Image Credit: SUBMITTED
March 02, 2017 - 12:18 PM
Topic : Reducing Reliance on Pesticides: Sterile Insect Release in the Okanagan
Sterile insect technique (SIT) has been making news lately-now used against mosquitos to combat the emerging zika virus and against the nasty screwworm resurgence in the U.S. Did you know we have a program of our own? The Okanagan is home to one of just a handful of SIT programs in the world, where the release of sterile codling moths has reduced the use of pesticides against the orchard pest by over 90 per cent since the program began in the early 90s. Melissa will share some of the history, successes, and lessons learned over the last 20+ years of the program, and discuss the potential evolution of SIT and other area-wide pest management approaches in the Okanagan as we prepare ourselves for the pest challenges of the future.
Melissa is acting General Manager with the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program (SIR) since 2014, where she enjoys the interface of science, industry, and local government-helping reduce agriculture's reliance on pesticides. When she's not working, Melissa spends her time with her young family, enjoying the beauty of the Okanagan.
The Penticton Museum will be hosting another popular series of Brown Bag Lectures every Tuesday from noon - 1pm in the Fall and Spring. Anyone wanting to spice up their lunch hour with interesting presentations and discussions on a variety of heritage and culture topics are encouraged to come to the museum auditorium and enjoy some great brain food.
Presentations are in the Museum Auditorium (785 Main St) and include coffee, tea and confections.
Admission is by donation.
Suggested donation is $2 for adults, $1 for children
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