- Author: Cris L. Johnson
Dr. Smith earned his B.S. in genetics at UC Davis while performing biochemical research on herbicide tolerance in glyphosate-resistant tomato cells, and subsequently received an M.S. in Biology for his work on Citrus Tristeza Virus at Long Beach State University. At the University of Nebraska, his research encompassed biochemical characterization of regulatory proteins ("kinases/phosphatases") involved in carbon-fixation, and wound-induced systemic signaling and gene expression in plants, culminating in a Ph.D. in biological sciences.
After completing his doctorate, he did postdoctoral research in sequence-structure computational analyses of protein kinases ("molecular switches"), and development of database resources for protein kinase information, at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California San Diego. He spent the next 14 years serving as the executive director for the National Biomedical Computation Resource, and the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at UCSD. Prior to joining UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Dr. Smith served as the associate vice provost for research at Rice University.
Ventura County possesses a moderate climate and prime agricultural land that allows it to be one of the more versatile growing environments in the state. The county is not only the number one producer of strawberries and has significant acreage in citrus, avocado and vegetable crops, but also provides a viable testing ground for specialty crops that can serve profitable niche markets. Through collaboration Dr. Smith envisions a stronger commitment to the success and promotion of county agriculture for now and future generations.
The Spring 2014 issue of "Central Coast Farm & Ranch" magazine has an article that focuses on Chris Smith and his aspirations for UCCE Ventura and the Hansen Agricultural Center. The article is entitled "On the Ground" and is published by the Farm Bureau of Ventura County. If you are interested in subscribing to "Central Coast Farm & Ranch" please contact them at (805) 289-0155 or info@farmbureauvc.com.
Dr. Smith encourages an active and responsive dialogue with the public and the county's agricultural community. He can be reached at 805-662-6943.
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
The article focuses on experiments performed in the laboratory and the field on the Lewis spider mite and the two-spotted spider mite. Tests were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of four types of predatory mites in controlling both kinds of spider mite. Miticide efficacy was also tested on the Lewis spider mite in bioassays.
These mites can cause serious damage to strawberry and other agricultural crops with subsequent financial loss to growers. Spider mite research is particularly relevant to Ventura County where strawberry production is the top crop grown and spider mite infestations have been on the rise.
Anna Howell is an experienced entomologist who has contributed her efforts to many research projects here at UCCE Ventura. Dr. Daugovish is UCCE's strawberry and vegetable crop adviser whose applied research benefits county growers and is an active contributor to "Strawberry Disorders: Identification and Management" website, a resource for assisting in diagnosing problems in strawberry.
You can view the entire article here.
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
The California Cherimoya Association will be holding its annual meeting on Sunday, April 13, 2014. The meeting will include a variety of speakers on subjects related to cherimoya production.
UCCE Advisor, Ben Faber, and other agricultural experts will discuss pollination, efforts to produce a seedless cherimoya, pruning and varieties of the fruit.
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2014
Time: 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Hansen Agricultural Center
14292 W. Telegraph Rd.
Santa Paula, CA
Contact: Dario Grossberger
Cost of Admission: $20 (includes lunch), payment can be made through PayPal at dario@earthlink.net.
For more information and an agenda click here.
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
Drought is a regular threat here in Southern California where dry conditions prevail. The National Weather Services will holding two talks related to drought at California State University, Channel Islands. The talks are a part of the Environmental Science and Resource Management (ESRM) speaker's series and will feature speakers from local Weather Forecast offices.
We are currently experiencing drought conditions which can lead to fires and subsequent threats of flash floods and debris flows. The speakers will address these issues and how partnerships with local services can help minimize potential damage. The topics will cover:
- Growing Fire Weather Threat in Southern California
- Drought and Post Fire Flash Floods and Debris Flows
If you are interesting in attending:
Dates: February 13 and February 20, 2014
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location:
California State University, Channel Islands
1360 Broome Library
One University Dr.
Camarillo, CA 93012
Contact: Don Rodriguez, don.rodriguez@csuci.edu
See here for more information.
- Author: Cris L. Johnson
Support the agricultural community with the "Ventura Spray Safe" event. The Farm Bureau of Ventura County is seeking support for this event designed to educate agriculture industry workers and the general public about safe pesticide spraying practices.
While attendance is free of charge it also relies on donations to ensure its continuance. If you are interested in attending or contributing...
When: Thursday, March 6, 2014
Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds, Agriculture Building
Cost: No cost to attend, but contributions welcome
Contact: Brian Benchwick, 805-432-1182
Why: To promote practices to decrease pesticide-exposure incidents for sprayers.
For more details please see here.
