CAPCA ADIVSER Magazine August 2019 by CAPCA

ADVISER AUGUST 2019 | VOL . XXII, NO. 4

California Association of Pest Control Advisers www.capca.com

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Cover Photo: USDA-ARS, Stephen Ausmus Photo, this page: © Fred Rehrman, Elysian Fields

Table of Contents

We’ve Moved! The CAPCA state office has relocated to the new CA Farm Bureau building. Our new address is:

LEADERSHIP 06

Your Professionalism & Continuing Education

Rick Harrison

GOVERNMENT 08

BeeWhere Update

The Future of Paraquat

CAPCA 2600 River Plaza Dr., Ste. 250 Sacramento, CA 95833 Contact phone, fax and e-mails remain the same. The new building is located just west of the previous address on River Plaza Dr.

AG COMMISSIONER PROFILE 14

Santa Clara Co. Agricultural Commissioner Joseph Deviney

COMMUNICATIONS 18 20 22

New nutrient management publication series

Pamela Kan-Rice

A farmer’s perspective on legislating in California

Brad Hooker

Looking Back

FARM ADVISORS 32

Weed control options for dry bulb onions Richard Smith

Spotted lantern fly is coming – California is getting ready, now!

Mark S. Hoddle

Update on the area-wide IPM program for Virginia creeper leafhopper in the North Coast

Houston Wilson

Kernel smut of rice

Luis Espino

DEPARTMENTS 05 From the Editor 30 Featured: Nutrients 58 CAPCA Ed & Chapter Events 59 Continuing Education

AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

Worms, Thrips, Leafminers

IN ONE PASS

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AT THE CENTER OF PLANT HEALTH

From the Editor Opportunity for Engagement In keeping with CAPCA’s determination to utilize our resources to bring additional benefits to members, to be innovative and build on the expectation for our association membership to increase the support of PCAs, I am pleased to announce an opportunity for members to participate in that development by contributing new project ideas to add value to CAPCA members and chapters. The CAPCA Board of Directors has approved a program and set guidelines for the reinvestment of funds to unbudgeted projects and you or your Chapter have an opportunity to engage. This will allow the membership to contribute to the goals we all share. With the Board’s guidance, the Finance Committee will be overseeing Board restricted funds to be used to implement new initiatives or cover one-time expenses that were not planned for in the budget but could benefit from immediate or timely implementation. For example, developing and funding an Online CE programming that wasn’t planned for 2019 but could benefit membership looking for hours late in the year, or supporting a new Chapter purpose initiative whereby the Chapter is given the opportunity to host a larger group of legislators or regulators for an Ag Tour but needs support to provide transportation that is not in their chapter bank account, or the State office providing all Chapters with pull-up banners for Pathway to PCA outreach on local college campuses. Many times, there are those with suggestions/ideas that they haven’t had the chance to bring forward, haven’t had the resources to participate in the implementation of, or just didn’t know where to begin the process. Here is an opportunity where you as members can submit your ideas to the State office for consideration and funding. CAPCA hopes to draw from the members some strategic ideas that can be incorporated to improve our benefits, expand the value of membership for the individual PCA, as well as give you the chance to engage in valuable action that will advance the interests of the organization as a whole. For question on the process and guidelines for submission, please contact Ruthann Anderson at (916) 928-1625 x7 or ruthann@capca.com

Ruthann Anderson, Editor ruthann@capca.com

CAPCA EDITORIAL STAFF Ruthann Anderson - Editor Joyce Basan - Deputy Editor Dee Strowbridge - Membership/Conference Sylvia Stark - Advertising Sales Manager Rachel Taft - Executive Assistant Adam Barsanti - Outreach Relations Manager Ixchel Flannery - Office Administrator/ Membership Liaison Graphic Design - Rosemary N. Southward southwardr@comcast.net MISSION & PURPOSE California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) is a non-profit voluntary mutual benefit association that represents 75% of the 4,000 California EPA licensed pest control advisers. CAPCA’s purpose is to serve as the leader in the evolution of the pest management industry through the communication of reliable information. CAPCA is dedicated to the professional development and enhancement of our members’ education and stewardship which includes legislative, regulatory, continuing education and public outreach activities. PUBLISHING INFORMATION CAPCA Adviser is published bi-monthly by the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), 2600 River Plaza Dr., Suite 250, Sacramento, California 95833. Web: www.capca.com, (916) 928‑1625. POSTMASTER: send address change to CAPCA. A portion of CAPCA membership dues is used to provide subscription privileges to the Adviser magazine. Non-member subscriptions are $30/year. Third class bulk postage paid at Tucson, AZ and at additional mailing offices. CAPCA has endeavored to include appropriate and accurate statements, but disclaims any and all warranties and/or responsibility for the statements or articles submitted to CAPCA Adviser that may have additionally been edited for style, content and space prior to publication. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent CAPCA policies, or positions or endorsements. Editorial content of this publication is educational and informational in nature. No part of this publication, including images, may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. Contact CAPCA at (916) 928‑1625 for reprint authorization. PRINTING: Sundance Press Tucson, Arizona

AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

LEADERSHIP

Your Professionalism and Continuing Education Rick Harrison, CAPCA Chairman

After assuming the position as Chair in January 2019, I have received many phone calls from people in the last couple of months asking, “Why is CAPCA so strict on attendance during CAPCA meetings?” In short, there are many reasons. Earlier this year all license holders were reminded in a letter from the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) that Assembly Bill 1480 had been signed by Governor Brown in 2017 and went into effect January 1, 2018 with the intention of ensuring the integrity of DPR’s licensing program. It promotes and governs the professional responsibilities of licensees and CE meeting sponsors. This bill gives DPR the ability to levy civil penalties against any individual or organization that misrepresent or fraudulently report any meeting or cheat on an exam. Due to incidents in 2018, DPR took action against the following: • Licensees who falsified CE records in their renewal • An exam prep company that offered unlawful reproductions of exam questions • A CE sponsor, not CAPCA, who submitted false reports to DPR after allowing attendees to leave early while reporting full credit for the approved hours

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

A DPR audit of a CE course in 2018 proved that the course did not represent the content and time approved by DPR. This caused approximately 300 licensees to falsely report to DPR certificates of completion. When DPR did not accept the hours reported and only gave credit for the actual time spent in the meeting, licensees who attended the meeting had to scramble for CE hours at the end of the year so they could meet their renewal requirements. I would like to remind attendees that DPR only gives CE credit for the time you are attending and receiving instruction during the meeting. CE meeting sponsors submit specific course agendas to DPR for approval of CE hours prior to every meeting. Once approved and the meeting has begun, it is the attendee and meeting sponsor’s responsibility to report the actual duration of attendance to receive credit. Again, attendees must remain in the room with the speakers to receive credit. Our meetings are structured with breaks and a lunch to allow attendees the time for restroom breaks and to make necessary phone calls. DPR allows all licensees to obtain approved CE hours to avoid retaking their exams on an annual basis. Overall, CAPCA leadership believes our members strive to maintain their honesty, and thereby their professionalism. Yet it bears repeating that it is everyone’s responsibility to uphold the integrity of their CE hours and license renewal process to avoid license re-examination. CAPCA is dedicated to the professional development and enhancement of our member’s education and stewardship, which includes legislative, regulatory, continuing education and public outreach activities. █

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GOVERNMENT

BeeWhere Update BeeCheck for Applicators Launched July 12th The pilot season for BeeWhere started quietly during Almond Bloom earlier this year as Beekeepers and County Ag Commissioners utilized BeeWhere in CalAg Permits and through the Fieldwatch interface to register hives. Waiting until higher registration numbers were reported, the BeeCheck function for applicators stayed off. As stakeholders have discussed how to set a successful pathway for the 2020 season, the BeeCheck function will be activated on July 12th, alongside additional outreach for all beekeepers still in California to register and use the BeeWhere system before the end of the summer. BeeWhere was developed to bring a layer of technology to facilitate regulations that have been in place since the 1980’s to foster communication between beekeepers and applicators prior to pesticide applications. Advanced warning is mandatory per Per 3 CCR § 6654(a) Each person intending to apply any pesticide toxic to bees to a blossoming plant shall, prior to the application, inquire of the commissioner, or of a notification service designated by the commissioner, whether any beekeeper with apiaries within one mile of the application site has requested notice of such application. This inquiry of the commissioner for information to provide a 48hour notification is now an option through the BeeCheck feature. Based on the permit number associated with the application, you can access contact information for beekeepers who have requested notice of application with a mouse click or smart phone app instead of waiting to call the Ag Commissioners office during business hours. BeeCheck allows you to access: • Registered Beekeeper information based on one-mile proximity to application site • Registered Beekeeper Contact Information and Notification Preferences • Provides a timestamp of beekeeper information request to capture all currently registered/reported hives at time of request In future versions of the program, Applicators will be able to report Unmarked/Unregistered hives back to the County Ag Commissioners office. Additionally, BeeCheck will integrate into Crop Management tools after the pilot project is completed. https://beewherecalifornia.com/ █

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

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AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

GOVERNMENT

The Future for Paraquat CAPCA Staff In an effort to better prevent paraquat accidental ingestions and to reduce exposure to workers who mix, load and apply paraquat, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is going forward with new requirements for use/handling. The main changes that will affect pest management operations are: • Restricting the use of paraquat to certified pesticide applicators only. Individuals working under the supervision of a certified applicator are prohibited from using paraquat. • Specialized training for certified applicators who use paraquat to emphasize that the chemical should not be transferred to or stored in improper containers. • Changes to the pesticide label and distribution of supplemental warning materials to highlight the toxicity and risks associated with paraquat products. • New closed-system packaging designed to prevent transfer or removal of the pesticide except directly into proper application equipment. This will prevent spills, mixing, pouring the pesticide into other containers or other actions that could lead to paraquat exposure. Special Note: Persons other than the registrant may continue to sell and/or use existing stocks of products with the previously approved labeling until such stocks are exhausted, provided that such use is consistent with the terms of the previously approved labeling. Certified Applicator Requirement Changes effective by Nov. 14, 2019 (effective when new label appears on product containers) ✔ Applicators, mixers, loaders, spray tank cleaners must be certified applicators (see Special Note above). ✔ Applicators, mixers, loaders, spray tank cleaners must complete paraquat training.

