- Author: Ben Faber
- Author: Devii Rao
Title: Area Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor
Specialty: Rangeland Ecology and Management, Rangeland Conservation, Grazing Management, Conservation of Biological Diversity, Watershed Protection and Management.
County: San Benito County
Address:
Cooperative Extension San Benito County
3228 Southside Road
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: 831-637-5346 x14
Email: drorao@ucanr.edu
Do you have yellow starthistle, Italian thistle, Himalaya blackberry, white top, or other common Central Coast rangeland weeds on your ranch? If so, you may be wondering which herbicides are most effective, how much they cost, what is required to purchase and spray a particular herbicide, when to spray, whether the herbicide affects grasses or clovers, and if the herbicide is safe for your livestock and pets. Many Central Coast rangeland landowners have been asking these same questions. So, I compiled this information in two tables. Table 1 shows some of our common rangeland weeds and different herbicide treatment options. Table 2 lists six of the most commonly used rangeland herbicides, and answers questions about cost, when to spray, purchasing requirements, affected plants, and grazing/pet restrictions. All of this information is already available from a variety of sources, but I have put it together in two easy to use reference tables. The tables are self-explanatory for the most part, but the information below may clarify a few things.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a weed management approach that uses multiple control methods. Control methods could include mechanical control, manual control, grazing, seeding, herbicide, etc. The most effective options will depend on the particular species you are trying to control. This blog post focuses on herbicide because I am often asked about chemical treatment options. However, your weed control efforts will likely be most successful if you use a variety of methods.
Operator ID's, Restricted Materials Permits, & Private Applicator Certificates
Most of the herbicides in Table 2 are general use pesticides, meaning that you only need an operator ID to purchase and use them (Carbonaro, pers. comm.). Operator ID's are free and can be obtained from your County Agricultural Commissioner's office. No test is required. But, you'll need to show a property map in order to get your operator ID.
One herbicide in Table 2, 2, 4-D, is a California state restricted pesticide when applied on rangelands. Before you can purchase or spray California state restricted pesticides, two things are required: a Private or Commercial Applicator Certificate and a restricted materials permit. You can get a Private Applicator Certificate from your County Ag Commissioner's office. This requires taking a free test. The test is based on Pesticide Safety: A Reference Manual for Private Applicators, 2nd Ed., published by the University of California. This book can be purchased from most County Ag Commissioner or UC Cooperative Extension offices or online at: http://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=3383. Once you have your Private Applicator Certificate you'll be able to obtain a restricted materials permit, again from your County Ag Commissioner's office. Alternatively, you can hire a licensed pest control business to purchase and spray California state restricted pesticides.
Read Labels, Follow Federal, State & Local Regulations, and Report Pesticide Use to Your County Ag Department
Although Table 2 includes information from the herbicide labels, it is not a substitute for reading the entire herbicide label before you spray (Carbonaro, pers. comm.). Always read the label before using any of these herbicides. In California, in addition to following the label, applicators will also need to follow federal, state, and local regulations. And, remember that you should submit a pesticide use report to your County Agricultural Commissioner's office for all pesticides used on rangelands.
For additional information about weeds and how to manage them, check out this website: http://wric.ucdavis.edu. The Invasive Thistles of Bay Area Counties & Herbicides for Controlling Thistles Handout compiled by Guy Kyser, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist in Weed Science at UC Davis is a great resource and is attached at the bottom of this blog post.
References
Carbonaro, D. 2017. Personal communication, 4/16/2017. Carbonaro is a Senior Biologist/Inspector with the San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner's Office.
DiTomaso, J.M. G.B. Kyser et al. 2013. Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States. WRIC, UC.
Kyser, G. Unpublished. Invasive Thistles of Bay Area & Herbicides for Controlling Thistles.
Table 1. Common Central Coast Rangeland Weeds
PlantSpecies |
Herbicides Options Approved for useon CaliforniaRangelands |
Rangeland Herbicides Known to beEffective |
|
Bullthistle (Cirsium vulgare) |
2, 4-D (Severalnames) Aminopyralid(Milestone) Clopyralid(Transline) Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Triclopyr (Garlon 3A/Garlon 4Ultra)Chlorsulfuron(Telar) Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) |
Milestone, Transline, Capstone (=Milestone + Garlon),Garlon, Roundup (Kyser,unpublished)
2,4-D is often used because it is inexpensive. However, itis not as effective as otherherbicides. |
|
Bull thistle weed report: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_C/Cirsium_vulgare.pdf |
||
Cocklebur (commonand spiny cocklebur) (Xanthium strumarium) (Xanthium spinosum) |
2, 4-D (Severalnames) Aminopyralid(Milestone) Clopyralid(Transline) Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Fluroxypyr (VistaXRT) Triclopyr (Garlon 4 Ultra, RemedyUltra)Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) Sulfosulfuron(Outrider) |
Aminopyralid(Milestone) Clopyralid(Transline) |
|
Cocklebur weed report: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_X/Xanthium_spinosum-strumarium.pdf |
||
Fiddleneck (Menziesandcoastfiddleneck) (Amsinckiamenziesii)(Amsinckia menziesiivar. intermedia) |
Aminopyralid(Milestone) Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Chlorsulfuron(Telar)Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) Sulfosulfuron(Outrider)Hexazinone (VelparDF) |
Aminopyralid(Milestone) Chlorsulfuron(Telar) |
|
Fiddleneck weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_A/Amsinckia.pdf |
Foxtail (Mediterraneanand harebarley) (Hordeum marinumssp.gussonianum) (Hordeum murinumssp.leporinum) |
Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) Rimsulfuron(Matrix) Sulfometuron + chlorsulfuron(LandmarkXP) Sulfosulfuron(Outrider)Hexazinone (VelparL) |
Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II, and others) iseffective, but is nonselective, so will kill most other plants as well.If glyphosate is to be used, reseed to reduce bare groundand encroachment of other weedspecies.
