- (Public Value) UCANR: Protecting California's natural resources
- Author: Lauren Fordyce
Are you noticing an abundance of cobwebs outside, on plants, fences, homes, or outdoor furniture?
While many people fear spiders or dislike their cobwebs, most spiders are beneficial to have around– even in the home! Spiders are predators of many insect pests and rarely cause harm to people. The only medically significant spiders in California are brown and black widows. While these spiders have the potential to cause harm, it is rare that they will bite, even in areas where they are very common. Like most spiders, they prefer to stay hidden and avoid people.
Some common web-spinning spiders you might encounter outdoors include:
- Funnel weavers: feed during the day and night near the ground in most types of vegetation, including low-growing plants and trees. Spin funnel-shaped webs, often with several-inch-wide, flat extension covering plants or soil.
- Sac spiders: spin silken tubes or sacs under bark, among leaves, and in low plants or on the ground, where they hide during the day or retreat after hunting. They are typically nocturnal, medium-sized, pale spiders with few markings.
- Garden spiders: feed on insects that fly, fall, or are blown into their web. Elaborate silken webs are spun in concentric circles.
- Dwarf spiders: prey on insects that fall, walk, or land in their web. They are diurnal (day active) spiders found in the plant canopy and among litter on the ground. Dwarf spiders produce sheetlike webs on the surface of plants or soil.
- Comb-footed spiders: feed on insects that walk or fly into their webs. They almost always are found hanging upside down by their claws in irregularly spun, sticky webs, waiting for prey. Generally they have a soft, round, bulbous abdomen and slender legs without spines.
Unwanted cobwebs can be swept, mopped, hosed, or vacuumed up. Insecticides should not usually be used against spiders outdoors and don't provide good control anyway.
For more information about spiders in and around the home, visit the Pest Notes: Spiders.
- Author: Daniel K Macon
Folks new to the world of working livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), whether they are producers or dog aficionados, often ask, “What's the best breed?” or “What breed is your dog?” I usually begin my answer with a joke: “He's a North American BWD – Big White Dog!” I then go on to explain that all of my successful dogs have usually been a mix of breeds, and that I put more emphasis on the working abilities of my dogs' parents and on desirable phenological traits (like a short coat) than I do on selecting specific breeds. My most recent dogs have all been mixes – Maremma-Anatolian, or Pyrnees-Akbash, for example. And I suspect that most working LGDs here in North America are not purebred – dogs that work in a production setting are also those who get to reproduce, regardless of whether they are purebred. Sometimes this breeding is intentional! A new paper published in iScience sheds light on the varied ancestries of modern livestock guardian dogs.
In “Multiple ancestries and shared gene flow among modern livestock guarding dogs,” the authors generated genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from 304 LGDs and combined it with public-genomic data from 2183 modern and 22 ancient dogs. Their analysis suggests shared ancestry and extensive gene flow among modern LGD breeds, which they attribute to historic livestock migrations.
The authors developed genome-wide SNP data from specific LGD breeds extended geographically from the Iberian Peninsula, through Europe, Italy, the Balkans, Western Asia, and Eastern Asia. While much of their analysis goes beyond my very simplistic understanding of genetics, their findings “strongly support the hypothesis that modern LGD breeds from East Asia and the rest of Eurasia are part of two lineages that have evolved independently for millennia.” I find this fascinating – humans who were raising livestock on rangelands in separate regions of the planet looked to dogs as protectors of their livestock! And they developed separate genetic lines with similar physical and behavioral traits!
Transhumance migration – the seasonal movement of people and livestock between high- and lowlands (following the feed) – seems to have played a significant role in the genetic flow between regionally-specificLGD breeds.Transhumance seems to have occurred across many cultures and geographic regions (and still persists today). The nomadic herders of the Mongolian steppes and the open-range sheep outfits of theIntermountain West would recognize eachother's day-to-day work.
Similar to today's Big White Dog breeding strategies, I can imagine multiple family groups taking their sheep and goats along adjacent (or overlapping) migration routes into (and back from) the high country. Perhaps my modern notions of livestock ownership doesn't exactly apply, but I suspect that each family would have tried to keep their livestock separate from the adjacent flocks. But the dogs would have mixed on the margins between these flocks! And they would have reproduced.
