Integrated Pest Management

B.C. Pest Monitor — Former Newsletter of IPM in British Columbia

Vol. 1 No. 1 May 1992

Integrated Pest Management in British Columbia: What is IPM?

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an approach that uses all available techniques in an organized program to suppress pest populations in effective, economical and environmentally safe ways. IPM is not new--in fact, some B.C. apple growers have been using IPM for over 15 years and many B.C. greenhouse vegetable growers have been using IPM since the early 1980's. Over the last decade, the concept of IPM has been increasingly applied to pests of all kinds, including weeds, nematodes, plant diseases and vertebrates.

An IPM program gives pest managers the information needed to decide whether or not action must be taken to manage a pest or disease problem and, if so, to choose the most appropriate combination of control measures. A key idea is that is necessary to take action against pests only when their numbers warrant it, not as a routine measure. In most cases the goal is to suppress pest populations to non-damaging levels, not to eliminate them.

Components of an IPM Program

• Identification of the problem is essential because most of the treatments must be tailored to a particular species.
• Monitoring provides the information needed to make pest management decisions. Pest managers use a variety of sampling methods, such as visual inspections and counts of insects caught in traps or in sweep nets. Monitoring services cost growers $30-70 per acre, depending on the crop. Growers usually find that the monitoring service saves them at least this much in pesticide costs alone.
• Injury levels are unacceptable levels of damage from a particular pest. How much damage is tolerable depends on what part of the plant is affected, the cost of the treatments, the value of the crop that could be lost and the cost of negative side-effects, such as the loss of beneficial insects that might be controlling other pests. In parks or conservatories, aesthetic criteria are usually used to establish injury levels.
• Action levels are when a particular treatment should be applied to deter pest populations from rising above the predetermined injury level. For pesticide treatments, the action level and injury level might be close together in time, but for a biological control agent, the action level may be much earlier. This is necessary to give predators time to build up an effective population. Some treatments are only effective at certain times in the life cycle of the pest, therefore the action level for these occurs when monitoring shows that the pest population is in the susceptible stage.

Treatment can be one or several of the following methods coordinated into a management program:

• Biological controls: such as predatory and parasitic insects, plant and insect diseases.
• Physical or mechanical controls: such as screens, traps, flame weeders and mulches.
• Cultural controls: such as resistant varieties, crop rotation, pruning methods, plant nutrition and sanitation.
• Chemical controls: including synthetic and natural pesticides and insect growth regulators.

Substituting biological, physical or cultural controls for chemicals is promoted wherever possible to conserve native beneficial species and reduce impacts on the environment. When pesticides are used in IPM programs, they are selected for their compatibility with other treatments and are applied as efficiently as possible, through better timing and improved equipment.

IPM programs emphasize making changes in the management of the crop or habitat to prevent pest problems from developing. An integrated approach also includes revising aesthetic standards, such as for ornamental plants or for cosmetic damage to crops, that lead to unnecessary pesticide use. At times other human activities must change as well. For example, managing garbage differently to reduce cockroach populations or restricting use of playing fields to preserve turf from broad-leaf weed invasion.

Evaluation of the pest management program is essential to review records to determine what worked and where improvements should be made.

The basic principles of IPM are to reduce pesticide use by improving the timing of sprays, to replace pesticides with non-toxic alternatives and good management and to redesign the underlying management system to prevent pest problems and conserve beneficial species.

For an expanded version of the above article, write to: Pesticide Management Branch, B.C. Environment, 4th Floor, 737 Courtney St., Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X5

IPM in British Columbia

IPM programs in B.C. are based on an extensive background of government, university and private research. This research has been adapted by extension staff, growers and pest managers to achieve practical programs.

In 1991 in B.C., according to a survey conducted by the Pesticide Management Branch, IPM consultants were contracted by growers to advise them on 6000 acres of fruit and vegetable crops. About 1300 acres (nearly half) of the cranberry crop, over 1800 acres of potatoes in the lower Fraser River valley and about 1400 acres of Okanagan apples, pears and other tree fruits were grown under IPM programs. About 50 acres or 90% of B.C. greenhouse vegetables crops are currently grown under IPM with biological controls as the main treatment for five key pests. Apple growers on IPM programs used about 25% less insecticide for codling moth than growers who sprayed according to a calendar. Nearly all of the onions on the lower mainland (about 185 acres) and most table carrots (about 250 acres) are grown using IPM methods. The survey found that carrots, onions and potatoes grown under IPM used an average of 50-60% less insecticide on over 80% of the area. For most of the carrot acreage, the resulting level of insect control was about the same under IPM as it had been before. For onions and potatoes, however, insect control was better on over 70% of the acreage than in it had been before monitoring programs were used. IPM programs are also being developed for strawberries, currants, raspberries, lettuce and cole crops.

