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The ability of the United States to produce, store, ship, and trade agricultural products is limited by the degree to which pests can be controlled. Although vital to the health of agriculture, pest control using synthetic pesticides can have adverse effects. Harm to humans and the environment can occur as a result of chemical contamination from these pesticides. Biobased management is the control of pests using one or more of five major tactics: 1) biological control--suppression of pests by using natural enemies (predators, parasites, competitors, and diseases), 2) microbial pesticides, 3) behavior-modifying chemicals, 4) genetic manipulation of pests, and 5) host plant resistance. CSREES supports research in biobased management, which has the goal of providing safer and more effective methods of controlling pests while reducing our reliance on synthetic pesticides. Other agronomic or exclusionary tactics, such as date of planting, crop rotation, intercropping, and early maturing varieties, are based on knowledge of the interactions among pests, beneficial organisms, and crops. These tools may further enhance the success and implementation of biobased pest management approaches.
In Focus
Partnerships
Events
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Competitive Grants Grantsmanship Workshops, Washington, DC/Salt Lake City, UT, September/October, 2008.
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Galaxy III Conference: "Celebrating the Extension System: Strengths, Diversity, and Unique Qualities," Indianapolis, IN, September 15-19, 2008.
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The Sixth International IPM Symposium: Transcending Boundaries, Portland, OR; March 24-26, 2009.
Selected Results and Impacts
Resources
Contacts
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