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What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been defined in many ways by academics, growers and food retailers, each influenced by their own bias because of the audience to whom their definition is addressed. In simple terms it is a means of protecting crops from damage without over-reliance on pesticides.

If pesticides are not used to protect crops, the grower needs to use other methods, which could be naturally occurring biological controls (natural enemies, predators and parasites); cultural controls (crop rotation, resistant varieties), physical controls (vegetable oils, botanical detergents, netting screens etc) and compatible pesticides (which are less harmful to natural enemies, the spray operator and to the environment).

These methods are ‘integrated’ into an IPM programme.

So what is ‘Real’ IPM?

IPM has become a buzzword in recent years as consumers and retailers are demanding a reduction in pesticide use by growers. It is not possible to sell produce in some European markets now without purporting to use IPM techniques. Retailers are even demanding reductions in pesticide use from flower growers, in a crop where cosmetic damage from pests or diseases can have serious economic impact. This has only been made possible due to the Real success of our Real IPM programmes – otherwise the retailers would be putting their own business at risk.

However, there is considerable variation between growers in the extent to which they have reduced pesticides by adopting ‘IPM’. The variation is accountable by differences in their technical ability, defined management objectives and the economic feasibility of using biological controls. When customers become more aware of the practical possibilities of replacing pesticide use, the commercial pressure to adopt biological programmes will accelerate. Commercially it is important to make a Real start as soon as possible. IPM programmes which actually rely on pesticides to make them ‘work’ will no longer be acceptable. Pesticides will still be necessary but only as a well managed, infrequent tool.

Real IPM has now teamed up with Syngenta Bioline to help improve yields and quality of the biocontrols agents which we produce in support of our ever increasing customer base in Africa and beyond.