2017 Annual Report: Focusing on the Future
  • Creating a Safe
  • Healthy
  • Livable
  • Prosperous
  • Well-Governed Community
  • Creating a Safe
  • Healthy
  • Livable
  • Prosperous
  • Well-Governed Community
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

​Tiny Organisms Serve as Alternative to Chemical Pesticides

PictureA researcher collects data from a strawberry plot treated with beneficial microbes.
A 2017 study in San Luis Obispo County found that certain fungi can fight harmful organisms that cause plant disease and can also help plants grow, serving as an even better alternative to chemical pesticides. 

Dr. Surendra Dara, a UC Cooperative Extension Strawberry and Vegetable Advisor ​working in partnership with the County, studies how beneficial microbes help crop protection and explores new ways to increase their use for sustainable agriculture.

​In one of his 2017 studies, he found that three insect-killing fungi effectively counteracted a potent variety of fungi that causes many detrimental diseases in crops around the world. This discovery shows that instead of using different products for controlling pests and diseases, growers can now use one of these friendly fungi, which also appeared to help plants grow. 

Many people are concerned about chemical pesticides. As consumer preference for chemical-free fruits and vegetables increases, researchers continue to study the safe use of chemicals and find non-chemical alternatives for controlling pests and diseases. 

The County of San Luis Obispo worked in 2017 to reduce the use of chemicals as pesticides and develop sustainable pest management solutions for the local agriculture industry. Using microscopic organisms, or microbes, such as bacteria, fungi or viruses is one solution the County has been exploring. These are known as biopesticides and are safer alternatives to chemical pesticides. 

Other studies conducted by Dr. Dara also generated valuable information on the effectiveness of various beneficial bacteria and fungi, plant extracts, and other materials on improving crop growth, health and yields or controlling pests and diseases in strawberry, tomato and zucchini.  These efforts provide safer pest management options, promote sustainable agriculture for better environmental and human health, ensure the economic viability of Central Coast agriculture safe local foods in San Luis Obispo County.

Picture
Dr. Surendra Dara sets up zucchini study plots to evaluate microbial and botanical pesticides for insect control.
<< PREVIOUS STORY
NEXT STORY >>

Quick Links

SAFE
Assisting Victims of Crime
Changes at County Jail

Efficient Emergency Efforts
New Cadet Training
New Cyber Forensic Lab
New Forensic Pathologist

New Vehicle Extraction Tools
Preparing for Active Shooters at Local Schools
Protecting SLO County Kids
​
Protecting Vulnerable Adults
​Training County Firefighters
Transforming Young Lives
HEALTHY
Aiding Vulnerable Adults
​Bikes for Holidays
Building an Animal Shelter
Empowering Local Teens
Finding Alternatives to Pesticides

Easier In-Home Care
Promoting Oral Health
Protecting Agriculture

Protecting SLO County Kids
Reconnecting Families in 2017
Stepping Up Together
Stopping Outbreaks
Supporting Local Veterans

Transforming Young Lives
LIVABLE
A Plan for El Chorro Park
Bob Jones Trail Updates
Clerk-Recorder: By the Numbers
Developing Cannabis Regulations
Improving Everyday Lives
Lifelong Learning in 4-H
Moving Us Forward
New Airport Terminal
New Community Park
No. 1 Child Support Services in CA
Paving the Way for Housing
Protecting Local Oaks
SLO Library Renovation
Sugar Bear's Story
​Switching to Electronic Documents
PROSPEROUS
A Career Pathway for Youth
​Airport Passenger Numbers Soar
Digitizing Public Records
Enforcing Vacation Rental Laws in SLO County
Filming in SLO County
From Foster Care to Adulthood
Helping Families Be Self-Sufficient
Large Impact on Local Vets
More Affordable Housing
​Most In-Demand Jobs
​
New County Website

New Airport Terminal
Protecting Agriculture
Supporting Local Veterans

OTHER RELATED REPORTS
2017 County/State Legislative Report​
Affordable Housing Fund Annual Report
Assessor’s Annual Reports
Child Welfare Services Statistical Reports
Civil Service Commission Annual Report
Crop Reports

General Plan Annual Report

​Mental Health Services Act Annual Update
Sheriff’s Annual Reports
Social Services Semi-Annual Report
Status of SLO County Women
Tourism Marketing District Annual Report
Vital Signs 2016 Comprehensive Report
FINANCIAL REPORTS
​2016-17 Financial Report

County Budget

Quarterly Financial Report

Location

County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

ABOUT THIS REPORT

This website serves as a general report on the status of the County of San Luis Obispo in 2017. The County Administrative Office works with all County departments each year to produce and publish the annual report and presents to the Board of Supervisors and the public at a meeting the early the following year. The reports are published solely online to save costs. All previous annual reports can be reviewed on the County's main website at www.slocounty.ca.gov. 

Contact Us

www.slocounty.ca.gov
​County Phone Directory: 805-781-5000

(Toll free: 800-834-4636)

Subscribe Today

Subscribe