Dr. Jhalendra Rijal is a University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor based in northern San Joaquin Valley region, California. He is an applied entomologist focusing on pest management in several key crops, including tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios), stone fruits (peaches, cherries), and other specialty crops in the northern San Joaquin Valley. His research and extension work emphasize developing and implementing sustainable, practical, and effective pest management solutions to benefit growers, pest control professionals, and the agricultural community. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) promotes pest management approaches that balance biological, cultural, and chemical methods to reduce pest pressure while minimizing environmental impact.​

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Research Areas:

 

• Investigation of invasive pests such as the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), spotted wing drosophila, and the recent one - Carpophilus beetle.

• Exploration of integrated approaches to control navel orangeworm, a major pest in almonds and pistachios, using tools like mating disruption.

• Development of monitoring and management strategies for spotted wing drosophila in cherries and the Pacific flatheaded borer in walnuts.

 

Extension and Outreach:

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• Providing education and training to growers, pest control professionals, and industry stakeholders on advanced pest management practices.

• Collaborating with industry boards, agencies, and research organizations to address emerging pest issues.

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Funding:

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• Funding from USDA-NIFA, CDFA, DPR, and multiple crop-based research boards

 

Publications:

• Link​