Pesticide should be last resort in process

The concept of integrated pest management is not new. Prior to the introduction of synthetic chemicals, it was all gardeners possessed. Farmers would use geese and ducks to gobble up snails, slugs and June bugs. Lime and sulfur powder (Bordeaux mix) was dusted on grapes and roses to control mildew. Gardeners would hand pick insects. (Yuk!)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM as it is known in the trade) embraces the concept of utilizing numerous techniques to control pests, diseases and weeds. Pesticides are included in the tool kit, but they are used as a last resort when other efforts fail, or in combination with alternative measures to ensure success.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

* Abstinence. If the problem is not severe, then monitor and observe the pest or disease to see if other factors may play a role. This requires developing a threshold of tolerance. Example: You avoid spraying an insecticide and a bevy of birds show up to devour the pests.

* Mechanical. This is where you employ some measure to control the pest. Example: You utilize high-pressure sprays to blast aphids from your tree, or use plastic sheeting to solarize the soil by baking weeds and insects with the sun.

* Cultural. This requires a sound knowledge of the host plant, so that you make the environment less favorable for the pest. Example: Avoid high applications of nitrogen prior to the onset of humid weather to reduce the incidence of fungus on turf.

* Biological. This is likely the niftiest method of all. By employing the use of beneficial insects (lady bugs) or other organisms that target the pest you only slightly alter the environment. Example: The use of a specific bacterium (bacillus) to kill off caterpillars on your grapes or tomatoes. This has proven effectiveness, and it will not harm birds, bees or pets

* Physical exclusion. This tool is so simple anyone can do it. Before you buy a new plant, inspect it closely for weeds or insects. Problems at the nursery stay at the nursery. Example: Avoid purchasing plants with noxious weeds, snails or other pests on poor-quality plant stock.

* Sanitation. Perhaps one of the most frequently overlooked tools, sanitation allows the grower to remove insect or disease problems at the onset.

Example: Place a board on two bricks in an area known to harbor snails. Turn the board over in the morning to find these slimy critters hiding. Simply pull them off, place in a bag and dispose of them in the trash. Your problem becomes escargot at the landfill.

* Chemical. When used in moderation and at the right time, pesticides can be very effective and still only slightly alter the environment. And it does not have to be a true pesticide. It could be something commonly found in your cupboard.

Example: Full-strength vinegar can be deadly when sprayed on herblike weeds.

Dennis Swartzell is the marketing director for Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. As an ISA board-certified master arborist and a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, Swartzell has been helping Southern Nevadans with their gardening questions for 25 years. If you have a question about a particular plant, or a general gardening issue, send them to Swartzell at treemender@cox.net.