Identifying the Sophistication Levels in an IPM Philosophy

1st Level. See and Spray or See and Treat

The characteristics of such a program are:

• 1) Decision making is straight forward. If a pest is detected, a pesticide application is provided.

• 2) This program is typically very pest oriented. Consideration is not given to the plants growing environment or vitality on the application date. Consideration may not be given to the pest population level on the application date.

• 3) No/poor follow up after a treatment is made, within a reasonable time period, to determine efficacy of the treatment. This program may have yearly treatments scheduled regardless of pest population. An example may be an yearly scheduled treatment to manage gypsy moth even though the population had crashed the previous year.

• 4) No/poor record keeping regarding the plant and pest conditions. Although the applicator may remember from year to year, the previous year’s treatment characteristics are not recorded. Should a new applicator take over that route, all previous information is lost. No recorded information is kept on plant health and growing environment.

• 5) Usually there are no regularly scheduled plant inspections during the growing season. An inspection means more that a visit to the client’s front door to solicit more work or a glance at 30 mph in a passing automobile.

In summary, the first type/level of IPM is a refinement of a cover spray system. Often in such a system the salesperson provides the scouting, selling prescribed treatments long before the application date is near.

2nd Level. Integrated Pest Management

In a typical Integrated Pest Management service the following characteristics are usually found:

• 1) There is a decision making process. These decisions are usually based on pest population and aesthetic injury levels. If the pest population jeopardizes the health or aesthetics of the plant, a treatment is provided.

• 2) Cultural tactics are employed such as pruning and fertilization. However, fertilization may be recommended to improve plant vitality without first knowing the actual cause of plant decline. For example, I was recently called by a condominium manager and asked to fertilize a large declining planting at a 2 year old condominium complex. Rather than automatically route a fertilization crew to provide the service, I suggested that an examination of the site was appropriate. He agreed. I found that the topsoil had been removed during construction down to a clay layer. Only a few inches of loam was replaced causing excess water from their irrigation system to collect in the planting pits causing plant decline.

• 3) Emphasis is placed on using a pesticide with reduced toxicity and other pest management tactics that include other than petrochemical controls. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils used alone and in combination with other petrochemical products are key identifiable items to IPM programs.

• 4) A monitor or scout is now used to inspect plant materials on some prescribed cycles during the growing season. That person may or may not be the pesticide applicator but certainly is the person responsible for the decision making process.

• 5) Degree days and/or phenological relationships are used to better time trapping actions.

• 6) Pheromone traps may be used to better time borer treatments. Pit fall or sticky traps may be used to monitor population levels or emergence dates.

• 7) Threshold levels are used to determine if actions are necessary based on sampling of best populations.

• 8) Accurate record keeping has been instituted to maintain pest population records. Also plant susceptibility and current condition may be recorded.

• 9) Because a routine monitoring and action cycle has been established, additional emphasis can be placed on using the least toxic material available to manage the pest problem.

This program is typically reactive.

3rd Level. Plant Health Care

This program combines the principles and practices of IPM with a more comprehensive management program. In PHC the emphasis is on the plant and on those factors that affect its health and vitality. PHC is more problem solving than system solving. For example, we know that many insects and diseases that kill plants are opportunisitic. When a plant’s vitality level drops below a certain point it becomes unable to protect itself by natural means and is an attractive host. Through monitoring and management of plant health and vitality, a PHC program becomes a proactive rather than a reactive approach.

In addition to the components of an IPM program, plant health care incorporates the following:

• 1) An initial plant inventory is conducted. Through the determination of plant species under your care a more accurate prediction of the problems that may be encountered can be obtained.

• 2) A basic plant analysis is conducted concurrently with the initial inventory. A visual vitality rating is assigned to each plant. This rating is based on characteristics such as leaf color and size, incremental growth and presence of plant parasites. This information provides an important baseline for later trend analysis. It also serves to prepare the client if the plant’s long term prognosis is poor.

• 3) Plant growing environment is evaluated. This information allows the technical specialist to better determine site problems that may influence plant health and vitality. Items such as soil compaction, excessive moisture, incorrect soil pH, insufficient light and poor soil fertility are assessed. The creation of more optimum growing conditions through growing environment manipulation can often cirumvent future plant problems.

• 4) Trend analysis of key plant vitality through the use of methodology such as shigometers, root starch analysis and incremental growth. The health and vitality of key landscape plants can be monitored over time. Efficacy of treatment practices can be analyzed.

• 5) The use of suitable plant species for specific sites is emphasized. The matching of a plant’s native habitat to growing conditions to be encountered in the landscape is a tactic emphasized to reduce plant stress and future plant problems. Through relocation and involvement in the landscape design process, a healthier and more problem free landscape can be obtained.

A sound plant management program depends on accurate monitoring of pest population levels, diseases and other growing environment conditions. Routine inspections are the cornerstone of success. Cultural practices such as pruning, aerification, fertilization, lime or sulfur application and irrigation may all be administered with accuracy and a high degree of confidence. Of course, use of petrochemical, biological soaps, oils, synthetics and organics are all part of the arsenal used in plant health care. However, their judicious use is paramount. The bottom line is, if a plant is managed properly there will be fewer fatal or debilitating parasitic organisms to control.

Recognizing the different programs is the first step to a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each program. Depending on equipment and personnel available, companies can provide several programs and increase marketing flexibility. Through recognition of the fundamental requirements for implementation of IPM philosophy, tree care companies can design programs that are environmentally sound and provide the quality of tree and shrubs care desired by the client.