In the News
Archived Articles
September 2, 2008
Group advises how to control ants without harming the environment
When insecticides are sprayed around the outside of homes to kill ants, they are often washed away by rainfall and irrigation,
ending up in our rivers, lakes, and streams. Baits in dispensers, spot treatments, and several habitat management practices
provide safer alternatives to insecticides; however, consumers and professional applicators often don’t know how
to use these methods effectively.
August 20, 2008
Scientists take research about codling moth to the streets
Although sex is a strong attractant, food can sometimes be a bigger draw. Such is the case with a chemical that scientists have discovered in pears that has just the right scent to attract codling moths to traps. This discovery is part of a larger University of California program to control codling moth pests in homeowners' backyard trees.
July 30, 2008
Entomologists are matchmakers for cerambycid beetles
Scientists have discovered cheap, generic blends of love potions to attract several species of pest cerambycid beetles.
June 30, 2008
Information available on Asian citrus psyllid discovered in Tijuana
Efforts have been ramped up on the California-Mexico border to keep out a citrus pest known as the Asian citrus psyllid. The insect was trapped in Tijuana, less than two miles from the California border. The psyllid can carry a bacterial disease called citrus greening, which renders the fruit bitter tasting and can kill citrus trees. Neither the disease nor the insect has been found in California.
June 25, 2008
Free online pesticide training available for retail employees
Home gardeners looking for pesticides often turn to their local garden center, hardware, or big box store for advice. Retail managers and their employees can learn how to answer their questions through a free, online pesticide training course from the University of California.
June 9, 2008
Scientist's foresight paved the way for safer pest management during his career
Phil Phillips ends his nearly 30-year career as an integrated pest management advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and the UC Statewide IPM Program when he retires on July 1.
March 20, 2008
UC scientist teaches growers about corn leafhopper and corn stunt disease
UC entomologist Charlie Summers and his research team are educating growers from Madera, Sacramento, and Yolo counties about corn leafhopper and corn stunt disease in a series of meetings in March.
February 26, 2008
Entomologist seeks solution for citrus thrips damage to blueberries
After blueberry growers in the San Joaquin Valley reported that citrus thrips were causing extensive damage to their crops, a research team led by University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Advisor David Haviland developed monitoring and treatment guidelines to help growers avoid using unnecessary pesticide applications.
January 3, 2008
Longtime grower honored with Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award
Seventh-generation farmer Chris Locke of Locke Ranch, Inc., knows what it means to be green. Because of his eco-friendly
efforts, Locke Ranch has earned a 2007 Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award from the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation (DPR).
December 4, 2007
Almond Pest Management Alliance earns IPM Innovator Award
The Almond Pest Management Alliance (PMA), with its publication of a Seasonal Guide to Environmentally Responsible
Pest Management Practices in Almonds, has earned an IPM Innovator Award from the California Department of
Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for 2007.
September 14, 2007
UC scientists find answers about Sahara mustard's spread
Sahara mustard's sweep into Death Valley National Park and other southwestern deserts has caught the attention of UC scientists and California land managers.
September 10, 2007
Researchers find wasp can strike down giant reed
Scientists have discovered a beneficial wasp in southern California that attacks a highly invasive weed, saving
the federal government time and money that would have been spent to import the insect from Europe.
August 23, 2007
Another weed in south Central Valley shows resistance to herbicide
Hairy fleabane, a common summer annual in the south Central Valley, has joined the ranks of weeds that are resistant
to glyphosate, an herbicide sold under the brand name Roundup. This is the first occurrence of glyphosate-resistant
hairy fleabane in the United States.
August 13, 2007
Touch-screen kiosks help consumers solve home and garden pest problems
In between the cotton candy and the corn dogs, visitors to the California State Fair can find solutions for home
and garden pests using touch-screen kiosks developed by the University of California (UC) Statewide Integrated Pest
Management Program.
August 10, 2007
University of California offers information about light brown apple moth
As state officials press on with eradication plans to rid California of the light brown apple moth, the University
of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program has produced a new publication to answer the public’s
questions.
June 25, 2007
Researchers study how fire ants spread during mating flights
Scientists have calculated flight distances and are measuring weather conditions that occur during aerial swarms of the red imported fire ant in a step toward better predicting the insect?s spread in California.
June 19, 2007
Why did the chicken cross the road? —To escape deadly exotic disease
Laboratory testing shows that flies exposed to a food source infected with exotic Newcastle disease (END) can pick up the virus and carry it for several days, perhaps later passing it on to chickens that eat it.
June 18, 2007
Scientists propose new warning system for invasive marine species
Marine scientists are studying invasive species in the San Francisco Bay that threaten to spread to other bays along the California coast at the cost of native marine organisms.
