What convinced all the farmers in an applied pest management study to switch to IPM? Dollars and cents, of course.
When Washington State Entomologists Tim Waters and Alan Schrieber invited potato farmers to take part in an integrated pest management trial program with pesticide use, they expected growers to push back. Surely this IPM strategy couldn’t be cost effective? What about the potential for lost yields?
As Waters and Schrieber shared on our latest Spud Smart webinar, it turns out the trial results not only answered these questions but also encouraged participants to abandon their regular pest management program and adopt an IPM strategy.
A Bold Experiment in Pest Management
Launched in 2019, the project involved more than 30 growers and their crop advisors, pairing commercial fields to evaluate both standard grower programs and enhanced IPM methods.
“We worked to ensure that one field maintained the grower’s usual pest management decisions while implementing an enhanced approach in the adjacent field,” Schreiber says.
The paired fields allowed for direct comparisons, utilizing locally relevant pest thresholds that were slightly elevated to minimize unnecessary treatments. One notable adjustment involved changing the action thresholds for aphid management.
“In our trials, we established a threshold of five aphids per plant, allowing for a more measured response,” Schreiber says. This increase in threshold levels aimed to enhance the natural pest control provided by beneficial insects while limiting the use of traditional insecticides.
Results: A New Approach to Pest Control
As the study progressed, the results illustrated a remarkable shift in the approach to pest management.
“In the enhanced IPM fields, we observed a 29 per cent reduction in insecticide applications,” Schreiber says. “Specifically, in the southern basin, which faced the highest pest pressure, insecticide use was cut by 50 per cent compared to standard practices.”
Enhanced IPM fields experienced less reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides, opting for softer, more selective products that preserved beneficial organisms, which were essential for natural pest control.
“This approach allowed us to manage pests while maintaining healthier ecosystems in the fields,” Waters says. “In fact, we found fewer aphids and mites in the enhanced IPM fields, as beneficial species thrived under these new management practices.”
Economic Benefits for Growers
The financial implications of the project have been significant for participating growers.
“In the southern basin, our standard grower field spent an average of $146 per acre on insecticides, while the enhanced IPM field spent only $71 per acre,” Schreiber says.
This demonstrates a substantial cost-saving potential without sacrificing yield or quality.
“In year two, we continued to see similar patterns. The overall cost per acre for the enhanced IPM fields was consistently lower compared to the traditional methods,” he adds.
This newfound efficiency not only helps growers save money but also encourages the adoption of more sustainable practices in the long run.
A Shift Towards More Sustainable Practices
As growers face increasing pressure from consumers and retailers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, this research showcases a viable path forward.
“We believe that adopting IPM strategies is moving from an option to a necessity for growers,” Waters says. “As regulations tighten around certain pesticides, it’s imperative for farmers to transition towards sustainable practices.”
The collaboration between researchers and industry stakeholders proved invaluable.
“Working closely with processors ensured that growers were supported during the transition to enhanced IPM,” Schreiber says. “We wanted to reassure them that they wouldn’t face significant risks to their livelihoods as they made these changes.”
The research team’s approach involved thorough scouting and monitoring to inform pest management decisions proactively, further enhancing the effectiveness of the IPM strategy. This data-driven approach instilled greater confidence among the participating growers.
“When we consulted with them based on the data we were providing, they felt secure in making decisions about when to treat,” Waters says.
Future Outlook: Growing Beyond Potatoes
With the success of this project, both researchers are optimistic about the potential for broader applications of IPM strategies in other crops.
“There’s a pressing need to adapt our pest management tactics to align with current environmental and market demands,” Schreiber says. “The principles we’ve established through this project can be valuable across diverse agricultural systems.”
Looking ahead, Waters and Schreiber are focused on disseminating their findings and encouraging more growers to embrace enhanced IPM practices.
“We’ve seen firsthand how effective these strategies can be, and as more growers adopt these methods, we can create a more sustainable agricultural landscape that benefits everyone involved,” Waters says.
The research team is committed to conducting further studies to refine and develop these pest management strategies and ensure they remain effective in the face of evolving pest pressures. They are also keen on exploring additional pest management technologies that can complement their findings.
“We need to stay ahead of the curve not just for potatoes but for other crops that face similar pest challenges,” Schreiber says. “The insights we gain from this project can help inform broader agricultural practices and contribute to the resilience of the entire food system.”
A New Era for Pest Management
The work being done at Washington State presents an encouraging blueprint for the future of pest management in agriculture. By successfully demonstrating that reduced insecticide use does not equate to reduced yield or quality, the work by Waters and Schreiber is paving the way for a paradigm shift.
As the agricultural community increasingly prioritizes sustainability and cost-efficiency, strategies like those developed in this research offer vital lessons that can lead to smarter and healthier farming practices. With the positive results from their trials, there is hope that more growers will embrace integrated pest management, ensuring that the pursuit of affordable pest control doesn’t come at the expense of crop health or environmental integrity.
“This is just the beginning,” Waters says. “With ongoing research and farmer collaboration, we have the potential to revolutionize how we manage pests while safeguarding our agricultural resources for future generations.”
Miss the webinar? The full video is here.
