Idongesit Mokwunye

Idong currently serves as the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Entomology Advisor for Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties, working under the UC Statewide IPM Program. Her program focuses on applied research and innovative extension education to address pest management challenges in perennial nut and fruit crops. She focuses on monitoring programs, pest phenology, behavioral bioassays and chemical control; working on invasive pests such as carpophilus beetle, black fig fly and brown marmorated stink bugs, and endemic pests like navel orangeworm, peach twig borer, walnut husk fly, fig mite, darkling beetle, Gill’s mealybug and stink bugs. Through her extension efforts, Idong provides technical guidance to growers and Pest Control Advisors (PCAs) via farm visits and extension publications. She regularly presents pest management updates at industry and extension meetings. Her future research will continue to emphasize sustainable pest management by advancing the use of tools such as smart pest monitoring, pheromone technology, biopesticides and low-risk chemical control. She is a fellow of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), Orange Knowledge Program (OKP) of the Netherlands Government and Scientific Exchanges Program of the USDA. Dr Idong is passionate about mentoring and volunteering.