May 7, 2007
Growers can access information on new tomato disease
In March 2007, the virus that causes tomato yellow leaf curl popped up in greenhouse tomatoes being grown
by a high school science class in Imperial County. Because this disease is new to California and potentially devastating for tomato production, agencies have produced an informational brochure to help curtail its spread.
May 7, 2007
Artificial diet used to rear adult insects from larvae
A new method to use an artificial diet to rear adult insects from larvae
could help scientists discover new biological control agents for yellow
starthistle and other alien weeds more quickly.
May 1, 2007
Douglas-fir trees are cunning carriers of pitch canker disease
Like stealthy predators, Douglas-fir trees can harbor the pathogen
responsible for pitch canker disease for a year without showing any symptoms and
pass it off to other susceptible species.
April 19, 2007
Vine mealybug life stage influences response to insecticides
Scientists are testing different populations of vine mealybug from the Coachella and San Joaquin valleys for their susceptibility to the five most common pesticides used in the past few years to control them.
March 19, 2007
Research findings shed light on new urban pest of pine trees
Like a celebrity with homes in New York and Los Angeles, the redhaired pine bark beetle is a cosmopolitan pest.
The pest, however, has few fans because it may carry blackstain root disease or other pathogens that can be devastating
to pines in our urban parks, golf courses and landscapes.
March 15, 2007
Cotton pickin’ accurate forecasting tool for growers
With unpredictable weather nationwide, it is especially important to know when to plant crops to produce the
highest yield.
March 1, 2007
Spanish translation of pesticide safety manual now available
To better serve Spanish-speaking people working in California agriculture, the University of California’s Statewide
Integrated Pest Management Program has released a Spanish translation of Pesticide Safety: A Reference Manual for
Private Applicators. The newly updated manual, Seguridad en el manejo de pesticidas Manual de referencia para
aplicadores privados SEGUNDA EDICIÓN, is the study guide for the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation certified private applicator examination and a handy reference for all farms.
February 9, 2007
Some insects can cope with cold weather
Despite record cold temperatures, most insects know how to cope.
January 30, 2007
Wild pigs couldn’t keep this researcher away
Using computer-aided mapping and records of hunting tags, a scientist supported by the University of California
Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program has calculated how far wild pigs have expanded their range in California
to encourage using alternative methods to control their spread.
January 29, 2007
Citrus thrips add blueberries to their diet
With the advent of heat-tolerant blueberries, growers have established a California blueberry industry. But, along with the
new opportunities offered by this crop, comes a new struggle—citrus thrips.
January 26, 2007
Weed scientist pulls out ahead of competition
University of California Integrated Pest Management Advisor Cheryl Wilen received the "Award of Excellence" from the California Weed Science Society (CWSS) at their 59th annual meeting in San Diego recently.
January 25, 2007
Ecologically smart choices outlined in tomato year-round program
One of California´s tomato research leaders hails the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management tomato year-round IPM program as an integral part of sustainable farm management for processing tomatoes
January 22, 2007
Plum good guidance for prune growers
In the newly released University of California (UC) Seasonal Guide to Environmentally Responsible Pest Management
Practices in Prunes, growers can find guidance on some of prunes’ major pests such as aphids and peach twig
borer.
December 19, 2006
University of California Pierce?s Disease Grants Program now accepting research proposals
The University of California (UC) Pierce?s Disease (PD) Grants Program and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Pierce?s Disease/Glassy Winged Sharpshooter Board are accepting proposals for research projects aimed at seeking solutions to the problem of Pierce?s disease, a devastating disease that threatens California?s grape industry.
December 13, 2006
UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program releases new
year-round guidance for alfalfa growers
Farmers who are planting alfalfa hay next fall are in good stead for the 2007 growing season. The
University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM) has released a new alfalfa
year-round IPM program on its Web site.
December 7, 2006
Integrated Pest Management Program gets new Interim Director
Peter Goodell has taken over the reins of the University of California
(UC) Statewide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program as Interim Director.
Goodell replaces Richard Roush, who served as director from 2003 to 2006.
November 21, 2006
Gardeners can find latest information on University of California Web site
Hundreds of new pests have been added to the Pests in Homes, Gardens, Landscapes, and Turf section of the University
of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program Web site. For the first time, users can find pest management
information specific to a host plant.
November 17, 2006
Growers can make money if they use UC Integrated Pest Management year-round program for crops
The California Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering $125 per acre to growers to use the University
of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program’s year-round IPM programs for their crops.
October 19, 2006
Fishing for a solution for a destructive aquatic weed<
Weed specialists are never off duty — even when they’re fishing.
