Anthocyanin
Anthocyanin is the red to purple pigment that develops in leaves during the autumn. The pigment is produced after chlorophyll is destroyed due to environmental changes. Amounts of anthocyanin produced is dependent on stored sugar and fall ... [... more]
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Anti-desiccants
Anti-desiccants, such as Wilt-Pruf, are used on broadleaved evergreens to reduce winter drying or desiccation. Most anti-desiccants contain a waxy formulation which prevents water loss from leaves. Winter thaws may breakdown the compounds, ... [... more]
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Arbor Day
Arbor Day in Illinois is celebrated on the last Friday in April, per state statute of 1947. Technically, the day is "Arbor and Bird Day". Arbor Day is in honor of J. Sterling Morton, member of the Board of Agriculture in Nebraska, who founded [... more]
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Azalea/rhododendron -- Winter Protection
Azaleas/rhododendrons may need winter protection, depending on types selected. The University of Minnesota's "Northern Lights" series are extremely hardy for central Illinois. When planting any azalea/rhododendron, choose a protected location .. [... more]
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Bark
Bark is a collection of dead phloem cells, usually protecting the phloem, cambium and xylem vessels. Bark naturally sheds from trees, though some trees shed faster than others. Sycamore, birch, and beech trees have thin bark, though this doesn't ... [... more]
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Birch -- Borers
Bronze birch borer generally affects white bark birch trees. River birches are seldom infected. D-shaped holes from on the trunk or branches of trees where adult beetles have emerged. Top branches of the tree start dying, due to the feeding of ... [... more]
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Birch -- Clumps
Birches are usually clumped in multiples of three, four or five for appearance sake. Clumping usually produces a tree with a crown or top growth equal to a single tree with three smaller trunks. Single trees can be clumped easier when smaller ... [... more]
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Birch -- Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves on birch trees can be a sign of several problems: Home Improvement Topics Products Pellet Stoves Contractors Tile Architectural Salvage Catalogs Stoves Remodeling Roofs Storm Doors Doors Windows Aluminum Siding Closet Doors Bathroom ... [... more]
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Calcium
Calcium is crucial for cell wall strength. It's also involved in plant enzyme activity. Home Improvement Topics Architectural Salvage Wicker Lighting Windows Pellet Stoves Doors Stoves Knobs Cabinetry Storm Doors Porch Columns Garden Clawfoot ... [... more]
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Cambium
Cambium is the layer of actively dividing cells beneath the bark. Cambium cells that divide toward the trunk or center of the plant and form xylem tissues. Those that divide toward the outside produce phloem cells. The cambium layer is seldom ... [... more]
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Carotene
Carotene is yellow pigment found in many yellow or orange fruits and vegetables including carrots, squash, corn, bananas and cantaloupes. The yellow in buttercups and daffodils is caused by the carotene pigment. A yellowish/orange pigment ... [... more]
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Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the green pigment in leaves. Chlorophyll pigment is produced in the chloroplasts of leaf, stem and flower cells. Chlorophyll pigment dominates all other pigments present including the xanthophylls and carotenes. Chlorophyll ... [... more]
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