You've probably heard about the Zika virus, a recent hot topic in the news headlines. A new publication by the Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers has great information about the virus, how it's transmitted, and how to protect yourself. A summary is below.
How is Zika Transmitted?
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes egypti mosquito, a species also known to carry yellow fever. The Zika virus is thought to also be transmitted via blood transfusion and sexual contact, and in rare cases from mother to child. Researchers are currently investigating the link between the Zika virus and birth defects including microcephaly.
Are Mosquitoes that Carry...
/h2>- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
From the UCANR Green Blog
A tell-tale sign of spring in California is a flush of new leaf growth on citrus trees. Because the feathery light green leaves are particularly attractive to Asian citrus psyllids (ACP), the leaves' emergence marks a critical time to determine whether the pest has infested trees.
“We encourage home citrus growers and farmers to go out with a magnifying glass or hand lens and look closely at the new growth,” said Beth Grafton-Cardwell, UC Agriculture and...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
From the UCANR Green Blog
Scientists are rearing tiny Asian wasps in quarantine and evaluating whether they can be released in California to battle brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an invasive pest that poses a serious threat to the state's $54 billion agricultural industry, they reported in the current issue of California Agriculture journal.
The wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, has scientists feeling hopeful, said Chuck Ingels, UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Sacramento...
Completely revised and expanded, Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs, 3rd Edition, is a comprehensive, how-to integrated pest management (IPM) resource for landscapers, arborists, home gardeners, retailers, and parks and grounds managers. This easy-to-use guide covers hundreds of insects, mites, nematodes, plant diseases, and weeds that can damage California landscapes.
The book's 435 pages present the practical experience and research-based advice of more than 100 University of California (UC) and industry experts, including:
• Pest-resistant plants and landscape design:
• Planting, irrigating, and other cultural practices that keep plants healthy:
• Conserving natural enemies to...
The Bagrada bug, Bagrada hilaris, a colorful stink bug much smaller than the brown marmorated stink bug, prefers to feed on crucifers. It is a seed and bud feeder that can be very damaging to cole crop vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. In the landscape it can become very abundant on alyssum, stock, candy tuft, and mustards. The best strategy for landscapes infested with this pest is to replace alyssum and other hosts with alternative plants that it does not feed on.
In the United States, the bagrada bug was first found in Los Angeles County in 2008. By 2011, the pest had disseminated throughout Southern...