- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
UC Davis distinguished professor emerita Lynn Kimsey, director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology for 34 years until her retirement on Feb. 1, 2024, is among the 17 emeriti featured in a newly released video tribute to emeriti, an annual public service project by UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal.
The 17 featured represent about 20 percent of UC Davis faculty who retired in 2023-24.
Kimsey is a recognized authority on insect biodiversity, systematics and biogeography of parasitic wasps, urban entomology, civil forensic entomology, and arthropod-related industrial hygiene. A UC Davis entomology alumna, she received her undergraduate degree in 1975 and her doctorate in 1979.
Kimsey joined the entomology faculty in 1989 and became the Bohart Museum director in 1990. Although officially retired, she continues her research and as executive director of the Bohart Museum Society. She writes and publishes the quarterly newsletter.
In the video, Leal notes that Kimsey "is an entomologist interested in the systematics of stinging wasps, insect biotic diversity, and urban entomology...she provided insect diagnostics for the public and corporations, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies."
"Her research focused primarily on cuckoo wasps, hornets, and tiphiid wasps, describing more than 30 new genera and 300 new species of wasps. Her fieldwork included biotic surveys of the insect fauna of various desert sand dune systems in California and tropical habitats in Central America and Southeast Asia."
Kimsey served as president of the International Society of Hymenopterists from 2002-2004, and as a member of the board of directors of the Natural Science Collections Alliance in 2000 and 2001. The Pacific Branch, Entomological Society of America (PBESA) singled her out for its highest honor, the C. W. Woodworth Award, in 2020. She received the PBESA Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity Award in 2014 and was a member of "The Bee Team" that won the PBESA Outstanding Team Award in 2013. The UC Davis Academic Senate honored her with its Distinguished Scholarly Public Service Award in 2016 in recognition of her outstanding work. And in 2023, CA&ES selected her as the recipient of its Exceptional Faculty Award. She was honored with a 21-insect net salute in April.
In addition to the faculty highlights, Leal included brief messages by Chancellor Gary May, Provost Mary Croughan, and Suad Joseph, the UC Davis Emeriti Association (UCDEA) president. UCDEA interviews and records emeriti who have made "significant contributions to the development of the university." See Video Records Project.
"I know our emeriti are feeling the energy at UC Davis as we prepare to greet our incoming class of students," said Chancellor May in the video transcript. "I want to extend a welcome to all our emeriti professors and encourage you to remain involved in our vibrant campus activity just as you've been such an important part of our success."
Those featured on the video tribute, in order of appearance:
- Stuart Meyers, professor emeritus, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Peter Mundy, emeritus distinguished professor, Department of Education, and the Department of Psychiatry, College of Letters and Science
- Vaidehi Ramanathan, professor emerita, Department of Linguistics, College of Letters and Science
- Scott Simon, distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering
- Bruce German, distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Lynn Kimsey, distinguished professor emerita, Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Leonard Abbeduto, professor emeritus, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine
- Lynette Hart, professor emerita, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Frank Sharp, distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine
- Stephen Wheeler, professor emeritus, Urban Design and Sustainability, Department of Human Ecology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Esther Kim, professor emerita, Eye Center, School of Medicine
- Julia Menard-Warwick, professor emerita, Department of Linguistics, College of Letters and Science
- Mohamed Hafez, professor emeritus, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering
- Geoffrey Schladow, professor emeritus, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering
- Gail Taylor, distinguished professor emerita, Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Paul FitzGerald, distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy and Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, School of Medicine
- Alan Balch, distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Chemistry, College of Letters and Science
Additionally, Leal spotlighted (1) an emeriti “caught on camera” (Geerat J. Vermeij) heading to work two years after his retirement ("to stress how many members of the Emeriti remain engaged in UC Davis affairs"), and (2) UC Davis faculty member (Alan Balch) who broke the record on the number of years of service to the University of California (56 years, which included 52 at UC Davis).
