[Originally published in the Winter 2019 issue of the Green Bulletin]

What is UC IPM?

UC IPM is a statewide program within the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. We are dedicated to helping all Californians manage pests around the home, in the landscape, on the farm, in schools, and even on the pet. Our philosophy focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through using a combination of techniques such as building out pests, modifying maintenance practices, excluding pests, using biological control, and planting pest resistant plant varieties.

Pesticides can be a part of IPM but should be used only when needed. Pesticides should be selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment.

Home landscape with woody mulch (Credit: Belinda Messenger Sikes)

Landscape-specific resources

UC IPM has many resources for professionals seeking to carry out IPM programs. These include books, co-sponsored workshops, and many online tools.

Explore the UC IPM website's Home, Garden, Turf & Landscape Pests page for numerous sources on identifying and managing pests in landscapes.

Other key online features for landscape pest management professionals include:

• Pest Notes, a peer-reviewed series covering 170 pests, are a key resource for landscape pest management professionals and include both nonchemical and pesticide suggestions.
• Plant lists under “Pests in gardens and landscapes” will help you diagnose problems. More than 200 different plant species are available on the trees and shrubs page with a list of common pests of each one.
• Weed photo gallery can help you identify weeds and recommends how to control them.
• Plant Problem Diagnostic Tool will assist you in determining the pest or problem based on the plant type and damage symptoms.
• Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist, a monthly guide to help you plan your IPM activities.
• The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns provides all the information you need to manage residential or park turf with minimal pesticides.
• Short videos about pests and their management can be found in our video library or by searching YouTube for “UCIPM.”

Training and online courses

The training and events web page lists online training courses as well as in-person training opportunities. Currently we offer online courses for pesticide applicators on urban pesticide runoff, pesticide application equipment and calibration, and practicing IPM in schools and child care settings. Additional online and in-person courses are being developed and will be added over time.

You can also find pesticide safety training resources to help you prepare for licensing exams including materials for maintenance gardeners preparing for the QAC exam.

Remember, using integrated pest management practices will reduce environmental and health problems associated with pesticides. In future issues of our Green Bulletin, we will feature additional UC IPM resources that we hope will help you in your job.

For more IPM resources for landscape professionals, see Resources for Landscape Professionals on our website. You can also visit your local county University of California Cooperative Extension website or office for assistance with solving plant problems.