2005 Annual Report

UC Statewide IPM Program
HIGHLIGHTS

UC IPM Makes It Happen

Researcher finds ways to control invasive pests that threaten marine organisms

Many non-native species inhabit California's coastal waters, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems.

With funding from the UC Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program, ecologist Ted Grosholz conducted research on exotic invasive pests of marine organisms and found ways to increase native oysters without increasing European green crabs to damaging levels. In a separate research project, Ted found a way to destroy a serious pest of abalone.
>> Read the complete article

University of California joins alliance to protect popular flower

UC IPM has teamed up with growers, ornamental plant organizations, and industry personnel to develop IPM strategies to protect a $300 million cut flower industry in California.

Photo by Jack Kelly Clark

California is our country's largest producer of gerbera flowers, one of the most popular ornamental flowers in the world with more than 200 varieties. Gerbera growers often spray pesticides to control pests such as leafminers, whiteflies, and thrips.

With funding from UC IPM and other organizations in the Gerbera Pest Management Alliance (GPMA), researchers are investigating ways to improve the timing for releasing natural enemies, integrating biological control, and using new reduced-risk pesticides to control destructive pests. A key concern is to determine how many pests are present and the number of pests it takes to impact crop yields so that growers can skip treatments when they are unnecessary.
>> Read the complete article

Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program

The UC Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program (EPDRP) is funded through USDA-CSREES. The review committees approved $1.8 million in funding for 18 new projects from the 2005-2008 USDA grant. This brings the number of projects sponsored by the program to 82 for $7.3 million.
>> Read the complete article

UC IPM Competitive Grants Program

UC IPM has brought back to life its Competitive Research Grants Program for 2006-07 funding. The program sought proposals, due Dec. 14, 2006, in the five traditional IPM research areas, plus air and water quality. Through an arrangement with ANR, savings from other parts of the IPM program will be added to the recently reduced research budget to allow for a fully-funded program for the next few years.
>> Read the complete article