Leal creates an annual tribute to UC Davis emeriti as a public service to celebrate their accomplishments as they enter a new chapter in their lives. It is a zero-budget, one-person production.
Leal launched his first "Tribute to Our New Emeriti," featuring 24 professors from eight colleges and schools who transitioned to emeriti in 2021-2022. (See news story.) The 2022-23 tribute is here. (See news story)
Leal, a member of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty since 2013, is a former professor and chair of the Department of Entomology. He is the first UC Davis faculty member to win all three of the Academic Senate's most coveted awards: in research, teaching, and public service. Leal received the 2020 Distinguished Teaching Award for Undergraduate Teaching; the 2022 Distinguished Scholarly Public Service Award; and the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Research Award.
- Author: Angela Tipsey
Mark your calendars!
What: New Volunteer Orientation
When: Saturday, September 7, 2024
9:00-11:30 am
Where: Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center
2101 E. Earhart Ave., Stockton, CA
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Nematodes are where it's at!
Two UC Davis nematology doctoral students were invited to give research presentations at the international Society of Nematologists' conference in Park City, Utah and they excelled.
Meet the two young women: Alison Blundell, a doctoral candidate who was invited to compete in a 12-minute student oral competition to discuss her research on root-knot nematodes, and doctoral student Veronica Casey, invited to share her research on "Pathogenic Hitchhikers."
Their major professor, Shahid Siddique, encourages his students to participate in the Society of Nematologists (SON), an international organization that advances the science of nematology in both its fundamental and economic aspects.
Blundell, who anticipates receiving her doctorate in 2026, won second place in the international competition with her presentation, “Overcoming Resistance: Unraveling the Mechanisms Behind Root-Knot Nematode Evasion of Tomato Mi-Gene.” She received a $250 prize.
Blundell researches plant-parasitic nematodes specifically root-knot nematodes, and their molecular mechanism to defend against plant immune systems. In her abstract, she wrote: "Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are among the most devastating pathogens of crops, causing substantial yield and economic losses worldwide. These parasitic organisms can infect over a hundred different plant species and can evade plant defense mechanisms by secreting a concoction of effectors. For decades, the Mi-1 resistance gene has been effective in detecting and inhibiting RKNs in tomatoes. However, the underlying mechanisms by which Mi-1 detects these pathogens remain largely unknown. In recent years, resistance-breaking populations have emerged in both greenhouse and field settings, posing a threat to the potency and effectiveness of the Mi-1 gene and, consequently, the tomato industry. "
"We used two strains of M. javanica, one strain VW4, which is recognized by Mi-1, and another strain, VW5, which was selected from VW4 and can overcome resistance mediated by Mi-1," Blundell explained. "Utilizing the newly constructed reference genome for M. javanica (VW4), we compared genomes of VW4 and VW5 and identified an approximately 50 kb region that is present in VW4 but missing in VW5. This missing region contains seven protein-coding genes, three of which encode putative effectors and are currently being tested as potential avirulence genes for Mi-1."
"In addition, we have conducted a series of infection assays on different host plants lacking Mi-1, and the results revealed a significantly lower egg count in VW5 when compared to VW4. We plan to expand these assays by testing additional M. javanica resistance-breaking strains collected from fields all over California to determine if this trade-off is consistent across other strains. Overall, our results suggest that although VW5 can overcome Mi-1, there is a trade-off in the form of compromised reproduction. This research helps to better understand the mechanism and components of Mi-1 and develop strategies for addressing resistance-breaking populations."
Pathogenic Hitchhikers
Doctoral student Veronica Casey delivered her invited presentation on “Pathogenic Hitchhikers: Investigating the Synergy of Bacteria and Nematodes on Plant Health.”
a"In the vast scope of soil ecology, plant-parasitic nematodes can forge alliances with other microbial adversaries, such as the disease complex formed between nematodes and bacterial wilt-causing Ralstonia spp.," Casey wrote in her abstract. "These disease complexes exacerbate disease symptoms and yield losses. Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic roundworms that cause approximately $100 billion in yield loss a year, and most of the damage is attributed to root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.). Bacterial wilt is caused by multiple Ralstonia species, namely Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, R. solanacearum, and R. sygzii that enter the plant's roots to colonize its vascular system. Prior to Ralstonia infection, RKN infection may facilitate bacterial disease by increasing access to the vascular tissue."
