- Author: Belinda J. Messenger-Sikes
Figuring out what's wrong with your plant takes a little detective work. Plants can look unhealthy for a number of reasons, including diseases, pest insects, or even environmental conditions like sunburn, too much water, not enough water, wind damage, and other issues. Start by examining the plant closely for anything out of place. Knowing what the plant should look like will help you determine if there's a problem. Because some pests attack only specific plants, identifying the type of plant, including the variety or cultivar, narrows down disease possibilities.
Diseases caused by a plant pathogen, like a fungus, will look and act differently than something caused by...
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that can cause economic or environmental harm. This year, we will be spotlighting several different invasive species that are established in California to raise awareness and help reduce their spread. Stay tuned—we will be showcasing a different invasive species each day and where you can find more information.
Want to learn more about California Invasive Species Action Week? Check out the full schedule of...
- Author: Anne Schellman
- Contributor: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
It may surprise you to learn that California is home to invasive wild pigs, also called feral hogs or wild boars. Wild pigs can be a major nuisance for farmers, ranchers, and others who live in more rural areas or near wildlands. They will invade fields and eat crops, disturb plantings by rooting through the soil, and defecate in fields leaving behind bacteria and parasites.
How did these pigs become wild?
As is the case with many introduced invasive species, wild pigs were an accidental creation. Spanish missionaries brought domestic pigs to California in 1769 for consumption, but after being released for foraging and not recaptured, they escaped domestication and became feral (wild). These feral pigs...
- Author: Anne Schellman
- Contributor: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Did you know that every 60 days, a new and potentially damaging invasive species enters California?
California residents can help in the fight against invasive species by learning and participating next week (June 2-10) in the California Invasive Species Action Week.
What is an invasive species?
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that can cause economic or environmental harm. These invading species can damage:
- Native plants and animals—especially those that are endangered
- Agriculture—both farming and ranching operations
- The...
Domestic pigs are a familiar farm animal, but have you heard about wild pigs? These animals are destructive pests with voracious appetites and eat a wide variety of plants and animals. It's estimated wild pigs cause $1.5 billion in economic damage to agriculture and the environment in California every year!
Where Did They Come From?
Domestic pigs were released in California in 1769 to be raised for consumption. Some of these pigs were not recaptured and became feral. In the 1920's, Russian wild boars were brought to California for sport hunting. Since both types of pigs belong to the same species, they interbred. Their descendants are called wild pigs.
Why are They a Problem?
Male wild pigs can weigh...
/h2>/h2>