Pest Management & Plant Health

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Winged subterranean termites. Photo credit: Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Got Termites?

March 15, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
Termite Awareness Week is a campaign created by the National Pest Management Association to call attention to the damage termites can cause to structures and to make sure residents and professional pest managers understand how to prevent and deal with termite infestations.
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UC Davis honey bee scientist Brian Johnson is the author of a newly published book, "Honey Bee Biology." (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Entomology & Nematology News: Article

Brian Johnson Authors Book on 'Honey Bee Biology'

March 10, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
A newly published book, Honey Bee Biology, authored by UC Davis honey bee scientist Brian Johnson, a leading expert on the behavior, genomics and evolution of honey bees, will be released June 6 by Princeton University Press.
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table
Alfalfa & Forage News: Article

Alfalfa Weevil Insecticide Efficacy Grades - 2023, Palo Verde Valley

March 6, 2023
By Ian M Grettenberger, Michael D Rethwisch
This Grade Chart represents the average Insecticide Efficacy Grade against alfalfa weevil larvae from experiments conducted in the Palo Verde Valley over the past five years, with applications being approximately 18-20 gallons/acre to ensure excellent foliar coverage.
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Figure 2. Pokeweed growing on the edge of the tarp.
UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia): Article

Pokeweed: How to Control in an Organic Orchard System

March 6, 2023
By Clebson G Goncalves
In Northern California, Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) has been around for a long time and is typically found in disturbed areas and fallow sites such as: under power lines, wooded areas, fences, pond edges, roadsides, etc. (Figure 1).
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A sand field cricket (Gryllus firmus), and a horsehair worm (Paragordius varius). (Photos courtesy of Amy Worthington)

Host and a Parasite: Battle of Sand Field Crickets vs. Horsehair Worms

March 3, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you were a sand field cricket, you would not like horsehair worms. "The horsehair worm (Paragordius varius) is a long-lived parasite that infects arthropods, including the sand field cricket, Gryllus firmus," says biologist Amy Worthington, assistant professor, Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.
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A lady beetle nestled in an ice plant blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

'A Lady in Red': Petal Pusher?

March 2, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
It wouldn't make the news, even if it were a "Slow News Day." "Lady in Red Climbs Neon-Pink Petals in Search of Aphids." Lady beetles, aka ladybugs, are coming out of their winter hibernation now and they're hungry. Aphid-hungry. We spotted this lady beetle Feb.
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A photo of the Wildlife Pest Identification Tool.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Online Tools from UC IPM

February 28, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
Pest issues are much easier to deal with when you know what they are and have the right tools to address them. The UC Statewide IPM Program has several free, online tools to help you diagnose plant problems, determine if an animal pest is present, or get a monthly checklist of landscape tasks.
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A house fly feeding. (Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS)
Bug Squad: Article

How House Flies Are Trading Antibiotic Resistance Genes Among Themselves

February 24, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you're curious about house flies and the latest research on antibiotic resistance, you won't want to miss this seminar sponsored by the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. Research molecular biologist Dana Nayduch of the Agricultural Research Service, U. S.
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The Shahid Siddique nematology lab was out in force at the 12th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day. From left are graduate students Alison Coomer, Veronica Casey, Professor Siddique, and graduate students Pallavi Shakya, and Ching-Jung Lin.
Entomology & Nematology News: Article

Nematodes Take the Spotlight

February 24, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
What do you know about nematodes and what would you like to learn? The Shahid Siddique laboratory was out in force on Saturday, Feb. 18 during the 12th annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day.
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Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Pests in Your Food?

February 24, 2023
By Lauren Fordyce
No one likes to find pests in the pantry or kitchen, especially when they are found inside your food! A variety of insect and animal pests can infest and contaminate flours, grains, dry beans, pastas, dried herbs, dried fruit, and even chocolate! Earlier this month, UC IPM's Urban Program hosted a w...
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