- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
YSP is a six-week summer residential program that introduces several dozen high-achieving high school students to original research within the fields of biological, agricultural, environmental, or the natural sciences.
The lab of nematologist Shahid Siddique, associate professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, mentored Anderson Van Wang, a 17-year-old senior at California City High School, Kern County, and Mason Walline, now 18, and a senior at Harvard-Westlake School, Los Angeles.
Anderson worked with doctoral student Veronica Casey of the Siddique lab to investigate the effects of bacterial supernatant to plant parasitic nematodes. Walline worked with Ching-Jung Lin, a doctoral student in the Siddique lab and the lab of Professor Gitta Coaker, Department to Plant Pathology, to transiently express nematode proteins in the plant system.
Also mentoring them were Siddique and lab members Bardo Castro Esparza, a postdoctoral fellow; and Alison Blundell, a doctoral candidate.
Each scholar receives five units of University Group Study Credit. All work is graded. Not only do they engage in university-level course work, attend lectures, and work on their projects, but they experience “the climate and culture of living and learning on a university campus,” according to YSP director Megan Bettis.
Mason won second-place honors in the research competition, the "YSP Summer Slam" (Elevator Pitch or short-version), competing with some 35 other students. His topic: “Advancing Transient Nematode Peptide Expression: A Pathway to Co-Immunoprecipitation Optimization." Said Lin: "He delivered a compelling two-minute presentation with a single slide. His expertise and professionalism were evident, and he was awarded second-place among the six finalists."
Neither plans a career as a nematologist, but what an amazing program and what an amazing experience.
“Working in Dr. Shahid Siddique's lab was an absolutely amazing experience," Anderson said.
“The lab environment was very high energy and upbeat," said Mason. "I'm so glad I was a temporary part of such a strong and inclusive community.”
And they learned a lot about nematodes.
Siddique defines plant-parasitic nematodes as "destructive pests causing losses of billions of dollars annually. Economic, health, and environmental considerations make natural host plant resistance a preferred strategy for nematode control, but there are limitations to this approach. In many cases, the resistance conferred by resistance genes is partial, and some of the nematodes are able to survive. Similarly, nematode resistance genes are often effective against only one or a few species, whereas plants are exposed to several pathogens in the field. Another concern is the emergence of pathotypes that can overcome resistance. In view of all these limitations, it is important to identify additional mechanisms and tools that can be used to develop novel and sustainable approaches to the management of nematodes."
The 2025 YSP summer program is set June 22-Aug. 2, with applications opening Jan. 15. High school students can apply at https://ysp-app.ucdavis.edu/.
- Author: Bob Niklewicz, MG at the Fuller Park Rose Garden
The October Master Gardener's Rose Cycle chart (https://napamg.ucanr.edu/files/254549.pdf) has us continuing to deadhead and removing infected leaves that show yellowing, black spots, browning edges and/or have pests lurking among the blossoms and stems. The blossoms are coming slower and in fewer numbers. Enjoy what is out there for the next couple of months.
Many of our bushes have suffered from the elevated heat, and diminished watering. Leaves have turned brown, look wilted and/or just fell off to preserve the moisture in the bush. Many leaves look dull and are no longer glossy. Don't be surprised or feel bad that the rose garden has the same problems you have in your yard. This too, is part of the rose cycle and nature.
Now is the time to handle the heat issues and to watch out for signs of delayed heat stress that caused the leaves to yellow or be susceptible to black spots and pests. Pick off those infected leaves that haven't fallen off the branches as well as those that are on the ground and put them in the city compost bins to reduce the spread of fungus. Remember to sterilize your pruners after each bush to reduce the spread of the black spots.
Keep watering the bushes a couple of times a week with about a gallon per plant during these cooler days. If we do get another hot period, add another day of watering.
The bushes will be starting to store nutrients in the roots for the winter. The last dose of organic fertilizer should have already been done, but if it hasn't, follow the dosing instructions on the packages and do it now.