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

In accordance with the EPA mandate, only certified pesticide applicators will be able to use paraquat. Non-certified applicators will no longer be allowed to mix, load, or apply paraquat under the supervision of certified applicators. In addition to being certified applicators, all paraquat applicators will need to undergo specialized paraquat training that has been approved by EPA. • The paraquat applicator is required to complete the training prior to using a paraquat product that includes the training requirement on the label. • Training is hosted by the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) and can be completed at www.usparaquattraining.com. • After completing the training, paraquat applicators must pass a test with a score of 100%. • Training must be completed every 3 years. Closed System Requirements EPA requirement for closed system will be required 12 months after EPA stamps the labels with the closed system requirements. • Registrants had until March 30, 2019, to submit applications for label amendments and/or new product registrations to comply with the closed-system requirement. • The closed-system requirement will only apply to non-bulk enduse paraquat products. • 12 months from the stamped date of the submissions (late 2020) will be the last day for registrants to sell or distribute paraquat products that do not comply with the closed-system requirement. For additional information visit https://www.epa.gov/ingredientsused-pesticide-products/paraquat-dichloride █

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AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

2019 Renewal Information for DPR License 2019 RENEWAL INFORMATION FOR DPR LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE HOLDERS and Certificate Holders Dates for Renewal DPR encourages submitting completed renewal applications to DPR by November 1, 2019 to receive your license/certificate by December 31, 2019. If submitted after November 1, you may not receive your license/certificate by January 1. You cannot work legally without a valid license/certificate. Processing time is 60 days. Note that submitting your renewal before October, will ensure you have your license by early December and allow you to renew with the County by the New Year. To check if you’re renewed, go to DPR’s website: <www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/currlic.htm> Address Changes Always notify DPR immediately of any address or name changes. Mailing of Renewal Packets DPR is mailing renewal packets in August to provide sufficient time for license and certificate holders to submit their applications by November 1. Renewal applications must be postmarked on or before December 31, or a late fee applies. If you did not receive your renewal application or lost it, download a renewal packet from DPR’s website: <www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/liccert.htm> or email us and request a copy. Business License Renewal Application The following forms will be included in the renewal packet:  Business Renewal Application  Renewal Information Request  Visa/MasterCard Transaction DPR‐105 Renewal applications must be filled out completely, signed, and submitted with the correct fee. Note: Your qualified applicator must be renewed before your business license can be renewed. Individual License and Certificate Renewal The following forms will be included in the renewal packet:  Renewal Application DPR‐PML‐141  License/Certificate Renewal Information  CE Records Renewal Summary DPR‐PML‐123  Visa/MasterCard Transaction DPR‐105

Renewal applications need to be signed and must include the required CE records summary and correct fee. Continuing Education License and certificate holders must keep copies of their CE records for three years. DPR may request copies of your CE records at any time. Submit the CE Records Renewal Summary DPR‐PML‐123, or a summary record of CE attendance from a third party professional association. Your CE records must include: • License/Certificate Holder's Name • License/Certificate Number and Type • Course Location • Course Title • Course Date • DPR Course I.D. Number • Course hours attended for each CE category • Name of instructor or sponsoring organization • Your Signature General Information about CE Courses DPR does not track CE hours for individuals, but has the ability to audit CE records. DPR approved CE hours must be obtained during the valid period of the license or certificate. The valid period is listed on the license or certificate (from the ‘date of issue’ until the ‘valid through’ date). NO grace period is given to obtain CE hours. NO CE hours can be carried over to the next renewal period. If renewing multiple licenses or certificates, you only need sufficient CE hours to meet the license with the most CE hours required. Questions about your CE hours? For questions about your CE hours, you must contact the course sponsor or your professional association. See DPR’s website for current or previous years’ courses and sponsors’ contact info:

<http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/cont_ed_cfm/classes.htm>

DPR List Serve Sign up for important information and updates from DPR about Licensing and CE: <www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/listserv/sub1113.htm>

Questions? Email: LicenseMail@cdpr.ca.gov 12

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

DEPARTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGULATION LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BEFORE NOVEMBER 1 Mail your application before November so that your license or certificate can be issued before it expires. If you submit before October, you will be renewed by early December and can then register with your county before the New Year. Blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah bl

AVOID PROCESSING DELAYS

Submitting earlier allows DPR staff additional time to notify you of issues or problems that could delay processing your license.

M-Z LICENSEES

DPR will mail renewal packets in August to license and certificate holders with surnames and business names starting with letters M-Z

PEST CONTROL BUSINESSES Renew your qualified applicator FIRST. For pest control businesses, the qualified applicator MUST BE renewed before the business license can be renewed. If you do not receive your application contact the Licensing Program at: LicenseMail@cdpr.ca.gov or download a blank application at: www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/lictypes.htm

AG COMMISSIONER PROFILE

Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner Joseph Deviney By CAPCA Staff Santa Clara County’s Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures, Joseph Deviney, has served in his current position for seven years but in total he has over 30 years in the commissioner system. After receiving his Bachelor of Science from Cal State Hayward in Biological Science with a focus on Botany and Entomology, he took his experience working at a nursery and went right into the commissioner’s system as a Seasonal Pest Detection Trapper in Contra Costa County. There he served for 24 years across all the ag commissioner programs in the county, gaining experience in the ag-urban interface, or what he terms the arena of “people, pesticides and progress.” Recalling his work in the 1990s in Brentwood - the last primarily agricultural area in Contra Costa County and also the fastest growing city in California at the time - he notes the significant changes that have impacted agriculture in the Bay Area. “Santa Clara is a similarly urbanizing county. We have the 6th

highest population in the state, but still rank 25th in agricultural production, with most of the production taking place in the South County area. Now we’re known for apples, but not the ones that grow on trees.” The County of Santa Clara ranked #4 nationally in bell pepper production in the 2012 census, thanks to a conducive climate to supply the fresh pepper market and nearby infrastructure for packing and processing many of the bell peppers that go in salsa, pizza etc. To grow peppers, the most cost-effective method to address pathogens is soil fumigation. Agricultural biologists work with the industry to ensure fumigations are dialed-in and in compliance. Other top crops include nursery products, cherries, sweet corn, spinach, tomatoes, lettuces, and a large mushroom industry. Along with these industries are the associated pest pressures: spotted wing drosophila on cherries, corn earworm and pressures from different flies are concerns unique to indoor

Mushroom grower, Robert Van Tassel, has mastered control of phorid and sciarid flies.

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

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AG COMMISSIONER PROFILE, CONT: Joseph Deviney

mushroom production. Deviney also proudly mentions that the county has 51 award-winning wineries in three appellations (Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, and the Santa Clara Valley), and was the location of one of the first wineries in the state. “It used to be called ‘Valley of Heart’s Delight’,” he says. But now there are many different challenges. “The county has lost 20,000 acres (of farmland) since the 1980s - from 40,000 down to 20,000.” Deviney is very conscious of the hurdles and roadblocks growers and those in the ag industry in his county face from regulations, labor issues, and pressures from urban development. He clearly wants to see agriculture succeed: “We take the educational approach from the start and try to guide growers through the compliance process.” A new Ag Liaison position is hopefully coming soon and will help beginning farmers get started – everything from land purchase to loans, choosing what to farm, OSHA regulations, and available CDFA funds. “It’s very difficult to farm. The urban costs and hurdles tend to put a damper on agriculture.” However, Deviney says that the industry is finding ways to adapt; for example, aerial applications are extremely limited, so growers have developed smarter irrigation allowing high, tall-legged tractors to do the higher applications above the tall corn. Additionally, in the past year his office participated in the development of the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan. The plan identified 12 points the county needs to address to help promote

and preserve agriculture, including assistance to beginning farmers, facilitating permits, adjusting zoning ordinances, and purchasing conservation easements. Deviney has also been working with county planning to streamline and make it easier for farmers to build farm worker housing. “It’s so expensive to live locally - farm labor comes from great distances and is difficult to arrange.” He has also observed that growers stress over the layers of regulation and increasing complexities around pesticide use. Overall, his message is for growers and industry to work with his staff, “The Department is very interested in developing a wonderful cooperative working relationship. We’ll do our best to carefully explain all of the requirements and get you securely in compliance. With pressure on pesticide use, it has become even more important to do things right and we want to help avoid any pesticide use-related problems.” In addition to other challenges, Santa Clara County is also a gateway for invasive exotic pests – Los Angeles and San Diego see the most, but with the number of international travelers and a very diverse population that often doesn’t understand the concept of quarantine, Santa Clara County gets more than its fair share of exotic fruit flies and pests each year. “People want to bring fruits and plants from other countries that are culturally important to them and along for the ride come hitchhiking pests. In 2019 alone we’ve already had the first record of the plum bud gall mite in the state, brand new detections of the noxious weed Euphorbia helioscopia, multiple Asian citrus psyllids, and an Oriental fruit fly.”

Ian Hudson of Trical, educates on nuances of fumigant use in cherry orchards.

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

Guglielmo Vineyards of Morgan Hill has successfully farmed across the street from a high school for decades and seamlessly adapted to the new school regulations.

