| | < Previous | 2007 index | More reports | Next > | |
2007 Annual Report UC Statewide IPM Program |
IPM kiosk is new problem-solving tool for home gardeners
In April 2007, UC IPM unveiled a new, easy-to-use educational tool for consumer audiences—the IPM Kiosk. The kiosk is a stand-alone, touch-screen computer that home gardeners can use to solve pest problems using environmentally friendly practices.
About 50 common home and garden pests, plus tips on alternatives to pesticides and gardening practices to prevent runoff, are included on the kiosks, and more content will be added over time. Users can find a pest by category or diagnose a problem and print information to take home. The kiosk includes information screens, photos, and narrated videos.
Twelve kiosks are circulating around the state with temporary placements in retail nurseries, libraries, public agencies, or as part of Master Gardener outreach events at plant clinics, farmers markets, and county or state fairs. More than 20,000 Californians have used this problem-solving tool in dozens of locations.
Kiosk users have been enthusiastic. “The kiosks are an excellent means of expanding our ability to reach our clientele,” says Judy McClure, UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Coordinator for Sacramento County. “The computer puts the client in charge and is an exceptional tool for us. People will approach a computer more readily than a person, and they like the interaction.”
In San Diego, owner Kevin Grangetto of Grangetto’s Farm and Garden Supply says, “The kiosk has proven to be a great resource for helping our customers make decisions about their pest control options. Great tool.”
The kiosk was developed by the Healthy Garden/Healthy Home Project of UCCE San Diego County and UC IPM. Funding was provided by the California State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and UCCE San Diego. The California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers, and the Elvenia J. Slosson Foundation provided additional support.
Find out when a kiosk will be in your area.Next article >> UC IPM launches online training