ABSTRACT
There have been many definitions of integrated pest management (IPM) over the years. Kogan (1998) reviewed the history behind the establishment of IPM. In the early twentieth century, pest management was based on the set of actions required to avoid, reduce or delay the impact of pests. However in the 1940s, with the advent of organosynthetic insecticides, the focus was on new chemistry to the detriment of biological control. In the 1960s, the term ‘integrated control’ was conceived where insecticides were used such that their usage did not interfere with natural pest control (Stern et al., 1959). The publication of Silent Spring (Carson, 1962) accelerated the acceptance of integrated control. In his review, Kogan (1998) suggested the following definition for IPM: ‘IPM is a decision support system for the selection and use of pest control tactics, singly or harmoniously coordinated into a management system, based on cost/benefit analyses that take into account the interests of and impacts on producers, society and the environment’. This definition considers all relevant stakeholders; ultimately, decisions are based on economics/profit.
