Webinar: Augmentative Biological Control for Spider Mites in Dates

This webinar is part of the UC Ag Experts Talk series. Dr. Bodil Cass, Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, will provide an overview of major arthropod pests affecting desert date production, with a focus on Banks grass mite, carob moth, pink hibiscus mealybug, and secondary pests such as driedfruit beetles and datebugs. She will discuss species-specific monitoring, threshold considerations, and traditional management methods such as mesh bagging, sanitation, and miticide applications. Additionally, the presentation will highlight recent UC Riverside research evaluations on biological control innovations, including aerial drone releases and targeted delivery of predatory mites, along with organic pesticide trials. Participants will gain practical recommendations to implement sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs in date palm operations.

One DPR CE unit (other), one CCA CE unit (IPM), and one ISA CE unit were requested.