At Bergen Farms, we use the Integrated Pest Management method when determining how to deal with pests in our fields.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the system of crop production that effectively manages pests using a combination of tools – cultural, biological, or chemical – in ways that are economically and environmentally sound.
IPM programs consider both plant health care and pest management while minimizing harmful impacts on the environment. They aim to create conditions that are optimal for the crop and less favourable for pest development. Strong and healthy plants usually have the best chance to resist pests.
IPM programs develop over time. Researchers and extension specialists work to increase knowledge about how pests, plants and the environment affect one another. Farmers and pest management consultants help to create effective IPM programs for specific fields, with good observations and careful record keeping.
Steps in an IPM program are:
• Identifying and understanding the pests
• Regular monitoring
• Deciding when to control pests
• Choosing control methods
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the program***
Read More about this method at: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/ipm.htm
***Taken from the Berry Production Guide (2009-2010): Beneficial Management Practices for Berry Growers in
British Columbia. British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.
If you have further questions about Integrated Pest Management, you can contact us.