In his essay, “Let the Farm Judge,” Wendell Berry describes the powers of observation and adaptation employed by thousands of shepherds over thousands of years on the British Isles that allowed the development of 80 distinct sheep breeds and cross-breeds on a group of islands smaller than California. I can imagine similar observations and adaptations leading to LGD breeds in a transhumance system of livestock production. The dogs that stayed with their flocks – that protected livestock from wolves, brown bears, big cats, other dogs, and even 2-legged human predators – were noted by their owners. And allowed to reproduce – either with other dogs guarding the same flock, or with dogs guarding adjacent herds. If the offspring of these couplings didn't work, they left the gene pool.
The paper notes that reproductive management has not always been intentional in LGD breeds (nor is it today, for that matter). The authors' genetic analyses suggest that there is ongoing gene flow between LGD breeds and free-ranging dogs in specific geographic regions, stating, “Whereas breed clubs and registering bodies forbid dog owners from crossbreeding to dogs from other breeds for the purpose of maintaining traits, such restrictions are not imposed on working landrace populations and, as such, may be challenging to maintain in working dogs frequently left unattended.” In other words, dogs will be dogs – especially LGDs!
Finally, the authors discuss the relatively recent transition of some LGD breeds from working landraces to a registered system of pedigreed pets (notably the Great Pyrenees and Kuvasz breeds). In comparing pet dog genetics with those of working lines, the authors found a higher degree of inbreeding in pet dogs, likely reflective of the use of a handful of popular pedigreed sires.
These last two findings, as the authors indicate, suggest that selecting LGDs for specific guarding behaviors (attentiveness to surroundings, lack of prey drive, or submissiveness to livestock) and other factors (likelihood of roaming, or lack of aggressiveness towards people) may not be entirely (or even mostly) genetically based. In other words, reproductive isolation (that is, only breeding working LGDs to other working LGDs) may not the core mechanism for maintaining the specialized skills of LGDs. Assessing the behavior and performance of a prospective LGD during the puppy selection process becomes even more critical, given these findings – as does the bonding process. While I'm not suggesting that a well-managed bonding process will overcome poorly bred LGDs, this paper seems to confirm that genetics is just one part of a very complicated puzzle! It was a fascinating read!
Coutinho-Lima, D., et al., "Multiple ancestries and shared gene flow among modern livestock guarding dogs." iScience. 110396. August 16, 2024.
- Author: Barbra Braaten
Water is essential for any garden, but it's crucial to use water wisely in a place like California, where droughts are common. Effective water management can help home gardeners keep their plants healthy while conserving this precious resource. Thoughtful water management uses resources efficiently and sustainably to meet current and future needs. It involves planning, developing, distributing, and managing the optimum use of water to ensure plants survive and look good. By conserving water, home gardeners contribute to the preservation of local ecosystems and the sustainability of the environment.
Plant Water Use
Understanding how much water your plants need is the first step in effective water management. Different plants have different water requirements. For instance, succulents and cacti need less water than vegetables or fruit trees. It's important to group plants with similar water needs together. This way, you can avoid overwatering or underwatering specific plants. You can learn about plant water needs from plant labels, gardening books, or by reaching out to your local UC Master Gardener volunteers for support. Additionally, observing your plants and learning their symptoms of water stress, such as wilting or drooping leaves, can also help inform water management.
Watering Systems
Several watering systems can help manage water use in a garden. Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods. It delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Soaker hoses, porous hoses that seep water along their length, are another good option for watering garden beds. Traditional sprinklers can be used, but they are less efficient because they tend to waste water through evaporation and runoff. Newer, more advanced systems include weather-based controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, ensuring plants get the right amount of water without waste.
Irrigation Best Practices
Take a proactive role in water conservation by adopting best practices for irrigation. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening reduces evaporation, ensuring more water reaches the plants. Mulching the garden helps retain soil moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering. Regularly checking for leaks in the irrigation system and repairing them promptly can prevent water loss. Adjusting the watering schedule based on the season and weather conditions is also essential. During cooler months or after rainfall, plants need less water; in the hot summer, they may need more frequent watering.
Use Drought Tolerant Plants
One of the most environmentally responsible ways to conserve water in a garden is to use drought-tolerant and/or native plants. Drought tolerance reflects the ability of a plant to withstand less than optimal water supplies due to adaptive or avoidance mechanisms. While many native plants possess drought-tolerant traits and require less supplemental irrigation once established, many non-native plants Mediterranean-adapted plants also thrive on relatively lower water. It is important to remember that these plants require water regularly until their root structure is well established in landscape soil. Maintaining these plants with deep and infrequent irrigation once established is a great way to reduce landscape water use. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you're also providing habitat for local wildlife. This creates a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that thrives with less irrigation.
