Cooperative Extension IPM Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension & Statewide IPM Program
Dr. Jhalendra Rijal is a Cooperative Extension IPM Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension. His responsibilities include conducting applied pest management research and educating pest control consultants, growers, and other stakeholders about improved pest management practices in crops. The overall theme of his program is to develop a practical solution for several pest management problems in major crops (peaches, cherries, almonds, walnuts, pistachio) in upper San Joaquin Valley region, California. Major research projects include understanding the spread and potential infestation of a new invasive insect-brown marmorated stink bug, exploring new mite sampling methods, testing various mating disruption products for controlling navel orangeworm in nut crops, exploring better management options for spotted wing drosophila in cherries and more. He has organized and spoken in more than 100 symposia, guest lectures, workshops, presentations, roundtable discussions, IPM field meetings, commodity board meetings, professional society meetings, etc. He has authored more than 15 scientific journal articles, and more than 50 extension articles, and contributed to several newsletters, and other news media including KCRA3.
The UC Cooperative Extension is best described as a vast network of UC researchers and educators who work together to develop and provide science-based information to solve locally-relevant economic, agricultural, natural resource, youth development and nutrition issues. Nestled within the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cooperative Extension Advisors live and work in every California county, applying research from the University of California to help local businesses and entire communities thrive. In turn, our experts partner with local innovators to develop and disseminate best practices through UC’s expansive local and global networks.
