1998-99 Pest Management Grant Summaries
Demonstration Projects
Agricultural Demonstration Projects
Non-Agricultural Demonstration Projects
Agricultural Demonstration Projects
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Project Title
|
Applicant
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Location
|
Budget
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| Integrated Apple Production (IAP) Demonstration Project |
University of California Cooperative Extension,
Janet Caprile |
Contra Costa County |
$29,980 |
Summary: Rapid urbanization around apple orchards in Contra Costa county has lead to agricultural-urban
interface problems, particularly regarding pesticide use. This project focuses on reducing the use of conventional,
broad-spectrum insecticides in apple orchards by encouraging the use of proven, reduced-risk IPM practices. Integrated
Apple Production (IAP) demonstration orchards will be established to combine these reduced-risk practices into
a whole orchard management approach. Each IAP site will be paired with a conventional orchard, both being monitored
for crop damage, beneficial insect activity, pesticide use, and economics. IAP sites will use mating disruption
(MD) as the key reduced-risk practice. The project will remove cost and risk barriers to the adoption of MD for
participating growers through product cost share and monitoring assistance. The researchers will use biological
and cultural controls and non-disruptive spray materials to control secondary pests. The target is to reduce organophosphate
and carbamate pesticide use by 60-70% at the end of the first year and by 80-90% after three years. The goal is
to demonstrate the IAP program as a comparable cost-effective alternative to the conventional program and encourage
grower adoption.
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Project Title
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Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
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| Pesticide Risk Reduction in California Prunes |
Agricultural Research Consulting (ARC),
Gary Obenauf |
Sutter, Butte, Glenn, Yolo, Merced, Tehama, and Colusa Counties |
$30,000 |
Summary: This project will expand and strengthen current efforts to implement existing reduced-risk management
strategies in prunes, and will improve communication and cooperation among different segments involved in developing
environmentally sound economical prune production. The project will develop and implement replacement systems potentially
impacted by implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). This will be accomplished by minimizing the
use of and finding alternatives for insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and herbicides under review pursuant
to FQPA. Specific goals include reduction and replacement of diazinon and other dormant organophosphate sprays;
use of cover crops and other vegetation management practices to increase beneficial habitat, improve water infiltration
and prevent surface runoff of pesticides; and reduction of pesticides through monitoring techniques, predictive
models and biological controls. The project is a collaborative effort of the California Prune Board, prune growers
statewide, the University of California and others. Project work will complement the work of the Pest Management
Alliance (PMA) for California prunes.
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Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Areawide Implementation of Mating Disruption in Pears Using Puffers |
University of California Cooperative Extension,
Rachel Elkins |
Lake County |
$30,000 |
Summary: Codling moth is the key pest of pears in California. Effective management is needed because the
economic threshold for damage in cannery loads is only 5%. Damage in untreated controls can run from 10 to 50%.
Azinphos-methyl (Guthion), the most effective codling moth insecticide available to growers, is facing restrictions-as
is another popular organophosphate, methyl parathion (Penncap). This project will implement areawide mating disruption
with pheromones using dispensers called puffers. The reasonably priced dispensers, now commercially available,
have been the focus of three years of UC research funded by the pear industry. Participating in the project will
be all the pear growers in Potter Valley (Mendocino County). The growers have agreed to purchase dispensers and
pheromone, a substantial monetary investment. Puffers will be applied to approximately 425 acres of Bartlett and
Bosc pear, of which 80 acres is certified organic.
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Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Augmentative Biological Control Using Transplants |
California Department of Food and Agriculture,
Charles Pickett |
Imperial County |
$21,709 |
Summary: The silverleaf whitefly is a serious pest of several vegetable and field crops in the Imperial
Valley. Melon growers can eliminate the need for late-season applications of pyrethroids and other broad-spectrum
insecticides through early-season augmentative release of parasitoids. This approach enhances the regional population
of highly effective whitefly parasitoids important to summer and fall field and vegetable crops. It may also reduce
the possibility of resistance to whitefly insecticides by reducing their use. This project demonstrates a novel
approach by using cantaloupe transplants to enhance early- season field populations of parasitoids. Before placement
in fields, cantaloupe seedlings are inoculated with a specific whitefly parasitoid. The project will demonstrate
that control of whiteflies in fields receiving parasitoids by this method is more effective and efficient than
in fields where parasitoids are hand released. The project will also show that transplants with parasitoids can
be integrated into imidacloprid-treated fields at very little additional cost, or at least equal to conventional
insecticide costs.
