Introduction to IPM

Definition of IPM

• IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.

What is Integrated Pest Management?

IPM is:

A way of managing pest problems by using a variety of methods and reducing pesticide use.

IPM is not:

Organic

Pest eradication

Pest control

ISU Plant Disease Clinic Pests

Components of IPM?

Pest Prevention

Pest Monitoring

Decision Making

Treatment

Evaluation

How do we prevent a problem?

• Healthy plants have fewer problems

– Plant the right plant for the conditions

– Water and care for plants

• In our homes and schools

– Don’t leave food out

– Seal gaps so pests cant get

inside

Pest Monitoring

• What

• When

• Where

• How

Pest Monitoring

• What

• When

• Where

• How

Pest Monitoring

• What

• When

• Where

• How

Pest Monitoring

• What

• When

• Where

• How

• Identify the problems

• Learn the life cycle & behavior of insect pests

• Understand the disease cycle of plant diseases

• Decide if management is necessary

Decision Making

Decision Making

How many pests are too many?

Decision Making

How much damage will you tolerate?

Greater Tolerance for Pests & Damage

more pests, more damage

less treatment, less environmental impact, lower

cost of control

Lower Tolerance for Pests & Damage

fewer pests, less damage

more treatment, more environmental impact higher

cost of control

Discussion Question

Who determines how many pests are

too many?

1. At school?

2. At my house?

3. In an apple orchard?