{"id":1742,"date":"2021-09-02T13:28:06","date_gmt":"2021-09-02T13:28:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/regionalsmallfarms\/?page_id=1742"},"modified":"2025-03-03T15:19:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T23:19:47","slug":"pests-plant-disease","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/regionalsmallfarms\/agriculture\/pests-plant-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Pests & Plant Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that aims for long-term prevention of pests or their damage using a combination of techniques. IPM programs rely on frequent monitoring, farmer-selected thresholds for acceptable crop damage and comprehensive knowledge of the life cycles of pests and diseases and their interaction with plants and the environment.  This information is used to select a combination of effective pest management methods to limit pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, non-target organisms, property, and the environment. Management options might include cultural, physical, and biological techniques, along with the judicious use of pesticides when called for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IPM approach can enhance pest management efforts and protect the environment in all types of agricultural and non-agricultural settings. On an organic farm, for example, the use of pesticides would be limited to those that are approved for use in organic production. IPM can also be used in home gardens and workplaces. In all settings, the use of the lowest impact techniques is encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WSU Regional Small Farms IPM Specialist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a farmer in Clallam, Jefferson or Kitsap Counties you have access to IPM services through our Regional IPM Specialist, Laurel Moulton. To request assistance please fill out the Farmer Technical Assistance Request form.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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Laurel Moulton, Horticulture Specialist, Regional Small Farms Team
<\/strong>Moulton<\/a> specializes in integrated pest management troubleshooting for small farms with diversified cropping systems in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties. She has worked in horticulture and botanical fields for 20 years, in such diverse disciplines as providing IPM education to home gardeners and small farms, producing native plants and native plant seeds for restoration, conducting research in native vegetation and agricultural systems, managing noxious weeds, and working as a farm laborer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n