Deviney says one strength for agriculture in the county is the unique water basin in the Santa Clara Valley and that it’s a wellmanaged water system. During the recent 5-year drought farmers there didn’t have the water restrictions as in other areas. This enabled local farmers to get corn and tomato contracts. “One more reason to save ag in the county,” he is glad to note. Asked about his relationship with the agricultural community, CAPCA, and local PCAs, Deviney was positive: looking forward to continuing to build the relationships. “And I hope to make it better through continued opportunities to communicate, like when I spoke

at the Annual CAPCA Conference about invasive species and pest prevention. In the Bay Area, most PCAs work with municipalities, but my office has a great relationship with those in the south county in agriculture, too.” Acknowledging one of the difficulties PCAs and those in agriculture face, he says “The public perception of the pesticide regulatory system is esoteric. Our growers are highly professional and high tech. We always work to create a program of parties working together. I’m always impressed by the dedication, experience, and knowledge that the Advisers have. They educate me a great deal. They want to do things safely and be in compliance; your members are always professional.” █

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AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

COMMUNICATIONS

New nutrient management publication series Pamela Kan-Rice, UCANR California growers can download a new series of publications summarizing efficient nitrogen management practices from the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). The publications are designed to assist growers in complying with state regulations for tracking and reporting nitrogen fertilizer applied to crops, in an effort to prevent nitrogen from leaching into groundwater. The science-based publications are associated with a series of trainings for growers and Certified Crop Advisers to develop efficient nitrogen management practices, an effort coordinated by UC ANR’s California Institute for Water Resources. “Our role is to provide farmers, agricultural consultants and policymakers the best science possible for making decisions on managing and protecting California groundwater,” said Doug Parker, director of the water institute. The free publications, created from training materials, lessons learned from the training sessions, and from additional UC research, can be downloaded at ciwr.ucanr.edu/NitrogenManagement. The following publications are now available: • Nitrogen Cycling and Management • Irrigation and Nitrogen Management • Nitrogen Management for Nut Crops • Nitrogen Management for Deciduous Fruit and Grapes • Nitrogen Management for Citrus and Avocado • Nitrogen Management for Cool-Season Vegetables • Nitrogen Management for Strawberry Production • Nitrogen Management for Processing Tomato • Nitrogen Management for Corn on California Dairies

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

Developed in 2014, the training program has been offered at 11 different locations around the state, most recently in Fresno. More than 1,000 Certified Crop Advisers have taken the training. After producing in-person training sessions for the last five years the project partners are working on a sustainable process to certify new technical advisers for Nitrogen Management. A final in-person training will be held in early 2020 with a transition to an exambased Nitrogen Management Certification for technical service providers starting in 2021. “Based on course evaluations, the percentage of participants with good-to-complete understanding of nitrogen management increased after the training,” Parker said. “In addition, the participants found the presenters very knowledgeable and informative. Most importantly, the majority of participants felt they were better prepared to address nitrogen mitigation regulatory requirements after the training.” The nitrogen management training curriculum was developed by a group of UC ANR faculty, specialists, and advisors. The first day focuses on the nitrogen cycle in crop production systems, nitrogen sources, irrigation and nitrogen management, and nitrogen budgeting. The second morning covers annual and permanent crops and nitrogen planning practices. The Nitrogen Management Training and Certification Program is a joint effort between the California Department of Food and Agriculture, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), and the Regional Water Boards. █

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COMMUNICATIONS

A farmer’s perspective on legislating in California Brad Hooker Editor’s note: Earlier this spring, Agri-Pulse launched a series of interviews with key California lawmakers and administration officials. Our hope is to help readers like you better understand the background and perspectives of these individuals as you work on legislative issues. Additional interviews can be found at https://www.agri-pulse.com/topics/21707west. If you have suggestions for someone we should interview, please contact Brad@Agri-Pulse.com

Assembly District 1

Bieber Republican Brian Dahle is the only member of the legislature to balance a full-time job in farming with his governing responsibilities. Earlier this month, the Assembly member since 2012 won a special election to switch over to the Senate. For the last seven years, Dahle has bounced between meetings in Sacramento and trips to his family farm in Lassen County, where he was previously on the local county board of supervisors for 16 years. Dahle’s Assembly District 1 is the largest in California. From the Cascade volcanoes and most of the Oregon border, it stretches south to Lake Tahoe, running through the Sierra counties of Placer, El Dorado and Alpine, and touching into Sacramento County. His new seat in Senate District 1 covers a similar territory. Dahle spoke with Agri-Pulse about applying the perspective of a farmer and small business owner to lawmaking at the state capitol. His family homesteaded in California in 1930 and for the last 25 years, he has been a seed farmer, raising cereal grains for seed and also runs a trucking business. Describe the perspective you bring to the California legislature: It’s unique because it keeps you grounded in the challenges that it takes to run a business in California … with the regulatory environment, labor laws, the costs of our products, higher priced fuel. Our trucking costs us more than it does in other states. I also have employees and make a payroll every two weeks. I think the legislature was set up by farmers. We have a month off during the summer, which will start this year in the middle of July right when we harvest. And then we get out in September, which is the time we start selling our product and planting it back for winter crops.

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

In your experience as a legislator, what have you seen come out of Sacramento that has impacted your agriculture operation? Ag overtime. Regulations in labor laws. Minimum wage, though we pay more than minimum wage. But we have a lot of part-time and “intro,” or what I call the introductory time for a long-term job, which starts out at minimum wage. When the minimum wage goes up, I’m not going to train somebody. I’m going to try to find a skilled worker and not put that intro person on, because it’s too expensive. I voted against all those. And then there’s the cost of business. Fuel and energy are expensive in California due to the regulatory environment on clean air standards for our power plants and carbon offset taxes. The Air Resources Board has impacted our trucking business. We have to roll out our stock and buy newer equipment that meets the standards. What’s it like working with colleagues in the legislature who come from urban districts and aren’t familiar with these issues? A lot of people don’t understand the district. Assembly District 1 is 25,000 square miles. There’s a lot of legislators who can drive across their district in 15 minutes in traffic. It’s a five-hour trip, or longer, to get across my district. I put together trips and bring legislators out. I teach them about why we need to do thinning of fuels so we don’t have catastrophic wildfires, where we should store water, how we can thin the forest and actually sequester carbon by keeping it “fire safe.” I’ve had 120 legislators over the last six years out to my district. I take them to my farm and show them what I’m doing, like spraying or planting. I tell them all the regulatory things I have to jump through in California, which a few miles across the border they don’t have to do in Oregon. I’m competing against those companies from out of state. When I’m in committee, I bring that business mindset. I have been effective with keeping some of our biomass plants running. I did a lot for our healthcare delivery system out here and was able to keep our long-term care facilities in place. I’m successful as a Republican, probably more than most. But it’s still a struggle to be in business in California. That’s why I ran for the Senate, to be able to educate the senators on the difficulties of the business.

You were hesitant about adding a tax for clean drinking water. Why was that? We have $22 billion more in revenue coming in than what we thought. First of all, we should give back to the taxpayers. We’re overcharging them and they’re getting the raw end of the deal. But (the Democratic leadership) still wants to do taxes.

I’ll give you an example. We own trucks and we pay a heavyweight use tax. That’s about a billion dollars collected every year (across the state) and it has been put in the General Fund every year since 2011. Then they put a tax on our fuel to fix the roads. It’s hard to trust the legislators when they keep diverting the funds to other things.

We did convince them to fix the (drinking) water. Only 133 communities out of tens of thousands were impaired. They did do it out of the General Fund (instead of a tax), which is the right thing to do to fix those communities.

Any other messages for California’s farmers and pest control advisors? Continue to watch the regulations. Be part of their associations.

No matter what happens — whether it’s a tax on fuel, a tax on energy, you name it — it gets passed on to the consumers. That’s why you can’t afford to live in California. It’s too expensive to live here. There’s no middle class left in California. And that’s who I am; I’m middle class. I want a strong economy for working people. And I want them to be able to afford to live in California. We have to drive the costs down.

We need more farmers (in the Capitol). I’m really the only farmer that farms every day in the whole legislature, between the Assembly and the Senate. We need people like that representing us so we can tell our story. It’s tough. You’ve got to take the time away from your family and your business and your farm. But somebody’s got to do it. These people are going to run us out of state. █

Now that you’re in the Senate, what are your top priorities? I’ll continue advocating for the small business owners. I want good schools for my kids, who are all in public schools. I want good roads to drive on. But I want the money to be spent where it’s supposed to be spent.

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AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

Looking Back With the current regulatory climate and ongoing challenges facing the pest management industry, the observation that PCAs have been confronted with shifts and changes affecting their practices and responsibilities is really nothing new. This issue we look back a little over three decades at the concerns that CAPCA and the PCAs were facing back then. Below is a copy of a presentation from the CAPCA archives that previous CAPCA Board President Tim Butler gave at the 1987 Desert Ag Conference in Phoenix, AZ. As you read the words, we are certain several points will hit you as being just as relevant today as they were 32 years ago. Along with that, the essential component of operating on a highly professional level stands out as key to the job and that it will continue to be an integral part of the profession going forward.

PCA Professionalism It’s a real honor to be here today to participate in your conference. Looking over your excellent program, it seems to me that most of it concerns our industry’s primary dilemma today: how to deal with and survive the outside forces of regulatory constraints and economic depression. All levels of our industry are affected either directly or indirectly by these regulatory and economic pressures, but my purpose here today is to discuss their impact upon a specific group within our industry – those in the business of providing agricultural pest control recommendations. Now, right off the bat I’ll make an obvious statement that INCREASING OUR PROFESSIONALISM is the key to our survival. That is true, we all believe it – it is a motherhood issue. Just remember though, that professionalism is like motherhood (so they tell me), in that talking about it is the easy part. Delivering is the hard part. But what is professionalism? First of all, your definition depends upon your perspective. Are you a PCA, a government regulator, or an environmentalist? So, defining professionalism depends upon your perspective. It also depends on which of two levels of your business you are talking about: the level of the individual PCA, or the level of the organization or association which speaks for the whole industry.