IPM in Urban Parks and Recreation

The urgency of public debate on the use of pesticides in parks and recreational facilities in B.C. has generated a good deal of interest in reducing and eliminating pesticide use wherever possible. Several municipalities have been grappling with this issue for several years and have well established IPM programs in place. Two such examples are described in the following articles by Bill Stephen (IPM Coordinator for the Vancouver Park Board) and by Mike Nihls (Superintendent of Parks Operations for District of Coquitlam). Both articles contain IPM policy guidelines that could serve as models for municipalities that plan to adopt official IPM policies in future.

Integrated Pest Management Program in Vancouver Parks

The City of Vancouver Parks Board is responsible for maintaining the park system in such a way as to improve the environment of the City and provide recreational facilities for the enjoyment of all. The question of the role of chemical pesticides in such a system has been raised often in the previous decade. In an attempt to satisfy all concerns raised, the Park Board adopted an Integrated Pest Management approach to dealing with insect, disease, and weed problems. The process of change had taken place gradually, but progress continues to be made towards a plant care system that adheres to the prescribed policy guidelines stated below.

Perhaps the most important change has taken place in the attitudes of both the staff and public. No longer is it acceptable to simply use chemical pesticides as a solution in themselves; in each case there is thought given as to:

• what exactly is the problem?
• is control necessary?
• what are the non-pesticide options?
• if none, what pesticide would be least likely to adversely affect the stability of the ecosystem?
• how can we alter the environment so that less pesticide will be required here?

Staff have all received training in Integrated Pest Management Practice. All pesticide applications are reported to the IPM Coordinator along with a description of the problem and reasons for using a pesticide. A summary of such usage is presented to the Board of Commissioners in a semi-annual report.

Many members of the community have become accustomed to pest free parkland and continue to raise concerns about the Board's increased tolerance of nuisance pests. Effort is made through the use of letters and personal conversations to raise their tolerance as well. On the other hand, an increase in public relations effort has been necessary to allay concerns about the Board's use of pesticides in situations where an unwarranted loss of facility function would otherwise occur. Perhaps not surprisingly, new safety measures such as warning signs and "CAUTION" tape around treated areas have heightened these concerns.

Of special interest to other communities that are wrestling with this problem might be a brief summary of alternative control techniques that the Board is either utilizing or putting through trials. The areas follows:

Weeds

• flame torching
• hand pulling and mechanical cultivation
• mulching and geotextiles to smother weeds
• herbicidal soap
• competitive and alleopathic planting (to displace and weaken weeds)
• crack filling and cementing (to remove germination sites for seeds)
• complete turf care (vigorous turf displaces weeds)

Insects

• pruning to remove egg masses, tent caterpillar nests
• release biological controls
• insect parasitic nematodes
• traps (pheromones and as barriers)
• misting and water blasting to dislodge pests, fungal spores
• insect resistant species and cultivars
• companion planting
• lowest toxicity insecticides:
  • dormant oil
  • insecticidal soap
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)
  • pyrethrins (from pyrethrum daisy)
  • insect growth regulating hormone
  • diatomaceous earth

Fungal & Bacterial Diseases

• sanitation measures
• increased organic soil and fertilizer
• other soil amendments
• revised irrigation systems
• increased air flow to plant surfaces
• disease resistant species and cultivars
• lowest toxicity fungicides
  • lime sulphur
  • sulphur
  • antitranspirant prophylactic sprays
• hyperparasitic bacteria (under research permit)

The IPM program at the Vancouver Park Board still faces many challenges; but the rewards will not only be a safer, more beautiful and cost effective park system, but a better understanding on behalf of its citizens of the complexities of sustainable landscape management.

Bill Stephen is the IPM Coordinator for the Vancouver Park Board. He is happy to share information with other park maintenance practitioners, and can be reached at: Sunset Nursery.

Integrated Pest Management Policy

Vancouver Parks Board

• First Goal - maintenance and improvement of facilities within the board's jurisdiction.
• Second Goal - lessen the use of chemical pesticides.
• Third Goal - to implement an IPM program.

Definition — the best combination of cultural, biological, genetic and chemical methods for the most effective and economical control of pests.

Key Elements

• survey of pests
• monitor pest population levels
• assess thresholds
• determine solutions giving rise to promoting problems
• determine the best approach, non-chemical controls shall be given preference
• control should be
  • least hazardous to human health
  • least disruptive to natural controls
  • least toxic to non-targets
  • most likely to effect permanent pest reduction
  • easiest to carry out effectively
  • most cost effective
• record all pesticide usage in a computer database
• monitor the results

Treatment methodologies and pest resistant plant material shall be regularly monitored so that the Board has a wider choice of safer and more economical alternatives.

