Cooperative Extension
Arrow
MG Manual Home
Arrow
Entomology
Arrow
Logo    

ENTOMOLOGY: INSECT PESTS
  MG Manual Reference
Ch. 3, pg. 23

[ Insect Pests: ipm | landscape; foliage, sap, trunk, root | turf grass; root, leaf, sap, nuisance | household; structures, living quarters, products | outdoor | citrus | fruits | gardens ]


INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENTTop

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically-based pest control system that relies heavily on plant tolerances and natural mortality factors, such as natural enemies, and seeks out control tactics that disrupt these factors as little as possible. IPM uses pesticides, but only as a last resort and after systematic monitoring of pest populations and natural control factors indicate a need. Ideally an IPM program considers all available pest control actions, including no action, and evaluates the potential interaction among various control tactics, cultural practices, weather, other pests and the plant to be protected.
IPM is not a method of control, but rather a set of guidelines for making judgements as to what, when, where and how methods may be used to optimize the end result. In the landscape ecosystem, the end results will be measured not only in terms of plant survival, but also in terms of plant appearance which relates to its contribution to a healthy and attractive landscape. The value judgements must be made from the view of the property owner and individuals using the area as well as for environmental quality and public health within the community.
The first step in developing a successful IPM program is to properly identify the pest(s) present. In this section, the identification of insect pests and the diagnosis of insect problems will be discussed. The identification section has been divided into pests of landscapes, pests of turf, pests of households, pests of yards, pests of citrus, pests of deciduous fruits and nuts, and pests of gardens and annual flowers.

Next Next
Search Index Comment

This site was developed for the Arizona Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture, The University of Arizona.
© 1998 The University of Arizona. All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.