integrated pest management

Linda SealsCommercial Horticulture AgentUF Brevard County IFAS Extension

Anything that affects the growth, quality, and appearance of a plant

The use of different pest management strategies to maintain a landscape

A pesticide-only approach is one-layered Environmentally unsound Economically unfeasible

Use several management practices together

Establish thresholdsScouting and identificationPreventionControl

Provides long-term solutions to pest problems

Protects the environmentReduces pesticide costs and

liabilitiesLimits development of pesticide

resistanceGood for public relations

More labor costs for training and scouting

More to learn, more to remember

To reduce pesticide resistance

To reduce water contamination

Avoid harm to non-target organisms

Avoid pesticide movement in the environment

It’s genetic Insects that carry the resistance gene

do not die when exposed to pesticide The resulting offspring also carry the

gene Factors influencing resistance

Broad spectrum pesticides = > resistance Increased pesticide use = > resistance Pesticides that provide good control = >

resistance

Never rely on a single pesticide class.

Integrate chemical control with effective, complementary cultural and biological control practices.

Always use pesticides at recommended rates and strive for thorough coverage.

A non-target organism is anything that the pesticide is not intended for Can be harmed

directly (contact) Harmed by

residue or accumulation

Foto de Linda Seals

Drift – when pesticide move through the air

Leaching – when pesticide moves downward through soil

Runoff – when pesticide moves with water off of a surface (e.g., roads, sidewalks, roofs)

Surface runoff and leaching may occur when: Too much liquid

pesticide is applied, leaked or spilled

Too much rainwater, irrigation water or other water gets onto a surface containing pesticide residue

Foto: Alabama State Water Program

Drift, leaching and runoff

Spills, leaks and back-siphoning

Improper disposal of pesticides, rinsates and containers

Photo: Linda Seals

Soil texture – sand, silt, and clay

Soil permeability –how fast water can move downward

Soil organic matter – influences how much water the soil can hold before it moves downward

What can you do to prevent pests? Right plant, right place Proper pruning, fertilization, watering,

mulching, spacing, etc. Installation and establishment Choosing pest resistant cultivars/species Proper site preparation

Avoid monocultures (what’s that?)Start with pest-free, weed-free plantsReduce food, water, and shelter that

might attract pests Attract natural predators!!

Observe planting datesSanitation

Scout the landscape frequently for pest problems Reduces the spread of

the pest Reduces the amount of

pesticides used Reduces cost May allow for the use

of less harmful control measures

Learn key plants and key pests When do they emerge? When is their

peak season?Keep records of pest numbers, type

of damage, number of beneficials, growth and health of the plant, soil conditions, weather, etc.

What kinds of pests are present?Are the numbers great enough to

warrant control?When is the right time to begin

control?Have the control efforts successfully

reduced the number of pests?