Pest Management & Plant Health

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A picture of a mature annual bursage. Photo: Steve Matson CC-BY-NC 4.0
The Backyard Gardener: Article

The Sneezing Season

September 5, 2023
By Dustin W Blakey
Like many of you, I have been a walking sneeze these past couple weeks.
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French broom invading a hillside near Bodega Bay, California. Photo by Barry Rice, UCB.
UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia): Article

Invasive Pest Spotlight: Brooms

September 3, 2023
By Mackenzie F Patton
The Invasive Pest Spotlight focuses on relevant or emerging invasive species in California. In this issue we are covering brooms, a group of invasive shrubs. Invasive Broom facts Brooms are upright shrubs in the legume family that typically produce small, yellow, pea-shaped flowers.
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Graphic image depicting horizontal and vertical fire paths.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Weeds & Wildfires

August 28, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
Wildfires are part of California's ecosystems, and they do not have to lead to the destruction of structures and livelihoods. Each of us can contribute to improving wildfire resilience, from individual homeowners and businesses to entire communities.
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Justin Valliere is the Department of Plant Sciences' new assistant professor of UC Cooperative Extension, with expertise in restoring California's natural landscapes. (Trina Kleist/UC Davis)
UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia): Article

Valliere brings expertise in restoration ecology

August 27, 2023
By Gale Perez
Justin Valliere has been hired to expand the Department of Plant Sciences' reach in the fields of invasion and restoration ecology. Valliere started as an assistant professor of UC Cooperative Extension in July.
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The egg-shaped nest of a yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina. This 33 feet high on a Liriodendron tulipífera and identified in November 2015 at the Plaza Pedro Nunes, Porto, Portugal. It became visible when autumn leaves fell. (Photo by Paula Jorge, courtesy of Wikipedia)
Bug Squad: Article

About That Yellow-Legged Hornet Detected in Georgia

August 24, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Folks in Georgia have more than Georgia on their minds. It's about this yellow-legged hornet detected in Savannah, Ga., the first live species of Vespa velutina reported in the United States.
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A person standing in front of a hillside covered in yellow flowering French broom shrubs.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Invasive Pest Spotlight: Brooms

August 23, 2023
By Mackenzie F Patton
The Invasive Pest Spotlight focuses on relevant or emerging invasive species in California. In this issue we are covering brooms, a group of invasive shrubs. Invasive Broom facts Brooms are upright shrubs in the legume family that typically produce small, yellow, pea-shaped flowers.
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A man wearing a mask, gloves, long sleeve shirt, and pants applying a pesticide dust into a crack on an exterior wall.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Hiring a pest control company?

August 22, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
Some pest problems can be easily handled at home yourself. But if your pest issue is a bit more serious, or you don't have the time or tools to address it yourself, hiring a pest control company might be your best option.
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A tomato plant with green, upward cupped leaves and a ripe red tomato.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Tomato leaves curling?

August 17, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
Tomatoes are ripening all over California right now keeping many gardeners and tomato lovers busy picking, canning, and eating. But what may not make gardeners happy are seeing curled leaves and not knowing why. There are many reasons why your tomato leaves may be curling or rolling.
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Giuliano Galdi, UCCE Agronomy and Weed Management Advisor
UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia): Article

New Weed Management Advisor, Giuliano Galdi

August 17, 2023
By Gale Perez
My name is Giuliano Galdi, and I am the new UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Agronomy and Weed Management Advisor located in Merced County, and also with responsibilities in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. In San Joaquin county, my primary responsibility will be in weed management.
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