- Author: Pershang Hosseini
- Author: Bradley Hanson
- Author: Mohsen B. Mesgaran
- Posted by: Gale Perez
California is the largest producer of processing tomato in the US (Winans et al. 2020). However, the profitability of the tomato industry in California is seriously threatened due to the presence of the parasitic weed branched and Egyptian broomrape (https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=50241). These weeds can severely damage the host reducing the aerial biomass and leaf chlorophyll content (Mauromicale et al. 2008) with yield losses of up to 80% (Eizenberg and Goldwasser 2018).
Broomrape produces hundreds of thousands of tiny seeds (0.2 – 0.4 mm), which can be transported easily by humans, water, wind, and animals (Eizenberg et al. 2012; Ginman et al. 2015). Farm machinery (e.g. harvesters) is one of the most important ways of dispersal of broomrape seeds in tomato (Hershenhorn et al. 2009; Rubiales and Fernández-Aparicio 2012). Because of its highly mechanized cropping system, dispersal by farm machinery is particularly concerning in California. Movement of farm equipment between plots of the same farm or between farms is very common, which if contaminated, the equipment can facilitate both the short- and long-distance dispersal of broomrape seeds. Because there are currently limited methods to control this quarantine pests, reducing the spread to new fields is a very high priority for the tomato industry. Ideally, farming implements used in an infested field should be cleaned and sanitized before entering other fields or farms. The first step for equipment sanitation is physical removal of plant and soil residues. After debris is removed with compressed air and power washing, the next step involves using effective disinfecting chemicals to kill any broomrape seeds that might be left on the equipment (Osipitan et al. 2021). See attachment below for a current “Best Management Guidelines” developed by our research collaborators.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are surface-active chemicals that are widely used as sanitation solutions in the food processing industry, disinfectants, fabric softeners and cosmetics (Martínez-Carballo et al. 2007). We tested the efficacy of various quaternary ammonium compound's ability to prevent the germination of branched and Egyptian broomrape seeds with the goal of finding a material to disinfect farm machinery.
A three-parameter log-logistic model was used to characterize the seed germination responses of both branched and Egyptian broomrape to different sanitation doses across three exposure durations of 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours (Figure 1 and Table 1). All three chemical compounds (ADAC, DDAB, and DDAC) displayed a significant effect on seed germination of both broomrape species seeds, and complete prevention was achieved with the three tested exposure durations when these chemicals were applied at the maximum rate, i.e., 1% w/v. However, ED50 values of all disinfectants decreased with increased exposure duration in both broomrape species. In ADAC, for example, a concentration of 0.216% (w/v) was required to provide a 50% reduction in branched broomrape seed germination when seeds were exposed to this chemical for 10 minutes. In contrast, only 0.0006% (w/v) was enough to give the same level of reduction in seed germination when exposure duration increased to 24 hours. The same trend was observed with the two other products DDAB and DDAC, across both broomrape species. A comparison of ED50 values between the two broomrape species indicated that these ammonium compounds could halt germination in Egyptian broomrape seeds at lower concentrations compared to branched broomrape seeds suggesting greater sensitivity of Egyptian broomrape seeds to ammonium compounds (Table 1).
Sanitation of farm equipment before entering other farms can help reduce the introduction of broomrape seeds to non-infested fields. Quaternary ammonium compounds are widely used as disinfectants and have been found to be effective for broomrape seed eradication. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of other sanitizer classes (e.g., peracetic acid, acid-anionic sanitizers, fatty acid sanitizers, biguanide, and peroxides), which are used in the food industry and have been found to be more effective than quaternary ammonium compounds in sterilizing surfaces (Bernardi et al. 2019). Furthermore, a shorter exposure time needs to be evaluated for equipment sanitation in further studies.
Because broomrape is a relatively new pest in the US, few sanitizer products specifically list broomrape on the label and this is, technically, and pesticidal use. Before using quaternary ammonium or any other sanitizing agent to aid in broomrape mitigation, please check with your local Agricultural Commissioner to verify that it is an acceptable use in your area.
We would like to thank the California Tomato Research Institute and the California Department of Food and Agriculture for funding this research.
From the Weed Technology 36(5): 723-728. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/wet.2022.74
Pershang Hosseini (perhosseini@ucdavis.edu) is a postdoctoral scholar in Brad Hanson's Lab at UC Davis.
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- Author: Denise Godbout-Avant
Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist for Home Gardeners
UC's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Home, Garden, Turf and Landscape Pests Quick Link has a Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist which is a wonderful resource with monthly checklists within your selected county/region to help guide you how to keep your landscapes healthy.
https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/landscapechecklist/
Topics include common pest problems to look out for, preventative measures, and links to more information. You can also subscribe to receive an automated monthly list by email.
