Integrated Pest Management Reducing Pesticide Use

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) u an effective & environmentally sensitive approach to pest management u relies on a combination of commonsense practices u may include the judicious use of pesticides. RiskBenefits

History of IPM u Humans formed villages & started planting food crops. u Pests became a problem - attacked them & their crops. u Humans learned pest control - physical & cultural practices u tillage to expose & eliminate soil insects u timing of planting, crop rotation u pruning, dusting with sulfur

History of IPM (cont’d) u Physical & cultural methods refined & used into the late 1800’s u Improved crop protection methods = increased acreage u Equipment became larger & faster = larger acreage u Monoculture replaced diversification

History of IPM (cont’d) u  pest problems u Search for more effective pest control measures u The age of chemical research started: u Late 1900’s to 1940’s u Use of physical & cultural controls  u Use of pesticides  u Pest resistance  u  pest problems

History of IPM (cont’d) u In the mid 1940’s: DDT, organochlorines, OP’s & carbamates u Led to almost total dependence on chemicals u 1962: “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson u Pointed out adverse effects: u health, environment u Late 1960’s to 1970’s: u Develop more benign crop protection u 1980’s - IPM principles applied to urban sites Silent Spring

IPM u Goal of IPM: control pests, not eradicate entire population u Treatments are not made acc. to a predetermined schedule u Based on results of monitoring u Treatments are chosen & timed to be most effective & least disruptive to natural pest controls

IPM Strategies u Monitoring & identification Oak -larva MapleRosebushLawn-grubs

IPM u Physical controls u Habitat modification u Exclusion u caulking, sealing u putting up screens u air doors

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) u Mechanical controls u Sanitation

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) u Cultural controls, for example- To maintain a healthy lawn: u Develop healthy soil. u Choose the right grass type. u Mow high, often. u Water deeply. u Reduce thatch build-up. u Set realistic goals.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) u Biological controls - Bt, nematodes, parasitic wasps, beneficial insects u Least hazardous pesticides used only when absolutely necessary. For example: u Baits - gel, tamper-proof containers