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Imported from in 1959, a tiny wasp—Trioxys pallidus Haliday—a natural parasitic enemy of the walnut aphid—Chromaphis juglandicola (Kaltenbach)—has become established, at least locally, in California.

Angular leaf spot of cotton is caused by the bacterium—Xanthomonas malvacearum—which enters the plant through wounds or natural openings. Circular translucent lesions on cotyledons, angular lesions on leaves, systemic infection of leaves, stem lesions, and boll rot—all caused by the pathogen—have been observed in California. Yield of cotton may be affected by the disease indirectly, by stunting and premature defoliation of plants, or directly, by loss of bolls due to boll rot.

Increasing production costs are forcing many growers to consider nitrogen fertilization as one means of increasing yields of irrigated pastures.

Picking efficiency of barbed-spindle cotton pickers was increased an average of 2.5% in a field test in the San Joaquin Valley.

The incidence of deformed calves—acorn calves—has decreased with the widening use of supplemental range feeding and improved breeding herd management. Some stockmen operating in oak areas in California have long considered that consumption of acorns by pregnant range cattle contributed to the birth of deformed calves, to loss of weight, abortions, and even death. Other stockmen have claimed acorns were not harmful but were good cattle feed.

Deficiencies and excesses of essential elements occur in various California orchards. A major research project is aimed at detecting those faults and restoring the fruit trees to healthy and profitable condition.

Many forms of peppers varying widely in fruit size, shape, flavor, color and pungency are encompassed in the genus Capsicum. The commercial types grown in California include Bell or sweet peppers and Floral Gem for the fresh market and for processing; pimiento for processing; and pungent chili types for the fresh market, for canning, and dehydration.