How does this program function?
IPM is a series of pest management analyses, judgments, and actions rather than a particular pest control strategy. Growers who are mindful of the risk of pest infestation use a four-tiered approach while conducting IPM. The four steps are as follows:
Set Action Boundaries
When pest populations or environmental conditions indicate that a pest treatment is necessary, IPM sets an action threshold. It’s not always necessary to get rid of every single insect in an area just because there is one of them. When making future pest treatment decisions, it is important to take into account the point at which pests pose a financial risk.
Pest Control and Identification
Do not kill all living species, such as insects and weeds. Some creatures are beneficial, while others are harmful. A key goal of IPM programmes is identifying the specific types of pests present in order to make effective management decisions based on action thresholds. Pesticides will not be applied if they are not needed, and the wrong pesticide will not be sprayed because of this constant observation and identification.
Prevent the occurrence
As a first line of defense against pests, IPM systems use agricultural, lawn, or interior management to prevent insect populations from becoming an issue. Crop rotation, pest-resistant cultivars, and pest-free rootstock planting are examples of cultural approaches that might be used in an agricultural crop. In addition to being very successful and cost-efficient, these methods of management pose little to no harm to people or the environment.
Management
When observation, recognition, and action levels indicate that pest management is required and preventative measures are no longer functioning or available, IPM programmes assess the optimum treatment option in terms of efficacy and risk. An initial focus is placed on less toxic and more effective pest control methods, such as pheromone-based insecticides that prevent insect reproduction, or equipment like traps and weeding. Targeted pesticide spraying may be employed as an alternative to less-hazardous methods if further monitoring shows that less-hazardous methods are not working. The last option is to blanket spray large regions with non-specific insecticides.
Is IPM used by most growers?
With these phases, IPM may be characterised as a continuum In many, if not most cases, agricultural producers identify their pests before they begin spraying. Pheromone insecticides are used by a smaller percentage of growers. Growers like this one are part of the integrated pest management system. All suitable IPM techniques should be used farther down the continuum to achieve this aim.
How can you determine if the food you’re buying was grown having IPM?
Food produced using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques is rarely labelled as organic. The USDA does not give an official certification for IPM producers like it does for organic farmers. Since integrated pest management (IPM) is more of a process than a collection of actions, it’s hard to apply a single IPM approach to all foods and regions of the country. Potato and strawberry producers, for example, are working hard to define exactly what IPM means for their crops and locations, and IPM-labeled products are only accessible in a few places.
Conclusion
The IPM technique may be used to both agricultural and non-agricultural areas, such as the home, garden, and even the office. All available pest control methods, including but not limited to insecticides, are used in IPM. In contrast, organic food production employs many of the same methods as IPM, but it does so exclusively with pesticides sourced solely from natural sources.
IPM aims to reduce insect populations to the point where they have a negative impact on the economy (EIL). A careful examination of all available pest control methods and subsequent integration of necessary actions that deter pests from spreading, maintain pesticides and some other interventions at levels that appear to be feasible and reduce or minimise the risks to human health and the environment,” says the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. When it comes to farming, IPM aims to keep pesticide use to an absolute minimum while ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment. IPM pest control has been advocated by entomologists and ecologists since the 1970s. Pest control is safer using IPM.