Integrated Pest Management an introduction By Suzanne Avtges Jessica Matthews Kim Vogt John Gorrell

Integrated Pest Management zDefined as the harmonious use of multiple tactics to control pests to a tolerable level zWidely used to minimize loss to fruit, vegetables, field crops, stored products and forestry zGoal is to limit damage and minimize economic losses in an environmentally acceptable manner zIt is recognized that no single approach can offer a universal solution, thus the need for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) zKnowledge and understanding the life history and mating habits of the pest is essential

Components of IPM zMonitoring: Monitoring and tracking of existing populations allows for early detection of infestation and allows for better determining the quantity and timing of any insecticides that may be used zTrapping: Two strategies are to trap for monitoring purposes or to reduce the number of insects present. Capturing a large enough portion prevents injurious numbers from infesting the area. zMating Disruption: Reduces the number of damaging larvae and adults that will be present in future generations.

IPM Methods zPest free planting zCrop rotation zPhysical barriers zNatural predators zTrapping zGenetically modified plants z Biological agents z Physical removal z Ecological management z Insecticides

Specific Methods zPest free planting - Assure plants are not infected prior to planting. This minimizes the change for introducing new pests to the area. zCrop rotation - Plant a different crop every other year to minimize adaptation of the pests. zPhysical barriers - Cover plants with material to block the pests from the plants. zNatural predators - Introduce natural predators that will feed on the insects zTrapping - Attract and trap the pest to physically reduce their population in the affected area. zGenetically modified plants - They have resistance to the pest thus reducing damage that would be inflicted.

Specific Methods (Cont.) zBiological agents - Introduce natural agents to the area that are harmful to the pests. zPhysical removal - Remove and dispose of the pests. zEcological management - Alter the environment to favor the population of natural predators and minimize that of the pest zInsecticides - Apply chemical agents. This is normally considered on of the least preferred methods due to coat and environmental concerns. zNote: See the last two references listed for a detailed IPM of the cranberry worm.

IPM in History z8000 BC - Beginning of agriculture z2500 BC - First records of insecticides (sulfur compounds) z300 AD - First use of biological controls (predatory ants) z Farmers grow crops in rows to facilitate weed removal z Introduction of lead arsenate for pest control z First selective herbicide (iron sulfate for broad-leaf weeds) z First biological control of a weed z Breeding program developed for cotton z First area-wide eradication of an insect pest z First successful plant breeding program for insect resistance z First application of systems analysis to control pests z Term Integrated Pest Management formalized z Germany makes IPM official policy through Plant Protection Act

Pheromone use in an IPM zBaiting traps - Pheromones can be used to attract and lure the unsuspecting insect zDisrupting swarming - False signals can be sent interfering with the pioneer’s call to swarm vulnerable hosts zMinimizing mating - Potential mates can be lured away from the actual location of the opposite sex reducing future off-spring

Pheromones zHighly volatile, unstable chemicals used by insects for communications zOver 100 commercially available for use in IPMs zThere are two types of pheromones (sex and aggregation) zSex - These are wide spread, well documented and are designed to increase the probability of successful mating. Well known in the order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) zAggregation - Found in a number of insects. Most common is order Coleoptera (beetles). Used for mate selection, finding hosts and for defense

Risks from IPM Methods zRelease of control organisms could attack non-targeted species zGenetically modified genes can poison non-targeted insects zSurface and groundwater can be contaminated (pesticides) zHarmful residues may remain on the plants (pesticides) zLoss of resistance and effectiveness may occur zTreated foods may pose health risks (genetically modified or treated with insecticides) zGenes may transfer to other plants with negative effects (genetically modified) zRelease of natural predators could attack other plants and animals creating more problems

References zwww.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/ipm.htmwww.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/ipm.htm zwww.nysaes.cornell.eduwww.nysaes.cornell.edu zwww-pherolist.slu.se/pherom.htmlwww-pherolist.slu.se/pherom.html zwww.msue.msu.edu/vanburen/fcranfrw.htmwww.msue.msu.edu/vanburen/fcranfrw.htm zwww.aesop.rutgers.edu/~hamilton/lecture15.htmwww.aesop.rutgers.edu/~hamilton/lecture15.htm

Summary zAn IPM program must be well researched prior to implementation zThe researcher must have extensive knowledge of the pest as well as the plants being protected zSuccessful IPM programs saves billions of dollars each year in crops zSide effects such as environmental and health risks along with economic costs must be prime considerations when developing an IPM zNatural pheromones play a vital role in most programs zIPMs vary from the simple to the complex zIn one way or another, we have each benefited from the use of IPM programs.