Rimsulfuron (Matrix) will likely control control foxtail,based on limiteddata. |
Foxtail weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_H/Hordeum_marinum-murinum.pdf |
|
Frenchbroom (Genista monspessulana) |
Triclopyr (Garlon 3A, Garlon 4Ultra,PathfinderII) Aminopyralid + triclopyr(Capstone) Triclopyr + 2,4-D(Crossbow) Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) |
Triclopyr (Garlon 3A, Garlon 4 Ultra, PathfinderII)
Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II, and others) iseffective, but resprouts will need to be controlled. Glyphosateis nonselective, so will kill most other plants as well. Ifglyphosate is to be used, reseed to reduce bare groundand encroachment of other weedspecies. |
French broom weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_G/Genista.pdf |
|
Goatgrass (jointed and barbgoatgrass) (Aegilops cylindrica) (Aegilops triuncialis) |
Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Sulfometuron + chlorsulfuron(LandmarkXP) |
Research is currently being conducted to identify most effective options for goatgrass. |
Goatgrass weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_A/Aegilops_cylindrica-triuncialis.pdf |
Himalayablackberry (Rubus armeniacus) |
Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Fluroxypyr (VistaXRT) Triclopyr (Garlon 3A, Garlon 4Ultra,PathfinderII) Aminopyralid + triclopyr (Capstone) Glyphosate (Roundup/Accord XRT II,and others) Hexazinone (VelparL) Tebuthiuron(Spike) |
Triclopyr (Garlon 3A, Garlon 4 Ultra, Pathfinder II) canbe effective on smallindividuals.
Glyphosate (Roundup/Accord XRT II, and others) canbe effective, but may requireretreatment. |
Himalaya blackberry weed report: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_R/Rubus.pdf |
|
Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) |
2, 4-D (Severalnames) Aminopyralid(Milestone) Aminopyralid + 2,4-D (ForefrontHL) Aminopyralid + triclopyr(Capstone) Clopyralid(Transline) Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Fluroxypyr (VistaXRT) Triclopyr (Garlon 3A, Garlon 4Ultra)Triclopyr + 2,4-D(Crossbow) Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Chlorsulfuron(Telar)Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) Hexazinone (VelparL) |
Aminopyralid (Milestone) is highly effective on thistles.
Milestone, Transline, Capstone (=Milestone + Garlon),Garlon, Roundup (Kyser,unpublished)
2,4-D is often used because it is inexpensive. However, itis not as effective as otherherbicides. |
Italian thistle weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_C/Carduus_acanthoides-nutans-pycnocephalus-tenuiflorus.pdf |
Medusahead (Taeniatherumcaput -medusae) |
Aminopyralid(Milestone) Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Rimsulfuron(Matrix) LandmarkXP |
Aminopyralid (Milestone) provided up to 90% controlof medusahead based on research in the CentralValley. |
Medusahead weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_T/Taeniatherum.pdf |
|
Milkthistle (Silybum marianum) |
2, 4-D (Severalnames) Aminopyralid(Milestone) Clopyralid(Transline) Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Chlorsulfuron(Telar)Rimsulfuron(Matrix) |
Milestone, Transline, Capstone (=Milestone + Garlon),Garlon, Roundup (Kyser,unpublished) |
Milk thistle weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_S/Silybum.pdf |
|
Purple starthistle (Centaurea calcitrapa) |
2, 4-D (Severalnames) Aminopyralid(Milestone) Clopyralid(Transline) Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Hexazinone (VelparL) |
Milestone, Transline, Capstone (=Milestone + Garlon),Garlon, Roundup (Kyser,unpublished) |
Purple starthistleweed report: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_C/Centaurea_calcitrapa-iberica.pdf |
Tumbleweed(Russian thistle) (Salsola tragus) |
2, 4-D (SeveralNames) Aminocyclopyrachlor +Aminopyralid(Milestone) Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Triclopyr (Garlon 3A, Garlon 4Ultra)Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Chlorsulfuron(Telar)Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) Hexazinone (VelparL) |
Research is currently being conducted to identify most effective options fortumbleweed. |
Tumbleweed weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/crop/natural%20areas/wr_S/Salsola_paulsenii-tragus.pdf |
|
Whitetop/hell weed (Cardaria draba) |
2, 4-D (Severalnames) Dicamba + 2,4-D Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others Chlorsulfuron(Telar)Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) |
Chlorsulfuron (Telar) is one of the best control optionsfor plants in the Cardariagenus.
