Integrated Pest Management of Selected Vegetable Crops Using Best Management Practices in North Florida

In Florida, the greatest challenge to vegetable producers is to manage serious insect pests. The suitable climate prevalent in most of the state is extremely favorable for all kind of crop pests (insects, diseases and weeds). Generally farmers who cultivate vegetables experience very high input cost particularly due to serious insect pests such as southern green stink bug,Nezara viridula. Tomato is an important agricultural commodity in North Florida of which N. viridula is a serious pest. Currently, very few pest management options are available to small farmers to combat this pest problem. Lack of awareness and reliance on conventional practices are some of the major factors contributing to additional pest problems. Vegetable pest management using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can reduce the use of synthetic pesticides for small crop producers. Also, detrimental impacts for example negative impacts on beneficial species, the environment and human health could be reduced or eliminated.  The major focus of this ongoing study is on the plant-medicated pest management strategies for selected vegetable crops in North Florida.