Monterey County Research Articles

Addressing Latinx CANcer Care Equity (ALCANCE) randomized controlled trial: Precision medicine and community health workers.

TPS1601 Background: Cancer mortality has declined over the past decade due to clinical advances including precision medicine. Despite these clinical advancements, low-income and racial/ethnic minorities experience worse cancer morbidity and mortality. Specifically, these populations have lower rates of genomic testing and are significantly underrepresented in precision medicine research. Community-based, culturally tailored approaches are needed to address these ongoing disparities. The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to test whether a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention can improve patient understanding of precision medicine topics and delivery of evidence-based cancer care more than usual cancer care alone. Methods: We developed a county-wide cancer care initiative and a community advisory board (CAB) comprised of patient, caregiver, payer, clinician, and governmental stakeholders in Monterey County—comprised of 60% Latinx, non-English speaking, immigrant populations. As guided by the CAB, we developed a CHW-model to provide education on precision medicine and screen for complications of social determinants of health in 1:1 discussions with patients. In collaboration with a local community oncology clinic, we plan to randomize 110 patients with cancer who are receiving active treatment into usual care or usual care plus the CHW-led intervention. Inclusion criteria includes patients who are: 1) 18 years of age or older; 2) racial/ethnic minorities; 3) low-income; 4) uninsured or insured by Medicaid and/or local agricultural employers; and 5) speak English or Spanish. Exclusion criteria includes: 1) lack capacity to consent to study procedures; 2) plan to move from the area within a year. We will measure the effect of the intervention on patient knowledge of precision medicine using a survey adapted from Davies et al. Secondary outcomes include effect on health-related quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General, patient activation using the Patient Activation Measure, satisfaction using the Satisfaction with Decision Scale, prognosis and treatment preferences using an adapted survey by Weeks et al., healthcare utilization, and receipt of evidence-based cancer care. We will administer surveys at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-months post-enrollment. To date, 67 participants have been enrolled. This study will show if CHW-models increase knowledge of precision medicine in this population. Clinical trial information: NCT04843332.

Continuing the Virtual Classroom at SPCA Monterey County

In November 2020, the IAABC Foundation Journal published our article on switching to online dog training classes due to COVID. Here we present a follow-up article to show the progress of our program and some of our observations. The program has shifted in focus, with some elements proving highly successful and retained, and others being replaced by more traditional in-person offerings.

Population Dynamics and Determinants of Annual Fluctuations of the Endangered Smith's Blue Butterfly, Euphilotes enoptes smithi (Lycaenidae)

A mark-release-recapture study of the federally-listed Smith's Blue butterfly, Euphilotes enoptes smithi, was conducted in 1986 at Marina State Beach (Monterey County, CA) in coastal sand dune habitat. Demographic parameters estimated included daily and generation population numbers, residency, vagility, and emigration rates. Manly-Parr and Jolly-Seber analyses indicated an estimated 2,657 to 5,875 individuals comprised the 1986 generation, with average residence from 6.7 to 10.1 days (maximum 20 days). Average movements between consecutive observations on different days were 95.1 m for males and 91.0 m for females, while the longest lifetime dispersal observed was 1,230 m by a female. Emigration rates from areas of low quality habitat were as much as 8x greater than those from high quality habitat. Between 1997 and 2017 this butterfly was monitored yearly at three neighboring sand dune remnants in Sand City, CA to determine annual generation sizes. Transect counts of adults conducted during the 21 flight seasons, in conjunction with the frequencies of observed residencies from the 1986 study, indicated estimated generation numbers from 360 to 2,151 for the three sites combined. The observed year-to-year fluctuations in generation sizes were strongly correlated with annual numbers of flowerheads of this butterfly's Eriogonum foodplants, which in turn was correlated with annual precipitation.