2,4-D is often used because it is inexpensive. However, itis not as effective as otherherbicides. |
Whitetop weedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_C/Cardaria_chalepensis-draba-pubescens.pdf |
|
Yellowstarthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) |
2, 4-D (Severalnames) Aminopyralid(Milestone) Clopyralid(Transline) Dicamba (Banvel,Clarity) Triclopyr (Garlon 3A, Garlon 4Ultra)Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II,and others) Chlorsulfuron(Telar)Imazapyr (Arsenal,Polaris) Hexazinone (VelparL) |
Aminopyralid (Milestone) is the best option to controlyellow starthistle.
Clopyralid (Transline) is also veryeffective.
Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II, and others) is thebest option in the lateseason. |
Yellow starthistleweedreport: |
http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_C/Centaurea_solstitialis.pdf |
Table 2. Commonly Used Rangeland Herbicides, Including When and How to Use Them
Chemical Name/Product Name1 |
Price2* |
Registered for useonCalifornia rangelands3 |
Requirements to Purchase/Spray Herbicide3 |
Preemergent/ Postemergent1 |
Best time tospray4 |
TargetedPlants4 |
Triclopyr(Garlon 3A/Garlon 4Ultra,Remedy Ultra,PathfinderII) |
$70/gallon |
Yes |
Operator ID# |
Postemergent |
Spray after all of theweed seed has germinated,but before the plants getbig. |
Kills broadleaves, but not grasses
Killsclovers5 |
Aminopyralid(Milestone) |
$300/gallon |
Yes |
Operator ID# |
Preemergentand postemergent |
January -March |
Kills thistles andlegumes, and some otherbroadleaves, but notgrasses
Killsclovers5 |
Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II, and others) |
$21/gallon |
Yes |
Operator ID# |
Postemergent |
Spray after all of theweed seed has germinated,but before the plants getbig. |
Kills any greenvegetation. Tree leaves can be sprayed, but it will not be effectiveifsprayed on treetrunks. |
Chemical Name/Product Name1 |
Price2* |
Registered for useonCalifornia rangelands3 |
Requirements to Purchase/Spray Herbicide3 |
Preemergent/ Postemergent1 |
Best time tospray4 |
TargetedPlants4 |
Chlorsulfuron (Telar) |
$21/ounce |
Yes |
Operator ID# |
Preemergent, can also be usedas postemergent |
Spray around the timeof the first rains, a littlebefore or a little afterthe first rains is fine.Spraybefore seedilngs getbig. |
Check label for plants affected. This herbidiceisspecies specific. Although,itis generally safe on grasses1.
Killsclovers5 |
Clopyralid(Transline) |
$170/gallon |
Yes |
Operator ID# |
Postemergent |
Spray after all of theweed seed has germinated,but before the plants getbig. |
Kills thistles and legumes,but notgrasses
Killsclovers5 |
2, 4-D (DMA4IVM, Weedar 64and manyothers) |
2, 4-D Amine- $13/gallon2, 4-D Ester- $19/gallon |
Yes |
Restricted materialspermit and applicator certificate |
Postemergent |
Spray after all of theweed seed has germinated,but before the plants getbig. |
Kills broadleaves, but not grasses
Killsclovers5 |
Triclopyr(Garlon 3A/Garlon 4Ultra,Remedy Ultra,PathfinderII) |
"Grazing green forage: There are no grazing restrictions for livestock or dairy animals on treated areas...Haying (harvesting ofdried forage): Do not harvest hay for 14 days after application...Slaughter Restrictions: During the season of application, withdrawlivestock from grazing treated grass at least 3 days before slaughter...Livestock Use of Water from Treatment Area: There are no restrictionson livestock consumption of water from the treatmentarea." Herbicide Label:https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.agrian.com/pdfs/Garlon_3A_Label1i.pdf |
Aminopyralid(Milestone) |
"Grazing and Haying Restrictions: There are no restrictions on grazing or grass hay harvest following application of Milestone atlabeledrates. Cutting hay too soon after spraying weeds will reduce weed control. Wait 14 days after herbicide application to cut grass haytoallow herbicide to work. Do not transfer grazing animals from areas treated with Milestone to areas where sensitive broadleafcrops occur without first allowing 3 days of grazing on an untreated pasture. Otherwise, urine and manure may contain enoughaminopyralidto cause injury to sensitive broadleaf plants...For applications on rangeland and permanent grass pastures (not harvested for hay)andnon-cropland areas, do not enter or allow worker entry into treated areas until sprays have dried...Grazing Poisonous Plants:Herbicideapplication may increase palatability of certain poisonous plants. Do not graze treated areas until poisonous plants are dry andnolonger palatable to livestock...Hay from grass treated with Milestone within the preceding 18-months can only be used on the farmor ranch where the product is applied unless allowed by supplemental labeling." Check label for specific restrictions on moving hay,or using hay for silage,etc. Herbicide Label:https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.agrian.com/pdfs/Milestone_Label1h.pdf |
Glyphosate (Roundup, Accord XRT II, and others) |
"DOMESTIC ANIMALS: This product is considered to be relatively nontoxic to dogs and other domestic animals; however, ingestionof this product or large amounts of freshly sprayed vegetation may result in temporary gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea,colic, etc.). If such symptoms are observed, provide the animal with plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Call a veterinarianifsymptoms persistfor morethan24hours...Donotfeedor grazeturfgrass grownfor seedor sodproductionfor 8weeks followingapplication...If application rates total 4.5 pints per acre or less, no waiting period between treatment and feeding or livestockgrazing is required. If the rate is greater than 4.5 pints per acre, remove domestic livestock before application and wait 8 weeksafter application before grazing orharvesting." Herbicide Label:https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.agrian.com/pdfs/Roundup_Custom_Label2.pdf |