The District of Coquitlam's Integrated Vegetation Management Plan

The object of an integrated pest management program is not to eradicate pests, but to suppress pest populations until numbers are so few, that the damage can be tolerated. To achieve this objective, District of Coquitlam Parks and Recreation staff have been working on developing a vegetation management control program, which: identifies an action threshold; determines what control methods are to be implemented; maintains maintenance standards; minimizes waste; reduces operating costs and produces minimal environmental impact.

Integrated pest management is an ecologically based decision-making process to determine if, where, when and how control practices will be implemented. IPM is a pro-active maintenance management system that is: more effective, less expensive, less hazardous and more environmentally sound than conventional pest control programs. IPM is not a "no chemicals" program. Rather it is a methodology that requires that all control strategies whether single or combined, meet the following major criteria: proven efficiency, least environmental impact, operational feasibility and cost-effectiveness. In assessing whether action is necessary, one must consider whether non-action will affect public health and safety, cause irreversible damage to vegetation target areas, create a potential for spread, create a loss of functions, and/or result in loss of investment.

In making the transition to IPM, staff have reviewed past and current vegetation control practices in the context of "is action necessary?" This evaluation process has resulted in the establishment of action levels or thresholds in both Parks and Engineering Operations Division. The action threshold identifies the point in time in which a weed or pest population is controlled. Control options are only implemented when the weed/pest population exceeds the action level, but before such time that the weed/pest population compromises the pre-established maintenance standard.

The vegetation management plan includes the following guidelines:

1. No action will be taken until the problem is verified.
2. A problem must exceed the action threshold before a prescription is implemented.
3. All control options will be evaluated.
4. Prescriptions will utilize the most effective options with the least non-target impacts.
5. All actions will be carefully timed for maximum effectiveness and safety.
6. Results will be monitored and accurate records kept.
7. The program will be evaluated and periodically modified as necessary.

The options for vegetation control include using the most effective combination of hand removal, mechanical cultivation, mulches, site modifications, competitive vegetation, cultural practices, herbicides and physical controls. Experimental weed control trials include using heat treatment, calcium chloride, sidewalk flushing and premixed, closed delivery herbicide systems.

Target areas for Parks and Engineering operations:

• tree hazards: only dead, dying or diseased trees are pruned or removed
• horticultural displays: these are divided into classes according to the standard of maintenance required:
  1. highest standard, kept weed free,
  2. moderate profile areas, kept relatively weed free,
  3. natural areas, needing minimal maintenance.
• trails, parking lots, and hard surfaces: there is a low tolerance for weeds on tennis courts and lacrosse boxes, but a higher tolerance on trails, bleacher pads and parking lots
• sports fields: pesticides are used only if public safety is at risk
• ditching: no pesticides used; flail mowing to clear vegetation
• brush control: four inspections per year of lanes and sidewalks; no pesticides used; chipping, trimming, removal as required
• roads and sidewalks: selective pesticides used when weed population exceeds 50%; non-chemical controls when weeds are less than 50%

Coquitlam's Good Neighbour Policy

This is a public information and involvement program designed to answer questions on what is being done, why, where, when and how. The information is delivered in letters to householders and on signs posted for treatment areas. Under this policy, people objecting to spray programs along their property have the option of maintaining the area themselves without pesticides.

Michael Nihls is Superintendent of Parks Operations for the District of Coquitlam, B.C.

Publications

Books

Common Sense Pest Control. 1991. By W. Olkowski, S. Daar and H. Olkowski.

This is a superb, detailed text book on integrated pest management and has detailed information on managing many common garden, household, community pests in the least-toxic manner possible. Emphasis is on prevention and designing the pest problems out of the system. Written for the U.S., but has many pests common in B.C.

Available from: Bio-Integral Resource Center, P.O. Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 (415) 524-2567. Hardcover $40.00. U.S.

New Directions in Tree Fruit Pest Management. 1991. By K. Williams.

An excellent collection of papers by various U.S. experts in fruit tree IPM, mostly from the Pacific Northwest. Sections cover tree fruit diseases, the principles of IPM and the biology and control of various tree fruit pests. Much of the information is applicable in B.C.

Available from: Good Fruit Grower, Washington State Fruit Commission, 1005 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA 98902 (509)575-2315. Soft cover $14.00. U.S.

Integrated Pest Management for Turfgrass and Ornamentals. 1989. By A.R. Leslie and R.L. Metcalf.

Proceedings of a workshop on turfgrass management sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and GCSAA. Contains papers with results of recent research on alternatives to pesticides and management of turf to control pests.

Available from: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, 1421 Research Park Dr., Lawrence, Kansas 66049. Soft cover $12.00. U.S.

Pamphlets and Guides

Safe and Sensible Pest Control. 1991. By L. Gilkeson (see Brochures section of this website for on-line versions).

