Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests (weeds, insects, diseases, etc.) by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks. (definition by USDA ERS)
IPM practices can be utilized by a wide variety of growers. Large scale farmers, greenhouses, arboreta, and homeowners with small backyard gardens can all use IPM practices to minimize economic, health and environmental risks. The following methods are adaptable so they can be used on a one hundred acre farm or a city garden.
Prevention is the practice of keeping a pest population from infesting a garden or field, and should be the first line of defense. It includes such tactics as using pest-free seeds and transplants, preventing weeds from reproducing, timely irrigation or other care to avoid situations conducive to disease development, and eliminating alternate hosts or sites for insect pests and disease organisms. Choosing cultivars with genetic resistance to pests can also prevent insects and disease infestations.
Monitoring and proper identification of pests through scouting and disease diagnosis, should be the basis for any suppression activities. After identifying a pest problem, research it's life cycle and the damage it can cause. Records should be kept of pest incidence and distribution to form the basis for plant selections and suppressive actions.
Suppression of pest populations may become necessary if prevention and avoidance tactics are not successful and a plant's health is at risk or appearance is significantly damaged. Suppressive tactics may include cultural practices such as proper irrigation methods and correct mulching techniques. Physical suppression tactics may include pruning, cultivation, hand weeding or mowing for weed control and high pressure water spraying for insect control. Biological control, such as conservation of natural parasite and predator insects should be considered as alternatives to conventional pesticides. This can be done by cultivating plants that are known to attract these beneficial insects.
Chemical pesticides are a part of IPM programs, and some use will remain necessary. However, pesticides should be applied as a last resort in suppression systems using the following sound management approach: Pesticides should be selected based on least negative effects on environmental and human health in addition to efficacy and economics; Chemicals with the same mode of action should not be used continuously on the same pest in order to avoid resistance development by the insect or pathogen; Pesticides should be applied at the proper stage in the target insect's development. Two low impact pesticides are horticultural oil and insecticidal soap. Rather than acting as toxins these two insecticides are suffocants and can be used many times without insects developing resistance to them.
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