SJC and Delta Field Crops

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a photosynthetic organism that can proliferate, or bloom, in waters that are warm and stagnant. It is a concern for human and animal health because it can produce toxins that cause nerve and liver damage. Blue-green algae has been in the news recently.

I was recently contacted by a Pest Control Advisor (PCA) regarding a lima bean field in the Tracy area. The plants were showing some unusual symptoms, and while the field was nearing harvest, the grower was hoping to get another couple weeks out of it for pod fill.

The annual Delta field meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 4th starting at 10:00am. This year, the agenda includes topics on both field corn and sorghum. The meeting location is at the UCCE field corn variety trial plot off of Brunk Road on Tyler Island.

Please see this article on the UC Rice Blog for an update on armyworm populations. We will continue to monitor traps in the Delta through mid-September, and we will plan to monitor populations next season.

A land manager recently contacted me with questions about overseeding alfalfa. Her alfalfa stand is diminishing but not to the point of giving up on it.