- (Public Value) UCANR: Protecting California's natural resources
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
As gardeners, we're often generous with our garden's bounty. From sharing seeds and plant trimmings to the joy of gifting homegrown fruit and vegetables, gardening is as much about community as it is about growing plants. However, in this season of sharing, we must also remember our responsibility to prevent the spread of pests and invasive species to protect California's diverse ecosystem.
First detected in California in 2008, Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) has been a concern for both commercial citrus growers and home gardeners. ACP poses a significant threat to California's citrus trees, capable of spreading the deadly huanglongbing (HLB) disease, an incurable condition that eventually kills the tree.
Detecting ACP involves looking for a few key characteristics. ACP is a tiny, mottled brown insect about the size of an aphid. Adults are typically 3 to 4 millimeters long and are identified by their distinctive body shape, where the head is narrower than the body, and they hold their wings tent-like over their bodies. They are most active during warm temperatures, and you might notice them jumping or flying when disturbed. The nymphs, the immature form of the psyllid, are yellowish-orange and secrete white, waxy tubules from the back of their abdomen.
Additionally, ACP leaves telltale signs on citrus leaves, such as twisted or curled new leaf growth. They are sap-feeders, like aphids and mealybugs, so they produce honeydew which leads to the growth of sooty mold. Regularly inspecting your citrus trees, especially the new growth, is key to early detection of ACP.
Recent updates to the USDA's Plant Protection and Quarantine citrus map highlights areas that are generally infested with ACP and those which are not. This distinction is crucial for understanding the regulations and eradication efforts in different regions across the state. To find detailed quarantine information by county or zones, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) ACP Regulation and Quarantine Boundaries website and maps.
Looking at the map pictured above, areas in the southern region of California, south of the Grapevine or San Gabriel and Tehachapi Mountain Ranges, and as far up the coast as Santa Barbara County are considered generally infested. The CDFA does not carry out eradication efforts for ACP in these areas. In areas north of the Grapevine, an ACP detection on a residential citrus tree would trigger an eradication response from the CDFA.
As we approach the holiday season, a popular time for gardeners to share budwood for grafting, it's crucial to understand the importance of not moving citrus planting material between quarantine areas. It is especially important not to move budwood or citrus from Southern California or the Bay Area into California's Central Valley.
To aid in this effort, UC Master Gardener Program resources are available to help educate you about identifying ACP and understanding the quarantine regulations. Here are some key actions you can take:
- Only purchase new citrus trees from reputable nurseries.
- Do not accept tree cuttings or budwood from friends or family.
- After pruning or removing a citrus tree, dry out the green waste or double bag it to help ensure the green waste is disposed of appropriately.
- Control ants in and near citrus trees with bait stations. Scientists have released natural enemies of ACP in Southern California to help keep the pest in check, but ants aid ACP in evading the natural enemies.
The UC Agriculture and Natural Resources ACP website offers an interactive map tool, biological control efforts, and an online calculator for the potential costs of using insecticides. Additionally, the Statewide UC Integrated Pest Management website provides free online training for gardeners and detailed Pest Notes on ACP and HLB disease. Remember, inspecting your citrus trees is vital to prevent the spread of ACP and HLB. If you suspect an infestation, contact the CDFA Exotic Pest Hotline at 1 (800) 491-1899 or your local county agricultural commissioner.
Let's continue to share the bounties of our gardens, but let's do so responsibly, keeping our citrus trees safe and healthy. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against ACP and HLB.
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest that poses a great threat to California's agriculture. It was first discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since taken the east coast by storm, causing damage to many plant species and proving to be difficult to control. Although this pest hasn't been found in California, it is important to keep an eye out to catch an invasion early.
What does the spotted lanternfly look like?
The SLF adult is about 1 inch in length with grayish wings, black spots, and red hind wings. Egg masses are laid in the fall on the east coast and resemble splotches of mud. They are often laid on smooth surfaces like branches, rocks, or outdoor furniture. Early nymphs are very small, wingless, and black with white spots. The last nymphal stage is 1/2 inch long and red with white and black markings.
What damage does the spotted lanternfly cause?
On the east coast, the spotted lanternfly's preferred host is the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it will also feed heavily on grapes, maples, willows, and birch trees. SLF feeds on plant sap and excretes honeydew, which can cause sooty mold to grow on leaves and fruit. It is known to kill black walnut saplings, tree-of-heaven, and grapevines. However, for most other plants SLF is considered a plant stressor and healthy plants can usually tolerate feeding.
What can you do to help keep the spotted lanternfly out?
Spotted lanternfly is easily transported to new areas as egg masses on firewood, stone, cars, and furniture. Check vehicles and trailers when traveling to areas where SLF has been confirmed. Inspect items purchased or shipped from these areas, and don't move firewood. Familiarize yourself with the various ways that SLF egg masses may appear and report any potential sightings to the CDFA Pest Hotline: 1-800-491-1899.
If you want to learn more, visit the UC IPM Spotted Lanternfly page and consider taking the California Master Gardener Spotted Lantern Fly training module.
