Integrated Pest Management

IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy, which focus on long-term prevention of pests or their damage by using a combination of cultural, biological, physical, and chemical techniques. With IPM, adverse effects of pesticides are minimized and economic returns are maintained. IPM programs make extensive use of information collected in the cropping system and require careful management by the grower. To implement an IPM program you must understand:
. pest identification, biology and behaviour
. beneficial organisms
.monitoring techniques
. use and timing of appropriate management tools
. record keeping
. resistance management strategies
. weed management
.spray calibration

1. Prevention and Management

a. Select Appropriate site for Apple crop
b. Prepare soil properly before planting
c. Timely cultural activities to discourage pest development
d. Use optimum Nitrogen and Organic matter to keep plants healthy
e. Management irrigation and
f. good Pruning.