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:
- Setting the threshold for acceptable pest levels
- Identifying pests and frequently monitoring progress
- Applying preventative measures to stop infestations before they happen
- 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!