Have you developed your IPM plan for 2010?

In a blog posting I will not be able to tell you how to implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan from scratch.  I will however I can go over some of the basics.

Before developing an IPM plan, it is important to understand why you are developing an IPM plan. Integrated pest management is a strategy to limit damage caused by insects, mites, diseases, weeds, etc. It strives to use a combination of pest-control tactics to minimize risks to human health, the environment and nontarget organisms. IPM focuses on tactics that will prevent or avoid anticipated pest problems rather than trying to remediate problems after they occur.

IPM is the combined use of mechanical, physical, cultural, biological and chemical control methods. To properly implement an IPM program, you need to evaluate all control methods available.

In developing an IPM plan it is important to familiarize yourself with the growing conditions favorable to your crops and the pests to which they are susceptible. A team of individuals should develop the IPM plan. Having key growers, pest managers and key spray personnel involved in the process will help to ensure that all areas of production are addressed. By developing your management plan before you start your crop it will be possible to discuss the plan with your employees and ensure you have the supplies you will need.

You can divide your IPM plan into three key parts. The first part of your IPM plan should address sanitary measures before and during production. Ensuring no pests are present when you start your crop can save a lot of time and effort. The second part of your plan should cover your pest-monitoring program. A proper monitoring program is invaluable in any IPM program. Finally, determine how you will manage pests when they appear at levels that trigger a required treatment.

By determining in advance how you plan to manage common pest problems, you can be assured you have chemicals or biological-control agents available when needed. It is important to update you chemical management program every year due to new products entering the market. Many new pesticides are compatible with IPM programs in that they have a very narrow spectrum of pest susceptibility and are compatible with biological control agents.

As you implement your IPM program it will be important to keep in constant communication with your employees. At the end of the season, a meeting should be held to discuss the effectiveness of the IPM plan and make any needed changes for next year’s crops.