Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

environment and population dynamics of the pest species, utilizes all suitable techniques
and methods in as compatible manner as possible and maintains the pest population at
levels below those causing economic injury". An I.P.M. programme is an attempt to
promote favorable ecological, economical and sociological outcomes which is
accomplished by a best mix of the pest control tactics.
What is I.P.M?
I.P.M. is broad ecological pest control approach aiming at the best mix of all known
pest control measures to keep the pest population below economic threshold level (ETL).
Fundamental Components of IPM
The use of appropriate scouting tactics, proper diagnosis of pest, action economic
thresholds and conservation of naturally occurring bio-control agents (defenders/farmers
friends) are fundamental components of a sound I.P.M. programme/strategy.
How I.P.M?
In crop production technology, I.P.M. is a schedule of practices which starts from
field selection until harvest of a crop. The major components in this approach are
cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods of insect pests, diseases, weeds
and rodent control in a compatible manner.
Aims of IPM
IPM programme mainly aims to educate and encourage agricultural producers to
grow crops using pest management methods like:
� Reduce, if not replace the use of synthetic organic pesticides
� That are environmentally sound
� Pose minimal risk to human health
� Enable growers to obtain a reasonable return on investment
� Ensure consumers a supply of high quality, safe and economical foods and other
agriculturally related products.
Concept (Principles) of IPM
� Identification of the key pests to be managed
� Defining the management unit - the Agroecosystem
� Development of management strategy
� Establishment of economic thresholds
� Development of assessment techniques
� Evolving description or predictive pest models
Interventionist IPM Tactics (IPM Tools)
The IPM concept involves integration of cultural methods, mechanical methods, use
of semiochemicals (attractants), use of natural products, conservation of biological
agents, and application of need based chemicals.
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