I work on the ecology and sustainable management of spider mites in vineyards. Mites are small arthropods that are distant relatives of spiders. In California, there are two species of spider mites that feed on grape plants: The Pacific and the Willamette spider mite. In many vineyards, populations of Pacific and Willamette spider mites are kept low by a native predator, the western predatory mite. In my research I try to understand what drives population outbreaks of the two spider mites so that grape growers can manage these pests in a more sustainable way.

	Pacific spider mite female (Tetranychus pacificus) and egg
	Willamette spider mite female (Eotetranychus willamettei)
	Western predatory mite female (Galendromus occidentalis) feeding on a Pacific spider mite
(Photos © UC Statewide IPM Project)

Vineyards are complex ecological systems where minor changes in cultural practices may influence pest populations. For example, one of my projects looks at how water stress increases grape leaf temperature leading to outbreaks of spider mites. In another of my projects I look at the evolution of pesticide resistance in Pacific spider mites from vineyards throughout California. In yet another of my projects I study the demographic effects of pesticides on the western predatory mite, a native predator found in vineyards throughout California. Finding out which pesticides harm the predatory mite will enable grape growers to rely more on biological control, the most sustainable way of managing spider mites. Last, I carry out a laboratory study on the effects of temperature on the development of Pacific, Willamette and western predatory mite to understand why Pacific spider mites have invaded coastal vineyards in recent years.

Traditionally scientists focused their research on one field of study, be it biological control or pesticide resistance. However, I believe that the interdisciplinary nature of my research is better suited to finding solutions to agricultural problems where the inherent complexity requires a multifaceted approach.