Best Practices for Keeping Plants Alive During a Drought
During a drought or under water restrictions, it's essential to prioritize how you use water in the garden. Focus on watering the most valuable and vulnerable plants first, such as shade trees and young trees. Slow, deep watering is more effective than frequent shallow watering. This involves watering to a depth slightly below the plant root zone which encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making plants more drought-tolerant. Reducing the size of your lawn or replacing it with drought-tolerant ground covers can also save significant amounts of water. Additionally, using shade cloth or temporary shading can help reduce water loss by protecting plants from intense sunlight.
By understanding plant water use, choosing suitable watering systems, adopting best irrigation practices, using drought-tolerant plants, and implementing drought survival strategies, California home gardeners can maintain a healthy and beautiful garden while conserving water. Water management is beneficial for your garden and the environment, and is an especially important practice for Californians. Your conscious efforts in water management contribute to the sustainability of our environment.
To learn more please reach out to your local UC Master Gardeners Program.
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- Author: DIANA CERVANTES
Llega la temporada de incendios y, aunque la mayoría de las personas saben que deben tomar ciertas medidas, pocas veces lo hacen. En la División de Agricultura y Recursos Naturales de la Universidad de California, este tema se toma muy en serio.
“Como bien sabemos, en nuestro estado los incendios son una amenaza constante y parte de los ecosistemas”, dijo Luca Carmignani, Ph.D., asesor contra incendios de UC ANR. “Hemos preparado una serie de videos con las formas más sencillas para proteger tu hogar”.
Luca explicó que, en un incendio, las brasas pueden ingresar a las viviendas a través de los respiraderos, siendo esta la razón por la que muchas casas se incendian. Para evitar esto, es necesario mantener la malla del respiradero en buen estado.
Otro aspecto importante para considerar es que los techos generalmente reciben la mayor cantidad de brasas durante los incendios. Por eso, es crucial mantenerlos limpios y libres de hojas o cualquier objeto que pueda obstruirlos.
Es fundamental que todos estemos preparados y tomemos las precauciones necesarias para proteger nuestros hogares y comunidades. Aquí te dejamos algunos consejos esenciales:
- Limpia el perímetro de tu hogar: Retira hojas secas, ramas y cualquier material inflamable que pueda servir de combustible.
- Crea una zona de seguridad: Mantén una distancia mínima de 30 pies de material inflamable alrededor de tu casa. Debe mantener las plantas lejos de cualquier combustible.
- Revise techos y canaletas: Asegúrate de que no haya acumulaciones de hojas en las canaletas y de que las ventanas estén bien selladas.
- Ventanas y Garaje: Se recomienda tener ventas de doble cristal porque las llamas pueden romper el vidrio y entrar en la casa; No olvide que los garajes regularmente tienen ventanas.
- Ten un plan de emergencia: Asegúrate de que todos en tu hogar sepan qué hacer y a dónde ir en caso de incendio.
- Mantente informado: Sigue las noticias locales y las recomendaciones de las autoridades en caso de un incendio cercano.
Recuerda, la prevención y la preparación pueden marcar la diferencia. Toma acción ahora y protege lo que más te importa.
Para ver los videos visita la página de YouTube de la División de Agricultura y Recursos Naturales de la Universidad de California https://www.youtube.com/user/ucanrspanish
- Author: Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Pesticides and fertilizers applied around homes, residential or commercial landscapes, school sites, and other areas can enter our creeks, rivers, and oceans, degrading water quality. While pesticides and fertilizers can be useful in controlling pests and helping plants grow, their overuse and misuse can harm the environment and human health.
To find out more, see our updated pages on urban pesticides, fertilizers, and water quality. These pages feature plain language definitions of toxicity and water quality and explanations of how pesticides and fertilizers get into our waterways. There's also information about how you can protect our creeks, rivers, and oceans when managing your home and landscape.
Learn about urban water quality at https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/urban-pesticides-fertilizers-and-water-quality/.
[Originally featured in the Summer 2024 edition of the Home and Garden Pest Newsletter]