For the sake of discussion, I would define professionalism on the individual level as that level of competence which is objectively judges as adequate by those in the business who are regarded by their peers as the best in the business. The key here is that the standards of practice should be set from within our industry rather than from outside it. (More on that later.) We have three compelling reasons to strive for individual professionalism. The first is competitive survival in a marketplace which is growing even more competitive every day. We have to be better than our competition to maintain or increase our share of a customer base which is not only more demanding but shrinking as well. The PCA who doesn’t keep up with technology won’t make the cut. Secondly, professional liability is at its highest level ever in our business, and there is no immediate sign of it getting anything but worse. We literally cannot afford NOT to do business in the most highly professional manner possible. A big part of professionalism is thoroughness, and thoroughness is one of our best weapons against lawsuits. Thirdly, our individual professionalism is the most effective weapon our industry has in representing itself in regulatory and legislative battles. One of the main ideas that I would Continued on pg. 24

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

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Looking Back, CONT.

hope to leave you with today is that, as a PCA, you develop professionalism to protect yourself, but you also must use it as a tool to protect your industry. Professionalism, like charity, may begin at home but it cannot end there. I think it is essential that PCAs in each state have an organization that is recognized by regulatory agencies (and hopefully the public) as its official voice. To be effective, that statewide organization must be respected as professional in its own right. I mentioned earlier that it is important that we be able to determine our own standards of performance. The more highly regarded an organization of PCAs is, the more it will be allowed to define those standards rather than have them dictated by others. The same holds true for other matters of regulation which affect our business. The more professional we are as individuals, and the more that professionalism is reflected in and reinforced by our state organization, the more control we will have over the regulations which control us. It is that simple in principle. But building and maintaining such an organization isn’t easy. It must be made up of more than just a highly competent paid staff, although that is certainly very important. The organization takes its strength from its members: not only their numbers, but (as I have said) from their collective professionalism. And that’s not even enough. An organization can’t truly speak FOR us unless it takes its direction FROM us. We as members have to support the organization with our involvement in it. That means grassroots activity and effort. Sure, we all have our hands full just trying to run our own business or sales territory. But SOMEBODY has to do the work of formulating policies, organizing members services, and generating action where needed on legislation, etc. That means YOU and ME, not just the other guy. Judging the professionalism of such an organization centers around two things. First, how well does that organization promote the ethical behavior of its members? Does it merely talk about improving the skills and performance of its members, or is it actively involved in efforts to help them attain that improvement? Does it, for example, provide continuing education programs? Does it support, or better yet, initiate legitimate regulatory mechanisms to police its own members activities?

Secondly, the professionalism of a representative organization is measured by how responsive and responsible it is outside criticism of its members’ activities. This becomes a delicate matter of style. Every advocacy group is expected to take as strong a stance as possible for its members in every skirmish on the issues. But a truly professional one knows when to be aggressive, and when to back off. It has leadership which realizes when its members are truly vulnerable on a given issue and, in such cases, that leadership knows how to work in the most constructive manner to arrange compromises it feels its members can live with. Such a professional organization also realizes that it is essential that our respective state departments of agriculture have a strong and positive public image. As desirable as it might seem on the face of it, we don’t want a state agency governing us which is “in our pockets”. We need one which is strong, independent, and fair, and our actions should support such an agency whenever it is appropriate. We often use as a defense against our critics the fact that ours is one of the most regulated industries in the world. But that argument carries no weight whatsoever if the public doesn’t have respect for, and confidence in, the agency which is chartered to protect its interests in matters concerning our business. The result of a lack of public confidence in a department of agriculture will be shifting regulatory responsibility to some other state agency. We may fight day-to-day with our state departments of agriculture, but we are probably far better off with them as our regulatory body than if we were governed by some other agency with a different set of priorities and absolutely no feel for agriculture and its unique needs. In summary then, I think we all agree that professionalism is one of the keys to our survival. But defining and striving for INDIVIDUAL professionalism is only part of the battle. We have to develop that individual professionalism not only to save our own bacon for the sort term, but we really need to put it to work at the industry level – through an equally professional organizational effort to protect our industry, to enable it to deal effectively with the public sector, and allow us all to survive and prosper in the long run. █

(CAPCA archive: Presentation to 1987 Southwest Ag Summit by Tim Butler, CAPCA Board President 1986)

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

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AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

CAPCA

Dedicated to Supporting PCAs MISSION & PURPOSE CAPCA’s mission is to facilitate the success of the PCA and to represent our 3,000 members who provide pest management consultation for the production of food, fiber and ornamental industries of California. CAPCA’s purpose is to serve as the leader in the evolution of the pest management industry through the communication of reliable information. CAPCA is dedicated to the professional development and enhancement of our members’ education and stewardship which includes legislative, regulatory, continuing education and public outreach.

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

Photo: Fred Rehrman, Elysian Fields

ADVERTORIAL Precision AgTech Spotlight: AGRIAN

Agrian, an ag software company, is no stranger to simplifying complicated processes. They were the first company to introduce the largest, manufacturer-backed label database – today housing over 11,000 products. They also recognized early on the need to build a unified platform with the ability to work across all crops and in all markets – offering compliance, agronomy and precision technology all together, instead of just the one off (or one crop) solutions common today. So, when Agrian’s users started to recognize an increasing need for imagery, the company was determined to present those tools back to them in the most effective and efficient way possible. Good imagery gives farmers and consultants the ability to accurately detect trouble areas and optimize scouting efforts in a much more targeted approach. But the seamless integration of strong imagery tools is the definition of “complicated processes” for an ag software company. Beyond just the technical challenges, are

Imagery in the Agrian Platform

those of cost. Traditionally, it has been difficult for farmers and crop advisors to justify the expense of imagery as an investment that “pencils out.” Agrian has tackled that challenge for their users — including free imagery for all of their subscribers. An Agrian user has access to imagery that captures up to two million square miles daily, and provides access to high-resolution, multispectral, in-season imagery for timely extraction of data that directly impacts crop production and performance. Those seeking even higher resolution can upgrade to TerrAvion imagery.

We asked Agrian’s CEO, Nishan Majarian: Q. What all does Agrian do? “Agrian is an ag software company that helps growers, agronomists, CCAs, and food processors simplify their workflow by providing compliance, precision and agronomy all in one platform. Agrian’s unified platform allows users from each segment of the food supply chain to oversee the specific tasks that are relevant to their business, all in a format that is strikingly intuitive and easy to use.”

Q. What Does “independence” mean for an ag software company like Agrian? “To put it plainly, we’re not building software with the ultimate goal of selling

New Imagery Enhancements from Agrian 1. 2. 3. 4.

Auto-atmospheric correction Enhanced speed and accessibility Map layers allow analysis Zonal statistical tools

Read about each of Agrian’s latest imagery enhancements at Agrian.com/OurPerspective

you something else. Our industry has seen a rise of venture capitalist founded point solutions which ultimately leverage the user’s data in attempt to sell them something bigger down the line. It’s an approach that often seeks to boost seed sales and push chemical products, while also aiming to disrupt the farmer’s relationship with their trusted retail agronomist.

Fig1. Agrian offers users a highly advanced method of auto-atmospheric correction called 6S. Unlike simpler empirical correction methods, 6S uses parameters from the satellite itself to indicate where the sun was positioned at the time of the imaging. This serves

We don’t play that way. Agrian’s business model is simple: run a profitable business, just like our customers have to each day too. We know our lane. We are a technology company, and we provide the capabilities and services that help our customers grow and run their business profitably, sustainably and safely.”

as a sort of timestamp that can then be used to collect other parameters for that same image, including the scene location and what the atmospheric model

To learn more about Agrian and how they partner with agronomic advisors and retailers like you across the country, visit Agrian.com

should be for that scene at that time of year based on its surface elevation. All of those inputs are used in a model that generates a correction coefficient that is applied to the image, correcting for the effects

Or call them the old-fashioned way:

of the atmosphere between the satellite’s imagery and the surface of the earth.

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By taking advantage of the platform’s scalable architecture, Agrian developers were able to take an incredibly computationally-intensive step in processing and still deliver quick and accurate imagery data to their users. ©2019 Agrian Inc. All rights reserved.

AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

2600 River Plaza Drive, Suite 250 - Sacramento CA 95833 (916) 928-1625 - Fax (916) 928-0705 dee@capca.com - capca.com Please enclose check payable to: CAPCA (A $25 FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR RETURNED CHECKS) License Number:

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ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

Licensed PCAs must join as Active Members

*2019 = $160.00 2020 = $160.00 2018 = $195.00

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Must provide proof of full-time student status. May not hold a DPR license.

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* A late fee of $50.00 will be charged for any 2019 Active Membership paid after October 31, 2019

I DO NOT WANT CAPCA TO UTILIZE EMAIL TO COMMUNICATE BUSINESS OR C.E. MEETING NOTICES TO ME I DO NOT WANT MY MAILING ADDRESS UTILIZED OUTSIDE OF CAPCA PURPOSES I DO NOT WANT $7.00 OF MY DUES TO GO TO CAPCA PAC** (Political Action Committee) Update your email communication preferences through the CAPCA website https://capca.com/manage-my-communications/ You can now define which crop team, chapter and event notifications you want to receive. Which of the following categories are important to your work as a PCA (check all that apply):

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T/O, Landscape Tree Nuts Vegetables Vegetation Mgmt Organics

Go to CAPCA.com and submit your membership form online to pay by Credit Card Federal Tax ID #94-2277533 Your dues payment is not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal and state tax purposes. However, a portion of your payment may be deducted as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Please advise your tax consultant if you qualify for an ordinary and necessary business expense tax deduction. If you qualify for an ordinary and necessary business expense tax deduction, you may deduct up to $143/$35 for dues of $160/$45 respectively. If you chose not to earmark $7.00 of your dues as a contribution to CAPCA PAC and you qualify for an ordinary and necessary business expense tax deduction, you may deduct up to $150/$42 for dues of $160/$45.

