What is it? It's a comprehensive approach to fine tuning on-farm management of harmful weeds and pests. Today we have improved methods for control of weeds, insects and diseases. Management strategies that allow for better control, with minimum risk to the environment. Resistant plants, cultural controls, soil amendments, beneficial insects, natural enemies, barriers, physical treatments, behavioral disruptants, biological and conventional pesticides are some of these management strategies.
Increases Profits Inputs such as mechanical cultivation, pesticides, fertilizers and tillage trips cost money. By using best management practices to apply these inputs when they are actually needed, growers can reduce costs. Weed and pest management can help match the best method of control with the optimum time to maximize benefits of the control. Thus, weed and pest management can improve the bottom line for growers.
Reduces Risks Weed and pest management results in fewer herbicide and any other applications, at reduced rates, using the safest and most effective formulations. This minimizes risk associated with the application including accidents, drift, and any potential toxic effects on non-target species. Scouting helps avoid unexpected pest outbreaks, which can cause heavy losses if not caught and treated.
Protects the Environment By using mechanical cultivation, pesticides, fertilizers and tillage only when necessary, growers protect the environment, by reducing sediment, and polluted runoff from entering our lakes, streams and rivers. Utilizing scouting and selecting the appropriate control for the weed or pest identified, supports the biological integrity of all life on earth.
Management Tips
Soil Management – improves organic matter of the soil
Cultural Practices – improves soil tilth
Planting – ideal timing
Pest Trapping – track infestations
Monitoring – scouting to determine threshold level
Forecasting – weather information for spraying
Biological Controls – inhibit pest populations
Thresholds – level of pest that causes economic loss
Chemical Controls – most effective, appropriate product