Entomology
Program Mission and Goals
The UCCE Entomology Research and Extension program is entrusted with developing and implementing targeted research and education programs on managing insect pests of vegetables, forage crops, field crops, and specialty crops in Imperial County. Through this program, we aim to develop and disseminate timely, need-based, and scientifically accurate insect pest management information to support the agricultural and allied industry in Imperial County and beyond.
Research and Extension
Current research projects range from basic studies on the biology and ecology of economically important insect pests in the Imperial Valley cropping systems to applied research evaluating the efficacy of various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics, including insecticide efficacy trials. The research findings are promptly delivered to the stakeholders through various extension methods. Information on the current adult pest activity of whiteflies, aphids, western flower thrips, and flea beetles from our areawide pest monitoring surveys can be accessed from the Imperial Valley pest monitoring page. Additionally, regular monthly updates on relevant insect management topics can be found in Ag Briefs, the UCCE Imperial County monthly bulletin.
About Entomology Advisor: Arun Babu
Arun Babu is the University of California Cooperative Extension Entomology Advisor for Imperial County. He is responsible for developing and implementing research and education programs on managing insect pests of vegetables, forage, field crops, and specialty crops in Imperial County.
Before joining UC Cooperative Extension, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Georgia, focusing on developing behavioral and chemical management of the invasive spotted-wing drosophila in small fruit crops. Babu earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Science from Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India. During his master's studies at Mississippi State University and Ph.D. studies at North Carolina State University, he worked extensively on field crop IPM, focusing on pests such as brown stink bugs, corn earworms, and aphids in various crops. Altogether, Babu has over thirteen years of experience in pest management on various cropping systems.
As an Entomology Advisor for Imperial County, Babu is committed to working with growers, PCAs, industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders. He is dedicated to developing practical, cost-effective solutions for the various pest management problems faced by the growers in Imperial County.
Babu is based out of the UCCE Imperial County office in Holtville and can be reached at arbabu@ucanr.edu and (442) 265-7708.
Follow his research on ORCID and connect through Linkedin
Physical and shipping address: 1050 E. Holton Rd, Holtville, CA, 92250