Macroplastic Fragment Contamination of Agricultural Soils Supports a Distinct Microbial Hotspot

Agricultural plastics support crop production and quality by reducing weeds, improving irrigation efficiency, and regulating soil conditions, but can also become a soil pollutant. While microplastic effects on soil function are increasingly well-understood, the impacts of agricultural macroplastic (>5 mm) contamination on soils are poorly documented. Prolonged exposure to plastic macrofragments may alter microbial decomposer community structure and function, since plastic can directly affect edaphic factors while leaching novel compounds. To better characterize how plastic contamination influences the soil habitat, we sampled three farms characterized by agricultural plastic pollution in Monterey County, CA, United States. Using a randomized block design, we collected surface soil samples from the fields (“bulk PC soil”) to compare with soil directly in contact with the remaining polyethylene (PE) mulch and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) dripline fragments (“plastic-associated soil”). Soil directly associated with plastic fragments was hypothesized to have reduced microbial biomass and decomposer activities relative to the bulk soil, due to a greater likelihood of toxicity. In contrast to our expectations, we found that both PE and PVC macrofragments support a distinct microbial habitat that hosts a larger, more efficient microbial biomass with greater labile nutrient pools than the surrounding bulk soil. Because of the scope of macroplastic pollution likely occurring in agricultural soils, our findings suggest that this novel plastisphere habitat may significantly alter ecological functions critical to agricultural soils over time by encouraging microbial colonization within plastic debris.

Effectiveness of a Constructed Wetland with Carbon Filtration in Reducing Pesticides Associated with Agricultural Runoff

The Salinas Valley in Monterey County, California, USA, is a highly productive agricultural region. Irrigation runoff containing pesticides at concentrations toxic to aquatic organisms poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems within local watersheds. This study monitored the effectiveness of a constructed wetland treatment system with a granulated activated carbon (GAC) filter installation at reducing pesticide concentrations and associated toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hyalella azteca, and Chironomus dilutus. The wetland was supplied with water pumped from an impaired agricultural and urban drainage. Across five monitoring trials, the integrated system’s average pesticide concentration reduction was 52%. The wetland channel and GAC filtration components individually provided significant treatment, and within each, pesticide solubility had a significant effect on changes in pesticide concentrations. The integrated treatment system also reduced nitrate by 61%, phosphate by 73%, and turbidity by 90%. Input water was significantly toxic to C. dubia and H. azteca in the first trial. Toxicity to C. dubia persisted throughout the system, whereas toxicity to H. azteca was removed by the channel, but there was residual toxicity post-GAC. The final trial had significant input toxicity to H. azteca and C. dilutus. The channel reduced toxicity to H. azteca and removed toxicity to C. dilutus. GAC filtration reduced H. azteca toxicity to an insignificant level. There was no input toxicity in the other three trials. The results demonstrate that a wetland treatment system coupled with GAC filtration can reduce pesticide concentrations, nutrients, suspended particles, and aquatic toxicity associated with agricultural runoff.

Role of Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) Adult Feeding on Deformation of Blackberry Fruits

Role of <i>Lygus hesperus</i> (Hemiptera: Miridae) Adult Feeding on Deformation of Blackberry Fruits

First report of Pythium myriotylum causing root rot in Cannabis sativa (L.) in California.

