Chicago Area Gardeners Advised to Use Data for Pest and Disease Control
As spring unfolds in the Chicago area, gardeners are encouraged to utilize scientific data to effectively manage pests and diseases. Sharon Yiesla, a plant knowledge specialist at The Morton Arboretum, emphasizes the importance of understanding how weather influences plant and insect life cycles. The Arboretum's Plant Health Care Report, published weekly during the growing season, provides crucial information on pest and disease control. This report tracks growing degree days, which measure accumulated warmth affecting plant and organism development. By following these metrics, gardeners can time their interventions accurately, such as applying fungicides or horticultural oils at the optimal moment. The report also includes data on soil temperature and moisture, and offers expert advice on identifying and managing plant-related issues. 
