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From 1987 through 1992, California experienced one of the most widespread and severe droughts in the state's history. A survey conducted in three Central Coast counties during 1988–92, indicates that many native oak trees on rangelands succumbed to the drought. The smaller oak trees on poorer sites were most vulnerable.

California is the world's dominant producer of almonds. Statistical models of demand for almonds in the United States and six leading export markets suggest that California can raise revenues and profits in the short run by restricting Sales to major export markets. However, in the long run, Spain or other producers may offset those short-run gains by increasing production.

With rapid expansion of almond acreage since the late 1960s, California has become the world's dominant almond producer and the major supplier in export markets. Spain, the world's number two producer, has more than three times California's acreage, but its comparatively low average yields have limited its penetration of export markets. This article examines differences in the two almond producers, particularly with regard to yield and response to economic incentives.

A “new” apple industry based on fresh market sales of the Granny Smith, Fuji and Gala varieties has recently been established in California's Central Valley. Production, already significant, will continue to grow as new plantings reach maturity and additional investment in marketing infrastructure will be required.

Augmentative releases of green lacewings suppressed variegated grape leafhopper in experimental plots and commercial vineyards; however, effectiveness varied greatly. Field studies show that improved release methods and a better understanding of lacewing biology are needed to optimize commercial release programs.

A survey of natural enemies of Russian wheat aphid conducted over several growing seasons reveals a complex of predators and parasites attacking this pest in California cereal fields. Because of environmental and economic considerations, unilateral use of insecticides is not a sound management strategy against this pest. A number of promising natural enemies have been imported and are now being reared for release in California cereal fields. These natural enemies may augment the effectiveness of those already present in California.

Field practices for measuring soil water content with neutron moisture meters were assessed. One finding: Using meters of the same manufacturer with different components (such as different types of detector tubes) or meters of different manufacturers can greatly alter performance and affect results. Guidelines were developed for making standard counts and for making counts in the soil.

Dodder is a troublesome parasitic weed in alfalfa hay fields. Pre-emergence treatment with trifluralin controls dodder early in the season, but as the season progresses, control declines. Flail mowing escaped dodder patches in midseason followed by burning in late season, when dodder seed was being produced, was found to be an effective, integrated control procedure.

Livestock grazing in late spring and early summer resulted in large reductions of yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis, on infested annual grasslands. Grazing in the bolting stage before spines developed reduced starthistle's canopy size, seed production and thatch accumulation and enhanced native plant diversity. Property timed grazing effectively manages starthistle on a seasonal basis but does not eliminate populations.