In the early 1990s, powdery mildew became a recurring problem on chili peppers and bell peppers in all production districts in California. Growers were initially unprepared to deal with the disease. Research has shown that several fungicides can control this disease. Sulfur is most effective as a preventive fungicide. In variety trials, four experimental varieties were significantly less susceptible to powdery mildew than the standard commercial variety.
Genetic resistance is likely to eventually be incorporated into commercial bell pepper varieties.
On California rangeland watersheds . . . Timing, frequency of sampling affect accuracy of water-quality monitoring Tate et al. Monitoring water quality is a major issue on California's rangeland watersheds, and there is limited published data to guide these efforts. The timing and frequency of water sampling from the storm to the annual time scale play an extremely significant role in water-quality monitoring. Our studies conducted in Northern California suggest that a minimum sampling strategy should include sampling before, during and after storms.