Pest Management & Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Flashcards

What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Answer: Manage pest populations using a combination of strategies to minimize environmental impact

IPM uses a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical strategies to manage pests while minimizing environmental and human health impacts.

Which step in the IPM process involves determining how many pests are present before taking action?

Answer: Monitoring and scouting

Monitoring and scouting involves regularly checking pest populations to determine if they have reached action thresholds before deciding to treat.

What does the 'economic threshold' represent in pest management?

Answer: The pest population level at which control measures become economically justified

The economic threshold is the pest population level at which the cost of crop or turf damage exceeds the cost of implementing control measures.

Which of the following is an example of biological pest control?

Answer: Releasing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control caterpillar larvae

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring bacterium used as a biological control agent specifically against caterpillar and larval pests.

In IPM, what is the most critical first step when a new pest is suspected in a managed landscape?

Answer: Correctly identify the pest and assess the extent of damage

Correct pest identification is essential before any control measures are taken to ensure the appropriate and most effective treatment strategy is selected.

What is the purpose of maintaining an IPM record-keeping system?

Answer: To document pest populations, treatments applied, and outcomes for future reference

IPM records document monitoring data, pest levels, treatments used, and outcomes, allowing grounds managers to refine future pest management decisions.

Which type of pest control method involves modifying the landscape environment to make it less favorable to pests?

Answer: Cultural control

Cultural control involves practices such as proper mowing height, irrigation timing, and fertilization schedules that promote plant health and reduce conditions favorable to pests.