Integrated pest management

Integrated pest management (IPM) combines biological, chemical, and physical measures to fight pests efficiently while being less harmful to the environment than conventional pest management measures. In functioning, diverse ecosystems, biological interactions can regulate pests and reduce damage to agricultural crops induced by them. In IPM natural enemies of pests play a crucial role. Additionally, crop varieties which feature resistances against pests are preferred.

When IPM is applied successfully, usage of conventional chemical pesticides can be reduced or even completely avoided, which, in turn, facilitates biological diversity.

In Europe-wide efforts to reduce conventional pesticide usage such biological procedures become increasingly important in pest management praxis.

Additional information on IPM and undergoing research projects besides FInAL can be found at the website of the Julius-Kühn-Institute for biological control.