Researcher Spotlights

Sandipa Gautam

Sandipa Gautam is a University of California Cooperative Extension area citrus integrated pest management (IPM) advisor, who conducts her research at Lindcove Research and Extension Center.

What are you researching at Lindcove Research and Extension Center?

My work focuses on integrated management of arthropod pests in California citrus in the San Joaquin Valley. I study pest biology and field ecology, develop monitoring methods for new or emerging pests, screen the efficacy of pesticides, monitor for resistance and identify best management practices. Examples of my research projects include biology and seasonal phenology of citrus mealybug, resistance monitoring and management in citrus thrips, field trials to evaluate efficacy of insecticide products for citrus thrips, citrus mealybug and California red scale.

What led to your passion for agriculture, especially citrus entomology?

The importance of applied agricultural research is what attracted me to study pests and the ways to manage them. Coming from a postharvest pest management background, I credit my cultivated interest in citrus entomology and extension to Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell. Working with her and interacting with growers and pest control advisers, it was obvious that the need for applied research and extension was ever-increasing. When an integrated pest management (IPM) advisor position for citrus opened, I jumped at the opportunity.

How will your research at Lindcove Research and Extension Center benefit the industry?

Lindcove REC provides the opportunity to conduct an array of pest management trials under field conditions. Pest management is continuously evolving to address the new issues that arise as a result of changing climate, new or emerging pests, pesticide resistance, loss or addition of new management tools, and invasive species. Research trials done at the Lindcove REC help us answer questions related to pests and beneficial insects, monitoring for pests and best management practices. This information is then relayed to the industry stakeholders during extension and outreach activities such as field days, workshops and presentations during growers’ meetings. In the last two years, we have conducted field product trials at Lindcove REC and held four field days to relay information on specific pests.

How will others in California and society at large be affected by your research?

Everyone loves citrus and we produce top quality fruit in California. We do a very important job of keeping the citrus safe from its enemies – i.e. pests. Our work helps ensure that the fruit that ends up on your shelf looks as beautiful as it tastes and was produced using scientifically sound pest management tools.