IPM Focus Areas

Production agriculture

IPM experts, practitioners, and stakeholders expect that systems will be further developed for food, fiber and ornamental crops that harness the full diversity of cost effective pest management tactics, and improve their efficiency and effectiveness. By focusing on practices that prevent, avoid or mitigate pest attack, these IPM systems will have reduced negative impacts on the production area and associated environment by minimizing impairments to water quality. An important priority is the development and implementation of economical and effective IPM systems for crops and commodities consumed by humans. IPM systems in fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops will help to maintain high quality produce, to protect agricultural workers, and to keep dietary pesticide exposure within acceptable safety standards. These crops make up a major portion of the human diet and require high labor input for production. The priority in this area is to develop alternative tactics that have major economic benefits as well as protect public health including workers and the environment.

Natural resources and recreational environments

Our nation's natural resources and ecosystems are under constant pressures from encroaching invasive species. Invasive species diminish habitat quality and diversity for wildlife. Additionally, Americans spend large amounts of leisure time in natural and recreational environments such as lakes, streams, and parks. Greater efforts are required to develop and quantify the impact of IPM programs in these environments. It is critical to protect public health and ecosystem function and minimize adverse environmental effects on natural areas, while maintaining functional and aesthetic standards. Environmental and health benefits should include reduction of pesticide residues in waters used for human consumption or for recreational purposes, as well as minimizing the effects of pesticides on non-target species.

Residential and public areas

The greatest general population exposure to pests and the tactics used to control them occurs where people live, work, and play. IPM programs for Schools and Public Buildings have already been very successful and are excellent examples of education and implementation programs designed for institutional facilities. Priorities in this area include enhanced collaboration and coordination to expand these programs to other institutions and residential environments. Expanding IPM programs in these areas would reduce human health risks posed by pests and the tactics used to manage them, and also reduce or mitigate the adverse environmental effects of pest management practices.

For more information, contact Sandra Sardanelli

Last updated: 09/28/2006