IPM prioritizes effective pest management with minimal environmental harm. "It's about using the least damaging methods possible," Cody Seals of Beneficial Insectary explains. "You need to think of it backward: managing pests in an integrated fashion—identifying what's causing market and profit loss, and addressing it holistically."
Amanda Caton of Edible Garden Ag reinforces the importance of a comprehensive strategy: "It's about safeguarding crops through informed decision-making. You need to understand your pests, know how to control them, and integrate beneficial insects and biocontrol measures effectively."
From a scientific perspective, Eric Schoeller, Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia, highlights the role of research in shaping IPM. "It must be evidence-based, reducing risks to both human health and the environment. Prevention is key, and resistant cultivars can lower pest pressure before infestations even begin."
At the recent Indoor AgCon in Las Vegas, the panel of experts discussed the practical applications of Integrated Pest Management in their panel discussion "Mastering Integrated Pest Management". They explored strategies, challenges, and success stories, emphasizing the need for a science-driven, preventative approach.
Prevention through beneficials and biologicals
One of the most effective preventative measures is the use of beneficial insects. "Predatory mites allow us to fight fire with fire, reducing pest populations before they become a problem," Cody notes. "It's not about curative control; prevention is the goal. Different beneficials target various life cycles, and environmental conditions influence their effectiveness. Some thrive in cooler temperatures, while others are more active in heat."
Amanda stresses the importance of pest identification and timing: "First, determine which pest you're targeting. Have all preventative measures been taken? Thresholds, timing, and reapplication rates matter. Systems exist to help, but growers must understand how to use them properly."
Eric expands on biologicals, emphasizing the need for diverse strategies. "Whitefly infestations often involve multiple species for example. Some products target them all at once, while microbiological solutions—such as fungi and bacteria—have specific roles but may struggle in high greenhouse temperatures. Knowing your pest is crucial. Predatory mites, for example, control larval thrips, but adult thrips require different treatments."
Lessons from the field: the cost of mismanagement
Failing to identify pests early can have serious consequences. Cody recalls a case in Tennessee's cannabis industry: "In 2016-17, broad mites were a new challenge. Infested cuttings were unknowingly brought in from multiple states, leading to widespread dieback. This experience reinforced the importance of phytosanitary measures—now, we ensure cuttings are washed, inspected, and monitored."
Amanda points to fungus gnat infestations as another costly oversight. "They seem easy to control, but organic production complicates management. Expert advice, early scouting, and sanitation are critical. The real damage comes from larvae attacking roots, making early identification essential."
Eric highlights crop-specific challenges: "Thrips in roses for example are difficult to manage. Beneficial mites thrive on trichomes but won't reproduce if a plant lacks them. Our solution? Banker plants. Introducing ornamental peppers into rose systems provided a stable environment for beneficials, significantly improving control."
Success stories: innovative solutions
Adaptability is key to successful IPM. Amanda shares a solution for basil production in New Jersey: "Downy mildew was a major issue due to a lack of resistant genetics. Instead of relying on sprays—which can spread spores—we managed the growing environment. Under-bench heating and air circulation prevented spore development. Employee training helped detect symptoms early, ensuring proactive intervention."
Eric describes an innovative use of predatory thrips. "They're highly effective but too efficient—they eliminate pests quickly and then die off. To sustain populations, we fed them sea monkey eggs. This provided a continuous food source, reducing the cost of replenishing biologicals."
Measuring success in IPM
Assessing IPM effectiveness requires rigorous monitoring. "Scouting is essential," Cody emphasizes. "Know your pest thresholds—how many are present per leaf? What life stages are developing? If you have ten today, you'll have a hundred in a week if they're feeding on pollen for example."
Amanda notes the importance of the human factor. "Proper training is crucial. Effective monitoring systems help, but beneficials aren't always the answer—you need to understand if thresholds are within acceptable limits."
Eric cautions against unrealistic expectations. "The goal isn't total eradication of pests but maintaining pest levels at an economically viable threshold. Reducing chemical applications wherever possible is key."
Aaron Fields of Campo Caribe added a final note on monitoring tools: "Sticky cards, placement, and tracking remain vital. Understanding how technology and different growing systems—whether in vertical farming or traditional controlled environment agriculture—interacts with pests is essential. Different systems require tailored approaches."
Constant improvement
The integration of beneficial insects, biologicals, and technology, alongside meticulous monitoring, enables growers to maintain healthy crops with minimal environmental impact. Eric emphasizes the need for continued research: "We must better understand the interaction between microbes and beneficials for example. How can they work together? Improving monitoring and refining strategies will also be critical for the future."