Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a method of managing pest problems and manipulating pest populations. It's often characterized as applied ecology. Three main components of IPM are monitoring, suppression and controls. The idea is to understand the system in which the pests, beneficial organisms and crops exist, and use a careful combination of tactics to maintain the pest population below the level where it causes significant harm (the threshold).
The system is monitored regularly to see what is happening. Suppressive measures (rotation, resistant varieties, destruction of crop residues, encouraging natural enemies) are used whenever appropriate. When monitoring indicates a need, direct controls are applied (pesticides, handpicking, biological controls). It is highly unlikely for a pest to evolve resistance to a combined approach, and when the causes of pest outbreaks are understood, they can often be reduced or eliminated before problems arise.
When we apply insect controls automatically, without first determining if a problem exists, we may waste resources and effort, kill beneficial organisms, or hasten development of resistance by the pest. When we apply an insecticide, there are benefits as well as costs. Our job is to use these materials responsibly, so we have the tools for years to come, resources aren't wasted, and the environment isn't affected adversely.
From: Eaton, Alan. 1997. Insect Control for Organic Vegetable Growers. UNH Cooperative Extension Publication. 12 pgs.
