INTRODUCTION

Weed Biology and Ecology

The Weed Biology and Ecology activities at Kearney Agricultural Center (KAC) are managed by the IPM Weed Ecologist of the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UCIPM).

The mission of the UC IPM Program is to:

•  Increase utilization of ecologically based integrated pest management programs

•  Provide leadership in IPM including building coalitions and partnerships that link with communities and public agencies

•  Increase the predictability and effectiveness of pest management techniques

•  Develop science-based pest management programs that are economically and environmentally sustainable, and socially appropriate

•  Protect human health and reduce pesticide impact on the environment

The objective of the Weed Biology and Ecology program at KAC is to develop a robust extension and research program that will address issues of vegetation management in several types of cropping systems, natural systems, and social concerns regarding pesticide use in the Central Valley Region.  It is anticipated that the activities developed will help in augmenting the mission of the UCIPM.