ROSE of the MONTH: 'Firefighter'
The 'Firefighter' is a very popular rose in our garden. It is a hybrid tea with wonderful full and dark red blooms. It is great for cuttings with a wonderful fragrance. Though it is supposed to be thornless, it still gets some. It is disease resistant and a rose with a classic look.
It can grow to 6' tall if you let it and easily 3-4' across. It does great in our Zone 9 climate.
Remember when pruning to toss that plant debris into your city compost bin and not your own compost pile. The Napa City compost center produces higher temperatures to destroy the spores while your backyard pile will not do so. When it comes time to add mulch, consider getting it from the Napa Recycling & Composting Facility.
If you have questions about the Fuller Park Rose Garden and the Master Gardeners (MGs) who maintain that Rose Garden, the MGs are usually in the garden the first Sunday and third Thursday of each month between 10:00 and 12:00, weather permitting.
Napa Master Gardeners are available to answer garden questions by email: mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org. or phone at 707-253-4143. Volunteers will get back to you after they research answers to your questions. You can also go to our Master Gardener website: napamg.ucanr.edu for more details.
Photos by Bob Niklewicz
Dear Colleagues,
As you've undoubtedly seen in news reports for the past several months, our society continues to become more polarized. One aspect of that has been a back-pedaling by many corporations from expanded goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). One of those companies is a long-time partner that is a major supporter of youth development programs nationwide, including 4-H. Tractor Supply Company, Inc., recently issued a statement expressing a new focus on “activities and giving” connected to their mission and away from other initiatives.
In response to this statement, and amidst concerns expressed by some members within the communities we serve, UC ANR and our 4-H Youth Development Program affirm our mission to serve all youth in every county in the state of California as well as our commitment to DEI goals. We also recognize that every business has the right to conduct its business affairs in a manner consistent with their needs and goals so long as they are within the law and common decency. Although Tractor Supply's action is disappointing to many in our community, UC ANR joins with the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees in maintaining our relationship with the company at this time.
The challenge we face is that this is a very polarizing issue and there is no position we can take that will satisfy everyone. Questions have been raised as to why are we taking this position and how is it different from the decision we made to sever relationships with the National Rifle Association (NRA) in 2018? While both issues fall into how best to adhere to our belief in the First Amendment guarantee of free speech, the key difference between the two falls into a careful balance of how to also live up to our values, particularly our UC ANR Principles of Community.
In 2018, our decision was to “…part ways with the NRA now because they have become a polarizing, divisive force across the U.S. and their recent treatment of young adults does not align with 4-H values on civic engagement.” Contrary to the violent rhetoric that NRA leadership was using, the recent message from Tractor Supply emphasized their ongoing commitment to their corporate values and was offered in a courteous manner.
I believe we should view this as a teachable moment for ourselves, for the 4-H program, and all others who may be affected. A great article in The Conversation recently highlighted that Americans love free speech, survey finds − until they realize everyone else has it, too:
“As the founders knew, a respect for diverse viewpoints and the ability to express those views – good, bad and harmful alike – in the public sphere are essential to a healthy democracy.”
As one of the nation's largest youth development programs, California 4-H continues to stand behind the integrity of our research-based resources that produce hands-on learning in science, agriculture, health and well-being, leadership development and civic engagement. 4-H does not endorse or oppose any legislation or political stance. The challenge and the opportunity we face is how to best instill critical thinking among our youth as part of helping them grow to their fullest potential and to develop as leaders.
The best way we move forward to a more positive future for all is to engage with those we may have a difference of opinion with; we need to build community, not cut off those with different positions. Toward the shared goal of seeing our young people thrive, I hope we can continue to find the common ground upon which we can nurture and support all California youth. For more information, visit the California 4-H website using https://4h.ucanr.edu/contactus/County/.
