IPM Programs for Controlled Environment Agriculture
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been practiced for many years as a sustainable approach to agricultural production. The adage of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is certainly true when it comes to pest infestations and IPM programs in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) production.
THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH TO IPM FOLLOWS A FOUR-TIERED APPROACH:
1. Setting the threshold for acceptable pest levels 2. Identifying pests and frequently monitoring progress.
3. Applying preventative measures to stop infestations before they happen.
4. If pests pressure exceeds the acceptable threshold, deploying pest control measures to stop infestations and minimize damage.
THERE ARE FOUR MAIN CATEGORIES OF PEST CONTROLS THAT FORM IPM’S FOUNDATION WITHIN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT:
- Cultural
- Biological
- Mechanical/Physical
- Pesticide Controls
Download our eBook “IPM Programs for Controlled Environment Agriculture” to understand integrated pest management and craft a pest management program that works for growers like you!