Integrated Pest Management

IPM Manual for Landscape Pests in British Columbia

Preface

by L.A. Gilkeson and R.W. Adams

2000

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the following reviewers on behalf of the BC Landscape and Nursery Association, who provided valuable comment and correction on drafts of the manual:

Ron Brown, Ron's Landscaping Service Ltd.
Allan O'Connor, Creative Garden Services Ltd.
Lance Sharon, Upper Levels Landscape Management Ltd.
Robert Welsh, Capilano College

The authors would also like to thank the following people for their important contributions in reviewing parts or all of the text:

Conrad Bérubé, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (now Environment)
Bob Costello, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (now Agriculture and Lands)
Sophie Dessureault, Vancouver Parks and Recreation
Joanne Edwards, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (now Environment)
Janice Elmhirst, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (now Agriculture and Lands)
Gayle Jesperson, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (now Agriculture and Lands)
Mario Lanthier, CropHealth Advising and Research
Hugh Philip, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (now Agriculture and Lands)
Jerry Vakenti, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (now Environment)
Madeleine Waring, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (now Agriculture and Lands)

Final manual layout and design, including the Internet versions, was done by Ian Black,
Ian Black Concepts.

Why This Manual was Prepared

This manual is one in a series of IPM manuals for use in pesticide applicator training. It was produced by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks to promote adoption of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach in the landscape sector. The goal is to ensure that all pesticide are used only within an IPM program. Experience has shown that applying IPM methods eliminates unnecessary pesticide use, often reducing pesticide use by 60-80% in landscapes. At the same time landscape managers report better results than when they mainly relied on pesticides to control pests. This is not surprising because landscape IPM programs are based, first and foremost, on preventing pest problems by growing healthy plants in well-designed landscapes.

The landscape industry and those who work for parks departments and in other public landscapes are well aware of the trend in public concern about pesticide use. This concern has resulted in restrictions on pesticide use and even bans in certain jurisdictions. A 1999 survey of the BC turfgrass industry * found that 88% of the survey respondents operated within some type of restriction on pesticide use. Over 17% of parks and school board respondents stated that they operated under a 'no pesticides' policy. Regardless of whether or not pesticide use is an option, an IPM approach can be used to provide beautiful turf and ornamental plantings. Today there are more effective alternatives to pesticides than ever before and more low risk pesticides registered for use in landscapes.

Lack of training is often cited as an obstacle to the wider adoption of IPM methods. The ministry is addressing this problem by incorporating IPM training in the learning requirements for pesticide applicator certification in the province. Candidates studying for applicator certification will be expected to have a good understanding of the information in this manual. This IPM initiative has widespread support in the professional landscape industry in the province. Providing IPM training for the landscape sector is endorsed by BC Landscape and Nursery Association, whose members have been instrumental in production of this manual by reviewing the texts and providing information and suggestions.

This manual describes the basic principles of IPM as they apply in landscapes and gives examples of IPM programs for common pests. It is intended to be a training manual as well as a basic reference guide for pest management. It may also be useful for Master Gardeners, landscape designers and clients of landscape services who want to know more about IPM and least-toxic treatment methods.

Given the wide variety of ornamental plants and climates found in the province, this manual is not intended to cover every pest problem that can appear in landscapes. Rather, it is intended to provide landscape managers with the basic information they need to apply IPM methods to the landscapes under their management. Every IPM program must be tailored to suit a specific site as well as the needs of those who use the site. Each chapter contains a list of suggested references that provide more information. We hope that readers will be stimulated to go on and investigate this fascinating subject in greater depth and will continue to keep up with new developments in the field.

This is our first IPM manual for the landscape sector in BC so there may be unforeseen omissions and errors. We would appreciate receiving comments that will help us improve future editions of this manual.

* Summary in: The Turf Line News, June / July 1999. vol. 152:8-15

How the Manual is Organized

Chapters 1 to 3: The first chapter in the manual gives an overview of IPM as it applies to landscapes, while the second chapter describes practical ways to apply this information in developing an IPM program. Chapter 3 contains information on specific physical, mechanical and biological controls and reduced risk pesticides that are referred to in later chapters.

Chapters 4 to 10: These chapters describe how IPM methods can be applied to different types of sites and pest problems commonly found in BC. Each chapter includes notes on prevention and outlines identification, monitoring methods, action decisions, range of treatment options and evaluation methods. Notes on IPM programs for specific pests are included at the end of some chapters.

Chapter 11: The final chapter describes precautions for using pesticides in landscapes. It also includes recommendations on communications between landscape managers and their clients or public.