Forests

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Black leaf spots caused by Chinese elm anthracnose.<br>(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Anthracnose Pest Note Updated

May 14, 2020
Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that infect many trees and shrubs, causing dark lesions on leaves and cankers on twigs and stems. In some areas of California, vegetables and turfgrass can also be infected with anthracnose. Symptoms of anthracnose vary by plant host and weather conditions.
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Powdery mildew damage on tomato leaves. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

April Gardening Tips: Powdery Mildew

April 23, 2020
As you practice social distancing during COVID-19, you may find yourself spending more time in the garden. As we move into nice weather, we are sharing a few gardening tips for pest management. Check for signs of powdery mildew on fruit trees, landscape ornamentals, and vegetables.
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Urban coyote sightings can be recorded at the Coyote Cacher website. (Credit: National Park Service)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Are coyotes becoming bolder in California while humans shelter in place?

April 17, 2020
Coyote sightings are on the rise in San Francisco, even taking naps in patches of green spaces in the city, reported Uma Chrobak in Popular Science. However, it is unlikely they indicate a change in wildlife behavior, said UC Cooperative Extension human-wildlife interactions advisor Niamh Quinn.
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Close up of top and bottom of rose leaves infected with rose rust.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Are Your Roses Diseased?

March 17, 2020
Roses in the garden can be infected with a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to diseases like powdery mildew and rust. Roses may also be damaged by nutrient deficiencies and other environmental problems.
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Armillaria mushrooms grow in clusters, have a ring around their stem, and are tan to honey colored. (Credit: J Turney)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Armillaria Root Rot in Landscape Trees

February 20, 2020
Armillaria root rot is a severe fungal disease that affects trees, woody plants, and some herbaceous plants including palms and succulents.
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Roof rat on a kitchen sink. (Credit: N Quinn)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Rats and Mice: How to Manage Using Snap Traps

January 15, 2020
By Niamh M Quinn
Trapping is the safest and most effective method for controlling rats and mice in and around homes, garages, and other structures. Rodents that live in close association with humans are called commensal rodents. Rats and mice are the most frequently encountered commensal rodents in California.
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Mule deer (Credit: WP Gorenzel)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Oh Deer!

December 5, 2019
The sight of deer in the wild can be delightful but when these animals invade your garden, devouring everything in sight, people's ideas might change. The internet is full of advice for ridding your garden of deer, but beware, much of it is ineffective.
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A flock of wild turkeys in a residential neighborhood.<br>(Credit: K Windbiel-Rojas)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

The Truth About Turkeys

November 25, 2019
It has been rumored that Ben Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird and symbol of our nation. Whether this is true or not, there is evidence that Franklin thought highly of this holiday bird.
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