Every year, invasive pests cause billions of dollars of damage to California agricultural systems and natural areas. These pests can be weeds, plant pathogens, insects, vertebrates, shellfish and other aquatic species. There are many invasive species of concern in our state including yellow starthistle, brown marmorated stink bug, and Asian Citrus Psyllid. Additionally, agencies such as the California Department of Food and Agriculture monitor the status of potential pests that may be introduced to...
- Author: Lauren Snowden
- Posted by: Elaine Lander
Originally posted on the UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog
During the holiday season many plants, cut flowers and flowering bulbs are used as decoration and given as gifts. Many of these items can be poisonous to both humans and pets with long-term negative effects to one's health. Plant poisoning can range from simple rashes and blisters all the way to organ damage and in severe cases death. Be safe this holiday season by being mindful of what plants and flowers you are either giving, receiving or decorating...
- Author: Elaine Lander
(Credit: RM Davis)
Recent rainfall and cool weather in many parts of the state are favorable for mushrooms that you may have been seeing in lawns. While they may be a surprising sight, mushroom-producing fungi are generally not considered to be a pest because most do not cause lawn diseases. Armillaria mushrooms indicate the presence of decaying tree roots below ground. Other mushrooms decompose underground organic matter and may be considered beneficial since they make nutrients available to lawns and other plants.
Mushrooms are the visible reproductive structures of some types of fungi. Picking or removing the structures can minimize the spread to a new site, but it won't kill the underground mycelia from which the mushrooms are growing....
The black fig fly is a new invasive species recently found in Southern California. It has been found in fig orchards in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. This small insect attacks only figs and prefers unripe or unpollinated fruit. The adult female lays eggs inside the fig (Figure 1). The larvae that hatch inside the fig damage the fruit by feeding on it (Figure 2). The larvae will make their way out of the fruit, drop to the soil and pupate. Some may pupate inside the fig.
What can you do?
To prevent the spread of this pest, don't move figs out of the counties known to have the black fig...
It's #GivingTuesday!- a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals to celebrate generosity worldwide. We invite you to kick off the holiday season with us!
If you've watched a UC IPM webinar, read our newsletter, or subscribed to our blog, you've seen how #GivingTuesday donations help produce how-to information, tools, and trainings that enhance the quality of life, and the environmental and economic well-being of Californians through research and education. Please support the UC IPM Urban and Community Fund so you can learn...
