Ongoing research

The "Tiger King" has nothing on the Western Tiger Swallowtail. The colorful yellow and black butterfly, Papilio rutulus, reigns supreme. We saw this one last week at the Ruth Storer Garden in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.

When we started in the commercial sheep business over 15 years ago, we knew we wanted to use livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) to protect our sheep from predators.

The start of the 2020 pistachio season has been a mixed bag. Most of the southern San Joaquin Valley had decent chill hours, but heat units for bloom were a mixed bag and then we hit the 2.5 rainstorm from 4/5-9 during early bloom instead of February where it should have been.

Dear Colleagues, Governor Gavin Newsom released his May revised budget proposal for FY 2020-21 on Thursday, May 14.

Efficient and precise irrigation management is critical if California producers are to maximize crop quality, conserve water, and protect the environment. The use of evapotranspiration (ET) estimates is a significant component of irrigation management.

Meetings and Announcements Ideal Conditions for Fireblight-Repeat...

The second COVID-19 Symposium, organized and moderated by UC Davis distinguished professor Walter Leal and online at https://bit.ly/3b8TAau, is drawing accolades.

I have been out walking even more of late than usual. Besides exercising, I have been checking out other homeowners' plant choices and landscaping. I look for what I call pocket gardens. For me, that means a small portion of someone's yard that seems to have received a little more TLC.

Pythium Wilt Project Underway JP Dundore-Arias and Richard Smith, Professor of Plant Pathology, CSU, Monterey Bay and Farm Advisor UCCE, Monterey County Pythium wilt is becoming an increasing concern in the Salinas Valley and has been responsible for significant lettuce yield losses.

Due to the health concerns surrounding COVID-19, we had to cancel our annual field day that typically occurs in May at UC Davis.