Ongoing research

Tomatoes are ripening all over California right now keeping many gardeners and tomato lovers busy picking, canning, and eating. But what may not make gardeners happy are seeing curled leaves and not knowing why. There are many reasons why your tomato leaves may be curling or rolling.

My name is Giuliano Galdi, and I am the new UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Agronomy and Weed Management Advisor located in Merced County, and also with responsibilities in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. In San Joaquin county, my primary responsibility will be in weed management.

Do you ever experiment with growing fruits and vegetables that have sprouted in your kitchen? An avocado, garlic, or onion perhaps? I purchased a chayote squash and didn't use it before it started sprouting. Out of curiosity, I planted it to see what would happen . . . .

The University of California Cooperative Extension is looking for a half-time administrative assistant. The position will be based at of our office in Hollister. We're looking for a great candidate to join our small, but dedicated team.

Nazzy Pakpour has a way with kids. At a recent Bohart Museum of Entomology open house, she read passages from her newly published children's book, Please Don't Bite Me: Insects that Buzz, Bite and Sting, and then encouraged questions.

The Bohart Museum of Entomology has scheduled three fall open houses: Sunday, Aug. 27: Praying Mantises Saturday, Sept. 23: Household Vampires Saturday, Nov. 4: Monarchs The open houses, free and family friendly, take place from 1 to 4 p.m.

I knew that atmospheric steam canners (AKA "ASC" from here on) were good to go with canning jams and jellies.

It may not be too late to check out this little gem in Woodland. I had heard of the Mezger Zinnia Patch but had never been. I have a fondness for zinnias ever since I used them in my student project at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

In the past three years, there has been an increase in the number of reports of damage to rice by rice seed midge in the Sacramento Valley. During 2021 and 2022, the issue was not widespread, but there were some instances where the damage was severe.

I always grow Scotch Bonnet,' a Capsicum chinense like the Habanero.