October 16, 2006
“Dip and clip” method controls weeds at Lake Tahoe
Trespassers are invading the Lake Tahoe Basin, but a novel approach can stop them in their tracks.
September 6, 2006
Manipulating weed management practices can reduce herbicide dependency in rice
A University of California, Davis research team has found that different rice establishment methods can keep weeds from developing, reduce herbicide dependency, lower fuel use, and help reduce herbicide-resistant weeds in rice.
September 1, 2006
Latest research findings at UC Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Workshop
Find out about the latest research on exotic invaders by joining the University of California Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program (EPDRP) Workshop, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 3, at UC Riverside, Riverside Extension Center, Room E.
August 25, 2006
Woolly bully is sticky nuisance: Find out how to control the pest
Researchers have found a way for growers and homeowners to save money and time by knowing when and how much insecticide to apply to control the Asian hackberry woolly aphid.
August 21, 2006
Pest management tool for stone fruit growers
Knowing when to put up pheromone traps for peach twig borer, or what pests are best managed during their dormant stage
is just some of the information available to growers in the newly released University of California Seasonal Guide to Environmentally
Responsible Pest Management Practices in Peaches and Nectarines.
August 11, 2006
What’s up, Doc? Maybe less air pollution
Phil Roberts, in the Nematology Department at University of California, Riverside, and Joe Nunez, farm advisor for the
UC Cooperative Extension in Bakersfield, are trying to reduce volatile organic compounds from fumigant use, and provide cheaper and more reliable
pest management, by using root-knot nematode resistant carrots as an alternative to fumigation.
August 8, 2006
What a difference a day makes—abalone pest is in the dunk tank
University of California, Davis, biologists have found a way to nearly eliminate an invasive pest in California abalone
production and display facilities.
July 26, 2006
Scientists untangle seaweed?s effect on other species
An invasive seaweed that is powered by its ability to grow fast, out-compete local species, reproduce within the first year of life, and fertilize itself can still be slowed by hand weeding.
June 22, 2006
Parasitic wasps could control glassy-winged sharpshooters
Since the early ?90s, grape growers in Riverside and San Diego counties have battled the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), an insect that spreads Pierce?s disease and causes millions in damages to vineyards. In a new study, scientists have discovered how to reduce the number of sharpshooters without harming non-target organisms, progress that moves one step closer to a solution in the fight against this prolific pest.
June 21, 2006
Scientists create a defense plan against citrus greening threat
Citrus greening is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus in the world, stunting trees and causing small, bitter fruit. With the recent discovery of citrus greening in Florida, an educational effort by a team of scientists to stop the Asian citrus psyllid from becoming established in California is especially timely.
May 19, 2006
For every season, turn to the year-round program
Since seasons dictate most farm activity, peach growers who have problems with agricultural pests look for advice on what time of year to monitor and time treatments to control them. If they consult the year-round Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for peaches, they?ll find effective and environmentally sound ways to manage pests in their crops.
May 19, 2006
Tomato psyllids cropping up in southern California
Tomato psyllids are spreading across the country, devastating crops in Colorado, Montana, Washington, and Ontario, Canada. In Baja, Mexico, growers lost more than 85 percent of their fresh market tomatoes in 2001. California populations originated from Mexico, but are now surviving year-round in San Diego, Orange and Ventura counties.
May 17, 2006
Ants take the bait for less toxic solution
Organic citrus growers can use low-toxic ant control measures to rid their groves of pesky Argentine ants, according to a study funded by the UC Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program (UC EDRP). After one week of using baits, ants were reduced by about 50 percent and after two weeks, by about 70 percent.
April 24, 2006
Researchers find wasp can control spotted gum psyllid
Anaheim is home to ?the happiest place on earth,? and residents can continue to be in a jovial mood because two research scientists have found a tiny wasp that can control the spotted gum psyllid from attacking eucalyptus trees in southern California.
April 17, 2006
Sex and insects are key to pest management
Wind tunnels that simulate a natural plume of air, a moving floor to give the illusion of flying, and insects listening to vibrations to signal courtship behavior are a few research methods entomologists described as part of ?Orchard Integrated Pest Management Training? on March 17 in downtown Sacramento.
April 13, 2006
Educator to spread message about urban integrated pest management
Although public attention is often focused on agricultural pests and chemicals used to control them, nearly half of all pesticide use in California is in urban environments. That?s why the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program has selected Karey Windbiel-Rojas as the new Urban IPM Educator.
April 7, 2006
Collective effort produces Asian longhorned beetle information
Government organizations combined resources to develop a PowerPoint slide show, a Web page, and informational flyers on how to detect and report suspected infestations of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB).
