• Southern IPM blog posts

    July 2010
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Choosing and Evaluating a Pest Control Contractor

Given the increase in pests as a result of the hot and humid weather that has been plaguing the South, some homeowners and maintenance professionals may need to contract with pest control contractors. How can you screen a contractor for his or her knowledge in IPM?

Are Bt Crops a Silver Bullet or a Looming Disaster?

Bt crops have been touted an IPM strategy that has helped keep pesticide use to a minimum. As more Bt crops are developed, is this technology a sound long-term strategy, or could it cause even more resistance issues? Is it really IPM?

IPM Research Funding at Risk

This past week, the Delta Farm Press ran an interview with Southern Region IPM Center Director Jim VanKirk on the possible loss of 406 funding.

A Place for Bats

Find out more about bats and their role in pest management.

Maintaining a Mean, Green Lawn with IPM

Most homeowners enjoy a thick, green lawn, and as the weather gets warmer, keeping that lawn green and clean will get more challenging. Too much water can leave a lawn susceptible to disease, while too little water makes it dry and brown. Soil-borne insects such as grubs can eat the roots, and weeds can make the lawn look unkempt. But does a homeowner have to attack problems with a barrage of insecticides and herbicides?

Researchers Identify Possible Cause for Colony Collapse Disorder

According to findings from research funded by USDA, a group of pathogens including a fungus and a family of viruses may be working together to cause the decline.

Organophosphate and ADHD Study: More Questions than Answers

A new study released in May links organophosphate pesticide exposure to childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As further analysis reveals, the study leaves many questions unanswered.

What SRIPMC Means to Our Stakeholders

In response to the recent USDA request for comments about AFRI, one of our IPM Coordinators explains what the Southern Region IPM Center means to his program.

Resisting Resistance: NY Times Article

A New York Times article from Sunday, May 16, 2010, describes the herbicide resistance scenario I discussed in last Friday’s blog and discusses how herbicide overuse has contributed to glyphosate-resistant weeds.

How to Resist Resistance

Herbicide-resistant weeds have made headlines for the past several months, sparking debates about herbicide use and glyphosate-resistant crops. But why do growers use herbicide-resistant crops? Have these crops caused “superweeds,” as herbicide-resistant crops are often called? This blog post explains the nature of resistance in general and why growers use herbicide-resistant crops and herbicides.