Problem prevention and holistic pest management [Chapter 14]

Abstract

As any experienced grower knows only too well, nursery management is a continuous process of solving problems. One recurring problem is pests. In the past, nursery managers waited for an insect or disease to appear and then sprayed some toxic chemical to wipe out the pest or disease. This approach, however, also wipes out natural predators of the pest, resulting in an expensive and repeating pesticide cycle. Instead of a knee-jerk reaction to a specific problem, “holistic” pest management is a series of interrelating processes that are incorporated into the entire spectrum of nursery culture. Holism is the theory that systems, and each part of a system, should be viewed as a whole and not as isolated parts. “Holistic,” then, is an approach that looks at the big picture and considers all parts. Holistic pest management is an integrated and preventative approach that considers the overall health of the plant and the nursery environment to prevent problems and to manage them wisely if they arise.

Parent Publication

• Tropical Nursery Manual: A guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants

Citation

Landis, Thomas D.; Luna, Tara; Dumroese, R. Kasten; Wilkinson, Kim M. 2014. Problem prevention and holistic pest management [Chapter 14]. In: Wilkinson, Kim M.; Landis, Thomas D.; Haase, Diane L.; Daley, Brian F.; Dumroese, R. Kasten, eds. Tropical Nursery Manual: A guide to starting and operating a nursery for native and traditional plants. Agriculture Handbook 732. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. p. 273-291.