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Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
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| Development of an Integrated System for Controlling San Jose Scale, Peach Twig Borer and Oriental Fruit Moth in
Clingstone Canning and Fresh Shipping Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines |
California Tree Fruit Agreement,
Jonathan Field |
Kern, Fresno, Sutter, and Yuba Counties |
$30,000 |
Summary: This project is designed to evaluate and implement reduced-risk IPM practices for San Jose scale
(SJS), peach twig borer (PTB), and Oriental fruit moth (OFM) in clingstone canning and fresh-market peaches, plums,
and nectarines. Conventional use of organophosphate (OPs) and carbamates to control these pests account for approximately
80% of pesticide applications in stone fruits annually. Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) restrictions may have
a serious impact on stone fruit production through loss of commonly used OPs and carbamates used to control SJS,
PTB and OFM. In addition, current dormant spray use patterns and in- season application of OPs may contribute to
a decline in the quality of surface and ground water. Project objectives are 1) to test the efficacy of new reduced-risk
pesticides, 2) survey and identify endemic/commercial parasite strains, and 3) develop a biological control augmentation
program for SJS, and promote increased use of pheromone mating disruption for PTB and OFM. This project seeks to
mitigate the risks of routine OP use through the development of a model IPM system for implementation in peach,
plum, and nectarine orchards throughout California.
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Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Mass Release of Natural Enemies of Vine Mealybug |
Foothill Ag. Research, Inc.,
Harry Griffiths & Joe Barcinas |
Riverside County |
$30,000 |
Summary: The vine mealybug has caused severe economic damage to table grapes since it was introduced to
the Coachella Valley in 1994, and has recently appeared in vineyards in southern Kern County. The heavy use of
organophosphate and carbamates to control the mealybug increases risk to workers and the environment. An international
search for parasites and three years of evaluation show that two parasitoid species effectively manage the vine
mealybug. In studies in the Caribbean, the same two parasitoid species control 85% to 95% of pink hibiscus mealybug.
This project is a collaborative effort to implement a long-term reduced-risk pest management system for the vine
mealybug. The project will focus on mass rearing parasitoids in a commercial insectary, releasing them in commercial
vineyards, evaluating their establishment and effectiveness, and widely disseminating the results.
|
Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Evaluation of Cultivars for Yield in Organic Strawberry Production in the Presence or Absence of Mycorrhizal Inoculum |
USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Salinas,
Carolee T. Bull |
Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties |
$30,000 |
Summary: Organic strawberry production is a potential alternative to conventional production, which relies
on intensive chemical inputs including methyl bromide fumigation. Due to pending legislation, potential Food Quality
Protection Act (FQPA) restrictions, and increased public concern, alternatives are being researched. Little work
has been done to optimize yield in organic systems in order to increase the economic viability of organic production
as an alternative. The high-yielding strawberry cultivars grown in California were selected under conventional
production practices. Although cultivar choice may be the most important factor influencing yield, to make cultivar
choices organic farmers must extrapolate from research done under conventional practices. Under this project, researchers
will conduct variety trials under organic management in three or four locations in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties
to provide information to organic growers on cultivar selection. Work under this project will also be conducted
to evaluate disease incidence in organic strawberry production and to determine what effect microbial inoculants
have on controlling disease and on yield. This project represents a unique regional and collaborative effort between
USDA/ARS, the University of California, organic and conventional growers, Community Alliance with Family Farmers,
and the California Strawberry Commission.
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Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| A Demonstration of Refined Pest Management Strategies for Rice Water Weevil in California Rice |
University of California, Davis,
Larry D. Godfrey |
Butte, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Placer, Glenn, and Sacramento Counties |
$30,000 |
Summary: Rice water weevil is the most important insect pest of California rice. Larvae prune rice plant
roots, decreasing grain yield by 10% to 30%. Chemical control is the primary management tool. Growers have used
pre-plant incorporated carbofuran to manage this pest, however, the use of this material is being phased out. Two
alternative materials (Dimilin® and Karate®) effectively control rice water weevil in the laboratory. These
products are proposed as post-flood treatments, which is more compatible with an IPM strategy because infestation
severity can be assessed before application. Carbofuran treatments are generally made within 30 feet of each basin
adjacent to the levees. These border treatments were effective because in California, weevil infestations are concentrated
along the levees. The new insecticidal products may become too diluted by border treatment, and their use may increase
if entire basins must be treated. The objective of this project is to investigate the use of post-flood treatments
with reduced-risk products. In addition, the project proposes to demonstrate in grower fields across a wide area
the efficacy of a new cultural control technique that has proven effective in small field studies.
|
Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Training Scouts and Developing Demonstration Sites to Promote Floriculture IPM Programs |
University of California Cooperative Extension, Ventura County,
Julie Newman |
San Diego, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties |
$29,997 |
Summary: A monitoring program provides early detection of pest problems and proper timing of appropriate
control measures, which can result in reduced pesticide use. The backbone of a good IPM program is the scout. This
project is a statewide IPM/reduced-risk effort in ornamentals being conducted in three regions in California. Scouts
trained in each area are responsible for pest monitoring, record keeping, and weekly meetings with growers to make
pest management decisions based on information collected. These monitoring procedures are being used to incorporate
more IPM methods into the decision-making process. Comparisons are then made between IPM and conventional practices
of the growers. Results thus far show that intensive monitoring and use of IPM practices reduced the need for pesticides
while still maintaining plant quality. The project will evaluate new reduced-risk pesticides and examine new approaches
that reduce pest populations, such as UV-absorbing plastic, sticky tape, and reflective mulches.
|
Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Use of Lime Sulfur to Control Postharvest Pathogens of Citrus Fruit |
Sunkist R&D Packing Services,
David Sorenson |
Tulare and Fresno Counties |
$18,000 |
Summary: Green mold of citrus is one of the most economically important postharvest diseases of citrus worldwide.
