Integrated Pest Management and modern agriculture

Abstract

The current high yields of crops, which are partly due to the use of pesticides, have provided high quality produce at a relatively low price. However, environmental and consumer pressure groups are demanding strategies for a reduction in pesticide use, while maintaining the quality and availability to which we have become accustomed. These demands have been met in part by the establishment of farmers' co-operatives supplying produce grown to recognized organic standards, but at a higher cost and limited availability due to the smaller scale of production and higher degree of wastage from pest damage. Attention is drawn to a middle way between highly efficient practices using pesticides and less efficient, smaller scale organic farming systems. One such intermediate scheme is Integrated Pest Management (IPM); its origin, development and application are outlined and key components of any IPM scheme summarized. Major food retailers have a part to play in encouraging growers to consider such schemes, and educating customers in the value of alternatives to both conventional agricultural practices utilizing pesticides, and organic growing methods.