The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now engaged in the process of registering and re-registering pesticides under the requirements of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). EPA’s regulatory focus on the organophosphate (OP), carbamate, and suspected B2 carcinogen pesticides has created uncertainty as to the future availability of these products to growers. In order to facilitate the transition to “reduced risk” pest management, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has requested that all commodity groups develop a Pest Management Strategic Plan (PMSP) to identify the critical research, registration, and educational needs for their specific commodity. Reduced risk is a very broad term used to describe pest management techniques and tools that have low inherent toxicities and those that have a minimal impact on the environment.

On a larger scale, integrated pest management is the basis for the processes discussed herein. IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on the long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest-control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment.

For California melon growers, label registrations of several key crop-care materials are examples of products that have been modified, cancelled or restricted due to FQPA. Due to the loss of these and the possible loss of other valuable crop-protection tools, coupled with widespread reductions in funding and Land Grant University personnel to conduct field research and extension programs, it is imperative that all resources be used in the most efficient manner possible. The objective of this strategic plan is to develop a comprehensive list of critical concerns of the cantaloupe, honeydew and mixed melon industries in California and to recommend means to address these priorities with the most appropriate resources in the areas of research, registration and education.

This strategic plan includes an overview of melon production, cultural practices, seasonal pest occurrences, and management techniques throughout the state. Both current and emerging pest management needs are addressed in this plan. Efficacy ratings of various pest control techniques (chemical and non-chemical) used in melon production have been summarized from input made by growers, Pest Control Advisers (PCAs), researchers, and other experts involved in field activities. As a result of a PMSP review meeting held on October 14, 2015, several critical areas have been identified by the melon industry. The following priority areas, listed in order of importance, must be addressed in order to maintain the long-term viability of this industry.

Key Pests