- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
Weeds compete with crops for light, water, and nutrients, which can result in yield reductions. Weeds can also interfere with crop production by serving as alternate hosts for pests and pathogens, providing habitat for rodents, and impeding harvest operations among other impacts. Natural areas can also be impacted by weed species when they reduce aesthetics, cause physical harm, and disrupt ecosystem services. As a consequence, growers and land managers employ a variety of control strategies, including the application of herbicides, to manage unwanted vegetation.
Although herbicides can be extremely effective at controlling undesirable plants, failures can and do occur. Weeds may escape chemical treatments for several reasons...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
Pesticide registrations - what types are available?
Section 3 - Also known as the initial pesticide label registration; contains basic registered uses, use directions, requirements, and prohibitions.
Section 18 - Also known as an emergency exemption from registration; Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes the U.S. EPA to allow an unregistered use of a pesticide for a limited time if the EPA determines that emergency conditions exist. What is an emergency...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
What are mistletoes?
Mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp. [dwarf mistletoes], Phoradendron spp. [American mistletoes], and Viscum album. [European mistletoe]) are evergreen, flowering plants that parasitize trees and shrubs to acquire water and nutrients. All dwarf and American mistletoes occurring in California are native species whereas Viscum album was introduced to California from Eurasia. Although sometimes considered as undesirable pests, mistletoes may be important components of local ecosystems. For example, the seeds of some mistletoes can serve as food sources...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
The first step in developing an effective weed management program is being able to properly identify the weed species that are infesting a field. But why? Why is weed identification so important? Simply stated, because not all weeds are created equal. Species differ with respect to their emergence timing, life history traits, competitive interactions with the crop, potential to harm livestock, and sensitivity to available herbicides, among other characteristics. Consequently, the type and timing of weed control events need to be designed to target problematic species so that control is maximized, weed seed return to the soil seedbank is minimized, and crop yields are protected.
Unfortunately, weed identification is not a simple...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
South Sacramento Valley Processing Tomato Production Meeting
When: Thursday, January 10, 2019
Time: 7:45am to 12:00pm
Where: Woodland Community Center (2001 East Street, Woodland, CA 95776).
Agenda:
7:45 DOORS WILL OPEN — COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE
8:15 Broomrape- a...