What is a conifer? A conifer is a type of plant that belongs to the division Pinophyta, also known as Coniferophyta. These plants are characterized by their cone-bearing reproductive structures and needle-like or scale-like leaves. Conifers are typically evergreen, meaning they retain their foliage throughout the year. They are found in various habitats around the … Read more
I. What is Secondary Succession? Secondary succession is a process of ecological succession that occurs in an area that has previously been disturbed or altered by natural or human-induced events. These disturbances can include events such as forest fires, hurricanes, logging, or agriculture. Unlike primary succession, which occurs in areas where no soil is present, … Read more
What is Agroforestry? Agroforestry is a land use management system that integrates trees, crops, and livestock on the same piece of land. It is a sustainable agricultural practice that aims to optimize the benefits of combining agriculture and forestry. Agroforestry systems are designed to mimic the natural ecosystems, where trees and crops coexist and interact … Read more
What is a Twig Blight? Twig blight is a plant disease that affects the twigs and branches of various types of plants, causing them to wither, die, or become disfigured. It is caused by various types of fungi, bacteria, or viruses that infect the plant’s vascular system, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water. Twig … Read more
What is Xylella Fastidiosa? Xylella Fastidiosa is a type of bacteria that infects a wide range of plants, including trees, shrubs, and agricultural crops. It is a xylem-limited bacterium, meaning it primarily infects the xylem tissue of plants. Xylem is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant, … Read more
What is Apical Dominance? Apical dominance is a phenomenon in plants where the growth of the main, central stem (apical meristem) is favored over the growth of lateral branches or buds. This results in the plant having a dominant main stem with fewer lateral branches. The apical meristem is located at the tip of the … Read more
What is Axis Mundi? Axis Mundi, Latin for “axis of the world,” is a concept found in various cultures and religions around the world. It refers to a central point or axis that connects the earth with the heavens or the spiritual realm. This axis is believed to be a link between different levels of … Read more
What is underplanting? Underplanting refers to the practice of planting smaller, low-growing plants beneath larger trees or shrubs in a garden or landscape. These underplanted plants can serve a variety of purposes, such as adding color, texture, and interest to the space, filling in bare spots, and providing ground cover to suppress weeds. Underplanting is … Read more
I. What is Frogeye Leaf Spot? Frogeye leaf spot, also known as Cercospora leaf spot, is a common fungal disease that affects a variety of trees and plants. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora sojina and primarily affects soybeans, but can also impact other crops such as cotton, tomatoes, and trees like oak and … Read more
I. What is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid? The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is a tiny, aphid-like insect that feeds on the sap of hemlock trees. Originally from East Asia, this invasive species was first discovered in the United States in the 1950s and has since spread to many states along the East Coast and … Read more