IPM and Vegetable grafting

October 5 - October 12, 2012

During this period we cover IPM  and how it is set.

                                                                 What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

To set thresholds we need to consider: damage threshold and economic threshold. Damage threshold refers to a level of damage which a plant can tolerate without loss in yield or pod quality. Economic threshold is a general term used to describe pest density at which treatment is necessary to prevent economic injury.

                                                     
                                                         Vegetable grafting

Then we talked about Vegetable grafting. Grafted vegetables are created when the the scion (top part of one plant) is attached to the rootstock (the  root system) of a separate plant. The rootstock contributes vigor and disease resistance while the scion is chosen for fruit flavor or quality.