In June of 2020 we observed greenhouse grown Cannabis sativa in Sonoma County, CA and Monterey County, CA showing stress symptoms: stunting, leaf chlorosis, and leaf senescence, when moved to flower production conditions. We uprooted symptomatic and healthy plants and observed disease symptoms only in symptomatic plants: reduced root mass, reduced root hair density, and necrosis. Roots and growth substrate samples were taken from infected and healthy plants for further analysis. Approximately one gram of soil was added to 20.0 mL deionized water and 5.0 mL of the resulting slurry was spread on water agar plates. Plates were rinsed free of soil after 24 hours of incubation, then incubated for an additional two days. Diffuse mycelial growth was observed on all soil plates from symptomatic plant pots and not healthy plant pots. Four subcultures were transferred to V8 media and grown for three days. Roots with brown lesions and healthy roots were surface sterilized by soaking in 0.1% sodium hypochlorite for five minutes, rinsed in sterile deionized water, and two-centimeter segments plated on V8 agar. After 24 hours mycelial growth was observed growing from the cut ends of the lesion roots and not the healthy-looking roots. Four subcultures were transferred to V8 and grown for three days. Mycelium from water sample isolates and root isolates were collected and DNA extractions performed using Quick DNA Fungi/Bacterial Kit (Zymo Research Irvine, CA, USA), then PCR amplified using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primers ITS100/ITS4 as described by Riit et al. and cytochrome oxidase I (COX) primers OomCox-Levup/OomCox-Levlo as described by Robideau et al. (Riit et al., 2016; Robideau et al., 2011). Amplicons from all eight isolates for each region were Sanger sequenced and the found to be identical, and consensus sequences deposited in Genebank with accession numbers MW436422 and MW448569 for ITS and COX sequences, respectively. Observation of cultures under light microscope revealed morphological characteristics congruent with P. myriotylum (Watanabe, 2002). Two V8 cultures isolated from roots were cut into approximately 2-3mm2 pieces and transferred to a one-liter flask of water. A negative control using clean V8 was also prepared. The flasks were placed on a rotary shaker and incubated at 150 rpm at ambient temperature for 48 hours. The resulting suspensions for zoospore and control treatments were observed under a light microscope and motile zoospores present in the water suspension from P. myriotylum cultures only. The zoospore suspension was then divided into six equal portions and applied to the soil of six C. sativa rooted cuttings in one-gallon pots. The control slurry was added to two C. sativa rooted cuttings. All plants were grown in a controlled environment for 28 days with 16-hour photoperiod. All plants were then removed from their pots and roots observed for symptoms. Plants that were treated with zoospore suspensions had tan to brown lesions on significant numbers of roots, and reduced root hair density compared to the plants treated with the control V8 agar suspension. Roots samples from all eight plants were then surfaced sterilized in bleach as previously described and five root sections from each plant plated on V8 media. After 48 hours mycelial growth was observed from root sections from P. myriotylum zoospore treated plants and not control plants. DNA extraction and PCR amplification for ITS and COX amplicons was performed from one representative culture for each plant, Sanger sequenced, and aligned with the previous sequences. All ITS and COX sequences were identical to the original sequences from greenhouse samples. P. myriotylum may cause root rot in C. sativa in greenhouse cultivation.

Risk Factors Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Farmworkers in Monterey County, California

Essential workers in agriculture and food production have been severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To identify risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among farmworkers in California. This cross-sectional study invited farmworkers in California's Salinas Valley (Monterey County) receiving transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection at federally qualified community clinics and community sites to participate. Individuals were eligible if they were not pregnant, were 18 years or older, had conducted farmwork since the pandemic started, and were proficient in English or Spanish. Survey data were collected and SARS-CoV-2 tests were conducted among participants from July 16 to November 30, 2020. Sociodemographic, household, community, and workplace characteristics. TMA- and immunoglobulin G (IgG)-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 1107 farmworkers (581 [52.5%] women; mean [SD] age, 39.7 [12.6] years) were included in these analyses. Most participants were born in Mexico (922 [83.3%]), were married or living with a partner (697 [63.0%]), and worked in the fields (825 [74.5%]). Overall, 118 of 911 (13.0%) had a positive result on their TMA test for SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas 201 of 1058 (19.0%) had antibody evidence of infection. In multivariable analyses accounting for recruitment venue and enrollment period, the incidence of TMA-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher among those with lower than primary school-level education (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.32; 95% CI, 0.99-1.76; non-statistically significant finding), who spoke an Indigenous language at home (aRR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.97-1.73; non-statistically significant finding), who worked in the fields (aRR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.03-2.50), and who were exposed to a known or suspected COVID-19 case at home (aRR, 2.98; 95% CI, 2.06-4.32) or in the workplace (aRR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.18-2.14). Positive results on IgG tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection were more common among those who lived in crowded housing (aRR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.98-1.53; non-statistically significant finding), with children aged 5 years or younger (aRR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.11-1.76), with unrelated roommates (aRR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.19-1.64), and with an individual with known or suspected COVID-19 (aRR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.13-2.24). The risk of IgG positivity was also higher among those with body mass index of 30 or greater (aRR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.01-2.70) or diabetes (aRR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.98-1.75; non-statistically significant finding). In this cross-sectional study of farmworkers in California, both residential and workplace exposures were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Urgent distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and intervention on modifiable risk factors are warranted given this population's increased risk of infection and the essential nature of their work.

First reports of Phytophthora ramorum clonal lineages NA1 and EU1 causing Sudden Oak Death on tanoaks in Del Norte County, California.

