What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a proven farming approach to control agricultural pests by prioritising natural predators and non-chemical methods.
Since the 1950s, farmers have relied heavily on routine applications of chemical pesticides to control insects and mite pests in their commercial crops. There is now decades of evidence to show this approach is no longer sustainable:
- Pests are growing increasingly resistant to poisons, which means we are running out of options to control crop pests with chemicals.
- We better understand the adverse effects of chemicals on human health. Today’s consumers are seeking cleaner food, and regulators and retailers overseas are setting limits for growers on the level of residual pesticides on their crops.
- We better recognise the adverse effect of chemicals on our environment, killing beneficials to shift the balance in favour of pests, and contaminating our soil, air and waterways.
Prioritises non-chemical controls
Integrated Pest Management prioritises non-chemical controls to manage pests in crops, with chemicals playing a supporting role when necessary. IPM options include:
- quarantine and hygiene – general practices such as removing diseased plants quickly, and keeping pest-attracting weeds under control
- biological control – establishing beneficial organisms in your crop that naturally prey on pests
- cultural and physical control – optimising the growing environment to discourage pests from establishing and reproducing
- varietal selection – choosing crop varieties that are naturally more resistant to pests
- chemical control – using pesticides only when necessary that are specific to the target pests, non-residual and safe to beneficials.
Biological Services can help you control pests more sustainably in you crops through quality products and advice.
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.
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