Ongoing research

By Jeanne Lawrence, UC Master Gardener of Butte County, June 29, 2018 It may be too hot outside to even think about putting new plants in the ground, but it's always a good time to take stock of the garden.

Sometimes there is no good option, a fact that has really sunken in this week. It's reminded me of the task I disliked the most while I had administrative responsibilities in a previous position allocating the raise pool.

Jim Downing has been chosen to lead Communications Services and Information Technology's publishing group, succeeding Ann Senuta, who retired June 28 as director of Publishing and Production.

Leadership of UC ANR Communications Services and Information Technology publishing group is changing: Director of Publishing and Production Ann Senuta is retiring, and California Agriculture journal Executive Editor Jim Downing is assuming her director duties.

Gene Miyao was named the UCCE vegetable crops farm advisor for Yolo County in 1980. In 1990, Solano County was added to his territory and about 10 years later, he also took on responsibility for Sacramento County. Miyao had been exposed to UCCE farm advisors from a young age.

It's a bird! It's a plane! Is it Superman? No, it's a bird dropping. If you're growing sweet fennel (anise), you may have noticed what appear to be two species of swallowtail butterflies populating your plant.

Gardening passion It's not for the faint-hearted Love it or hate it! Rare flowers at Annie's Are a bit pricey for the drive But oh, what a surprise! Pots come with volunteer veggies on the side! Inconspicuous at first glance, A tiny leaf appears then three With water, sunshine and care A zucchini or...

It is not often that we observe cankers caused by Phytophthora on pistachio in CA; however, the unique situation observed on a recent farm call is worth recounting.

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A drive around parts of the San Joaquin Valley revealed some fields with Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) rising above the crop canopy (See image below).