**The CAPCA PAC Contribution is a voluntary non-tax contribution 28

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

For CAPCA Use Only Check#___________________ Amount__________________

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Special to the Adviser

Thinking Beyond N-P-K Angi Bunn, AgroLiquid Communications Specialist

We know plants use micronutrients in very small amounts, but they are just as essential for plant growth as primary (N, P, and K) and secondary (S, Ca, and Mg) nutrients. Any one of them can limit growth and yield potential - and even cause plant death when deficient. Why are micronutrient deficiencies increasingly being seen in the soil? There are several possible causes: • Increased yields due to various technology improvements have led to increased yields, meaning higher demand by the crop and more removal of micronutrients from the soil • Any type of land preparation which results in the removal of several inches of topsoil results in a deficiency of certain micronutrients on the cut areas • High phosphorus levels can cause micronutrient tieup, leading to deficiencies

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look at some of the micronutrients, and why they are important to the plant: BORON (B) Boron is necessary for cell division and differentiation. It helps maintain a balance between sugar and starch and aids in the movement of calcium. Boron is also essential for the germination of the pollen grains and pollen tubes in plants and has a direct effect on yield. No pollination, no crop. COBALT (Co) Cobalt plays a critical role in the overall growth of plants. Cobalt is necessary for the processes of stem growth, elongating the coleoptiles, and expanding leaf discs. A cobalt deficiency will reduce or stunt plant growth and reduce seed germination. COPPER (Cu) Copper aids in root metabolism and the utilization of proteins. Copper is essential for better stalks or stems and standability. It is also key to seed coat resiliency, disease control, test weight, and seed size. IRON (Fe) Iron is required for the formation of chlorophyll in plant cells. It activates respiration, photosynthesis, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Low iron levels in the plant result in poor energy transfer from leaves to growing points or fruiting structures thus slowing growth and lowering yields. MANGANESE (Mn) Manganese plays a major role in the production of chlorophyll. It directly affects the health of the crop and whether a plant reaches maturity or not. Manganese deficiency is a widespread problem, but is most often found in sandy soils or in soils with a pH above 6.0.

MOLYBDENUM (Mo) Molybdenum acts as a catalyst in nitrate reduction, and in nitrogen transport and utilization within the plant. Molybdenum is also associated with disease resistance in plants. NICKEL (Ni) Nickel is important in nitrogen metabolism because it is a component of the urease enzyme. Without the presence of nickel, urea conversion is impossible. It is required in very small amounts, with the critical level appearing to be about 0.1 ppm. ZINC (Zn) Zinc is necessary for chlorophyll and carbohydrate production. High yields are impossible without zinc due to its importance in growth, metabolism, and photosynthesis. High soil phosphorus, soil organic matter, biological activity, and irrigation play a role in zinc availability. Most growers and agronomists focus on macronutrients to improve yields and crop quality. However, micronutrients obviously play a pivotal role in crop development. If micronutrient deficiencies persist year after year, they will continue to damage crops regardless of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied. Before adding micronutrients to the soil, it is important to know what the soil already has available. A soil test analysis that includes micronutrients will give a snapshot of what is available to the plant. The soil test is especially important because many micronutrient deficiencies cause similar symptoms in the plant and can be difficult to identify. Deficiencies can also be caused by many factors, such as soil pH, moisture, temperature, and the presence of other compounds or nutrient tie up. If a crop is not reaching its full potential, or the same problems keep appearing, contact you crop nutrition expert to help investigate potential micronutrient deficiencies. â&#x2013;&#x2C6;

AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

FARM ADVISORS

Weed control options for dry bulb onions Richard Smith, Vegetable Crops and Weed Science Farm Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension, Monterey County Onion yield and quality can be reduced by high weed populations. It is therefore critical to control weeds in onion production fields to safeguard yield and profitability. Excellent weed control in onions can be achieved by a combination of good cultural practices and using available weed control tools. In general, onion seeds are planted 3 to 4 inches apart in the seedline. In a 10 seedline 80-inch wide bed, 196,000 to 261,000 seeds per acre are used to establish a stand. The resulting high-density configuration of onion plantings precludes the effective use of cultivation, except for a thin strip in the middle of the bed, as well as the furrows. In addition to the high-density plantings, onion seedlings grow slowly for the first 5060 days of their growth cycle which allows weeds to germinate and overtake the developing onion seedlings (Photo 1). For organic as well as conventional production it is important to utilize effective cultural practices that provide a measure of weed

control prior to planting. This includes locating the onion planting in fields with low weed pressure (e.g. prior rotations with good weed control). Preirrigation prior to planting the onions followed by shallow cultivation or flaming to kill emerging weeds is effective in reducing weed pressure in the germinating onion crop. Studies have shown that preirrigation followed by shallow cultivation reduces the number of emerging weeds by 50%. These two cultural practices reduce the population of emerging weeds and can help to keep hand weeding costs in the onion crop at manageable levels. In the hotter parts of the state, solarization of the soil to kill weed seed is extremely useful in reducing weed pressure especially for organic production. In conventional onion production, preemergence herbicides greatly reduce weed pressure early in the crop cycle. Preemergent herbicides registered for onions include DCPA, bensulide and

Photo 1. Untreated plot on left vs onions treated with pre and post emergent herbicides on right

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

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AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

FARM ADVISORS, CONT, Weed control options for dry bulb onions

ethofumasate. In Monterey County, DCPA is used extensively because it slows the growth of cool season weeds such as mustards, nettle and sow thistle which are emerging during the planting season (December to March), and controls or slows the growth of warm season weeds such as lambsquarter, nightshades, pigweed and purslane which are emerging towards the end of the planting season. Slowing the growth of warm season weeds such as the purslane keeps them smaller and easier to control with post emergent herbicides (Photos 2 & 3). The planting slots for onions vary by region in the state and it is important to look at the weed spectrum during the planting season in your area to select which preemergent material would be the most effective. Post emergent herbicides are a critical tool that aid onion weed control programs. The waxy cuticle on onion plants sheds the post emergence herbicides which minimizes damage to the onion plant and gives it a margin of safety that the susceptible weeds do not have. However, cuticle development on onion leaves can be affected by their growth stage, as well as the weather. For instance, the flag leaf is highly susceptible to post emergent herbicides are usually burned off in these applications. The cuticle development on the 1st and 2nd true leaves is affected by weather conditions. Cool, cloudy weather reduces cuticle development and can result in greater damage to the onion crop from post emergent herbicide Photo 2. Size of purslane not treated with DCPA at 1st true leaf stage

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

applications. Warm dry weather typically optimizes cuticle development and can help reduce damage. The earliest post emergent option for onions is the water-based formulation of pendimethalin which can be used at the loop stage (Photo 4). The loop stage is early stage of emergence of the flag leaf. Depending on soil temperatures, the loop stage generally occurs about 14 days after seeding. This use pattern acts like a delayed preemergent application because pendimethalin does not control weeds already emerged, but rather puts down a layer of material that controls weeds from that point forward. The water-based formulation of oxyfluorfen has a special label for its use at the 1st true leaf stage (Photo 5). The first true leaf stage occurs approximately 30-35 days after seeding. The label states that all plants must be at the 1st true leaf stage and that the 2nd true leaf must be visible. The 1st true leaf application also facilitates catching the weeds at a smaller growth stage than the 2nd true leaf stage, when they are small and easier to kill. Sometimes it is not always easy to determine the exact stage of growth of an onion field if there is variability in onion emergence and development. For instance, a portion of the onion seedlings can be at the 1st true leaf while another portion may be at the 2nd true Photo 3. Size of purslane (red cotyledons) treated with DCPA at 1st true leaf stage

Photo 4. Onion at the loop stage

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Photo 5. First true leaf stage (note flag leaf on the left side of plant)

FARM ADVISORS, CONT, Weed control options for dry bulb onions

Table 1. Phytotoxicity ratings, weed counts and yield evaluation on October 11 Treatment Rate Timing May 25 June 13 lb a.i./A NLGF2 Phyto1 Phyto1 2 no./3 ft Bicyclopyrone 200 SL 0.033 PRE 0.3 1.3 0.8 Bicyclopyrone 200 SL 0.045 PRE 0.5 0.8 0.3 Bicyclopyrone 200 SL 0.033 PRE 0.0 1.0 0.8

October 11 Bulbs no./A 116,013 122,549 127,451

Bulbs tons/A 62.908 61.846 63.439

Bulb wt lbs 1.1 1.0 1.0

Oxyfluorfen 4F

0.125

2-3 leaf

Bromoxynil 4EC Bicyclopyrone 200 SL DCPA 6F

0.36 0.033 6.0

2-3 leaf Post 0.0 PRE 0.0

1.0 1.0

0.0 1.3

130,719 118,464

64.093 65.319

1.0 1.1

Prometryn 4L DCPA 6F

0.5 6.0

4-5 leaf PRE 0.0

0.8

1.3

132,353

68.668

1.0

Linuron 50DF DCPA 6F

0.5 6.0

4-5 leaf PRE 0.0

0.8

0.3

116,830

64.175

1.1

Oxyfluorfen 4F

0.125

2-3 leaf 0.3 0.1359 ns

123,366 0.6732 ns

63.154 0.2281 ns

1.0 0.7169 ns

Bromoxynil 4EC 0.36 2-3 leaf Untreated Check ----0.0 2.3 Pr>F treat 0.4586 0.4880 ns ns LSD0.05 1 – scale: 0 = no crop damage to 10 = crop dead; 2 – nettleleaf goosefoot leaf stage, or somewhere in between. This can make it difficult to decide when is the right time to treat. Fields planted with primed seed can have greater uniformity in emergence and development which makes it easier to determine when to treat the onions. Several post emergent options are registered for use at the 2nd true leaf stage. Bromoxynil and the solvent-based formulation of oxyfluorfen control several problematic weeds such as purslane, shepherd’s purse, pigweeds, nightshades and lambsquarter. Oxyfluorfen that lands on the soil also provides preemergent activity and helps to suppress weed emergence later in the crop growth cycle. In some situations, growers make topical applications of fertilizers such as salt based (e.g. AN20) or acid-based materials which can provide significant control of even larger weeds. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is a particularly troublesome weed in onion production. Dimethenamid-P and S-metolachlor are both effective at suppressing this weed. Dimethenamid-P and S-metolachlor are registered for use at the 2nd true and 4th true leaf stage, respectively. In Monterey County, most of the onions are planted January to March and by the time the stand gets to the 2nd true leaf stage, nutsedge has already started to emerge in large numbers. Neither of the nutsedge materials will control nutsedge when it is already emerged because they both only have a preemergent effect on nutsedge. Therefore, it is necessary to burn back emerged nutsedge plants with an acid fertilizer to achieve the maximum benefit from these materials. Nutsedge eventually 36

