From the UC Blogosphere...

Saying It With Flowers

It's indeed an honor--a sweet one. Michael Parrella, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology, was...

Floriculture Hall of Fame

HALL OF FAME--Michael Parrella (right), professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology, was inducted into the California Floriculture Hall of Fame on Feb. 25 in San Diego. With him is presenter Mike Mellano Sr., of Mellano & Company, Oceanside. Mellano was inducted into the Floriculture Hall of Fame in 1990. (Photo Courtesy of Debi Aker)

Yellow Rose

THIS YELLOW ROSE is almost ready to become a cut flower. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Rose Weevil

THIS IS one of the pests that rose growers hate to see. It's a rose curculio or rose weevil. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Water that grows on trees

Coconut water, which has long been a popular drink in the tropics, is now being offered by trendy bottlers and touted as a source of nutrition, wellness, beauty and hydration.

The juice inside immature coconuts is sometimes billed as "nature's sports drink" and it gets credit for improving circulation, slowing aging, fighting viruses, boosting immunity, and reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke, according to a recent Los Angeles Times article.

However, Liz Applegate, the director of sports nutrition at UC Davis, shared a more moderate view with Times' reporter Elena Conis.

"There's nothing magical about coconut water," Applegate was quoted. There's no harm in it either.

Coconut water is 95 percent water and contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and small amounts of many essential amino acids. One cup has 6 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein and 46 calories.

Even though it is said to have a slightly sour flavor, it has become popular among fitness junkies who don't want to consume sports drinks with artificial colors or preservatives, Applegate told the reporter.

However, coconut water contains up to 15 times as much potassium as the average sports drink. Because the body loses more sodium than potassium during a workout, all that extra potassium isn't important.

The bottom line: Coconut water is fine for casual athletes who like the taste, but there are cheaper ways to rehydrate and restore electrolytes.

UC Davis nutrition professor Liz Applegate.

The Place to 'Bee' on March 19

The Veterans' Memorial Hall in Sebastopol is the place to "bee" on Saturday, March 19. That's when and where the fifth...

Marla Spivak

MARLA SPIVAK, one of the 2010 recipients of a MacArthur Fellowship or "Genius Award," will speak at the Bee Symposium, March 19, in Sebastopol. (Photo courtesy of Dan Marshall)

Bee on almond

HONEY BEE heads for the next almond blossom on Bee Biology Road, UC Davis. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Inyo Mono County Master Gardeners Community Group of the Year!

The passion for affecting positive change in Inyo and Mono County has earned the Master Gardeners there the honor of being named the Community Group of the Year in 2010.  The Master Gardeners there are a fairly new group with their first class training held in 2009-2010.  However, they are very enthusiastic group with lots of ideas that are clearly aligned with the ANR Strategic Initiatives.  In a very short time and in a small community, they are up to 80 Master Gardeners.  Their main projects are really focused on sustainable food systems which is especially important because of the isolation factor for many of the residents.  It is a two hour or more drive to the closest Costco!  They have worked extensively with Easter Sierra Harvest and Plant-A-Row, and are developing a community/ demonstration garden.  In addition, they are teaching classes in the community, focused on sustainable food growing and collaborating with a variety of groups in the county.  To quote Kerry Lozito, one of the volunteer coordinators of the group, "It's not about getting the training and going back home to grow pretty roses.”  “It's about giving back." Congratulations to Inyo Mono County Master Gardeners!!!

Inyo Mono County Master Gardeners Volunteer Group of the Year!

The passion for affecting positive change in Inyo and Mono County has earned the Master Gardeners there the honor of being named the Community Group of the Year in 2010.  The Master Gardeners in that county are a fairly new group with their first class training held in 2009-2010.  However, they are a very enthusiastic group with inspiring goals and ambitions that are clearly aligned with the ANR Strategic Initiatives.  In a very short time and in a small community, they are up to 80 Master Gardeners.  Their main projects are really focused on sustainable food systems which is especially important because of the isolation factor for many of the residents.  It is a two hour or more drive to the closest Costco!  They have worked extensively with Easter Sierra Harvest and Plant-A-Row, and are developing a community/ demonstration garden.  In addition, they are teaching classes in the community, focused on sustainable food growing and collaborating with a variety of groups in the county.  To quote Kerry Lozito, one of the volunteer coordinators of the group, "It's not about getting the training and going back home to grow pretty roses.”  “It's about giving back." Congratulations to Inyo Mono County Master Gardeners!!!

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