IPM in Agricultural, Forest and Natural Systems: The Good, the Bad, and the Bugly

Integrated pest management (IPM) programs are used extensively in agricultural systems to maximize profitability of crop production while minimizing negative environmental impacts. In forests and natural systems, IPM is used primarily to maintain and/or improve system health (while minimizing negative environmental impacts). Although these three types of systems differ tremendously, parallels among forest, natural, and agroecosystems exist. By examining forest and natural systems to gain perspective on their ecological sustainability, we can improve environmental sustainability of agroecosystems. The purpose of this presentation is to: 1) compare forest and natural ecosystems with agroecosystems, 2) discuss their differences and similarities, and 3) describe a model system (hemlocks) to illustrate how an ecological approach to pest management can result in sustainable forest health. By comparing the good, the bad, and the bugly of each system, we can draw parallels among forest/natural ecosystems and an agroecosystem to provide insight to the use of an ecological approach to pest management that can result in sustainable agricultural production.