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regrows 4 to 6 weeks later, but by that time the onions are off to a good start and can mature and yield well. In 2018 we evaluated some new onion weed control options: pre and post emergent applications of bicyclopyrone (Syngenta Corp), as well as prometryn and linuron applied at the 4-5 leaf stage. There was low weed pressure in the field, but there was a trend that indicated fewer weeds in all herbicide treatments (Table 1). None of the treatments caused significant damage to the onions. However, both prometryn and linuron caused a bending of the leaves downward, but no yield reduction was detected. None of these treatments are currently registered for use on onions and further evaluations are currently being carried out. The final step in controlling weeds in onions is hand weeding to remove any weeds not controlled by the practices just discussed. Hand weeding is the economic wild card in onion production because, if there is high weed pressure, weeding costs can be high. In addition, hand weeding inevitably causes some damage to the crop because the plants are so close together. A recent cost study of dehydrated onions (Wilson et al, 2016; https://coststudies. ucdavis.edu/en/ ) documented hand weeding costs at $294/acre. Depending on the effectiveness of weed control practices, hand weeding costs can be lower than this figure, or substantially higher. The goal of an onion weed control program is to use all the available tools to achieve effective weed season-long weed control that results in good yields and a profitable crop for the grower. █

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FARM ADVISORS

Spotted lantern fly is coming – California is getting ready, now! Mark S. Hoddle, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside California acquires, on average, about nine new species of arthropod per year, of which around three will become pests requiring some type of management (Dowell et al. 2016). Approximately 44% of non-native arthropods establishing in California originate from invasion bridgeheads, which are pest populations that are established elsewhere in the USA and act as infestation sources for California (Dowell et al. 2016). California has recently received three high profile invasive insect pests that have originated from invasion bridgeheads established elsewhere in the USA or Baja California Mexico; Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) (Milosavljević et al. 2017), brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) (Lara et al. 2018a,b), and South American palm weevil (SAPW) (Hoddle and Hoddle 2017). Given these past trends and the identifiable threat invasion bridgeheads pose to California, there are two important questions to consider: “Are there other incursion threats established in the U.S. that California should be aware of, and if so, can proactive steps be taken to mitigate the impacts of successful incursion by potential new pest species?” We have identified spotted lantern fly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), as a significant invasion threat to California. SLF was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and specimens were collected from large colonies infesting Chinese tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissma (Barringer et al. 2015). SLF is spreading rapidly on the east coast of the USA. Established populations are now found in New York and Delaware (both in 2017), New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia (all 2018). Rapid spread is most likely occurring because of indiscriminate egg laying on non-plant material. For example, females readily lay egg masses on the sides of stationary rail cars parked in close proximity to A. altissma. Subsequent movement of contaminated rail cars could be facilitating spread of this pest over distances far greater than SLF is capable of flying. This type of spread on non-biotic materials increases greatly the risk of SLF being inadvertently introduced into California. For example, SLF eggs laid on trailers, motor homes, trucks, or pallets that originate in SLFinfested areas and are accidentally moved cross country could result in this pest establishing in California. SLF is native to northern China (Dara et al. 2015), it invaded South Korea in 2004 and widespread detections were made around 2006 suggesting rapid spread and unregulated population growth. In South Korea, SLF is a significant agricultural pest of grapes and possibly walnuts, two specialty crops that are grown in California. SLF has one generation per year. On the east coast of the U.S., eggs are laid in the fall and are the overwintering stage. Eggs are covered with a foam like material and are laid on tree trunks/branches and non-plant substrates like rocks, outdoor equipment, and pallets (Fig. A). SLF nymphs (Fig. B) hatch from eggs in late spring/early summer (i.e., late April/May) and pass through four developmental stages or instars to reach adulthood. Nymphs are capable of localized dispersal via walking, and since they don’t have wings, nymphs can’t fly. Adult SLF begin to appear around July, they are large and have brightly colored red underwings (Fig. C), but are relatively poor flyers 38

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

and are incapable of unassisted long distance flights. Adult SLF can form large aggregations (Fig. D). In the eastern U.S., high density SLF populations have been recorded on grape vines (Fig. E), apple trees, native forest trees, and ornamental woody shade trees. In vineyards, SLF adults are easily killed with contact insecticides like pyrethroids (Fig. F). Adults and nymphs feed on phloem and secrete large amounts of honeydew, a waste product that results from a sap-feeding diet. Honeydew attracts ants, bees, and hornets and promotes growth of sooty molds (Liu et al. 2017).

(E) SLF adults feeding on grape canes and (F) piles of dead SLF adults under grape vines treated with a pyrethroid. Photo Credits: Erica Smyers, Pennsylvania State University.

In invaded regions, SLF has the capacity to develop extremely high population densities which are capable of causing significant economic damage through feeding. High density outbreaks of this pest, may be due in part, to “enemy release.” Enemy release underlies a key premise in classical biocontrol theory, this being the escape from top down population-level regulation by co-evolved natural enemies. In the introduced range, enemy release results in the proliferation of introduced non-native species. This occurs (A) SLF eggs laid on a wooden pallet (photo credit: USDA, Lance Cheung). Indiscriminate egg laying on inert objects may assist unintentional long distance spread by people. (B) SLF nymphs (photo credit: USDA-ARS, Stephen Ausmus). First through third instars are black, fourth instars are red. (C) Adult SLF have striking red underwings (photo credit: USDA, Lance Cheung). (D) An aggregation of adult SLF on a tree trunk (photo credit: USDA, Lance Cheung).

because of unregulated population growth as there are no specialized natural enemies, like egg parasitoids, for example, attacking the pest. Classical biocontrol re-associates key natural enemy species from the pest’s native range with target pest populations in the invaded range. When successful, subsequent attacks on the pest by the introduced natural enemies reduce rates of reproduction by the pest. This causes population declines which result in lower pest densities and associated damage, and reduced rates of spread. A classical biocontrol program targeting SLF in the eastern U.S. has been initiated by the USDA-ARS Beneficial Insects Laboratory in Delaware which is cooperating closely with scientists at the USDA-APHIS laboratory in Otis Massachusetts, and collaborators in China. Two Chinese parasitoids, an egg parasitoid, Anastatus orientialis (Fig. G) and a nymph parasitoid, Dryinus browni (Fig. H), have been identified as potential biocontrol candidates. Anastatus orientalis lays eggs inside the individual eggs of SLF. Parasitoid larvae consume the egg’s contents killing it. Adult parasitoids make circular exit holes to leave the SLF egg after development is complete (Fig. I). Dryinus browni females lay eggs inside second and third instar SLF nymphs. Females have specialized raptorial front legs for grasping nymphs while they oviposit. As it grows, the parasitoid larva begins AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

FARM ADVISORS, CONT, Spotted lantern fly is coming

(G) Female Anastatus orientalis ovipositing into an egg contained within a SLF egg mass (credit: Robert Nehme Malek, University of Trento. (H) Female Dryinus browni, a parasitoid that attacks SLF nymphs. The arrow indicates the raptorial part of the foreleg that the female uses to hold onto SLF nymphs while ovipositing (credit: USDA-ARS, Anna Daugherty and Kim Hoelmer). (I) A. orientalis exit holes in a SLF egg mass (credit: USDA-APHIS, Mauri Hickin).

to protrude from the body of the host and develops a protective protuberance, called a thylacium, within which it lives. Inside this external protective structure the dryinid larva consumes the internal contents to the nymph killing it. The mature dryinid larva then abandons the dead host to pupate inside a silk cocoon.

In support of this proactive biological control effort targeting SLF, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation provided grant money to commence safety testing of A. orientalis in quarantine at UC Riverside. The motivation for this work is to have this egg parasitoid “pre-approved” for release prior to the anticipated establishment of SLF in California. We anticipate that SLF will probably establish in urban areas of California first (ACP, BMSB, and SAPW have done this) from which high density and rapidly spreading populations will threaten agricultural areas. Upon the confirmation of established SLF populations, we will be in the highly advantageous position of being able to rapidly release and establish A. orientalis in California for biological control of SLF. Assuming that established SLF populations are not detected in California in the near term, this proactive approach will save, at a minimum, 2-3 years of time after the SLF invasion commenced. This is a critical period during an invasion as uncontrolled pest populations tend to spread rapidly during this period as management plans, including biocontrol, are slowly developed and implemented. Furthermore, our experiences have impressed upon us that the use of biological control agents for suppression of invasive pest populations, especially in urban areas, is viewed and accepted more favorably by the public than pesticide application campaigns. Consequently, California is moving into a strong position to mitigate the anticipated SLF invasion by proactively developing a biological control program for this pest. █ 40

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

➞

Because SLF has not yet established in California we consider SLF to be an excellent target for proactive biological control. Proactive biological control is the selection, screening, and approval for release of a natural enemy species for the classical (i.e., introduction) biological control of an invasive pest in advance of the anticipated incursion and establishment of the target pest in the area of concern (Hoddle et al. 2018). Normally, the initiation of biological control programs are reactive and start after the pest has become well established, is spreading, and causing economic or ecological damage. There are four reasons why we consider SLF to be a strong candidate for proactive biological control: (1) Invasion bridgeheads are well established in several eastern U.S. states, (2) this pest has demonstrated a propensity for rapid spread and explosive population growth, (3) it is a pest of several agricultural crops, including California Specialty Crops (e.g., grapes), and (4) SLF natural enemies are in a USDA quarantine facility in Delaware and can be tested for safety in a highly secure quarantine facility at the University of California Riverside.

