Author
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Henneberry, Thomas |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Pest Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2003 Publication Date: 6/1/2003 Citation: HENNEBERRY,T.J., INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PEST MANAGEMENT, 2003, pp 1-3. Interpretive Summary: Worldwide, current farm values of crop and animal production are estimated at more than $1.3 trillion. Various authors have suggested farm production losses by arthropod pests that appear to be in the range of 10% to 15% with additional losses of 10% to 40% occurring during post-harvest handling. The cost of pest control in the United States and worldwide is estimated to be over $20 and $120 billion, respectively. Efforts to reduce these losses and control costs have been a driving force in agricultural research. Over the past two decades, increases in world food production have exceeded population growth in most countries. Since the 1960s, worldwide agricultural production has increased 80%. However, a continuation of this trend is not assured. These and similar demographics have intrigued and challenged scientists to develop new food and fiber production technology to provide for the needs of escalating human population growth. Integrated pest management (IPM) is among the advanced concepts to provide economically, environmentally, and socially acceptable insect control. The concept originally addressed insect pest management but was broadened to include disease, weeds, and other pests. The origin of the terminology can be traced from integrated control, which became synonymous with IPM and pest management. The Entomological Society of America defined IPM as: ``A pest management system that in the context of the associated environment and the population dynamics of the pest species utilizes all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible a manner as possible and maintains the pest populations at levels below those causing economic injury.¿¿ Technical Abstract: Worldwide, current farm values of crop and animal production are estimated at more than $1.3 trillion. Various authors have suggested farm production losses by arthropod pests that appear to be in the range of 10% to 15% with additional losses of 10% to 40% occurring during post-harvest handling. The cost of pest control in the United States and worldwide is estimated to be over $20 and $120 billion, respectively. Efforts to reduce these losses and control costs have been a driving force in agricultural research. Over the past two decades, increases in world food production have exceeded population growth in most countries. Since the 1960s, worldwide agricultural production has increased 80%. However, a continuation of this trend is not assured. These and similar demographics have intrigued and challenged scientists to develop new food and fiber production technology to provide for the needs of escalating human population growth. Integrated pest management (IPM) is among the advanced concepts to provide economically, environmentally, and socially acceptable insect control. The concept originally addressed insect pest management but was broadened to include disease, weeds, and other pests. The origin of the terminology can be traced from integrated control, which became synonymous with IPM and pest management. The Entomological Society of America defined IPM as: ``A pest management system that in the context of the associated environment and the population dynamics of the pest species utilizes all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible a manner as possible and maintains the pest populations at levels below those causing economic injury.¿¿ |
