Topics in Subtropics

It's been hot and there is leaf damage. Those damaged leaves can protect the tree now and the fruit. Don't prune the the trees until you see the full extent of the damage and can still use those dead leaves to protect the rest of the tree.

An introduction to Palmer amaranth Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie Author: Ted Webster Author: Stanley Culpepper Despite the fact that I am currently working in orchards and vineyards, I receive lots of requests to discuss Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.

The Situation: Several species of brightly colored, ground dwelling bugs are familiar to California residents who observe the insects running over dry ground, feeding and migrating among urban vacant lots and weedy fields.

Walking a passionfruit vineyard in Carpinteria recently, we saw wilted leaves and total plant collapse.

With drought and forecast for more of the same, it's time to think of alternative crops for our area. Pithecellobium dulce (translation: sweet monkey ear) may be a choice. Guamuchil is just one of the many names for this tree crop, including: monkeypod tree, camachile, and Madras thorn.