Mutually Beneficial: Incorporated as part of an IPM program, biopesticides protect fruit crops and beneficial insects

摘要

MOST growers working to create a sustainable agriculture system understand that their first line of defense against unwanted pests is not found in the chemical shed. No, the first line of defense is the beneficial organisms — the good bugs — out inthe field. That's why a solid Integrated Pest Management (1PM) program is one of the linchpins of sustainable agriculture. IPM combines cultural practices (i.e. safe planting dates), biological controls (i.e. predatory insects), and chemical control to keep pest populations low. But, when a pest problem becomes too severe and a chemical must be applied, the grower has two options: a traditional, synthetic product or a "softer" biopesticide.