Evolution of IPM

Late 1960's — Ray F. Smith, Vernon M. Stern, Robert VanDenBosch, and Harold T. Reynolds of the University of California introduce the IPM concept as a pest population management system that uses all suitable techniques. These include attractants for monitoring and in baits, sterile male insect release, introduction of natural enemies, resistant species and varieties, and selected pesticides when and as needed.

1972 — The 6-year Huffaker Project begins. Investigators include USDA's Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, and Cooperative State Research Service, plus 19 universities and some private industry segments. The major objective is to develop alternative pest control systems to optimize long-term costs/benefits to both growers and society. The realistic, ecologically compatible systems target insect and mite pests of alfalfa, citrus, cotton, pine trees, pome and stone fruits, and soybeans.

1985 — The Consortium for IPM expands on the Huffaker Project to include all pests: insects, diseases, and weeds. Cooperators include USDA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, universities, and the National Science Foundation.

Late 1980's — Evaluation of IPM programs in 15 states documents benefits and indicates IPM users increase profits by more than $575 million annually compared to nonusers. Growers use IPM successfully on cotton, soybeans, corn, vegetables, hay, and on external parasites of livestock.

1994 — USDA/ARS announces large-scale areawide pest management project for commercial apple and pear orchards in the western United States. Other pilot projects are in the planning stage.

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