Garden

Damping Off
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Damping Off

Seedlings sometimes fail to sprout or die soon after. Seeds may rot before germinating, shoots may decay before they emerge, or stems of seedlings may be attacked near the soil line, causing young plants to collapse. These diseases are collectively called “damping off,” likely caused by a number of soil…
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downy mildew
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Downy Mildew

Downy mildews, including Peronospora and Plasmopara spp., are pathogenic water molds (oomycetes) that primarily damage foliage. Hosts include cane berries, roses, various herbaceous ornamentals, and many fruit, grain, and vegetable crops. CategoryFungiSigns/SymptomsDowny mildew causes pale green to…
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Brown, scorched-looking leaves are symptoms of fire blight in trees in the apple and pear family. Photo: Sebastian Stabinger
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Fire Blight

 Fire blight is a common and frequently destructive disease of pome fruit trees and related plants.  The disease can destroy limbs and even entire shrubs or trees. Caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. Pear (Pyrus species) and quince (Cydonia) are extremely susceptible.  Apple, crabapple …
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fusarium wilt
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Fusarium Wilt

Fungus.  Various host-specific forms of Fusarium oxysporum can kill infected plants. Hosts include asparagus, bean, cabbage, cantaloupe, pea, tomato, and watermelon. There are many varieties of host plants with resistance to Fusarium wilt.Like verticillium, causes leaf…
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peach leaf curl
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Peach Leaf Curl

 Fungal disease that affects the blossoms, fruit, leaves, and shoots of peaches, ornamental flowering peaches, and nectarines. One of the most common disease problems for backyard gardeners growing these trees. When severe, the disease can reduce fruit production substantially. The loss of leaves and…
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powdery mildew
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Powdery Mildew

 Powdery mildew is a common disease on many types of plants and is prevalent in many areas of California. Infection occurs when fungus contacts a suitable host and environmental conditions are favorable. Infections spread as spores produced in these white patches move by wind and splashing rain to other…
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sooty mold
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Sooty Mold

Grows on plants and other surfaces covered with honeydew, a sticky substance created by some certain insects. Doesn’t infect plants, but the mold can indirectly do damage by coating leaves to the point that sunlight can’t reach the leaf surface. Without adequate sunlight, the plant cannot effectively…
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Moss Landing Power plant
Article

Gardening Safely After the Moss Landing Battery Fire: What We Know

March 20, 2025
Update 5/27/25In response to the fire at Vistra's Moss Landing battery plant in January of this year a new data dashboard is now available online with data on environmental testing and monitoring. It will continue to be updated throughout clean-up operations.Moss Landing Battery Fire Dashboard Home…
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verticillium wilt dahlias
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Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium Wilt, one of the most widespread and destructive soil-borne diseases of plants, attacks many woody and herbaceous species throughout the world. The causal fungus, verticillium dahliae, infects susceptible plants through the roots and invades and plugs the water conducting tissues. Verticlllium…
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Desert marigold thriving in the Wildlife Habitat Garden at the Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden at Patrick Ranch. Laura Kling
Article

Wildlife-Friendly Garden

March 19, 2025
At this time of year many gardeners reflect upon what worked in the garden over the past year, plan changes to implement in the coming months, and consider new plants to introduce. This Spring, why not begin planning a more wildlife-friendly garden?  You can encourage birds, butterflies, lizards, frogs and a…
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