"However, little research has been conducted to elucidate the molecular details of this interaction," Casey pointed out. "Previous reports of RKN and Ralstonia spp. in the field hypothesized that the infection was due to root wounding and physiological changes. In this study, I will determine the nature of the interaction between Ralstonia and nematodes at both ecological and molecular levels. This research project will explore the hypotheses that 1) Ralstonia adheres to the cuticle of nematodes using specialized appendages called pili and 2) de novo xylem formation in the galls increases Ralstonia transport into the plant. A common strategy for preventing nematode infection is by using resistant plant cultivars."
"However, resistance-breaking nematode populations have arisen and we plan to utilize resistance-breaking nematodes, which are most likely to interact with bacterial wilt in the field," Casey noted. "This presentation will report on the attachment and greenhouse experimental results of the RKN-Ralstonia complex. The escalation of climate change is leading to increased instances of pathogenicity; therefore, it is crucial to uncover disease complexes which can have monumental consequences on food security. A meticulous study into the nematode and Ralstonia disease complex will support the management of these damaging pathogens across the world."
Blundell and Siddique also delivered invited presentations in the illustration workshop. Blundell gave her presentation on "Become an Illustrator Mender Simply by Using BioRender," and Siddique, "Doodle Your Data: Adobe Illustrator for Nematodes."
Other lab mates from the Siddique lab also participated in the SON meeting. (See news story). In the ecology session, doctoral candidate Chris Pagan participated from the UC Davis lab of distinguished professor Steve Nadler, former chair of the Department of Entomology and Nematology. Pagan's presentation: "Nematode Community Structure in the Rhizopsheres of Southern California Creosote (Larrea trientata).”
Of note, Blundell and Casey were among the four graduate students from the Siddique lab who received travel awards. Blundell won a Corteva award and Casey, a Certis award. Also receiving travel awards wer Ching-Jung Lin, a Bayer CropScience award and Romnick Latina, a N. A. Cobb Foundation award.
Honorary Member. At the 2024 conference, UC Davis distinguished professor emeritus Howard Ferris was selected a Honorary Member, the highest award that SON offers. (Feature story pending; wait 'til you hear his exciting life story!)
UC Davis nematologists are already looking forward to the next annual meeting: July 13-17 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Meanwhile, you can chat one-on-one with them at the annual UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, usually held in February on the UC Davis campus. It traditionally featuring a dozen or so UC Davis museums. Student nematologists are spotlighted on the current website.
- Author: Nicholas E Clark
Join us on Friday, September 13th, 2024 from 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 9240 South Riverbend Avenue; Parlier, CA 93648.
No cost to attend! All are welcome.
To view the agenda, click or follow this link: https://ucanr.edu/sites/kingscounty/files/401656.pdf
Pre-registration helps us plan lunch. To register, click or follow this link: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=43346
What: Research plot tours and discussions with researchers about recent observations and up-to-date knowledge about production issues in field and forage crops
Who: Growers, pest control advisers, crop consultants, allied ag professionals, researchers, and anybody interested in San Joaquin Valley agricultural production are welcome to attend.
Continuing education:
3.5 hours of Certified Crop Adviser (1.0 Soil & Water Management, 1.5 Integrated Pest Management & 1.0 Crop Management) have been applied for.
1.0 hours of CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Training Program have been applied for.
1.75 CA Dept. of Pesticide Regulation "Other" hours for PCAs, QAC/Ls, and PACs have been applied for.
Thank you to our sponsors:
BASF, CA Dairy Research Foundation, FMC Corporation, and Irrometer generously sponsored this field day, and we're grateful for the support.
