- Author: Sandipa Gautam
Are you interested in learning about the management of sap-sucking pests and ants in citrus orchards? Lindcove is organizing a full-day workshop to bring you recent research advances on sap-sucking insects and ant management. The workshop will focus on ants.
Ants, especially the invasive Argentine ant and the native grey field ant, are serious pests because they protect sap-sucking pests infesting citrus, grapes, and other perennial tree and vine crops, from their natural enemies. In return for protection, hemipteran pests like Asian citrus psyllid mealybugs, soft scales, aphids, and whiteflies reward ants with honeydew, a sticky sugar-rich waste product that ants imbibe and return to nests to feed nest mates. This is an example of food-for-protection mutualism that is highly disruptive to biological control and IPM programs. This workshop will cover the latest developments in ant monitoring and management and will provide overviews of the benefits of ant control and how reductions in ant densities result in very high levels of biological control of important hemipteran pests.
When: 19 September 2023
Where: Conference room, Lindcove Research and Extension Center, 22963 Carson Ave, Exeter, CA 93221
Meeting Registration Link: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=41086
Workshop Agenda:
|
Time |
Presenter |
Topic |
|
8:30am |
|
Registration |
|
9:00am |
Mark Hoddle, UC Riverside |
Overview of the Asian citrus psyllid biological control program and the need to control pest ants |
|
9:30am |
Mark Hoddle, UC Riverside |
Use of biodegradable hydrogel beads and bait stations for controlling pest ants in citrus |
|
10:00am |
Mike Lewis, UC Riverside |
Infrared sensors and the Internet of Things to automate ant counts in orchards |
|
10:30am |
|
Coffee Break |
|
10:45am |
David Haviland, UCCE Farm Advisor, Kern County |
Ant management research and applications in the San Joaquin Valley |
|
11:15am |
Soon Il Kwon, UC Riverside |
Cultural control of ants in orchards |
|
11:45am |
Nicola Irvin, UC Riverside |
Flowering cover crops to promote natural enemy ecosystem services |
|
12:15pm |
|
Lunch |
|
1:00pm |
Sandipa Gautam, UCCE Area Citrus IPM Advisor |
Hemipteran pests and their management in SJV citrus |
|
1:30pm |
All presenters |
Table visits and posters to observe technologies that were discussed and to interact with presenters and ask questions |
|
2:00pm |
David Haviland/Hoddle Lab |
Field demonstration of hydrogel applications for ant control |
|
3:00m |
|
Workshop Ends |
- Author: Sandipa Gautam
As of July 2021, I joined the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources as a Cooperative Extension Area Citrus IPM Advisor at Lindcove Research and Extension Center. I am very excited in my new role and for the opportunity to serve San Joaquin Valley that grows ≥ 75% California citrus. My role in this position is to develop research and extension program for citrus pests focused on issues that are important to growers in the San Joaquin Valley.
A good pest management program evolves to respond to factors that influence pest pressure. Change in weather conditions over the last decade, pesticide resistance in citrus thrips and California red scale, potential expansion of Asian citrus psyllid into the San Joaquin Valley and increasing reports of mealybug infestation demand targeted research to solve these issues and an effective extension program to inform stakeholders. With years of experience working with citrus pests and passion to serve the community, I feel prepared for my role as an IPM advisor.
My current research projects focus on citrus thrips resistance monitoring and resistance management, evaluating hydrogel baiting systems for ants, and postharvest system's effect on export concern pests (bean thrips, mites, California red scale and Fuller rose beetle). Extension activities include development and delivery of educational programs on citrus pests. Future research projects will be designed to address SJV grower's pest management needs.
I can be reached at 559-592-2408 (ext. 1156) and sangautam@ucanr.edu. Follow me on twitter @Sandipa_gautam (UCANR Citrus IPM) for news on Citrus IPM events. I look forward to interacting with you!
