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New MSU Extension program aims at safe pest management
January 13, 2009
Montana State University Extension has begun a new integrated pest management program for professionals and homeowners alike.
MSU Extension staff for the "Urban IPM Program" will establish an IPM training and certification program for urban landscape and turf professionals, as well as develop resources for homeowner use of IPM in urban areas
"Integrated pest management is a comprehensive approach to solve pest problems," said Kara Schile, MSU Extension plant disease diagnostician in the Schutter Diagnostic Lab. "IPM doesn't solely aim at trying to eradicate a pest but considers all available preventive and curative options."
The Urban IPM Program is an outgrowth of the work of the diagnostic lab, which regularly identifies plant and insect problems for Montanans, said Mary Burrows, MSU Extension plant pathologist and lab supervisor.
Urban IPM training will involve use of new and existing resources of the National Plant Diagnostic Network, MSU and the Montana Department of Agriculture, she said. Homeowner and consumer-based education will use internet-based applications, MSU Extension bulletins and in-person consultations.
"Pesticide use seems to be increasing in urban areas," said Schile, pointing to information about pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which are commonly-used indoor pesticides. The Center for Public Integrity published an analysis in 2008 that indicated that the number of reported human health problems associated with pyrethroid and pyrethrin use in the United States has increased by about 300 percent over the past decade.
Schile and Burrows said that the increased adoption of IPM practices by both the landscape industry and homeowners should reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.
IPM's goal is optimum results, they said, where the results vary with each client's preferences. Generally, the goal of IPM is safe, effective, economical, environmentally sound and socially sensitive results.
IPM can be used for many common pests, including insects, mites, rodents, viruses, fungi, bacteria and weeds. The IPM approach has been applied to pest problems in situations as diverse as homes, golf courses, farms and food handling facilities.
The Montana Nursery and Landscape Association (www.plantingmontana.com) and the Association of Montana Turf, Ornamental and Pest Professionals (www.amtop.org) annual conferences this year will be a chance for professionals to enroll in the Urban IPM Program and receive credit for attending talks that will be held at the conferences. A calendar is being printed to help educate Montana homeowners on invasive pests. Contact your local MSU Extension office or the Schutter Diagnostic Lab if you would like a copy of the calendar.
For more information contact Kara Schile at the Schutter Diagnostic Lab (994-5150, kschile@montana.edu) or Extension Plant Pathologist Mary Burrows (994-7766, mburrows@montana.edu). The Urban IPM Program website is accessible at http://www.msuextension.org/urbanipm/.
Contact: Kara Schile (406) 994-7849 or 994-5150 or kschile@montana.edu; Mary Burrows (406) 994-7766 or mburrows@montana.edu
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