Integrated Pest Management essays

Integrated Pest Management essays As stated in Controlling Turfgrass Pests, Integrated pest management (IPM) is both a concept and a philosophy. It is a broad, multidisciplinary, systematic approach to controlling all pests. All types of control methods (biological, cultural, regulatory, physical, and chemical) are utilized. Use of IPM strategies should result in effective and economical suppression of pests with a minimum effect on nontarget organisms and the environment. IPM is based on understanding the biology and ecology of the turfgrass plant or community to be protected and the pests to be controlled (Shurtleff et al. 361). Now you have a definition for integrated pest management. How would you go about setting up this program? The truth is, you wouldnt be able to. If you didnt already know what IPM is, you would not have the knowledge in this field to succeed. Most people believe that all you do is put some grass down, add fertilizer, water, spray a little pesticide, and then mow once every other week. This is not the case. While all of these have their own role when used properly, the primary objective is to reduce pesticide use, states Robert Emmons in the second edition of Turfgrass Science and Management (339). Education is the key to a successful IPM program. Not only education about the program, but every facet of turfgrass management. For example, poor fertilization and water practices can lead to perfect conditions for a host of turfgrass pests. ...