Ongoing research

Weedy rice was found in California on a large scale in 2016, over 8 counties, after having been only found in a few fields in one county prior to 2008. In 2020, University of California Cooperative Extension conducted a comprehensive survey.

DIAGNOSING A FIELD PROBLEM Can applications of Calcium (Ca) fertilizers improve plant nutrient uptake or improve soil properties in alfalfa fields? These questions were presented to us by an alfalfa grower in the Sacramento Valley of California where low soil Ca levels were observed.

Who doesn't love jumping spiders? They're adorable. No? Well, they are to arthropod enthusiasts, but not so much to their prey. This one (probably a Phidippus audax, a Bold Jumper) was moving slowly and unobtrusively up a shadowed Vacaville stucco wall on the morning of Jan. 2.

University of California Cooperative Extension 51st Quad-County Walnut Institute February 7, 2022, 7:30-12:00 PM (noon) Robert J. Cabral Agricultural Center, Assembly Rm. 1-3 2101 E. Earhart Ave.

I have heard the opinion floated several times recently that the research of alternative pest control methods or materials can result in cancellation or limitation of existing pesticides.

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But others with as few as four petals will do great. So learn the different types of roses to choose as the best for your garden space or use for the flowers. Bareroot plants are available now so pick the best ones.

Have you seen any overwintering milkweed bugs lately? About a dozen milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus, emerged from seclusion Jan. 2, 2022 in our Vacaville garden. The temperature hovered at 32 degrees that morning, but when the sun peeked out, there they were. Mating.

UC Office of the President released a statement on Gov. Newsom's budget proposal today. UC ANR is also grateful for the plan, which includes a 5% increase in UC funding, allocations for deferred maintenance and climate research and outreach. Please read the UC statement below.

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