Successful strategies for reducing pesticide use in the landscape: Examples from California

Abstract

Pesticide use in the landscape has been reduced through the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) (Holmes and Davidson, 1984, Olkowski et al., 1978; Smith and Raupp, 1986). IPM emphasizes prevention, identifying pests and their symptoms, regular surveying for pests, determining action thresholds and guidelines, and using sound management methods. Monitoring techniques such as pheromone traps, degree-day models, and ELISA kits, in addition to traditional methods, have enabled pest managers to determine accurately when to apply IPM techniques. Examples of serious California landscape insect pests successfully controlled through IPM include the ash whitefly [Siphoninus phillyreae (Halliday)], the Nantucket pine tip moth [Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock)], and the eucalyptus longhorned borer (Phoracantha semipunctata F.).