Integrated Pest Management University of California Statewide IPM Program
In this presentation. Define IPM Explain what s in an IPM program How IPM can be applied to your garden and orchard Examples of IPM programs for common pests
What is the idea behind IPM? Ecologically-based approach Prevents problems Based on knowledge of pest, biology, and habitat No more spraying just because you see a pest Uses least-toxic methods to protect people and environment
IPM approach Prevention Identify pests Pest Identification Monitor for pests Determine your tolerance Consider alternatives to pesticides (biological controls, physical & mechanical destruction) Pesticides as a last resort Monitor for problems
Prevent Problems Select well-adapted and pest resistant varieties Keep plants competitive with proper irrigation, fertilization, rotation & compost Take preventative action for expected pests Avoid import of invasive plants VF, VFN, TMV, ABC Drip irrigation
Identify your pest Identify your pest Understand its life cycle Apple & Pear Scab Crabgrass Aphids Lady beetle larva Syrphid fly larva Beneficial insects
Resources to help you identify pests www.ipm.ucdavis.edu Pest notes Weed photo gallery Key to weeds in turf UC IPM Publications
Get identification help www.ipm.ucdavis.edu www.whatsthatbug.com UC Cooperative Extension Office (www.ucanr.org)
Be on the lookout Monitor regularly Check for weeds Inspect plants Monitoring devices Yellow sticky trap for whiteflies or aphids Powdery growth Hand lens
What is your tolerance level? Cosmetic damage OK for home gardeners Leaf chewing OK if crop not harmed What s a weed?
Destroy pests with physical or mechanical methods Hand pull Weed trimmer Prune infested foliage Solarize the soil Propane torch
Remove pests with physical or mechanical methods Hand pick snails Reduce aphids with strong spray of water Yellowjackets Hose off aphids Traps Snails
Rely on biological control Spider Parasites Live and feed in a larger host Use of natural enemies to control pests Predators Attack, kill, and feed on other prey Pathogens Cause disease Armyworm killed by virus Parasites attacking aphid and caterpillar
Enhancing biological control Control ants and keep them out of trees and plants Choose plants that provide nectar, pollen, and shelter Avoid pesticides that kill natural enemies Release purchased natural enemies in limited situations Compost Predatory mite and spider mite Lacewing larva Pesticides kill beneficials Ant protecting a scale
When are pesticides needed? When pests are causing intolerable damage Nonchemical methods aren t effective How to know? Identify your pest Assess the problem Research and consider alternatives
If you use pesticides Choose the least-toxic, most selective, effective material Use in combination with other methods Follow label directions carefully Consult UC IPM Pest Notes www.ipm.ucdavis.edu
What materials are best? Choose pesticides carefully and make sure they target your pest Use least-toxic material Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps Botanicals like neem Spinosad Iron phosphate for snails and slugs Insect growth regulators Apply materials in ways Refillable bait that reduce exposure station
IPM for slugs 1. Identify the pest Holes in fruit Holes in leaves Slime trail Feces 2. Monitor levels and determine if this is a problem you can t tolerate Evaluate damage Consider types of plants Search hiding places
IPM for slugs 3. Change the conditions that cause slugs to thrive Moisture Shelter Tender, fleshy plants How can you change these conditions? Reduce moist surfaces Drip irrigation
IPM for slugs and snails 3. Identify the conditions that cause snails and slugs to thrive Moisture Shelter Tender, fleshy plants Drip irrigation How can you change these conditions? Reduce moist surfaces Remove hiding places
IPM for slugs and snails 3. Identify the conditions that cause snails and slugs to thrive Moisture Shelter Tender, fleshy plants Drip irrigation Lavender How can you change these conditions? Reduce moist surfaces Remove hiding places Consider planting snail-proof plants
IPM for slugs 4. Consider other methods Hand pick Crush, seal, or drown them Use baits with other methods www.ipm.ucdavis.edu Place traps Copper barriers
IPM for aphids 1. Identify the pest Curled leaves Many different aphid species Honeydew and sooty mold 2. Determine if this pest is a problem you can t tolerate High number of aphids? No natural enemies? Know facts about biology
