Role of IPM in Sustainable Agriculture

1. Assignment
On
Role of IPM in Sustainable Agriculture
Submitted to Submitted by
Dr. Usha & Dr. Maimom Soniya Harish J
Dept.of Entomology AG/PG/0020/19
RLBCAU, Jhansi II year M.Sc.(Plant pathology)
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
RANI LAKSHMI BAI
CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
Near Pahuj Dam, Gwalior Road, Jhansi, U.P

2. “Role of IPM in Sustainable Agriculture.”
Widespread insecticide resistance has been a major problem in a sustainable agriculture.
Also, the increasing public concern over pesticide safety and possible damage to the
environment has resulted in increasing attention being given to safety products for the control
of agricultural pests. Integrated pest management (IPM) has become one of the major
restricting factors. The protections of human health, environment, ecosystems, and
biodiversity have recently been considered as important elements in the application of
agricultural practices. IPM is a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture that focuses on
managing insects, weeds and diseases through a combination of cultural, physical, biological
and chemical methods that are cost effective, environmentally sound and socially acceptable.
Integrated Pest management is carried out in a sustainable manner by combination of
biological, cultural, mechanical, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes
economic, health and environmental risks. Despite the importance of the biological control in
IPM, the basic principles of IPM are scouting and thresholds. If scouting and thresholds were
the only IPM methods practiced by a grower, pesticide-use could usually be reduced by 50%
compared to spraying on a regular schedule. Advantages of the use of pest-resistant varieties
include low cost, increased security to the grower, decreased use of Insecticides, the potential
to enhance biological control through conservation of natural Enemies, easy transferability to
farmers’ fields, no danger to humans and domestic animals, and compatibility with all other
control practices. Several new classes of insecticides became available and been registered in
various crops. These compounds are highly efficient and very selective.
The IPM is “A pest management system that, in the context of the associated environment
and the population dynamics of the pest species, utilizes all suitable techniques and methods
in a compatible manner as possible, and maintains the pest populations at levels below those
causing economically unacceptable damage or loss”. IPM involves integration of cultural,
physical, biological and chemical pest management techniques such as sanitation, exclusion,
scouting, intervention, using compatible pesticides, accurate pest identification, and record
keeping. In spite of the importance of the biological control in IPM, the basic principles of
IPM are scouting and thresholds. Scouting is simply inspecting the crop (weekly) for the
presence of pests. While, thresholds are simply deciding whether pests are abundant enough
to require a control treatment. If scouting and thresholds were the only IPM methods

3. practiced by a grower, pesticide use could usually be reduced by 50% compared to spraying
on a regular schedule. The following actions implemented under the IPM programme are: (1)
Application of less-toxic pesticides. (2) Use of natural products as pesticides agents, releasing
predators to eat rodents and insects in cultivated areas. (3) Seeking suitable cultural methods
and balanced fertilizer use to help decrease pest populations. (4) Introducing genetic
engineering technology to increase plant resistance to pests. (5) Improving sprayer
techniques. Use of non-toxic bio regulators to increase plant resistance to pests. (6) Use of
genetic manipulation messenger chemicals such as sex attractants and establishment of
database systems in pest control programmes.
The principle objectives of IPM are to develop economically, socially and environmentally
acceptable pest control tactics. The basic principles of IPM are scouting and thresholds which
reduces the use of pesticides by 50%. Integrated Pest management is carried out in a
sustainable manner by combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, physical and chemical
tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks. IPM emphasizes the
growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro ecosystems and encourages
natural pest control mechanisms.” IPM is a flexible approach which makes the best use of all
available technologies to manage pest problems effectively and safely. IPM strategies consist
of three basic components. Prevention of pest build-up through use of appropriate crop
cultivation methods. Observation of the crop to monitor pest levels, as well as the levels of
natural control mechanisms, such as beneficial insects, in order to make the correct decision
on the need for control measures. Intervention where control measures are needed. An
elementary principle of effective IPM is to develop pest control strategies that take into
account all relevant control tactics and locally available methods, and are sensitive to local
environment and social needs. The successful user of IPM will evaluate the potential cost
effectiveness of each alternative as well as the whole control strategy.
Improved crop profitability due to better pest control measures and appropriate use of crop
protection products Stable, reliable and quality crop yields. Decreased severity of pest
infestations, reduced potential for problems of pest resistance or resurgence, increased
consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food and fibre products. Crop protection
companies that integrate IPM principles into marketing and customer support for their
products also stand to benefit from Sustained market share and access, Less risk of
restrictions or deregistration, New opportunities for established and novel products,

4. techniques and services, Longer product lifecycles, Decreased resistance of pests to crop
protection products and biotech plants, Increased public confidence in, and credibility of, the
crop protection industry.