Research and Trial Gardens Applied Research at Work For You Research and plant trials are the foundation for determining if a plant is the best choice and if it will perform to expectations. Texas Cooperative Extension, as part of the Texas A & M University System, trials plants and management practices to determine ultimately if a specific plant will be a good choice for your landscape. We test management practices to determine how you can best manage your landscape. Without research, it is difficult to make recommendations, provide diagnostic support or even answer your questions. Simply stated - we rely on research through plant trials and testing of products when we provide services to members of our community. |
Penstemon Wildflower Trials  Located on the grounds of the old Taylor County Courthouse are four beds with various Penstemon spp., which are wildflowers native to West Texas and the Southwestern United States. As part of this plant trial and research process, we are testing which of the Penstemon spp. would perform best for our climate with minimal inputs. This plant trial is in its second year. Admittedly, some of the plants have not survived; yet, others are doing wonderfully. Visit the Courthouse grounds and enjoy the beautiful blooms which are proving to be hardy for our extreme climate variations. |
Penstemon Plant Trials  Master Gardener volunteers work in the Penstemon plant beds in late February 2007. |
Peach Tree Plant Trials Testing peach varieties to determine which varieties will produce quality fruit and are easily managed. In 2007, five peach tree varieties were planted near the Taylor County Extension Office to determine which performed best with the least amount of inputs and management. This plant trial is still underway; however, the two late freezes damaged many of the trees. This is part of the research process. Some varieties may not be best suited for our region; however, this will not be determined for several years. |
Monitoring for Insects Determining if insects are prevalent and if they pose a threat to the landscape.  Part of the research process involves scouting for insect pests which may damage or degrade ornamentals or fruit and nut production. An important monitoring program involves scouting for the emergence of the Pecan Nut Casebearer in the spring (See image below of the Pecan Nut Casebearer moth). If the Pecan Nut Casebearer emerges and is in numbers that may damage developing pecan nutlets, then an insecticide application may be necessary.
With the help of homeowners across the community, traps are placed among pecan trees to monitor if and when the insect emerges so that we can effectively determine when an application is most beneficial. |
Monitoring for the Western Soapberry Borer  In the eastern part of the state, the Western Soapberry Borer has done tremendous damage to our native Western Soapberry trees.
In a statewide monitoring program, homeowners are helping to determine if the destructive borer has moved to our region. To date, no traps have collected this insect. |