IPM for aphids 3. Identify the conditions that cause aphids to thrive Plants such as apples, roses, vegetables New lush plant growth Destruction of natural How can you change enemies by pesticides these conditions? Protection by ants Choose plants not prone to aphid problems Lacewing Parasites larva Syrphid larva
IPM for aphids 3. Identify the conditions that cause aphids to thrive Plants such as apples, roses, vegetables New lush plant growth Destruction of natural How can you change enemies by pesticides these conditions? Protection by ants Choose plants not prone to aphid problems Avoid overfertilizing plants Lacewing Parasites larva Syrphid larva
IPM for aphids 3. Identify the conditions that cause aphids to thrive Plants such as apples, roses, vegetables New lush plant growth Destruction of natural enemies by pesticides How can you change these conditions? Protection by ants Choose plants not prone to aphid problems Avoid overfertilizing Lacewing Parasites larva Syrphid larva plants Avoid pesticides that kill natural enemies
IPM for aphids 3. Identify the conditions that cause aphids to thrive Plants such as apples, roses, vegetables New lush plant growth Destruction of natural enemies by pesticides How can you change these conditions? Protection by ants Choose plants not prone to aphid problems Avoid overfertilizing Lacewing Parasites larva Syrphid larva Sticky tree wrap plants Avoid pesticides that kill natural enemies Keep ants off plants
IPM for aphids 4. Consider other methods Prune out infested leaves and stems Knock pests off plants with a strong stream of water Examine plants for natural enemies Lady beetle Aphid mummies www.ipm.ucdavis.edu As a last resort, integrate methods with a pesticide. Choose least-toxic materials such as oils and soaps.
IPM for powdery mildew 1. Identify the pest Powdery spots on leaves 2. Determine if this pest is a problem you can t tolerate Russetted scars Are your plants known to be susceptible?
IPM for powdery mildew 3. Identify the conditions that cause powdery mildew to thrive Susceptible host plant Moderate temperatures and shady conditions Carried by wind and germinate without water Availability of alternative hosts How can you change these conditions? Plant resistant varieties
IPM for powdery mildew 3. Identify the conditions that cause powdery mildew to thrive Susceptible host plant Moderate temperatures and shady conditions Carried by wind and germinate without water Availability of alternative hosts How can you change these conditions? Plant resistant varieties Plant in full sun, provide good air circulation, avoid overfertilizing
IPM for powdery mildew 3. Identify the conditions that cause powdery mildew to thrive Susceptible host plant Moderate temperatures and shady conditions Carried by wind and germinate without water Availability of alternative hosts How can you change these conditions? Plant resistant varieties Plant in full sun, provide good air circulation, avoid overfertilizing Overhead sprinkling
IPM for powdery mildew 3. Identify the conditions that cause powdery mildew to thrive Susceptible host plant Moderate temperatures and shady conditions Carried by wind and germinate without water Availability of alternative hosts How can you change these conditions? Plant resistant varieties Plant in full sun, provide good air circulation, avoid overfertilizing Overhead sprinkling Keep susceptible hosts separated
IPM for powdery mildew 4. Consider other methods Consider overhead sprinkling Prune out and discard diseased tissue www.ipm.ucdavis.edu Fungicides may be needed Least-toxic materials including oils are effective Control with fungicides is difficult once mildew growth is extensive
Use IPM in your garden and orchard Less risk to the environment Fewer pest problems Consult Pest Notes www.ipm.ucdavis.edu www.ucanr.org Remember these steps: 1. Correctly identify the pest. 2. Inspect, monitor, and research to determine if management is needed. 3. Identify conditions that favor the pest and change them if possible. 4. Consider nonchemical methods first.
Why choose IPM? Provides long-term solutions Manages potential problems before they get out of hand Eliminates unnecessary pesticide use Good for health and the environment Gives you choices that rarely require pesticides