Pest Watch

As the 21st century continues, “sustainability” gets thrown around a lot. If farmers are going to feed a hungry planet, they’ll to need to use more “sustainable” pest-management options. But, not every grower has the same pest-management needs. What you’ll need, then, is a plan on how to address those needs. And, one of the best ways to make your farm more sustainable is by using Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

WHAT IS IPM?

The European Union defines IPM as “growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agroecosystems.” The aim is not to wipe out pests but to manage them. And, because each grower’s needs will be different, IPM programs exist on a spectrum; some will do a few IPM practices, while others do a lot. Either way, a well-designed IPM program should make the grower’s operation profitable and sustainable into the foreseeable future.

BUILDING YOUR PROGRAM

If you’re thinking of taking an integrated approach to your operations, recognize that it will take time. Most operations require a tailored management strategy for their specific needs. You’ll have to determine what works through trial and error. And, even good practices have to be replaced over time, as changing conditions and better options become available. But, with patience, you can find the right combination of practices that give you the best results.

> Planning. Do your homework. Identify the most critical problems your operation faces and the management practices that can address them. You should reflect on how each practice affects multiple weeds and insects, as species may respond differently to the same tactics. This is the time for developing thresholds and an action plan, as well as deciding how to evaluate your management plan’s performance to ensure the results you need. Contacting your local Extension agent or ag consultant can be helpful when designing the upcoming season’s strategy.

> Prevention. This is where you have the most control in your operation and where you should put the most focus. This step includes choosing which varieties you’re planting, deciding where and when to plant, attracting beneficial insects and eliminating alternate pest hosts. If you can prevent pests from being established, you can avoid other steps later in the season.

> Monitoring. Intervention should only occur if a problem exceeds your threshold. And, the only way to know if this has happened is to look for it. As a result, IPM programs are more intensive in their scouting and trapping. Make sure that you select the correct trap/pheromone for the insects you’re concerned about and know how to identify the different weeds and diseases you’ll come across when scouting the field.

> Intervention. Intervention is your last resort when a problem has become too big to control. Intervention should occur only after the problem exceeds the threshold of your action plan but before you suffer financial losses. Follow best practices when you spray pesticides. You should also plan at the start of the season how to minimize drift, runoff into waterways and harmful effects to beneficial insects. Your neighbors will thank you.

> Evaluation. At the end of the season, take time to evaluate how each management practice performed. Did it work well? Does continuing the practice make sense financially? Does the practice address your operation’s conservation or environmental goals? Continue practices that make sense for your operation, and abandon those that don’t. With time, you’ll build a program that meets your financial and conservation goals.

For more information

> University of California IPM Resources: www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/What-is-IPM

> University of Nebraska-Lincoln IPM Resources: pested.unl.edu/creatingipm

Write Scott Williams at Pest Watch, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209, or e-mail scott.williams@dtn.com.

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