Etiology of Pine Ghost Canker in Southern California Urban Forests.

Pine ghost canker is a recently described disease affecting multiple pine species in urban forests of Southern California. Symptoms include wedged cankers with irregular margins and cryptic discoloration on cross-sections of branches, which can lead to severe dieback and potentially tree death. In this study, we identified and characterized five species (, , , , and ) as the primary etiological agents of pine ghost canker.

The Potential of Fluralaner as a Bait Toxicant to Control Pest Yellowjackets in California.

The western yellowjacket, (Saussure), is an important seasonal pest of recreational and outdoor venues in the western United States. Its propensity to scavenge food increases the likelihood of stinging incidences. Control measures are limited to intensive trapping and treating subterranean nests.

First Report of and Causing Pine Ghost Canker on spp. in Southern California.

, and are important conifer species native to Mediterranean regions that are cultivated in the southwestern United States for landscaping (Phillips and Gladfelter, 1991; Chambel et al., 2013). Among them, Monterey pine () is native to restricted areas of California and Mexico, but it is extensively grown for timber production in other countries, especially in the Southern Hemisphere (Rogers, 2004).

Chemical Management of Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Fusarium Dieback in California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) in Southern California.

Fusarium dieback (FD) is a new vascular disease of hardwood trees caused by Fusarium spp. and other associated fungal species which are vectored by two recently introduced and highly invasive species of ambrosia beetle (Euwallacea spp. nr.

Evaluation of a Hydrogel Matrix for Baiting Western Yellowjacket (Vespidae: Hymenoptera).

Baiting is an effective method to manage Vespula spp. yellowjacket (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) populations without having to locate and treat nests. Here, we assessed the utility of a commercially available polyacrylamide hydrogel as an alternative bait material for yellowjacket baiting.