Pests

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Crape Myrtle leaves with sooty mold
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

What is that Black Stuff on my Plant Leaves?

June 14, 2025
By Judy Quan
The black stuff on your leaves is likely sooty moldThe black stuff on your leaves is probably sooty mold, a fungal disease growing on plants and other surfaces, and it is often seen in the spring and summer. The leaves or stems have a black coating that looks like soot. If you look closely, it is growing…
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A shiny green and bronze beetle on a heavily damaged leaf.

Wrapping Up Invasive Species Action Week

June 12, 2025
By Cherie Shook, Lindsey Hack
This week, we shared information about important invasive species, what to do if you find them, and how you can help prevent their spread. To wrap up California Invasive Species Action Week, we’d like to highlight a few key takeaways: Don’t pack or plant a pest Whether you’re traveling or gardening…
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Red, black, and white spotted lanternfly nymphs on a plant.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Be on the Lookout

June 8, 2025
By Cherie Shook
Be on the lookout for invasive species threatening California! While state and federal agencies actively monitor for new invasive pests, the public serves a critical role in early detection and often are the ones who find new invasive species first.  During California Invasive Species Action Week …
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UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County: Page

Threecornered alfalfa hopper degree day model

The threecornered alfalfa hopper (TCAH) is a vector of Grapevine red blotch virus that causes Grapevine red blotch disease in vineyards. A degree day model was developed to predict the ideal time frame for ground cover management to help reduce TCAH populations in vineyards.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County: Page

Squirrel-Resistant Beans

By trial and error, a master gardener discovered that his local squirrels loved string bean shoots, but didn't prefer Asian Long Beans.
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