- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
The summer annual weeds are starting to emerge and I am using this blog over the next few weeks to introduce readers to the seedlings of important species.
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is an annual (or sometimes a short-lived perennial) species that is common throughout much of the state inhabiting: tree and vine systems, agronomic and horticultural crop fiels, roadsides, gardens, and other disturbed sites.
The seedlings have cotyledons that are ovate (oval) to lanceolate (lance-shaped) with pointed tips that can become purplish in color. Leaves are ovate to triangular in shape, also with pointed tips. Early leaves have simple margins whereas older leaves possess margins that are wavy to...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
NOTE: A graduate student at CSU Fresno is looking to describe the geographic distribution of alkaliweed in California. Please see the end of the article for a link to a QUICK survey describing where YOU have encountered this species.
Growers (mainly pistachios) and crop consultants in the southern and western parts of the San Joaquin Valley have recently reported the spread of alkaliweed from low-lying saline or alkaline soils (including seasonal wetlands and floodplains) into irrigation ditches, orchards, and some agricultural fields.
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
- Author: Konrad Mathesius
Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) is an annual grass that can sometimes behave as a biennial or short-lived perennial in California. The species is upright in habit (to about 3 feet in height); seeds germinate in the late fall and the plants grow vigorously through the winter and early spring. Ryegrass can be identified by its dark green, glossy and hairless leaves that are rolled in the bud. Auricles are well-developed and the ligules are long and membranous. Once flowering occurs, ryegrass is easily distinguishable by alternating spikelets that run along the length of the main flowering stem (April through September). Additional photos can be found at the end of this post; more details regarding Italian ryegrass...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
The foundation of an effective extension program is an understanding of needs. Although I have worked in California, previously (2012-2017), as a weed scientist with the University of California – Davis, most of my time was spent in specialty crop systems (trees and vines, processing tomatoes, and melons). Consequently, I entered my current position as an Agronomy and Weed Science Advisor less familiar with the concerns and requirements of the agronomic crop industry. Although I expect that issues such as the water availability and quality, soil health, varietal improvement, and effective pest management practices are of significant interest to my clientele, I engaged in a needs assessment to define and rank the expressed...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
1. 2019 California Plant and Soil Conference
February 5-6, 2019
DoubleTree Hotel & Fresno Convention Center
2233 Ventura Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Tel: 559-268-1000. http://calasa.ucdavis.edu
CA-ASA Conference Registration Fees
Early registration fees through Monday, January 29th:
- Full (both days) professional:...