/h3>/h3>- Author: Heloisa Kinder
The Importance of Native Bees in Ecosystems
When we consider the health and balance of our ecosystems, native bees emerge as unsung heroes playing a crucial role. These incredible insects are primary pollinators for a wide array of wild plants and crops, significantly contributing to biodiversity, food production, and the overall resilience of ecosystems. Unlike honeybees, which are often non-native and managed primarily for commercial purposes, native bees have evolved alongside local flora over millions of years. This co-evolution makes them uniquely adapted to their specific environments, enhancing their effectiveness as pollinators.
The pollination efforts of native bees are vital as they support the reproduction of plants that provide habitat and food for other wildlife. This intricate relationship ensures that ecosystems maintain their biodiversity and can adapt to changing conditions. On an agricultural level, native bees play an essential role by ensuring genetic diversity within plant populations. This diversity is critical for ecological stability, allowing plant populations to adapt to pests, diseases, and climate change.
By making efforts to preserve native bee populations, we extend our protection to these vital pollinators and, by extension, the intricate web of life they support. Their survival is directly linked to the sustainability of our natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
In both natural and agricultural ecosystems, bees serve as vital pollinators. As they collect nectar and pollen from flowers, they inadvertently transfer pollen grains from one blossom to another, facilitating plant fertilization. This activity is the backbone for the production of fruits, seeds, and nuts, which constitute a significant portion of the human diet. Beyond human needs, the pollination services rendered by bees are crucial for the reproduction of wild plants, maintaining biodiversity, and the health of ecosystems. Without bees, many plant species would face reduced reproduction, leading to lower crop yields and a decrease in floral diversity. This reduction would have profound implications, not just for nature but also for agriculture and the global food supply.
Impact of Climate Change on Bees
Climate change is having a profound impact on the natural world, and bees are particularly vulnerable to its effects. One of the most significant challenges they face is the alteration of flowering times in plants, which disrupts the synchronized relationship bees have with their environment. Bees rely on specific bloom periods for foraging, emerging from hibernation, or developing based on temperature cues. However, when climate change causes plants to bloom earlier or later than usual, bees can find themselves facing periods of food scarcity. This mismatched timing can weaken bee colonies and reduce their reproduction rates, threatening their long-term survival.
In addition to changes in flowering times, bees are also affected by temperature fluctuations and extreme weather events. The increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, and heat waves pose significant risks to bee habitats, including their nesting sites and foraging grounds. Ground-nesting bees are especially vulnerable to flooding, while those that nest in wood or stems may find their nesting materials drying and cracking, making them unusable.
Rising temperatures further complicate matters by impacting bee physiology and behavior. Higher temperatures can increase bees' metabolic rates, meaning they need more food, yet also reduce their foraging efficiency and lifespan. This precarious balance can lead to higher mortality rates and lower overall fitness among bee populations, compounding the challenges they face.
The threat climate change poses to bees is not just a concern for these insects but also for the ecosystems and agricultural systems that depend on them as pollinators. Disruptions in bee life cycles, reduced food availability, and habitat alterations can have cascading effects throughout the environment, impacting plant reproduction and food production. Addressing climate change through comprehensive conservation strategies is crucial to protect bee species, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems and agriculture.
Creating a Bee-Friendly Habitat
California, with its Mediterranean climate, presents an ideal environment for creating a bee-friendly habitat. To develop such a garden, it is crucial to select the right plants. Focus on native California plants, as these have evolved alongside local bees and provide the essential nutrients they require. It's also important to consider bloom times by planting a diverse range of flowers that bloom throughout the year, ensuring bees have a continuous food source. Opt for drought-tolerant species, since California's climate can be dry, to sustain your garden during periods of water scarcity. Some excellent native plant options include California poppies, buckwheat, yarrow, sage, lupine, and ceanothus.
