Integrated Pest Management means a pest management system that, in the context of the associated environment and the population dynamics of the pest species, utilises all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible a manner as possible and maintains the pest populations at levels below those causing economically unacceptable damage or loss. IPM like ICM is a dynamic system including many aspects, from research and development, international, national and local cooperation, education and training, and taking account of the individual farmer's needs and circumstances. It is far better to monitor pest populations and only decide to use a crop protection product when a certain threshold has been reached. However, farmers may require a more robust action threshold which depends not only on the pest pressure but also the stage of the crop, in turn also influencing the choice of pesticide compound to use. Sometimes early prophylactic treatment may reduce the number of later season sprays, for example seed treatment where pests are likely to occur.
Prevention aims to reduce the severity of pest infestation.
Observation aims to determine if action thresholds have been reached and when and how to intervene. Intervention aims to reduce the effects of economically- damaging pest populations to acceptable levels. Maintaining an active level of beneficials and choosing products that do them least harm are key elements of an IPM strategy. Last update 16.06.99 Produced by MediaMan.