Grantee Research Project Results

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: U916002
Title: 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: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 2001 through January 1, 2004
Project Amount: $95,190
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Biology/Life Sciences , Fellowship - Entomology

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 Exit ) 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.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, geographic information system, GIS, codling moth, codling moth system, management strategies, California, CA, insecticides, insecticide use, broad-spectrum insecticides, regional management decisions.

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.