Agriculture

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A row of honey jars. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Still Time to Register for UC Davis Honey Adulteration Symposium

March 24, 2021
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
There's still time to register for the online Honey Adulteration Symposium, hosted by the UC Davis Honey and Pollination Center and featuring keynote speaker Michael T. Roberts of the Resnick Center for Food Law and Policy at the UCLA School of Law. The 2.
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tarped truck
Topics in Subtropics: Article

Tarped Against ACP

March 24, 2021
By Ben A Faber
Researchers at the California Data Analysis and Tactical Operations Center (DATOC) have analyzed Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) trapping data along major transportation routes before and after tarping regulations for bulk citrus shipments were enacted.
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A honey bee heads for fava bean blossoms. Note the silver-gray pollen. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Lovin' the Fava Beans

March 22, 2021
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Every time we see honey bees pollinating fava bean blossoms, we think of actor Anthony Hopkins. Remember that malevolent scene in the "Silence of the Lambs" film (1991) when serial killer Hannibal Lecter (portrayed magnificently by Hopkins (says: "A census taker once tried to test me.
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citrus red mite damage
Topics in Subtropics: Article

Citrus Mite Zoom

March 22, 2021
By Ben A Faber
David Haviland, UCCE Farm Advisor discussed integrated pest management for five different species of mites that cause economic damage to citrus, including proper identification, monitoring, and tools for management. Biological control was also be discussed, including the use of predatory mites.
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CUTLINE: First-generation, vision-based, intelligent cultivators are now available to help control weeds in specialty crops. (Photo courtesy of Steve Fennimore, University of California, Davis.)

Can Artificial Intelligence Help Growers Win the Weed Wars?

March 21, 2021
By Gale Perez
From the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) HEADLINES March 17, 2021 * * * * * * * * * * * WESTMINSTER, Colorado March 17, 2021 Weed control in vegetables, flowers and herbs can be incredibly labor intensive, experts with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) say.
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Lynn Kimsey, director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology and UC Davis professor of entomology. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Happy Taxonomists' Appreciation Day!

March 19, 2021
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Have you hugged your taxonomist yet today? No? Probably can't due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but at least we can honor them every March 19 on Taxonomists' Appreciation Day. Basically, taxonomy is the science of describing, naming, defining and classifying organisms, both alive and extinct.
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penicillium
Topics in Subtropics: Article

The Power of Fungi

March 19, 2021
By Ben A Faber
Paraquat is a very lethal pesticide that requires sime pretty heavy level of protective gear if it is to be used. It's an old pesticide and there are many newer ones that are much safer to use. Here's an example of the power of fungi to neutralize this chemical.
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A black-tailed bumble bee, Bombus melanopygus, heading for the Garvey nectarine tree on March 18, 2018 in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Where Are All the Bumble Bees?

March 18, 2021
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Seen any bumble bees lately? No? Me, neither. It's almost the first day of spring, and bumble bees are as scarce as the proverbial hen's teeth. (Hens have no teeth, y'know.) We've been watching our nectarine tree bloom. It's drawing honey bees, but no bumble bees.
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