A year of forest health surveys has led to the first detection of Phytophthora ramorum in Del Norte County followed by the first wildland detection of the EU1 clonal lineage (Grunwald et al. 2009) of this pathogen in California. In July 2019, leaves were sampled from two tanoaks (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) and 16 California bay laurels (Umbellularia californica) in Jedediah Smith State Park in Del Norte County, the northernmost coastal County of California. Leaves displayed lesions normally associated with Sudden Oak Death (SOD) caused by P. ramorum and were discovered during the citizen science-based survey known as SOD Blitz (Meentemeyer et al. 2015). Samples were surface sterilized using 75% Ethanol and plated on PARPH-V8 agar (Jeffers and Martin 1986). After plating, DNA was extracted and amplified using two P. ramorum-specific assays (Hayden et al. 2006, Kroon et al. 2004). Leaves from two tanoaks exhibiting twig die-back had typical SOD lesions along the midvein, gave positive PCR results and yielded cultures with colony morphology, sporangia and chlamydospores typical of the NA1 lineage of P. ramorum originally isolated in California from tanoaks and coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) (Rizzo et al. 2002). The ITS locus and a portion of the Cox-1 locus were sequenced from DNA extracts of each culture using primers DC6-ITS4 (Bonants et al. 2004) and COXF4N-COXR4N (Kroon et al. 2004), respectively. ITS sequences (GB MN540639-40) were typical of P. ramorum and Cox-1 sequences (GB MN540142-3) perfectly matched the Cox-1 sequence of the NA1 lineage (GB DQ832718) (Kroon et al. 2004). Microsatellite alleles were generated as described in Croucher et al. (2013) for the two Del Norte cultures and for eight P. ramorum cultures, representative of the four main multilocus genotypes (MLGs) present in California, namely c1 (Santa Cruz/Commercial Nurseries), c3 (San Francisco Bay Area), c2 (Monterey County), and c4 (Humboldt County) (Croucher et al. 2013). The two Del Norte MLGs were identical to one another and most similar to MLG c1, with a single repeat difference at a single locus. SSR results suggest the inoculum source may not be from Humboldt County, neighboring to the South, but from a yet unidentified outbreak, possibly associated with ornamental plants. Jedediah Smith State Park was surveyed for 12 months following the initial detection, however the pathogen has yet to be re-isolated in that location. In July 2020, SOD symptomatic leaves from two tanoak trees exhibiting twig cankers were collected 8 Km north of Jedediah Smith State Park, where three additional tanoak trees displayed rapidly browned dead canopies consistent with late stage SOD. Leaves were processed as above. Colonies from these samples produced chlamydospores and sporangia typical of P. ramorum on PARPH-V8 agar, but displayed a growth rate faster than that of NA1 genotypes and were characterized by aerial hyphae, overall resembling the morphology of EU1 lineage colonies (Brasier 2003). The EU1 lineage was confirmed by the perfect match of the sequence of a portion of the Cox-1 gene (GB MW349116-7) with the Cox-1 sequence of EU1 genotypes (GB EU124926). The EU1 clonal lineage has been previously isolated from tanoaks in Oregon forests, approximately 55 Km to the North (Grünwald et al. 2016), but this is the first report for California wildlands and will require containment and government regulations. It is unknown whether the EU1 strains in Del Norte County originated from Oregon forests or elsewhere.

Advancing bird survey efforts through novel recorder technology and automated species identification

Recent advances in acoustic recorder technology and automated species identification hold great promise for avian monitoring efforts. Assessing how these innovations compare to existing recorder models and traditional species identification techniques is vital to understanding their utility to researchers and managers. We carried out field trials in Monterey County, California, to compare bird detection among four acoustic recorder models (AudioMoth, Swift Recorder, and Wildlife Acoustics SM3BAT and SM Mini) and concurrent point counts, and to assess the ability of the artificial neural network BirdNET to correctly identify bird species from AudioMoth recordings. We found that the lowest-cost unit (AudioMoth) performed comparably to higher-cost units and that on average, species detections were higher for three of the five recorder models (range 9.8 to 14.0) than for point counts (12.8). In our assessment of BirdNET, we developed a subsetting process that enabled us to achieve a high rate of correctly identified species (96%). Using longer recordings from a single recorder model, BirdNET identified a mean of 8.5 verified species per recording and a mean of 16.4 verified species per location over a 5-day period (more than point counts conducted in similar habitats). We demonstrate that a combination of long recordings from low-cost recorders and a conservative method for subsetting automated identifications from BirdNET presents a process for sampling avian community composition with low misidentification rates and limited need for human vetting. These low-cost and automated tools may greatly improve efforts to survey bird communities and their ecosystems, and consequently, efforts to conserve threatened indigenous biodiversity.