Chlorsulfuron (Telar) |
"There are no grazing or hay harvest restrictions for any livestock, including lactating animals, with application rates up to 11/3 ounces/acre of TELAR® XP. No exclosure is required for any animals. Do not apply more than 1 1/3 ounces/acre of TELAR® XP peracreper year. No exclosure is required for anyanimals." Herbicide Label:https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.agrian.com/pdfs/DuPont_Telar_XP_Herbicide_Label5a.pdf |
|
|
Clopyralid(Transline) |
"Grazing/Haying: There are no restrictions on grazing or hay harvest following application of Transline at labeled rates exceptfor exported grass hay from California, Nevada, Washington and Oregon (see instructions in the Range and Permanent GrassPasturesection)...Do not transfer livestock from treated grazing areas, or from feeding of treated hay, to sensitive broadleaf cropareaswithout first allowing 3 days of grazing on an untreated pasture (or feeding of untreated hay). If livestock are transferred withinless than 3 days of grazing untreated pasture or eating untreated hay, urine and manure may contain enough clopyralid to cause injuryto sensitive broadleaf plants...For applications to fallow cropland, rangeland, pasture, and non-crop areas, do not enter treatedareasuntil sprays have dried. For early entry to treated areas, wear eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves made of anywaterproof material, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes andsocks." Herbicide Label:https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.agrian.com/pdfs/Transline1v_Label.pdf |
2, 4-D (DMA4IVM, Weedar 64and manyothers) |
"For grazed areas, the maximum use rate is 4.21 pints of DMA 4 IVM (2 lb of acid equivalent) per acre perapplication...Preharvest Interval: Do not apply within 7 days of cutting forage for hay... If grass is to be cut for hay, Agricultural Use Requirements for the Worker Protection Standard areapplicable." Herbicide Label:https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.agrian.com/pdfs/DMA_4_IVM_Label1d.pdf |
Tables 1 $ 2 from Devii Rao, drorao@ucanr.edu
/table>/table>/table>- Author: Ben Faber
What a great find and it was there all along, just like a used book store can be a gold mine at times.
http://www.avocadosource.com/papers/research_articles/ebelingwalter1959b.pdf
This is the section of Subtropical Fruit Pests by Walter Ebeling that covers avocado pests in not only California, but what was and is known to exist in other avocado growing regions around the US and the world. It was reproduced at the Hoshi Foundation's Avocadosource website. At this point it only contains the chapters pertaining to avocado. Other chapters in the full text cover citrus, grape, walnut, almond pecan, olive, fig, date and other "Minor Subtropical Fruits". The beauty of the book is not only historical, but that it is still current (although the DDT recommendations are out of date) for many pests. It also chronicles pests that have appeared in the past, disappeared and then reappeared. An example is Avocado Bud Mite - here, gone, here and seemingly gone again, probably to reappear sometime in the future. This is no replacement for the UC-IPM website, http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html , but it is a good look at how the pest has been managed in the past and is done so currently.
I thought I had the only copy of this book in Ventura County, but you could too. There are some listed on ABE Books for cheap.
This pestiferous book was compiled by Walter Ebeling at UC Riverside/Los Angeles. He was of some note, considered the Father of Urban Entomology. As you can see from the descriptions of avocado pests, he was a good all round entomologist, as well. Urban entomology really forces you to know a lot because of the diversity of arthropods in urban settings. He passed in 2010 and was recognized world-wide for his work.
IN MEMORIAM
WALTER EBELING
Professor Emeritus of Entomology
UC Riverside
November 26, 1907 – December 17, 2010
Walter Ebeling, world-renowned entomologist and pioneer in the field of Urban Entomology, died 17 December 2010 in a care facility in Bandon, Oregon at the age of 103. "Professor Ebeling was a legendary research entomologist," said Dr. Michael Rust, Professor of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside, who replaced Dr. Ebeling upon his retirement in 1975. "He had tremendous abilities, tireless energy, and a passion for science. He was an expert in so many fields of entomology including agriculture, physiology, and insect behavior. Dr. Ebeling helped develop Urban Entomology into a respected independent area of research."
Read more of his Memoriam: http://senate.ucr.edu/agenda/120221/IN%20MEMORIAM-Walter%20Ebeling.pdf
/span>
- Author: Ben Faber
There was just a group of Florida researchers here in California sharing their experiences with ambrosia beetles and a fungal disease in avocado and other members of the laurel family. This is a pest/disease complex similar to that found here caused by a shot hole borer and fusarium. Avocados grown in Florida are of the West Indian or West Indian cross with Mexican or Guatemalan varieties. They are usually big, green fruit that tend to be of a lower oil content. Some marketers promote them as “low cal” or “slimcados” as a result. Whatever.
