Integrated pest management (IPM) seeks to reduce risks to people and the environment and economic risks to growers while effectively managing pests. The Crop Pest Losses and Impact Assessment Signature Program of the Western IPM Center measures IPM progress in different crops through annual surveys. University of Arizona’s Peter Ellsworth developed a cotton pest survey and results indicate that by using IPM practices Arizona cotton growers have saved $542 million since 1996 and kept 21 million pounds of insecticide out of the environment. Oregon State University adapted the survey to document similar outcomes over time for onions, potatoes, cranberries, hazelnuts, and cherries in the Pacific Northwest.
NIFA supports this research through the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program.
Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.
