The goal of my extension research program has been to establish working relationships and on-farm pest control research plots/fields with local growers. My research interests emphasize the practical application of integrated pest management (IPM) theory and research to production problems of organic strawberries, apples, cotton, and other California crops. My published research results have consistently demonstrated the on-going agronomic and economic feasibility of new pest management technologies and approaches to a broad organic and conventional farmer-client community in an on-farm research program.

My current research is focused on trap cropping and biological control of western tarnished plant bug in both organic and conventional strawberries. I serve as technical representative to the California Organic Products Advisory Committee, advising the California Secretary of Agriculture on the implementation and enforcement of the California Organic Products Act of 2003. From 1999-2004, I served as Director of the statewide UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, where I focused on integration of sustainable agriculture and organic farming research and extension efforts throughout Cooperative Extension and in maintaining strong ties to the agricultural community.