Tuesday, December 12, 2006
D0320

Sponsorship of IPM tactics in a USDA conservation program: National trends across a decade

Michael J. Brewer, brewerm@msu.edu, Michigan State University, IPM Program, Dept. Entomology, CIPS Bldg, East Lansing, MI

Many IPM tactics are available that have joint environmental and pest management benefits (e.g., vegetation/cultural management, biocontrol, reduced-risk pesticides). Unfortunately, these tactics may suffer from low implementation rates because of high near-term costs and low coordinated support as a public good. USDA conservation program (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) financial investments to sponsor grower implement of these tactics was tracked from 1996 to 2005. Usefulness of this program to increase IPM use is considered.