Topics in Subtropics

Introduction The economic sustainability and consequent longevity of Californias historic black ripe table olive industry is challenged by the crippling cost of hand-harvest, a cost that often exceeds 50-75% of gross return.

At first thought this sounds like a dumb question. Of course we need to schedule irrigations just like we schedule lunch; we get hungry, plants get thirsty. End of story.

Avocado leaves infested with trioza was intercepted in March at the San Diego/Mexico border. Avocado leavers are used to wrap tamales. Trioza infested leaves make a tastier tamale. Introduction Figure 1. Adult Trioza on a Hass avocado leaf.

In recent years, several organic herbicide products have appeared on the market.

Brevipalpus mite species belong to a larger group or family of mites the Tenuipalpidae, referred to as flat mites. The genus Brevipalpus is considered the most important one in the family. The mites are small ranging in size from 200-400 micrometers in length, flattened and frequently red in color.