Background Reading Barringer, L.E., L.R. Donovall, S-V Spichiger, D. Lynch, and D. Henry. 2015. The first new world record of Lycorma delicatula (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoridae). Entomol. News 125: 20-23. Dara, S., L. Barringer, and S.P. Arthurs. 2015. Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae): A new invasive pest in the United States. J. Integ. Pest Mngmt 6: DOI: 10.1093/jipm/pmv021 Dowell, R.V., R.J. Gill, D.R. Jeske, and M.S. Hoddle. 2016. Exotic terrestrial macro-invertebrate invaders in California from 1700 to 2010: An analysis of records. CA Acad. Sci. Series 4 63(3): 63-157. Hoddle, M.S. and C.D. Hoddle. 2017. Palmageddon: The invasion of California by the South American palm weevil is underway. CAPCA Adviser 20(2): 40-44. Hoddle, M.S., K. Mace, and J. Steggall. 2018. Proactive biological control: a cost-effective management option for invasive species. California Agriculture 72: 48-50.

Lara, J.R., C. Pickett, E. Grafton-Cardwell, P. Gordon, J. Reger, S. Figueroa, M. Romo, J. Oliva, M. S. Hoddle. 2018a. Stinky in high numbers: What’s new with brown marmorated stink bug in California? CAPCA Adviser 21: 44-48. Lara, J.R., C. Pickett, E. Hannon, L. Gonzalez, S. Figueroa, M. Romo, C. Cabanas, V. Bazurto, V. Strode, K. Briseno, M. Lewis, J. Corso, M. Atkinson, and M.S. Hoddle. 2018b. Trouble comes in pairs: Invasive stink bugs in California. CAPCA Adviser 21(6): 64-72. Liu, H., K. Hoelmer, and J.S. Gould. 2017. Natural enemies of the spotted lanternfly in Asia and North America. USDA Interagency Forum on Invasive Species. pp. 30-32 FHTET-2017-06. Milosavljević I., K. Schall, C.D. Hoddle, D. Morgan , and M.S. Hoddle. 2017. Biocontrol program targets Asian citrus psyllid in California’s urban areas. California Agriculture 71(3). 169-177.

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AUGUST 2019 | CAPCA ADVISER

FARM ADVISORS

Update on the area-wide IPM program for Virginia creeper leafhopper in the North Coast Houston Wilson, Asst. Cooperative Extension Specialist, Kearney Ag. Research & Extension Center, Dept. Entomology, UC Riverside Vineyard Leafhoppers in California There are three closely related species of leafhopper (Cicadellidae) that are considered pests in vineyards – the Western grape leafhopper (Erythroneura elegantula), variegated leafhopper (Erythroneura variabilis) and Virginia creeper leafhopper (Erythroneura ziczac). While the Western grape leafhopper (WGLH) is native to California, the variegated leafhopper (VLH) and Virginia creeper leafhopper (VCLH) both arrived in California sometime in the 1980s. WGLH can be found in vineyards throughout most areas of the state, including the Central Valley, Central Coast and North Coast. VLH is mostly found in the San Joaquin Valley, southern Sacramento Valley and in Southern California, although small populations are occasionally found in the North Coast. In contrast, VCLH is limited to the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Foothills regions, as well as the North Coast, where it was recently introduced. These leafhoppers have pierce-suck mouthparts and feed on grape leaves, which produces leaf stippling that can lead to reduced vine vigor, yield and/or fruit quality. Additionally, the seasonal timing of leafhopper development can result in large populations of adults right around harvest, which can be a major nuisance to workers manually harvesting grapes. Leafhopppers overwinter as adults in reproductive diapause, typically residing in and around the vineyard in leaf litter and/or on nearby winter vegetation. In the spring, as grape vines begin to develop shoots, leafhoppers will move back onto the vines to feed on mature grape leaves. As they feed, they will break their diapause, mate and then begin to oviposit into grape leaves. When the immature leafhoppers (i.e. nymphs) emerge from their eggs, they primarily reside on the underside of the grape leaves, where they feed. Nymphs pass through five immature stages (i.e. instars) before molting into an adult, at which point they can fly and migrate to other areas of the vineyard. Leafhoppers have multiple generations, typically 2-5 per year depending on the region (more generations in warmer areas, fewer generations in cooler areas). At the end of the season, when the photoperiod decreases and grape vines senesce, the leafhopper adults move onto the vineyard floor and enter reproductive diapause for the winter. While generalist predators like minute pirate-bug (Orius spp.), green lacewings (Chrysopa spp., Chrysoperla spp.) and spiders are all known to attack vineyard leafhoppers, biological control is primarily the result of egg parasitism by a group of closely related parasitoids – Anagrus erythroneurae, Anagrus daanei, and Anagrus tretiakovae (Mymaridae). WGLH eggs are attacked by A. erythroneurae and A. daanei, VLH eggs are attacked by A. erythroneurae and A. tretiakovae, and VCLH eggs are attacked by A. daanei and A. 42

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

tretiakovae. More specifically, these parasitoids lay their own egg inside a healthy leafhopper egg, which is subsequently consumed by the parasitoid larva. This larva then completes its develop and emerges as an adult from the leafhopper egg, leaving a circular exit hole on the upper surface of the egg. These parasitoids complete multiple generations per year and under good conditions can rapidly build up their populations in vineyards, resulting in adequate biological control of leafhoppers. These Anagrus parasitoids require leafhopper eggs in order to successfully overwinter. Since WGLH, VLH and VCLH all overwinter as adults, the Anagrus parasitoids must leave the vineyard at the end of the season and locate an alternate leafhopper host for the winter. These alternate hosts are typically found on blackberry (Rubus spp.) and coyotebrush (Baccharis pilularis), and it has been shown that the timing and abundance of Anagrus activity in vineyards is related to the area and proximity of habitats that contain these plants surrounding the vineyard. VCLH Arrives in the North Coast VCLH first appeared in northern California vineyards sometime in the 1980s. Since its introduction, populations of this insect have primarily been limited to the Sierra Foothills and Sacramento Valley areas. More recently, starting around 2011-2012, wine grape growers in Mendocino and Lake County began to experience severe and persistent outbreaks of VCLH in their vineyards. These outbreaks were especially devastating in certified organic vineyards, where control options are more limited. In some extreme cases certified organic growers found it necessary to resort to synthetic chemical controls for VCLH, thereby losing their organic certification status. WGLH is the dominant leafhopper in the North Coast region and the unexpected arrival of VCLH quickly became a serious problem. Initial surveys conducted in August 2013 revealed a total absence of VCLH parasitism in the North Coast. Even more surprising was the finding that the primary VCLH parasitoid A. daanei was actually present and abundant throughout the region – but it was simply not attacking VCLH! Meanwhile, WGLH was found to be regularly attacked by both A. erythorneurae and A. daanei. As such, it seemed that the A. daanei in the North Coast had apparently lost preference for VCLH, even though it is a known reproductive host for this parasitoid. As mentioned, WGLH is the dominant leafhopper pest in the North Coast and growers are very accustomed to effectively managing this insect. With the arrival of VCLH though, early observations indicated that some adjustments would be needed to the timing of monitoring and treatment.

While VCLH and WGLH are very similar in many ways, there are some important differences in the timing of their development. When the overwintering adult WGLH first begin to feed on grape vines in the spring, they require approximately two-weeks of feeding before they begin to oviposit. This is in contrast to the overwintering adult VCLH, which begin ovipositing on mature grape leaves almost immediately once they become available. This earlier egg deposition means that VCLH nymphs will appear on grape leaves earlier than WGLH, and so growers must initiate monitoring efforts for this pest sooner in the year than they are accustomed to for WGLH. Furthermore, when monitoring for VCLH nymphs it is important to note that early stage nymphs (i.e. 1st – 2nd instar nymphs) of WGLH and VCLH appear very similar and are difficult to distinguish (see inset box for details on leafhopper identification).

LEAFHOPPER NYMPH SPECIES IDENTIFICATION Virginia creeper and Western grape leafhoppers are approximately the same shape, size (0.03 - 0.10 inch / 0.8 2.5 mm) and color (white/yellow) with the key exception that VCLH nymphs develop 4 distinct brown/red spots on their thorax as the nymphs mature. The spots don’t appear until the nymph has molted at least once, so the early stage (1st instar) of both species is identical. The spots on VCLH nymphs are light orange on 2nd/3rd instars and become brown/red on the 4th/5th instar. Early in the season, leafhopper nymphs can be found on fully-expanded, mature leaves on nodes 1-5 and later in the season just above the fruit zone on nodes 4-6.

VCLH also appear to have a strong preference for grape varieties with more glaborous leaves (i.e. leaves that are smooth on the underside, without a lot of trichomes or tomentum), such as chardonnay and grenache. In this way, growers can prioritize VCLH monitoring efforts in more susceptible blocks that contain these varieties – although it is still strongly recommended that growers monitor for VCLH in all vineyard blocks. Earlier oviposition by VCLH has implications for the timing of chemical controls as well. While many grape growers rely on AIs with systemic activity for leafhopper control, such as imidacloprid, it is critical that, when treatment is warranted, those growers utilizing contact products time their applications to coincide with the most vulnerable leafhopper life-stage. For most contact products, this is typically when a majority of the population is in the earlier developmental stages (i.e. early instar nymphs). Please consult your PCA for specific product recommendations, rates and timing. Finally, due to the absence of biological control in the North Coast, early season treatment of VCLH is essential. This is in contrast to WGLH, where biological control is fairly consistent and as a result many North Coast growers can afford to wait until later in the year to make a treatment decision.

