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In the News
August 13, 2007 Touch-screen kiosks help consumers solve home and garden pest problemsIn 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.
Look for the kiosks at the Master Gardener exhibit in “The Farm” building from Aug. 17 to Sept. 3. The kiosks are designed to help consumers solve pest problems while protecting the environment, and prevent runoff from residential landscapes. The kiosk displays were created in collaboration with the Healthy Garden/Healthy Home Project; UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego; the California State Water Resources Control Board; and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers and the Elvenia J. Slosson Foundation provided additional support. From aphids to snails and slugs, users can find information about 50 common home and garden pests, including identification and management, alternatives to pesticides and least-toxic pest control, as well as safe use and disposal of pesticides. The kiosks also include tips related to proper watering, fertilizing, and avoiding problems associated with garden chemicals. UCCE Master Gardener Coordinator Kathy Ann Hofmann used the kiosk at her display at the Alameda County Fair. “We won the first place award for best interaction with the public for our display. Sometimes people just want to confirm their own diagnoses of gardening problems, and having the kiosk there with its easy-to-read printouts lets them find the answers for themselves.” “The kiosks are an excellent means of expanding our ability to reach our clientele,” says Judy McClure, UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener 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.” Kiosk users can look up a pest by category and name, or diagnose a problem on plants. They can also watch videos, print information, or locate resources for finding additional pest management help in their county. For those who miss the kiosks at the State Fair, there are other opportunities to use these unique, interactive tools. Twelve kiosks are circulating around the state at retail nursery and garden centers and as part of UC Master Gardener outreach events, as well as at county fairs and plant clinics, libraries, and garden exhibits. The kiosks will be at these locations: Fresno County Lake County Los Angeles County Orange County Sacramento County San Diego County Poway Nursery, Aug. 1 to Sept. 15, 2007 Plant World, Escondido, Sept. 16 to Oct. 31, 2007 San Diego Zoo—Ongoing Santa Clara County Yolo County For future dates and locations, visit /FAQ/kiosk.html ResourcesHigh-resolution image (596KB) "Touch-screen pest management kiosk menu." Photo credit: Courtesy of UC Statewide IPM Program, Karey Windbiel-Rojas. High-resolution image (508KB) "Touch-screen pest management kiosk." Photo credit: Courtesy of UC Statewide IPM Program, Karey Windbiel-Rojas. Photos are for use with this release only. All other uses see Legal Notices. Touch-Screen Pest Management Kiosks page ContactsStephanie Klunk, Communications Specialist |
