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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Sunflower and Plant Biology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #409673
Research Project: Genetic Enhancement of Sunflower Yield and Tolerance to Biotic Stress

Location: Sunflower and Plant Biology Research

Title: When the challenge isn’t science: sunflower IPM in a post-IPM world

Author
item Prasifka, Jarrad

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/19/2023
Publication Date: 11/7/2023
Citation: Prasifka, J.R. 2023. When the challenge isn’t science: sunflower IPM in a post-IPM world. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Integrated pest management (IPM) as a concept and practice is several decades old. Recent research shows application of IPM can reduce pesticide use by 90% or more while maintaining (or increasing) yields in some crops. However, in other cropping systems IPM seems to be in decline. Some general and specific causes of reduced use of IPM in agriculture will be discussed and a specific case in cultivated sunflowers examined in detail. For the red sunflower seed weevil (RSSW), increasing pest populations and declines in insecticide efficacy may provide a means for increased application of IPM principles. However, early work with growers struggling to manage RSSW suggests that ‘scientists finding answers’ is insufficient. Ultimately, success in modifying grower attitudes to move away from a single tool (insecticides) towards IPM may depend on non-scientists, particularly peers, advocating for new approaches to pest management.