Improving the integration of pest management practices: theoretical and practical challenges

In order to improve the level of adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), it is important to understand the benefits of integrating IPM practices. Integrated systems are less prone to failure and, when they incorporate natural enemies, they are also more resilient than systems that rely on a single method of pest suppression. The impact of changing IPM practices on the pest population dynamics was evaluated in a qualitative manner by varying the parameters of the Lotka-Volterra Model. Factors that reduced the mean population density, reduced the amplitude of pest population fluctuations or increased the interval between pest population peaks were considered to improve IPM systems. Practices that reduce the net reproduction of pests, like resistant plant varieties and promotion of generalist natural enemies, are one way to improve IPM systems. Providing food resources for specialist natural enemies can also improve the level of control. Both broad-spectrum and selective insecticides can disrupt biological control systems that involve specialist natural enemies, so it is important to use pesticides only as a last resort. Even when IPM practices deliver only a fraction of the overall level of control, they can contribute to an effective IPM system. There are many practices that can be incorporated into integrated systems directed at management of the diamondback moth (DBM). Further theoretical and empirical research is needed to assist farmers with the implementation of integrated systems for management of DBM and other pests.