Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a rationale that combats plant pests while reducing any negative impacts that control methods might have on the environment. The protocols of IPM seek to minimize the use of chemical controls like broad spectrum pesticides by carefully optimizing cultural practices while utilizing a combined pest control approach that includes biological, environmental, mechanical, and chemical methods as a last resort.

There are 5 major components of successful IPM protocols:

1. Problem Prevention
2. Regular Monitoring
3. Correct Diagnosis
4. Threshold Development
5. Management Methods

IPM thus incorporates an understanding of many different aspects of science. These areas include plant physiology, entomology, and plant pathology. An understanding of the biology of the species that is being grown, insect pests, and pathogenic pests allows for the application of the 5 major components of IPM to each individual crop. These components will allow for the development of solutions for issues that range from pH and nutrient deficiencies to insect and disease problems.

The SNIPM Working Group

A group of extension specialists (entomologists, horticulturists, and plant pathologists) from Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia formed a working group called the Southern Nursery Integrated Pest Management (SNIPM) working group and are collaborating on several projects including developing:

1. A Crop Profile and Pest Management Strategic Plan
2. A smart phone app (IPMPro), and
3. A book (IPM for Select Deciduous Trees in Southeastern US Nursery Production).

For more information about SNIPM - please visit their website.