What is IPM??? IPM (integrated pest management) is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, chemical, cultural, and physical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. From: Anonymous Integrated Pest Management Practices in 1991 Fruits and Nuts, RTD Updates: Pest Management, USDA-ERS, 8pp.

What is a Pest? A plant or animal that is out of place This includes: Diseases, Weeds, Arthropods, Reptiles, Mammals, etc.

Is this a pest?

That depends is he in your garden or your house?

Pest management toolbox Cultural control Physical control Biological control Chemical control

NOT all azaleas were created equal

CULTURAL CONTROL Use pest free plants Use resistant varieties Destroy refuse

Cultural Methods: fertilization watering, pruning, sanitation, etc. Grow healthy plants: Stressed plants are generally more susceptible to pest attack

Physical control Usually most labor intensive

Physical control And don’t forget about the environmentally friendly SQUASHING method of insect control

Biological Control The use of living organisms to control pests Predators Parasites Pathogens

Predators Kill many prey Often generalists rather than specialists 200,000 species

Predators General Rule –Bigger –Badder –Fewer

Biological Control The use of living organisms to control pests Predators Parasites Pathogens

Parasites

Parasite Very stealthy and often small Leave a trail of bodies Very specialized Develop from eggs laid in or on host (think “Aliens”) Healthy aphids Parasitized aphids

Biological Control The use of living organisms to control pests Predators Parasites Pathogens

Pathogens Usually very specific leave a trail of bodies may take a few days to provide control (lag time) kill, reduce reproduction, reduce insect health

Chemical control Should be used as a last resort and with the lowest impact on natural enemies and YOU!

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What makes a pesticide compatible with an IPM program? Selectivity residual activity time,rate, and place where sprayed

And Scouting

. SCOUTING Favorable conditions Signs of the pests –damage –frass The actual pest Signs of natural enemies