Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, c/o University of California South Coast Research & Extension Center, 7601 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA 92718, USA 

 

 

Abstract. An overview of insect and mite pest management of California avocados will be given. Emphasis will be on integrated pest management (IPM). The following subjects will be covered: (i) pest identification with slides of major insect and mite pests and the damage they cause to fruit and foliage; and (ii) pest monitoring, including current methods of monitoring the two major lepidopterous pests with pheromones, will be discussed and slides will be shown of traps baited with lures. Advantages of different insect trap designs will be reviewed. The longevity of each of the three pheromones will be discussed as well as the importance of proper monitoring techniques. Commercial sources of pheromones and traps will be given. Slides showing flight patterns of moths in several areas of the state will be shown. A second monitoring technique, the degree day concept, used to predict insect activity based on their development times will be presented. A brief review of the use of Trichogramma platneri wasps used for biological control of our two major "worm" pests will be given. A list of currently registered insecticides and acaricides will be shown. Cultural control of the greenhouse thrips will be discussed. Finally, a brief list of published references on these subjects will be presented and will be available on request.