How do I get started with integrated pest management (IPM) for controlling pests and diseases?
There is no recipe for IPM but a critical first step is to switch from routine chemical sprays to strategic sprays based on crop monitoring results. It is recommended that you employ a crop consultant to help you get started with IPM. If a professional crop consultant is not available in your area, monitoring the crop yourself or training one of your staff is an option, however this approach requires commitment and time. Learn as much about the different pests, diseases and weeds as you can and take part in any field days or training activities on pest management that may be available. IPM aims to work with nature rather than against it by using preventative strategies such as crop rotations, production breaks and farm hygiene to reduce pest and disease problems. It relies on regular crop monitoring to keep track of what is happening in the crop, selecting the right strategy for managing a problem and then checking that the management option has worked. Sprays are seen as only one opti
