IPM programs in vegetable crops in Australia and USA: Current status and emerging trends

Abstract

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in vegetable crops is limited in the breadth and depth of information available. However, as with any IPM program the cornerstone practices involve regular monitoring, and knowledge of key components in the field and greenhouse that will guide sound decisions. We focus on current IPM programs in high value vegetable crops grown in Australia and the USA, and use case studies in Brassica vegetable and tomato systems to show specific tactics and tools used to evaluate the level of success achieved and the evidence for impact. We show that the drivers, which cause change from a single, usually chemical control tactic to a more integrated system relate to a crisis that cause crop loss or restricted market access and includes insecticide resistance, insecticide residues above the maximum allowable limit, or withdrawal of insecticides from lucrative international market. However, market demand and drivers aligned with growers' experiences and values may be more important in the future. Although the current 'Best Practice IPM' in Australia and the USA in vegetable systems includes: (1) routine crop monitoring, (2) using soft chemistries (where impact on beneficials is known) and (3) some monitoring of beneficial insects, IPM could be expanded and have greater integration with cultural control. We conclude by highlighting new advances and emerging trends and making suggestions on how to increase the adoption of IPM.