Landscape - IPM Services as a Business

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs can be offered as services to clients. The following are some considerations.

When initially introducing an IPM program to a potentially new client or to an existing client it needs to be determined how much they want to be educated on IPM. Obviously, not all landscape clients are the same and although some will express great interest in the IPM approach (they will probably be the most loyal clients), others will only desire that their landscapes are aesthetically pleasing and are not overly concerned how the desired results are achieved. Hence, less time should probably be devoted to attempting to educate this latter client on IPM methods. Ideally, a pre-written brochure that briefly explains the concept of IPM and gives an outline of the proposed program should be distributed to clients. The brochure can inform the client that landscape IPM programs provide monitoring services and knowledgeable decision- making abilities. The brochure can also state that IPM methods provide superior results over non-thinking traditional landscape management methods that rely exclusively on calendar cover sprays. During the initial visit, a rough site map can be prepared and later formalized if the customer purchases the IPM program. Site maps can be an excellent way to show off your knowledge to a potential client. Photocopied maps can also be a convenient method of maintaining monitoring records.

Landscape IPM programs have a reputation of being more expensive to implement than do traditional landscape management methods. IPM programs do have a tendency to be more expensive primarily because of the greater emphasis given to cultural management strategies (pruning, mulching, irrigation, site amendments, IPM appropriate design/redesign, etc.). To keep IPM programs more price competitive, the IPM related services could be charged separately. Their cost would be in addition to the standard fee established for monitoring and decision-making. The price of an IPM program is generally based on how much time will be required for each monitoring visit. Monitoring time estimates are subsequently based on the size of the property and the number of key plants and key locations present at the site (e.g., there are specific time estimates that have been calculated and can be used as guidelines). Possible spray costs, the number of monitoring visits necessary and the travel time to the site all require consideration when estimating an IPM fee. Provide written records of this information for each site.

Information from "Developing an IPM Program for your Landscape Company" by Steven K. Rettke, Ornamental IPM Program Associate, Rutgers University in the April 2, 2009 edition of the Plant and Pest Advisory, Landscape, Nursery, and Turf edition.
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/plantandpestadvisory/2009/ln040209.pdf

Greenhouse - Pest Control Recommendations and Botrytis Control

The following is some information from Bob Mulrooney, UD Extension Plant Pathologist.

The following is a good source of pest management recommendations for Greenhouse crops. http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/pest_management/ne_pest_manage_guide.html

This is a great publication with good information on control of diseases. At this time of year Botrytis blight can be a real problem. They address this in this publication. Remember to alternate fungicides with different mode of action. Be sure to check labels for crops that can be sprayed with the different products. Decree, Medallion, Chipco 26019, Daconil are all good products and could be rotated.

Bob Mulrooney, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Delaware

Landscape, Turf, and Nursery - Planning for Pest Management

It is critical to develop plans for managing pests in the landscapes, nurseries, or turf areas that you manage. The following is an article on the subject.

Spring is here and that means that the potential for pest problems in landscapes, nurseries, and turfgrass could be just around the corner. Be prepared and have a plan in place to deal with problems as they arise.

Some areas to consider as we enter the season:

Cultural Practices – Often the first thought that comes to mind for any pest problem is, "What pesticide can I use for control?" However, the incorporation of cultural practices into your pest management strategy can dramatically reduce the chances for development of problems. Use cultural practices that will aid in the reduction of inocula or the improvement of spray coverage. Practices such as proper pruning, sanitation, renovation, mulching, cultivation, etc. should be an integral part of any pest management strategy where appropriate.

Sprayer and applicator maintenance – Now is the time to check the pump, hoses, filters, nozzles, etc. to be sure that everything is in good working order before your first pesticide application. Also practice routine sprayer maintenance during the season such as lubrication of bearings and cleaning and flushing of sprayer after each use. Check drop spreaders and spinner spreaders for gate slide function.

Sprayer and granular applicator calibration – Pesticides are expensive. Improper calibration can cost you money by either using an excess of material or through lack of control due to inadequate amount of pesticides applied. Calibrate your sprayers and granular applicators at the beginning of the season and at least once during the season. The sprayer or applicator should be calibrated in the landscape or field under conditions in which they will be operated.
A useful site for pesticide applicator technology with many links is at www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/faculty/landers/pestapp/.

Review your records – Depending on your crop and problem, a dormant oil spray (for management of scale, or mites) or early lime sulfur spray may be needed (e.g., for phomopsis). Hopefully you have been keeping records of pest problems during the past season(s). This is the first step in developing a management plan for the upcoming season. Review pest problems and outline IPM strategies to address these problems early. If you have not kept records concerning pest problems in your plantings then start this year.

Pest Identification – Before you can properly manage a pest situation you must correctly identify the problem. Know how to identify pests, insect injury and disease symptoms or seek assistance in identification (e.g., Cooperative Extension).

Scouting – Routine scouting should begin at bud swell and continue throughout the season on at least a weekly basis. Early detection and correction of problems is key to avoiding major losses. Subscribe to the Ornamentals Hotline to receive the most recent updates on current pests and control measures.

Pesticide Usage - Consult guides published by University extension programs in the region to determine the most effective pesticides and spray timings for your problem. Use an adequate amount of water for good coverage during spraying and adjust pH of water according to the pesticide label.

Pesticide Resistance Management – To minimize the possibility for development of pesticide resistance do not exclusively use the same pesticides or class of pesticides throughout the season. Mix up the use of chemicals for any particular problem by alternating materials and /or tank mixing.

Throughout the season continue to re-examine your IPM practices and adjust where needed. If you are not accomplishing adequate management results for a particular problem then ask yourself, Why not? A few questions to keep in mind: - Are cultural practices being used? - Is the choice of pesticides correct or the best? - Was spray coverage poor? - Was spray timing(s) incorrect? - Were spray intervals too long? - Were pesticide rates too low? - Were too few applications used?

Adapted and modified from "Plan for Successful Pest Management" by Andy Muza, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Erie County