Agriculture

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rootstock effect
Topics in Subtropics: Article

Citrus Rootstock Knowledge Base from Florida

June 12, 2020
By Ben A Faber
A recent University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (UF-IFAS) blog has a review of the last 60 years of rootstock trials and the lessons learned from those trials. It also has links to the results of those trials and a summary of the results of those trials.
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An Australian walking stick (stick insect) gets some attention at a SaveNature.Org program. (Photo by Norm Gershenz)
Bug Squad: Article

Coming June 12: A Virtual Insect Palooza with the Insect Discovery Lab

June 11, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
The wonderful world of insects! And right in your living room! If you'd like to take a world tour and learn about such fascinating insects as darkling beetles, Australian walking sticks, giant African millipedes and others, be sure to sign up for the "Virtual Insect Palooza with the Insect Discovery...
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Topics in Subtropics: Article

Grower Practices in the Face of COVID - Survey

June 11, 2020
By Ben A Faber
The UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS) is inviting all California growers, farm labor contractors and ag supervisors to complete a short survey about their experience addressing COVID-19? in the workplace.
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Armyworm larvae can quickly devour rice foliage.
ANR News Blog: Article

UCCE helps farmers protect rice crops from armyworm

June 11, 2020
By Jeannette Warnert
Rice farmers are encouraged to monitor vigilantly for a rise in yield-reducing armyworms, reported Jake Abbott in the Appeal-Democrat. UC Cooperative Extension rice advisor Luis Espino said the most recent numbers were low but are expected to climb in the next few weeks.
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UC Davis nematologist Shahid Siddique. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Of French Fries, Couch Potatoes and Root-Knot Nematodes

June 10, 2020
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
When you think of potatoes, your thoughts probably turn to baked potatoes, French fries, the "one-potato-two-potato" game, or "couch potatoes" (especially during the sheltering-in mandates). You're not thinking of root-knot nematodes, major pests of potatoes.
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A needs assessment for organic agriculture research and extension is underway.
ANR News Blog: Article

UC ANR's new organic institute is swinging into action

June 10, 2020
By Jeannette Warnert
The newly appointed Presidential Director for the Clif Bar Endowed Organic Agriculture Institute, Houston Wilson, has already initiated a needs assessment of organic agriculture in California, reported Lee Allen in Western Farm Press.
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soil core
Topics in Subtropics: Article

On the Soil Fringe

June 9, 2020
By Ben A Faber
American Society of Agronomy IMAGE: PVC pipes painted with rust, known as IRIS tubes, help track how much oxygen is in the soil. When there isn't enough oxygen, microbes will turn the rust into regular... view more Credit: J.C. Fiola Stand outside and look underneath your feet.
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How many different cover crops can you count in this photo?
UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia): Article

Cover Crop Selector

June 9, 2020
By Ben A Faber
New to cover crops? What alternatives are there and how does one figure out what might work in your special situation? Well, be one of the first to test out a new software program developed by Shulamit Shroder, our Climate Smart Specialist in Kern County.
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Adult (top) and mature nymph of the brown marmorated stink bug.<br>(Credit: S Ausmus)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Invasive Spotlight: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

June 8, 2020
Stink bugs are common pests in gardens but the brown marmorated stink bug, or BMSB, is of particular concern. BMSB (Halyomorpha halys) was first detected in Los Angeles County in 2006 and has since been detected in many other parts of California with large populations in some counties.
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