Phil Phillips Retires from UCCE

Avatar for Matt Hopkins By Andrea Klosterman Harris|20 June 2008

Phillips has worked since October 1980 for the then newly created UC Statewide IPM Program as an IPM advisor for UCCE. Phillips was responsible for helping growers to adopt pest management programs in citrus, avocados, strawberries, grapes, and vegetables through research and education. He also contributed to several UC IPM manuals as technical advisor and co-author. One of Phillips’ achievements was his discovery of the first populations of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) – an invasive species critical in spreading Pierce’s disease — in California. HIs subsequent research into its biological and life history data was used to develop both quarantine regulations and area-wide management programs for the GWSS to contain Pierce’s disease. Phillips was invited by the Australian government to conduct a national awareness program on Pierce’s disease in late 2001.

“Agricultural research has shifted emphasis toward a more targeted approach aimed at specific pests and stages in their life cycles, or biology, where pesticides are used surgically, rather than as sledge hammers,” explained Phillips of the changes he has seen over the last three decades.