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.