Where: On Zoom. You will receive a link the morning of the class.
When: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register at: http://ucanr.edu/water-wise/2021
Instructors: Instructors Denise Godbout-Avant and Johnny Mullins
The recording will be posted to our YouTube channel at http://ucanr.edu/youtube/ucmgstanislaus
- Author: Denise Godbout-Avant
Aphids
According to UC Integrated Pest Management (UC IPM), aphids are small, soft pear-shaped bodied insects with long legs and antennae, with slender mouthparts used to pierce stems, leaves and other tender plant parts to suck out plant fluids. The site recommends first attempting to control aphids by washing them off with a gentle stream of water. I did this over several mornings and evenings, with my hose set on fine spray, washing both the top and underside of the leaves. After about a week, I still had quite a few aphids, so I sprayed an insecticidal soap, making sure I covered both the top and bottom of leaves. Aphids produce many offspring, so they required an additional treatment.
Scale Insects
Soft scale is a sucking insect, appearing as tiny dots on the leaves or stems of a plant. They can grow up to ¼ inch long and have a smooth, cottony or waxy surface. They feed on the sap of the plant and excrete sticky honeydew, which can attract ants. Mine were brownish-yellow with a waxy color, usually appearing on the underside of the leaves.
I removed badly damaged leaves, checked undersides of the leaves for the scale and scraped off any scale I found using a wet Q-tip. I also checked my other two plants and occasionally found a scale or two on them, scraping them off also. I repotted the infested plant with potting mix. Over time I was able to completely get rid of the soft scale.
Whiteflies
My Buggy Summer Summary
It has been an educational summer learning about these insect pests and dealing with their infestations. I'm gratified I've been able to manage them using less toxic pesticides that are less harmful to beneficial insects and the environment. You can learn more about less toxic pesticides such as insecticidal soaps and oils by visiting the UC IPM website or by watching this video.
Denise is a UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardener.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
This past week, the UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardeners held a class about pollinators and the plants they prefer. Speakers from Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society helped the audience “meet” many local pollinators found in our county.
Everyone knows about honey bees, but many might not realize there are over 4,000 native bees in California nor be able to recognize them.
Pop Quiz
At the beginning of the class, one speaker showed the image above and asked the audience, “How many bees are in this photo?” Participants shouted out several numbers, but most didn't know the answer. Take a moment to view each insect and count the bees. How many did you find? The answer and insect identities are at the very bottom of the page.
Conservation
Education about pollinators is important so people can learn how to recognize bees and incorporate sustainable gardening practices that help protect them.
Our program plans to create a pollinator collection to have on display at events to help people learn how to recognize these helpful insects. We also plan to have more classes about pollinators throughout the county. In the meantime, you can consult the following pollinator resources.
Native bees and other pollinators
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
UC Berkeley Urban Bee Lab
Best plants for native bees and pollinators
Visit these sites for lists and information about plants native bees and butterflies prefer that provide pollen and nectar. Many local nurseries and garden centers also carry these plants.
California Native Plant Society
Plant California
Visit a Local Garden!
You can see a local pollinator garden by visiting the La Loma Native Garden located near downtown Modesto.
Answer
Six of the insects are bees!
- Fly
- Bumble bee
- Butterfly
- Sweat bee
- Grasshopper
- Mining bee
- Mason bee
- Honey bee
- Velvet ant (actually a wasp)
- Metallic green sweat bee
Special thanks to the Natural Resources Conservation Council and the Xerces Society for making this class possible. The first photo in this article is based on a study written in Frontiers in Ecology called Public support of bee conservation.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Stanislaus County started a brand-new Master Gardener Program in January of 2019. Our first class of twenty-three volunteers just graduated and are out in the community making a difference.
If you enjoy gardening, live in Stanislaus County, and are willing to volunteer your time and talent, keep reading! We are now taking applications for our 2020 class that will start in early January. To learn more and apply:
- Visit our Become a UCCE Master Gardener website
- Click on the bright yellow button to fill out our application form before September 8, 2019
- Attend a mandatory orientation meeting in October
- Interview in November
- Acceptance letters mailed in early December
- Author: Anne E Schellman
Summer is here, and so is the Stanislaus County Fair! Our brand-new University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardener Program is excited to have a presence at the fair this year, with volunteers who have just graduated this past June.
Come see us in front of the Floriculture building located just inside the fairgrounds near the arch gate off 900 North Broadway. Our table that will showcase a colorful poster all about our program. Come find out who we are and what we do and ask your gardening or pest questions.
Pick up free copies of Quick Tips cards on pests like ants, powdery mildew, cockroaches, and more! We'll also be giving away carrot and California poppy seeds (while supplies last).
Want to be a UCCE Master Gardener in Stanislaus County? We have flyers with all the information you need and will be taking applications next week!
For more information about the fair, visit the Stanislaus County Fair website.