Endangered species and their implications to IPM programs

AGRO 100

Peter B. Goodell, ipmpbg@uckac.edu, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, University of California, Cooperative Extension, Kearney Agricultural Center, 9240 South Riverbend Ave, Parlier, CA 93648
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to managing organisms which cause economic, environmental or animal or human health problems. IPM seeks to mitigate secondary effects on humans and our environment through a systems approach in managing weeds, diseases, vertebrates, arthropods or nematodes. Management is conducted through the integration of biological, chemical and cultural methods that uses knowledge of the pest and crop and rational decision-making based on population estimates and potential loss.

IPM requires intervention in the natural and agricultural systems to seek equilibrium between damaging and non-damaging population densities. Within these systems are organisms that might be listed as threatened or endangered. The presence of such organism must be incorporated into the whole system being utilized to develop and deliver an IPM system.

Examples will be provided to illustrate specific issues regarding endangered species and the introduction of exotic natural enemies. Implications of pesticide use in designated endanger species habitat will discussed.