Integrated Pest Management

Greenhouse Management

Objectives Define terms associated with

integrated pest management. Differentiate between biological,

cultural/physical control, and chemical pest management practices.

List the proper equipment and clothing to use when applying chemicals.

Explain the importance of pesticide label information.

Terms Biological control Chemical control Cultural control Fungicide Herbicide Insecticide Integrated pest

management

LD factor Miticide Nematocide Pest Pesticide Toxicity

What is a pest? Living organism that can cause injury or

loss. Types:

› Insects› Disease› Weeds› Mites› Nematodes› Parasites› Animals

Effects on Plants and Economic Losses

Pest damage- 1/3 the total crop production potential

Methods are available to minimize or eliminate losses that pests cause.

Economic injury level Economic threshold

Economic Injury Level The point at which the cost of pest

control equals the revenue loss caused by a pest

Determined by estimatin the potential yield loss, the value of the crop, and the cost of treatment

Clearly defines how much damage can be tolerated.

Economic Threshold Number of insects per plant or the

amount of damage to the plant that economically justifies the use of control measures

If a control is applied when a pest population reaches the economic threshold, the population will be suppressed before it reaches the economic injury level.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

An ecologically based approach to controlling plant pests

Organized program in which the best management methods available are used to keep pest populations below the economic injury level.

IPM Pest-control strategy that relies on

multiple control practices Establishes the amount of damage that

will be tolerated before control actions are taken.

Keys to Successful IPM Use of a scout (either the grower or a

hired individual) who regularly monitors pest populations and crop conditions› Collect data about which pests are causing

damage, stage of life, whether the population is increasing or decreasing

Keys to Successful IPM Knowing how to identify key pests and

their biological characteristics is important.› Weakest link must be found.› Key pest- one that occurs on a regular

basis for a given crop.

Keys to Successful IPM An understanding of the biology of the

crop and its ecosystem Ecosystem of the crop consists of the

biotic and abiotic influences in the living environment.› Biotic- living organisms› Abiotic- nonliving factors

Benefits Help sustain the ability of the earth to

meet the needs of an increasing human population.

Benefits agriculture and the environment.

Benefits to Agriculture Industry

Reduced pesticide costs Reduced application costs Less pesticide resistance

Benefits to Environment Reduced contamination Fewer residues on food Improved human health

Methods of Control Biological Chemical Cultural Mechanical Genetic

Biological Control Use of living organisms to reduce pest

populations Beneficial organisms are natural

enemies of pests. Parasites, predators, and pathogens

are all used as biological controls.

Chemical Control Use of pesticides to reduce pest

populations Pesticide resistance- the ability of an

organism to tolerate a lethal level of a pesticide

Pest resurgence- refers to a pest’s ability to repopulate after control measures have been eliminated or reduced.

Cultural Control Used to make the crop environment

unsuitable for pests to feed, live, or reproduce

Also used to improve crop health Examples: soil tillage, crop rotation,

adjustment of harvest or planting dates, irrigation schemes, variety selection, clean culture, and trap crops

Mechanical Control Used to physically remove or exclude

pests Includes hand destruction and the use

of screens and traps Federal and state governments have

created laws that prevent the entry or spread of known pests into uninfested areas (regulatory control)

Genetic Control Use of genetically engineered

organisms to fight pests Plant breeders are constantly working

to develop varieties and hybrids that are resistant to or tolerant of pests.

Major Classifications of Pesticides

Pesticide- materials used to control pests› Insecticide› Miticides› Fungicides› Herbicides› Rodenticides› Nematocides› Molluscicides

Pesticide Safety Pesticide can enter the body through

four main routes:› Oral exposure› Dermal exposure› Inhalation exposure› Eye exposure

Pesticide Safety Toxicity- degree of poison in a

material Amount of active ingredients in a

material and the chemical nature of the poison determine the toxicity.

Toxicity Method used to measure toxicity differs

between types of exposure LD factor- lethal dose; amount

necessary to cause death› used to measure oral and dermal toxicity› Lower LD= more toxicity

Lethal Concentration (LC)› Used to measure inhalation toxicity› Lower LC= more poisonous pesticide

Proper Equipment to Use When Applying Pesticides

Respirator Goggles Rubber gloves Rubber boots Long sleeved shirt Overalls/apron

Pesticide Labels

Purpose of Pesticide Label Provides information about the active ingredient

› Active ingredient kills the pest. Front panel provides only basic information

› Classification (general or restricted use)› Brand name› Formulation› Common name› Ingredients› Signal words› Precautionary statements› Establishment number

Pesticide Labels Side and back panels provide more

detailed information.› Hazardous materials warning labels› Directions for use› Notice of limitations