Phytosphere Research

Selected Projects



Phytosphere Research specializes in the design and execution of applied plant science research projects. We employ the most appropriate and effective methods possible to address the specific needs of any project we undertake, including aerial photogrammetry, field survey, specialized measurement and assessment techniques and equipment, and laboratory analysis. Using database management, statistical analysis, GIS, and graphical data presentation software, we can handle complex study data. Reports and data summaries are tailored to the needs of our clients.

Phytosphere Research also provides consulting and research services to address more immediate information needs. We provide tree and vegetation resource assessments, soil nutrient analysis testing and recommendations, technical reviews, field and lab services for diagnosing and remedying plant health problems, training and educational presentations, and other services.


California oaks

Restoration and regeneration

Factors affecting blue oak recruitment and regeneration
Techniques for restocking valley oak
Oak woodland restoration planting and monitoring
Habitat assessment following firewood harvest
Oak survey and vegetation assessment
Evaluation of literature on effects of fire and grazing on blue oaks

Diseases

Diseases and insect pests of California oaks
California Oak Disease and Arthropod Database
Diagnosis of valley oak decline
Field guide to common pests and diseases of oaks in California

Sudden Oak Death

Effect of water stress on Phytophthora canker in coast live oak and tanoak
Phytophthora ramorum canker: Factors affecting disease progression and failure potential
Monitoring effects of Phytophthora-related mortality (Sudden Oak Death) in Sonoma County
Relationships between tree failure potential and Phytophthora ramorum canker (sudden oak death)
Management of Phytophthora ramorum canker (sudden oak death) in tanoak
Management of Phytophthora ramorum canker (sudden oak death) in tanoak and oak stands

Horticultural and agricultural consulting

Tree assessment prior to highway widening
Street and landscape tree problem diagnosis
Decline of landscape shrubs
Diagnosis of ground cover failures in urban landscapes
Integrated pest management guidelines for shopping plaza problems
Diagnosis of walnut decline

Soils and irrigation

Evaluation of riparian mitigation planting
Water efficient landscape documentation
Soil water storage calculations
Soil sampling and recommendations for proposed sports complexes
Soil sampling and recommendations for new landscaping

Natural resources

See also disease listings under California oaks and Plant pests and diseases


Yolo County Oak Woodland Conservation and Enhancement Plan
Baseline documention of agricultural property and riparian corridor for conservation easement
Assessment of native elderberry for transplanting
Ailanthus control in an urban riparian corridor
Effects of thinning on a riparian mitigation planting
Weed monitoring program for Jepson Prairie Preserve
Effects of grazing on upland vegetation at Jepson Prairie Preserve
Effects of different grazing regimes on Viola pedunculata cover
Distribution of Marin manzanita (Arctostaphylos virgata) at Point Reyes National Seashore

Plant pests and diseases

See also disease listings under California oaks


Impacts of diseases affecting native stands of Ione manzanita (Arctostaphylos myrtifolia)
Distribution of Phytophthora cinnamomi in native stands of Ione manzanita (Arctostaphylos myrtifolia)
Development of dieback rating scales for Lupinus albifrons var. collinus
Diagnosis of disease problems in elderberry mitigation plantings
Street and landscape tree problem diagnosis
Decline of landscape shrubs
Diagnosis of ground cover failures in urban landscapes
Integrated pest management guidelines for shopping plaza problems
Diagnosis of walnut decline

Urban forestry

Urban Forest Management Plan Toolkit
Yolo County Oak Woodland Conservation and Enhancement Plan
Urban Forest Management Plan for Rocklin, CA
Mitigation planting of willows and cottonwoods in an urban floodwater detention basin
Electrical utility distribution line clearance study
Electrical utility distribution line clearance study design
Guidelines for Developing and Evaluating Tree Ordinances on the web
Guidelines for developing and evaluating tree ordinances
Review of tree ordinance
1992 California urban forestry survey and report
1988 California urban forestry survey and report