Providing nesting sites is another essential aspect of fostering a bee-friendly habitat. Leave patches of bare ground to support native bees that nest in the soil and preserve dead wood or create a brush pile for those that nest in hollow stems or dead trees. Building a bee house for cavity-nesting bees is another option, but ensure it is well-ventilated and placed in a sunny location. Additionally, bees need access to water. Offer a shallow dish with pebbles or marbles for bees to land on and change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
Further tips for attracting bees include avoiding pesticides, as chemicals can harm them. Instead, use organic pest control methods. Also, try to create diverse habitats, as different bee species have varying preferences, which will help attract a broader range. Educating your neighbors and encouraging them to plant their own bee-friendly gardens can also help expand the habitat.
To provide blossoms throughout the seasons, consider the following flowering plants:
In spring, California poppy, ceanothus, and lupine are great choices. California poppies feature vibrant orange flowers, while ceanothus, or California lilac, produce clusters of blue or white flowers, and lupine offers spiky blossoms in colors like purple, blue, and yellow.
During summer, Matilija poppy, coyote mint, and yarrow bloom beautifully. Matilija poppy has large, white, crepe-paper-like flowers with bright yellow centers. Coyote mint offers fragrant purple flowers, and yarrow displays flat-topped clusters of small white or pink flowers.
In the fall, consider planting California fuchsia, goldenrod, and other autumn-blooming plants. California fuchsia produces bright red, tubular flowers, ideal for attracting hummingbirds and bees, while goldenrod presents tall spikes of golden yellow flowers.
Winter, though challenging for many regions, still allows certain hardy species to thrive in California's mild climate, providing bees essential resources. Examples include manzanita, with its small urn-shaped pink or white flowers blooming in late winter, and California redwood sorrel, which produces delicate white or pink flowers in shaded areas under redwood trees. Hummingbird sage often begins blooming in late winter with magenta flowers, while toyon, or Christmas berry, has small white flowers followed by bright red berries. Western redbud's vibrant pink flowers can appear as early as February in mild climates, and mahonia, known as Oregon grape, offers bright yellow flowers in late winter.
Bees Throughout the Seasons
As we mentioned before, California's mild climate and rich biodiversity create an environment where different native bee species can thrive in distinct seasons. Here's a look at how these bees operate throughout the year:
Spring (March-May): Spring is one of the busiest seasons for native bees in California. As the weather warms, many bee species, including bumblebees, mason bees, and sweat bees, become active. They're drawn to the abundance of flowering plants such as California poppies, lupines, and ceanothus. These bees are crucial for pollinating both wild plants and agricultural crops, as they emerge just in time to match the bloom period of many native flowers.
Summer (June - August): As spring fades into summer, other bee species become more prevalent. The hot, dry conditions favor bees that are well-adapted to less water, such as leafcutter bees. During summer, bees can be found pollinating a variety of drought-tolerant plants like yarrow, coyote mint, and sunflowers. These bees play a vital role in the ecosystem by supporting plant reproduction during a time when water availability is low.
Fall (September - November): In the fall, certain native bees are still quite active as they prepare for the upcoming winter. This period sees bees frequenting late-blooming flowers such as California fuchsia and goldenrod. Some bees start to reduce their activity as the days shorten and temperatures drop, while others, like some bumblebee species, remain active until hard frost signals the end of their foraging season.
Winter (December - February): Winter is a challenging time for most bees, but California's climate allows for some activity during the milder periods. Bees like the bumblebee queens that overwinter can occasionally be seen on warmer winter days. Plants such as manzanita and California holly (toyon) provide crucial resources during this time. These plants are important because they offer one of the few reliable food sources in winter, allowing certain bees to continue foraging during mild weather.
In each season, the native bees of California showcase incredible adaptability to their environment. By aligning their life cycles with various flowering periods, they help maintain the health and biodiversity of the state's ecosystems, making them indispensable components of California's natural landscape. Protecting these bees and their habitats is essential to ensuring the persistence of these critical pollination services.
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