AIntegrated Pest Management Pt 1

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT Why Integrated Pest Mgmt (IPM)?    Over 90% of flowering plants and 75% of crops depend on insect pollinators Pollinators are an integral component of natural ecosystems that make the natural energy flow and nutrient cycling necessary for crop production possible. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices have been developed to improve pest control while minimizing impacts on beneficial species, such as pollinators. What is IPM?  Definition: A long-term pest control technique that relies on combinations of crop rotation, cultural practices, biological controls, and pesticides  Pesticides are used only as a last resort and according to strict guidelines  Key words: long term ; combination Benefits of IPM       Minimizes loss of pollinators, which… Increases plant productivity Reduces economic losses Minimizes health risks (what kills an insect in small doses kills pets and animals in large doses) Decreases risk of pesticide resistance Protects the environment, which…   Increases plant productivity and reduces economic losses Finally – It’s more effective! Background   Plants often come to retailers and eventually to you through large supply chains. This increased transportation of living plants increases the spread and depth of an insect infestation    Nutshell: it’s pretty much impossible to buy plants completely free of insects If you have bought plants, you will have insects If you raise plants from seed, the risk is lower but still substantial. Principles  The basic principals of successful integrated pest management (IPM) include: Inspecting incoming plants  Regular, consistent monitoring  Sound cultural practices (crop rotation, spacing, etc.)  Accurate identification of insects, diseases and cultural issues  Prompt, timely pest management decision-making  Good communication between all members involving in this decision-making process including scouts, pesticide applicators, managers, owners etc.  Inspection of Plants    The most important aspect of IPM is inspection of plants on arrival. The entire plant from leaves to roots should be carefully observed. DO NOT purchase or accept plants that… Have rotting roots  Have viral or bacterial diseases (spotting, mosaic patterns, ringed circles, blotchy spots)  Have nematodes (microscopic root worms)  Just plain do not look right!   Quarantine and treat plants on arrival before moving them with others Prevention     Select insect-resistant plants Keep records of what varieties have done the best Consult extension agents to determine if a plant is considered resistant Sanitation (next slide) Prevention - Sanitation   Cleanliness is a key element of prevention. Remove all dead or dying plant material immediately     A hospital does not leave dead bodies and cut-off limbs in the hallway; neither should a garden or greenhouse Keep floors clean, swept, and sprayed down Prevent standing water (which would encourage the growth of fungus, algae, and some insects) Regularly disinfect materials and equipment, as well as greenhouse floors  Soap is very effective Prevention - Monitoring     Have a weekly monitoring program in place Hang sticky-cards above your plants to trap insects for identification Use indicator plants (plants that are more susceptible and will show symptoms earlier) Inspect plants while caring for them (watering, fertilizing, etc.)  Scotch tape analysis can help for smaller pests  Stick a piece of scotch tape to the underside of the leaf and examine with a magnifying glass Prevention - Record Keeping   Keep track of all decisions Approximate pest numbers and locations  Approximations do not have to be exact  E.g. you can make up your own scale based on previous experience – mild, moderate, extreme  Records will help you to determine if treatments are effective, if pests are recurring, and if pesticides are necessary.