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Plant News

March 29, 2009

Plant Information

Aspirin for Potatoes?

In the 1930s, scientists came across a phenomenon in plants that they called systemic acquired resistance (SAR, not SARS). The plants made salycylic acid in response to the presence of pathogens. Sometimes the plants did not respond quickly enough so experiments are being done to see if spraying the plants with salycylic acid can stimulate potatoes to defend themselves. They fight off the infection rather than kill the pathogen. Read more about this in the library or at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive /dec03/plant1203.htm .

Plants of the Colosseum

Five plant surveys, dating from 1643 to 2001, taken at Rome's Colosseum allow scientists to study the plant life at one site over an unusually long period of time. Although the current list of 242 names is down from the 420 high of 1855, an amazing 200 were seen in all of the surveys. Changes in the lists indicate a trend to a warmer, drier climate. Part of that trend is caused by the fact that the Colosseum, once on the outskirts of the city, is now encircled by it.

Growing Squash

Recent studies show that people were growing squash in what is now southwestern Ecuador as long as 10,000-9,000 years ago, about the same time that people were domesticating squash in the highlands of southern Mexico. The evidence came from carbon dating of microscopic crystals from squash rinds found at two prehistoric sites in Ecuador.

Plants Also Have Clocks

Plants have a 24-hour biological clock that they use to protect themselves from the sun. A series of chemical changes leads to the production of flavonoids which act as a "sunscreen" to protect the plant from the afternoon sun.

Tips on How to Avoid Exposure to Mosquitoes

March 29, 2009

Plant Information

An important aspect of mosquito control is the need for an active education campaign. Residents must be made aware of the need to control mosquitoes in their neighborhoods as well as what measures should be taken on a regular basis to minimize their contact with mosquitoes.

Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors during early morning or evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquito repellents should be applied to exposed skin according to label directions. Please read labels carefully, especially when applying to young children. (Products containing DEET have been shown to be the most effective for reducing mosquito bites.)

Prevent mosquito entrance into structures by repairing or installing window and door screening.

Image of standing water Eliminate standing water around the property. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Residential sources such as improperly maintained swimming or wading pools and spas can breed thousands of mosquitoes in just a few weeks. Other common sources include clogged rain gutters, buckets, rain filled trash cans or wheel barrows, water trays under flower pots, persistent puddles from sources such as leaky faucets, water pipes, or sprinkler heads, or any other debris or object that can hold water. Even water standing in discarded tires and soda cans will breed mosquitoes.

Our District strives to provide the safest and most effective mosquito control possible. Protecting the quality of the environment is a top priority. Outstanding advances in mosquito control methods over the past 100 years have significantly improved both the quality and the level of control while also minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control
Article on Repellent EffectivenessCDC West Nile Virus Home Page

 

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