Topics in Subtropics

A new species of gigantic tumbleweed once predicted to go extinct is not only here to stay -- it's likely to expand its territory. The species, Salsola ryanii, is significantly larger than either of its parent plants, which can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a specialty crop now grown on more than 10,000 acres in California. Pomegranate production has increased for both fresh market and juice in the last several years, and with this increase, random internally rotted fruit has become more noticed.

CALIFORNIA AVOCADO SOCIETY PO Box 4205 Ventura, CA 93007 admin@californiaavocadosociety.

Botryosphaeria Gummosis and Dieback of Citrus DeAnna Vega, M.S. Candidate, CSU-Pomona Botryosphaeria dieback or Botryosphaeria gummosis (formerly known as Dothiorella gummosis on citrus), is found worldwide on many horticultural and agricultural crops.

Is Eucalyptus a Safe Material for Mulching Trees? Ben Faber and James Downer There is a persistent belief that eucalyptus is a noxious weed that kills surrounding plants by chemically destroying them and preventing their germination and growth.