Kassim Al-Khatib

From the director

Continuing traditions of excellence

It is a great privilege and honor to serve California and the IPM community as UC IPM’s director. During the past 30 years, UC has built a program that is today considered the gold standard for all IPM programs. The success is due to the commitment of UC leadership and the exceptional quality and dedication of UC IPM employees. I am looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence at UC IPM.

In this report, you’ll read about many of the program’s accomplishments for 2010. UC IPM has been quite productive, although we received a significant state-budget cut. By making choices and attracting new external funds, the program maintained capacity to serve California’s IPM community effectively through research, extension, and preparation of online and print resources to support audiences in agriculture, communities, and natural resources.

UC IPM continued to address important problems in agriculture, including managing new, high-profile invasive pests that have invaded to harm crops and disrupt ongoing IPM programs. Quick action against pests such as European grapevine moth and spotted wing drosophila gives growers a chance to prevent significant damage to California crops.

Meanwhile, our urban and community IPM program has expanded to develop new tools and products that help new audiences manage important urban pests or give sound IPM advice. We are proud of our efforts to develop effective and safe IPM practices for the urban community.

I expect 2011 to bring new opportunities. We’re looking forward to contributing to UC ANR’s new research and outreach initiatives that address important issues facing California, including sustainable food systems, endemic and invasive pests and diseases, sustainable natural ecosystems, and healthy family and communities.

A new program advisory committee will begin to help strengthen UC IPM and increase its connectivity and services to Californians. The committee will provide feedback and help to set priorities, evaluate UC IPM’s ability to meet its goals, and create closer ties with external stakeholders. We are fortunate that 10 prominent IPM leaders agreed to serve on the committee.

Finally, I want to express my appreciation to Joyce Strand and Pete Goodell for their outstanding dedication, contributions, and service during the past three years as UC IPM interim directors. The leadership and wisdom that both provided during a challenging budget time is recognized and highly appreciated by ANR and the UC IPM program.

—Kassim Al-Khatib, Director

What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, and modification of cultural practices. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed, and pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to humans, nontarget organisms, and the environment.

Contact

Kassim Al-Khatib, Director, UC Statewide IPM Program
(530) 752-4762

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