University of Guam Western Pacific Tropical Research Center scientist Dr. G. V. P. Reddy has received a $50,000 grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to assist farmers in their struggle against invasive spider and broad mites. Eggplant farmers in the region have been experiencing difficulties with spider and broad mites damaging their crops, with some farmers completely abandoning the cultivation of eggplant due to losses. Many farmers that continue to grow eggplant rely on toxic insecticides such as Dicofol and Carbaryl to control mite infestations.
Dr. Reddy, a chemical ecologist and entomologist, will seek to eliminate the use of toxic insecticides by developing ecologically sound and cost effective integrated pest management practices (IPM) for Guam farmers. His ecological approach will involve the introduction of a predatory mite that will feed on the eggplant-loving mites, as well as applying biopesticides that are environmentally friendly.
Studies to assess the threshold levels for optimum timing to implement IPM treatment and the comparative effect of IPM practices versus insecticidal treatments will be carried out at the UOG Agricultural Experiment Stations in Yigo and Inarajan. Local growers' eggplant fields will be used as control plots in the experiments. The results of these studies will be shared with the farming community including a training program to be held at the College of Natural and Applied Sciences to inform growers of the risks associated with conventional insecticides and to illustrate the benefits of ecologically sound IPM practices. Growers will be educated in the use of IPM practices as a way to assure better eggplant produce resulting in higher income for farmers. Consumers, farmers, and the environment will benefit from Dr. Reddy's work.
Dr. Reddy is co-author of the book Biological Control of Tropical Weeds using Arthropods, which was recently published by Cambridge University Press. For more information, visit www.wptrc.org or contact Dr. Reddy at 735-2142.