Integrated pest management in greenhouses
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a package of interchangeable agricultural practices that can be used to manage pests in the crop. IPM is based on keeping pest populations to levels which the crop and fruit yield and quality can tolerate. It includes taking action to manage pests when they are at their most vulnerable life stage(s). Effective pest management requires correct identification of the pest in its different life stages and regular, routine monitoring of pest populations. This web page details the key IPM practices used in greenhouses including sanitation and hygiene, monitoring, record keeping and using less chemicals and choosing “newer chemistry” chemicals that tend to be pest specific and/or have lower toxicity. Information relevant to the management of Western flower thrips (WFT), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and other Thrips and Tospoviruses is included in this item.