WATER QUALITY AND USE:
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT |
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MG
Manual Reference Ch. 16, pp. 14 - 15 |
[Intergrated Pest
Management: ipm | example |
cultural | biological
]
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Although it is questionable whether we could raise all
crops without the use of pesticides, it is certainly true that we
can reduce the amount of pesticides we use by careful and
efficient use. There are some steps to consider before
automatically turning to a pesticide. First, identify the suspect
pest organism. There are literally thousands of species of
insects, but relatively few species are harmful. Many sprays are
mistakenly applied to control "pests" which turn out to
be lady beetles or other beneficial predatory insects. Insects and
diseased plants may be taken to your county Cooperative Extension
office where they can assist in identification. |
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Second, determine if control measures are really
needed. While considerable scientific basis exists for making pest
control decisions in commercial crops, pest control
decision-making for home gardens and ornamentals becomes very
subjective. Most crops can tolerate a considerable amount of
insect damage before any yield loss occurs so garden crops
generally do not need to be kept completely pest free. Frequent
inspection of plants can tell whether pest levels are increasing
or decreasing. |
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Usually, each plant will only be attacked by a few
insect pests and plant pathogens. Knowledge of these pests'
identification and life cycle is essential for effective pest
management. |
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Although pesticides are essential tools in many crop
production systems, the many problems associated with pesticide
use, including environmental contamination, necessitate the search
for viable alternative methods of pest control. Two non-chemical
approaches, biological and cultural control, have been used
extensively and successfully for many years. Biological control
involves the manipulation of specific organisms which are
antagonistic to pest organisms. Cultural control is the deliberate
manipulation of the cropping or soil system environment with the
goal of reducing pest losses. Cultural and biological control
approaches can work independently, but are used together for
maximum effectiveness. Integrated control, or integrated pest
management (IPM), is the integration of various control tactics,
including biological, cultural, as well as chemical control into a
comprehensive management strategy. |
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