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Economic studies of the cut flower industry warrant the conclusion–among others–that there is ample productive capacity to supply the existing demand for cut flowers. Should additional demand develop more rapidly than is anticipated, the output can be increased adequately without any appreciable change in the labor force, growing facilities, or areas.

Sugar-beet yields of 18.1-22.6 tons per acre were produced in a field heavily infested with the sugar-beet nematode– Heterodera schachtii Schmidt–near Salinas when plantings were made in February or earlier. Plantings in March and April produced 6.1-8.8 tons per acre.

Thin sheets of polyethylene are used extensively to cover strawberry beds by southern California growers who report that covered beds have less fruit rot, cleaner fruit, and in many instances earlier production when compared with uncovered beds. Varying degrees of weed control are also realized.

Four species of soft scales–a complex of two species of frosted scale, European fruit lecanium, and the calico scale– can inflict serious damage on walnuts unless controlled, either by natural factors or through the use of insecticides.

Climate is one–and perhaps the most important–of the fundamental determinants of what plants can be grown in a given area. Climate, in this broad sense, includes temperature, total annual rainfall and seasonal distribution, as well as atmospheric humidity, air movement and light and other factors.

Trials conducted in commercial onion fields in San Bernardino County indicate that weed competition can be reduced materially by the use of selective herbicides.