April 3, 2006
Preventing rabbits from causing serious plant damage
Cottontail rabbits cause extensive damage to ornamental plant nurseries in southern California by eating plants and damaging irrigation lines. With few methods to control the damage, UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Advisor Cheryl Wilen and her field team used sophisticated technology to reduce the impact of rabbits.
March 29, 2006
UC Statewide IPM Program releases indoor pest management guide
Shielding school children from harmful pesticides is just one of the many features in the second edition of Residential, Industrial, and Institutional Pest Control by the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program.
March 27, 2006
New Web site helps dried plum growers stop the spread of brown rot
With more than our share of rain this winter, agricultural land has had long stretches of moist, soggy conditions that open the gate for diseases like brown rot to thrive and attack stone fruits. With the help of a new Web site, growers can get information to help them decide when and how much to spray for this disease to reduce unnecessary fungicide use.
March 27, 2006
UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program releases pest management guide for potatoes
Growers and pest management professionals can now find the latest integrated pest management guidance for the potato tuberworm, a new, troublesome pest in the Pacific Northwest, in Integrated Pest Management for Potatoes in the Western United States, 2nd Edition.
February 24, 2006
Helping Chinese farmers step off the pesticide treadmill
Ten years ago, China had plenty of workers to hand weed their farmland, but with fewer young people choosing farming as a profession, the country is looking for quick chemical fixes to their pest management problems. UC Statewide IPM advisor Anil Shrestha visited China to convince them that integrated pest management is, by far, the better long-term choice.
January 26, 2006
Pruning back on spraying pests in dried plums
Breakthroughs from a well-orchestrated effort among agencies, pest control advisers, growers, and farm advisors resulted in new ways to control plum aphids with minimal insecticide spraying, and also earned the group the ?2005 IPM Innovators? award from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).
December 1, 2005
Aromatherapy puts flies in the mood for love
Just a few teaspoonfuls of ginger root oil can improve the mating success of millions of males. Now, there?s a concept.
And it?s cheaper than the personal ads, too. For 11 cents, USDA researcher Todd Shelly can make a million sterile Mediterranean fruit flies just as competitive as their virile counterparts.
November 30, 2005
IPM programs being developed for new mealybug plaguing pistachio growers
A two-tailed pest is hitchhiking its way across California at breakneck speed, feeding on pistachios, almonds, and grapes, and surviving in a wide range of climates. Researchers, though, believe that integrated pest management programs developed this year will help control the pest where it is located and help slow its spread.
October 24, 2005
Invasive weevils spread to southern California
Entomologist Beth Grafton-Cardwell knew it was just a matter of time before the Diaprepes root weevil, a serious foe of citrus and nursery crops, showed up in California.
August 5, 2005
Madera farmer praises the benefits of soil solarization
Tom Willey is spreading the word about solarization and how this inexpensive, chemical-free approach killed the weeds plaguing his 75-acre organic farm in the Central Valley.
June 20, 2005
University of California joins alliance to protect popular flower
The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) has teamed up with growers, ornamental plant organizations, and industry personnel to develop integrated pest management strategies to protect a $300 million cut flower industry in California.
June 16, 2005
UC helps vineyard crews to identify invasive pest
Knowing how to spot vine mealybug is vital for Diego Smart, because using insecticides in the organic vineyard where he works is not an option. Smart, a foreman at Enterprise Vineyards in Sonoma, and supervisors from several other vineyards attended a workshop to train them to recognize the key signs of vine mealybug.
March 5, 2005
New training tools demonstrated for school employees and master gardeners
UC IPM participated in a one-day training workshop sponsored by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) School IPM program at Oroville High School in March 2005. Nearly 50 school IPM coordinators and other school representatives responsible for pest management attended.
January 25, 2005
New UC publication features seasonal approach to managing pests in almonds
Pest management publications are often organized pest-by-pest, yet those working in the field more frequently relate to crop growth stage or season. A new leaflet from the University of California, Seasonal Guide to Environmentally Responsible Pest Management Practices in Almonds, takes a season-by-season approach to show almond growers and PCAs how to protect their crops and the environment at the same time.
September 29, 2004
Researcher grows sunflowers to protect peaches from pest
If IPM Advisor Walt Bentley has his way, sunflowers will offer a ray of hope in the battle against the oriental fruit moth by fostering its natural enemies.
September 20, 2004
Patrick O'Connor-Marer retires
When Patrick O'Connor-Marer retired on Sept. 30, he left behind a gratifying and successful career of helping to reduce the environmental and human health risks of pesticide use.
Top of page
|
