Page 119 - ORNAMENTALES DEL TRÓPICO

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identiFication and management oF ornamental Pests

level. When pests are considered a quarantine pest or pest of regulatory concern, then the goal
may be to eradicate the pest. The key to IPM is to use several management practices together

and to use pesticides only when necessary. Five common practices of IPM are:

a. Pest Identification: Many of the management practices work only against certain pests, or pest

stage so it is very important to determine the identity of the pest and the level of damage that

might be caused.

b. Monitor and scout for pests: Continually check for pests and pest damage. Certain plants are

more likely to have pest problems so these plants would be plants to monitor. Try to collect

information on the number of pests, types of damage as well as information on weather or

soil. Keep records of what you find and the conditions they are found in. This information can

be very useful for future management of pests.

c. Decision making for pest management: Try to determine the number of pests or level of da-

mage that can be tolerated and when it is necessary to take action

d. Prevent pest problems: One way to prevent pest problems is to use plant species or cultivars

that typically have fewer problems with pests or actually have pest resistance. However, this is

not always easy to find. Overall, using appropriate plants for the area and location and main-

taining healthy plants will also help plants tolerate pests.

e. Use several management practices together: Pest management can be done with biological,

cultural, physical or mechanical, and chemical control. The key is to choose the practices that

will maximize the benefits but minimize negative impact.

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas