past decade, Rebar writes, Maine has seen the number of farms grow by 1,000 and 1.3 million acres are now in agricultural use.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

A food drive being held at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Hancock County office in Ellsworth was the subject of a story on Bangor TV station WLBZ. (more…)

Comments by David Yarborough, University of Maine Cooperative Extension professor and blueberry specialist, were included in a Monday report by Maine Public Broadcasting Network on Maine’s 2011 blueberry harvest. Last year’s crop was about 100,000 pounds more than 2010, but $20 million more valuable because the field price for blueberry growers was almost 25 percent higher, Yarborough said.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

Renae Moran, University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator and fruit tree specialist at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, was interviewed for an Associated Press article on the drop in temperatures after an extended period of above-average warmth. She said apple tree buds are not far enough along to be compromised by the cold at this point.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

Channel 7 (WVII) interviewed University of Maine Cooperative Extension pest management specialist and professor of biological sciences Jim Dill about the spring proliferation of ticks, along with ways to protect animals and people from the blood-sucking insects, for a broadcast on today’s 7 a.m. news report.

Contact:George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

The Lewiston Sun Journal reported on a University of Maine Cooperative Extension class on growing community and school gardens. UMaine Extension educator Barbara Murphy led the class, and told participants warm Maine winters the past few years are wreaking havoc on gardens because many insects, such as the potato beetle, don’t die in the numbers they usually do, and that the growing season is becoming longer every year, enabling these and other insects to produce several generations.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, (207) 581-3777

Several University of Maine Cooperative Extension educators and scientists were featured in news reports this week about early gardening tips and precautions as the unseasonably warm weather accelerates garden plans for many people. Channel 2 (WLBZ) interviewed water quality and soil specialist John Jemison about early vegetables. Channel 6 (WCSH) in Portland also ran the story. Horticulturist Kate Garland spoke with Channel 5 (WABI) and Kennebec Journal and Portland Press Herald reports included comments from Garland, Jemison, Extension associate scientist for tree fruit pest management Glen Koehler and vegetable and small fruit specialist David Handley. Comments from Jemison and Handley also were included in a report in today’s Portland Daily Sun.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension horticulturist Kate Garland was featured in a Channel 7 (WVII) report on the unusually warm weather Maine has been experiencing and offered tips and precautions on early gardening and pruning activities.

Contact: George Manlove: (207) 581-3756