Pesticides are frequently the tactic of choice for managing pests because of cost, effectiveness, availability, and convenience. They have contributed impressively to our present-day agricultural productivity, but at the same time they have triggered issues and concerns such as pest resistance, water contamination, and worker exposure. CSREES is addressing the appropriate and safe use of pesticides by identifying alternative tactics and by assessing the benefits and risks associated with pesticide use through research, extension, and education. CSREES programs specifically dedicated to these areas are the Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4), Pest Management Alternatives (PMAP), and Pesticide Safety Education (PSEP) Programs. Several other CSREES-funded opportunities--such as the National Research Initiative (NRI), Crops at Risk (CAR), and Regional IPM (RIPM) program--help address critical needs in pest management. Extension and education components are addressed primarily through the PSEP.
In Focus
Partnerships
Events
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2009 International Master Gardener Conference: "New Frontiers" in horticulture and gardening, Las Vegas, NV, March 22-26, 2009.
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The Sixth International IPM Symposium: Transcending Boundaries, Portland, OR; March 24-26, 2009.
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North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture/CSREES-SERD Conference, Stillwater, OK, June 17-20, 2009.
Selected Results and Impacts
Resources
Contacts
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