December and January Lists
I reviewed the December and January checklists for Stanislaus County. The following are some topics listed and additional appropriate links:
- Frost – Temperatures sometimes drop to freezing during the winter months. Cold temperature can kill bark, buds, flowers, and shoots, so protect sensitive plants from frost. To increase a soil's ability to absorb heat rake away mulch to expose the ground around the base of the plant. If frost is expected irrigate the soil (if there hasn't been any rain recently) at least three days prior. You can also cover sensitive plants overnight with cloth or similar material other than plastic but leave covers open at the bottom so heat from soil can help warm plants and remove covers during the daytime. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/frostdamage.html
- Irrigation – Always adjust your watering schedule according to the weather. We have had a very wet December, which followed an atmospheric river storm in October. So, gardens have needed little to no irrigation lately, depending on your soil type. Overirrigation can lead to root rot. Resume irrigation if storms diminish during the remainder of the winter (let's hope it remains wet!). If there is an extended dry spell during upcoming winter months, irrigate infrequently and deeply. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/homegarden/irrigating/
- Clean up – Remove old fruit and nuts in and under trees to avoid harboring pests. Also rake up fallen leaves beneath deciduous fruit trees and roses (but leave the leaves elsewhere in your yard for beneficial overwintering insects including butterflies and bees). http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/CULTURAL/sanitation.html
- Prune – Trees and shrubs that need pruning including apple, crepe myrtle, pear, rose, spirea, and stone fruits (exception are apricot and cherry trees which can harbor certain pests, i.e. shothole borer, which should be pruned in the summer). Remove dead and diseased wood. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/homegarden/pruning/
- Mistletoe – Mistletoes are parasitic plants that absorb nutrients and water from a host tree. Healthy trees can tolerate a few branches infected with mistletoe, but a heavy infestation could ultimately kill a tree, particularly if the tree is stressed or unhealthy. With leaves having dropped during fall months from deciduous trees, mistletoe is visible on the now-bare trees, and thus can be removed easily. Remove branches at least a foot below the mistletoe attachment before it produces seeds that will infest other limbs and trees. Since mistletoe often infects many trees on the same street, a neighborhood effort to remove all mistletoe from any trees on the block will help reduce continued spread in the area. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/QT/mistletoecard.html
- Peach leaf curl –If leaf curl has been an issue on your peach or nectarine plants apply preventive spray once or more times until bud break. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/QT/peachleafcurlcard.html
- Bare root plants – Now is the time to plant bare root deciduous trees, shrubs, and vines, including roses, fruit, nuts and grapes. Select species and cultivars that are appropriate for the site it is being planted. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/homegarden/planting/
This compilation is a partial overview of the lists I reviewed. Check out the January seasonal landscape checklist for your area to see which tasks you need to do. Then bundle up, get your garden tools, and go outside (preferably on a sunny day!) to do the necessary winter maintenance chores in your garden. You and your landscape will be rewarded for your cold weather efforts come spring.
Denise Godbout-Avant has been a UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardener since July 2020.
/h3>- Author: Elaine Lander
With the recent time change along with a change in temperatures, landscaping practices for pests need some adjusting too. We're sharing a few recommended tasks to help prevent insect pests, diseases, and environmental disorders in landscapes. Looking for additional tips? You can subscribe to our Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist for monthly landscaping reminders delivered straight to your email inbox.
Frost Protection
Irrigation
Adjusting water schedules is an important part of integrated pest management. Different plants have different watering needs and too much or too little water can damage or kill plants. Reduce irrigation frequency or turn off automated systems if rainfall is adequate or irrigate deeply if the weather is dry. Learn more about irrigating fruit and shade trees and shrubs on our website.
Prune
Deciduous trees and shrubs such as apple, crape myrtle, pear, and peach need to be pruned to maintain their structure and health. Proper pruning can also help manage and prevent certain pests. Our website has plant-specific pruning information for a number of fruit, nut, and landscape trees. Be sure to remove dead, diseased, and borer-infested wood.
Sanitation
Now is the time to clean up old fruit and nuts under trees to avoid harboring pests. Removing fallen leaves from beneath fruit trees and roses will also help reduce insect and disease problems. This practice of sanitation is a key component of integrated pest management to prevent and reduce pests. See our website for additional sanitation tips in your landscapes and gardens.
We're looking for your feedback! Please consider taking a quick, anonymous survey to help us serve you better: https://bit.ly/2ZJJVEI
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As many people you know have turned to baking during quarantine, it is likely that ingredients such as flour will continue to be in high demand. While you may be tempted to stock up when you find these ingredients, you should also consider how to properly store your ingredients to prevent pests.
General housekeeping practices can also help prevent or reduce pest problems. Tasks such as wiping down counter tops, cleaning off pantry shelves, and cleaning up spilled food or dirty dishes will remove potential food sources that can be attractive to kitchen and pantry pests. Combine prevention and sanitation IPM approaches to keep the cookies and bread coming and the pests away.
- Author: Elaine Lander
Spring has arrived and with many Californians at home due to local coronavirus directives, now could be an opportune time for some spring cleaning. This annual ritual also has the benefit of preventing and reducing indoor pests.
Cleaning and decluttering removes access to food, water, and shelter for pests such as ants, cockroaches, pantry pests, mice, and spiders. Here are a few tips to help you prevent pests and reduce potential pest infestations.
Kitchens and Pantries
- Wipe down countertops, clean off pantry shelves, and keep dry goods in tightly sealed containers to prevent pantry pests, cockroaches, and ants.
- Clean up spilled food or dirty dishes to remove potential food sources.
- Mop and vacuum floors to remove food and debris.
- Use sticky traps or pheromone traps to monitor and detect cockroaches and pantry pests.
Living Spaces and Closets
- Vacuum floors, especially along baseboards, and beneath furniture to reduce or prevent infestations of clothes moths, fleas, carpet beetles, and other pests.
- Launder bedding, blankets, cushion covers and other washable articles to kill clothes moths and carpet beetles. Clean fabrics are also less attractive to pests.
- Reduce clutter to remove hiding places and make pest infestations easier to spot.
Storage Areas Indoors and Out
- Store pet food in closed airtight containers, rinse empty beverage containers, and secure lids on garbage containers to reduce ants, rats, and opossums.
- Seal cracks and openings in foundations and around pipes, wires, and vents to reduce access to garages, basements, or attics by rats, mice, or raccoons.
- Organize belongings in airtight containers such as plastic bins. Store off the floor and away from walls to reduce clutter in storage areas and deny access to pests like carpet beetles, mice, and spiders.
- Use snap traps to control rats and mice indoors.
For more information on indoor and outdoor pests, visit the UC IPM website.
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