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The Integration of GIS and Dynamic Modeling as the Basis for Alternative Codling Moth Management Strategies at a Regional Level in California
EPA Grant Number: U916002Title: The Integration of GIS and Dynamic Modeling as the Basis for Alternative Codling Moth Management Strategies at a Regional Level in California
Investigators: Pedersen, Brent
Institution: University of California - Berkeley
EPA Project Officer: Graham, Karen
Project Period: January 1, 2001 through January 1, 2004
Project Amount: $95,190
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2001)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Entomology , Biology/Life Sciences
Description:
Objective:The objective of this research project is to use the integration of a dynamic model of the codling moth system and a geographic information system (GIS) to provide the basis for regional management decisions that aim to reduce the use of broad-spectrum insecticides in favor of more innocuous alternatives.
Approach:Codling moth is the most prominent pest of apples and pears and a significant detriment to walnut production in California. Control is achieved predominantly via the extensive use of broad-spectrum insecticides. In addition to problems with the evolution of resistance, insecticides have undesirable environmental effects, many of which jeopardize the realization of the goals of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Strategic Plan. Alternative methods of control based on pheromone mating disruption and insect growth regulators recently have come to the fore as lower insecticide usage is mandated. Often, mandates such as these have little theoretical basis and are locally rather than regionally based.
I will take a regional approach to studying the codling moth system in California
to ensure validity of regional management decisions. The availability of spatial
data in California from the Department of Water Resources (http://www.dpla.water.ca.gov/sjd/landwateruse/surveys.html 
)
and other government agencies enables full coverage of agricultural areas in
California. I will use available spatial data and other empirically derived
information in a GIS to demonstrate the utility of regional management founded
on a regionally based investigation. I foresee that this will provide the basis
for more effective management decisions, which will curb insecticide usage
in favor of more innocuous alternatives.
fellowship, geographic information system, GIS, codling moth, codling moth system, management strategies, California, CA, insecticides, insecticide use, broad-spectrum insecticides, regional management decisions.