One of the things that struck home during these wonderful talks was the pronunciation of the word Hass. It was “hozzz”. The “a” was pronounced like the a in hot, not in hat. It made me think that this is probably how our familiar fruit is probably pronounced in much of the US. I also hear Californians (and CA growers, too) pronounce this iconic fruit “hozzz”. The generally accepted pronunciation of this name is “HaaaaSSSSS”. Like in the verb “has” - “He has an avocado”.
The fruit variety was found by a California grower named Rudolph Hass in the 1920's. The name Hass is of German origin. How it has come to be pronounced differently from his name is not clear to me. According to Google Translate, even in German it is pronounced as “has”, though with a somewhat clipped “s” on the end.
And not only has the pronunciation of the name been changed, sometimes the spelling in many produce departments is “Haas”. I once saw it on packaging spelled this way and when I asked the produce manager how that had happened, he told me that they had asked the packer explicitly to spell it that way because that's the way the consumers wanted to see it spelled.
So, the consumer drives the market. Maybe how people say it isn't important, as long as they know what they are buying and enjoy the fruit. At least most Californians seem to know how to say the word Hass.
Can you say Hass?
Photo: On the left: Florida (Slimcado) avocado. On the right: Haas avocado or Lamb-Haas. From: The Gardening Cook, http://thegardeningcook.com/slimcado-information/
- Author: Ben Faber
Many growers don't hear about the amount of research and extension activity that is going on surrounding the Shot Hole Borers and Fusarium Dieback. This pest/disease complex affects not only avocados, but many other tree species, including many California natives. These are the notes from a Collaborative organized by UC ANR. There is a lot of energy by a lot of groups addressing this massive problem.
Invasive Shot Hole Borer (Polyphagous and Kuroshio)/Fusarium Dieback
Quarterly Situation Report
January 1 through March 31, 2017
Executive Summary
Overview
No spread of invasive shot hole borer/Fusarium dieback (ISHB/FD) was reported this quarter, which may have been due to cool seasonal temperatures and resulting insect inactivity. The period served to establish new trapping sites, evaluate programs, and establish new ones.
Trapping locations expanded in Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. A new trapping program was started that serves the Santa Monica Mountains, Conejo and San Fernando Valleys.
An urban observational project modeled after successes in Orange County was initiated in Ventura County. The project can potentially expand monitoring by citizen scientists throughout the region to benefit tracking and treatment.
Representatives of various public, academic, and private entities from seven of the nine southern California counties participated in activities, which are summarized below
Statewide
o ISHB/FD dialogue continued between counties, Agricultural Commissioners, and other stakeholders through conferencing hosted by the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association. Education and outreach to counties without infestations is tantamount for detection and readiness
o Outreach was initiated to Inyo and Mono Counties in eastern California
o Legislative outreach and education continued to State Assembly and California Department of Food and Agriculture
o California Department of Fish and Wildlife hired staff for ISHB monitoring, trapping, developing a wildlands field guide, and creating a management matrix
o Media interviews about ISHB/FD were conducted for publications, many of which are circulated online.
Regional
o Two ISHB/FD working groups met:
- Emerging Tree Pests Education& Outreach Subcommittee (5x)
- Natural Resources/Urban Forest SHB Coalition (3x)
o University of California (UC) researchers continued investigations with bio-control agents and pesticides to combat ISHB/FD
o A UC publication focused on ISHB/FD invasion to palm trees was published
San Diego County
o The Resource Conservation District of San Diego researched funding to continue ISHB/FD monitoring, trapping, education, and outreach needs
o Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association continued studying the SHB infestation and found that an estimated 88% of plant material in the Tijuana River Valley was affected despite recovery following massive SHB-caused dieback in 2016
o UC-ANR & the Emerging Tree Pests Education and Outreach Subcommittee organized and presented the Southern California Green Waste and Wood Biomass Symposium held in San Diego
Riverside County
o California Association of Certified Pest Control Advisors and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Division (UC-ANR) presented a half-day ISHB/FD workshop in Temecula
o ISHB/FD training for State Parks rangers from the Inland Empire District was held in La Quinta
Orange County
o California Department of Fish & Wildlife added new trapping and monitoring sites that included nature preserves, large institutional campuses, and parkways
o California State Parks trapped at Crystal Cove, with no positive finds
o ISHB/FD training was conducted for US Fish & Wildlife Service staff
o Monitoring protocols for oak and sycamore were developed for the 4000-acre Audubon Starr Ranch in Trabuco Canyon
o Orange County Master Gardeners received ISHB/FD training
o Orange County Parks expanded trapping and monitoring activities to more parks, with Irvine Regional Park a focal point
o Outreach continued throughout the county, with added focus to the business community
Los Angeles County
o The Huntington continued monitoring its 207-acre parcel
o The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM) initiated trapping in the Santa Monica Mountains with partner National Park Service (NPS) – Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
o RCDSMM conducted trap making and trapping workshops for trapping in the San Fernando Valley and Santa Monica Mountains
o UC-ANR met with City of Downey staff to discuss current infestations and monitorin
Ventura County
o California Association of Certified Pest Control Advisors and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Division (UC-ANR) presented a half-day ISHB/FD workshop in Ventura
o Master Gardener urban observation project began
o RCDSMM and NPS established trapping sites in the Santa Monica Mountains/Conejo Valley area
o UC Santa Barbara and UC-ANR coordinated an all-day meeting of the Santa Clara River Academic Coalition to discuss research being conducted in the watershed
o Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner continued monitoring traps at avocado orchards in the Santa Paula area
o UCSB continued trapping in riparian areas in the Santa Clara River watershed and started establishing sites in the Ventura River corridor
Santa Barbara County
o Santa Barbara County SHB Working Group met (1x)
o UC-ANR education and outreach was delivered by print and online media, tabling, and public events
o UC-ANR met with Montecito Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council to discuss ISHB/FD threat
o UCSB/UCR continued monitoring traps in the Montecito area and established new sites in the City of Santa Barbara foothills
San Luis Obispo County
o CAL FIRE explored funding for trapping, monitoring, education and outreach
PSHB Working Group Coordination
Active groups – regionwide
o There are currently nine working groups focused on shot hole borers. PSHB/KSHB updates and discussions on research, education and outreach strategies took place during group coordination meetings held, in person and via conference calls:
- CACASA – California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (J. Deviney, Agricultural Commissioner-Santa Clara County group conference call facilitator - 3/22)
- Emerging Tree Pests Education and Outreach Committee (A. Cornejo, US Fish & Wildlife Service, facilitator – 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22)
- Natural Resource / Urban Forestry Shot Hole Borer Coalition (Chaired by California Department of Fish and Wildlife – G. Sevrens, facilitator – 1/3, 2/7, 3/7)
- Orange County Emerging Tree Pests Group
- San Diego Association of Governments – Emerging Tree Pests Subcommittee (SANDAG)
- Santa Barbara County Shot Hole Borer Working Group (M. Bianchi, University of California Cooperative Extension – Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo Counties – group facilitator, 3/23)
- University of California Emerging Tree Pests Working Group – statewide for ISHB – (S. Drill, University of California Cooperative Extension – Los Angeles & Ventura Counties – group facilitator, 3/9)
- Ventura County Green Waste and Pest Prevention Advisory Committee
- Ventura County Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Working Group (S. Drill, University of California Cooperative Extension – Ventura – group facilitator)
John Boland, Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association (SWIA) – Imperial Beach
o Continued studying KSHB in the Tijuana River Valley riparian forest, with funding from the US Navy and US Fish & Wildlife Service
Sabrina Drill, UC Cooperative Extension – Ventura & Los Angeles Counties
o Met with Santa Clara River Academic Coalition to discuss SHB research, monitoring, trapping efforts in the watershed – (3/1)
o Coordinated Cooperative Extension/UC Riverside SHB coordination working group meeting in Riverside – (3/9)
o Participated in California Agricultural Commissioners & Sealers Association (CACASA) statewide call – (3/22)
Tom Dudley, UC Santa Barbara – Marine Science Institute
o Coordinated Santa Clara River Academic Coalition meeting for the watershed – (3/1)
Jan Gonzales, UC Cooperative Extension – San Diego
o Participated in Coordinating Work Group Meetings/Calls:
- Natural Resources/Urban Forestry SHB Coalition (1/3, 2/7, 3/7)
- Emerging Tree Pests Education and Outreach Committee (1/25, 1/11, 3/8, 3/22)
- Statewide PSHB Group (3/22)
o Coordinated visit to the San Diego Zoo and gave briefing on ISHB during field tour for UC ANR's Associate Vice President, Wendy Powers; Chris Greer, Vice Provost of Cooperative Extension and guests from the National eXtension program (1/24)
Funding, Legislation, Planning, Policy and Regulation
John Kabashima, UC Cooperative Extension – Orange County
o Gave a team talk with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Director of Plant Health to the Invasive Species Council of California (ISCC) on PSHB/KSHB/FD as an example of emerging tree pests that the present system isn't addressing effectively. Ideas to address this by CDFA and the ISCC Advisory committee are incorporated in their interagency "Charting the Pest Prevention System in California" plan. The California Assembly Speaker's office suggested we identify an Assembly Democrat who would ask the State agencies to address this issue and recommend a plan and budget. This would be determined through either a special summit meeting or Assembly hearing. Several approachable Assemblymembers were identified to collaborate on this matter (1/5)
o Discussed SHB funding needs with collaborators, including the Resource Conservation District of San Diego County, University of California Cooperative Extension San Luis Obispo
Surveying/Monitoring/Detection/Mapping
Dan Berry & Tim Thibault, The Huntington Gardens – Pasadena
