Topics in Subtropics

Santa Barbara County's agricultural industry had a big year in 2019, with a more than 5% increase in the value of crops, according to the county's just-released annual crop report. It shows the total valuation of the crops was $1.6 billion dollars in 2019, up $78 million dollars from 2018.

California Bay or CA Laurel or Headache Tree or, heaven forbid, Oregon Myrtle is a tree native to the west coast where there is water. In the rainy forests of northern CA and Oregon and the wet creek areas in ravines and canyons of southern CA.

Wednesday, August 12 9 - noon Avocado Grower Webinar Weeds and Biostimulants Speakers: Sonia Rios (UCCE Farm Advisor, Riverside/San Diego Counties Subtropical Horticulture) will talk about how to identify different weeds and the various methods that can be used to control them.

Author: UC Integrated Pest Management Program Have you had unexpected seeds show up in the mail? Unknown seeds could be invasive plants, contain invasive insects, or have plant disease causing agents.

A new pest for avocado? Old pest? How much damage will it do? Don't know yet. Tracy Ellis, the San Diego County Ag Commissioner Entomologist has partially identified what appeared to be two pest and a parasitoid, as only one pest and a beneficial that is doing it's duty going after the pest.