Integrated Pest Management Systems

Has your landscape contractor implemented an integrated pest management (IPM) system? The goal of an integrated pest management system is to achieve long term suppression of targeted pests with minimal impact on other organisms and the environment. IPM utilizes life history information and extensive monitoring of a pest, as well as its interaction with the host plants and the potential for economic damage. Control, as well as prevention, is achieved by integrating these management practices.

IPM programs, in general, begin with the selection of resistant plants whenever possible. Cultural practices, including planting technique, irrigation management, soil modification, fertilization, pruning and mowing height, mulching, weed control, good sanitation, and environmental manipulation are essential in every IPM program to maintain maximum plant vigor. Biological control agents, natural enemies necessary to control many target pests, are commercially available. It is necessary to recognize and preserve these natural enemies.

Preservation of natural enemies involves avoiding or minimizing the effects of pesticides on non-target organisms. It is not always possible to avoid the use of pesticides. However, a pesticide should only be used as a last resort. When a pesticide is necessary, the proper material should be chosen and the application should be timed to the susceptible stages of the pest. The chronic risk of pesticides is the overkill that most invariably cause.

The IPM decision making process consists of evaluating the location and value of the host plants, and the type and magnitude of the symptoms. The presence of the casual agent, population trends, and the potential for damage must be considered. These factors, together with environmental conditions, determine the timing and choice of control options. Good IPM systems will include these strategies.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

1. Identification of the problem and casual agent. Know the enemy
   
   
   • Are weeds annuals, biennials, or perennials
   • What diseases affect your plant material
   • What insects affect your plant material
     
     
2. What is the host or landscape situation
   
   
   • Are host plants well adapted; subject to specific problems
   • What are cultural conditions
     
     
3. Are control measures necessary
   
   
   • Monitor pest activity
   • Determine economic situation
     
     
4. Control options – Integration of compatible, environmentally sound control practices
   
   
   • Resistant Species
     • Use improved turf species/adapted ornamental species
       
       
   • Cultural Practices: Management
     • Improve irrigation uniformity and management
     • Use the correct mowing height/pruning practices
     • Improve drainage; aerate; reduce compaction
     • Planting practices
     • Soil preparation and fertility management
       
       
   • Biological Control:
     • Predators
     • Parasites
       
       
   • Pesticides
     • Cost
     • Registration and legal constraints
     • Public acceptance
     • Environmental hazard
     • Affect on beneficial organisms
     • Selective or non-selective
     • Application technology
       
       
5. Evaluation of control measures
   
   
6. Continuing education

Overall, Integrated Pest Management programs are practical and perform well. Moreover, IPM saves money and presents a practical image of sensitivity to the environment and the public at large.