Pest Management & Plant Health

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An adult lady beetle (aka ladybug) and a larva. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Kill That 'Alligator-Looking" Critter? No, Don't!

June 4, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
"Yecch! What's that ugly bug? Kill it!" Have you ever heard anyone say that when they see the larva of a lady beetle (aka ladybug, family Coccinellidae)? Unfortunately, it's quite common among non-gardeners and non-insect enthusiasts.
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Clear plastic is laid over planting beds to elevate soil temperatures. (Credit: K Windbiel-Rojas)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Reduce Soil Pests with Sunlight

June 3, 2019
Soil solarization is a method home gardeners and farmers can use to manage soilborne pests such as weeds, disease pathogens, nematodes and insects. Solarization can reduce help reduce pesticides used to control these pests.
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UCCE Master Gardeners learn about vermicomposting (composting using worms).
The Stanislaus Sprout: Article

#BigDigDay Supports a Local Program

June 3, 2019
By Anne E Schellman
As many readers know, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in Stanislaus County recently launched a Master Gardener Program.
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oriental fruit fly image
Community Pest News: Article

Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted

May 31, 2019
By Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Subject: End of the Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Sacramento and Yolo Counties Effective May 28, 2019 the Department is removing the Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine located in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Maps of any remaining Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine boundaries can be found at: www.cdfa.ca.
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Invasive species threaten California's landscapes.
Green Blog: Article

Invasive species threaten California’s economy and ecology

May 31, 2019
By Jeannette Warnert
When insects, weeds, animals and diseases enter California from elsewhere in the nation or world, they can cause economic losses to agricultural crops and ecological damage to the state's natural areas. Ultimately, invasive species affect every resident of California.
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UC ANR teams with other universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, landowners and California residents in the fight to prevent, eradicate or control invasive species.
Green Blog: Article

A team approach is key to conquering invasive species

May 31, 2019
By Jeannette Warnert
The UC Integrated Pest Management Program and the Center for Invasive Species Research are two UC Agriculture and Natural Resources programs that monitor invasive species and coordinate responses when they become established in the state.
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Weeds in a field following rain events
Notes in the Margins: Agronomy and Weed Science Musings: Article

Wet Weather and Weeds

May 31, 2019
The recent rain events in California have complicated crop production activities for many growers including delayed planting or harvesting and altered pest management activities (including weed control).
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