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Billy Skaggs' Column>
Pest Management means more than Spraying
21 May 2007
Pest Management means more than ‘spraying’
- Billy Skaggs, Hall County Extension Agent
Gardening in the southeast is a wonderful hobby. We have long growing seasons, fertile soil, and great summer weather. The days last until 9:00 pm and, there is no end to the kinds of plants we can grow here. However, one big drawback to growing plants in our climate exists - pests enjoy the same conditions our plants do.
High humidity and warm temperatures make pest pressure in the southeast the highest in the nation. This can make gardening in our area difficult. Diseases, insects and weeds are all very aggressive in Georgia and, at times, gardening can get to be almost intimidating.
There is hope for Georgia gardeners, thankfully. By practicing IPM or Integrated Pest Management in our gardens all year long, we can substantially reduce pest pressure. IPM is the use of all available tactics (biological, cultural, and chemical) to control pests.
More simply put, IPM involves using everything at our disposal to control pests, including chemicals as a last resort. The following is a list of things we can do to get a jump on weeds, insects and diseases in our landscapes and vegetable gardens this spring:
* Think back to last year. Did you have any pest problems? If so, begin a scouting program in these 'hot' spots. Scouting involves examining problem areas for signs of insects, diseases, weeds or the damage caused by them. If you cannot remember from year to year, start a garden notebook to write down your observations for reference in the years to come.
* Begin scouting weekly for signs of insect damage. Look closely at the trunks of trees, the buds of flowering plants, the undersides of leaves and around your home for signs of insect damage. Know the enemy! Familiarize yourself with our most common pests.
* Apply pre-emergent herbicides at the appropriate time to lawns to prevent the weed infestations that are bound to occur. This will reduce herbicide use throughout the summer.
* Think about what cultural measures you might employ to keep plants healthy and resistant to pest attacks. Proper fertility, irrigation, mulching, plant site selection and pruning will help assure tougher plants.
* Use pest resistant varieties of plants in vegetable gardens and flowerbeds. Pest resistance is often listed on the labels of vegetables and some ornamentals.
* Be vigilant! Scouting weekly and keeping good records of pest attacks, cultural methods, and chemical applications can avert large pest outbreaks over the season.
Many garden problems can be avoided by a proactive approach to dealing with pests. When infestations do occur, using all control tools available will reduce pesticide use and preserve beneficial insects.
Billy Skaggs
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