Many people set up hummingbird feeders in their yards to nurture and watch these high-energy pollinators. But could the sugar water they provide be impacting these tiny feathered friends?
A study led by the University of California, Davis, is one of the first to address the potential for sugar water from hummingbird feeders to act as a vector for avian — or even zoonotic — pathogens. It found that the majority of microbes growing in feeders do not likely pose a significant health hazard to birds or humans.
The Department of Entomology and Nematology is focused on addressing the broader scientific and societal importance of arthropods and nematodes. Departmental research is grouped into five broad areas: biodiversity, ecology, functional biology, sustainable agriculture and vector biology.
UC Davis entomology professor Frank Zalom receives national award
Frank Zalom, an integrated pest management (IPM) specialist and distinguished professor of entomology, is the recipient of the 2017 B.Y. Morrison Medal, established in 1968 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). He is the first entomologist to receive the award.
Ron Tjeerdema named to NAS committee on dispersants for oil spills
Ronald Tjeerdema, CA&ES Associate Dean for Environmental Sciences, has been named to a select committee for the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) that will evaluate the use of dispersants in future oil spills.
“I am looking forward to contributing my 30 years of experience in oil spill research,” said Tjeerdema, who is a professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology and also holds the Donald G. Crosby Endowed Chair in Environmental Chemistry.
Three to be honored at May 2 reception for outstanding student advising
Emma Martinez, Louie Yang, and Carly Tyer are the 2017 recipients of the Harry and Eleanor Walker Academic Advising Award. They will be honored at a reception May 2 at the Robert Mondavi Institute Sensory Theater.
Farms with more variety of crops attract fewer insect pests
Left to its own defenses, a farm field growing a variety of plants tends to attract fewer insect pests than a field growing just one type of crop. While scientists and farmers have noted that difference for years, the reasons behind it have been poorly understood.
A Sacramento company that turns food waste into liquid fertilizer has launched a three-year almond trial at UC Davis to test the product’s effect on crop production, nitrogen leaching, and soil health.
Working with Professor Edwin Lewis with the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, California Safe Soil is also conducting ongoing trials throughout the state with several other commodities, including berries, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Congratulations to the 1,615 undergraduate students who will cross the stage at one of two CA&ES commencement ceremonies on Friday, June 10, in the ARC Pavilion. We are anticipating the participation of numerous faculty and 60 volunteer staff in this year’s ceremonies.
Our distinguished speakers this year include alumni Richard and Evelyne Rominger, who for decades have played prominent roles in the community and in statewide and national agriculture. Richard and Evelyne Rominger also have been named recipients of the 2016 UC Davis Medal, the premier campus accolade.
