We are excited to welcome Dani Gray to the Tree Fruit Team as the new IPM – ITT Extension Coordinator. Dani will work with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Extension and Outreach colleagues to develop and deliver education programs related to tree fruit IPM.
Dani will be an integral member of the WSU Tree Fruit Extension Team and the Codling Moth Task Force. She will work with a network of tree fruit producers, allied industry, and industry partners to deliver educational programs, consultations, and resources on IPM. Duties include developing curriculum, coordinating, conducting and/or evaluating the program. Under the direction of WSU faculty mentors, this position ensures the activities meet IPM priorities which can include, but are not limited to, management of tree fruit arthropods, pathogens, and weeds.
Dani comes to us from Texas A&M University with a Master’s in entomology where she focused on addressing the issue of pyrethroid resistance in the rice stink bug (Oebalus pugnax) by conducting resistance bioassays across South Texas and evaluating alternative products for the control of rice stink bugs in grain sorghum. She has a solid foundation in the principles of pest management and sustainable agriculture as well as a passion for Extension.
Dani is currently looking for growers and other industry members to learn from them about the Tree Fruit industry in Washington and to learn about the needs of the industry. Please reach out to her to schedule a visit or to tour your operation by email danielle.gray@wsu.edu or by phone 509-542-7842. Dani’s office is located at the WSU Irrigated Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Prosser (24106 North Bunn Road, Prosser, 99350).
This position is funded by the WSU Tree Fruit Endowment.
