Aug 19, 2020

Webinar focuses on protecting California orchards from invasive species

The University of California has scheduled another event in a series of webinars – UC Experts Talk.

Mark Hoddle, Extension specialist in biological control at the University of California, Riverside, will discuss the problems caused by invasive species in California in a session titled, “What’s in Your Orchard: Protecting California from Invasive Species.”

Invasion statistics of importance to California will be discussed along with relevant aspects of invasion biology that drive invasion pathways, establishment likelihood, and subsequent spread after establishment.

One important management response is biological control and California is a world leader in this type of pest management. Problems caused by current high profile invaders (e.g., South American palm weevil), and biocontrol programs targeting destructive invasive pests (e.g., Asian citrus psyllid) will be discussed.

Finally, a new twist on a classic approach will be presented, “Proactive Biocontrol.” A proactive biocontrol program targeting spotted lanternfly, a pest not yet present in California, but one that is likely to establish and cause significant problems for the grape and nut industries will be discussed. One DPR CE unit (other) and one CCA CE unit (IPM) were requested.

The webinar will be held Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. Pacific time.

To register, visit here.