Comparing camera traps and visual encounter surveys for monitoring small animals

Amphibian and reptile species face numerous threats including disease, habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, and global climate change. However, effective management and conservation of herpetofauna largely depends upon resource-intensive survey methodologies. Recent research has shown promise in the use of camera trapping techniques, but these methods must be tested alongside traditional methods to fully understand their advantages and disadvantages. To meet this research need, we tested two herpetofauna survey methods: a modified version of the Adapted-Hunt Drift Fence Technique, which combines a drift fence with camera traps; and a traditional method of visual encounter surveys (VES) with cover boards. Between June and August 2020, we conducted two VES and installed one drift fence with camera traps at ten sites in Monterey County, CA, USA. The drift fence/camera setup outperformed the VES in terms of number of observations and herpetofauna species detected. Drift fences with cameras produced a mean of 248 images of three to six species per site, while VES and cover objects produced a mean of 0.6 observations of zero to one species per site. Across all sites, we detected seven reptile and one amphibian species with the drift fence/camera setup, while VES resulted in identifications of two reptile and one amphibian species. In addition, drift fence/camera setups recorded a minimum of nine nonherpetofauna species including small mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Our research supports that drift fences combined with camera traps offer an effective alternative to VES for large-scale, multi-species herpetofauna survey efforts. Furthermore, we suggest specific improvements to enhance this method’s performance, cost-effectiveness, and utility in remote environments. These advances in survey methods hold great promise for aiding efforts to manage and conserve global herpetofauna diversity.

First Report of Phytophthora Root Rot Caused by Phytophthora cryptogea on Field-Grown Lettuce in California

HomePlant DiseaseVol. 105, No. 8First Report of Phytophthora Root Rot Caused by Phytophthora cryptogea on Field-Grown Lettuce in California PreviousNext DISEASE NOTE OPENOpen Access licenseFirst Report of Phytophthora Root Rot Caused by Phytophthora cryptogea on Field-Grown Lettuce in CaliforniaS. T. Koike, H. Stanghellini, and A. BurkhardtS. T. Koike†Corresponding author: S. T. Koike; E-mail Address: skoike@trieal.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3184-3778TriCal Diagnostics, Gilroy, CA 95020Search for more papers by this author, H. StanghelliniTriCal Diagnostics, Gilroy, CA 95020Search for more papers by this author, and A. BurkhardtTriCal Diagnostics, Gilroy, CA 95020Search for more papers by this author AffiliationsAuthors and Affiliations S. T. Koike † H. Stanghellini A. Burkhardt TriCal Diagnostics, Gilroy, CA 95020 Published Online:22 Sep 2021https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-01-21-0076-PDNAboutSectionsView articlePDFPDF Plus ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailWechat View articleIn 2019, commercial field grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in Monterey County, CA, showed symptoms of a soilborne disease. Plants were stunted with chlorotic outer leaves. Outer leaves later wilted, turned brown, and collapsed. Taproots and small feeder roots were brown and decayed, but crowns were not necrotic. To test for pathogens, roots were surface sterilized in 0.001% NaOCl for 10 s and plated on corn meal agar (CMA) amended with 2 ml of 25% lactic acid/liter (LA-CMA), and CMA amended with pimaricin, ampicillin, rifampicin, and pentachloronitrobenzene (PARP) (Kannwischer et al. 1978). After 3 to 4 days, slow-growing, coenocytic, white fluffy mycelium emerged on PARP. No fungi were recovered on LA-CMA. Isolates grown on V8 medium and transferred to filtered (0.20-µm) soil extract solution (Erwin and Ribeiro 1996) developed sporangia that were pyriform, nonpapillate, with rounded bases. Sporangiophores proliferated internally through empty sporangia. On CMA, isolates formed hyphal swellings but not oospores or chlamydospores. To test pathogenicity, inocula of two isolates were prepared separately by incubating colonized V8 medium plugs in filtered soil extract solution to induce formation of sporangia and zoospores. For each isolate, 2 ml of inoculum (1 × 103 zoospores/ml) were poured around the bases of 20 potted lettuce (cv. El Guapo) plants. Plants were then maintained for 6 h at 22 to 24°C in trays of water to create saturated soil conditions. Within 7 days, all inoculated plants were chlorotic, wilted, and had necrotic roots. Roots plated on PARP resulted in colonies that morphologically were identical to the original isolates. Control plants, inoculated with sterile water, developed no root or foliar symptoms. To confirm identification of the isolates, DNA was extracted from mycelium pre- and postinoculation and amplified by PCR using the ITS1/ITS4 primers to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (White et al. 1990) and the COI primers to amplify the cytochrome c oxidase subunit (Robideau et al. 2011). The ITS locus from the preinoculation isolate (GenBank no. MW397014) matched Phytophthora cryptogea with 100% identity and with 657/657 base pairs, matching the isolate with sequence ID KF234765.1. From the postinoculation isolate (MW397015), the ITS sequence perfectly matched 639/639 base pairs of P. cryptogea (MK789592.1). The COI loci from both the preinoculation isolate (MW421635) and the postinoculation isolate (MW421636) matched P. cryptogea (MG817500.1) with 100% query cover and 100% identity with 525 and 526 bp matching P. cryptogea, respectively. Based on these molecular and morphological data, the isolates were identified as P. cryptogea Pethybr. & Laff. (Martin et al. 2014; Safaiefarahani et al. 2015). This is the first report of P. cryptogea infecting field-grown lettuce in California. Previously on lettuce, P. cryptogea was reported only on a hydroponic crop (Linde et al. 1990). This new detection of a Phytophthora disease on field-grown lettuce was found at two sites in the main part of the Salinas Valley, the main lettuce-producing region of the country. In addition to being a new potential problem on field-grown lettuce, the Phytophthora root rot symptoms are very similar to those of Pythium wilt disease caused by Pythium uncinulatum (Davis et al. 1995), which is already widespread in the Salinas Valley. Differentiating between these two oomycete diseases in the field will create a diagnostic challenge for growers and field personnel.The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the strawberry aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell, 1901 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from California, USA

The aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii Cockerell, 1901 is an agricultural pest and known vector of strawberry viruses. To better understand its biology and systematics, we performed a genomic analysis on C. fragaefolii collected from Quinalt strawberry plants from Pacific Grove, Monterey county, California, USA using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. The resulting data were used to assemble the aphids complete mitogenome. The mitogenome of C. fragaefolii is 16,108 bp in length and contains 2 rRNA, 13 protein-coding, and 22 tRNA genes (GenBank accession number LC590896). The mitogenome is similar in content and organization to other Aphididae. Phylogenetic analysis of the C. fragaefolii mitogenome resolved it in a fully supported clade in the tribe Macrosiphini. Analysis of the cox1 barcode sequence of C. fragaefolii from California found exact and nearly identical sequences to C. fragaefolii and Chaetosiphon thomasi Hille Ris Lambers, 1953, suggesting the two species are conspecific.

Perspective on Land Treatment and Wastewater Reuse for Agriculture in the Western United States

The practice of irrigation with municipal wastewater has evolved from avoidance of surface water pollution to beneficial reuse of water and nutrients for crop production. The ability of the soil to filter out pollutants and pathogens has been documented, such that groundwater quality is not degraded where recycled water to irrigate crops used for human consumption. The example of successful practice of the Castroville project in Monterey County, California illustrates safe reuse of recycled water for crop growth, marketing of crops grown into the fresh produce market, and groundwater protection. Impediments to the future more widespread reuse of recycled water for agricultural irrigation are also discussed. Many of the same technological advancements that have supported the development of modern agricultural water reuse projects have also improved the feasibility of various competing urban water reuse applications. The effects from increasing water scarcity has also had an impact on the quality and quantity of water available for agricultural water reuse projects. The historical practice of developing centralized and regional wastewater treatment facilities near a suitable surface water discharge location may need to be modified for better consideration of agricultural irrigation in integrated water resources planning.