o Continued plant collection monitoring for 207 acres
Rosi Dagit, Resource Conservation District (RCD) of the Santa Monica Mountains – Topanga
- Conducted Santa Monica Mountains SHB trapping coordination meeting with the RCD and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area staff (1/24)
- Taught a SHB trap making and monitoring workshop at Malibu Creek State Park for– (3/1
- Sandy De Simone, California Audubon – Trabuco Canyon
o Met with Audubon Starr Ranch seasonal riparian assistants in January to devise a protocol for monitoring oaks and sycamores for pests and disease on the 4,000 acre property located in southeast Orange County
Sabrina Drill, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties
o Met with UCCE Ventura Master Gardener Program Coordinator Leah Hanson to discuss upcoming SHB observational training and urban monitoring sites throughout the county as part of the new Tree Detective program in sycamores – 3/27/17
John Kabashima, UC Cooperative Extension - Orange County
o Discussed SHB infestations and monitoring with City of Downey officials (1/18)
Lana Nguyen, State Parks – Orange Coast District
o Received confirmation from the Eskalen Lab that tree specimen from Crystal Cove was negative for Fusarium dieback
Cathy Nowak, Orange County Parks – Irvine
o UCCE completed surveys & mapping for Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Key Ranch, Heritage Hill, and O'Neill Regional Park to Oso Parkway
o Monitoring continues at Irvine Regional Park
o Twelve monitoring stations were established at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – Trabuco Canyon
Gail Sevrens, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, South Coast Region – San Diego
o Hired two new Scientific Aides, Ryan Lawler and Aidan Renner. They are assembling an expanded field guide to identifying SHB in wildland settings as well as a management matrix to determine the best course of action in the event that it is found. Theywill begin monitoring and trapping for SHB in the region
o Worked with the SHB Survey Committee, to investigate what kind of and how frequently surveys are being done
Research Activities and Findings
Dan Berry and Tim Thibault, The Huntington – Pasadena
o Traveled with Akif Eskalen and Richard Stouthamer to Taiwan for the purpose of PSHB bio-control and insect agents (January)
o Finalized stress test with Colin Umeda (UC Riverside)
John Boland, Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association (SWIA) – Imperial Beach
o The Tijuana River Valley is the first natural habitat to be substantially invaded by the KSHB. It first appeared in the valley in 2015 and almost immediately caused extensive damage to the riparian forests. It is estimated a total of 355,510 willows, or 88% of the population in the valley, have already been infested. More than two billion (2 x 109) beetles were born in the valley during 2015-16. This was likely the single largest production of offspring by this beetle in the US so far.
o KSHB has not killed all of the willow trees it infested. Many heavily damaged by the KSHB during 2015 re-sprouted in 2016. In some sites, where the willow canopy was destroyed by the KSHB, there is now an extensive short canopy of re-sprouting willow “shrubs” up to four meters tall.
o A final report on this research will be released in April 2017
Tom Dudley, University of California Santa Barbara – Marine Institute
o Interfaced with Institute staff and graduate researchers to monitor, trap, and research SHB in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties
o Attended an interagency invasive species meeting in January on the east coast, noting several talks and posters on SHB. There is a continued research effort on semiochemicals, which UCSB may be involved at the research testing level
Akif Eskalen, UC Cooperative Extension – Riverside County
o Traveled with Richard Stouthamer (UC Riverside), Dan Berry and Terry Thibault (both from The Huntington) to Taiwan for the purpose of PSHB bio-control and insect agents (January)
Nathan Gregory, Irvine Ranch Conservancy – Irvine
o The Irvine Ranch Conservancy surveyed lower Agua Chinon at Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve in Silverado (northern Orange County foothills) and found no signs of PSHB. However, 12 potentially infested trees were identified in Bommer Canyon Community Park, Irvine (near Turtle Ridge) with samples taken and submitted to the Eskalen Laboratory at UC Riverside. Of those 12, five were surveyed last year and found to be newly infested this year. The other seven are newly surveyed this year.
Cathy Nowak, Orange County Parks – Irvine
o Tim Paine continued pesticide treatments at Mason Regional Park - Irvine that examine five treatments on ten trees. Focus is on compounds that have shown promise in previous trials at UC Irvine and in the laboratory
o Akif Eskalen's final report on the pesticide trials conducted at three regional parks is forthcoming
Richard Stouthamer, UC Riverside
o Traveled with Akif Eskalen (UCCE-Riverside), Dan Berry and Terry Thibault (both from The Huntington) to Taiwan for the purpose of PSHB bio-control and insect agents (January)
Management and Restoration
Dan Berry and Tim Thibault, The Huntington – Pasadena
o Removed and replaced two PSHB-infested Quercus robur (English oak)
Gail Sevrens, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), South Coast Region – San Diego
o Inquired about trunk injection of pesticides on creek banks and in dry creek beds. CDFW pesticide unit was consulted. Learned that applications consistent with label instructions are alright to use, as long as trees are not growing in the water. Can be okay if next to water. Said ecological risk outweighs risk of insects.
