mineral fertilizer, not coming from plant or animal sources. Contrast with organic fertilizer.

diagnostic aid to help identify plants and other organisms.

device, capsule, or pellet inserted into the tree

trees and shrubs field grown in fabric bags, commonly called grow bags. Contrast with balled and burlapped, bare root, container grown, and containerized.

bark that becomes embedded in a crotch (union) between branch and trunk or between codominant stems. Causes a weak structure.

device used to take core samples from trees to determine age or detect problems, such as decay.

continued growth due to continuing activity of the apical and lateral meristems. Contrast with determinate growth.

exposure to electrical current by touching any electrical conductor that is in contact with an energized conductor.

capable of being spread to plants from other plants or organisms.

(1) downward entry of water into the soil. Contrast with percolation. (2) entry of fine particles into drainage or aeration systems; can lead to system clogging and failure. (3) downward entry of materials from one soil or fill layer to another, as when a gravel road surface mixes with underlying soil.

speed at which water penetrates the soil.

part of a pathogen that enters the host and can cause disease.

force applied initially to a system.

substances, man-made or naturally occurring in insects, that affect growth and development of insects.

soap-based pesticides approved for application to plants to kill insects and certain mites by disrupting the cell membranes.

substances toxic to insects.

stage of growth between molts in the development of insect larvae.

method of controlling plant pests by combining biological, cultural, mechanical, physical, and/or chemical management strategies.

system of managing plant communities in which compatible and incompatible vegetation are identified, action thresholds are considered, control methods are evaluated, and selected control(s) are implemented to achieve a specific objective. Choice of control methods is based on effectiveness, environmental impact, site characteristics, safety, security, and economics.

between the nodes on a stem.