Assessing the needs of integrated pest management programs in California Central Coast agriculture

The California Central Coast is characterized by a mild Mediterranean climate and fertile, nutrient rich soils. These are ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of specialty crops including leafy greens, cole crops, strawberries, and grapes. However, these conditions and diversity of cropping systems are also conducive to a large assortment of arthropod pests. The sustainable management of these insect pests by growers and other clientele in this region is supported by the integration of chemical, cultural, biological, and physical controls. Still, knowledge and management gaps exist for a number of key agricultural pests in this region. The following poster summarizes the first year of observations, experiences, and projects conducted by UC IPM Entomology program supporting the counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito.