Integrated Pest Management

The midge (Forcipomyia sp.) pictured here is a beneficial insect; midges are key pollinators of cacao, and so are essential for a crop. IPM endeavors to control pests without harming the many beneficial insects. Beneficials can be actively encouraged as part of an IPM program. This is the case with the mealybug-farming ant, known as the black cocoa ant Dolichoderus thoracicus, used in Indonesia and Malaysia to reduce mirid damage. For more information on the biology and benefits of the black cocoa ant, click on the scientific name.

Integrated Pest Management or IPM is a system for manipulating plant pests (which usually includes insects, diseases and weeds) to keep them below economic thresholds. Management of cocoa pests has been gaining momentum in recent years. In contrast to conventional control which relays almost exclusively on prophylactic use of chemicals to control pests IPM uses ecologically sound, multiple management tactics for managing pests. Preventative control tends to use excessive pesticides which often accelerates pest resistance and begin an upward spiral of pesticide use.

Accurate pest management is dependent on a strong scouting program. Growers need to know the conditions of their crop and the pests in the field so that they can determine the best actions to take. Scouting, often referred to as monitoring or surveying of pests, is essential in an IPM program. Monitoring techniques include recording temperature and other weather conditions, regular surveys of plants for pests or their damage, use of insect traps, and observing plant growth stages, to mention a few. Systematic scouting data must be recorded so that is can be used in decision making.

IPM is one of modern agriculture's soundest innovations. The goal to increase the level of IPM in the USA to a level of at least 75% of all crops by the year 2000 is quite ambitious. Our mandate is to protect our environment and create agricultural practices that are sustainable.

IPM should offer economic incentives to growers by increasing quality, quantity, along with practical, economic management requirements. The use of several techniques to deter pests, IPM will reduce reliance on a single pesticide, reducing the development of resistance to pesticides.

Remember that IPM is not static but an ever changing technique to gain the upper hand on pest problems. As new facets are added to the knowledge of pest control test them on a small scale to see if they work for you. Much of IPM is based on common sense.

Why IPM? IPM combines our best contemporary knowledge about cultural and biological control, host-plant resistance , and grower practices with chemical controls to provide the most environmentally sound, effective control of insects, diseases, and weeds.

For more information, click on the desired pest group: Diseases | Insects | Weeds
Click here for more information about IPM.

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