Strategic Pest Management

Background

Pest management systems are subject to constant change and must respond to a variety of pressures. Pests may become resistant to chemical pesticides, crop rotation or trapping methods. Regulatory agencies may restrict or phase out certain pesticides when the risks outweigh the benefits of the product. Environmental concerns, consumer demands and public opinion can significantly influence pest management practices.

Current and evolving conditions signal the need for the increased development and adoption of IPM practices, and Center programs seek to support and share the most current IPM strategies with both cutting-edge research and effective outreach.

Specifically, the Center seeks to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state and regional level. This frontier supports programs that will ensure food security by responding effectively to major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent and safe for human health.