Vegetable Program
Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information to design and implement pest control methods that are economically, environmentally and socially sound. IPM promotes prevention over remediation and advocates integration of multiple control strategies to achieve long-term pest management solutions.

IPM consists of gathering information, interpreting data, creating a flexible management plan, making timely decisions and taking the proper action. Information gathering and decision-making techniques include: accurate pest identification, learning about the weak link in a pest's life-cycle or biology, scouting and monitoring crops in fields and greenhouses, using action thresholds to minimize spraying, and keeping records of findings to assess the effectiveness of management decisions.

You can find a detailed description of IPM methods in the New England Vegetable Management Guide by clicking on the following link: IPM Methods

IPM Definitions or Guidelines

For each crop and each region, there are specific methods for implementing IPM. These practices define what IPM means in that crop. Crop-specific IPM guidelines have been developed by the University of Massachusetts for many fruit and vegetable crops. Updaded IPM guidlines for specific crops can be found at: UMass IPM Guidlines.  Information on specific crops and pests can be found in the Soil, Crop, and Pest Management section of this website.

Organic IPM

Pest management in organic farming systems relies upon the same principles as conventional IPM, but usually entails greater emphasis on preventative, cultural practices, conservation of beneficials, and of course limiting pesticides to those that are allowed under organic certification guidelines. A presentation on using IPM principles and practices for key vegetable insect pests in organic systems is available for download below.

IPM for Organic Vegetables

     (Presented at Pennsylvania Assoc. for Sustainable Agriculture Conference, February 2008)