Forests

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rodent awareness infographic
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Rodent Awareness Week

October 20, 2020
Rodent Awareness Week (October 18-24) is a campaign created by the National Pest Management Association to educate the public about the potential harm associated with rats and mice. In addition to damage to structures and property, rodents can transmit disease to other animals and humans.
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Orange and yellow tomato on the ground, partially eaten by a rat.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Rats in the Garden

August 4, 2020
If you are growing tomatoes in your garden, you may not be the only vertebrate going for your hard earned harvest. Are rats feasting away in the garden? We have a couple resources we can share to help you reduce or prevent rat damage to your tomatoes.
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Figure 1. A healthy backyard lawn. (Credit: C Reynolds)

Lawn Problems: Diseases Are Not Always To Blame

July 16, 2020
By Janet S Hartin
Your customers want their lawns to be beautiful and functional (Figure 1) but dead patches or other problems sometimes occur. Figuring out the cause of turfgrass damage can be a challenge since many plant pathogens affect grasses as well as numerous abiotic (non-living) disorders.
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Adult nutria with white muzzle and whiskers, and long, round tail.<br>(Credit: J Gross)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Invasive Spotlight: Nutria

June 13, 2020
Nutria are found near rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. Their burrowing and feeding on vegetation can cause damage. In addition, they can carry pathogens and parasites.
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Tanbark oaks killed by Phytophthora ramorum. (Credit: P Svihra)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Invasive Spotlight: Sudden Oak Death

June 7, 2020
Sudden oak death is a disease of oak trees that is caused by an invasive plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. The disease has been found infecting trees in coastal California counties from Monterey to Humboldt and can be spread by moving infested soil and plant material. In California, P.
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Black leaf spots caused by Chinese elm anthracnose.<br>(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Anthracnose Pest Note Updated

May 14, 2020
Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that infect many trees and shrubs, causing dark lesions on leaves and cankers on twigs and stems. In some areas of California, vegetables and turfgrass can also be infected with anthracnose. Symptoms of anthracnose vary by plant host and weather conditions.
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Powdery mildew damage on tomato leaves. (Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

April Gardening Tips: Powdery Mildew

April 23, 2020
As you practice social distancing during COVID-19, you may find yourself spending more time in the garden. As we move into nice weather, we are sharing a few gardening tips for pest management. Check for signs of powdery mildew on fruit trees, landscape ornamentals, and vegetables.
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Urban coyote sightings can be recorded at the Coyote Cacher website. (Credit: National Park Service)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Are coyotes becoming bolder in California while humans shelter in place?

April 17, 2020
Coyote sightings are on the rise in San Francisco, even taking naps in patches of green spaces in the city, reported Uma Chrobak in Popular Science. However, it is unlikely they indicate a change in wildlife behavior, said UC Cooperative Extension human-wildlife interactions advisor Niamh Quinn.
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Close up of top and bottom of rose leaves infected with rose rust.

Are Your Roses Diseased?

March 17, 2020
Roses in the garden can be infected with a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to diseases like powdery mildew and rust. Roses may also be damaged by nutrient deficiencies and other environmental problems.
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