Advice for the Adviser

Steward Stories: California PCAs in Their Own Words

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2294763/open_sms] Step into the vibrant world of California agriculture with our final episode, and hear directly from the experts — the state’s Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) — as they share candid stories of stewardship, innovation, and everyday triumphs that shape our landscapes. This episode isn’t just a conclusion; it’s a celebration of the voices and commitment that have defined Advice for the Adviser. Listen to the honest reflections, heartfelt lessons, and inspiring connections that have made this journey unforgettable. Thank you for being a part of our story. The conversation continues to evolve — Here’s to new beginnings and ongoing stewardship!

When Beetles Go Rogue - The Curious Case of Pear-Feeding Borers

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2294763/open_sms] Have you ever come across a pest in pears that defies all expectations? In August 2023, a seasoned PCA with more than five decades in the orchards encountered a remarkable discovery: a flatheaded borer—typically a menace to wood—now turning its attention to pear fruit. This unprecedented find could signal a new era in pest behaviors and fruit crop challenges.  The implications are still unfolding, and the full story is just beginning. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cindy Kron, UC Cooperative Extension IPM Advisor for Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake Counties, unpacks what we know so far and what the future may hold.  For more, pair this podcast with Dr. Kron’s insightful article previously featured in the June issue of The Adviser [https://capca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CAPCA_ADV_JUN-2025_LOW.pdf] magazine.

Biocontrol of Spotted Lanternfly

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2294763/open_sms] A planthopper from Asia is marching across the U.S. — and California’s vineyards and citrus groves are squarely in its sights. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) has already devastated crops in the East, and its arrival in California is only a matter of time. But there’s hope.  In this episode, Dr. Marco Molfini talks about scientific discoveries of previously undescribed species! We explore groundbreaking research from UC Riverside where scientists are racing against the clock to identify native egg parasitoids - tiny natural enemies - that could stop SLF before it gains a foothold in California. These findings have the potential to make a significant impact on California agriculture! Listen to this episode as a companion piece to Dr. Mofini’s article in The Adviser. Dr. Molfini's Article in the March 2025 issue of The Adviser magazine. [https://capca.com/the-adviser/] YouTube video: How to Make A Spotted Lanternfly Trap [https://youtu.be/SicbYbySNvo?si=S6mG7RoRO8OUzyZp] PCAs go to www.salinas-summit.com [http://www.salinas-summit.com] for the 2025 Salinas Biological Summit, click on ‘Buy Tickets’, select ‘Get Tickets’ and then enter access code SBSPCA25. This enables PCAs to register at the discounted ticket rate.

CAPCA’s CDFA Grant-Funded Study and Update

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2294763/open_sms] We’re talking all things CDFA SPM grant study!  In this episode we provide news and updates to the CDFA grant-funded study for 2025; we chat with Jonathan Battig about his involvement in the 2024 study and what he’s excited about for 2025; we have a conversation with FMC's Issa Qandah about almonds (a newly added crop to the grant study in 2025!) and disease control solutions; and finally, we discuss the details the 2025 Grant Interns. Learn how to participate in the study and earn $2,000 for doing so!  CAPCA's CDFA Grant-Funded Study Information [https://capca.com/grants/]  (Grant Intern emails can be found here) 2025 Grant Commercial [https://youtu.be/q3sueXiw4iM] View a digital copy of the March 2025 issue of The Adviser magazine [https://capca.com/the-adviser/] FMC website [https://www.fmc.com/en] Additional music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Walmart Makes Public IPM Commitment and This Means IPM Plans Are Required - A Deep Dive into Auditable IPM

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2294763/open_sms] In this episode, we’re joined by Eric Peterson, a Compliance Specialist at Azzule Systems, a division of Primus GFS, to discuss his recent article in The Adviser magazine titled A PCA’s Introduction to Auditable Integrated Pest Management Plans. Eric breaks down what makes an IPM program auditable, why it's critical today, and how PCAs can guide growers in implementing effective plans.  Azzule Systems website:  https://azzule.com/ [https://azzule.com/] PrimusGFS website:  https://primusgfs.com/ [https://primusgfs.com/] Crop Steward website:  https://cropsteward.com/ [https://cropsteward.com/] CAPCA Grant Information:  https://capca.com/grants/ [https://capca.com/grants/]