First Step In IPM Planning Is Identifying Pests

Insect management begins with identifying the major pests to the crops you grow. Prior to the growing season, growers should identify the pests that can cause the greatest economic damage and are consistently present. Those pests should be a focus of monitoring and control efforts.

Pests that are sporadically present can also damage crops severely, such as the corn flea beetle, a vector of Stewart’s wilt. The beetle will survive warmer winters and pose a threat to crops in the next growing season. However, if a wilt-resistant variety is planted, the problem may be controlled.

A part of a successful and proactive IPM program for growers is to understand the conditions which pests thrive in, and how to take preventative measures them.
 
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