Groundpearls in Tifton 9 Bahiagrass Pasture

I recently visited  a farm that was experiencing significant stand loss in an 80 acre field of Tifton 9 Bahiagrass.  Upon closer examination the culprit was determined to be ground pearls, as seen in the photo at left.  This was the first time that this Extension...

Leafspot/Rust in Bermudagrass Hayfields

I have observed bermudagrass leafspot/rust in several commercial hayfields of Russell Bermudagrass in Holmes County over the last few weeks.  Typically this is something that is observed later in the growing season during hot, humid weather.  Even though Russell is...
What are those “Sandy-Mounders” anyway?

What are those “Sandy-Mounders” anyway?

Have you ever wondered what those mounds of soil are that seem to appear from nowhere in surrounding fields and pastures?  They are actually dirt mounds dug by the southeastern pocket gopher. The southeastern pocket gopher, Geomys pinetis, is also known as the...

What is it? Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)

Escambia County Extension has had a number of calls about black medic, seen growing in fields, pastures, roadsides, and yards.  This winter annual is a member of the legume family, so it is beneficial in that it will release nitrogen after its Iife cycle is...