(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the center, through its director, develop a list of recommended pest management research priorities for the University of California that emphasize and encourage the development and implementation of biological controls, sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management strategies, agroecology, cultural and mechanical practices, and other alternative pest management methods and programs which are ecologically based and environmentally sound.

(b) In developing pest management research recommendations, the center is encouraged to give high priority to alternative practices and strategies that address the reduction, control, or eradication of pests, including exotic pests, which represent the greatest threat to public health and safety or the economy of the state.

(c) In developing recommended exotic pest research priorities, the center is encouraged to give high priority to all of the following:

(1) Development of methods to determine the origin of exotic pests.

(2) Determination of the age and origin of exotic pests.

(3) Geographic analysis of exotic pests to determine place of origin, including acoustical fingerprinting.

(4) Improvements to existing exotic pest insect baits.

(5) An examination of the manner in which the sterile insect technique actually works and improvements in sterile insect technology.

(6) Assessments of wild exotic pest populations, and their regulating biological agents.

(7) Studies of exotic pests and their natural enemies in climates similar to that of the various regions in California.

(8) The exploration and introduction of natural enemies, including those from foreign countries, if necessary.

(9) Computerization of all records of exotic pest captures.

(10) Improvements in detection technology, which include better attractants.

(11) Compilation, maintenance, and updated data about exotic pest research and exotic pest management programs operating within and outside the state.

(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1642, Sec. 1.)