Pest Management & Plant Health

247 years! The seven faculty members honored at the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology's recent retirement luncheon amassed an amazing 247 years of service: UC Davis distinguished professor James Carey, 44 years, faculty member since 1980. He retired in June.

Follow these tips for the month of July to prevent pests in the garden and landscape. To see more tips specific to your region, visit the Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist on the UC IPM website. Clean up fallen fruit or nuts to avoid attracting or harboring pests.

Almost any home gardener will tell you that one of the most versatile and rewarding plants to grow in a summer edible garden is a tomato. In fact, a 2023 study by the National Gardening Association revealed that 86 percent of gardeners grow tomatoes.

A grower applies an herbicide to his tomato plants, or thinks a neighbor's treatment is drifting over her almond trees. A short time later, the leaves start to bleach or shrivel.

Master summer garden pests with safe, organic solutions. Expert guide covers aphids, caterpillars, earwigs & more.

Watergrass (Echinochloa spp.) in California rice is the most competitive weed complex. Plants can emerge under both continuously flooded conditions and flushed conditions, causing huge yield losses (up to 100% in dry- or drill-seeded systems).

Many gardeners have fountains, ponds, and other water features in their landscapes. Water gardens are beautiful and calming, but, if not managed properly, can add an unpleasant element to the landscapemosquitoes.

What you do with firewood this upcoming 4th of July (and year-round!) can impact more than just the s'mores on your campfire. If you move firewood around the state, you could spread deadly plant diseases and invasive insects. Don't take firewood with you if you travel or camp this holiday weekend.

Here's a list of things to keep an eye on this summer to avoid and manage pests of landscape trees, shrubs, and vines by incorporating these IPM strategies. Visit the Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist for more information or to subscribe to their monthly emails.

Weed Control and Herbicide Use Q: I have lots of weeds in my orchard. I've tried hand pulling and a high concentration of vinegar without much success to get rid of the stinging nettle, horsetail, hemlock, and wild radishes.