scholarly journals Successful Strategies for Reducing Pesticide Use in the Landscape: Examples from California

1998 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-153
Author(s):  
J. Kabashima ◽  
T.D. Paine ◽  
R. Redak

Pesticide use in the landscape has been reduced through the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) (Holmes and Davidson, 1984, Olkowski et al., 1978; Smith and Raupp, 1986). IPM emphasizes prevention, identifying pests and their symptoms, regular surveying for pests, determining action thresholds and guidelines, and using sound management methods. Monitoring techniques such as pheromone traps, degree-day models, and ELISA kits, in addition to traditional methods, have enabled pest managers to determine accurately when to apply IPM techniques. Examples of serious California landscape insect pests successfully controlled through IPM include the ash whitefly [Siphoninus phillyreae (Halliday)], the Nantucket pine tip moth [Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock)], and the eucalyptus longhorned borer (Phoracantha semipunctata F.).

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Matiar Rahaman ◽  
Khandakar Shariful Islam ◽  
Mahbuba Jahan

Background. Population growth has led to the need to increase global food production. Pesticides are an important tool used in efforts to control insect pests. About 20–30% of agricultural produce is lost annually due to insect pests, diseases, weeds and rodents. While pesticides are effective against pest populations, if used injudiciously, they may pose health hazards to humans, domestic animals, natural enemies of crop pests and other forms of life through unwanted contamination of food, feed, water bodies and the environment. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to examine farmers' level of knowledge and awareness of environmental pollution due to unsafe use of pesticides for controlling rice pests and to explore ways of reducing their usage. Methods. The research population consisted of 120 rice farmers: 40 farmers randomly selected from each of the three rice growing districts of Bangladesh; Mymensingh, Tangail and Jamalpur. Data was collected through group discussions, direct observations and personal interviews during March 2013 to May 2014. Results. Farmers mainly sought advice on pesticide use from pesticide dealers or retailers and a very few farmers contacted government extension workers for this purpose. Most of the farmers had an understanding of natural enemies of rice pests and that the application of synthetic insecticides in the field can reduce their population. A few farmers followed integrated pest management (IPM) practices with little understanding of the adverse effects of insecticides on the environment and ecosystem. The majority of farmers understood the harmful effects of pesticides on health of human and animals, beneficial species, fish, insect resistance, soil and food. It was also found that education on pest management, information through television, more contact with extension personnel and farmers' awareness of IPM were critical factors for improving rice farmers' understanding of the ecological hazards caused by overuse of pesticides. Most of the farmers suggested that timely removal of weeds, appropriate timing for pesticide application, balanced doses of fertilizers, pest monitoring, correct dose of appropriate pesticides, pest tolerant varieties, increasing technical knowledge and skills and creating social awareness of environmental pollution among farmers were necessary to reduce the quantity of pesticides and minimize environmental hazards. Conclusions. The present study identified a need to intensify farmers' awareness and knowledge of integrated pest management and environmental pollution through extension organizations which could help promote sustainable agricultural development and improve the currently endangered bio-diversity of Bangladesh. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethical Approval. This study was approved by the PhD Supervisory Committee assigned by the Department of Entomology of Bangladesh Agricultural University. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M Little ◽  
Thomas W Chapman ◽  
N Kirk Hillier

AbstractThe past 100 yr have seen dramatic philosophical shifts in our approach to controlling or managing pest species. The introduction of integrated pest management in the 1970s resulted in the incorporation of biological and behavioral approaches to preserve ecosystems and reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides. Increased understanding of the local ecosystem, including its structure and the biology of its species, can improve efficacy of integrated pest management strategies. Pest management strategies incorporating insect learning paradigms to control insect pests or to use insects to control other pests can mediate risk to nontarget insects, including pollinators. Although our understanding of insect learning is in its early stages, efforts to integrate insect learning into pest management strategies have been promising. Due to considerable differences in cognitive abilities among insect species, a case-by-case assessment is needed for each potential application of insect learning within a pest management strategy.


1996 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Fernandez-Cornejo

This paper develops a methodology to calculate the impact of integrated pest management (IPM) on pesticide use, yields, and farm profits. The methodology is applied to the IPM adoption among fresh market tomato producers in eight states. The method is of general applicability. It accounts for self-selectivity and simultaneity, and the pesticide demand and yield equations are theoretically consistent with a profit function. The results support the notion that fresh market tomato growers who adopt IPM for insects and diseases apply significantly less insecticides and fungicides, respectively, than do those who do not adopt IPM; IPM adoption has an insignificant effect on yields and a small effect on profits.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 1342-1348
Author(s):  
Jennifer R Gordon

Abstract Urban insect pests such as ants, termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs are more than just nuisances; they often negatively impact structures, landscapes, animal health, commercial food production, food safety, and public health (mental, physical, and financial). Due to the tremendous burden these insects can inflict, researchers, manufacturers, and pest management professionals work to create solutions that effectively manage urban and structural pests. One solution that has proven useful in agriculture is the development of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan; i.e., a science-based approach to pest control that utilizes multiple tactics such as preventative tools, chemical control (sprays, fumigation, and baits), biological control, and exclusion. There are many permutations of urban IPM plans, but in general they consist of five components: 1) identifying the pest, 2) monitoring the pest, 3) developing an intervention plan (including prevention and control techniques), 4) implementing the program, and 5) recording and evaluating the results. The objectives of the current publication were to 1) highlight urban entomology research published in 2019 and 2) show how the results from these publications help pest management professionals create and implement IPM plans.


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