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
Soil quality is critical to healthy plants and is a vital part of our living ecosystem. Soil is alive with organisms; their populations change depending on what is added, how the soil is used, and environmental conditions. Soil health, much like our own, is best improved gradually over time so focusing on regular or constant improvement helps achieve and sustain soil health. Do you have a soil problem in your garden? Below are some of the most common soil problems and how to fix them.
First, it is important to know what type of soil you have. According to the UC Master Gardener Handbook, good soil is 25% Air, 25% Water, 5% Organic Matter and 45% Mineral Matter. Soils are classified by the size of soil particles. Soil Particles range from large or “Sandy” to medium or “Loamy” to very fine or “Clay” with Loam being considered the best for growing plants. Get to know your soil and soil type with tips from the UC Master Gardener Program of Marin County.
Common home garden soil problems:
- Over-watering –Check your soil, is it soggy? If yes, you may be overwatering your plants. Heavy watering can drown plants when the soil becomes too saturated and forces out vital oxygen. Once you know your soil type, you can test your soil moisture to see if it is above capacity using the “Estimating soil water by feel” table.
- Over fertilizing – Plants primarily get their nutrients from soil and from added amendments (such as finished compost.) Some nutrients might also come from water. Most ornamental plants get what they need for healthy growth on their own, so gardeners should watch plants for signs they need to be fertilized instead of automatically applying based on a schedule. Food gardens on the other hand can benefit from regular application of Nitrogen.
Signs of over fertilizing:
- Crust of fertilizer on top of soil
- Brown leaf tips
- Yellow, wilting lower leaves
- Brown or black roots
- Slow or no growth
- Leaves falling off
- Poor soil tilth – Soil tilth refers to a soil's texture, structure, and organic matter content. Good soil tilth supports healthy root growth, water movement through the soil, introduction of air into the soil, and beneficial microorganisms. Poor soil tilth lacks these things and appears quite lifeless. Maintain good soil tilth by avoiding soil compaction, aerating soil, avoiding tilling, using green-waste as a garden top-dressing for your soil, and mulching.
- Nematodes and soil-borne diseases– Nematodes are microscopic, eel-like round worms. The first sign of a nematode infestation will include wilting during the hottest part of the day, even with adequate soil moisture. Infected plants might lose their vigor and have yellowing leaves, will grow more slowly, produce fewer and smaller leaves and fruit, and may die.Soil contains many other living organisms, including plant pathogens and diseases that attack plants. If you suspect a soil-borne pest or disease UC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a wonderful resource to help identify and get information on next steps.
Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program
Growing and supporting soil health is something all of us can contribute to whether we have a full landscape to work in, a small patio, or a community garden plot. For gardening help and local county resources, click here to Find a Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE about your gardening zone, pests, composting, and the soil in your area.
Follow us all week on Facebook or Twitter, or by using the hashtags #HealthySoilsWeek2022 and #HSW2022. For more UC ANR information about healthy soils for a healthy California visit: ucanr.edu/sites/soils.
Resources:
- California Garden Web: https://ucanr.edu/sites/gardenweb/Vegetables/?uid=26&ds=462
- UC Master Gardeners of Marin County, Soils Basics: https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/BASICS/SOIL_813/
- UC Master Gardeners of Tulare & Kings Counties, Nematodes in the Garden: https://ucanr.edu/datastoreFiles/268-861.pdf
| Estimating soil water by feel | ||||
| TEXTURE | ||||
| Coarse (sand, loamy sand) | Moderately coarse (sandy or silt loam) | Medium (loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, silt, sandy clay) | Fine (clay. silty clay or light clay) | |
| At field capacity contains: (mm available moisture per meter of soil) |
60-100 | 100-150 | 150-200 | 200-250 |
| SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT | ||||
| Above field capacity | Water appears when soil is bounced in hand. | Water released when soil is kneaded. | Can squeeze out of water. | Puddles and water form on surface. |
| Field capacity | Upon squeezing no free water appears on soil but wet outline of ball is left on hand. | |||
| 75-100% available moisture | Tends to stick together slightly. Sometimes forms a weak ball under pressure. | Forms weak ball, breaks easily, will not slick. | Forms a ball and is very pliable, slicks readily if relatively high in clay. | Easily forms a ribbon between fingers, has a slicky feeling. |
| 50-75% available moisture | Appears to be dry, will not form a ball under pressure. | Tends to ball under pressure but seldom hold together. | Forms a ball, somewhat plastic, sometimes slicks slightly with pressure. | Forms a ball, ribbons out between thumb and forefinger. |
| 25-50% available moisture | Appears to be dry, will not form a ball under pressure. | Appears to be dry, will not form a ball under pressure. | Somewhat crumbly, but forms a ball. | Somewhat pliable. Will form a ball under pressure. |
| 0-25% available moisture | Dry, loose single-grained. Flows through fingers. | Dry, loose. Flows through fingers. | Powdery, dry, sometimes slightly crusted, but easily broken down into powder. | Looks moist but will not quite form a ball. |
| Source: Irrigation Practice and Water Management (1984) | ||||
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
Learn and celebrate Healthy Soils Week with the UC Master Gardener Program and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)! Healthy Soils Week takes place Dec. 5-9 and is full of educational opportunities that celebrate and learn about the many benefits of improving the health and resilience of California's soil.
