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