Backyard Orchard News
Gene Brandi, Speaker at WAS Conference: Managing Honey Bees in California
Varroa mites--considered the No. 1 enemy of beekeepers--will be among the topics discussed when...
A varroa mite (reddish-brownish spot at left beneath the wings) is attached to this forager nectaring on lavender. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A honey bee pauses from foraging on an almond blossom to pack pollen. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Sunpreme raisins a hit at the UC Kearney Grape Day 2017
Excitement over the new Sunpreme raisins was evident at UC Kearney Grape Day Aug. 8, 2017. As soon as the tram stopped, dozens of farmers and other industry professionals rushed over to the vineyard to take a close look and sample the fruit. Raisins pulled from the vine were meaty with very little residual seed. The flavor was a deep, sweet floral with a muscat note.
Sunpreme raisins, bred by now-retired USDA breeder David Ramming, promise a nearly labor-free raisin production system. Traditionally, raisins are picked and placed on paper trays on the vineyard floor to dry. The development of dried-on-the-vine varieties opened the door to greater mechanization. Workers would cut the stems above clusters...
Getting Steak and Dessert at the Same Time
Monarch butterflies aren't the only insects that hang around milkweed, their host plant. You're...
A European paper wasp catching prey on a showy milkweed, Asclepias speciosa. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A European wasp feeding on prey on a tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Eye to eye, and nose to antennae with a European paper wasp. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Close-up of European paper wasp. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
LREC pathology laboratory supports project of two COS interns
Since 2014, the new Lindcove Research and Extension Center pathology laboratory has provided the...
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'Bee Man' Norm Gary Featured at WAS Conference at UC Davis
Honey bees intrigue, delight and fascinate Norman Gary. In fact, they have for 70 years. Seven...
'Bee Man' Norm Gary is surrounded by bees as he is about to perform a bee wrangling stunt. He is now retired from bee wrangling. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)