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
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