Abstract PO-252: Exploratory study of cervical cancer screening among Latinas in a remote agricultural community

Abstract Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Latinos. Compared to non- Hispanic Whites, Latinos are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of disease and to experience poorer outcomes and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Latino women (Latinas) have among the highest cervical cancer incidence rates. Overall, the cervical cancer incidence rate among US Latinas is about 44% higher than among non-Hispanic Whites. Low rates of screening and poor adherence to recommended follow-up after an abnormal test are thought to contribute to the higher cervical cancer mortality rates among Latinas. The lack of timely cancer screening negates the benefits otherwise afforded by early detection of cancer. Limitations in the research contributes to our lack of understanding of the potential web of factors that likely influences cervical cancer screening in Latinas. Purpose: This study aimed to identify and describe potential modifiable factors in the participants that would explain the lack of cervical cancer screening utilization. Methods: In this exploratory study, we recruited Latinas in Monterey County who received primary care in a local community clinic from January 2014 to December 2018. We conducted 7 in-depth interviews to identify the stages of change, health behaviors, health beliefs, perceptions of cancer risk, and self-efficacy to complete recommended cancer screening. All interviews were conducted in Spanish and were audio-recorded. The transcripts were translated from Spanish to English for analysis. Preliminary Findings: The mean age of participants was 52.0 years (SD, 13.7; range, 29-63 years) and all were of Mexican origin. The predictors of cancer screening were identified through the analysis of the transcripts. The lack of income to see a doctor, lack of insurance, lack of knowledge about cancer prevention and risk, and the absence of primary care utilization in their native country, created barriers to cervical cancer screening. Healthy foodways, positive outlook on life, and attending Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) classes facilitated cancer screening use. Religion and cultural factors expressed as “male machismo”, as well as the use of home remedies, and having family support mediated cancer screening behaviors. Conclusion: This exploratory study informs the direction for future intervention research that ultimately can increase community knowledge of the benefits afforded by cancer early detection and timely treatment. Such interventions may result in an increase in cervical cancer screening rates in Latinas. Citation Format: Meng-Han Tsai, Daramola N. Cabral. Exploratory study of cervical cancer screening among Latinas in a remote agricultural community [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-252.

A hybrid decision tool for optimizing broccoli production in a changing climate

Climatic changes are already influencing the frequency, magnitude, and duration of extreme weathers (e.g. drought) in California. California is a leading state for vegetable production in United States (U.S.). Since vegetables are very sensitive to extreme weathers, it is critical to evaluate the effects of climate change on yield and to find the potential adaptive management strategies for the sustainable vegetable production. The objectives of this study were to develop a plant-oriented cropping model to evaluate the impacts of different cropping managements on yields under various climate condition and atmospheric CO2 levels. To improve modeling performance, numerous previous studies that reported broccoli yields in different managements were used. After model calibration and validation, 560 scenarios under the conditions of combinations of climate changes, four broccoli cultivars, five nitrogen fertilizer application rates, and four plant densities were simulated in two study locations in Monterey County, CA where produces almost 40% of total California broccoli production. Based on results from 33,600 simulations, broccoli yields were highly related to nitrogen fertilizer application. However, at high nitrogen rates (above 75 kg N ha−1), yields were barely changed. In general, under stressful conditions, all cultivars produced their maximum yields at low plant density, and their yields did not respond to addition of nutrient in soil. However, CO2 enrichment and warmer temperature under RCP8.5 pathways, yield responded positively with fertilizer application rate and plant density. It seems likely that the effects of cropping managements will depend upon CO2 level and temperature.

Assessment of pyrethroid contamination and potential mitigation strategies in California Central Coast surface waters

Increased use of pyrethroids in the Central Coast of California since 2011 has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number and proportion of surface water samples with detectable concentrations at levels of concern to the public and state regulators. The goals of this study were to investigate the relationships between pyrethroid usage and environmental contamination, quantify and assess the potential risks, and recommend mitigation strategies. This study compiled the available pyrethroid use and surface water sampling data for the region, and then applied GIS methods to dynamic simulation modeling and usage-restriction buffer analyses. The results showed that in Monterey County alone, the agricultural usages of bifenthrin and permethrin each increased by ~50%, and the positive detection frequencies of both also increased around 2011–2013. County-wide, bifenthrin positive detections in surface water samples increased precipitously from 8.2% (7/85) for 2008–2012 up to 36.4% (106/291) for 2013–2017, and detections above its crustacean LC50 concentration went from 7.1% (6/85) to 35.7% (104/291). Despite its higher usage by mass, comparable figures for permethrin were more modest for the same time-periods, with positive detections going from 10.6% (9/85) to 14.4% (64/444), and detections above its crustacean LC50 going from 3.5% (3/85) to 7.2% (32/444). The seasonal lag between high bifenthrin usage in spring/summer and high detections in fall/winter samples showed the best correlations with 128- to 182-day lag times. This timing suggests that fallow season rain is likely the main driver of pyrethroid off-site movement into surface waters. SWAT modeling indicated that significant reductions in surface water permethrin concentrations only occurred with buffer distances of 1.6–3.2 km, but not with narrower buffers. However, if those wider buffers were implemented, permethrin could no longer be used on the majority of land where it is currently applied. Specifically, a 1.6-km buffer reduced the instream concentration by 8% but impacted 50% of the cropland, and a 3.2-km buffer reduced the concentration by 50% while impacting 76% of cropland. This study suggested that more promising alternative management practices could include an overall reduction in pyrethroid usage back to 2011 levels or other active mitigation strategies, like planting cover crops during the fallow winter wet season, or installing either vegetated buffer strips and/or sediment check dams on small tributaries to minimize sediment runoff.

Motorsport Event Attendees: Who are They, What is Their Environmental Worldview, And How Does It Relate to Trip Spending?

The relationship between economics and sustainability within the event industry is becoming increasingly important. Events with a reputation of not being sustainable (i.e., motorsport events) are chronically underserved in the literature. This research incorporated the revised New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) as a theoretical foundation to assess sustainability attitudes of motor racing event attendees at a series of major racing events in Monterey County, California (USA). The NEP assessment created the basis for examining relationships between sustainability attitudes and motorsport event patrons' characteristics including demographic information, tourist patrons' total trip spending, and per-day spending. Interestingly, patrons attending these traditionally nonenvironmentally sustainable events were found to have similar NEP scores to other event and nonevent research. Sustainability attitudes were not significantly different based on demographic variables, including age and income. However, an inverse relationship was found between environmental attitudes and spending. Tourist patrons with a less sustainable environmental worldview spent more per day and more per trip than those with a more sustainable environmental worldview. These surprising results provide a basis for industry and academic discourse within event management, sustainability, and marketing.

Bridge to the spirit world

ABSTRACT “Bridge to the Spirit World” is a poem based on my first undergraduate research experience performing archival and oral history research with the LGBTQ History of Monterey County Archiving Project. Through this work, I look to unify my identities as both poet and researcher, as I retell and reflect on the impact engaging with queer ancestors and elders had on my understanding of self and personal relationship to research.

Destination stakeholders’ perceptions of overtourism impacts, causes, and responses: The case of Big Sur, California

Overtourism has recently become a pressing issue in Big Sur, a popular scenic route and major tourist attraction in Monterey County, California. The increased flow of visitors, competing for the limited existing infrastructure, has created negative impacts on the environment and community of Big Sur. By adopting an exploratory case study approach, this study gathered the perceptions of key destination stakeholders through 19 semi-structured interviews. The data-driven thematic analysis utilized to examine the interview data resulted in four major themes: pre-existing conditions, newly developed conditions, impacts, and responses. The findings suggest that a combination of a pre-existing condition of vulnerability and a sudden rise in popularity may be the basis for the development of overtourism, when proper tourism management is absent. As the first study investigating perceptions of overtourism in the context of California, this research attempted to categorize the full range of factors involved in the emergence of overtourism at a destination, as perceived by its local stakeholders. • A sudden rise in popularity can lead to overtourism if tourism management is absent. • Disrespectful behavior by tourists causes more disruption than sheer tourist numbers. • Visitor education and allocation of funding are key to tackle overtourism.