2014 Highlights: UC IPM Annual Report

Advisors Team Up Against Exotic Pests

Be on the lookout for brown marmorated stink bug. (Photo by S. Ausmus)

IPM advisors partner with local farm advisors to assist producers in managing a growing list of pests, including, recently, exotic species that have been introduced into California. IPM Advisor Lucia Varela, in collaboration with county viticulture advisors Monica Cooper and Rhonda Smith, continues to work with regulatory agencies on the eradication of European grapevine moth (EGVM), considered the principal insect pest on grapes in Europe. Between 2010 and 2011, EGVM was detected in 10 California counties. Since then, EGVM has been declared eradicated in 9 of the 10 counties, while remaining in small pockets in Napa County. In 2014 only one moth was detected.

In 2012 large numbers of Virginia creeper leafhopper (VCLH) were reported for the first time in organic vineyards in Lake and Mendocino counties. Without appropriate control, vines defoliate prematurely, preventing fruit from ripening.  In partnership with Viticulture Advisor Glenn McGourty, Varela is studying the life cycle of VCLH under North Coast conditions. Studies on timing of organic certified insecticides and strong outreach in 2014 helped pest control advisers and growers make sound control decisions and avoid the defoliations seen in 2012.

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a highly mobile bug that has severely affected fruit and vegetable production in the eastern United States. Native to Asia, it was first detected in 1996 in Pennsylvania, spread rapidly, and is presently reported in 40 states. In California it was detected in Los Angeles in 2005. In 2013 high numbers were reported in metropolitan Sacramento and Yuba City with single findings in other northern California cities. BMSB seeks winter shelter in large numbers in structures, becoming a nuisance pest. Infestations appear first in urban areas due to its ability to travel long distances in vehicles or on furniture being moved. To increase awareness of this pest, Varela partnered with Farm Advisor Chuck Ingels to co-author the UC IPM Pest Notes: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. To promptly detect new arrivals into the North Coast, Varela has teamed with Pomology Advisor Rachel Elkins to survey preferred BMSB host plants such as tree of heaven, fruit trees, and privet by using a variety of monitoring techniques from trapping, beat tray samples, and visual inspections.  Early detection will aid in developing a rapid response.