The latest issue has recently been posted on our website and features articles on:

Simazine degradation in California citrus orchards.  This article focuses on research performed in response to concerns about the effectiveness of simazine as a means of weed control.  Here you can read about the experiments performed to test degradation levels and recommendations made regarding use of this herbicide for weed control. 

Lime-induced iron chlorosis.  Iron deficiencies in many fruit trees can be escalated where soils and irrigation water contain lime which can in turn impede soil drainage.  Iron oxides serve as a common source of nutrition for the trees and the deficiency of it can cause dieback and other disorders.  This article explores the causes and possible treatments for this condition.

Avocado trunk cankers.  UCCE Ventura citrus, avocado and subtropicals advisor, Dr. Ben Faber, contributed this article on the various types and causes for tree cankers.  Wounds to the tree, low rainfall, fungi and moisture can promote this disorder. 

Asphyxiation.  Dr. Faber also explores the problem of asphyxiation that occur in parts or all of the tree.  This condition can seriously harm the tree and Dr. Faber discusses some methods of treatment and prevention.

Tree wraps.  This article presents information about some of the benefits and considerations in installing wraps on young trees.

Stem and leaf blight.  Dr. Faber also wrote this item on blight that he has observed lately on local trees and how insufficient water can contribute to the condition.

Read the full articles from this newsletter or check out other issues of Topics in Subtropics here.

The event was sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Flower and Nursery Growers Association and included a barbeque lunch as part of the registration fees.

The workshop was designed to assist greenhouse and nursery growers evaluate their water quality management practices (BMPs) and implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program.  Information was provided to assist growers in conducting a self-audit of current water quality management practices, developing a farm water quality plan and implementing an IPM program to reduce impacts on water quality.

UC and ANR manuals and resources were used to supplement the presentations.  Continuous education credits were also requested for participants.

For more information please visit the AG Water Quality Program webpage or view the workshop PowerPoint presentation here.

Strawberry production growers face many challenges. One such challenge is strawberry anthracnose, which is caused by Colletotrichum acutatum. This plant pathogen is often undetectable on transplants purchased from nurseries for the planting season, but can become very destructive after transplanted into the field.

UCCE’s Oleg Daugovish and collaborators researched this disease and how to best reduce risk and loss. The researchers studied irrigation systems effects on fruit yields, canopy size, and crown tissue infection to determine best management practices.

Their research has recently been published in the American Society for Horticultural Science Journal. You may view the abstract at this site. The full text may also be viewed by following a link on the abstract page. The full article may also be viewed in the UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura County office.

Close-up of fruit lesion showing strawberry anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum) spore masses .Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.

The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) works extensively with the nation’s farmers and ranchers to protect soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources while meeting production goals.

Working with agricultural producers allows NRCS to promote conservation practices approximately 1.4 billion acres of the privately held land in the United States. About 92 million acres of land in our country is tended by home gardeners. In an effort to promote conservation on these lands, NRCS has partnered with other organizations to produce, Backyard Conservation: Bringing Conservation From the Countryside to Your Backyard.

This full-color and informative online resource highlights 10 conservation activities that can be used in your backyard, shared spaces, and public places too.

Topics include:

• Trees add beauty and so much more.
• Trees, shrubs, and other plants can provide homes and food for wildlife.
• A backyard pond will likely become the focal point for all your backyard conservation.
• Wetlands filter excess nutrients, chemicals, and sediment and provide habitat for a host of interesting creatures.
• Composting turns household wastes into valuable fertilizer.
• Mulching cools, protects, and enriches the soil.
• Apply only those nutrients the plants can use. (See our previous post on soil test kits to help you get accurate test results.)
• Terracing makes flower and vegetable gardening possible on steep slopes.
• Drip irrigation and other water conservation practices can save water and money.
• Early detection and treatment of pests means a healthier growing environment.