IPM Infographic Transcript

Integrated Pest Management is Vital to American Agriculture

Integrated Pest Management has been protecting America’s farms and families since the 1970s.  Growers using integrated pest management use all the resources available - pest resistant plants, beneficial insects, on-farm technology and pesticides - to manage pests safely and economically.

IPM enables growers to produce higher-value crops with far less pesticide use than in the past.  But invasive and resistant insects, weeds, and diseases mean that ongoing IPM research is still vital to protect America’s agricultural industry, and the health of our people and environment.

The following is how IPM makes an impact:

  1. An Established IPM Program Protects Crops: Growers conserve beneficial insects and use pest-resistant plants, farming technology, and reduced-risk, selective pesticides to control insects, weeds, and diseases economically.

  2. An Invasive or Resistant Pest Appears: Old IPM controls fail.  Growers resort to broad-spectrum pesticides, sacrifice beneficial infects, and face higher costs -- or lose their crops.

  3. IPM Research Responds: University and government researchers look for novel ways to control the pest or protect the crop.  New biocontrols, pest-specific chemicals, or plant varieties are developed.

  4. Extension Teaches Growers: Extension agents take the new products or practices into the field, teaching growers how to restore balance to their farms. They and growers also monitor new threats.

  5. Re-established IPM Program Protects Crops: Growers use the new IPM tools and technologies to manage insects, weeds, and diseases in their crops economically -- and reduce risks to people and the environment.

  6. But Threats Always Remain: The IPM program is effective until a new threat emerges - from an invasive or re-emergent pests, changing climate, drought, or other factors.