Agriculture

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Forest entomologists Steve Seybold (right) and Jackson Audley stand by a 150-year-old black walnut tree on the 100 block of E Street. It is dying of thousand cankers disease. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

A Sign of the Times: Why This Black Walnut Tree Is Dying

May 24, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you've ever walked into the courtyard on the 100 block of E Street in downtown Davis, Calif., you've probably noticed the massive black walnut tree near Sophia's Thai Bar and Kitchen. It's about 150 years old, 50 feet in height, and measures about five feet in diameter. And it's dying.
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A queen bee and her retinue at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Facility. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Entomology & Nematology News: Article

Extension Apiculturist Elina Lastro Niño on NPR's 'Science Friday'

May 23, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
It's all about the honey bees! Extension apiculturist Elina Lastro Nio of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology will be one of three guests on the National Public Radio program, Science Friday, on Friday, May 24. The program will air live at noon.
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Forest entomologists Steve Seybold and Jackson Audley, his doctoral student, stand at the base of a dying giant black walnut tree on the 100 block of E Street. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Entomology & Nematology News: Article

Walnut Twig Beetle and Fungus Has Caused 'Profound Damage' to Black Walnut Trees

May 23, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
The deadly thousand cankers disease, an emerging insect-fungus complex, has caused profound damage to black walnut trees not only in urban areas of California and other western states, but in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia, according to a newly published review by UC Davis-affiliated scientist...
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An immature lady beetle (larvae) chowing down on an oleander aphid. This photo was taken on a milkweed plant in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Hey, I'm Eating as Fast as I Can!

May 22, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Have you ever seen the larva of a lady beetle (aka ladybug) dining on an aphid? Lights! Camera! Action! So here is this charming little immature lady beetle chowing down on an oleander aphid that has the audacity to infest the milkweed in our pollinator garden.
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SFREC fire (2)
Ranching in the Sierra Foothills: Article

Fire Season 2019: Start Preparing Now!

May 22, 2019
By Daniel K Macon
For many of us in Northern California, the 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons are still very fresh in our minds. The late-season fires in Sonoma County in 2017, and the Camp Fire in Butte County in 2018, were among the most destructive deadliest fires in California's history.
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UCCE agricultural assistant Michael Yang, left, and Van Thao snack on freshly picked melon during a field visit.
ANR News Blog: Article

UCCE ag assistant Michael Yang is a lifeline for Hmong farmers

May 21, 2019
By Jeannette Warnert
Long-time UC Cooperative Extension ag assistant Michael Yang broadcasts a weekly "Hmong Agriculture Radio Show," providing a crucial connection for immigrant farmers with ag information and services, reported Jessica Kutz in High Country News.
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Beekeeper Adelaide Grandia smiles through a pollinator cut-out board. Her grandfather is teaching her beekeeping. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Hear That Buzz? It's World Bee Day!

May 20, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Hear that buzz? Today is World Bee Day! We celebrate honey bees every day, but they are especially celebrated on May 20, World Bee Day. It's an annual day to raise awareness about the importance of bees and beekeeping.
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