Integrated Pest Management IPM systems

Pest management Traditionally growers used the cheapest and most effective method to control pests Biological method Chemical method – most commonly Cultural method

What is IPM IPM = integrated pest management This is where a grower uses a combination of methods to prevent pests and diseases

Why use IPM? IPM is relatively modern Came about because pests and diseases have developed resistance to traditional techniques (chemicals) Consumer concern Spray free vegetables and fruit

Method This depends on several factors: The crop your growing The natural pests and diseases about The cultural control methods available Environment factors

Example:

How does IPM work Set action thresholds (limits) Monitor for pests/diseases Prevention techniques Control

Pest and disease thresholds Thresholds are a limit of pests or disease that can be in a crop. Once this limit is met action needs to be taken – spraying Its not cost effective to spray if the numbers of pests are below these limits

Monitoring is key Crop montitoring is what makes IPM effective The grower regularily checks the pest and disease levels It relies on having thresholds

Prevention techniques First line of defence IPM programs work to manage the crop, lawn or indoors space to stop pests becoming a threat Prevention techniques: Rotating crops Using pest resistant varieties Planting pest free rootstock

Control Techniques Once action thresholds are met through monitoring and prevention techniques are not working control is needed Control is based on effectiveness and risk Less risky controls are used first