Just off the press are the first in a series of guides developed by B.C. Environment to encourage the use of safe, practical alternatives to the overuse of pesticides to control common pests of home and garden. Five titles are now available: Fleas, Yellowjackets, Aphids, Turf Weeds and Beneficial Insects.

Integrated Control of Greenhouse Pests for Commercial Growers. 1992. By R.A. Costello, D.P. Elliott, L.A. Gilkeson and D.R. Gillespie.

This handy book with colour pictures is an up to date guide on how to monitor and apply biological controls in commercial greenhouse vegetable crops. Results of the latest research in B.C. on release rates and behaviour of biological control agents are included along with pesticide compatibility charts.

Available from: Extension Systems Branch, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 808 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8W 2Z7. No Charge.

Biological Pest Management for Interior Plantscapes. 1987. By M.Y. Steiner and D.P. Elliott.

Colour illustrated guide with detailed biological control information on all common pests and the beneficial insects and mites used to control them in indoor plantings. Also covered is pesticide compatibility and how to set up a biocontrol program.

Available from: Alberta Public Affairs Bureau, Publication Service, 11510 Kingsway Ave., Edmonton, AB T5G 2Y5. $2.50 + 7% GST.

Journals

IPM Practitioner.

The premier journal of IPM keeps you current with research summaries, product information and complete management programs for key pests. 10 issues per year.

Available from: Bio-Integral Resource Center, P.O. Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 (510) 524-2567. $25.00. U.S.

Weed Control Products

Products are listed for reader information only. This does not constitute an endorsement of either quality or effectiveness by B.C. Environment.

Herbicidal Soap

Safer Ltd. is now marketing TopGunreg. Contact Weed Killer. It is a blend of fatty acids with herbicidal properties and for control of the following annuals: pigweed, lamb's quarters, corn spurry, mustards, spotted cat's ear, chickweed, round-leaved mallow. The literature states that results should be visible in as little as 2 hrs. and that treated areas may be planted after 3 days.

$8.99/L for premixed, $18.99/L for concentrate

For more information: Safer Ltd. #1-465 Milner Ave., Scarborough, Ont. M1B 2K4.

Plastic Mulch

Arbortec Industries is producing an infra-red transmitting (or IRT) plastic mulch. The greenish-blue plastic is supposed to suppress weeds like black plastic, while warming the soil like clear plastic. IRT-76(c) comes in widths of .9 m to 1.8 m wide rolls or in or in "Brush Blankets" in 3 sizes. The latter are for use in reforestation to suppress brush around tree seedlings. Cost: $120-240/roll.

For more information: Arbortec Industries Ltd., Site 33, Comp. 21, RR#1, Pentiction, B.C. V2A 6J6.

Herbicide Applicator Lance

Monsanto makes the ExpediteTM closed delivery system for herbicides. It consists of a small backpack and a light-weight, battery powered hand-held lance with adjustable swath widths and flow rates. It is a closed system applicator using premixed herbicides, which reduces worker exposure and simplifies handling. The low volume nozzles allow accurate placement of herbicide. With an edger shield the lance is reported to apply a swath as narrow as 3-6 cm.

For more information: Monsanto Canada, Box 159, 135-4800 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 3A6, 604-241-0891.

Quintox: A New Rodenticide

Quintox was registered recently in Canada. The active ingredient is Vitamin D. When mice or voles ingest it, calcium leaves the bones, enters the blood stream and kills them in two to three days. It is an attractive alternative to zinc phosphide and other rodenticides because:

1. The Material Safety Data Sheets give it a non-hazardous rating for humans (it has been accepted by some organic certification bodies). No protective equipment is required to handle this product; just wash your hands afterwards.
2. There are no problems with secondary poisoning. You do not have to worry about your dog or cat being poisoned if they catch and eat dying mice.

Quintox is available as grain or pellets and comes in 2.3 kg pails ($19.50/pail). It should be used in bait stations to protect it from light and moisture and to prevent birds from being poisoned. After you put it out, check it about once a week and replace it if disappears.

We recommend monitoring to see if there are mice or voles present and to get an indication of the levels before putting out bait. Often activity will be high in some areas and not in others. Sometimes it is obvious, but not always. Check for tunnels and signs of chewing on your shrubs or trees. Put out fresh slices of apples, tucking them into weeds or under boards. Check 1-2 days later for signs of feeding on the slices. This will not work if there are apples or other food on the ground, however, if that is the case the voles will probably not be attacking your trees or shrubs either.

Store Quintox in a cool, dark and dry location. Here are two contacts for this product that we know of:

1. AgriPharm Supplies at 31192 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, B. C.

Phone: 852-9101.

2. Gardex Chemicals, 950 12th St., New Westminster, B.C.

Phone: 525-3634.

Submitted by: Linda Edwards, Integrated Crop Management Systems, Okanagan Centre, B.C.