Fundamentals of IPM: Cover all the bases

Like the gears of a watch, parts of an engine or electronics of a computer hard drive, there are many moving parts that contribute to the metaphorical, singular "well-oiled machine."

But how does this apply to integrated pest management?

Well, entirely! We can perform individual, sporadic tasks to ensure that pests do not best us this year. However, performing individual pest management elements regularly and together will create a strong, well-rounded IPM program, leaving no stone unturned and no leaf or grain of soil unprotected.

Let's look at the different elements of integrated pest management, and how to seamlessly and easily integrate them together to achieve a well-oiled IPM program.

Scout for success

Scouting and data collection are some of the most fundamental and important pieces of an integrated pest management program.

Collecting data on current and historic pest populations will help you decide which types and rates of beneficial insects/mites and pesticides to use, which pests have historically been seen on specific crops, and aid in forecasting and planning a preventative program before a predicted surge. This data is also collected to allow for communication of pest problems across your team, ensuring that team members diligently be looking for pests while performing regular horticultural tasks.

Data in and of itself is all well and good … but how do we collect it?

Continue reading.

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Source: Greenhouse Management