Integrated pest management in the U.S.: progress and promise

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management Science

Background:

• Heavy insecticide use in the U.S. necessitates a shift towards integrated pest management (IPM).
• Implementing IPM requires comprehensive studies to define requirements for diverse crop systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in IPM programs across various U.S. crop sectors.
• To assess the progress and phases of IPM development for key crops.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in IPM for major U.S. crops.
• Analysis of IPM development phases: single-tactic, multi-tactic, biological monitoring, modeling, management, and implementation.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in IPM for cotton, alfalfa, apples, tobacco, and soybeans noted.
• Developmental progress is uneven across different crops and IPM phases.
• IPM programs are influenced by crop-specific needs, geography, pests, technology, and socioeconomic factors.

Conclusions:

• Future IPM programs will increasingly rely on scientific decision-making and biological monitoring.
• Economic and environmental considerations will be paramount in insecticide application decisions.
• Tailored IPM strategies are essential, considering crop, region, pests, and available technologies.