- Author: Belinda Messenger-Sikes
After years of drought, we welcome rain in California. But we also recognize that rain can help spread a number of plant diseases. Rain and wind can splash bacteria and fungi from infected leaves, branches, and blossoms to uninfected parts of the tree. The fungal diseases anthracnose, peach leaf curl, scab, shot hole blight, and the bacterial disease fire blight can all be spread by rain splash. This ability to spread by water makes these diseases more common after a wet spring. With 2023 bringing quite a bit of rainfall and 2024 looking similarly wet, we want to focus on some common rain-dispersed diseases.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose affects many trees including almond, citrus, Chinese elm, and...
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
- Author: Missy Gable
- Posted by: Lauren Fordyce
[Originally published on the UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog on January 10, 2023]
Proper irrigation and drainage are critically important for the health of plants and trees. But what happens when Mother Nature throws an atmospheric river curveball, and your yard or garden is now under water from heavy rains or floods?
Good garden soil contains a network of pore spaces filled with water and air. Both are necessary for healthy roots and beneficial soil-dwelling organisms. When the pore spaces fill with water, air is...
- Author: Lauren Fordyce
An immense amount of rain has fallen across California in recent weeks. While rain is incredibly beneficial, in excess it can cause serious problems. The continued wet conditions opens the door for many pests, so see the list of dos and don'ts below for common wet weather pest prevention tips.
DO
- Check for snails and slugs. These critters thrive in moist environments and can often be seen on sidewalks and driveways after rain. Their feeding causes irregular holes on leaves and flowers, and they'll...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Author: Elaine Lander
(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Whether you're having a backyard barbecue or enjoying outdoor activities as the weather warms up, it's important to protect yourself from mosquitoes and their bites. Not only can these buzzing insects be a nuisance, certain mosquito species can transmit West Nile virus and other public health threats in California.
Late spring rains followed by warm, sunny days can create the perfect mosquito breeding habitat. Mosquitoes need very little standing water to lay eggs that can hatch in as little as one day. So remember, drain after the rain to fight biting mosquitoes!
What should you do to protect yourself? If...
![Adult mosquito. [J.K.Clark]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/42359small.jpg)
Spring is almost here and temperatures are already increasing. Warm, sunny days paired with stagnant water left over from rainstorms create the perfect mosquito breeding habitat.
It's too soon to tell the future regarding the intensity of the West Nile virus in California. However, more rainfall means there is an increased potential for mosquito breeding sites.
Your active participation can help reduce mosquito populations. Follow these guidelines:
- Dump water out of buckets, tires, flowerpots and other containers.
- Clean clogged rain gutters.
- Eliminate tarps or other sources that hold water.
- Keep screen doors and windows in good condition.
- Report neglected swimming...
