Ongoing research

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Green pokeweed seedlings sprouting up in dirt.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Pokeweed: A Growing Weed Problem

September 17, 2020
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
American pokeweed is a large weedy shrub also known as pokeberry, American nightshade, poke salad, and a variety of other names. It is native to the eastern U.S. but is spreading in parts of California.
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Table
Livestock & Range: Article

2020 Forage Production in San Benito County

September 17, 2020
By Devii R Rao
This is a summary of forage production clipping from 2020. I was able to clip forage production at two sites in San Benito County: one in Rainfall Zone A and the other in Rainfall Zone B. Click here to see the Rainfall Zones. Table 1 shows two forage production values for each rainfall zone.
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A honey bee nectaring on African blue basil in Vacaville, Calif. At right is Salvia microphylla "Hot Lips." (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The Beauty of the Bee

September 17, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Have you ever pulled up a chair in your garden and watched honey bees foraging? They are so intent on their "bees-ness" that they don't know you're there. It's a great opportunity to photograph them.
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photo by Jenni Dodini

The Impact of Home Improvements on My Garden

September 17, 2020
You know how it goes when you own a home. Eventually, things wear out and need to be replaced. Last summer, during the horrendous heat, the air conditioner totally went kaput. In the process of replacing the HVAC we decided to bite the bullet and get a solar system as well.
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avocado heat to stem
Topics in Subtropics: Article

Avocado Heat Damage

September 17, 2020
By Ben A Faber
Fruit drop happens soon after, or slowly, depressingly over several weeks after a heat wave. The stem turns brown, cutting off moisture to the fruit, and they drop.
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Professor Fran Keller of Folsom Lake College with a bottle of Dogface Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Lone Buffalo Vineyards and Winery, Auburn. Sales of the wine help conservation efforts of Placer Land Trust to protect the butterfly, the California state insect.
Bug Squad: Article

California Dogface Butterfly Is Making Quite a Splash

September 16, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
The California Dogface Butterfly, the state insect, is making quite a splash, and Placer Land Trust and UC Davis-affiliated scientists are an integral part of that. It seems as if the image of the dogface butterfly is everywhere.
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