Survey of University of California Academics\u27 Attitudes Regarding the Impact of Escaped Horticultural Introductions on Wildlands

In order to investigate whether there were differences in attitudes and perceptions within the University of California regarding the impact of introduced ornamental plants, we conducted a survey of academics with assignments in natural resource programs or ornamental horticulture. In general, the ornamental horticulture academics did not view the problem of invasive species as severely as the natural resource academics, but the both groups recognize that non-native landscape ornamentals now occur and can affect California\u27s wildlands. These data can be used to provide training to academics on this issue and help facilitate discussion between the different groups

Over 35 years, integrated pest management has reduced pest risks and pesticide use

Pests and their interactions with crops, ecological landscapes and animals are in continuous flux — they are never static. Pest severity increases or decreases depending on environmental conditions and changes in production or pest control practices. Pest management is made even more challenging by exotic and newly invasive pests. Over its 35-year history, the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Statewide IPM Program has supported research and extension that has decreased risks of crop losses, improved treatment programs for invasive and endemic pests, and reduced the use of pesticides and their impact on the environment and human health. Its publications are widely used among growers, pest control advisers, research institutions, state agencies, agricultural organizations and gardeners; and integrated pest management has been adopted statewide in agriculture, as well as in managed landscapes and urban areas.

Does the General Public Relate to the Term Integrated Pest Management ?

We conducted a random telephone survey of single family residents in San Diego County to gather public opinion related to use of the term Integrated Pest Management or its abbreviation. Only a small percentage of participants (4.9%) had heard the term or its abbreviation. When various definitions of IPM were suggested, individuals preferred terms stressing environmental and human safety such as Earth-Friendly Pest Management and Responsible Pest Management. Our survey results show that IPM educators should use different terminology when working with non-professional gardeners or the public in general in order for the audience to relate to the IPM concept

The influence of trap type and cover status on capture rates of pocket gophers in California

Population reduction through trapping is among the most common techniques used to mitigate damage caused by pocket gophers in a variety of crops. A new trap called the Gophinator was recently developed that combined many positive attributes of previous pocket gopher traps. Because efficacy data for this trap was lacking, we compared capture rates of this trap to the Macabee trap, the most commonly used pocket gopher trap in the western U.S. We also addressed factors that may influence the efficacy of traps such as cover status of the trap set, season, gender, and weight of the captured pocket gopher. We found the Gophinator trap was more efficacious than the Macabee, likely due to its superior ability to capture larger pocket gophers, which could increase the efficacy of pocket gopher control programs throughout North America. Covered trap sets resulted in greater capture rates during late spring-early summer but not during autumn. However, covered trap sets required more time to implement and did not result in a greater number of captures for an 8-h workday trapping period. If efficacy is paramount, trap sets should be covered during late spring-early summer, but when time is a constraining factor, trap sets left uncovered will be most efficient. Covering trap sets in autumn provided no tangible benefits

Light brown apple moth’s arrival in California worries commodity groups

Light brown apple moth is an exotic pest that was confirmed in California in March 2007. It is a tortricid leaf-roller moth native to Australia, which has a broad range of plant hosts with the capacity to cause damage across a wide array of crops, natural areas and ornamental plants. California and federal agencies have issued quarantine orders affecting production and retail nurseries, and potentially fruit and vegetable exports. It is found thus far primarily in nurseries near urban areas. Eradication efforts are under way to prevent its spread into California crop areas and throughout the United States

Over 35 years, integrated pest management has reduced pest risks and pesticide use

Pests and their interactions with crops, ecological landscapes and animals are in continuous flux — they are never static. Pest severity increases or decreases depending on environmental conditions and changes in production or pest control practices. Pest management is made even more challenging by exotic and newly invasive pests. Over its 35-year history, the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Statewide IPM Program has supported research and extension that has decreased risks of crop losses, improved treatment programs for invasive and endemic pests, and reduced the use of pesticides and their impact on the environment and human health. Its publications are widely used among growers, pest control advisers, research institutions, state agencies, agricultural organizations and gardeners; and integrated pest management has been adopted statewide in agriculture, as well as in managed landscapes and urban areas.