[Originally published in the Fall 2018 issue of the Green Bulletin. Modified slightly from original.]
Invasive insects and diseases are threatening numerous tree species throughout the country. Impacts include tree mortality, destruction of forest and urban habitats, and other significant changes in forest ecosystems due to the decline or elimination of tree species. Many of these pests can be transported in inadequately-processed wood, including firewood and discarded wood debris left behind from tree care operations (Figure 1). Preventing the spread of these pests to new areas is critical for...
- Author: Beatriz Nobua Behrmann
[Originally published in the Fall 2018 issue of the Green Bulletin. Modified slightly from original.]
Invasive wood-boring beetles are attacking hundreds of thousands of trees in southern California, including commercial avocados, and trees within urban landscapes and wildland environments.
The invasive shot hole borers (ISHBs) consist of two closely related and morphologically identical species of beetles in the genus Euwallacea: the polyphagous shot hole borer and the Kuroshio shot hole borer. Despite their small size (1.8–2.5 mm) (Figure 1), these beetles are causing big...
The Asian citrus psyllid is an insect that can carry a deadly tree disease called Huanglongbing or citrus greening. To help educate people about the seriousness of this disease, how it spreads, and how to deal with it, the UC IPM program has published an updated version of the Pest Notes: Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing Disease, by experts Elizabeth Grafton-Cardwell and Matt Daugherty.
[From the Summer issue of the UC IPM Retail Nursery & Garden Center News]
When you use firewood in the great outdoors, be aware that moving firewood can transport tree-killing insects and diseases. Find out more at the following resources:
- “Don't Move Firewood,” a campaign created by the Nature Conservancy, is an informational site aimed at the general public. You can also print posters, brochures, and other handouts.
- The California Firewood Task...
The redhumped caterpillar is a familiar pest on fruit and nut trees such as plum, almond, cherry, and apple, as well as on ornamental trees like liquidambar and birch. It can reach high populations in California's Central Valley, sometimes defoliating entire trees.
The newly revised Pest Notes: Redhumped Caterpillar, authored by Emily Symmes, UC IPM and UC Cooperative Extension, Sacramento Valley and Steve Dreistadt, UC Statewide IPM Program, describes the pest, its life cycle, and how the insect damages plants. The peer-reviewed publication also describes management techniques, including use of insectary plants, cultural controls, and biological...
