Overview

This project emphasized collaborative research and education. The IPM approach was used to develop strategies to manage insect pests economically, ecologically, and environmentally. For effective IPM, the insect pest must be

identified correctly; its biology, ecology, and population dynamics understood; abundance determined in relation to crop damage and yield loss; economic threshold determined; and direct control tactics used, especially conservation of natural enemies, agronomic practices, resistant varieties, and chemicals only when necessary. Information and technology from the research is being transferred to extension personnel, farmers, and others.