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integrated pest management
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a pest-control strategy that uses an array of complementary methods, natural predators and parasites, pest-resistant varieties, cultural practices and biological controls.
Pesticides are used only as a last resort and must present the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. The following strategies have been used against pests:
> mechanical trapping devices
> natural predators
> insect growth regulators
> mating disruption substances (pheromones)
In the 1930s, IPM was used in Pennsylvania (USA) on several crops, with maize the focus of attention. Using pheromone traps on insects reduced pesticide application by up to 50%, saving farmers over US$20 million per year.
Pesticides are used only as a last resort and must present the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. The following strategies have been used against pests:
> mechanical trapping devices
> natural predators
> insect growth regulators
> mating disruption substances (pheromones)
In the 1930s, IPM was used in Pennsylvania (USA) on several crops, with maize the focus of attention. Using pheromone traps on insects reduced pesticide application by up to 50%, saving farmers over US$20 million per year.
An IPM boll weevil trap in a cotton field (Manning, South Carolina).