The concept of beneficial ants in agriculture may seem like a contrary notion, as growers have historically viewed ants as a nuisance in their production systems. Ants can be valuable …
Industry Sees What Damage Stink Bug Can Do
(UC ANR) — Last May, a Turlock almond grower noticed nearly all the nuts on a row of trees in his orchard had fallen to the ground. “It looked like …
The Western View: Insects Repelled by Unfamiliar Odors
Plants have been naturally defending against insect pests for millions of years. Could odor be a weapon against bugs? Scientists from the University of Vermont have discovered that not only …
Multiple Funding Sources Focused on Addressing Nutria Population
California’s effort to eradicate the growing nutria population is receiving significant financial support from multiple areas. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been working on addressing the …
Voluntary Best Practices to Better Protect Citrus from HLB
A series of voluntary best practices have been developed to afford growers increased protection from Huanglongbing (HLB). The Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee has endorsed a set of strategies …
New IPM Model Takes Systems Approach to Addressing Modern Issues
A new integrated pest management (IPM) philosophy developed by UC Cooperative Extension Entomology and Biologics Advisor Surendra Dara expands on traditional methods to better adapt to modern issues. The new …
UCCE Webinars Offered During Invasive Species Action Week
Beginning on June 3, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) will be offering a series of free lunchtime webinars to highlight Invasive Species Action Week. The webinar series is being made possible …
Investment in Sterile Navel Orangeworm Project Keeps Rearing Facility Open
The sterile navel orangeworm project is receiving even more industry support with the Almond Board of California (ABC) contributing a significant amount of funding toward a critical component of the …
Nutria Eradication Will Require Sustained Efforts
One year after launching an Incident Command System to respond to the invasive pest, nutria eradication efforts continue to progress. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been …
Another Online Tool for Pest and Disease Management
There is now another online tool for producers trying to identify issues in the field. The United States Department of Food and Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has launched …
Nutria Issues Continue for California Farmers
Since the invasive rodent appeared in California last year, nutria issues have continued for California farmers. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has found 379 nutrias in the state …
HLB Detections Increased in 2018 as Monitoring Efforts Intensify
Huanglongbing (HLB) may have been found in significantly more citrus trees in 2018, but improved sampling and monitoring offer a reason as to why HLB detections increased so dramatically. In …
Narrowing Down Potential Vectors for Grapevine Red Blotch
First identified in 2011, grapevine red blotch associated virus continues to be the focus of several research projects as little is known about how the disease is spread in vineyards. …
Biosolorization a Potential Tool for Producers?
Research is looking at using a combination of byproducts and the sun as a replacement for chemical fumigants. UC Davis is testing an idea that would give producers another tool against …