ABSTRACT
Integrated pest management refers to an ecological approach in Pesticide management in which all the available necessary techniques are consolidated in a unified program, so that pest populations can be managed in such a way that economic damage is avoided and adverse side effects are minimized. A systems approach to pest management begins with steps to accurately diagnose the nature and source of pest problems, and then relies on a range of preventive tactics and biological controls to keep pest populations within acceptable limits. Reduced-risk pesticides are used if other tactics have not been adequately effective, as a last resort, and with care to minimize risks. The deliberate alteration of the production system, either the cropping system itself or specific crop production practices, to reduce pest populations or avoid pest injury to crops.
