IPM SERA-IEG
Justification


Losses due to pests and efforts to control pests are major obstacles to crop and livestock production in the Southern Region. In addition, the cost of controlling pests in recreational areas and households combined with the environmental concerns associated with pesticide usage makes IPM a high priority in the Southern Region and the U.S. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency has set a goal to have 75% of U.S. cropland using IPM practices by the year 2000.
This multitude of pest situations combined with the numerous pest disciplines make the coordination of all aspects of IPM critical. Historically, IPM has revolved around entomology with less emphasis on plant pathology, weed science, nematology, and other related disciplines; however, for IPM to be truly effective, all aspects must be integrated. SERA-IEG-3 originated with the Experiment Station and Extension Directors naming individuals from each state to provide recommendations on coordination of the IPM activities in the region. This need for coordination is as great or greater today than when this SERA-IEG was formed.