Sincerely,
Glenda Humiston
Vice President
- Author: Sandipa Gautam
Lindcove REC recently organized a “Citrus Workshop for Hanford FFA Students” reinforcing our dedication to Youth Outreach and Education to nurture the future generation of agriculturists. On September 18, 2024, Sophomore students from Hanford High School visited LREC. Throughout the day, they engaged in various activities aimed at connecting research to with practical solutions for growers. The event started with Dr. Ashraf El-Kereamy, Director of the LREC Center, who provided an overview of LREC's history and its continuing commitment to cooperative extension. Dr. Kereamy discussed different projects hosted at the LREC facility and the commitment of LREC to pioneering a tech-advanced future of farming. Dr. Sandipa Gautam, IPM Advisor shared research and extension program focused on integrated management of citrus pests important to California growers. The bud-grafting demonstration shown by Gerry was a highlight of the day. Donald Cleek, Superintendent at LREC gave students an overview of the packline and a tour where students learned about how fruit is sorted, graded, and packed. Students also visited CUPS facility, the first of its kind citrus growing under protective screen in California.
Ashraf El-Kereamy giving an overview of Lindcove REC.
Donald Cleek lecturing on LREC activities
Gerry demonstrating bud-grafting
After a lunch break, the class was guided through hands-on activities in the Entomology lab, where they evaluated an insect, citricola scale, under the dissecting scope. During the activity in the fruit quality lab students learned from Abigail Frolli about characters that determine fruit quality and the ways to evaluate quality. In the fruit physiology lab, students learned from Dr. Ashraf El-Kereamy and Tariq Pervaiz on evaluating effects of treatments of physiological parameters like photosynthesis.
Entomology Lab; hands on experience
Packline tour
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Wings up! Let's go!
The monarch fall migration is underway.
"Unlike most other insects in temperate climates, monarch butterflies cannot survive a long cold winter. Instead, they spend the winter in roosting spots," explains Monarch Watch. "Monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains travel to small groves of trees along the California coast. Those east of the Rocky Mountains fly farther south to the forests high in the mountains of Mexico. The monarch's migration is driven by seasonal changes. Daylength and temperature changes influence the movement of the monarch."
"In all the world, no butterflies migrate like the monarchs of North America. They travel much farther than all other tropical butterflies, up to three thousand miles. They are the only butterflies to make such a long, two-way migration every year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees. Their migration is more the type we expect from birds or whales. However, unlike birds and whales, individuals only make the round-trip once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the following fall."
Have you seen any migratory monarchs? It's basically a "no" for our scientists at the Bohart Museum of Entomology , UC Davis.
- UC Davis distinguished professor emerita Lynn Kimsey, who directed the Bohart Museum for 34 years until she retired Feb.1: No.
- Bohart Museum associate and UC Davis School of Medicine employee Greg Kareofelas: No. "I still have not seen a monarch (but I have not been 'out and about' much this summer)
- Jeff Smith, curator of the Bohart Museum's Lepidoptera collection: Maybe. "I may have seen 1 monarch in my yard (Rocklin) yesterday (Sept. 16) as a fly-by."
It's not so rosy in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), according to Washington State University entomologist David James, who studies migratory monarchs.
On Aug. 31, he posted this on his Facebook page, "Monarchs in the Pacific Northwest": One month ago, things were looking very rosy in the PNW monarch world with an 82% increase in sightings during June and July compared to the same months in 2023. Sadly, things are now not so rosy if the number of reported sightings are a good barometer of what's happening out there (and they have been in the past few years). During August 2023 there were 172 confirmed monarch sightings in the PNW. This year there has only been 108 and most of these (80%) were in the first two weeks. The second half of August has seen very few monarchs reported in the PNW. I-Naturalist, the reporting site most used by monarch recorders, has had NO monarch sightings posted in OR, WA, ID or BC since August 12-16. This is concerning because the second half of August into September is when the third PNW-bred generation should be emerging and migrating. There is still time for sightings to pick up and hopefully they will. So please keep watching and reporting your sightings to I-Naturalist or Journey North."
One of his WSU-tagged monarchs (from citizen scientist Steve Johnson) fluttered into our garden on Sept. 6, 2016 from Ashland, Ore. (See Bug Squad)
Hoping to see another tagged monarch.
Migrating monarchs began arriving in our Vacaville pollinator garden this year on Sept. 17 for some flight fuel on their way to their overwintering spots in coastal California.
They love the Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola. It's a great fall nectar source...and the colors are a perfect match...
Wings up! Let's go!