This year the UC Master Gardener Program, UC ANR and the CDFA are hosting free events across the state. Join us all week for exciting, free healthy-soil activities on the farm, in the garden and at home. Find a full list of partners participating in Healthy Soils Week and a calendar of this year's online activities at: cdfa.ca.gov/healthysoilsweek.
2022 Healthy Soils Week Event Highlights
- Monday, December 5 — 10:00 am.
WEBINAR: Building Belowground Biodiversity
Webinar with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross and members of the Belowground Biodiversity Advisory Committee (BBAC). The committee is made up of world-renowned scientists seeking to better understand how soil biodiversity may impact soil health. The BBAC is tasked with preparing a report of their recommendations on biodiversity indicators as a proxy of soil health and ecosystem functions. This webinar will discuss the importance and impact of belowground biodiversity on soil health and presenters will also share some of the work they have completed. - Tuesday, December 6 — 10:00 am.
Facebook LIVE with the UC Master Gardener Program - Healthy Soil: In Nature Sometimes Less Is More
Understanding the nature and composition of soil is the first step in our understanding of how to achieve sustainable, healthy soil in our gardens.
Speaker: Mike Corby, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Contra Costa County. (No registration required.) - Weds., December 7 — 10:00 am
Facebook LIVE with the UC Master Gardener Program - Harnessing the Magic of the Soil Food Web: Turning Dirt into Gold
Soil is the foundation for life providing habitat, recycling wastes and toxins, providing structural and nutritional support for plants. Over the past 150 years, more industrial practices have replaced natural methods that degrade soil structure and degrade populations of soil organisms, weakening the natural control of soil borne diseases and pests. This has contributed to a reliance on the use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. These chemicals not only affect the soil, but the biodiversity of organisms that rely on the soil and the plants that grow in it. Nurturing soil is one of the best things you can do as a gardener. Plants thrive in soil that is teeming with life. Learn why this really matters and how to modify your soils to improve plant health and reduce disease and pests. (No registration required.)
Speaker: Kit Veerkamp, UC Master Gardener Volunteer in El Dorado County.
Weds., December 7 — 11:00 am
NRCS Webinar: Web Soil Survey Presentation
Hosted by California NRCS, the Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world. NRCS has soil maps and data available online for more than 95 percent of the nation's counties. Moderated and presented by Phil Smith, California NRCS Area Resource Soil Scientist, and Tony Rolfes, California State Soil Scientist. This is a presentation on WSS and other Soil Web Tools for gathering soils information and maps. - Thurs., December 8
UC Master Gardener Statewide Blog Post: Tips to Improve your Garden Soil
- Friday, December 9 — 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Healthy Soils Program Demonstration Field Day in Salinas
Demonstrations from the University of California Cooperative Extension, California State University Monterey Bay, Central Coast Water Board, and the resource conservation districts of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Morning and afternoon sessions will be available. (Registration is required.)
Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program
Growing and supporting soil health is something all of us can contribute to whether we have a full landscape to work in, a small patio, or a community garden plot. For more gardening help and local county resources, click here to Find a Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE about your gardening zone, pests, composting, and the soil in your area.
Follow us all week on Facebook or Twitter, or by using the hashtags #HealthySoilsWeek2022 #HSW2022.
- Author: Lauren Snowden
UC Master Gardener Program partner PlantRight had an information packed LIVE talk about their efforts to phase out invasive plants in California. Alex Stubblefield, PlantRight project manager led the LIVE talk featuring their mission, partners, work and what we can do to help stop invasive plants. If you didn't get to join us LIVE you can watch the video below.
Here is a quick written recap of the LIVE talk:
What is an invasive plant?
An invasive plant is a plant that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. Visit PlantRight's website for more detail.
What's the problem?
Invasive plants harm California's environment and economy in many ways. They can overtake crops or rangeland; harm wildlife by eliminating plants they need for food and shelter; clog waterways used for commerce or recreation; and increase fire hazards and flood risk.
What's the alternative?
There is no shortage of superior alternatives. The vast majority of garden plants are well behaved and will never become an invasive problem. Our plant list includes several suggested alternatives for each invasive plant.
How can I help?
Be a part of the solution by planting right. Whether you are a retail nursery, grower, landscape professional, or home gardener — everyone can play a critical role in preventing the spread of invasive plants. PlantRight has many educational resources and materials available online to read and share.
Plants to watch!
Although the list of plants PlantRight is currently working with is not all-inclusive there is a list of plants to watch. Find the current list of plants to watch on their website.
LIVE Series
To see past LIVE talks and what is coming up please visit the LIVE series web page.
Attention UC Master Gardener Volunteers: Whether you join LIVE or watch the recording, be sure to record your continuing education hours in the Volunteer Management System.