Western Grape Leafhopper

More information on vineyard leafhopper identification, monitoring procedures, management options and product selection can all be found at the UC IPM website (http://ipm.ucanr.edu/). Area-wide IPM Program for VCLH In 2013, responding to the growing severity of VCLH outbreaks, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) advisors Glenn McGourty (UCCE Mendocino) and Lucia Varela (UCCE North Coast IPM Advisor) brought together a team of entomologists to address the problem, this included Kent Daane (UC Berkeley), Houston Wilson (UC Riverside) and Serguei Triapitsyn (UC Riverside). Shortly thereafter, this group developed the Virginia Creeper Leafhopper Area-wide IPM Program, a coordinated research and extension effort to help get these regional VCLH outbreaks under control. Beginning in 2014, the VCLH Area-wide IPM Program organized multiple field days, tailgate talks and other events to educate growers on VCLH identification, biology, seasonal development, 44

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

Virginia Creeper Leafhopper

and control options. Pest identification guides were developed as well, including a video that explained how to differentiate VCLH and WGLH. This and other relevant information were all aggregated on a project website (http://ucanr.edu/sites/VCLH) for growers and PCAs to reference. Furthermore, with the help of multiple growers and PCAs, a regional leafhopper monitoring effort was initiated as well. Monitoring data from multiple vineyards across Mendocino and Lake County were summarized and circulated weekly in order to provide updates on leafhopper development and identify population hot spots. Data were initially circulated via an email listserve, but this eventually grew into a regional newsletter and blog. In addition to these outreach, education and monitoring efforts, vineyard surveys for VCLH parasitoids were conducted across northern California, including the North Coast, Sacramento Valley and Sierra Foothill regions. The 2014 survey effort successfully identified a strain of A. daanei from the Sacramento Valley that would readily attack VCLH. Initial laboratory testing indicated that this Sacramento Valley strain (SV-strain) of A. daanei would indeed parasitize VCLH eggs, unlike the North Coast strain (NC-strain) of A. daanei which would not attack VCLH at all. Subsequently, small-scale field studies in 2015 demonstrated that releasing large numbers of the SV-strain A. daanei into a Mendocino County vineyard led to increased parasitism of VCLH. Starting in 2016, a large-scale rear-release program was initiated to introduce large numbers of the SV-strain A. daanei into Mendocino and Lake County vineyards in order to establish biological control of VCLH. Over the course of two years, more than 30,000 SVstrain A. daanei were released across 12 vineyard sites, primarily concentrated in areas with the most intense VCLH outbreaks. The results of this parasitoid augmentation program were mixed, with parasitism increasing at some sites but not all. This may be due to a variety of factors, including hybridization between the SV-strain

and NC-strain of A. daanei (that is, when these two strains mate do their offspring retain a preference for VCLH eggs?). While impacts of the parasitoid introduction effort were mixed, late season parasitism of VCLH appears to be slightly increasing year-over-year, and this even includes at some sites were parasitoids were not released. This may indicate that either the released SVstrain of A. daanei are migrating to other areas and/or that the local NC-strain of A. daanei is potentially starting to attack the VCLH. Regardless, biological control of VCLH still needs improvement and at present it is recommended that North Coast growers continue to monitor and treat VCLH populations early in the season. Conclusions and Future Directions Management of VCLH continues to be a priority for growers in the North Coast. While biological control remains limited, a combination of vigilant monitoring and appropriately timed sprays have greatly reduced the severity and persistence of VCLH outbreaks. Work is currently underway to improve biological control. This includes efforts to evaluate the genetics of the SV- and NC-strains of A. daanei, and to compare this with A. daanei populations from other regions across the West Coast. This molecular work is being combined with additional laboratory testing to evaluate the performance of hybrid offspring produced by mating the two strains of parasitoid. Finally, extension efforts will continue to emphasize the necessity and nuance of controlling VCLH while researchers continue to monitor VCLH parasitism throughout the North Coast. The goal is to establish more reliable biological control of VCLH in order to reduce the need for early season treatments. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Houston Wilson: Houston.wilson@ucanr.edu █

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FARM ADVISORS

Kernel smut of rice Luis Espino, Rice Farming Systems Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension In the mid 1980s, smutted kernels were found in samples from several rice warehouses in the Sacramento Valley. This was the first time kernel smut was found in California. Following the detection, research was conducted to try to determine if this disease was going to become a problem in rice production. By the late 1980s, researchers and growers did not see major kernel smut issues in the field and no more research on kernel smut was conducted. In 2014 I was asked to talk about kernel smut at a rice grower meeting. I had to dig around for information, since I had never had to cover kernel smut before. Since then, it seems kernel smut has increased its spread and severity every year. In the last few years, I have seen severely affected fields, and I have received several reports of growers losing yield and quality due to kernel smut, especially in the northern part of the Sacramento Valley. Disease cycle Kernel smut is a fungal disease caused by Tilletia barclayana. Some experts are not sure if this is the true identity of the fungus; research will have to settle this question. Spores of the fungus spread during harvest, getting on harvesting equipment, soil, and other seeds. It is suspected spores can survive in the field, and this may be why the same fields show infections year after year. But spores can also be spread with seed, making the use of seed from infested fields a problem. Pathologists believe that kernel smut spores float in the water after flooding fields in the spring, germinate and then produce primary spores. The primary spores germinate and eventually produce secondary spores that are pushed into the air. These spores then land on rice foliage, and infect the flowers as the panicle emerges from the boot. Once inside the flower, the fungus develops inside the ovary and eventually replaces the content of the kernel with a mass of black spores that can be seen during grain maturity in the field, especially early in the morning when the dew makes the mass of spores swell (figure 1). Effect on yield and quality As mentioned earlier, anecdotal evidence suggests that kernel smut can result in yield reductions. California growers that have seen severe kernel smut infestations in their fields have reported yield losses of up to 10%. Research conducted in the past two years has confirmed that kernel smut can affect milling and head rice yield. For M-206, a level of 30 smutted kernels per 25 grams of grain can result in a 2 point reduction in milling yield (figure 2). As a reference, 25 grams of rice is about 1,000 grains, so 30 smutted kernels represent only 3% of all kernels in 25 grams of rice. The effect on head rice yield does not seem to be as strong, but last year a reduction in head rice yield was detected in M-105 and M-206. Management One of the challenges with kernel smut is that the signs of the disease are not evident until right before harvest. Therefore, the history of the field needs to be considered when devising a management plan. To determine the level of kernel smut, the number of smutted kernels in a grain sample needs to be counted. This is not a practical way for a grower or PCA to evaluate a field. A better method to 46

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

Figure 1. Rice panicle infected with kernel smut. The pathogen replaces the kernel with a black mass of spores that easily disperse during harvest.

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FARM ADVISORS, CONT, Kernel smut of rice

evaluate kernel smut is being developed, based on the proportion of infected panicles (panicles with at least one smutted kernel) in a sample of 10 panicles. Preliminary results indicate that when 50-60% of panicles are infected, one can expect reductions in grain quality.

Figure 2. Relationship between the number of smutted kernels in 25 grams of grain and percentage milling yield for three rice varieties. As the number of smutted kernels increases, milling yield decreases.

Figure 3. Seed from a kernel smut infected field. Notice the darker kernels on the surface. This seed had been soaked, making the smutted kernels noticible.

Since the disease can be moved with seed, using clean seed is very important. Avoid using seed that comes from infested fields (figure 3). Research conducted during the 1980s showed that the practice of soaking seed in a bleach solution can inhibit the germination of kernel smut spores. However, it is not clear if this would be true for spores within a kernel. Currently, research is being conducted to address this question. Past research has also shown that high nitrogen rates favor kernel smut incidence. This is why in infested fields kernel smut incidence is higher in areas of nitrogen overlap. If kernel smut is a problem, avoid high nitrogen rates and assess nitrogen mid season to make sure a topdress is needed. Long grain varieties are more susceptible to kernel smut than short or medium grain varieties. The most severe cases of kernel smut in the past few years have occurred in long grain fields. Of the medium grains, M-209 is more susceptible (figure 4). The fungicide propiconazole applied at the mid boot stage is effective at reducing kernel smut incidence and severity. Last year, fungicide trials were conducted, and even thought disease levels in the fields where the trials were established were low, results confirmed that propiconazole is effective. Make sure to time the application at the mid boot stage. Applications made during heading do not protect panicles against kernel smut; most likely, by then infections have already occurred. â&#x2013;&#x2C6;

Figure 4. Kernel smut variety trial. Long grain samples had the most smutted kernels from all varieties. Of the medium grains, M-209 had the highest levels of kernel smut.

CAPCA ADVISER | AUGUST 2019

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AT THE CENTER OF PLANT HEALTH

CAPCA’s 45 Annual Conference & Agri-Expo th

November 3-5, 2019 Grand Sierra Resort - Reno, Nevada REGISTER NOW!!

Conference Registration and Hotel Accommodations can be made at

CAPCA.COM/CONFERENCE

Accommodations:

Registration Rates:

GSR Standard Room - $115.00* Summit Suites - $125.00*

Member/Exhibitor - $330 Non Member - $410 Educator - $225 Student - $150 Spouse - $175 Golf Fees - $100

*Reduced daily resort fee Please always remember to book accommodations through CAPCA’s website or directly with the hotel. Most 3rd party companies offering lower rates are a scam.

Hunting for Solutions

Questions - Contact Dee Strowbridge 916-928-1625 x 3 or dee@capca.com

November 3-5, 2019 - Grand Sierra Resort, NV