The Ventura Star today ran a story about the end of IPM entomologist Phil Phillips distinguished career with UC Cooperative Extension. The story says Phillips was fascinated with bugs since he was 7 years old.
"I've been blessed with a spectacular career," Phillips was quoted. "It's playing with insects basically."
The story was most likely prompted by a news release by UC IPM writer Stephanie Klunk, but Ventura Star reporter Terria Smith gathered her own comments from Phillips' colleagues.
Mary Bianchi, horticulture farm advisor in San Luis Obispo County:
"In order to be able to start effective control programs, you really have to understand insects: where they come from, how they live. That's where Phil's work was key: by building the framework where researchers could start their programs and integrate them into farming systems."
Earl McPhail, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner:
"He's done great in making sure they know what to do as far as what to look for as new pests come in. . . . He's going to be difficult to replace."