o Updating and gathering input on Southern California Shot Hole Borers/Fusarium Dieback Management Strategy for Natural and Urban Landscapes
Wood Utilization, Sanitization, and Disposal
Dan Berry and Tim Thibault, The Huntington – Pasadena
o Continued PSHB-infested green waste grinding and material redistribution
Education and Outreach/Media Coverage
Dan Berry and Tim Thibault, The Huntington – Pasadena
o Gave PSHB presentation to 20 physicians at the Huntington Medical Research Institute
o Engaged with Earthwatch during an extended meeting about a citizen science initiative
Mary Bianchi, UC Cooperative Extension – Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo Counties
o Began education and outreach in the greater Santa Barbara area following first population of KSHB located in Montecito. Wrote and published two online articles:
- http://www.news.ucsb.edu/2017/017516/holy-guacamole
- https://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=179674
o Met with Kerry Kellogg from Montecito Fire and some of their staff, along with UC statewide Fire Specialist Max Moritz (1/17)
o Articles will be published in the Montecito Journal, newsletters of the Montecito Association, Ennisbrook Homeowner's Association, and Westmont College
o Gave a presentation at the Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council Meeting (2/16)
o Outreach and tabling were conducted at the Montecito Farmer's Market and Lotusland in Montecito
California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) – Sacramento
o Hosted two half-day SHB educational events for agricultural and general audiences:
- January 25 in Ventura
- January 26 in Temecula
- Speakers included UC entomology experts Richard Stouthamer, Akif Eskalen, Frank Byrne, Tim Paine, and John Kabashima
Julie Clark De Blasio, UC Cooperative Extension – Ventura
o Participated
in bottle-trap making workshop at Malibu Creek State Park (3/18). Traps will be set in wildland-urban interface areas of Brentwood in the Santa Monica Mountains
Rosi Dagit, Resource Conservation District (RCD) of the Santa Monica Mountains – Topanga
o Coordinated a half-day SHB bottle-trap making workshop at Malibu Creek State Park (3/18). The 15 participants will support trapping efforts in the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando Valley
Sabrina Drill, UC Cooperative Extension – Ventura & Los Angeles Counties
o Gave interview for California Agricultural Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) video series on SHB (1/25)
o Gave interview for ‘Central Coast Farm and Ranch'(2/3):
- Bug at Bay story published Spring 2017, V14N3, pp6-8
Tom Dudley, University of California Santa Barbara – Marine Science Institute
o Coordinated the Santa Clara River (SCR) Academic Collaboration meeting held at Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Santa Paula (3/1). UCSB is establishing numerous SHB trapping sites in wildland watersheds throughout Ventura County, with a focus on areas near infestations in the SCR
Akif Eskalen, UC Cooperative Extension – Riverside County
o Gave ISHB presentation at two half-day educational events for agricultural and general audiences sponsored by California Agricultural Pest Control Advisors:
- January 25 in Ventura
- January 26 in Temecula
- Jan Gonzales, UC Cooperative Extension - San Diego County
o The Southern California Green Waste-Wood Biomass Symposium was held February 9 at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego. Members of the Emerging Tree Pests Education and Outreach Committee coordinated the day-long event. It was intended to engage multiple industry and practitioner stakeholders from public and private sectors, along with researchers and policy makers. Discussions on how to best address larger regional issues related to managing residual materials of invasive pest infested and dead trees were the focus. For more information, including presentation slides see http://ucanr.edu/sites/SoCA_GWWood__Mgmt_Symposium. 108 individuals attended, with a 54% evaluation survey response rate.
- 94.8% reported their awareness about the scope, continued threat and challenges to managing surplus green waste-wood biomass increased by a moderate to great extent
- 87.9% responded they learned more about management options and strategies for green waste-wood residuals by a moderate to great extent
- 84.5% replied they are very likely to share with others what they learned at this symposium
o Park Rangers Association of California Training and Conference
Co-presented with Gina Moran (CA State Parks) on Invasive Tree Pests including ISHB/FD, gold-spotted oak borer and South American palm weevil, February 28, 2017, La Quinta, CA.
o Distributed ISHB and related handout materials:
- 200 SHB general audience handouts
- 50 SHB ID and Symptoms handouts
- 50 SHB Management handouts
- 25 SHB ID Field Guides
- 750 Buy It Where You Burn It firewood awareness rack cards
This report is a summary of known activity relating to Polyphagous and Kuroshio Shot Hole Borer/Fusarium Dieback for the stated 3-month period. If there are any additions, corrections or comments, send them to Sabrina Drill, sldrill@ucanr.edu and/or post information to the PSHB Working Group Collaborative Tools group. Report compiled by Jan Gonzales, UCCE-San Diego
PSHB Working Group Stakeholder Organizations
APHIS (USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services)
California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA)
California Audubon, Starr Ranch
California Avocado Commission CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Department of Food and Agriculture California Firewood Taskforce California Native Plant Society California Department of Parks and Recreation California State Senate Center for Invasive Species Prevention Center for Natural Lands Management City of Pasadena City of San Diego Davey Tree Service Everest Consultants Farm Bureau-San Diego County Farm Bureau-Ventura County Los Angeles County Agriculture, Weights and Measures Los Angeles County Arboretum Los Angeles County Fire and Forestry Los Angeles County Parks National Park Service Native American Environmental Protection Coalition Nature Reserve of Orange County North East Trees NRCS (USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service) Orange County Agricultural CommissionerOrange County Fire Authority Orange County Parks Orange County Public Works Rebecca Latta Consulting ArborisResource Conservation District of San Diego Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains River Partners San Diego County Agriculture, Weights and MeasuresSan Diego County Parks SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) Santa Barbara County Agriculture DepartmentSanta Barbara County Master Gardeners Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner/CACASA Pest Prevention Committee Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association (SWIA) Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens The Nature Conservancy Tree People University of California Cooperative Extension University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR)
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Riverside
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
USDA Forest Service USDA Forest Service-Cleveland NF USDA Forest Service-Forest Health Protection USDA Forest Service-State and Private Forestry, Region 5
USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs
USDI Bureau of Land Management
USDI Fish and Wildlife Service
USDI National Park Service-Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Valley Crest Tree Company
Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner West Coast Arborists, Inc. Western Chapter of International Society of Aboriculture