Two of the three fungicides approved for use on citrus are listed as possible or probable carcinogens by U.S. EPA,
and are under review pursuant to the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). Tests have shown reduced postharvest decay
of citrus fruit by more than 95% when the fruit was briefly immersed in a 3% lime-sulfur solution. The treatment
equaled the effectiveness of many other treatments and fungicides. Conclusions from repeated laboratory tests show
that this treatment could be further developed and incorporated into existing citrus-packing lines. One possible
advantage of lime-sulfur solution is less stringent waste-water discharge requirements since lime-sulfur is applied
as a soil conditioner. Implementation will require new equipment to contain odors evolved during the use of lime
sulfur for the safety and comfort of workers. Project work will involve large, commercial- scale tests of lime-sulfur
applications to determine effectiveness in controlling odors.
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Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Investigation of an Augmentation Program for Grape and Longtailed Mealybug and Classical Biological Control of
the Obscure Mealybug |
University of California, Berkeley,
Kent M. Daane |
Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Madera, Tulare and Fresno Counties |
$19,048 |
Summary: The grape mealybug, longtailed mealybug, and obscure mealybug, are pests of table, raisin, and
wine grapes. In recent years, there has been an increase in grape mealybug infestations in the Central Valley and
a dramatic increase in obscure and longtailed mealybugs in the central coast and Carnerros regions. Many natural
enemy species native to North America attack these mealybug pests. In the past, resident natural enemies, and especially
parasitic wasps (parasitoids), have controlled grape and longtailed mealybugs. However, recent surveys indicate
that parasitoid activity is often low, varies considerably among vineyard locations, and does not consistently
provide adequate control. Augmentation of natural enemies may increase parasitism levels and reduce the need for
insecticide applications. In Chile, an encyrtid parasitoid is produced in insectaries for inoculative release in
vineyards and this control practice is supposedly effective against the obscure mealybug. This project is developing
similar programs for California vineyards. The objectives are to 1) develop insectary techniques for the mass production
of two parasitoids and one predator, all of which attack grape and longtailed mealybugs, 2) test the effectiveness
of inoculative release in field and on-farm trials, and 3) if the tested inoculative release experiments show promise,
work with the table and wine grape industries and commercial insectaries to establish cooperatively based insectaries.
Nonagricultural Demonstration Projects
|
Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Gateway to a Less Toxic Home and Garden |
City of Daly City,
Karen Vitulano |
San Mateo County |
$10,196 |
Summary: This project involves an education program that will instruct the residential gardening community
in northern San Mateo County about IPM and reduced-risk pest control in and around the home. Studies show that
pesticide runoff from lawns and gardens during rainstorms enters storm drains, which in San Mateo County flow directly
to the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay without treatment. Diazinon is of particular concern due to its toxicity
to aquatic organisms. Currently, there is very limited assistance and information available to the public in San
Mateo County regarding IPM. There is a need for basic outreach to the public regarding the concept of IPM, and
useful information and guidance on reduced-risk control of common urban pests. This project is designed to create
an IPM demonstration garden, organize an Educator Training Program, and organize and conduct public workshops.
For an education site, the project will use the Gateway Garden, a newly created garden currently demonstrating
the uses of reclaimed water. The project goal is to introduce and promote the adoption of IPM practices among home
gardeners in San Mateo County, thereby reducing the risk to water resources from pesticide use, particularly diazinon.
|
Project Title
|
Applicant
|
Location
|
Budget
|
| Capacity Building on IPM in Urban Agriculture in Bay Area Public Schools and Surrounding Low-Income Communities |
University of California, Berkeley,
Miguel A. Altieri |
Alameda County |
$29,520 |
Summary: Sections of the cities of Berkeley and Oakland are home to some of the poorest families in the
U.S. In public schools, teachers report that may children show up for school without adequate breakfast and many
are unable to concentrate and lack energy. Most children have diets high in fat and calories, due in part to the
unavailability of affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. This project will establish gardens at various schools
in low- income areas, featuring vegetable cropping systems that will produce salad vegetables and some staple crops.
The project will establish an IPM training, demonstration and outreach program at five public schools located in
low-income neighborhoods of Berkeley and Oakland. Students will participate in all aspects of garden development,
monitoring of crop- pest-natural enemy interactions, and in outreach activities in their local community. School
gardens will feature biodiversified cropping systems that will enhance ecological interactions and serve as tools
for integrating ecology, food, and agriculture into the classroom curriculum. The project will emphasize special
workshops on IPM complemented with handouts, videos, slide shows and hands-on practice. Established demonstration
plots will serve to promote field days and cross-visits to enhance outreach of project benefits to many school
children and the community at large.
California Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Pesticide Regulation
Environmental Monitoring and Pest Management
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