Ongoing research

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HLB quarantine area 2020 dec
Topics in Subtropics: Article

HLB Update

December 28, 2020
By Ben A Faber
As of December 4, a total of 2,196 residential trees and 321 ACP have tested positive via PCR for the bacterium that causes HLB. See the latest HLB map and table for details: maps.cdfa.ca.gov/WeeklyACPMaps/HLBWeb/HLB_Treatments.pdf.
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A leafy carpet of Hawthorn leaves
Spill the Beans: Article

My Hawthorn Tree

December 28, 2020
by Cindy Watter A few years ago I thought about taking out a large, messy, non-edible-fruit-producing treea hawthorn (Crataegus)in my backyard. It didn't seem to have much function beyond providing so much shade that it inhibited my vegetable garden.
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Boxes of total release foggers on a store shelf.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Bug Bombs—Dangerous and Not Always Effective

December 27, 2020
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Insecticide foggers, also known as total release foggers or bug bombs (Figure 1), are popular products widely available in many retail nurseries and garden centers as well as drug stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
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Santa Claus greets a monarch, which scientists say may be heading for extinction. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Visit with Santa Claus on Christmas Morning

December 25, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Christmas morning and the sights are bright. Santa came in his sleigh last night. He came with a whoosh and a ho-ho-ho. He came with a monarch and a no-no-no. "Don't let them get extinct," he said with a shout. And that's what endangered species are all about.
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Almond Orchard behind the Native Plant Garden, Brent McGhie
The Real Dirt: Article

An Historic Almond Variety Orchard at Patrick Ranch

December 25, 2020
In keeping with the Patrick Ranch Museum's mission to enhance people's understanding and appreciation of our community's rich agricultural heritage, a half-acre plot planted in heirloom almond varieties is situated between the Museum's entry road and the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden.
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A honey bee buzzing in a patch of catmint. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

2020: The COVID Chase

December 24, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
In the year 2020, COVID chased us out of our work places and out of our fun places. So we dutifully covered our faces to cover all the bases, washed our hands to meet all the demands, and kept our distance to continue our existence. But wait...we did NOT socially distance from the insects.
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Lynn Kimsey (left), director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology and professor of entomology at UC Davis, shows Richard and Evelyne Rominger a display at the Bohart Museum on UC Davis Picnic Day, April 17, 2015. The Romingers are both UC Davis alumni. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

The Late Richard Rominger: An Agricultural Icon

December 23, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
We were saddened to learn of the passing Sunday, Dec. 20, of agricultural icon Richard "Rich" Rominger, 93, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the President Bill Clinton administration, and former Secretary of the California Department of Agriculture in the Gov.
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