On December 23rd we lost an industry giant, a pioneer, and recognized leader in the field of biocontrol and integrated pest management: Everett “Deke” Dietrick. We’ve never met the man but have discussed his work and he is mentioned on this site on our “History of Biocontrol” pages. What follows is part of a press release from a competitor, Rincon-Vitova, announcing his passing.
Everett “Deke” Dietrick, entomologist and pioneer in the field of biological pest control, died at his home in Ventura on December 23, [2008]. His scientific training in entomology and his boundless interest in insect ecology on farms led him to collaborate in founding Rincon-Vitova Insectaries. Through his encouragement and advice many hundreds of farmer clients rejected conventional chemical control and transitioned to biological control methods.
Born in York, Nebraska, on June 24, 1920, he moved to Whittier, California, at the age of 5. On graduating in 1942 from Whittier College and marrying Gwyn Ellen Wardman, he entered the Coast Guard where he served in the Pacific Theater.
After returning from the war he did graduate studies in entomology at UC Berkeley and in 1947 he eagerly took an opening with the UC Statewide Department of Biological Control, led by one of his most cherished mentors, Prof Harry Smith. He and Gwyn moved to Riverside where he began doing research at the UC Citrus Experiment Station. Twelve years of university field research observing insect ecology, pesticide resistance, and the phenomenal success of classical biocontrol projects led him to believe that chemical pesticides usually cause more problems than they solve.
There were no funds to research non-chemical approaches and he believed he could help farmers as a consultant to transition away from chemicals, so he left the university to pioneer the new profession of pest control adviser. Augmentation with natural enemies was needed for his clients to maximize their success. In partnership with Ernest “Stubby” Green, he established insectaries in Ventura and Riverside, to grow various insect predators and parasites for commercial use against crop pests. The two companies merged in 1971 to form Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc. now owned and managed by daughter Jan Dietrick.
While working at the university he needed a better way to sample insects than is possible with a sweep net. He collaborated in the invention of a vacuum device for collecting insect samples. It captures the full complex of natural enemies associated with a pest on biological farms and allows more effective forecasting. He and Gwyn started the D-Vac Company, enlisting the help of his children to manufacture the machines that are sold around the world for research and field monitoring.
Deke was a Board Certified Entomologist and an Emeritus Member of the Entomological Society of America. In 1972 he served as an expert witness at Congressional hearings in Washington DC that led to the banning of DDT in the United States. He was asked for input by the state of California to possibly the first standards in the world for licensing pest control advisors and was among the first to become licensed.
His desire to bring people together to discuss problems in the field led him to play a key role in founding the Association of Applied Insect Ecologists that became the Association of Applied IPM Ecologists (AAIE) and he was the first recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988. That year the Ecological Farming Association also made him one of its first Stewards of Sustainable Agriculture (SUSTY) at its annual Eco-Farm Conference. He was honored by the US Department of Agriculture to be the spokesperson for the North American biocontrol industry at its 1989 International Vedalia Symposium in McAllen, Texas, part of a centennial celebration of biocontrol.
For over 40 years Deke mentored scores of individuals who wanted to be part of his work, many of whom followed his intuitive, generous, practical advice to build successful careers and businesses promoting biocontrol and sustainable agriculture. He labored to teach people in letters, articles, talks, and papers (some of which are posted at rinconvitova.com/dietrick_papers.htm), and memoirs (to be published) and to assure that his enterprises continue to serve as a platform for educating people. Interviews of Deke between 1994 and 1997 can be found at rinconvitova.com/dietrick_interviews.htm. He was increasingly hopeful in the last several years seeing the rise in environmental awareness and the growth of the organic industry.
His family would like to express thanks to the many individuals who have listened to and learned from Deke and who are carrying on his work. They are grateful that he was able to spend the closing days of his life at home with them. He was three days in a light coma with no mind-altering drugs. He appeared to be very much looking forward to moving on. There will be no burial or service.
Expressions of remembrance and support for Deke and his work may be directed in the form of tax-deductible donations to the Dietrick Institute for Applied Insect Ecology, www.dietrick.org, a non-profit organization offering training in ecologically based pest management, PO Box 2506, Ventura, CA 93002. Notes and email messages will be compiled in a memory book for the family. Please forward this to those with newsletters who may want to publish some kind of announcement. — Jan Dietrick
Rincon-Vitova
Again, we didn’t know the man personally, but his was an undeniable greatness. He will be missed. To Jan Dietrick, Everett’s daughter, and all who knew the man, respected him, and loved him, we offer you our most sincere condolences. May Deke rest in peace.
