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Integrated Pest Management - IPM
Integrated Pest Management is the central theme in plant and environmental management around the world and promises to overcome many concerns of plant management and pesticide misuse. Yet IPM has not been comprehensively adopted due to concerns regarding inconsistent implementation models, and ever present demand for immediate results. Soil, plant and environmental management is still too often considered on a case by case basis. The IPM Module addresses these issues and provides hands-on learning and practice to make positive changes to pest management on your farm. > Pest control strategy using an array of complementary methods, designed around six basic components. 1. Acceptable pest levels: The emphasis is on control, not eradication. Site Assessment and Mapping. 2. Preventive cultural practices: Selecting best local plant varieties, and healthy crops, is the first line of defence. 3. Monitoring: Regular observation and recording is the cornerstone of IPM. Growing Degree Day (GDD) recording. 4. Mechanical controls: Pests reaching an unacceptable level, mechanical methods are the first options to consider. 5. Biological controls: Natural biological processes and materials. 6. Chemical controls: Considered as an IPM last resort. > Comparison – Determine gaps. ie. soil fertility, plant health, water supply, pests. > Measure – Improvements to close gaps. > Action – Decide on performance improvement actions. |
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